http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ en http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification PHP/5.2.9 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrow-dishes-on-her-favourite-natural-beauty Gwyneth Paltrow has turned her trend-setting eye on natural beauty in the latest instalment of her Goop lifestyle newsletter. The Hollywood superstar said: "Some of our readers were curious about good organic skin products so we did our due diligence and tried and tested many great brands." Some of the favourites? Bentley Organic for one. She says: "At home, we've recently made the change to organic hand sanitiser, which we always have in the car for the trip back from school and from play dates." Good to know little Apple and Moses are getting sanitised safely. Gwynnie also has a good word for Dr. Bronner's. "An all-around good soap for the shower, Dr. Bronner's has been around since the 70s and is organic and Fair Trade," Gwyneth said. "The claim is that the Pure Castile Liquid soaps can be used even as shampoo, and as toothpaste (!) but I stop at body soap for the shower. The lavender is great for a relaxing end of day bath." Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrow-dishes-on-her-favourite-natural-beauty http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/difference-between-synthetic-vitamins-and-green-vitamins Difference between synthetic vitamins and green vitamins 3 August 2011 What is synthetic vitamin? Chemical Vitamins are synthesized from labs and it is an isomeric form of natural substance, i.e. its structurally the same but is not compatible with other natural ingredient. For example, when we eat green vegetables or fruits such as grapefruit, its rich source of vitamins and flavonoid work in sync to enhance a better utilization, whereas synthetic vitamin C alone cannot achieve the same level of efficacy. In addition, it is easy to overdose synthesized vitamins C, long term intake of vitamin C might increase the risk of oxalate stones in the kidney, cause pain and discomfort What is green vitamin? Green vitamins refer to the natural food that contains chlorophyll (gives vegetables the green color). The 2010 USDA myplate recommends taking 1/2 of the plates with vegetables and fruits, however we are consuming a lot of calories with no few or no nutrition values from sugar-added food that only has empty calories. Green vitamins such as alfalfa, barley grass, chlorella and spirulina have dietary fibers and vitamins from natural vegetables and no ingredients is chemically altered or derived. Out of all the green vitamins, spirulina and chlorella are the superb green food because of its nutrition diverse profile that can supplement the malnutrition diet we have. Spirulina and chlorella are ideal whole foods which provides 200% more proteins than chicken or milk on a gram by gram basis, and a very rich source of zinc, iron, vitamins B12 to really improve the health of your body. How is the manufacturing process different between synthetic vitamins and green vitamins? Synthesized vitamin E is obtained from the byproduct of petrochemstry, the very same production as petroleum oil, whereas naturally we can intake vitamin E from vegetable oils, nuts, or fortified cereals. Most of other vitamins are organically synthesized with various organic solvent and different chemical method. To preserve the integrity of the synthesized vitamins, stabilizers are added to protect from high temperature or sunlight; therefore it makes them harder to dissolve in the water. Green vitamins such as spirulina and chlorella are cultivated outdoor under plenty of sunlight and clean water source. With good manufacturing control (HACCP, ISO9001 or ISO22000) and USDA organic certifications, we can be ensure there is no use of chemicals during the entire process and cause less chemical waste to protect the environment. How do I pick good green vitamins? Good green vitamins should compose the following attributes: Natural Natural health products can help you in many ways. They contain no artificial preservatives and chemicals that could harm your body. If you can find the best natural products, then you can make your body healthier. Organic USDA organic refers to how the food is produced, processed and handled without chemicals. Organic certification guarantees no pesticides and practice natural way of cultivation; minimize the damages on the environment. Health benefits Chlorophyll to plants is what red blood cells to humans. Studies have shown that chlorophyll might remove the toxins found in the body. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/difference-between-synthetic-vitamins-and-green-vitamins http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-vitamins-help-boost-your-memory- Can vitamins help boost your memory? 3 August 2011 Adults who took vitamin and mineral supplements for almost a decade performed better on one type of memory test than those who didn't take the supplements, according to a new study from France. The researchers say the findings suggest that getting enough nutrients could aid thinking and memory skills as people get older. But further studies are needed to confirm the results, they add. The effect was "nothing wild that you'd say, 'Everybody should take these,'" said Geraldine McNeill, a nutritionist at the University of Aberdeen in the UK. But McNeill, who wasn't involved in the new study, said some people -- especially those who are deficient in vitamins and minerals -- might get a memory benefit from boosting the nutrients in their diet. Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot of the University of Paris XIII in France and colleagues write that the link between a higher intake of some nutrients and thinking and memory skills has been shown before in so-called observational studies. But those studies can't get at a cause-and-effect relationship. "The question is, does the cognitive performance depend on the diet, or does the diet depend on the cognitive performance?" McNeill told Reuters Health. It's possible that people who have better thinking and memory skills might pay closer attention to what they're eating, she explained. To try to get a clearer picture of the association, Kesse-Guyot and her colleagues conducted a study of close to 4,500 French men and women. In 1994, when the study participants were 45 to 60 years old, researchers split them randomly into two groups. Half of them took a daily supplement that included vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc, and beta-carotene for eight years. The others took a nutrient-free placebo pill each day. None of the participants knew whether they were taking the vitamin or the sham pills. When the eight years were up, researchers stopped giving participants their assigned pills, and they could choose on their own whether or not to take vitamin supplements. Six years after that, the investigators brought them back to the lab for a round of memory tests. The tests included word and number problems to measure different types of memory and "mental flexibility." While the supplement and placebo groups performed similarly on most tests, the nutrient-boosted participants beat their peers on one test of long-term memory in which participants had to recall words in different categories. "Our results have to be considered carefully," the authors wrote in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Because they did several tests, it's more likely that the one difference they found was due to chance. Still, they added, the "findings support a beneficial effect of a well-balanced intake of antioxidant nutrients at nutritional doses for maintaining cognitive performance, especially verbal memory." McNeill said that most people could probably get the vitamin and nutrient doses used in the study through tweaks in their diet -- for example, drinking fruit juice to get Vitamin C and using plant oil, which is a good source of Vitamin E. "Taking supplements for me is a last resort," she said. Barbara Shukitt-Hale, a nutrition researcher at Tufts University in Boston, said it's important for people to know that boosting brainpower requires more than just taking a vitamin pill every day. "Vitamins and minerals are important for memory, but they're not the only thing that's important," she told Reuters Health. "The most important thing is eating a healthy diet, being active, and keeping your brain sharp." SOURCE: bit.ly/ntXIcp American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online July 20, 2011.   Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-vitamins-help-boost-your-memory- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/co-enzyme-q10-the-energy-spark-plug- Co-Enzyme Q10: The energy spark plug! 3 August 2011 Co-Enzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that exists in cells within special structures called mitochondria (the energy generators of the cells). It is essential for the health of all the tissues and organs of the body as it helps release energy from food. It also plays an enormous role in controlling cell metabolism. The heart contains the highest concentrations of Co-Enzyme Q10 and is highly reliant upon it. Although our bodies can make Co-Enzyme Q-10, as we age, so our ability to produce the substance declines and so its presence in the diet then becomes an increasingly important source. Food sources Foods highest in Co-Enzyme Q-10 include beef, spinach, sardines, tuna and peanuts. The possible benefits of Co-Enzyme Q-10 Energy: Co-Enzyme Q-10 is essential for the production of energy in the body. Cardiovascular disease: It is known as the heart-health supplement because in studies published in the American Journal of Cardiology it has shown to be effective in the treatment of congestive heart failure. A 75 percent reduction in the body's Co-Enzyme Q-10 level leads to the heart ceasing to function properly. If you have heart problems you should only take this supplement on the advice of your doctor. Do not take this nutrient in place of heart drugs or other prescribed medications Blood pressure: It complements the action of blood pressure reducing drugs. Again, it would be advisable if taking blood pressure drugs to discuss taking Co-Enzyme Q-10 with your Doctor. Gum disease: Gum disease has been the bane of the baby boomers and researchers at Osaka University in Japan, who gave patients with gum disease 60 mg a day of Co-Enzyme Q-10, found a marked improvement in 8 weeks. It has been shown to restore gum health; by preventing the progress of gum diseases such as Pyorrhoea and gingivitis, and increasing the rate of gum healing. Research has shown that diseased gums tend to have lower levels of Co-Enzyme Q-10 than healthy gums. If you have gum problems see your dentist but ask about Co-Enzyme Q-10. Weight loss: Research has shown that some overweight people have low Co-Enzyme Q-10 levels. Tissue hypoxia: A condition leading to ailments such as stomachs ulcers. Co-Enzyme Q-10 has been shown to be effective against this condition. Aging and the immune system: Studies with mice increased their life span by 50 percent with Co-Enzyme Q-10 supplementation, and extended their youthfulness and ability to ward off infection. Energy booster: Co-Enzyme Q-10 has been shown to stimulate energy production in people feeling tired or run down. Research There has been extensive research conducted into the effects of Co-Enzyme Q-10 since the early 1960s, and particularly in Japan from the mid-seventies. It was recognized early on as an important supplement, but it could not be produced economically until the late 1970s. Today, 10 percent of the Japanese population take this supplement. Therapeutic uses Supplementation is often recommended to people who are obese, lacking in energy or on cholesterol-lowering medication. Research has shown that these people all have lower than normal levels of Co-Enzyme Q-10 in their tissue cells. Normal dosage It is important to have a good level of this nutrient is present in our diets. Levels of the compound are usually high in the body until the age of 40, so this is really something that the over 40s could consider taking. The general dosage is 50mg taken with food twice per day morning and evening. Any higher dosage should be discussed with your doctor. It is generally quite expensive so you would need to shop around and discuss with your doctor whether you really need to take it. The benefits of taking Co-Enzyme Q-10 are seen after about eight weeks, Co-Enzyme Q-10 is available in most pharmacies. Precautions: Not to be taken by pregnant women or while breastfeeding. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/co-enzyme-q10-the-energy-spark-plug- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-ideal-shopping-list-for-vibrant-lifelong-health- The Ideal Shopping List For Vibrant Lifelong Health! Source: Althealth News When first making the change to an Alkalarian diet, one might feel confused or unsure about how to start and what kinds of foods to buy. This sample shopping list will help you know what kinds of foods to stock so you can't help but build your health every time you eat! Almost everything on this list can be found at your local supermarket. As you start preparing your own meals you will learn what alkaline foods you enjoy more than others. Enjoy! Produce Section Avocado Beets Bell Peppers Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chard Cucumber Dark Lettuce Eggplant Garlic Herbs (fresh) Jicama Kale Leeks Lemon Lime Onion Parsley Red, New Potatoes Seasonal fruit (once you are in balance) Spinach Squash Tomato Zucchini Refrigerated Section Borage Oil Fresh salsa (no vinegar) Flax Seed Oil Hummus Sprouted Wheat Tortillas (by Alvarado Street) Tofu Udo's Choice- Perfected Oil Blend Freezer Section Boca burgers (vegan) Manna Bread (Sun seed or Whole Wheat) Seafood/Meat Section Salmon Trout Free Range Turkey (to be eaten on rare occasions) Water Alkaline Water Spices These are all Spice Hunter brand: All Purpose Blend California Pizza Cowboy BBQ Rub Curry Seasoning Deliciously Dill Garam Masala Herbes de Provence Italian Spice Jamaican Jerk Mexican Pasta Seasoning Spicy Garlic Bread Szechwan Thai Seasoning The Zip Cinnamon Cumin Garlic Ginger Onion Parsley Thyme Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-ideal-shopping-list-for-vibrant-lifelong-health- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-truth-about-ph-miracle-diet The Truth About pH Miracle Diet Source: Althealth News If you want to know more about pH Miracle diet, read more from this article. The latest dieting phenomenon which has taken the health and nutrition sector by storm is the pH miracle diet. Diets are essential fads which come and go, but more often than not, after the initial hype, people become frustrated with the diets because they do not produce the promised result. Examples of such diets would be the low-fat diet in the 90s, which gave way to low-carbohydrate diets such as Protein Power, Sugarbusters and Atkins, the South Beach Diet. The pH miracle diet, or the alkaline diet or Young diet, named after its founder Robert Young, has been at the centre of attention since it was first introduced, because it does not follow the high protein, low carbohydrate diet advocated by dieticians for the past few years. How does a pH miracle diet work? The theory behind this is that our body is slightly alkaline. Since our body's mechanism functions best at the alkaline medium, it only makes sense for our diet to be mostly made up of alkaline foods. However, the food that we eat are considered acidic. Foods such as sugar, animal protein, caffeine and packaged food will introduce acids into our body, and thus interfering with the alkaline minerals in our body. Alkaline minerals are magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, which protect our body from chronic illnesses. Essentially, the idea behind the pH diet is to prevent us from falling prey to a host of diseases when these minerals are depleted from the incorrect pH balance in your body. Do not go away with the notion that the acidic foods you consume are only in small quantities. In fact, what you put in your mouth is significant enough to affect your overall health. Even though the usual balanced diet and the food pyramid recommended by doctors may seem sufficient, an inclusion of the pH diet will ensure avoidance of food that is detrimental to your health. FDA often makes recommendations on food that are good for our health, and whole-wheat grain products is one such example. Going strictly by the pH diet theory, however, it falls into the category of "acidic foods" which we should avoid, together with millet, oats and rice. Instead, alkaline grains such as quinoa, spelt and buckwheat are better replacements due to the alkaline properties. Thus, many of the foods that are supposedly recommended violate the pH miracle diet. Besides wheat, all meats and dairy products are also on the exclusion list. Alternative sources of protein can come from goat milk or vegetables like tofu, beans certain nuts and seeds, except for mushrooms. Fruits that are in the inclusion list are grapefruit, coconut, lemon and lime. You will only be able to experience the difference after you've embarked on the pH miracle diet. Mind you, it's not just a slight improvement in your health, the effect is revolutionary! The rule of the thumb in any diet is to include more vegetables and fruits and lower the consumption of processed food. This is why opponents of the pH miracle diet claims that pH balance does not play a vital part in maintaining our health since we are already eating healthily. Moreover, there is no solid scientific research to testify that this diet is beneficial to our health. On the other hand, many believe in its potential are it is currently being researched by John Hopkins' University and by Neil Solomon from the United Nations. Having its grounds firm in Chinese medicine and holistic medicine, it is hoped these new findings will prove the effectiveness of the pH miracle diet to its critics, and gain a new following on a quest to better health. Emma Deangela is the author of detox and fasting site at pH Miracle Diet and Fasting. Combining both Asian and Western philosophy, Emma Deangela has helped many people by giving them health consultation to make their lives better and healthier through natural health philosophy. Visit Body Detox to discover the health philosophy that lead many people to a healthy life. Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-truth-about-ph-miracle-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/frozen-vegetables-are-nutritious Frozen vegetables are nutritiousSource: www.newstimes.comQ: I'm a senior and live alone. I try to eat properly, and like veggies. But you told me once that fresh vegetables lose their vitamins after three or four days in the fridge. If I buy fresh, I get a small amount but end up eating the same vegetable every day until it is gone. I can buy frozen organic and have a variety, without them spoiling, which makes it nice and more economical. But, am I getting the vitamins from the frozen? A: You may be getting more vitamins from frozen vegetables than you think. Nutritional value is at its peak right when vegetables are harvested. And that's when frozen vegetables get frozen. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the freezing process itself does not destroy nutrients. Fresh-picked vegetables are packed with nutrients, but quickly lose them (especially the water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C) if they are stored for any length of time. Fresh is still best, especially if you eat veggies straight from your garden or a farmers market. But frozen vegetables have merit, too! Just remember not to cook them to death. By the way, Myrtle, you can find a great list of recommended food storage times online from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension: http://ces.ca.uky.edu/oldham-files/FN-SSB.085.pdf . Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:49:55 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/frozen-vegetables-are-nutritious http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-3-could-help-stroke-patients Vitamin B-3 Could Help Stroke PatientsSource: www.wbaltv.comEarly research shows vitamin B-3, or niacin, may improve brain function after a stroke.When scientists at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit gave vitamin B-3 to rats with ischemic stroke, their brains showed growth of new blood vessels and nerve cells.Doctors said 87 percent of strokes are ischemic, meaning they're caused by a blocked blood vessel to the brain.Researchers are currently testing extended-release niacin on human stroke patients.They said they believe niacin increases good cholesterol, reducing the fatty deposits that block vessel walls, leading to substantial improvement in neurological function. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:47:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-3-could-help-stroke-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/simple-habits-improve-mind Simple habits improve mindSource: www.dailygamecock.comOne of the beneficial outcomes of neuroscience research for the general public is to give a better understanding of the brain in order to shape one’s lifestyle. There are numerous measures that one can take in order to improve their mental health or to get more out of studying. An important lifestyle change that will improve brain functioning is increasing hydration and blood flow to the brain. Exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, is beneficial to any person’s mental health because it significantly increases blood flow to the brain, allowing it to function properly. It is important to stay hydrated because a large percentage of the brain’s mass is water, which is essential for the biochemical processes to take place. Having a healthy sex life also improves brain functioning, as oxytocin is produced, which improves one’s ability to think of original solutions. Also, serotonin and dopamine are produced, which help a person’s creative thinking and calm, logical decision-making. Eating appropriate foods has also been shown to be beneficial for cognitive abilities. Some essential nutrients include vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and amino acids. There are also numerous beneficial dietary supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo biloba and ginseng. Most college students fall prey to late nights, but getting a full night’s rest is one of the most beneficial things one can do for their mental health. A full night of sleep increases attentiveness and the ability to learn new information. Also resist the urge to pull an all-nighter, as a Harvard study showed that subjects tested were able to recall information better after 24 hours and a full night of sleep than those tested after only 20 minutes or 12 hours since information encoding. Sleep helps to prevent a person from being depressed and stressed, which inhibit a person’s ability to recall or encode new information. Other activities which are shown to be detrimental to one’s mental health include drinking, smoking and illegal drugs. All tobacco products have 4-methylnitrosamino-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), which causes neuronal death and is even detrimental in the form of second hand smoke. Drinking alcohol in excess can cause a great deal of cognitive defects such as brain damage, Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) and memory loss. In order to stay at your mental best, it is important to keep a positive mental attitude and stay away from toxins. It was once thought that a person could not grow new nerve cells, but it has been shown that through activity one can form new neuronal connections and grow new nerve cells. Therefore, it is beneficial for one to learn new skills such a playing a musical instrument, or playing challenging games such as Chess or Risk. Dementia patients have shown that playing word games and puzzles can eventually repair cognitive abilities. Also, surfing the Internet has been shown to be more actively engaging and stimulating in areas that control decision-making and complex reasoning than reading a book. Another way to improve stimulation is taking notes by hand instead of typing, as the act of writing with a pen or pencil has shown to more effectively stimulate the creative and memory centers of the brain. Studies have shown that most cognitive abilities constantly decrease from a person’s 20s on out, but this is activity-dependent: it is either use it or lose it. Lifestyle changes are hard to make and take a constant struggle, but there are a few quick tips one can use to improve their ability to learn. Know your learning style: If you are a kinesthetic learner, write everything down, keep a journal or make outlines. If you are an auditory learner, say things out loud, use mnemonic devices or word links and explain things out loud to someone else. If you are a visual learner, write down explanations of the material, use color-coded highlighting and use flashcards. No matter who you are, find a quiet place free of distractions and have a schedule of what you plan to do. It is important to stay focused and free from distractions, but it is also beneficial to take breaks in order to prevent getting burnt out and to be sure that you get a good night of rest. Every person is different and learns differently, but the most beneficial thing a person can do for their mental health is to be active and engagin Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:45:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/simple-habits-improve-mind http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-helps-stave-off-winter-flu-asthma Vitamin D helps stave off winter flu, asthmaSource: www.nbr.co.nzTaking vitamin D supplements during the months when we're most likely to be deficient could reduce the risk of seasonal flu and asthma flare-ups, a new study suggests.During an earlier study into whether vitamin D could prevent osteoporosis, the researchers in that study noticed that people taking vitamin D were three times less likely to report cold and flu symptoms.This prompted Japanese researchers to look into the issue more closely, studying children aged between 6 and 15 years old who were given either vitamin D3 supplements or a placebo during the cold and flu season.Vitamin D3 is more effective as a supplement than the commonly used vitamin D2, which is less potent and more difficult for the body to absorb.The researchers found that while 31 of 167 taking the placebo caught influenza A during the study period (December 2008 to March 2009), only 18 of 167 children taking vitamin D caught the virus.They reported that those in the vitamin D group were 58% less likely to catch the flu.Another finding from the study was that vitamin D appeared to reduce the risk of asthma attacks in children with the condition.Only two children taking vitamin D had asthma attacks during the study, compared to 12 in the placebo group.Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin", is produced when the skin comes into contact with UVB ultraviolet rays.Another source is foods such as eggs, mushrooms and some types of fish. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:44:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-helps-stave-off-winter-flu-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-may-be-bigger-than-statistics-indicate Vitamin D deficiency may be bigger than statistics indicateSource: calgary.ctv.caA new report from Statistics Canada says 10 percent of Canadians don't get enough vitamin D but experts think the problem is much larger. "If we look for the optimum level of vitamin D for health, 60 percent – or more – of the population is below that," says Dr. David Hanley, an endocrinologist at the U of C. Dr. Hanley says the discrepancy exists because old standards were used by Statistics Canada. Vitamin D is important because it's been linked to reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis and various types of cancer. Canadians have always struggled to get enough of the vitamin because the country's latitude doesn't allow for enough sun year round. Most people living in Alberta need supplements because our bodies are unable to make enough vitamin D. Without sufficient vitamin D, children can develop rickets. In adults, it leads to a softening of bones. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:40:44 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-may-be-bigger-than-statistics-indicate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-sunlight-vitamin-d-and-multiple-sclerosis-research More sunlight, vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis research Source: www.examiner.com Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison designed a study distinguishing the role vitamin D and UV light play in explaining the high rate of MS in people who live away from the equator. The results of this study, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has the researchers looking to see if the immune regulation is resulted directly from the UV, indirectly from the creation of vitamin D, or both. Vitamin D may reduce the symptoms of MS, says Hector DeLuca, Steenbock Research Professor of Biochemistry at University of Wisconsin-Madison, but he and author of the study, Bryan Beckland, are wondering if sunlight plays a bigger role. "Since the 1970s, a lot of people have believed that sunlight worked through vitamin D to reduce MS. It's true that large doses of the active form of vitamin D can block the disease in the animal model. That causes an unacceptably high level of calcium in the blood, but we know that people at the equator don't have this high blood calcium, even though they have a low incidence of MS. So it seems that something other than vitamin D could explain this geographic relationship," says DeLuca. Researchers exposed mice to moderate levels of UV radiation for a week and then initiated the disease by injecting the protein. Afterword, they irradiated the mice every day or second or third day. The exposure was the equivalent to two hours of direct summer sun. This exposure to UV didn't change how many mice got a MS like disease, but it did help with the symptoms of the disease. It was shown, especially, in the mice that were treated with UV every other day. The researchers also were able to find that, although the UV exposure did increase the level of vitamin D, this did not, by itself, explain the reduced MS symptoms. It is still not clear what role it might play in their current study. "We are looking to identify what compounds are produced in the skin that might play a role, but we honestly don't know what is going on. Somehow it makes the animal either tolerate what's going on, or have some reactive mechanism that blocks the autoimmune damage," said DeLuca. DeLuca is stressing that the study may or may not lead to a new way towards treatment. "There are several ways this could go. If we can find out what the UV is producing, maybe we could give that as a medicine. In the short term, if we can define a specific wavelength of light that is active, and it does not overlap with the wavelengths that cause cancer, we could expose patients who have been diagnosed with MS to that wavelength." A question asked regarding the normal avoiding of excessive sun exposure should be changed and DeLuca said, "If you have an early bout with MS, then you have to think about your options. Remember, this is just experimental work at this stage. Whether it can be translated into practical applications on MS remains to be seen." "During the summer, I spend a lot of time outdoors. Camping, swimming, boating, laying in the sun a lot," says Linda Haven of Lima, Ohio. "It's just that I have to have access to water so that I can cool off or I would useless to my family. As it is, I have to rest for a few hours after it's all over for the day." "We let her rest for awhile, while me and our girls take care of whatever needs done, " says Brad Haven, her husband. "But after she rests, she is ready to "go" again and is in a great mood, so who knows, maybe there is something to this." Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-sunlight-vitamin-d-and-multiple-sclerosis-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sprouts-for-life Sprouts for Life Source: www.theepochtimes.com Whether you are experiencing less than peak health or just like to take care of yourself, then sprouted seeds from edible grains are one of the simplest and most economical ways to ensure you are giving your body the peak nutrition it requires to achieve a healthy state of balance. Seeds, nuts and beans can be easily sprouted from the comfort of your own home. They will be ready to eat within a few days and unlike fruit and vegetables, don't require that you become an overnight expert in organic gardening and composting techniques as rewarding as these pastimes may be. The dormant seed is a storehouse of goodness just waiting to burst into life. Water, air and a suitable temperature trigger complex biochemical processes by which an astonishing amount of energy is released. When the shoot appears, we know that vitamin C is present and when those first two leaves sprout, chlorophyll has arrived on the scene. At this stage, the sprout is a perfectly balanced food, full of living energy, with the goodness of both seeds and vegetables. Sprouting Through The Ages Iranians germinate seeds as a symbol of renewal during Norooz. (Behrouz MehriI/AFP/Getty Images) Sprouts, both as food and medicine, have been documented in cultures all over the world. They predate the Bible and ancient manuscripts record that by 3000BC, the use of sprouts was common place in Chinese cuisine. Li Shih Chen's Pen Ts'ao Kang is a classic work of Chinese herbal medicine dating back to the 16th century. Mr Chen recommends sprouts for various conditions, including rheumatism and dropsy. He also prescribes them as an anti-inflammatory and general tonic. The Hunzas, who live in the harsh Himalayan mountain region and who routinely live past 100 years of age in good health, also reputedly rely on sprouts as a vital source of vitamins and minerals. They are also important when food stores run out at the end of a long, cold winter and before crops can be harvested in Spring. In the 18th century, Captain Cook introduced sprouts to British Naval ships to prevent scurvy on long journeys, which up until that time could claim the lives of approximately half of their crews. British and Indian forces in World War I also prevented outbreaks of scurvy with the inclusion of sprouts, which unlike fresh vegetables and citrus, were easily transported to the frontline. Similarly, in World War II, the American Government initiated and funded a campaign to encourage the use of sprouts among the populace so as to prevent protein shortages like those that were occurring in Europe at the time. How To Sprout Seeds for sprouting are available in most supermarkets and health food stores. Fresh seeds should germinate at a rate upwards of 80 per cent. If a large amount of the seeds you are using don't germinate, then they probably aren't fresh. Most varieties of seeds are best sprouted in a glass jar. Simply drop a handful of seeds into the jar, then cover with a piece of non-toxic mesh or cheese cloth. Soak them overnight and in the morning rinse them out and place the jar on a slope to drain. Continue to rinse thoroughly 2-3 times a day, leaving the jar on an angle so the water drains and air can circulate. You can also sprout your own seeds at home by planting them in a seed raising tray filled with high quality organic soil mix. This method is especially good for wheatgrass. There are many seeds that lend themselves well to sprouting. Some of the most popular types are: Alfalfa - Has an abundance of vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll. It is alkalising so it is good for counteracting diets high in white bread and sugar, and for people suffering from arthritic-type disease processes. Buckwheat - High in vitamins A and C, calcium, lecithin and chlorophyll. Useful for adding to soups, salads and as a base for a delicious pancake mix. Wheatgrass - An excellent source of vitamin E, vitamins, minerals and also has the ability to purify chemical impurities in water! Mung beans - A rich source of protein, vitamin C, potassium and iron. Great in sandwiches, salads, soups and green smoothies. You can sprout most types of beans and peas, and many varieties of seeds, including pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and fenugreek. If you are feeling adventurous, then sprouted almonds and cabbage are tasty additions to any meal. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sprouts-for-life http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-good-news-about-vitamin-d More Good News About Vitamin DSource: www.newsweek.comFor more than 80 years, scientists have known that vitamin D is important for building bones. And for most of those 80 years, people thought this was the only thing it was good for. In the past decade, however, we've learned two important things about vitamin D: it appears to have many other important health effects, and many Americans don't get enough of it. In 2008, new research pointed to a vitamin D deficiency as a possible contributing factor in heart disease. And the suspected link between vitamin D deficiency and cancer grew even stronger. This surely will spur much new research in 2009.Why is vitamin D deficiency so common? The vitamin is made in our skin when sunlight strikes it. Many Americans—especially those who live in the northern part of the country, are elderly or have dark skin—don't soak up enough sun. And the vitamin isn't found in many foods. The main sources are fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines) and milk, cereal and juices that have been fortified with it. Vitamin D deficiency often is unsuspected because it causes no direct symptoms; like high blood pressure, it does its damage silently.So far, the new findings about vitamin D come mostly from observational studies, which look for correlations between blood levels of the vitamin and the development of certain diseases. Such studies don't prove that the deficiency actually causes a disease nor can they prove that correcting the deficiency will prevent or treat it. But they can provide useful clues; after all, it was in observational studies that researchers first made the link between smoking and lung cancer.Here's the latest on the vitamin's role in some common health problems:Fractures. Broken bones—the bane of the elderly—are less common among people with sufficient levels of vitamin D. And randomized trials suggest that taking vitamin D with calcium can boost bone mineral density and make fractures less likely. Vitamin D deficiency can also weaken muscles, making falls (particularly in frail older folks) more likely. Cancer. Vitamin D suppresses uncontrolled cell growth, and higher blood levels appear to be associated with a lower risk of colon cancer, and perhaps other cancers as well. In a small trial, postmenopausal women who received 1,100 IU of vitamin D plus 1,400 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day reduced their risk of developing nonskin cancers by 60 percent over four years, compared with a placebo. Depression. Several studies reveal links between low vitamin D levels and depression in older adults. A study of overweight people (who tend to have low vitamin D levels) found that taking high doses of the vitamin over one year improved their mood. Autoimmune and infectious diseases. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and even influenza all appear to be more prevalent among the vitamin D deprived. Heart disease. Earlier this year, at least four studies found a connection between low vitamin D and heart disease. People with low blood levels were twice as likely to have a heart attack or to die of cardiovascular disease as those with normal levels of the vitamin. The risks were greatest in those with deficient levels, and less extreme in those with insufficient levels. It makes biological sense that vitamin D could protect against heart disease: it slows the development of atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar and reduces inflammation within the artery wall (which, in turn, reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes). These studies aren't conclusive, of course. Other factors could be at work—for example, people who rarely exercise may spend less time outdoors and produce less vitamin D, but the lack of activity may be the true culprit rather than the vitamin levels. Randomized trials, in which people are given pills or placebos and followed for years, offer more convincing proof. There have been few randomized trials of vitamin D supplements, and most were small or tested relatively low doses of the vitamin.Even so, the trials have found evidence that vitamin D supplements may protect against cancer, heart disease and premature death. But larger trials using larger doses are needed to definitively answer these questions.So should the average person take a vitamin D supplement? A daily dose of 400 IU of vitamin D (the amount in most multivitamin pills) is valuable for its bone-building effects. Many physicians, however, now recommend a higher daily dose of vitamin D (1,000 IU). The evidence that it might help is strong, if not definitive, and the risks are minimal. If in the future large randomized trials confirm the value of a higher dose, starting now will give you a head start on the benefits. If the trials show no benefit, there will be one less pill to take each day. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:10:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-good-news-about-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-vitamin-c-and-blood-pressure Study: Vitamin C and Blood PressureSource: www.naturalproductsinsider.comBERKELEY, Calif.—Plasma vitamin C is inversely associated with blood pressure and change in blood pressure in healthy young adults according to a recent study (Nutr. J 2008;7:35) (DOI:10.1186/1475-2891-7-35). Participants were 242 black and white women aged 18 to 21 years from the Richmond, Calif., cohort of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study. In cross-sectional analysis, plasma ascorbic acid at year 10 was inversely associated with systolic BP and diastolic BP after adjusting for race, body mass index, education and dietary intake of fat and sodium. Persons in the highest one-fourth of the plasma ascorbic acid distribution had 4.66 mmHg lower systolic BP (P=0.005) and 6.04 mmHg lower diastolic BP (P=0.0002) than those in the lowest one-fourth of the distribution. Plasma ascorbic acid was also inversely associated with change in systolic BP and diastolic BP during the previous year. While diastolic blood pressure among persons in the lowest quartile of plasma ascorbic acid increased by 5.97 mmHg from year nine to year 10, those in the highest quartile of plasma vitamin C increased by only 0.23 mmHg. A similar effect was seen for change in systolic BP (P=0.005).Researchers concluded, since lower BP in young adulthood may lead to lower BP and decreased incidence of age-associated vascular events in older adults, further investigation of treatment effects of vitamin C on BP regulation in young adults is warranted. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:08:19 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-vitamin-c-and-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/adults-might-need-10-times-more-vitamin-d Adults might need 10 times more vitamin DSource: www.dailypress.comPediatrics doubled its recommendation last month of how much vitamin D children should take daily and as other groups are pushing for adults to get up to 10 times more than is currently recommended in their diets.As many as half of Americans, middle-age and older, are believed to get an inadequate amount of vitamin D."That's quite sobering and it really says we've got to do better with vitamin D nutrition," said Dr. Anthony W. Norman, a biochemist at the University of California, Riverside who has studied vitamin D for decades.It isn't easy to get enough vitamin D in the diet. It is found in fortified milk, juice and cereals as well as oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and wild salmon.Vitamin D is commonly referred to as the sunshine vitamin, because our bodies make it when we are exposed to the sun. In northern climes, however, the sun isn't strong enough in the winter months. In the summer months, just 10 to 15 minutes a day would provide enough vitamin D, but fear of skin cancer means many people are wearing sunscreen when they go out, which blocks the beneficial rays.Many people get their vitamin D from supplements.Vitamin D levels are checked by taking a patient's blood and testing for the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D circulating in it. More than 30 nanograms per milliliter is generally considered a healthy level of vitamin D, and any less than 20 is considered deficient.At the North Carolina-based LabCorp, spokesman Eric Lindblom said the vitamin D test is "one of our fastest-growing tests" and that the number ordered has not only doubled this year, but each of the last four years. At New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics, the total number of tests has grown "by approximately 80 percent compared to last year," said spokeswoman Wendy Bost.In September, Mount Washington resident Shannon Wollman had a routine physical and, for the first time, her vitamin D level was checked."Everything about my blood work was perfect," she said, "except for the vitamin D deficiency." Her doctor at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore put her on a serious regimen of vitamin D — one prescription pill of 50,000 international units a week for eight weeks to be followed by an over-the-counter vitamin D dose of about 1,000 IU every day.Wollman, who works as a major gifts officer in Sinai's development office and as an actress and singer, said she had never thought much about vitamin D until she was given those results. Then, she said, she brought it up with one of her friends at a Rosh Hashana dinner."She said, 'The exact same thing happened to me and now I'm on a prescription,' " said Wollman, 40. "It's more common than you realize, and people hadn't been discussing it."This was never something I paid any attention to, and now I take it every day."While 2,000 IU a day has long been considered the upper limit of what is safe, 200 IU a day is what has been recommended for people younger than 50, 400 IU for those 50 to 70 and 600 IU for those older than 70. Norman and a group of other University of California researchers are pushing to increase the government's recommended daily intake to 2,000 IU. And the American Medical Association has asked the Institute of Medicine to review and update its recommendation.Dr. Jennifer Caudle, an internist at Sinai, has read the new research, but she cautions that people shouldn't just run out and take more vitamin D without first discussing it with their doctors. The enthusiasm and hype for vitamin D now must be tempered until more is known. She said not enough is known about what would happen if someone took too much."Is vitamin D important for people? Sure," she said. But, she said, "the information is still being gathered. I'm not sure there's a consensus on exactly how much we should be taking."Norman says he takes 2,000 IU a day. He said vitamin D has receptors in more than 36 organs in the body, meaning a deficiency causes those organs not to work as well as they could. What he knows now tells him "this is the real deal.""There's no reason to wait for all this evidencebased research," he said. "You don't want to go a whole decade only being one-half vitamin D supplemented or one-third vitamin D supplemented. You'll be a much healthier person."At her Annapolis practice, Czapp is thinking about no longer testing all of her patients and telling them they need vitamin D supplements. The test can be expensive — $260, she said — and she sees health-care costs rising. But she worries her patients won't start upping their vitamin D intake unless they have the negative test results in their hands.Meanwhile, she and her colleagues were spending so many hours explaining to patients what the deficiency was and what they should do to treat it that they came up with a form letter and a protocol to send to people when their results come in."We got tired of saying it," she said. "It was easier to hand out a letter that explained all of this."Carole Baggerly started a group called GrassrootsHealth last year in California, which focuses solely on promoting information about vitamin D. She started it after a bout with breast cancer that was followed by a diagnosis of osteoporosis. She learned she was vitamin D deficient.This led to a whole list of discoveries about vitamin D. She read research that suggested raising vitamin D levels may prevent up to half of all breast cancer and two-thirds of colorectal cancer cases in the United States. She read a study showing women with the lowest levels of vitamin D had nearly double the risk of their breast cancer progressing, and a 73 percent greater risk of death compared to women with adequate vitamin D. She found out that the first study linking colorectal cancer and vitamin D was published in 1941."It's been an ignored thing," she said. "There's a tremendous disbelief that the problem exists."Now she spreads the word however she can. She recently held a seminar with 160 doctors discussing the virtues of vitamin D — and the real health advances that she says could be made if everyone got their levels up. She advocates for vitamin D levels between 40 and 60 ng/ml — higher than what is currently considered adequate.She traveled to many cities over the summer talking about vitamin D."The biggest question I got," Baggerly said, "was: 'How do I get my doctor to order the test? He said, 'Oh you don't need it. You're outside a lot.' The statistics say the doctors are wrong." Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:06:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/adults-might-need-10-times-more-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rainy-days-can-be-cool-but-you-need-sun-for-vitamin-d Rainy days can be cool, but you need sun for vitamin DSource: www.azcentral.comDid you have a good holiday week? I hope so. Mine was pretty good, I guess. I liked the cool, rainy weather.My girls were here and the son-in-law, and while I didn't get to see as much of them as I might have liked, it was all good anyway.You always want the holidays to be just right, to be as great as your greatest holidays ever. Of course, things never work out that well, and it probably is just as well. You wouldn't really want to just repeat things over and over again every year, would you? You need to mix things up a bit sometimes.OK, I guess it's time to get back to work: The tote bags and bathrobes some of you earned with your gifts to the Valley 101 Anti-Gooberism arm of the Season for Sharing are one by one being injected into the mail system. These things take time, so don't worry if yours hasn't arrived yet. It will be along.The campaign still has a week or so to go, so it's not too late for you to chip in a gift of $1,000 or up, which would qualify you for a drawing for a role in the next Valley 101 video.Send your grand to Ain't No Goobers Here, Valley 101, Arizona Republic, NM, 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix AZ 85004.I don't know the totals yet, but I gather that the Anti- Gooberism arm of the campaign is doing pretty well. Can a person's body get the vitamin-D benefit of sunlight from sun shining through a glass window?I'm afraid not. You have to get the real stuff, while at the same time being careful not to get too much.The glass filters out almost all of the ultraviolet part of the sunlight and that's where the vitamin D comes from. Reach Thompson at clay.thompson Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:05:09 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rainy-days-can-be-cool-but-you-need-sun-for-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/binge-eating-can-be-blamed-on-a-defective-gene Binge eating can be blamed on a defective geneSource: www.theage.com.auBinge eating can be traced to a gene, researchers say, in a sharp departure from the long-accepted idea that it is due to a psychological disturbance.The new analysis is one of two reports in the New England Journal of Medicine, published today, on severe obesity and genetic defects in the appetite-regulating gene, the mela-nocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), which makes a protein involved in appetite function in the brain. "This should help to create some compassion," said John Kral, an obesity expert at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Centre, Brooklyn, and a member of the team that conducted the study."I think it will help lead to the legitimacy of this disease as having a genetic background in at least a percentage of the population," Dr Kral said. He and colleagues in Switzerland and Germany estimate the defect is probably the villain in many severely obese binge eaters. Believed to be the most common eating disorder, bingeing affects about 4 million people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. And although binge eaters are often severely overweight, some are not, doctors say. The study examined 469 severely obese white adults and found bingeing was most common in the 5 per cent bearing the genetic mistake. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/binge-eating-can-be-blamed-on-a-defective-gene http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/does-what-you-eat-play-a-role-in-whether-you-ll-end-up-with-breast-cancer- Does what you eat play a role in whether you’ll end up with breast cancer?Source: www.ivanhoe.comDoes what you eat play a role in whether you’ll end up with breast cancer?Maybe, find researchers who studied about 200 healthy women between ages 20 and 40 for one year. Their research finds those who ate a low-fat, high-fiber diet containing at least eight servings of fruits or vegetables a day had lower levels of the hormone estradiol in their blood than those who ate their usual diets.The study stemmed from previous research indicating lifetime exposure to ovarian hormones may play a role in the development of breast cancer. Doctors know, for example, that earlier menarche, later menopause, fewer children, and delayed childbirth all increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer. The role diet plays in the process, however, has been less clear, although studies do suggest low-fat, high-fiber diets might reduce the amount of hormones in a women’s system.The current study measured several factors related to ovarian hormones, including estradiol and progesterone. A link between diet and the hormones was seen only for estradiol.The authors write, “The results of this randomized trial indicate that an isocaloric diet (characterized by low-fat, high-fiber, and a high fruit and vegetable content) did not produce substantial changes in ... ovarian hormone levels in premenopausal women ... However, the observed 7.5 percent reduction in estradiol could have biologic significance if it persisted over many years.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/does-what-you-eat-play-a-role-in-whether-you-ll-end-up-with-breast-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-vitamin-a-found-in-these-foods-is-superior-to-synthetic-form Natural Vitamin A Found in These Foods is Superior to Synthetic FormSource: www.mercola.comVitamin A is an important nutrient yet there is much confusion surrounding its appropriate form, dosage and source. Many people do not receive enough of this nutrient, particularly those in developing countries, however, many people are afraid of taking too much due to the commonly heard warnings that too much vitamin A is toxic and can result in birth defects, liver abnormalities, and reduced bone mineral density, which could result in osteoporosis. Unfortunately, what is rarely addressed along with these warnings is the TYPE of vitamin A. There is a big difference between synthetic vitamin A and vitamin A from natural sources. Most cases of vitamin A toxicity result from an excess intake of synthetic vitamin A in supplements, NOT the natural form of retinol (vitamin A) found in liver or cod liver oil. In fact, vitamin A, an anti-infective vitamin, is useful for many conditions including vision problems, poor thyroid function, a weakened immune system, and fighting off infections, especially those that involve mucous membranes as vitamin A is used to form the cells lining the digestive, respiratory, reproductive and urinary tracts and all tissue linings of the body. It is also required for the digestion of protein, lactation, reproduction, healthy skin and eyes, and the formation of steroid hormones. Vitamin A deficiency can result in a number of problems including night blindness, dry eyes, eye infections and skin problems.There are no plant sources of vitamin A (carrots and other yellow/orange vegetables and dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce contain beta-carotene, not vitamin A); it is only present in animal products. If you follow my newsletter then you’ll know that I recommend cod liver oil as the best source of vitamin D (other than the sun, of course), but what you may not know is that it is also one of the best sources of vitamin A. There is no need to worry about vitamin A toxicity if you take it in cod liver oil, and there are several reasons for this. First of all, as I mentioned earlier the main toxicity that can result from vitamin A is due to SYNTHETIC vitamin A, NOT the natural form found in cod liver oil. Secondly, cod liver oil has vitamin D in it, and it is virtually impossible to become toxic on vitamin A if you take it along with vitamin D. As you can see in a study published in the December 2003 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vitamin D is associated with reduced vitamin A toxicity, and the vitamin D appears to protect against retinal toxicity. This study also found that the safe upper single dose of retinol IN OIL seems to be 12,000 to 18,000 units of vitamin A per kilogram of body weight. The cod liver oil that I recommend has 1,000 to 1,250 units in a one-teaspoon serving, which means that you will be way under this limit if you follow my recommended dose (one teaspoon for every 50 pounds of body weight per day). Relying on plant foods containing beta-carotene as your sole source of vitamin A is not a wise choice, and vitamin A deficiency is a major concern for people who choose to have a strictly vegetarian diet. Beta-carotene is the metabolic precursor of vitamin A, which means that it must be converted into vitamin A in the body. However, it takes bile salts, thyroid hormone and dietary fat to facilitate this conversion, and even then the conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A is poor (it takes about six units of beta-carotene to make one unit of vitamin A). Further, people with liver or gall bladder problems, hypothyroidism, alcoholism (heavy alcohol intake can impair storage of vitamin A in the liver), or diabetes, and infants, cannot adequately convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, so it is especially important for this large group of the population to consume animal sources of vitamin A like cod liver oil. If you are consuming a healthy diet, there is no need to supplement with vitamin A. Some excellent sources of natural and beneficial vitamin A include:Cod liver oil (this will also give you beneficial omega-3 fats and vitamin D) Egg yolks Butter Raw, whole milk Liver (beef, chicken) Including these foods in your diet should give you adequate vitamin A with no need for supplementation and little to no risk of overdosing. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it needs to be eaten with fat in order to be optimally absorbed. One of the great things about natural foods is that they almost always account for these types of conditions. You’ll notice that all of the foods above also contain fats, so the environment is automatically right for the vitamin A to be utilized by your body. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-vitamin-a-found-in-these-foods-is-superior-to-synthetic-form http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-health-shops-suffer-a-vitamin-deficiency- Will health shops suffer a vitamin deficiency?Source: www.timesonline.co.ukNEW figures from the market researchers Mintel this week show that we are becoming a nation rightly preoccupied with prevention rather than cure. While the past ten years have seen us using fewer cold, cough and indigestion “remedies” — which only alleviate symptoms anyway — we have been using more vitamins and supplements in the same period. Mintel’s analysts say this shows people’s increasing interest in countering ageing and the effects on health of modern lifestyles. But how will the forthcoming European directive on the sale of food supplements affect this? If celebrity campaigners such as Jenny Seagrove, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Cliff Richard are to be believed, the regulations, due to come into effect here in the summer of 2005, will take many of our favourite supplements off the shelves. This, they say, will thwart our efforts to prevent and treat illness through supplements. Not so, according to the Consumers’ Association, which believes that the debate about the new laws has become so heated that basic facts have been lost. “We are very concerned that there has been so much misinformation about the legislation,” says Sue Davies, a principal policy officer. “It is very unlikely to have an impact on the consumer.” The association has campaigned for new laws on vitamins and supplements since the early 1990s. Currently, their quality and constituents are uncontrolled. The association says that the legislation will set upper levels of safety for vitamins and supplements that have proved to be harmful at high doses. But high-dose formulations of these vitamins will still be available through pharmacists and doctors — just not from health shops. “We really don’t see what the concern is,” Davies says. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-health-shops-suffer-a-vitamin-deficiency- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-elderly-people-vulnerable-to-low-vitamin-b12-levels-on-mental-function Some elderly people vulnerable to low vitamin B12 levels on mental functionSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comSome elderly people who have a variant of a lipid gene (APOE4), which is known to increase a person chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, are more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of low vitamin B12 on mental function. Researchers found that healthy people over the age of 75 who carried the APOE4 gene had worse memories when their B12 vitamin levels dropped below normal levels. The team, lead by David Bunce, London University, monitored 167 people aged over 75, some of whom had the APOE4 gene and others did not. They had to do a series of cognitive tests. 28 people in the group were APOE4-positive and had low B2 levels, another 21 were APOE4-positive and had normal B12 levels. In another group (within those 167 people) 54 were APOE4-negative with low B12 levels and 64 were APOE4-negative with normal B12 levels. They then had to do various tests. One of the tests consisted of being presented with 12 unrelated nouns coming in at one per two seconds. Then they had two minutes to recall them. The results were as follows: --- APOE4-positive group low B12 average score was 3.68 --- APOE4-positive group normal B12 average score was 6.48 --- APOE4-negative group low B12 average score was 4.78 --- APOE4-negative group normal B12 average score was 5.32 The APOE4-positive group with low B12 scored significantly lower than all the others. The researchers then did the same, but this time looking at folate levels in the volunteers. They found some difference, similar to the one above, but less noticeable. They concluded that elderly people who are APOE4-positive would benefit from B12 and folate supplements. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-elderly-people-vulnerable-to-low-vitamin-b12-levels-on-mental-function http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fighting-fit Fighting FitSource: icteesside.icnetwork.co.ukOur next topic in the health and weight management series is to look at what vitamins and minerals do and why we need them.Vitamins and minerals are vital for good health, without them we would be unable to fight illnesses and infections. They protect us from deficiency diseases such as scurvy and beriberi, and many vitamins have been scientifically proven to protect against major illnesses such as cancer and coronary heart disease. Vitamins have also been proven to boost our immune systems, increase IQ, reduce birth defects and improve childhood development.There are two types of vitamins fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (C and B).Fat-soluble vitamins are found in fatty or oily foods. Our bodies can store these vitamins in the liver, or around the body. The body can not excrete fat soluble vitamins in the urine and they can accumulate. It is important not to take high quantities as they may be harmful.Vitamin A gives us healthy skin and protection against infections, good sources are dairy products , liver, fatty fish, carrots, tomatoes and dark green vegetables. Deficiency can lead to reduced resistance to infection, excess leads to toxicity.Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphate absorption essential for bones and teeth, found in oily fish, egg yolk, milk, meat, fortified food such as cereals and margarine and absorbed by exposure to the sun. Deficiency can lead to failing bone growth, osteomalacia or rickets. Excess leads to toxicity.Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and is used in blood clotting, good sources are vegetable oils, nuts, vegetables and cereals. Deficiencies may occur in premature infants.Vitamin K is used in blood clotting , good sources are from dark green leafy vegetables and is produced by bacteria in the gut. Deficiencies lead to longer blood clotting time.Water-soluble vitamins (C and B). If these vitamins are consumed in excess they are excreted in the urine, and therefore have a very limited storage life in the body (vitamin B12 being the exception) and are required on a daily basis.Vitamin C is used in production of collagen used in connective tissue and bone, wound healing and fighting infection, iron absorption and an anti-oxidant. Fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, and vegetables, especially green, are excellent sources. Deficiency leads to scurvy, excess to kidney stones.Vitamin B (complex) is used in energy metabolism, biological reactions and production of blood cells. Found in liver, eggs, cereals, dairy products, green vegetables, nuts and wholemeal foods. Deficiency leads to beriberi, flaky skin, nerve and muscular system problems and hair loss, excess to sensory nerve pathways damage.How to get enough vitamins:Eat more fresh fruit, unprocessed foods and raw vegetables.Avoid lengthy cooking techniques and deep-frying as it perishes the vitamins, try microwaving and steaming as this helps to preserve the vitamins.Keep fruit and vegetables in the fridge where it is cold and dark.NFor further information on our weight management courses call Greens, Gosforth: (0191) 213 0070. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fighting-fit http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-may-reduce-risk-of-lung-cancer Red wine may reduce risk of lung cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukResearch from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain suggests there are benefits to lung health from drinking moderate quantities of red wine. In a hospital-based case study, 319 subjects were interviewed about their lifestyles including alcohol consumption and tobacco use. White wine appeared to contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer while red wine showed a slight reduction. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-may-reduce-risk-of-lung-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-before-pregnancy-may-prevent-prematurity Vitamins before pregnancy may prevent prematuritySource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukWomen who take multivitamins before conceiving are half as likely to encounter premature births, suggests a new study by University of North Carolina published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Data based on 2000 women at 24-29 weeks of pregnancy showed that vitamin use before conception reduced the risk of premature birth, although continued use through the early months of pregnancy did not seem to influence the risk of prematurity. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-before-pregnancy-may-prevent-prematurity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/winter-skin-doesnt-have-to-resemble-the-landscape Winter skin doesn't have to resemble the landscapeSource: www.peninsulaclarion.comRugged terrain and deep valleys are words that should be used to describe Alaska's vast wilds and not its residents facial features. However, due to the extreme weather conditions here, that is exactly what the biting winds and dry climate can do to unprotected skin.Winter skin care is more than just taking precautions against frostbite. While frostbite is an important medical condition to worry about when trekking outside, winter skin care is literally the care and feeding of the largest organ of your body under winters harsh conditions.Chapped lips, red raw hands, dry flaky skin and cracked feet that resemble ice breaking up on the river, are equal-opportunity side effects of "old man winter." They affect both men and women and can happen whether you are out riding the fresh powder for hours or hibernating indoors with a good book.But by following a some basic steps and tweaking a few habits, men and women should be able to make it through the winter without a serious case of "winter itch."Rikki Burns, owner of About Face Skin Care Clinic in Kenai, suggests a four-step approach to caring for your skin: protect, hydrate, cleanse, and exercise.To protect your skin, Burns suggests that the best defense is a good offense - cover it up. Dress in layers made out of natural fibers to help minimize chafing. By dressing in layers, you will be able to add or remove clothing for comfort and your skin will be able to regulate its temperature more efficiently.Anything left exposed should be covered, liberally and often, with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of a least 15 to minimize the aging effects of the sun. When protecting the skin on your face, remember your lips. A protective barrier of lip balm or even petroleum jelly will help ward off painful chapped lips or lip cancer."When people are outside in the cold, the farthest thing from their mind is sun-damage, but it happens." Burns said. "The sun reflecting off the snow helps to magnify its effects, and at the end of a day of outdoor activity a sunburn is the end result and the damage is already done."The low humidity conditions that rob the skin of moisture outside can be compounded when you crank up the heat inside to counteract the cold. Your skin is taking a beating coming and going, making moisture replacement crucial inside and out.Drinking plenty of water or low sugar sports drinks and eating fruits and vegetables high in water are good ways to help hydrate from within. To fight the environmental effects, keep the thermostat as low as you can comfortably handle and use a humidifier to put moisture back in the air.Burns stresses the need to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize to help replace the natural skin lubricant, sebum, that is lost with the dryer air.She suggests as one of the easier and more productive ways to moisturize is after a shower. Step out and before you completely dry off and use a moisturizer from head-to-toe to seal the water in."It is the lack of water, not the cold that causes dry skin." Burns said. "One habit people should break is taking hot showers. It damages the skin. Opt for warm ones instead."Burns said the most misunderstood step of moisturizing is that people tend to rub it in when they should just let the body absorb what it needs. Start by applying a thick enough layer to see and then let your body take what it needs. As for the type of moisturizer to use, Burns suggest one with hyaluronic acid in it, as it can hold up to 400 times its weight in water and possibly seal in moister longer.At the end of the day, it's time to cleanse your skin and prepare it for the next round. It doesn't matter if you have been outside or at the office, your face has been expose to natural and man-made impurities in the air that must be removed.Burns recommended a cleansing regime consisting of gently and carefully exfoliating your skin two to three times a week to slough off the dead skin cells and help to new skin appear."People tend to forget that their skin is a living, breathing organ and that it is constantly regenerating new cells." Burns said. "Be sure to use a gentle cleaner every day made for your skin type."Clay masks, regular facials and homemade concoctions are all good ways to keep your skin in-the-pink. She said while men tend to have better skin than women due to regular shaving, they usually have a more difficult time seeking advice on skin care. Her remedy for that is to ask your mom, wife, girlfriend or to seek professional advice."No one should be intimidated by the myriad of choices. Seek out someone with good skin that you trust and get a home facial if you can't face going to a salon," she said.Burns home facial scrub recipe uses ingredients that are available in the kitchen: Blend 1 cup of rock salt in a blender until finely ground;Place in a bowl and add 4 tablespoons olive oil and blend together;Wet face and apply scrub gently, rinse off. Next to a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and luck-of-the-draw on good genes, the last defense to help your face from looking like the "crypt-keeper" is to exercise. Exercise helps the skin to rejuvenate itself through better circulation, and the new skin keeps you younger looking longer. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/winter-skin-doesnt-have-to-resemble-the-landscape http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nicholas-cage-uses-gemstone-therapy-for-good-sex- Nicholas Cage uses gemstone therapy for good sex:Source: www.newkerala.comOscar winner Nicholas Cage is reportedly using gemstone therapy to add a zing to his sex life. The 'Connair' actor recently had his wedding ring reset in the mystical carnelian rock and says that it is working wonders for his libido. "It's good for my sex life. I'm very much into stones," the Sun quoted him as saying. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nicholas-cage-uses-gemstone-therapy-for-good-sex- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-alternative-treatment-herbal-treatment-acne Acne Alternative Treatment, Herbal Treatment AcneSource: www.expressnewsline.comThe ever-popular world of "alternative" medicine - be it old or new, Western or Eastern - has a lot to offer for the acne sufferer. This is good news for everybody, but adult sufferers who find their skin no longer responds to treatments designed for people in their teens will be especially interested in new ways to handle skin problems. Although the dietary connections to acne have been widely discredited (with the exception of food allergies), most alternative practioners look here first: while chocolate and French fries do not cause pimples, a diet lacking in essential nutrients will not do troubled skin any favors. Essential fatty acids are major components of all cellular formations and they are critical for a healthy complexion, but are frequently noted as an item lacking in most North American diets. EFAs can be easily found in the form of flax or evening primrose oil supplements, along with a diet high in vegetables, seeds and grains. In a perfect world, nobody would need one, but - a daily multivitamin also has a lot to recommend it, for the reasons mentioned above. "Megadoses" of vitamins should be avoided unless prescribed by a reputable health care practioner; many people are aware that vitamin A is critical for skin health, but few people are aware that an overdose leads to severe liver damage. More innovative supplements include saw palmetto. The saw palmetto plant is recognized as a treatment for prostate disorders, because it interferes with the production of certain male hormones. The same process which helps with prostate disorders has also been seen to be useful for acne patients, especially for those whose troubles are obviously linked to hormone production; pre-menstrual acne responds particularly well. Topical treatments for acne that are "natural" are legion in health-food stores. It is useful to remember what is considered "natural" - salicylic acid, the main ingredient in many over-the-counter drugstore remedies, is derived from willow bark. There are also a lot of bits of advice floating around that are nothing more than "old wives' tales": we've seen a lot of alternative health gurus suggesting lemon juice as a topical treatment, but there is nothing to support the idea that disrupting the skin's acid balance will be beneficial. Your job here, then, is to sort out the useful from the simply silly (and overpriced). Obvious as it may seem, effective treatments tend to be the most popular one: the use of tea tree oil in personal care preparations has skyrocketed in recent years, and for good reason. Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent, and has a drying effect on the skin. Keeping the P. Acnes bacteria at bay along with decreasing facial oiliness makes this oil a worthwhile investment indeed. You can try prepared remedies, small applications of undiluted oil, or, in a frequently overlooked option, you can simply add the tea tree oil to the skin preparations you are already using. A less widely seen but increasingly popular option involves the topical application of zinc, long believed to be useful for acne when taken internally but only recently recognized as a topical treatment that may help with skin oiliness. Herbs categorized as "calming" such as chamomile and lavender are also useful, particularly if the skin is inflamed from overly aggressive anti-acne treatment. The standard "consult your local library for more information" is particularly relevant here. Reputable books on herbal healing, nutrition, and, increasingly, essential oils are good sources for more information on acne treatments. Mainstream acne advice is also more and more likely to include non-mainstream therapies, so make sure your sources are as up-to-date as possible. As with any lifestyle change, you should consult your health care provider before making any dramatic changes to your diet. Good luck! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-alternative-treatment-herbal-treatment-acne http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oils-aint-oils-say-olive-experts Oils ain't oils, say olive expertsSource: www.abc.net.auOlive oil that contains too much of a particular fatty acid may not meet new international standards, potentially forcing exporters to sell their oil as cheaper vegetable oil.A meeting of the world food standard-setting body Codex Alimentarius in London is this week considering requests by the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) to lower maximum levels of linolenic acid.The meeting comes as a paper published in the latest issue of the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture shows 5% to 15% of Australian virgin olive oils contain higher levels of linolenic acid than the standard sought by the IOOC.While linolenic acid does not largely affect the oil's taste or nutritional benefits, high levels may mean it has been adulterated with other edible oils.Australian growers say linolenic acid, a minor component of olive oil, is present in Australian-grown olive oil to a relatively high degree because of regional and climate conditions that don't exist in other countries.Secretary of the Australian Olive Association Chuck L'Huereux says in some seasons up to a fifth of the country's extra virgin oils exceed the proposed limit."If they're sent overseas and tested people can say it isn't extra virgin olive oil but vegetable oil, which sells for a lot less," he says.L'Heureux says the new standard, proposed mainly by Mediterranean countries, is unrealistically low.Which level is best?Extra virgin olive oil can currently contain up to 1.5% of linolenic acid.The IOOC wants that standard reduced to 1.0%, but Codex is yet to ratify the change.L'Huereux says depending on the season, up to 20% of Australian extra virgin olive oils have linolenic levels between 1.0% and 1.5%."Because of our climate a lot of our oil can be between 1.0% and 1.5%," he says."We're not trying to increase the limit, we're trying to stop it being lowered."He says some Australian olive growers believe the move is an attempt to lock smaller olive growers out of the Mediterranean-dominated market.Australia isn't the only country with the problem, he says. In Argentina up to 45% of oils have linolenic acid levels between 1.0% and 1.5%.Oil in AustraliaScientists from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries analysed more than 800 Australian extra virgin olive oils between 2002 and 2003.They found linolenic acid levels ranged from 0.42% to 1.91%, with 29 oils above the proposed 1.0% limit.But Australian product stacks up well against international standards overall, the report says."The results ... provide evidence of the high quality of oils being produced and of the compliance with international standards," it says.Professor Peter Clifton, team leader at CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition, says the report shows Australian olive oil compares well with oils from France, Argentina and New Zealand and the proposed new standard is "very low". Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oils-aint-oils-say-olive-experts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-bergamot Herbal benefits of BergamotSource: www.kntimes.comBergamot got its name from the city, Bergamot in Italy, where it was first cultivated. Though it is believed that Christopher Columbus brought the tree from the Canary Islands to Spain and Italy. Bergamot is a small tree with long, oval green leaves with white flowers. The bergamot bears a small round fruit that is yellow when ripe. Bergamot's essential oil is extracted by cold expression from the fruit peel. It has a spicy, delicate scent that is light and refreshing. Bergamot?s essential oil is used for fairly different purposes as it has many beneficial properties.. 1. During the 15th to 16th century was used in teas and perfumes. In voodoo it is thought to ward off evil and danger. 2. Bergamot is used as an antidepressant. It is calming and refreshing for the nervous system. 3. It is also used as an antiseptic. It aids in the digestion process. 4. It is also used as an insect repellent. When using as an insect repellent use caution and avoid strong sunlight, bergamot contains furocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity. 5. Bergamot is also used to treat urinary tract infections. 6. The essential oil of Bergamot works good on acne, eczema, varicose ulcers and seborrhea of the skin and scalp. For people with sensitive skin it is advised to use in moderation because if used in excess may irritate the skin. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-bergamot http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-is-important-to-diabetic-weight-management Diet is important to diabetic weight managementSource: Diet is the key component in weight management for any diabetic. Officials recommend working with your health care provider to find the right balance of diet, medication, and exercise to meet your weight goals. Overview:Whether you need to lose weight, gain weight or stay where you are, if you're diabetic, eating the right food can help you manage the disease. People with diabetes must take extra care to make sure that their diet is balanced with insulin and oral medications, and to exercise to help manage their blood glucose levels, says the American Diabetes Association. Sticking to a meal plan can help you improve your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, and also help keep your weight on track. This might sound like a lot of work, but your doctor or dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is best for you, one that fits into your schedule and lifestyle. When you make healthy food choices, you will improve your overall health, and you can even help prevent complications such as heart disease, some cancers, and hypertension. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-is-important-to-diabetic-weight-management http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-is-life-insurance-against-falls-and-fractures Vitamin D is “life insurance” against falls and fracturesSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukFalls and fractures could be a thing of the past if everyone aged 65 and older were to take vitamin D supplements, reports the BBC. Hip fractures related to falls cost the NHS about £1.7bn in England alone and kill up to 14,000 people with osteoporosis in the UK each year. A number of studies have shown elderly people who take vitamin D supplements are more stable on their legs and less likely to fall and hurt themselves.Recently Dr Heike Bischoff-Ferrari from Harvard University began looking at available trial data on vitamin D and falls spanning more than 30 years and involving more than 10,000 people.From this, she estimates that taking daily vitamin D supplements would reduce an elderly person's risk of falling by at least a fifth. "If you realise that 30% of all people 65 years of age report at least one fall per year, that's a lot of falls. If you are 80, that rises to 50%. And if you are in a nursing home the rate is even higher," she said. “We know that 90% of all [hip] fractures are caused by a fall and of course falling itself causes other injuries and problems."She said many elderly people who have fallen are afraid that they will fall again and can become housebound, for example."Many experts in the field are recommending that people older than 65 should take 800 units (20 micrograms) of vitamin D per day as a life insurance against falls and fractures," she said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-is-life-insurance-against-falls-and-fractures http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fsa-outlines-food-supplement-directive-scenarios- FSA outlines Food Supplement Directive “scenarios”Source: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukFollowing the recent announcement by the Advocate General at the European Court of Justice that the Food Supplements Directive is “invalid”, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has outlined three possible “scenarios” that may arise from his legal Opinion.The fist scenario allows for a partial upholding of the Directive, which may mean that dossier submission is still important and that products may still be banned from August 1 2005. The second scenario is that the Court overturns the Directive in full, requiring the UK regulations to be revoked. Scenario three would involve the Court upholding the Directive. The FSA’s announcement comes after industry groups put pressure on the Agency to clarify the situation. John McKee, chairman of the National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) commented: “This advice was issued following pressure from the NAHS on the FSA to clear up the uncertainty on this area. Many retailers feel that it is a certainty that the Court will overturn the Food Supplements Directive, but this is by no means a certainty and it is important for retailers to plan for the future taking into account all the potential outcomes.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fsa-outlines-food-supplement-directive-scenarios- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rice-contains-less-zinc-people-need-supplement Rice contains less zinc, people need supplementSource: Althealth NewsICDDR,B 'SUZY' Project Director Charles P Larson said different researches show that the soil of every district of the country is severely deficient in zinc. Its staple food rice contains very small amount of zinc. So people need zinc supplement. He was delivering the keynote speech at a seminar on pediatric use of zinc at Dhaka Shishu Hospital auditorium in the city recently. Dhaka Shishu Hospital (BICH) and the 'SUZY' Project of ICDDR,B jointly arranged the seminar with Orion Laboratories Ltd. sponsoring the event. About 300 doctors and specialists participated in the seminar. Larson said zinc is a very essential element for the human body and its deficiency leads to diarrhoea, pneumonia, diabetes, impaired immune function and skin diseases. He also focused on the need of zinc in child health and said it is essential to give zinc supplement in all types of diarrhoea children suffer from. The Orion Laboratories Ltd. is marketing their zinc syrup as 'Pep' and 'Pep-2' which are meeting zinc deficiency of the people in the country for a long time. They have also launched zinc tablets under the brand name 'Pep-20' for adults. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rice-contains-less-zinc-people-need-supplement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/please-email-your-mp-to-save-our-supplements Please Email Your MP to Save our SupplementsSource: Althealth NewsConsumers for Health Choice (CHC) have asked us to help with a last minute urgent appeal for assistance in relation to the European Court of Justice ruling on the legality of the Food Supplements Directive - which will be delivered on 12th July at 9.30 a.m.As I’m sure you are aware, the Food Supplements Directive brings in draconian new rules on the ingredients that may be used in vitamin & mineral food supplements and the dose levels at which they may be present. CHC are rightly worried that unless the Directive is over-turned, it will lead to the banning of several thousand of safe and popular vitamin and mineral supplements. We are asking you on their behalf to please consider e-mailing your MP today.The Advocate General of the European Court has already delivered his opinion that the legislation "infringes the principle of proportionality, because basic principles of Community law, such as the requirements of legal protection of legal certainty and of sound administration have not been properly taken into account". He concluded that the Directive is invalid.If the full Court takes the same view in a few days time, the Directive will be annulled. But it will be rewritten so we must make sure NOW that it favours the existing British market and keeps our supplements available to all.The Food Standards Agency squandered every opportunity to influence the Commission prior to the ECJ ruling, but now the Prime Minister has a unique opportunity to influence the redrafting of the legislation whilst the UK holds the Presidency of the European Union for six months from 1st July. CHC believes it essential that the Prime Minister uses his position to ensure that the legislation is amended to allow individual countries to continue to permit onto their domestic markets those safe and effective vitamin and mineral supplements which lie outside the otherwise restrictive provisions of this legislation. Only this action can guarantee your future access to such products.Please help us to help you by e-mailing your MP today:1). Explain to your MP why supplements are important to you 2). Warn your MP that thousands of products are under immediate threat from the Food Supplements Directive 3). Ask your MP to alert the Prime Minister to the importance of "hitting the ground running" immediately the verdict is announced on 12th July 4). Ask for a commitment that the Prime Minister will deliver this solution to overcome the UK's problems with the legislation.You can find out your MP's name and contact details from www.locata.co.uk/commons.Please help CHC Save-Our-Supplements. THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW – PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR MP TODAYYou can find out more about this issue from:Sue Croft Director, Consumers for Health Choice Southbank House Black Prince Road London SE1 7SJ www.healthchoice.org.uk Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/please-email-your-mp-to-save-our-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-backs-up-claims-over-vitamin-e-and-anti-aging Study backs up claims over vitamin E and anti-agingSource: www.cosmeticsdesign.comA new study confirms the efficacy of vitamin E skin care formulations under exposure to ultraviolet radiation, claiming that it can help to prevent or minimize free radical-induced damage.With skin care specialists increasingly emphasizing that prevention, rather than repair, is the key to maintaining young-looking skin. This means that formulators are constantly looking for proven ways of incorporating natural ingredients to help protect skin.Vitamin E has been increasingly incorporated into both anti-aging and sun screen formulations as a means of upping a product's anti-oxidant efficacy. For this reason, and the fact that is easy to manufacture, readily available and inexpensive, it has now become the number one selling anti-oxidant ingredient.The study, which was published online in the September issue of Skin Pharmacology Physiology, shows that supplying topical exogenous antioxidants to the skin may prevent or minimize free radical-induced damage.Researchers determined the antioxidative capacity of a topical skin care treatment - an oil-in-water vitamin E-containing formula – on human skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by using a photochemiluminescence device and biophysical methods.In a randomized, double blind study, either a pH-balanced vitamin E emulsion or a control lotion was applied onto the forearm skin of 10 healthy Caucasian participants.Thirty minutes after application, test sites were exposed to a UV light to induce erythema; one untreated site served as a control. Visual scoring and instrumental measurements were recorded at baseline and thereafter at 24 hours and 48 hours to determine antioxidant capacity.At day two and day three after UV exposure, vitamin E emulsion and the vehicle control significantly suppressed visual scores when compared with the blank control.More specifically, vitamin E emulsion showed significantly lower visual scores when compared with vehicle control; and vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control significantly diminished skin color measurement values when compared with a blank control, the researchers reported.Furthermore, vitamin E emulsion significantly reduced skin blood flow volume when compared with blank control at day two; and at day three, vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control showed significant reduction of blood flow volume when compared with blank control.From the test results the researchers concluded, vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control proved effective in preventing induction of erythema and reducing inflammatory damage caused by UV exposure, and the effect of vitamin E emulsion exceeded that of an 'active control'.The results lend further credence to the belief that vitamin E is a valuable antioxidant, which in turn makes it a good means of providing protection to the skin and preventing visible signs of skin aging. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-backs-up-claims-over-vitamin-e-and-anti-aging http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/theres-nothing-rotten-about-eggs There's nothing rotten about eggsSource: www.smh.com.auThey're heavy on cholesterol and devoid of dietary fibre. But from today, eggs can carry the Heart Foundation's Tick of approval, denoting them a healthy choice.The award - for which the egg industry pays an undisclosed fee - does not necessarily mean eggs are good for your heart. The research the award is based on concludes only that there is no proven reason for healthy people to stop eating them.Critics say moves to reposition the image of certain foods will become an important trend, as producers and manufacturers prepare for proposed changes to food labelling laws that will allow them to make specific health claims about ingredients.The egg industry chose an expert to help build its profile - Manny Noakes, co-author of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, the best-selling book that has helped reverse the fortunes of the meat industry. She is also chairwoman of the Heart Foundation's Nutrition and Metabolism Advisory Committee, although she stresses she had nothing to do with the Tick decision.The Australian Egg Corpora-tion appointed Dr Noakes, along with a cardiologist, endocrino-logist, GP and dietitian, to its newly created Egg Nutrition Advisory Group to review the scientific literature on eggs. AdvertisementAdvertisement"There has been a misunder-standing of cholesterol in food and cholesterol in the blood," Dr Noakes said. "Because of that, people have been avoiding eggs." She said the panel wanted to set "the record straight, to allay those misconceptions [that have] permeated our culture".Dr Noakes said that for healthy people, there was no evidence that eating eggs in moderation raised blood cholesterol. Eggs also contained beneficial nutrients and because they helped promote a feeling of fullness assisted in weight control. Dr Noakes said a separate group had been responsible for the Tick, but the issue had been debated by the nutrition committee. "There were differing points of view about the role of cholesterol in cardiovascular health," she said.Susan Anderson, the Tick program's manager, said the public understood the Tick meant only that a food was healthier than possible alternatives.Fees paid by food industry funded the administration of the Tick program, including spot-check analysis of ingredients in packaged foods to ensure they met Tick criteria.James Kellaway, managing director of the Australian Egg Corporation, said egg consumption had fallen to 154 eggs per person a year. He said health messages would be instrumental in bringing the rate up to the industry goal of 200 eggs per person.Dr Noakes said she was paid by the egg industry to attend meetings of the Egg Nutrition Advisory Group, but was not retained as a spokeswoman. She hoped the industry would sponsor further CSIRO research into where eggs fitted into a healthy diet.Clare Hughes, food policy officer at the Australian Consumers Association, said the food industry needed to employ dietitians, but some campaigns exploited the public's trust.She cited community service announcements promoting breakfast as the most important meal of the day, followed swiftly by ads for a particular breakfast cereal.Ms Hughes said a new food labelling standard would increase companies' eagerness to put scientists on the payroll.It was up to scientists to declare who was funding them, she said. GOOD EGG, BAD EGG - Two eggs a day provide a quarter of the daily recommended intake of folate and 10 per cent of vitamin E.- Eggs may raise levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol.- Eating four eggs a week could raise the risk of a heart attack by up to 1.5 per cent. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/theres-nothing-rotten-about-eggs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-taxotere-combination-extends-the-lives-of-men-with-advanced-prostate-cancer Vitamin D, Taxotere Combination Extends the Lives of Men with Advanced Prostate CancerSource: www.docguide.comCombination also protects against major chemotherapy side effectsPORTLAND, OR -- November 3, 2005 -- Men with advanced prostate cancer who take an experimental, high-dose vitamin D pill with chemotherapy live about 8 months longer than those receiving chemotherapy and placebo, according to a new study.The pill is DN-101. Designed specifically as a cancer therapy, it is a unique form of calcitriol, a naturally occurring hormone and the biologically active form of vitamin D. Research also shows that DN-101 may protect against major side effects of chemotherapy."When DN-101 is added to chemotherapy, it provides a significant improvement in survival for advanced prostate cancer patients," said Tomasz Beer, MD, national leader of the clinical trial and director of the Prostate Cancer Program in the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Cancer Institute. "DN-101 extends lives and it may also protect against side effects of chemotherapy, providing a kind of one-two punch in cancer therapy."Beer presented results from the AIPC Study of Calcitriol Enhancing Taxotere (ASCENT) on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the 13th annual meeting of the European Cancer Conference (ECCO) in Paris. Christopher Ryan, MD, member of the OHSU Cancer Institute, served as principal investigator at the OHSU study site.ASCENT is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate DN-101 given with docetaxel (Taxotere) for advanced prostate cancer research subjects who are no longer responding to hormonal therapy, a condition known as androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Two hundred and fifty subjects participated in the study at 48 sites between September 2002 and January 2004.The estimated survival of subjects receiving DN-101 with docetaxel is 24.5 months. Those receiving placebo with docetaxel had a median survival of 16.4 months."We have not yet reached an observed median survival in the DN-101 study arm for a very good reason," Dr. Beer said. "More than half of these subjects are still living, which is very good news."Subjects taking DN-101 with docetaxel have a 49% increase in survival. This benefit was statistically significant (p=0.035) with a hazard ratio of 0.67.DN-101 also appears to protect against side effects of chemotherapy. In an exploratory analysis of safety data, researchers found that serious adverse events, primarily those requiring hospitalization, occurred in 28% of subjects taking DN-101 with docetaxel compared to 41% of subjects receiving placebo and docetaxel. This difference was statistically significant. Subjects in the DN-101 study arm experienced fewer gastrointestinal and thromboembolic events."This is both surprising and pleasing," Dr. Beer said. "A cancer treatment that improves survival and decreases toxicity is exceedingly rare."Overall survival was a secondary endpoint. ASCENT's primary endpoint was a 50% or more reduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein made only by prostate cells. Certain prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, are associated with high levels of PSA in the blood.Overall PSA responses occurred more frequently in subjects receiving DN-101 plus docetaxel (63%) versus docetaxel alone (52%). While the difference between the two arms did not reach statistical significance (p=0.07), the combination results represent an historically strong PSA response."During the past year, new work done by colleagues in the field has shown that only about half of survival can be explained by changes in PSA," Dr. Beer said. "Though PSA remains important, it has turned out to be a middle-of-the-road predictor of survival."DN-101 works by producing much higher blood levels of calcitriol than the body can produce from dietary vitamin D or vitamin D supplements. In high doses, it enhances many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, producing anti-tumor activity in laboratory and animal models.ASCENT was designed to confirm results from a small, phase II OHSU study led by Dr. Beer that showed dramatic PSA reductions in subjects who took high doses of calcitriol with chemotherapy. In the phase II study, subjects were taking as many as several hundred pills within a few hours to achieve the right concentration of calcitriol. Beer and former OHSU faculty member W. David Henner, MD, invented a technology to develop a highly concentrated form of the vitamin.OHSU licensed this technology to Novacea Inc., the company formed to develop DN-101. Henner, a former OHSU faculty member, has since joined Novacea to play a key role in the development of the drug. ASCENT was sponsored by Novacea, maker of DN-101, with support from Sanofi-Aventis, maker of Taxotere.Based on ASCENT results, Novacea plans to begin a phase III clinical trial in early 2006.Dr. Beer and OHSU have a significant financial interest in Novacea, a company that may have a commercial interest in the results of this research and technology. This potential conflict was reviewed and a management plan approved by the OHSU Conflict of Interest in Research Committee, and the Integrity Program Oversight Council was implemented.[ASCENT: A double-blinded randomized study of DN-101 (high-dose calcitriol) plus docetaxel vs. placebo plus docetaxel in androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Abstract 811] SOURCE: Oregon Health & Science University Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-taxotere-combination-extends-the-lives-of-men-with-advanced-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/praise-for-jamie-diet PRAISE FOR JAMIE DIETSource: www.mirror.co.ukCHEF Jamie Oliver has been praised for boosting the nation's health after a report claimed 30 million Brits have better diets than a year ago.Nearly two-thirds of adults now exercise, eat fruit and vegetables and eat less junk food according to the National Consumer Council report.Its survey of more than 2,000 adults found women with kids are most likely to make improvements while men over 55 are least inclined to change.Jamie has highlighted the importance of healthy meals such as school dinners. Sue Dibb from the NCC said: "Jamie Oliver's work has really encouraged people to change." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/praise-for-jamie-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetic-recipes-are-good-fit-with-everyones-diet Diabetic recipes are good fit with everyone's dietSource: www.sun-sentinel.comThe news has been filled with frightening statistics on the prevalence of diabetes in our population. It is estimated that 18.2 million Americans now have the disease and of those, 90 percent have Type 2 diabetes, previously known as adult-onset diabetes.In response to that news, chefs and authors have been busy working on a collection of new cookbooks filled with healthful recipes designed for people with diabetes.Perusing these cookbooks, it's apparent that even those who do not have diabetes would do well by following a diabetic diet.The overall diabetic diet is based on eating meals and snacks at regular times, eating a balanced diet, choosing low-fat foods and staying aware of portions, says Roseville dietitian Jeannie Moloo, the national spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association."If a person has diabetes, their food plan does not need to be strict or rigid," says Moloo. "They should be able to continue eating foods they like to eat, but they may need to modify their usual eating pattern."Guidelines for diabetes meal planning include eating meals and snacks at regular times every day, not skipping meals, and eating about the same amount of food each day," she says.For diabetic people, though, keeping track of carbohydrate consumption is important because it can cause blood sugar to go too high, which leads to complications."Carbohydrate counting can be useful for anyone with diabetes, especially if it encourages consistency in carbohydrate intake at meals and snacks," says Moloo. She adds that a typical food plan for an adult with Type 2 Diabetes would include about 3-4 carbohydrate servings (45-60 grams of carbohydrate) at each meal and 1-2 carbohydrate servings (15-30 grams) for one snack.A carbohydrate serving is based on the amount of food that contains 15 grams of carbohydrate. For example, one small piece of fruit, one cup of nonfat milk, one-third cup cooked pasta or one slice of whole grain bread each contains about 15 grams of carbohydrate, says Moloo."It is also important to eat a variety of foods and to try new foods to keep the eating plan interesting," she says.That's where these new cookbooks, at right, come in handy. They are loaded with a variety of interesting recipes, many of which can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. The recipes include a nutritional breakdown as well as the diabetic exchanges for people who follow the American Diabetes Association's exchange plan. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetic-recipes-are-good-fit-with-everyones-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-deficiency-drives-immune-responses-in-plant Vitamin deficiency drives immune responses in plantSource: www.checkbiotech.orgBoth plants and animals are subject to programmed cell death (PCD), a phenomenon which allows a living body to eliminate unneeded cells, and which can allow it to develop the correct morphology, or even respond to environmental stress. PCD is triggered by intrinsic factors or extrinsic defense cues, and is initiated through genetic signals which move cells through a specific suicide program. A plant may also undergo PCD when faced with pathogens, where infected cells die to prevent the spread of a disease. In the latest issue of Plant Physiology, Valeria Pavet, of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, and colleagues demonstrate that “Ascorbic Acid Deficiency Activates Cell Death and Disease Resistance Responses in Arabidopsis.” By studying the Arabidopsis low vitamin C mutants vtc1 and vtc2, researchers found that such low levels of the vitamin retard plant growth and senescence, and may even limit the proliferation of bacteria through the plant. By tracking certain plant molecules known to be involved in senescence, researchers also found that the levels of vitamin C affect how plants arm themselves against pathogens, and in a pathway independent from the natural senescence or cell death programs. Subscribers to Plant Physiology may access the complete article at: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/full/139/3/1291 Other readers may view the abstract at: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/139/3/1291 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-deficiency-drives-immune-responses-in-plant http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarians-should-take-supplements-of-the-omega-3-fatty-acid-dha Vegetarians should take supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHASource: www.nutraingredients.comVegetarians should take supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to reduce their risk of heart disease, says German firm Nutrinova, manufacturer of vegetarian DHA. A study commissioned by the company suggests vegetarians are unlikely to gain a sufficient level of omega-3s from a non-fish diet. Omega-3 fatty acids as well as fish consumption have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease. But people that eat no fish rely on vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as plants rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is converted by the body to DHA but this makes it a less efficient source of the key omega-3 fats and means that vegetarians could be missing out on the fatty acids thought to protect the heart. Nevertheless, producers of algae-derived DHA or fish oils are under pressure from makers of flaxseed oil or other vegetable oils rich in ALA, who offer a cheaper product. And a recent Mintel survey suggests that most companies launching products said to be rich in omega-3 are using vegetable sources to make these claims, rather than the DHA-rich options. The new study investigated how Nutrinova's DHA from microalgae could boost the omega-3 index of vegetarians. The omega-3 index indicates the blood level of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA. A low omega-3 index has recently been described as an indicator for increased risk of coronary heart disease. For the double-blind, randomized, intervention study, the researchers gave 104 healthy vegetarians a DHA supplement (0.94 g DHA) or an olive oil placebo for eight weeks. Although most of the participants reached recommended intakes for essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), none of them reached a recommended omega-3 index of at least 8 per cent, shows the study reported in the August issue of Lipids (vol 40, issue 8, pp807-14). At the end of the study, the omega-3 index increased significantly in the supplement group, with 69 per cent of these subjects reaching an omega-3 index above 8 per cent. None of those in the placebo group attained this level. "This suggests that the in vivo conversion of ALA (as available from plant sources such as flax) to EPA and DHA is not adequate to reach a desirable EPA and DHA status," said Nutrinova in a statement. There was also a significant increase in the EPA level after DHA supplementation, suggesting that the firm's DHA is also suitable for enhancing levels of both fatty acids. "We conclude that an 8-wk supplementation with 0.94g DHA per day from microalgae oil achieves a beneficial omega-3 index of at least 8 per cent in most subjects with low basal EPA + DHA status," write the researchers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarians-should-take-supplements-of-the-omega-3-fatty-acid-dha http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-makes-tumors-light-up-for-removal Vitamin Makes Tumors Light Up for RemovalSource: www.ksl.comA Utah chemist and a surgeon have teamed up to develop a way to make cancer, anywhere in the body, glow! With that kind of illumination, surgeons will be able to see precisely where a tumor begins, where it ends, and how much to remove. Glowing blue tissue causes cancer to be clearly identified. Enhance it with a light, as a surgeon would do, and it glows red. What's really neat about this new development is the stuff that actually makes the tumor glow. It's a derivative of vitamin B-12, very effective in identifying the cancer, but harmless to the patient. Dr. James Grissom, University of Utah Dept. of Chemistry: "All types of cancers need vitamin B-12 to replicate so tumors take up more vitamin B-12 than normal tissue." How much? Compared to the miniscule six micrograms normal cells take in daily, tumors need hundreds of times that amount. So they suck it all in, glowing conspicuously, no longer able to hide from the surgeon's knife. James McGreevy, M.D., University of Utah Surgeon: "We're actually hoping that with this fluorescent, if we can see the edge and go beyond it, that we can ensure that we can get the whole tumor out, regardless of what the tumor is." James McGreevy is a flight surgeon in Iraq, who will soon end his tour there and resume his duties at University Hospital. He and Charles Grissom, a U of U chemist, came up with the glowing compound. Together the two have formed a spinoff company. Combine this vitamin B-12 luminator with the development of instruments that could be used along with conventional laproscopic tools and you've given surgeons a new way to seek out and destroy these cancerous villains. Pending FDA approval, human clinical trials on patients, say with breast cancer, could be just around the corner. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-makes-tumors-light-up-for-removal http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-fish-oil-helpful-but-not-for-cancer Doctors: Fish oil helpful but not for cancerSource: www.bristolpress.com Omega-3 fatty acids are touted as anti-cancer supplements, but an analysis of studies from around the world shows that the fish oil is useless.However, cardiologists still want people to eat salmon and swallow omega-3 capsules because the lipids protect the heart and vascular system from disease."These supplements are good at reducing heart disease risk, so people shouldn’t stop taking them," said Dr. JoAnne Foody, director of cardiovascular education and training at Yale-New Haven Hospital.People who have been gulping the supplements to prevent cancer are inadvertently decreasing their risk of abnormal heart rhythms and high triglyceride blood levels, Foody said.The study is in the Journal of the American Medical Association and was performed by Rand Health of Santa Monica, Calif., which is a unit of the Rand Corp. think tank.Researchers examined 38 articles on 20 studies dating back to 1966 on 11 different types of cancer. The studies employed a range of methodologies, numbers of subjects, and length.Some showed a protective effect, others revealed no relevance to cancer and a few suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of cancer.Taken together, the articles suggest that "dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is unlikely to prevent cancer," the authors wrote. The studies also did not provide evidence of a significant association between omega-3 fatty acids from all sources and cancer incidence.Fatty acids are long chains of carbon linked to hydrogen atoms. The molecules have a water-soluble acid end, called the delta end, and an oil-soluble methyl group of one carbon atoms and three hydrogens at the opposite, or omega end.In certain fatty acids there are three carbons between the omega end and the first double bond between carbon atoms -- hence omega-3.The body cannot produce omega-3 because human metabolism is unable to forge double bonds more than nine carbons from the fatty acid’s delta end.Foody said this biochemistry suggests why omega-3 fatty acids can reduce heart disease. However, there does not seem to be a biological explanation for why omega-3 fatty acids would reduce the incidence of cancers.Salmon is high in omega-3, but most Americans will not eat salmon the necessary three times a week to achieve any cardiac benefit. Omega-3 supplements are useful, but consumers should be aware that the capsules may contain traces of mercury, as do the salmon, Foody said."It’s always best to be on a heart-healthy diet," Foody said, which means reduced fat and sodium. Salmon is the best source of omega-3, although almonds and certain vegetables contain lower amounts.Foody said that people should tell their doctors if they are taking omega-3 supplements. Talking to a doctor before starting any supplement is also a good idea, she said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-fish-oil-helpful-but-not-for-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/british-blackcurrants-may-beat-alzheimers British blackcurrants may beat Alzheimer'sSource: www.foodconsumer.orgResearch news in the Journal of the Science of Food and AgricultureCompounds in blackcurrants could prevent Alzheimer's disease and the characteristics of British berries suggest they do it best, writes Jennifer Rohn in Chemistry & Industry magazine.New research led by Dilip Ghosh of the Horticulture and Food Research Institute in New Zealand, shows that compounds in blackcurrants have a potent protective effect in cultured neuronal cells against the types of stress caused by dopamine and amyloid-b, a peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease. 'These compounds also work in hippocampal cells taken straight from the brain,' researcher James Joseph of Tufts University told Chemistry & Industry. Joseph says that the effect will likely be reproduced in the human body and that blackcurrants could help prevent or significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer's.Blackcurrants and boysenberries, more common in the US, both contain anthocyanins and polyphenolics. British blackcurrants are bred to be darker, which means they have more anthocyanins and are likely to be more potent.Compounds from these berries are already known to act as antioxidants, but a role in neuroprotection has not been demonstrated previously, according to the researchers.The mechanism of action is unclear. But James said: 'We have evidence that the compounds protect against Alzheimer's by influencing the early gene expression in learning and memory, which influences cell signaling pathways that help neuronal cells communicate with each other.'Dilip's team recently demonstrated the potent protective effect of blackcurrant compounds on cultured human promyeloyte and neuroblastoma cells assaulted by hydrogen peroxide (JSFA doi: 10.1002/jsfa.0247).###Article: "Effects of anthocyanins and other phenolics of boysenberry and blackcurrant as inhibitors of oxidative stress and damage to cellular DNA in SY-SY5Y and HY-60 cells" by D. Ghosh et. al JSFA, 10.1002/jsfa.2409.About The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (JSFA) publishes peer-reviewed original research and critical reviews in these areas, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies at the agriculture/food interface. This international journal covers fundamental and applied research.JSFA is an SCI journal, published by John Wiley & Sons, on behalf of the Society of Chemical Industry, and is available in print (ISSN: 0022-5142) and online (ISSN: 1097-0010) via Wiley InterScience http://www.interscience.wiley.comFor further information about the journal go to http://interscience.wiley.com/jsfaAbout SCI SCI is a unique international forum where science meets business on independent, impartial ground. Anyone can join, and the Society offers a chance to share information between sectors as diverse as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science and safety. As well as publishing new research and running events, SCI has a growing database of member specialists who can give background information on a wide range of scientific issues. Originally established in 1881, SCI is a registered charity with members in over 70 countries.Contact: Amy Molnar amolnar@wiley.com 201-748-8844 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.--------------------------------- Background of blackcurrants From wikipedia.orgThe blackcurrant is a temperate shrub which produces small edible berries with a high natural vitamin C content, which are very dark purple/blue in colour—almost black—hence the name. Like the other true currants (not to be confused with the Zante currant, a type of grape which is often dried), it is classified in the genus Ribes.Blackcurrants have a slightly bitter taste. They are made into jelly, jam, ice cream, cordial and liqueur. In the UK, Europe and Commonwealth countries, some types of confectionery include a blackcurrant flavour, but this is generally missing in the United States, even within the same brand.In the USA, grape flavour in candy (including grape jelly) almost mirrors the use of blackcurrant in both its ubiquity there, and its rarity on the opposing side of the Atlantic.In UK bars, the blackcurrant cordial is referred to simply as "black", as in "vodka and black", "snakebite and black", "Pernod and black", or "black and lemonade". In North America, blackcurrant cordial is more commonly known as crème de cassis whilst in Britain and France crème de cassis is an alcoholic blackcurrant liqueur, used for making the popular apéritif Kir; the city of Dijon in France particularly known for this liqueur. In the Netherlands, cassis is a popular, red-coloured, soft drink with a blackcurrant flavour.When not in fruit, the aspect of the plant is very similar to the redcurrant; however, there is a way to distinguish them. The leaves and stems of the blackcurrant have a strong odour reminiscent of cat's urine.Blackcurrants are a rich source of vitamin C. During World War II other fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, became almost impossible to obtain in the United Kingdom. Blackcurrant cultivation was encouraged by the Government and the yield of the nation's crop increased significantly. From 1942 almost the entire British blackcurrant crop was made into blackcurrant syrup (or cordial) and distributed to the nation's children for free, giving rise to the lasting popularity of blackcurrant flavourings in Britain.In Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, a blackcurrant cordial under the brand name of Ribena (from the genus name) is principally marketed as a 'healthy' (if extremely sweet) drink for children.Blackcurrant seed oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a very rare essential fatty acid.Blackcurrants are rare in the United States because, in the early 1900s, currant farming was banned due to its ability to spread disease among white pines which threatened the then-booming lumber industry. Currant growing is now making a comeback in the United States; however, the fruit is not well-known and so has not reached the popularity that it has seen in Europe.Studies have also shown concentrated blackcurrant to be an effective Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (Bormann, et al. 1993.) 50 grams of 5.5X concentrate was found to inhibit 92% of the Monoamine oxidase enzymes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/british-blackcurrants-may-beat-alzheimers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/theres-something-fishy-about-human-brain-evolution There's something fishy about human brain evolutionSource: www.eurekalert.orgForget the textbook story about tool use and language sparking the dramatic evolutionary growth of the human brain. Instead, imagine ancient hominid children chasing frogs. Not for fun, but for food.According to Dr. Stephen Cunnane it was a rich and secure shore-based diet that fuelled and provided the essential nutrients to make our brains what they are today. Controversially, according to Dr. Cunnane our initial brain boost didn't happen by adaptation, but by exaptation, or chance."Anthropologists and evolutionary biologists usually point to things like the rise of language and tool making to explain the massive expansion of early hominid brains. But this is a Catch-22. Something had to start the process of brain expansion and I think it was early humans eating clams, frogs, bird eggs and fish from shoreline environments. This is what created the necessary physiological conditions for explosive brain growth," says Dr. Cunnane, a metabolic physiologist at the University of Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, Quebec.The evolutionary growth in hominid brain size remains a mystery and a major point of contention among anthropologists. Our brains weigh roughly twice as much as our similarly sized earliest human relative, Homo habilis two million years ago. The big question is which came first – the bigger brain or the social, linguistic and tool-making skills we associate with it?But, Dr. Cunnane argues that most anthropologists are ignorant or dismissive of the key missing link to help answer this question: the metabolic constraints that are critical for healthy human brain development today, and for its evolution.Human brains aren't just comparatively big, they're hungry. The average newborn's brain consumes an amazing 75-per cent of an infant's daily energy needs. According to Dr. Cunnane, to fuel this neural demand, human babies are born with a built-in energy reservoir – that cute baby fat. Human infants are the only primate babies born with excess fat. It accounts for about 14 per cent of their birth weight, similar to that of their brains.It's this baby fat, says Dr. Cunnane, that provided the physiological winning conditions for hominids' evolutionary brain expansion. And how were hominid babies able to pack on the extra pounds? According to Cunnane their moms were dining on shoreline delicacies like clams and catfish."The shores gave us food security and higher nutrient density. My hypothesis is that to permit the brain to start to increase in size, the fittest early humans were those with the fattest infants," says Dr. Cunnane, author of the book Survival of the Fattest, published in 2005.Unlike the prehistoric savannahs or forests, argues Dr. Cunnane, ancient shoreline environments provided a year-round, accessible and rich food supply. Such an environment was found in the wetlands and river and lake shorelines that dominated east Africa's prehistoric Rift Valley in which early humans evolved.Dr. Cunnane points to the table scrap fossil evidence collected by his symposium co-organizer Dr. Kathy Stewart from the Canadian Museum of Nature, in Ottawa. Her study of fossil material excavated from numerous Homo habilis sites in eastern Africa revealed a bevy of chewed fish bones, particularly catfish.More than just filling the larder, shorelines provided essential brain boosting nutrients and minerals that launched Homo sapiens brains past their primate peers, says Dr. Cunnane, the Canada Research Chair in Brain Metabolism and Aging.Brain development and function requires ample supplies of a particular polyunsaturated fatty acid: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is critical to proper neuron function. Human baby fat provides both an energy source for the rapidly growing infant grey matter, and also, says Dr. Cunnane, a greater concentration of DHA per pound than at any other time in life.Aquatic foods are also rich in iodine, a key brain nutrient. Iodine is present in much lower amounts from terrestrial food sources such as mammals and plants.It was this combination of abundant shoreline food and the "brain selective nutrients" that sparked the growth of the human brain, he says."Initially there wasn't selection for a larger brain," argues Dr. Cunnane. "The genetic possibility was there, but it remained silent until it was catalyzed by this shore-based diet."Dr. Cunnane acknowledges that for the past 20 years he's been swimming upstream when it comes to convincing anthropologists of his position, especially that initial hominid brain expansion happened by chance rather than adaptation.But, he says, the evidence of the importance of key shoreline nutrients to brain development is still with us – painfully so. Iodine deficiency is the world's leading nutrient deficiency. It affects more than a 1.5 billion people, mostly in inland areas, and causes sub-optimal brain function. Iodine is legally required to be added to salt in more than 100 countries.Says Dr. Cunnane: "We've created an artificial shore-based food supply in our salt." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/theres-something-fishy-about-human-brain-evolution http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-slow-prostate-cancer Vitamin D May slow prostate cancerSource: www.mydna.comEvidence from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) in New York reveals that vitamin D may stop the progression - or possibly even destroy - prostate cancer cells."Vitamin D significantly limits the ability of prostate cancer cells to invade healthy cells," said Yi-Fen Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of urology at URMC. "We put prostate cancer cells in a test tube, then added vitamin D. Essentially, it kept the cancerous cells from spreading.""Vitamin D does this because it keeps prostate cancer cells from growing, so it can keep cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. This is very promising because prostate cancer can migrate to the lymph nodes and then to the bones. Prostate cancer, in particular, likes to go to bones, making it more serious and causing patients a lot of pain," Lee noted.Lee's most recent research proves that the vitamin can stop prostate cancer tumors from getting larger."We found that vitamin D inhibits angiogenesis, which is the forming of new blood vessels inside a tumor. Tumors need blood and nutrition to grow bigger and bigger, so if you can block more blood vessels from forming, you can basically stop the tumor from growing," she said.The link between the vitamin and cancer has been studied by researchers for quite a while."We've known for awhile that men who have less vitamin D in their blood are at higher risk for prostate cancer," Lee said.For the clinical trials, researchers gave high doses of the vitamin in pill form. Lee stressed the importance of having patients speak with their doctors - before popping any pills - because high doses of vitamin D can also disrupt calcium absorption.For this reason, scientists are still working on finding safe ways to administer high doses of vitamin D without causing consequent side effects.Men can still meet their needs for vitamin D through daily exposure to sunlight. Research has shown that lighter-skinned men in Southern states have a lower incidence of prostate cancer than men who live in colder climates or have darker skin because they get less vitamin D from the sun.To get adequate amounts of vitamin D, experts recommend 20 minutes of sun exposure each day without the use of sunscreen. But it is also found in vegetables like spinach and broccoli and in vitamin supplements, and is added to fortified milk and cereals.Getting vitamin D from food is important, doctors say, but exposure to sunlight is key to stimulating production of the vitamin into a form our bodies can use.Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D at all times is important for the prevention of prostate cancer, especially for men at higher risk for the disease. This includes African-Americans and those with a family history of it."It is our hope that in the future, doctors will be able to combine vitamin D therapy with other traditional cancer treatments like radiation. We just need to find a safe method of delivering it," Lee said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-slow-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-and-what-type-of-omega-3-fatty-acid-is-correct- How much and what type of omega-3 fatty acid is correct?Source: www.fortwayne.comQ: I'm thinking of taking omega-3 fatty acids (as in fish oil) to reduce my cholesterol. How large a dose can be safely taken and what are the side effects? Also, are omega-3-6 fatty acids something different?A: Fish oil supplements contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.Fish oils from supplements or dietary sources can reduce triglycerides by 20-50 percent, as well as provide other heart-healthy benefits.Studies have used triglycerides-lowering doses of 1 to 4 grams (1,000 mg to 4,000 mg) daily.You mentioned cholesterol, but fish oil has little effect on LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), other than perhaps pushing it up a bit if you have high triglycerides to begin with, though this effect seems to be temporary.A possible benefit is that long-term intake of fish oil might nudge up your HDL cholesterol (the good kind).Fish oil supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated at doses of 3 grams or less daily.Nausea, heartburn, or loose stools occasionally occur. Taking the capsules with meals may help.There's some concern that fish oil at higher doses (e.g., more than 3 grams daily) might blunt the immune response. That could be a problem for elderly individuals and those with suppressed immune function related to medications or diseases such as HIV infection.Doses greater than 3 grams daily can thin the blood. Combining fish oil supplements with other blood-thinning drugs or supplements merits caution due to the potential risk of excessive bleeding.Such drugs include aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), and warfarin (Coumadin).Supplements include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, turmeric, willow, flaxseed oil, phosphatidylserine, policosanol, and high-dose vitamin E.One sign of abnormal bleeding is unusual bruising. Other signs are nosebleeds, coughed up blood that resembles coffee grounds, and black or tarry stools.As to your other question: "Omega-3-6" fatty acids likely refers to flaxseed oil supplements, which contain both an omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid) and an omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid).The body can convert the omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed oil to EPA and DHA (as in fish oil) in limited amounts.Keep in mind that flaxseed oil does not appear to lower triglycerides, so it's not a substitute for fish oil in this respect. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-and-what-type-of-omega-3-fatty-acid-is-correct- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hot-chilli-peppers-a-remedy-for-prostate-cancer-a-study-claims Hot chilli peppers a remedy for prostate cancer a study claimsSource: www.enjoyfrance.comThe ingredient in jalapeno peppers, which makes them hot also destroys prostate cancer cells, according to a study.Tests showed that capsaicin in the peppers triggered 80% of the cells to start to die.The US research in the journal Cancer Research also found tumours treated with capsaicin diminished and capsaicin was also found to reduce the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by cancer cells.UK prostate experts agreed that capsaicin could be the basis for a future drug but they cautioned against eating too many hot peppers because of a link with stomach cancer.In the study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre mice genetically modified to have human prostate cancer cells were investigated.The animals were given a dose of pepper extract that would be equal a man of 200 pounds (90.7kg) taking 400 milligrams of capsaicin three times weekly.This would be the equivalent of having between three and eight fresh habanera peppers, which are the highest rated peppers for capsicum content.Dr Soren Lehmann, who led the research, said: "Capsaicin had a profound anti-proliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells in culture."It also dramatically slowed the development of prostate tumours."Chris Hiley, head of policy and research at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "This is interesting laboratory-based work on cells but we don't yet know how, if at all, it might help men with prostate cancer."Eventually, it may be possible to extract the capsaicin and make it available as a drug treatment," he added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hot-chilli-peppers-a-remedy-for-prostate-cancer-a-study-claims http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/genetic-therapy-for-a-troubled-sex-life Genetic therapy for a troubled sex lifeSource: www.timesonline.co.ukA NEW form of gene therapy could be used to treat impotence in diabetic men. Research in the US has shown that replacing a faulty gene in rats with the equivalent of diabetes can improve their erectile function, suggesting that a similar approach might be useful in diabetic men. About 70 per cent of diabetic men suffer from impotence at some point, and about half of them do not respond well to standard drug treatments such as Viagra. An effective gene therapy could be given as an injection, which might last about a month. In the study, a team led by Jesse Mills, of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre, in Denver, first induced diabetes-like symptoms in male rats, which developed erection problems as a result. The researchers then injected the animals’ penises with extra copies of a gene involved in the growth of a key signalling chemical that is important to erections. Diabetic rats that were given the gene therapy showed a significant increase in erectile pressure, compared with control animals. Dr Mills is now planning to conduct human trials of the technique, which he hopes will be ready for treating patients within five years. Dr Mills told the American Society for Reproductive Medicine conference that the gene therapy coupled with Viagra could restore 92 to 93 per cent of erectile function. He said: “We envision that diabetic men will be able to visit the clinic for an injection and for a month after they’ll be ready to go.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/genetic-therapy-for-a-troubled-sex-life http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/victoria-beckham-says-shes-thin-from-diet-not-disorder Victoria Beckham Says She's Thin From Diet, Not DisorderSource: www.andpop.com Former Spice Girl Victoria "Posh" Beckham says she's thin because of her diet, not because of an eating disorder.The super skinny wife of English soccer stud David Beckham insists she isn't suffering from a disorder like many other thin Hollywood starlets are."I eat really healthy, I love Japanese food, lots of fish, any sort of fish, any sort of vegetable, lots of fruit, that kind of thing," said Beckham during an appearance recently on a BBC Radio program."I think there's a big difference between someone having an eating disorder and someone who is controlled about what they eat. There's a big difference, and every now and then of course I go out and eat what I like. But I do try to be quite disciplined in the way that I eat." After taking heat for her thin appearance, friends have gone to People magazine to say she "eats healthily" – yet, "she doesn't exercise at all." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/victoria-beckham-says-shes-thin-from-diet-not-disorder http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-and-vitamin-b12-enhance-cognitive-function-among-seniors Folate and vitamin B12 enhance cognitive function among seniorsSource: www.dailyindia.comA new epidemiological study has revealed that Folate and vitamin B12, two important nutrients for the development of healthy nerves and blood cells, may work together to protect cognitive function among seniors. The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (USDA HNRCA) have stated that they found a connection between good cognitive function and high folate status."We found a strong relationship between high folate status and good cognitive function among people 60 and older who also had adequate levels of vitamin B12," Martha Savaria Morris, PhD, epidemiologist at the USDA HNRCA.Morris explained that people with normal vitamin B12 status performed better if their serum folate was high."But for people with low vitamin B12 status, high serum folate was associated with poor performance on the cognitive test, " Morris said.Seniors with low vitamin B12 status and high serum folate were also significantly more likely than seniors in other categories to have anemia, a condition caused by reduced amounts of hemoglobin in oxygen-carrying red blood cells, or by a deficiency in the number or volume of such cells. "For seniors, low vitamin B12 status and high serum folate was the worst combination," says Morris. "Specifically, anemia and cognitive impairment were observed nearly five times as often for people with this combination than among people with normal vitamin B12 and normal folate." Vitamin B12 deficiency, which affects many seniors due to age-related decreases in absorption, can impact the production of DNA needed for new cells, as well as neurological function.Vitamin B12 is normally consumed in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and folate is found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and beans. Although folate occurs naturally in many foods, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998 required that all enriched cereal-grain products be fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, in order to help prevent birth defects in infants.Morris notes that the study's results are inconsistent with the idea that high folate status delays detection of vitamin B12 by masking one of its key signs: anemia. "When folate fortification was considered, opponents raised the possibility that because more folate might mask anemia, many cases of vitamin B12 deficiency would go undetected, causing people with the condition to suffer neuropsychiatric consequences, " she said."But in our study, the people with low vitamin B12 who also had high serum folate were more likely to exhibit anemia and cognitive impairment than subjects with low vitamin B12 status and normal serum folate. So although having high serum folate had an impact on cognitive function in our study, it did not cure anemia, as opponents of food fortification have suggested, " she added.According to senior author Jacob Selhub, PhD, director of the Vitamin Metabolism Laboratory at the USDA HNRCA and professor at the Friedman School, the findings support the often-expressed idea that many seniors would benefit from more folate, but the research shows that we must look at the effects this would have on seniors with age-related vitamin B12 deficiency, who may be more numerous than once realized.There are also indications that too much folic acid and too little B12 is a general phenomenon that affects other systems in the body, and might be a factor in some other diseases.As with any epidemiological study, Morris cautions that the results show association and not causation. She also notes that because the study only measured levels of total folate in the blood, it is uncertain whether the results were due to unmetabolized folic acid in the body. "We encourage further studies of these relationships and their underlying mechanisms. We hope our findings both inform the continuing debate about folic acid fortification and influence future efforts to detect and treat low vitamin B12 status among seniors," the authors wrote.The study is published in the January 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-and-vitamin-b12-enhance-cognitive-function-among-seniors http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-could-help-in-curbing-cancer Vitamin C Could Help in Curbing CancerSource: www.medindia.net New Zealand researchers claimed Friday that vitamin C was vital for good health and could even help beat cancer by making chemotherapy treatment more effective. Dr Margret Vissers, from Otago University's Free Radical Research Group, said laboratory experiments showed for the first time that vitamin C was a vital part of healthy living and not just a health supplement to be taken when people had a cold. "I've found that vitamin C is absolutely fundamental in controlling many cell activities, cell death and the growth of cancer cells in tumors," she said. "Without it our cells don't work properly. "Without it you're in big trouble, and with low levels you're not healthy." Vissers said that ever since the voyages of British explorer Captain James Cook, who kept his crew relatively free of the disease scurvy with citrus fruit, in the late 18th century, the importance of fruit and vegetables for the body's health had been recognized. But no one had determined the processes in the body, which made the active ingredient vitamin C so important. Vissers said a series of experiments had shown that vitamin C played a key role in all healthy cells and had a major function in controlling cell activity throughout the body. She said it was not a cure for cancer, but the research showed that when vitamin C was low or absent in the body, cancer cells in tumors could make more blood vessels grow well and resist chemotherapy. Diet Related News Eat Fruits- Keep Diseases at Bay Garlic Plus Vitamin C may Reduce Blood Pressure Salt Consumption Needs To Drop Further Vitamin C Could Help in Curbing Cancer Americans Consume Very Little Of Vegetables And Fruits Read More Post Your Comment Here * Name * Comment * Your comment can be maximum of 1000 characters * Email * Country Select Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Coco (Keeling Islands) Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Island (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France (Metropolitan) French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea (North) Korea (South) Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda S. Georgia and S. Sandwich Isls Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay US Minor Outlying Islands Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City State (Holy See) Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Island (British) Virgin Island (US) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-could-help-in-curbing-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-nutrition-to-age-well Good nutrition to age wellSource: thestar.com.myFood is key to providing the nutrients that fuel life. FROM preconception to death, people have special nutritional requirements to assure health and growth. These requirements are translated into food choices and dietary patterns that incorporate current knowledge of nutrition’s role in health and disease, and reflect a person’s individual culture and genetic heritage. Good nutrition in all stages of life can have a positive impact on ageing. For example, the earlier you start saving, the larger will your reserves be when you retire. Another good example is when you purchase a new car and follow the maintenance compliance and drive with care – your car will last longer. It is important that we adhere to some practical guidelines to help us maintain our body throughout our life so that we age gracefully. Eat a variety of food in balance and moderation Remember there is no such thing as good or bad food, only bad eating habits. All food can fit into your eating plan. Foods contain combinations of nutrients and other healthful substances. No single food can supply all nutrients in the amounts you need. For example, oranges provide vitamin C, but no vitamin B12; cheese provides vitamin B12, but no vitamin C. The mineral iron is an essential part of haemoglobin that carries oxygen for blood to work efficiently. Besides this, iron is required for normal function of the immune system. Iron from animal products is presented as haem iron whole plant-based iron is known as non-haem iron. Haem iron is better absorbed by the body, and to enhance non-haem absorption, vitamin C is required. Calcium, along with vitamin D, is critical at all ages to maintain healthy bones. Adequate calcium can be obtained from foods such as low fat milk, cheese and other dairy products. You may consult your doctor or dietitian on calcium supplements. Increasing older adults’ intake of dietary calcium to at least 1,200mg/day and vitamin D intake to at least the recommended levels (10µg/day for 51–70 year olds and 15mg/day for adults more than 70 years old) lower their risk of bone mineral loss and osteoporotic fractures. Balance food intake with physical activity If you are sedentary, try to become more active. If you are already very active, try to continue the same level of activity as you age. More physical activity is better than less, and any is better than none. If your weight is not in the healthy range, try to reduce health risks through better eating and exercise habits. Take steps to keep your weight within the healthy range (neither too high nor too low) Choose foods low in fat, saturated fats and cholesterol. Eat a variety of foods that are low in calories, fat and high in nutrients – check the nutrition facts label. Eat smaller portions and limit second helpings of foods high in fat and calories. Choose low fat milk products, lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, and peas to get essential nutrients without substantially increasing calorie and saturated fat intakes. Choose a diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits and whole grain products. Eat more grain products (breads, cereals, pasta, and rice), vegetables, and fruits. Eat dry beans, lentils, and peas more often. Increase your fibre intake by eating more of a variety of whole grains, whole-grain products, dry beans, fibre-rich vegetables and fruits such as carrots, corn, lady fingers, long beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, papaya, watermelon, pears and pears. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and provide many essential nutrients and other food components important for health. These foods are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin B6, carotenoids, including those that form vitamin A and folate. Choose a diet moderate in sugar and salt Sugars are carbohydrates. Dietary carbohydrates also include the complex carbohydrates starch and fibre. During digestion all carbohydrates except fibre break down into sugars. Sugars and starches occur naturally in many foods that also supply other nutrients. Examples of these foods include milk, fruits, some vegetables, breads, cereals, and grains. For flavour, go slow on salt Sodium and sodium chloride known commonly as salt – occur naturally in foods, usually in small amounts. Salt and other sodium-containing ingredients are often used in food processing. Some people add salt and salty sauces, such as soy sauce, to their food at the table, but most dietary sodium or salt comes from foods to which salt has already been added during processing or preparation. Fresh fruits and vegetables have very little sodium. Read the nutrition facts label to compare and help identify foods lower in sodium within each group. Use herbs and spices to flavour food. Try to choose forms of foods that you frequently consume that are lower in sodium and salt. It’s a matter of educating your taste buds. In conclusion, it is important that you build up your nutrition from childhood to reap the benefits when you are an older adult. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-nutrition-to-age-well http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coriander-indigestion Coriander & IndigestionCorriander is an effective remedy for wind and indigestion and is also known to have and aphrodisiac effect. Corriander contains coriandrol and psoralen Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coriander-indigestion http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/parsely-fluid-retention Parsely & Fluid retentionParsley is one of the best herbs around for dealing with fluid retention. It is also good for loosening chesty coughs. Used by the Ancient Greeks as a cleanser and detoxifier. Parsley is rich in vitamins, iron and carotenoids and like nutmeg contains myristiein the mood enhancing substance. Parsley helps reduce swollen breasts, fingers and ankles commonly identified with the symptoms of PMT. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/parsely-fluid-retention http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mint-and-headaches Mint and HeadachesThe principle components of mint are menthol and menthone and are best of all remedies for digestive problems. It is also said that an ice-cold mint tea compress on the forehead can relieve headaches and migraine. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mint-and-headaches http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-vitex-angnus-castus Menopause & Vitex Angnus-CastusSource: Jean Williams, You MagazineVitex Agnus-Castus is prescribed for heavy periods, bloating, hot flushes, headaches and breast tenderness it is said to have a claming effect. This herb helps balance hormones by acting on the pituitary gland. This herb should be taken daily in tinctures until symptoms improve. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-vitex-angnus-castus http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-dong-quai Menopause & Dong QuaiSource: Jean Williams, You MagazineStudies have shown this herb is useful in gynaecological problems; these include heavy bleeding, and painful periods. It is a strong painkiller with a tranquillising action. Dong Quai is a Chinese tonic herb and should be taken daily in tinctures until symptoms improve. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-dong-quai http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anger-bach-flowers Anger & Bach FlowersSource: Lucy Shakeshaft, Daily MailIf you fear loss of control, excessive reactions, irritablility or impatience why not try this remedy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anger-bach-flowers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/insomnia-valerian Insomnia & ValerianSource: Lucy Shakeshaft, Daily MailA traditional herbal remedy take in tincture form. One teaspoon half an hour before bedtime. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/insomnia-valerian http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sight-enhancer-lutein Sight Enhancer & LuteinNew medical research indicates that lutein is one of the most powerful protectors of eye health. Concentrated in the retina, it appears to reduce the risk of eye disorders such as gloucoma and cataracts. It also protects the fragile back of the eye from harmful blue light. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sight-enhancer-lutein http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stress-l-tyrosine Stress & L-TyrosineIf you suffer chronic fatigue or you are under extreme pressure, tyrosine could be the answer. Tyrosine is an amino acid and is found in dairy products and white meat. It is available in tablet form and plays an important role in ensuring our nervous system runs properly Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stress-l-tyrosine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/could-a-copper-patch-cure-my-arthritis- Could a Copper patch cure my Arthritis?Source: John Biffa, The Daily MailI heard something on TV today about some kind of copper patch that helps with rheumatoid arthritis. Can you throw any light on the subject please? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------John says... Copper is a nutrient which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties in the body. The theory is that the absorption of copper from a bracelet or something similar may reduce the symptoms of arthritis. In a study published in 1976, researchers compared individuals wearing copper bracelets with those wearing identical looking copper-coloured bracelets made of aluminium. By measuring the weight of the copper bracelet before and after the study, the researchers found that an average of 13mg of copper had been lost from the bracelet in a month (believed to have been absorbed through the skin). What is more, those wearing the real copper bracelet reported less arthritic symptoms compared to those wearing the mock aluminium variety. It seems as though copper bracelets may indeed be effective in helping control the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/could-a-copper-patch-cure-my-arthritis- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-the-symptoms-of-chlamydia- What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?Chlamydia is now the most common sexually transmitted infection in most developed countries. Sometimes infection stays limited to the cervix, but in others the infection goes up to the uterus and fallopian tubes. The common symptoms include an altered, or smelly, vaginal discharge, and where the infection is more severe there might be an aching pain in the pelvis, tenderness over the lower abdomen, pain on intercourse, irregular bleeding, or a temperature and systemic illness. When these more severe symptoms are present it is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID. Although there are other infections that can cause PID, chlamydia is the most common. Less than half of chlamydia infections actually cause symptoms, however, and silent infection is very common. Chlamydia is more common in sexually active young women under the age of 25, and if you are not using condoms. Women who use the Pill are about twice as likely to get chlamydia, but less likely to get PID with all its symptoms. In the long-term, chlamydia infection is responsible for a significant proportion of infertility due to the damage the it does to the fallopian tubes. The greatest risk is when a woman has severe or multiple episodes of PID. The chance of having a pregnancy in the tubes - an ectopic pregnancy - is also increased after chlamydia infection. Treatment is by a course of antibiotics, however for moderate or severe PID, it may mean a short stay in hospital. A very important aspect is screening and treatment of your partner, otherwise re-infection will occur. Only around half of men with the infection will get symptoms, which are usually a discharge and stinging on passing urine. Prevention is by using condoms. Since chlamydia is so common now, it is important not to think that you will be judged or assumed to be promiscuous if you are diagnosed with it - you only need to have sex once to catch it. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-the-symptoms-of-chlamydia- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-an-alternative-cure-for-cold-sores- Is there an alternative cure for Cold Sores?Source: Dr John Briffa, The Daily MailHello Dr Briffa, I wonder if you can help me with an annoying health problem. I suffer from cold sores - particularly at this time of year. Is there any alternative method for preventing outbreaks of cold sores? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------John says... Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once it has infected the body, the virus lies dormant, but may reactivate and cause a cold sore at any time, especially when the immune system is weak or run-down. Cold sores typically last for seven to ten days, are unsightly, and can cause considerable discomfort. Fortunately, there is much you can do to prevent and treat attacks. The HSV virus needs an amino acid called arginine to multiply in the body. Arginine is found in high concentration in nuts especially peanuts and cashews and chocolate, and many individuals report that eating these foods can bring on a flare-up of symptoms. Avoiding these foods, especially at the first sign of an attack, is likely to help prevent problems. While arginine encourages growth of the HSV, another amino acid, lysine, actually inhibits it. Studies show that lysine can reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore attacks. Take 500 mg per day, and increase this to 1g, two to three times a day during an acute attack. To this regime I would also add vitamin C and bioflavonoids, a combination of which has also been found to help in the treatment of cold sores. Take 1g of vitamin C and 500mg of biofavonoids each day, increasing to a twice or three times daily dose during an attack. Finally, for topical relief I recommend vitamin E. Take a soft gelatine vitamin E capsule and soak a small piece of tissue with its contents. Apply this to the cold sore for a full fifteen minutes. Do this twice during the day. Quite often, this approach can resolve a cold sore within a day or two. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-an-alternative-cure-for-cold-sores- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-a-natural-way-to-improve-eyesight- Is there a natural way to improve Eyesight?Source: Dr John Briffa, The Daily MailI am writing on behalf of my 76-year-old mother. Are there any alternative health products to slow down her failing eyesight caused by macular degeneration? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------John says... Light from the outside world is focused onto a structure at the back of the eye called the retina. The central part of the retina - known as the macula - is crucial for vision. In some individuals the macula gradually deteriorates leading to visual problems. This condition is called macular degeneration and approximately a quarter of individuals over the age of 65 have at least the beginnings of this disease. Macular degeneration is triggered by damaging, destructive molecules called free radicals. In the body, free radicals are neutralised by substances called anti-oxidants such as the nutrient beta-carotene. One study showed that eating beta-carotene rich foods such as red and orange peppers, apricots, cantaloupe melon, kale and spinach helped reduce risk of macular degeneration. Other nutrients that have been found to help slow degeneration of the macula include lutein (a good source of which is spinach), and zinc. I recommend that you take a supplement called Ocu-Plus. This contains all the above nutrients along with some others such as bilberry that are known to have beneficial properties for the eyes. This is only anecdotal evidence I know, but I have seen several patients who report that taking this supplement has significantly slowed visual deterioration due to macular degeneration. Ocu-Plus can be obtained from Panacea on 020 8795 3730. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-a-natural-way-to-improve-eyesight- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/most-herbs-for-menopause-lack-punch-study-casts-doubt-on-popular-treatment-alternatives Most herbs for menopause lack punch Study casts doubt on popular treatment alternativesSource: Associated PressALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS for hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other menopause symptoms have gotten additional attention since July, when researchers found evidence linking estrogen-progestin hormone supplements with breast cancer and heart disease. Researchers at Columbia University and George Washington University examined the results of 29 independent studies on alternative treatments for hot flashes and found that only the herb black cohosh appeared to work. Three of four trials found the herb had a benefit, according to the review in Tuesday’s issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family, is among the most popular of alternative treatments for menopause. Most clinical studies involved a concentrated brand called Remifemin, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Other popular herbal treatments, including ginseng, red clover, dong quai and oil of evening primrose, were found to have no discernible effect on such symptoms as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness and other ills blamed on menopause. Researchers said studies have also found few documented benefits from acupuncture, vitamin E, relaxation techniques and progesterone creams. The study said a few alternative treatments showed promise. Women who ate soybean dietary supplements reported hot flashes that were less intense, though in many cases the benefits disappeared after a few weeks. Study authors Fredi Kronenberg and Adriane Fugh-Berman noted, however, that most of the trials examining the benefits of alternative treatments were small and inconclusive. Few looked at the benefits or harm of using herbal remedies for many months or years. “Product advertising hype far exceeds scientific knowledge,” they wrote. Dr. Margery Gass, director of the University Hospital Menopause and Osteoporosis Center in Cincinnati and president of the North American Menopause Society, said the review points to a need for further study. “We’re seeing pharmaceutical companies get interested in these products. We are seeing the government get interested,” she said. “It would be wonderful if we could see some bigger clinical trials before people start spending millions of dollars on nontraditional therapies.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/most-herbs-for-menopause-lack-punch-study-casts-doubt-on-popular-treatment-alternatives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-vitamin-e-can-thin-blood Antioxidant vitamin E can thin bloodSource: Salem Statesman Journal Susan TomVitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cell walls and other structures from damage. At high levels, it can have blood-thinning effects, decreasing the tendency for blood to clot.But there is no research supporting the assumption that vitamin E supplements protect against heart disease and cancer or provide other heart-health benefits, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. While it is important for preventative health, the jury is out on whether we need amounts beyond what we get from a balanced, mostly plant-based diet. If you have surgery planned, talk with your physician about discontinuing it before the procedure. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-vitamin-e-can-thin-blood http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oj-loses-vitamin-c-punch OJ loses Vitamin C punchSource: Arizona State University studyOrange juice loses much of its vitamin C zing the longer it sits in your refrigerator, new research suggests. According to an Arizona State University study, the closer a carton of orange juice gets to its expiration date, the less vitamin C it contains. How much less, depends on the container.Over a period of 30 days, researchers periodically tested brands with screw-on caps, brands in milk-carton style containers, and orange juice made from frozen concentrate. At all points, the frozen variety had the most vitamin C, while the juice in the carton had the least.But as the days passed, the level of the nutrient kept falling in all three brands. For example, orange juice made from a fresh batch of frozen concentrate has 65 milligrams of vitamin C per 165 gram serving. Researchers found that after two weeks this fell to 45 milligrams, and to 36 milligrams after four weeks. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oj-loses-vitamin-c-punch http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-pharmacy Herbal PharmacySource: Bt Elisa Kronish Ski LifeWhen freeskiing national champion Cat Smiley paused for an off-mountain minute to consider the herbs she uses to energize her body for skiing every day, she quickly came up with eight of them. "I didn’t realize how many herbs I was taking daily to help my ski performance," she says. And she’s not alone. Despite the reluctance of many Western physicians to acknowledge the benefits of herbs, they are gaining clout—and market share, to the tune of about $4 billion per year. But this steep growth in herbal options can be overwhelming for the natural newbie. And to further complicate matters, federal regulations on herbs are loose. In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration threatened to reclassify herbs from "food" to "drug," which would have required an intense approval process for each product. Instead, it passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which attempts to balance the need for consumer access to information with the government’s ability to protect the public from unsafe products and false or misleading product claims. While this kept the market open, it also created confusing information. The FDA requires an herb be approved as a drug to be allowed to tout medical or therapeutic use, but most herb companies can’t spend the millions of dollars required to prove medicinal properties. Instead, they list vague—and often solely anecdotal—claims about how an herb can affect the body. The label must indicate that these claims are not approved by the FDA, but such statements are typically buried in fine print—or largely ignored by consumers. Another problem is that there are no official standards for herb preparations, so products on shelves might contain contaminants or inaccurate ingredient levels. So what do you do? Be informed. Take this tip from Groucho Marx, quoted in The Best Alternative Medicine by Dr. Kenneth Pelletier: "Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out." In other words, don’t believe everything you hear or read. Consult the experts—no, that doesn’t mean the local grocery store or pharmacy clerk. Seek out an herbalist at a health food store, suggests Rowan Hamilton, a cross-country skier, medical herbalist and natural health sciences professor at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash. "Or talk to a naturopathic physician, and find out what your own body needs," he says. Hamilton also warns against choosing solely on price. Herbs come in a variety of forms, including capsules or tablets, teas, tinctures, extracts, and topical ointments and oils. Capsules and tablets are convenient, without the often-bitter taste, but they sometimes contain binding ingredients that don’t break down easily. Because teas and tinctures are in solution, it’s easier for your body to absorb the active ingredient. But teas take longer to consume, and tinctures are often more expensive than capsules or tablets. Ointments are easy to use because they’re topical. Oils are highly concentrated but can be diluted. Dosages vary with the form and should be discussed with a professional. Although few long-term studies have been done on safety during pregnancy, experts recommend avoiding most herbs while pregnant. And before starting any herbal program, talk to your primary care physician, who can likely refer you to a reputable alternative medicine doctor and who, more importantly, should be informed of any herbs you take. To help you get started, here are five herbs that experts say can make you stronger on the slopes. Arnica Upside Eases pain and may speed recovery of strains, sprains and bruises. Vacation warriors who drop in from New York or Chicago, hellbent on proving their mettle, often end up bruised and battered in the process. Deborah Wiancek, N.D., author of The Natural Healing Companion and a homeopathic physician in Vail, Colo., recommends arnica. "It can get them back out on the slopes quickly," she says. Take a hint from Smiley, who’s on the slopes nearly every day. She rubs on arnica oil immediately after any injuries to "help reduce swelling and pain." You can also get arnica in a cream or gel for general soreness, or pellets for inflammation and bruising. There’s debate over whether arnica is effective as a preventive measure to minimize injury. Wiancek says it isn’t. Downside The tincture form of arnica can cause blistering, and overuse can actually increase pain, because it’s such a powerful herb. In fact, straight arnica is so strong that its growers wear protective clothing when harvesting it in order to prevent stiffness and fatigue. Astragalus Upside Boosts energy, stimulates the immune system. "This is the energy herb," Hamilton says. "It is well-researched, well- understood." It is also one of the most widely used herbs in China. Recent studies in China and the U.S. confirm the immunity-boosting qualities of astragalus, and Hamilton favors it over the better-marketed echinacea for warding off colds and flus. Downside Nothing has been reported yet. Bromelain Upside Reduces inflammation. Wiancek recommends bromelain after surgery, for any swelling or for leg cramps you might get at night after skiing. You say you’re well-stocked on ibuprofen? Well, bromelain has no reported side effects, whereas "ibuprofen and other anti- inflammatories can cause stomach pain," Wiancek says. Downside Bromelain is generally side-effect-free, but it does act as a blood thinner and so should not be combined with any prescribed blood-thinning drugs. Also, some people might be allergic to it. Ginger (and marsh mallow) Upside Warms the body. You’ve got all the right layers keeping you nice and toasty, except for your fingers and toes, which are uncomfortably numb. Among ginger’s many claims to alternative-remedy fame (Smiley uses ginger for endurance and cramps), this spice-rack herb can help keep your extremities warm. In his book, The Green Pharmacy, James Duke, a leading authority on healing herbs, explains, "Ginger lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and both effects help normalize blood flow all over the body, including the fingers." Hamilton mixes it with marsh mallow—not the hot chocolate kind, the herb—and creates a tea that he packs when cross-country skiing. "Marsh mallow stops the drying effect of the air on the lungs’ mucous membrane," he says. Downside Ginger can cause heartburn, but marsh mallow has no known side effects. Ginseng (Asian) Upside Increases stamina. Smiley calls Asian ginseng a "wicked energy boost" that gives her "the same kind of smooth buzz as coffee." According to University of Illinois researchers, clinical studies have indeed shown that ginseng improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle, which means you can make that extra run. Downside It can take up to one month of regular use to feel the effects. If you’re already hyped up on caffeine, taking ginseng will likely make you extra-jittery, as it’s also a stimulant. Health Hit Herbs often have dozens, even hundreds, of active ingredients, compared to one or two in most pharmaceuticals. This blend helps prevent side effects. Read Up For an even better understanding of herbs, educate yourself with these reliable resources. The Best Alternative Medicine, by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier, former director of the NIH-funded Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program. Evaluates all major forms of alternative medicine from a mainstream scientific perspective. The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke, Ph.D. An encyclopedia of ailments and herbs that heal them, with caveats. Herb Research Foundation, herbs.org. Offers science-based information on the health benefits and safety of herbal medicines, plus a research library with more than 300,000 scientific articles on thousands of herbs. New Hope Natural Media, healthwell.com. A leading publisher of natural-products magazines. The website offers updated information on herbs, vitamins and supplements, homeopathy, and foods. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-pharmacy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-using-vitamin-d-in-the-fight-against-cancer Doctors Using Vitamin D in the Fight Against CancerSource: Dr. Candace JohnsonMost doctors will tell you that too much sun exposure can increase your risk of getting skin cancer, but could the sun actually help patients with other kinds of cancer? Doctors say the body creates vitamin d when exposed to sunlight, and vitamin D can be a cancer killer. But instead of basking in the sun, patients are starting to take high dose vitamin D pills. "It can cause the cells to either stop growing and just arrest or sit and not grow and divide, or it can actually kill tumor cells very specifically," said cancer expert Dr. Candace Johnson.Doctors are trying to treat prostate cancer and leukemia patients with vitamin D during chemotherapy sessions. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-using-vitamin-d-in-the-fight-against-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-dose-may-help-battle-cancer Vitamin dose may help battle cancerSource: news.statesmanjournal.comPORTLAND — Oregon Health & Science University doctors are testing a vitamin dose that could dramatically increase the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatments, according to a study published this week.If borne out by further research, experts said, the megadose of vitamins would be a significant advance in the treatment of prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men.Doctors have little to offer patients with advanced, inoperable cases that resist hormone-blocking drugs. Most patients die within 12 to 18 months.The vitamin appears to boost the cancer-killing impact of chemotherapy drugs, the study shows.“There is a huge need out there,” said Portland urologist Dr. Brian Shaffer, who is based at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. “We don’t have any good chemotherapy agents that are effective against prostate cancer.”The treatment pioneered by Dr. Tomasz Beer and colleagues at OHSU consists of high doses of a form of vitamin D, called calcitriol. Laboratory tests suggest the vitamin could work against a variety of cancers, but this study focused on prostate disease.Last year, OHSU licensed the invention to Novacea, a biotechnology startup in San Francisco. The privately held firm raised $36 million to support large-scale clinical trials, which recently began enrolling patients.OHSU owns shares in Novacea and will receive payments if the technology meets undisclosed development milestones and royalties on sales if the treatment makes it to market.The deal is part of the university’s recently invigorated efforts to commercialize faculty inventions.In the study published Wednesday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers gave patients weekly doses of calcitriol followed by intravenous infusions of the chemotherapy drug Taxotere. Men receiving the combination were about twice as likely to respond to treatment than men in previous studies given the chemotherapy drug alone, researchers reported.Whether the combination will relieve symptoms or improve survival remains unknown. The study included 37 men, too few to answer questions about survival. To gauge the impact of treatment, the study relied on measures of a protein in the blood called prostate specific antigen, or PSA, which tends to increase as prostate cancer advances.The combination treatment cut PSA levels by more than half in 30 of the 37 patients, a response rate of 81 percent. That compares with a response rate of 42 percent in an earlier study of Taxotere alone, Beer said.The OHSU oncologist said vitamin D has attracted the interest of cancer researchers for more than a decade. Laboratory tests and animal experiments have shown that high doses can inhibit tumors and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy agents. Beer’s advance was to develop a dosing schedule to safely give patients the massive doses of calcitriol needed to duplicate the animal results. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-dose-may-help-battle-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-may-boost-cancer-treatments Vitamins May Boost Cancer TreatmentsSource: www.koin.comA study published this week suggests that a megadose of vitamins developed at Oregon Health and Science University could increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Experts say the vitamins would be a significant advance in the treatment of prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men. Doctors currently have little to offer patients with advanced, inoperable cases that resist hormone-blocking drugs. Most patients die within 12 to 18 months. The study shows the vitamins appears to boost the cancer-killing impact of chemotherapy drugs. The vitamin treatment pioneered by Dr. Tomasz Beer and colleagues at OHSU consists of very high doses of a form of vitamin D, called calcitriol. Laboratory tests suggest the vitamin could work against a variety of cancers, but this study focused on prostate disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-may-boost-cancer-treatments http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-use-is-widespread-among-us-population Supplement use is widespread among US populationSource: www.healthandage.comMore than 75 per cent of those in a recent survey were taking a vitamin or mineral supplement. Researchers at the University of North Carolina have been looking into supplement use as part of a study on cancer risk. They studied a group of nearly 46,000 men and women aged between 50 and 75 and learned that more than 75 per cent took some kind of supplement. The most popular supplements are vitamins C and E, calcium, folate and selenium. Use is most popular among those who are older, female, highly educated and with normal body weight. Some people with medical conditions take supplements, perhaps to self-treat. For instance, folate and vitamin E are popular among those with heart problems, while those with high cholesterol favor niacin. There is some evidence from the survey that women take supplements to prevent disease, while men are more likely to take them for treating an existing condition. The survey underlines the importance of healthcare providers finding out what supplements patients are on, and ensuring these are likely to help rather than harm them or be ineffective. Source American Journal of Preventive Medicine January 2003 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-use-is-widespread-among-us-population http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cloth-filter-cuts-cholera-cases CLOTH FILTER CUTS CHOLERA CASESSource: www.upi.comResearchers in Bangladesh reduced new cholera cases by half by simply filtering water through cloth from old clothes. The studies, reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may point to an inexpensive and easy method for preventing the deadly, waterborne disease in developing countries, investigators say. Cholera, which causes severe diarrhea, kills tens of thousands of humans each year. Scientists long have known the responsible bacteria live in a symbiotic relationship with tiny aquatic organisms called plankton. The National Science Foundation team led by Rita Colwell theorized filtering plankton out of drinking water would also remove the endemic cholera bacteria. Indeed, the researchers found old sari cloth, folded at least four times, was as effective as specially designed nylon filters at removing plankton from water. In the 18-month study, villages using the cloth filtering method suffered half the historic average of new cholera cases, the researchers found. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cloth-filter-cuts-cholera-cases http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-may-protect-blood-vessels ANTIOXIDANTS MAY PROTECT BLOOD VESSELSSource: www.upi.comAntioxidants, touted as fighters of disease and aging, may protect blood vessel walls from cholesterol buildup, and atherosclerosis, scientists say. The vessels are under constant stress as the blood rushes through them, particularly at branch points, where the cells lining the walls are exposed to a greater rush of fluid -- and where the first lesions and cholesterol deposits settle in early atherosclerosis. Blood surging around tight corners exposes cells in these areas to a shearing force, resulting in cell damage and inflammation that can build up on the vessel wall, said lead researcher Louis Ignarro of the University of California, Los Angeles. These atherosclerotic plaques impede the blood flow, leading to sometimes fatal consequences, he added. Ignarro and colleagues showed treatment with antioxidants and L-arginine, an amino acid, may prevent the inflammation and damage. The results are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-may-protect-blood-vessels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-amino-acid-breakdown-increases-the-risk-of-heart-disease Poor amino acid breakdown increases the risk of heart diseaseSource: www.eurekalert.orgPeople with a genetically determined, reduced breakdown of the amino acid homocysteine have an increased risk of coronary heart disease compared to healthy people. This is revealed in doctoral research carried out by Mariska Klerk at Wageningen University. The researchers from Wageningen have demonstrated that people with a genetically determined, specific form of reduced homocysteine breakdown have a 16 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. People with the aforementioned reduced breakdown have on average a 25 percent higher homocysteine concentration in their blood from birth onwards, compared to other people. Homocysteine has been associated with cardiovascular disease for a long time. However, until recently it was not clear whether an increased concentration of this amino acid in the blood was the cause or consequence of cardiovascular disease. This research into people with a genetic predisposition for a high homocysteine concentration in the blood supports the argument that this high concentration is a cause of cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid (protein building block) which is formed in the body during the breakdown of another amino acid (methionine) obtained from food. The body regulates the homocysteine concentration in the blood with the aid of several B vitamins, including folic acid. Apart from a genetic predisposition, a shortage of these vitamins can also lead to an increased concentration of homocysteine in the blood. Folic acid supplementation is therefore an effective strategy to reduce the quantity of homocysteine in the blood. The research has also revealed that people with genetically determined, reduced homocysteine breakdown only had an increased risk of heart disease when the folic acid concentration in the blood was low. This result suggests that reducing the homocysteine concentration in the blood by means of folic acid supplementation will reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The researchers also investigated whether a reduction in the homocysteine concentration in the blood as a result of vitamin B supplementation had a favourable effect on blood clotting in healthy volunteers. The assumption was that homocysteine increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by overstimulating blood clotting (which could eventually result in thrombosis). Despite a considerable reduction in the homocysteine concentration in the blood of people who had received extra vitamin B, no clear effect on blood clotting could be demonstrated. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-amino-acid-breakdown-increases-the-risk-of-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-amino-acid-mix-shields-blood-vessels Antioxidant-Amino Acid Mix Shields Blood VesselsSource: asia.reuters.comA cocktail of antioxidants mixed with an amino acid may protect blood vessels from inflammation and the buildup of plaque, a preliminary study suggests. According to the report, antioxidants and L-arginine, an amino acid, protected the cells of human blood vessels from the wear and tear of fluid rushing by.Branch points, areas where two vessels meet, are particularly vulnerable because they are exposed to turbulent shear-stress, a type of force imposed by the flow of blood that can cause inflammation and plaque build up leading to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.Shear-stress can also increase damage from free radicals, compounds that can cause varying degrees of damage to cells, researchers report in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.To investigate if antioxidants and L-arginine might prevent this type of damage, researchers exposed human cells to different fluid flow forces inside a culture dish.High shear-stress caused cells to produce inflammatory compounds. However, fewer dangerous compounds were produced when cells were coated with antioxidants and L-arginine. These substances also caused the cells to produce eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), an enzyme that allows vessels to expand and prevents blood from clotting.Antioxidants have been shown to squelch free radicals while L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, a compound that helps the inner lining of blood vessels to dilate.In a second experiment, researchers demonstrated that these compounds reduced the damage caused by shear-stress in mice bred to have high cholesterol."These results demonstrate that atherogenic effects induced by turbulent shear-stress can be prevented by co-treatment with antioxidants and L-arginine," Dr. Louis J. Ignarro from the University of California in Los Angeles and colleagues conclude.SOURCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2003;10.1073. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-amino-acid-mix-shields-blood-vessels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-the-best-out-of-herbs-the-healing-value-of-chickweed Getting the best out of herbs: The healing value of chickweedSource: www.vanguardngr.com CHICKWEED belongs to the family of plants called caryophyllaceae. Botanically, it is known as stellaria media.In the West Coast of Africa, chickweed grows in humid soils as troublesome weeds. What the Yorubas called "Awede" (Dissotis rotundifolia) is the local equivalent of chickweed and it has similar healing properties with the Stellaria media that usually grows in the temprate climate. Analysis has shown that the leaves of chickweed are very rich in Vitamin C, traces of other vitamins especially the B-Vitamins. Also present in the plant are minerals like iron, silicon, potassium, magnesium, copper and other trace elements. Yet another constituents of chickweed is the saponin glycoside, which is now thought to be responsible for most of its healing properties. Saponin glycosides gives most plants their ability to foam like soap in water.From clinical experience and studies, chickweed is known to exhibit a very strong anti-inflammatory action - other secondary physiological actions of chickweed include: Expectorant (anti-tussive), anti-pyretic, alterative (blood cleansing), emollient, astringent, etc.The aerial part of the plant is commonly used in preparing a herbal decoction (i.e. boiling 2-3 teaspoonful of the shreded dried herb in 1 tea cup of water which will then be allowed to simmer for up to 15 minutes).After filtering, the preparation is normally taken 3 times daily. The herb could also be prepared and taken in tea form (i.e. as a herbal infusion).1) As an anti-inflammatory herb, the decoction or the infusion of chickweed when taken orally helps in the treatment of gastritis, peptic ulcers, colitis, and other kinds of internal inflammations. The anti-inflammatory actions of chickweed are enhanced when it is combined with other herbs like fleabane, stinging nettle, etc. With these combinations, chickweed also becomes a very potent blood purifier - cleansing some of the accumulated morbid wastes from the blood.2) An infusion of chickweed is taken orally to ease the pains of arthritis, gout, aching joints and other rheumatic afflictions.3) In natural medical practice, it is known that over-eating of rich spicy foods often overburdens the liver and the kidneys - taking an infusion made from chickweed will help in enhancing the eliminatory functions of these two important organs.4) A regular intake of the herbal tea made from chickweed helps in checking excessive body weight. This remedy becomes highly effective when the tea is combined with cornsilk or when it is combined with the regular oral intake of lemon juice sweetened with pure natural honey.5) An infusion of the herb acts as a mild laxative. It moves the bowels, when it is taken for up to 3 times daily.6) When the herb is combined with ginkgo biloba or mistletoe, it becomes an effective tonic that restores strength and enhances the retentive capacity of the brain. This combination (i.e. chickweed/ginkgo biloba or mistletoe) is very useful in the treatment of fatigue and mental exhaustion.7) Chickweed combines anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive (expectorant) actions in one and this makes a very useful agent in the treatment of all the diseases affecting the respiratory system such as: Asthma, bronchial problems, colds, coughs, etc. The anti-tussive action of chickweed could be enhanced when it is combined with herbs such as lemon grass, eucalyptus, mistletoe, thyme, etc.External uses of chickweed1) Chickweed is often incorporated into creams or ointments used in the treatment of eczema, irritant skin rashes, dermatitis, minor burns, bruises and cuts.2) A strong infusion or decoction of chickweed could be applied externally as compresses in the following cases:i) To reduce the inflammation of the testicles, itching and pains around the genitals.ii) To ease the pains of an inflammed appendixiii) To treat skin ulcers, rashes, varicose ulcers and most importantly to reduce the puffiness around the eyes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-the-best-out-of-herbs-the-healing-value-of-chickweed http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-supplements-and-twin-pregnancies Folic acid supplements and twin pregnanciesSource: www.clinnix.netNew study finds no linkWomen planning a pregnancy are advised to take folic acid supplements for around three months before they get pregnant and for the first three months of pregnancy, in order to reduce the risk of the baby having spina bifida. However, some researchers have suggested that taking folic acid in this way can increase the chances of having a multiple pregnancy. US and Chinese researchers now report the results of a study which found that, in Chinese women at least, women who take folic acid supplements are not at increased risk of having twins or triplets. The researchers arrived at this conclusion after studying the number of twins and triplets born to more than 100,000 women who took folic acid before and in early pregnancy, and 100,000 who had taken no supplements. They found that, if anything, women who had taken folic acid were slightly less likely than those who had not to have twins, although the difference was not statistically significant. Full review: The results of some studies have suggested that women who take folic acid supplements in early pregnancy are at increased risk of having a multiple pregnancy. However, US and Chinese researchers have conducted a population-based cohort study study which found no such association. Their results are published in The Lancet. Subjects were 127,018 Chinese women who had taken folic acid supplements (400 µg daily) before and during the first trimester of pregnancy, and 114,997 who had not, and who delivered between October 1993 and December 1995. The supplements were given out by village health workers, whose records were used to identify who had taken folic acid and for how long. Multiple births were identified from birth records, and the rate of monozygotic and dizygotic twinning was estimated. The researchers found: There were 1,496 multiple births, of which 1,488 were twins The estimated rate of monozygotic twinning was 2.5 per 1,000 pregnancies, and the rate of dizygotic twinning was 3.6 per 1,000 pregnancies The multiple birth rate was 0.59% among women who took folic acid supplements and 0.65% among women who did not take folic acid. This difference was not statistically significant. REF: Zhu L et al. Folic acid supplements during early pregnancy and likelihood of multiple births: a population-based cohort study. Lancet 2003; 361: 380-84 The Lancet website is not responsible for the accuracy or availability of information on external websites. Additional search terms: obstetrics paediatrics vitamin neural tube defect Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-supplements-and-twin-pregnancies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-combats-hypertension Vitamin C combats hypertensionSource: paktribune.comThere is increasing evidence that free radicals (reactive oxygen species) play a significant role in essential hypertension (high blood pressure). Now researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine report that daily supplementation with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can significantly reduce blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. Their randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 39 patients (average age of 49 years) 29 of whom were taking antihypertensive medication. The study participants had diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 110 mm Hg and did not suffer from diabetes, coronary artery disease or heart failure. They also did not take estrogens or antioxidants within one month of the start of the study. After fasting overnight the patients had their blood pressures (systolic, mean, and diastolic) measured and had urine and blood samples collected. The measurements were repeated two hours after receiving a 2-gram oral dose of ascorbic acid or placebo and again after 30 days of oral supplementation with 500 mg/day of ascorbic acid or placebo. The researchers found that blood pressures were similar at baseline and after the acute treatment (2-gram dose). At the end of the 30-day period, however, the average systolic pressure in the vitamin C group had decreased from 155 mm Hg to 142 mm Hg and the mean pressure had decreased from 110 to 100 mm Hg. No changes were observed in the placebo group. The average diastolic pressure in the vitamin C group also decreased, but the difference from the placebo group was not statistically significant. Blood plasma levels of ascorbic acid increased significantly in the vitamin C group during the study; from 50 micromol/L to 149 micromol/L two hours after ingesting the 2-gram dose and levelling out at 99 micromol/L at the end of the 30-day test period. The researchers conclude that oral supplementation with 500 mg/day of ascorbic acid is useful for blood pressure control in patients with high blood pressure. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-combats-hypertension http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/britons-keen-on-complementary-medicine Britons keen on complementary medicineSource: news.bbc.co.ukBritons are spending more money on complementary medicines than ever before. Researchers say British consumers now spend £130m on herbal remedies, aromatherapy oils and other alternative treatments each year. They predict that figure will rise sharply over the next few years and the market will be worth almost £200m by 2008. The findings come as the European Union prepares to introduce tough new rules on complementary medicines. Under the proposals, manufacturers will have to show herbal medicines are not a threat to public health. Opponents say the policy, which has yet to be approved by EU health ministers, will cause some remedies to disappear from the shelves. Safety fears But research by consumer analysts Mintel has found many people are concerned about the safety of complementary medicines. Their survey of 25,000 people found one in five worry about possible side-effects. One in four said they would like pharmacists to provide more information on complementary medicines. Nevertheless, the survey shows an increasing number of people choose complementary therapies when they get ill. It found one in two Britons has visited an alternative health practitioner, such as an osteopath, aromatherapist or acupuncturist. The figure is even higher for men - two out of three have turned to alternative health practitioners for help. It also found one in four people believe alternative remedies can help to relieve common ailments like back pain, stress and coughs and colds. The survey suggests people are often prepared to take complementary medicines in tandem with pharmaceutical drugs. Doctors have warned in the past that patients who do this could be putting themselves at risk. Some complementary therapies are known to interact with conventional medication. The survey found one in three people believe taking both complementary and conventional medication can speed up recovery from some conditions. Researchers also found one in three Britons would like more doctors to advise patients to take complementary medicines. A similar proportion said they would like to see these remedies available for free on the NHS. One in three said they would consider taking complementary treatments if they were recommended to do so by their doctor or pharmacist. Overall, one in five said they prefer to take natural products to treat ailments. The analysts said the proposed EU changes could have a major impact on the manufacturers. Amanda Lintott, consumer analyst for Mintel, said: "It will bring them into competition and perhaps conflict with highly researched conventional medicines which have far greater financial backing." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/britons-keen-on-complementary-medicine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-supplements-important Calcium supplements importantSource: goerie.comFor example, there is evidence that women who enter menopause with well-calcified, strong bones are less likely to experience osteoporosis than are women whose bones were calcium-deficient during the reproductive years. Thus, prevention of bone brittleness may really begin in the teen years. A woman who enjoys a calcium-rich diet in her youth — and who takes calcium supplements during pregnancy — may actually deter the excessive bone loss of old age.Osteoporosis runs in families. The cause of this genetic predisposition remains a mystery.Also, regular exercise encourages an inflow of calcium to the bones. Therefore, women who remain physically active in mid-life and beyond are less likely to suffer from severe osteoporosis. The benefits of exercise appear to be related to weight-bearing activities — such as walking, running and cross-country skiing — and not to sports such as swimming and bicycling. Consistent exercise "on your feet" seems to strengthen the hips and back, the bones that are most commonly affected by osteoporosis.This common bone disorder affects all men and women, to one degree or another, as they age. However, it is most pronounced in women with low levels of estrogen, the basis of menopause. The estrogen/osteoporosis relation probably has a genetic basis.Nonetheless, the use of supplemental female hormone, in prescription pill or patch form, will retard the loss of bone calcium. Women, especially those with a family history of osteoporosis (or bone-calcium deficiency at an early age) often benefit from estrogen therapy. This treatment is not without risk, however. Women taking estrogen supplements have a higher incidence of certain cancers, so the estrogen issue must be carefully considered; that is, before a woman agrees to this therapy, she must carefully weigh the risks versus the benefits. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-supplements-important http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/male-hormone-supplement-potentially-harmful- Male hormone supplement “potentially harmful”Source: www.health-news.co.ukAn anabolic steroid used by athletes to boost their performance and promoted to middle-aged men as an anti-ageing hormone supplement could be potentially harmful, warn US researchers.It had been suggested that elevated androstenedione – a precursor to testosterone – concentrations could result in increased conversion of the supplement into testosterone, especially in an ageing population.But according to a team from the University of Texas and the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Texas, androstenedione does not significantly boost testosterone levels and may result in potentially dangerous changes in hormonal balance. In addition, there is no evidence to support claims that it enhances athletic or sexual performance, increases muscle mass or promotes any other physical indicators of good health, say the researchers, led by Professor Susan Beckham. Their study involved eight men in their mid-40s who took a daily dose of 200mg of androstenedione for four weeks, followed by the same dose of a placebo. Hormone levels were tested for three hours after the first and last day of each monthly schedule.Compared with the placebo, androstenedione levels increased significantly in the first three hours after the supplement was taken on the first day. However, a month after taking the agent, levels dropped by 60 per cent. In addition, the supplement appeared to “interfere” with innate hormonal balance. Levels of the weaker androgen DHEAS – of which the long-term effects are unknown – rose.Other factors likely to be associated with a changed hormonal profile were also assessed, such as body fat, blood pressure and heart rate. But these were not found to be affected by the supplement.Although two subjects reported an increase in mood swings and aggression, and another reported an increase in hair growth, there were otherwise no personal reports of changes associated with steroids, such as acne or sex drive.“This study raises further concerns that androstenedione supplementation may lead to alterations in the hormonal profile,” say the study’s authors in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. They add, “Androgen/pro hormone supplements have not been shown to enhance performance, favourably alter body composition or positively affect various parameters associated with good health in younger or middle-aged men.” Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/male-hormone-supplement-potentially-harmful- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-prevent-stomach-ulcers Vitamin C may Prevent Stomach UlcersSource: drkoop.comResearchers say high levels of vitamin C in the blood have the potential to prevent peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.A study led by researchers from the San Francisco VA Medical Center analyzed the relationship between vitamin C levels and infection by Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes peptic ulcers, and found those individuals with lower levels of vitamin C in their blood were more likely to become infected by the bacteria.Researchers tested blood samples of more than 7,000 adults for H. pylori infection. Joel A. Simon, M.D., of San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California- San Francisco, found more than half of those who tested positive showed evidence of infection. Vitamin C levels were also analyzed and Dr. Simon says, "Participants with the highest blood levels of vitamin C had a 25-percent lower prevalence of infection."It is unclear whether the infection lowers vitamin C levels in the blood or if higher blood levels of vitamin C protect against infection, but Dr. Simon says, "It would still be prudent for people who test positive for H. pylori infection to increase their intake of vitamin C," because it mitigates the effects of the infection. Experts say about one in 10 Americans will develop an ulcer at some time in their lives..SOURCE: Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2003;22:283-289 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-prevent-stomach-ulcers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-supplement-fails-to-show-positive-effect Diet supplement fails to show positive effectSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comGuggul may do more harm than good. 13/08/2003 Extract of the ancient plant myrrh has been touted as a "natural" alternative to cholesterol-lowering drugs. But a new study has found the diet supplement, called guggul, fails to lower cholesterol. Worse yet, it may increase levels of the most harmful blood fat, low-density lipoprotein (LDL). If that weren`t enough, some people also developed skin allergies to the substance, which disappeared when they stopped taking the plant. A 1-percentage point drop in LDL leads to a 1 percent decline in a person`s risk of coronary heart disease, says the National Cholesterol Education Program. About one in four American adults has high cholesterol.Guggul, which comes from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, has been used in Eastern medicine for more than 2,000 years to treat obesity, arthritis and other conditions.In the latest research -- the first trial in the United States to pit guggul against dummy pills -- researchers gave the supplements to 67 men and women with moderately high LDL cholesterol. Of those, 33 took the conventional dose of a gram a day, and 34 took twice that amount. Another 36 took sugar pills.Over the next eight weeks the people taking sugar tablets saw their LDL cholesterol fall by an average of 5 percent. But LDL rose by 4 percent and 5 percent in those taking the standard or high dose of guggul, respectively -- a 9 percent or 10 percent swing the wrong way when compared with doing nothing.Although the researchers saw hints the supplement might reduce another form of blood fat called triglycerides, the effect wasn`t strong. The supplements had no effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol that protects the heart.Most people tolerated the supplements well. However, six volunteers developed skin rashes that resolved after they stopped taking guggul.The Pennsylvania study looked at guggul in people with elevated cholesterol, so the work leaves open the possibility that the supplement might help keep LDL low in people without unhealthy blood fats."Cardiovascular disease is currently seen as a process where multiple lipid fractions, not only LDL, play an important role," reads a statement from Dr. Vladimir Badmaev, Sabinsa`s vice president of medical and scientific affairs. "In fact, there are known cholesterol-lowering drugs which actually increase LDL, while lowering other important lipids, like triglycerides." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-supplement-fails-to-show-positive-effect http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-helps-cancer-patients Fish Oil Helps Cancer PatientsSource: story.news.yahoo.comFish oil may help prevent cachexia, the severe wasting and weight loss experienced by people with some types of advanced cancer, says a British study in the current issue of Gut.Cachexia, a result of changes in metabolism and loss of appetite, is a major factor in the illness and death of patients with advanced cancer. This study included 200 people with pancreatic cancer. A high-calorie, high-protein supplement was given to 105 of the patients, while 95 of them received an energy-dense, high-protein supplement enriched with omega 3 essential fatty acid and vitamins E and C. Each group drank 480 milligrams a day for eight weeks. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon and herring. Before the study, the patients had lost about 17 percent of their body weight and were losing more than 3 kilograms of weight a month. After eight weeks of taking the supplements, weight loss had stopped in both groups. When they examined the data more closely, the researchers found a direct and significant association between the amount of weight and muscle bulk gained and the amount of fish oil supplement consumed by patients. This association was not found in the patients taking the supplement without the fish oil. Patients taking the fish oil supplement also reported a much improved quality of life. The authors write that further research is necessary to confirm their findings. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-helps-cancer-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herb-suspected-as-tea-leaves-tots-sick Herb suspected as tea leaves tots sickSource: www.smh.com.auUnited States consumers have been warned not to drink teas brewed from the herb star anise, following reports of seizures in 15 babies. The US Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating whether there had been a mix-up between Chinese star anise, a safe and popular spice, and Japanese star anise, a poison. In dried and ground-up form the leaves look identical. Star anise tea is sometimes used as a folk remedy for infants with colic, but the FDA said it should not be brewed until the seizure question is resolved. The agency is investigating whether tea importers or consumers got the herbs mixed up. A Miami doctor alerted the FDA after a spate of infants suffered seizures. When the FDA alerted poison control centres it discovered about 40 reports of seizures among tea drinkers - adults and children - in recent years. Similar outbreaks occurred in Europe several years ago, prompting controls to make sure only safe Chinese star anise was imported for food. The FDA is about to monitor imports to see if the toxic Japanese form has been inappropriately labelled as food Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herb-suspected-as-tea-leaves-tots-sick http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spotlight-falls-on-health-therapy Spotlight falls on health therapySource: www.expressandstar.comHundreds of visitors are set to flock to a complementary health show which starts tomorrow. Experts in aromatherapy, baby massage, meditation, reiki, and reflexology and other therapies will be offering taster sessions during the two-day show at Stourbridge Town Hall (Crown Centre). Gornal-based complementary therapist and mother of two Debbie Price, aged 36, will be attending. Her mother, Delpheen Bates, of Penn, Wolverhampton, died of cancer in January this year. But her suffering was eased after receiving regular reiki treatments. Reiki is an ancient Japanese therapy which involves laying hands on the body. Mrs Price said: "Mum had just had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, but the disease spread and she had liver cancer. "She went in to have her first reiki treatment in May last year in a confused state of mind, knowing she was terminally ill. When she came out she was smiling, at peace with herself and with a renewed positive attitude." Show organisers say that although they do not provide a cure for serious illnesses the benefits on the mind and body of therapies like reiki are leading to a clamour for more information. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spotlight-falls-on-health-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-and-asthma Nutrition and AsthmaSource: www.ivanhoe.comNew research shows certain foods, but not necessarily nutrients, are associated with an increased risk of asthma.Researchers in Australia studied more than 1,600 young adults. Patients completed questionnaires and underwent skin-pricking, lung functioning, and bronchial hyperreactivity tests. The study was conducted to determine if foods and nutrients consumed by adults with asthma differed from those consumed by adults without asthma. Twenty-five nutrients and 47 food groups were tested.Results of the study show certain foods did affect a person’s asthma disposition. Researchers say whole milk and butter along with apples and pears appeared to protect against asthma. However, soy drinks were associated with an increased risk of the condition. Although these foods were clearly associated with asthma, researchers found no link between nutrients and the condition.Researchers say their results were surprising. Authors of the study write, “We did not expect to find that whole milk and butter would be negatively associated with asthma, nor did we expect that the consumption of soy beverage, ricotta cheese, and low-fat cheese would be positively associated with asthma.” They say a possible explanation for this could be that asthmatic individuals may change their diets after being diagnosed.Authors of the study say future research is needed to confirm that diet modification may prevent asthma. They conclude: “We found evidence that food but not nutrient intake is associated with current asthma and alternate definitions of asthma and atopy in young adults ... We were unable to establish a cause-and-effect relation for the food-asthma associations that were found.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-and-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-doses-of-vitamin-c-lower-indinavir-levels High doses of vitamin C lower indinavir levelsSource: www.aidsmap.comTaking high doses of vitamin C reduces indinavir concentrations in the blood, according to research conducted amongst HIV-negative volunteers and presented as a poster to the 43rd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Chicago on 17th September. It has been suggested that large doses of vitamin C (one gramme or more a day) could have an effect on the P-450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A, which play a key role in the metabolising of protease inhibitors. As vitamin C is a widely used nutritional supplement by patients taking HAART, this could have implications for the success of their therapy. Other nutritional and herbal supplements, most notably St John’s wort and large doses of garlic have been shown to reduce concentrations of several anti-HIV drugs. Seven healthy volunteers took 800mg of indinavir every eight hours, receiving a total of four doses in a day. Blood samples were obtained pre-dose, and at the following intervals after receiving indinavir: thirty minutes, one hour, and then at hours two, three, four and five hours after the fifth dose. After a wash out period the procedure was repeated for seven days, except that all the volunteers received a daily one gramme dose of vitamin C concluding on the day that blood was collected for indinavir concentrations. Diet was controlled for the duration of the study to ensure that there were no nutrition-related confounding factors. It was found that vitamin C caused a fall of 20% in maximum indinavir concentrations (p=0.04) and a 14% reduction in steady-state eight hour concentrations (p Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-doses-of-vitamin-c-lower-indinavir-levels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pets-relax-with-touch-therapy Pets relax with touch therapySource: www.nashvillecitypaper.comOur animal companions get stressed living on the human planet. Some react with serious behavioral issues or training blocks, and some develop chronic health problems. Many of these issues can be improved or healed with therapeutic touch.Linda Tellington-Jones, creator of TTouch, is a pioneer in the field. She developed the technique after discovering that resistance and behavioral issues with horses were often caused by pain, soreness or a fear of tension in their bodies. Her touch therapy addressed these underlying causes while developing a deeper rapport that respected the mind, body and spirit of the animal. The results from Tellington-Jones’ TTEAM (Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method) were so astounding, she adapted the techniques for companion animals (including dogs, cats, birds and rabbits), zoo animals and wildlife. “Touch works with the nervous system,” said Penny Case, a TTouch practioner in the Nashville area. “It creates an entire new awareness of the body.”Pets can misuse muscles and harbor tension or stiffness just like humans; for extremely anxious or sensitive animals, a simple grooming session can be torture. TTouch combines specific touches, soft lifts, and movement exercises that help release tension and increase body awareness, according to ttouch.com. The gentle movements, rooted in the Feldenkris method for human pain relief, address a wide range of problems. But they also help animals gain self-confidence (the method doesn’t provoke typical fear responses) and help them feel differently about themselves, Case said. “It allows the body to release pain and negative energy on a cellular level,” she said. Key areas are the mouth and hindquarters, Case said. In a typical session, she starts with a gentle exploration of the whole body, letting the animal be the guide. She feels for tense, tight or hot areas — where there’s pain, there’s often heat — and notes where the animal avoids her touch. Then she selects an approach for that particular pet and its combination of issues. Obviously, it’s beneficial if an experienced practioner demonstrates the movements (Case gives demos and workshops for small groups of pet owners at their request). But each simple TTouch movement is complete in itself, and it’s not necessary for pet owners to understand anatomy to be successful in speeding up the healing of injuries or ailments or changing undesirable habits or behavior, according to ttouch.com.TTouch sessions are equally effective for humans and pets, deepening their bond and improving communication.“Applying massage helps you relax,” said TTouch practioner and program coordinator Janice Fron. “[It] helps the animal … and the person.”Penny Case charges $65 per TTouch session; three sessions can address many problems. For more information (Case will be on vacation until Sept. 21) call 299-9738 or e-mail star9fish@aol.com. Linda Tellington-Jones has written many books on the TTEAM and TTouch methods. Diagrams of the techniques, as well as the books and videos demonstrating the movements, can be found at ttouch.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pets-relax-with-touch-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-change-at-middle-age-might-mean-longer-life-study-suggests Diet change at middle age might mean longer life, study suggestsSource: www.charleston.netIt has long been known that laboratory animals live longer on a low-calorie diet. Now a study suggests that even if sensible eating is delayed until middle age, health can be improved and life extended.A study on diet and life in the journal Science dealt only with laboratory fruit flies, but researchers said some of the same effects might apply to mammals, perhaps even humans.British researchers compared the effects of different diets on the mortality of fruit flies. They found that fruit flies on restricted diets lived about 90 days, twice as long as those fed on a normal diet.But the scientists found that when heavily fed fruit flies were switched at middle age to leaner diets, the animals converted from the shorter life pattern to the longer-lived pattern of flies that had been on a restricted diet.The message from the study, said Linda Partridge of University College London is that it is never too late to improve health by switching to sensible eating habits.James R. Carey, a University of California, Davis, researcher said fruit flies and other animals on restricted diets tend to stop reproducing. Animals on restricted diets might live longer simply because they are not expending energy and stress in the rigors of reproduction, he said Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-change-at-middle-age-might-mean-longer-life-study-suggests http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/who-should-take-vitamin-supplements- Who should take vitamin supplements?Source: www.mb.com.phPlease write about vitamins. Is it advisable for me to take a multivitamin supplement? In fact I’m taking one regularly. I consider myself to be a healthy 36-year-old. — Ver S., Makati City The term vitamin comes from the words vital and amine because vitamins are needed for life and were originally thought to be amines (class of organic compounds derived from ammonia). Not all vitamins are amines but they are all organic or carbon-containing compounds and are essential for normal health, growth, development, and reproduction. Presently, there are 14 known essential vitamins. They comprise two groups based on their solubility property: fat-soluble and water-soluble. In addition, there are several organic compounds, called vitamin-like substances, which are now under study. These vitamin-like substances include carnitine (vitamin BT), the bioflavonoids, inositol, laetrile (vitamin B17), lipoic acid, pangamic acid (vitamin B15), para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) and orotic acid (vitamin B13). Any of these substances has the potential of ultimately being classified as a true vitamin if its vital role in human nutrition is established. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. The water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and the substances that form the vitamin B complex group, namely: vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, vitamin B12 or cobalamin, biotin, choline and folacin or folic acid. Vitamins perform a wide variety of functions within the body. Most serve as co-factors for enzymatic reactions. The absence of any vitamin is not compatible with normal health and a deficiency in any results in illness. Except for vitamin D, which can be synthesized by the skin (provided the skin gets enough exposure to sunlight), the vitamins cannot be produced by the body in adequate amounts and therefore, they have to be provided for in the diet. The body needs only minute amounts of each vitamin. The daily requirements of the body for the different vitamins range from just millionths of a gram (microgram) to thousandths of a gram (milligram). Ordinarily, a well-balanced diet provides all the micronutrients needed by the normal adult. Hence, a healthy adult, like you, who regularly partakes of a balanced diet, need not take any vitamin supplement. Who then needs vitamin supplements? 1. People who are on a reducing diet because their low calorie diet is also, most likely, deficient in certain vitamins. 2. Vegans (total vegetarians), because vitamin B12 is present only in minimal amounts in plant products. 3. People belonging to population groups that have been identified as having deficient micronutrients in their diet. 4. People with chronic illness. 5. People convalescing from an illness. 6. Children. 7. The very old, because they usually have poor eating habits. 8. Pregnant and lactating women. 9. People with irregular eating habits. 10. Alcoholics People with a deficiency of any vitamin (e.g., children with night-blindness because of vitamin A deficiency) initially need not just supplementary doses, but therapeutic doses of the deficient vitamin. This also holds true for people with absorption disorders. Should normal adults, like you, who are presently taking vitamin preparations on a regular basis stop the practice? Remarkably, vitamins have a wide margin of safety. In general, doses that are just two to three times the daily recommended allowance, even if taken for a long period of time, do not lead to adverse effects. If money, then, is not an issue (vitamin preparations are expensive, too), a multivitamin pill a day could serve as an insurance against any faulty eating habit. Hence, normal adults who are presently taking vitamin preparations need not stop doing so, provided they do not take more than the recommended daily supplementary dose. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/who-should-take-vitamin-supplements- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-folk-remedy-updated-for-the-21st-century A folk remedy updated for the 21st centurySource: www.manilatimes.netCoconut oil has always held an esteemed place in the roster of Filipino folk remedies, with arbularyos (traditional herbalists) prescribing it by the spoonful for a wide range of ailments ranging from stomachache to intestinal parasites, and even using it as a massage oil for treating minor sprains and skin ailments. However, it is only recently that the medical community is catching on, thanks to the relatively new product that is called virgin coconut oil. Virgin Coconut oil produced at the farm at San Benito Virgin coconut oil is different from the more readily available, commercial grade coconut oil, which is derived from copra, or dried coconut meat. Commercial coconut oil is extracted at high temperatures, after which it is refined, bleached and deodorized. Virgin coconut oil, on the other hand, is cold pressed from fresh coconut meat with little or no heat applied; it is not refined, bleached, or deodorized. Virgin coconut oil can be differentiated from commercial coconut oil by its taste and aroma. Whereas virgin coconut oil retains the fresh scent and taste of coconuts, copra-based refined coconut oils are odorless and tasteless due to the refining process. Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) Coconut oil, along with other palm oils, was unjustly defamed in the early eighties when the US soybean industry capitalized on the public’s fear of saturated fats (and its perceived link to heart disease) to carve out a market for soybean oil. Studies were done to show that coconut oils, and all saturated fats, were bad for one’s health because they raised blood cholesterol levels. However, these studies were done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which skewed the results since all “hydrogenated” oils raised blood cholesterol levels whether they are saturated or not (Villanueva, M.A., Frequently Asked Questions About Virgin Coconut Oil, ITDI-DOST, 2003). These studies have already been disproved in many scientific studies and journals, but unfortunately, this false perception of coconut oil still lingers. Like other plant oils, coconut oil is made up of a combination of different types of fatty acids. On average, virgin coconut oil has the following fatty acid compositions: Caproic, 0.5 percent; Caprylic, 8.0 percent; Capric, 7.0 percent; Lauric, 48.0 percent; Myristic, 17.0 percent; Palmitic, 9.0 percent; Stearic, 2.0 percent, Palmitoleic, 0.2 percent; Oleic, 6.0 percent; and Linoleic, 2.3 percent. Coconut oil is uniquely rich in Lauric acid, which is classified as a “medium chain” fatty acid (MCFA). (It is worth noting that human breast milk is the only other substance in nature that has a comparable level of Lauric acid.) MCFAs differ from long chain fatty acids, since they are more readily absorbed by the body and are easily converted to energy. Thus, MCFAs such as coconut oil have a high turnover rate inside the body and are not readily converted into body fat. The use of MCFAs has even been suggested as a treatment for weight reduction (Bach and Babayan, Medium-Chain Triglycerides: An Update, The American Journal of Chemical Nutrition, 36: November 1982.). Compared to the long chain triglycerides found in soybean oil, corn oil, butterfat and other animal fats, eating a meal containing MCFAs results in a higher resting metabolic rate for the individual, indicating greater consumption of energy in calories, thus preventing the deposition of fat (Mascioli et al, Serum Fatty Acid After Intravenous Medium Chain Triglyceride Administration, Lipids, XXIV, No. 9, 1989.). More health benefits Coconut oil is cholesterol and aflatoxin-free, and recent studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, coronary and cerebrovascular disease, and cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Coconut oil also supports the healthy functioning of the immune system, thus helping the body fight off viruses that cause flu, herpes, and AIDS. Virgin coconut oil imparts the pleasant taste of fresh coconuts when used raw, as a salad dressing. And unlike other plant oils, the MCFAs in coconut oil are very resistant to heat, making it one of the best oils for cooking since it does not break down easily. The high antioxidant levels of coconut oil also give it one of the longest shelf life among the plant oils. It can be stored unrefrigerated, sometimes for as long as two years, without going rancid. When applied directly to the skin, coconut oil’s potent antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties make it effective against a host of skin problems such as eczema, diaper rash, and dandruff. This, coupled with coconut oil’s Vitamin E content, makes it an ideal lotion or massage oil. And so, whether taken as a food supplement or applied topically, virgin coconut oil has numerous health benefits, which has elevated it from a simple folk remedy to a legitimate medical marvel. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-folk-remedy-updated-for-the-21st-century http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/for-spondylitis-rest-therapy-drugs-exercise For Spondylitis, Rest, Therapy, Drugs, ExerciseSource: www.newsday.comQ. My son, who is 42, has spondylitis. Can you give me information about treatments? - D.K.A. Cervical spondylosis, also called degenerative arthritis of the spine, is characterized by gradual disintegration of the disks between the vertebrae. It typically occurs in the neck and upper spine and is most commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults. This degeneration can result in compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots.Symptoms include neck pain, restricted neck movement, headaches, tingling, and weakness in the shoulders and arms. CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging can confirm the diagnosis.Anti-inflammatory drugs, mild analgesics and muscle relaxants are often recommended for control of pain. A cervical collar can restrict head and neck movement; neck traction can also help. Surgery to prevent further deterioration may be required. Such surgery may include stabilization of the spine. In the most severe cases, problems may not be reversed because nerves may have been permanently damaged.Another condition, ankylosing spondylitis, is a long-term inflammatory disease of all the joints. Typically, the first joint involved is the last joint of the spine, the sacroiliac joint. Pain in the lower back also may be felt through the hip and legs.Over time, inflammation moves up the spine, causing pain. The spinal joints also begin to fuse so that the curve in the lower back starts to straighten out and the upper back starts to bend forward.About half of the people with this disease also will develop inflammation of joints in the arms and legs. The incidence of ankylosing spondylitis is greater and the symptoms more prominent in men.There are no quick fixes, but there is much that can be done. The basic treatment program includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical and occupational therapy, exercise and rest.For more severe cases, the drugs indomethacin and sulfasalazine have been used with some benefit, but the side effects can be severe.A new type of medication has been shown to provide good results for some people with ankylosing spondylitis. The drug, infliximab, caused improvement in 50 percent of people taking it. But in 10 percent, the side effects were bad enough to stop them from taking it. The outcome or prognosis is variable. A few people will not have symptoms for a long time. But about 10 percent of those with this disease will develop a disability within 10 years.Both of these spinal diseases cause similar symptoms and both can be serious. Make sure you have the correct diagnosis and discuss treatment options with the doctor. There are many health organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, that can provide information and referral for these problems. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/for-spondylitis-rest-therapy-drugs-exercise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-improves-homocysteine-levels-and-lipid-profiles-in-patients-with-end-stage-renal-disease Vitamin B12 Improves Homocysteine Levels and Lipid Profiles in Patients With End-Stage Renal DiseaseSource: www.docguide.comBy Eurona Earl TilleyKYOTO, JAPAN -- October 6, 2003 -- Intravenous administration of vitamin B12 reduced elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, and improved the lipid profile of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who were on dialysis, according to findings presented here September 30th at the 13th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis.Dr. John Papadakis, department of internal medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, who presented these findings, explained that patients with end-stage renal disease often have high serum levels of tHcy and dyslipidaemia while on dialysis.He and his associates evaluated the efficacy of the administration of intravenous vitamin B12 on serum tHcy, folic acid (FOL), and lipid levels in 16 women and 21 men with end-stage renal disease.This study was divided into 2 separate phases, each lasting 3 months. During Phase 1, patients were prescribed oral doses of folic acid 5 mg/day and vitamin B12 0.6mg/day. Through out Phase 2, participants were given intravenous doses of vitamin B12 1mg every other day in addition to folic acid 5 mg/day.Patients were evaluated for serum levels of tHcy, folic acid, vitamin B12, and lipid concentrations at the end of each phase. Serum levels at Phase 1 were compared to those at Phase 2.By the completion of the study, patients exhibited significantly lower serum tHcy (29.4 verses 21.1 mg/dL), total cholesterol (222 verses 196 mg/dL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (139 versus 109 mg/dL). Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels increased significantly among the participants. Mean HDL at the end of Phase 1 was 37 mg/dL, and 40 mg/dL at the end of Phase 2. There were no appreciable changes in serum concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B12, or triglycerides.Dr. Papadakis showed that there was a significant correlation in the data between tHcy, triglycerides, and folic acid. His results indicate that total homocysteine levels inversely correlated with serum folic acid levels, and total homocysteine levels were proportional to serum triglycerides, he concluded. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-improves-homocysteine-levels-and-lipid-profiles-in-patients-with-end-stage-renal-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-echinacea Herbal Remedies EchinaceaSource: www.bhg.comThe herbal remedy echinacea is getting a lot of attention for its claims to prevent cold and flu symptoms. Some studies have found benefits; other studies have found none. Because there are no standards or quality controls available for echinacea (including what part of the plant to use) or any other herbal remedies, and some of the medications can cause toxic side effects in large doses, you should always discuss natural remedies with your health care professional before taking them.Large doses of vitamin C have not been proven to effectively prevent or cure colds. It is important, however, to take the minimum daily requirement. Ask your health care professional what he/or she recommends.Various brands of zinc lozenges that claim quicker recovery time for people suffering from colds have appeared on pharmacy shelves, but evidence from studies completed so far has been inconclusive. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-echinacea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-halt-stomach-ailment Vitamin C may halt stomach ailmentSource: www.detnews.comI ncreasing your consumption of vitamin-C rich fruits and vegetables may protect you against ulcers and stomach cancer. In a random sample of 7,000 Americans, ages 20 to 90, researchers found that the prevalence of infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium associated with ulcers, was 25 percent lower in those who had high levels of vitamin C in the blood than in those who had less than normal levels of the nutrient. One-third of the participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey had antibodies to H. pylori, which indicates that they had been infected at one time. Whether H. pylori somehow lowers the level of vitamin C or a low level of C allows the bacteria to thrive is an unanswered question. "Americans should be eating five or more fruits and vegetables a day to get adequate amounts of vitamin C," says researcher Dr. Joel A. Simon at the University of California at San Francisco. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-halt-stomach-ailment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-ways-to-put-more-fruit-in-your-diet 10 ways to put more fruit in your dietSource: www.dailytimes.com.pk* Top your cereal with apples, bananas, berries or raisins. * Bulk up chicken salad by tossing in grapes and sliced apples. * Apples won’t weigh you down; take one with you to work for a snack. * Add berries or sliced bananas to low-fat or fat-free yogurt. * Citrus segments - oranges, clementines, tangerines and even grapefruit - are refreshing ingredients in green salads. * Instead of a candy bar, munch on mixed dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cherries, prunes). * Fruit slushies and smoothies are low in calories, delicious and satisfying. * Serve fruit wedges with a low-fat yogurt dip. * Make a “baked” apple in the microwave: Put a cored apple on a microwaveable plate. Pour a couple of tablespoons of orange or lemon juice around it, and put two teaspoons of raisins inside. Sprinkle with cinnamon, pierce and cook on high for five minutes. * Work melons into the beginning or end of your meal. Perfectly ripened melon slices make a tasty first course. Melon balls mixed with berries are a luscious dessert. Buy melons that feel heavy in your hand; check for a distinctive, sweet fragrance. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-ways-to-put-more-fruit-in-your-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/britney-spears-unauthorized-product-pitch Britney Spears’ unauthorized product pitchSource: www.msnbc.comBritney Spears has shilled for everything from Pepsi to sneakers, but there’s one product she’s not ready to tout: diet pills. The singer made headlines recently when she dropped a bottle of pills at an airport that one tabloid identified as Zantrex-3, a popular over-the-counter “fat burner.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/britney-spears-unauthorized-product-pitch http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-cuts-your-risk-of-stroke Exercise Cuts Your Risk of StrokeSource: www.healthcentral.comNeed another reason to make good on that long overdue promise to get more exercise? It can dramatically cut your risk of stroke."Highly active" people had a 27 percent lower risk of having a stroke or dying if they had one, compared with sedentary folks. And people who were "moderately active" had a 20 percent lower risk.The findings are based on a review of 23 international studies that appear in the October issue of the journal Stroke, the Associated Press reports.Jogging 15 to 20 minutes a day most days would qualify as highly active. Brisk walks of 30 minutes a day on most days would qualify as moderate activity, the AP says. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-cuts-your-risk-of-stroke http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-fast-road-to-heart-disease The fast road to heart diseaseSource: www.news.scotsman.comHow does the heart wear out? Despite its massive workload, the heart shouldn’t wear out under normal conditions. But the most common problem affecting the heart is the furring up of the arteries (the coronaries) supplying the high demands of the muscular heart wall. Smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, high cholesterol levels and poor diet all accelerate this natural process, leading to dangerous narrowing. A heart attack occurs where a clot forms in an already narrowed section of a coronary artery, starving the muscle beyond of essential nutrients. This causes severe pain and can disrupt the natural electrical activity responsible for synchronised beats, causing the heart to become a quivering mass or to stop altogether - a cardiac arrest, which leads to certain death unless normal rhythm is restored rapidly. Less serious disturbances in the rhythm of the heart are common - hardly surprising given the complexity of the pump. Some are harmless but others can seriously interfere with the heart’s efficiency. In some cases the heart can start to fail - particularly in people with the double-whammy of high blood pressure (this increases the load on the heart wall) and restricted coronary blood flow. Symptoms include fatigue, fluid retention and breathlessness. ‘A heart attack occurs where a clot forms in an already narrowed section of a coronary artery’ A fast way to trouble IS OUR 21st-century fast-food diet leading to increasing behavioural problems in children? And could something as simple as a daily supplement help keep them on the straight and narrow? These are the questions being asked by nutritionists researching the link between diet and behaviour, and their work has produced some startling results. Researchers at the University of Surrey have recently shown that a simple daily supplement containing vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids can significantly improve behaviour in young offenders. Those given the supplement showed a 25 per cent reduction in recorded offences during the study period. Elsewhere, there is increasing interest in the role of fatty acids in brain function, and evidence to suggest that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia may be linked to dietary fatty acid deficiency. Nutritional deficiencies are surprisingly common. One in ten primary school children in Britain doesn’t get enough iron in their diet. Few eat the recommended weekly minimum of two portions of oily fish (the best natural source of fatty acids) and most get nowhere near their five portions of fruit and veg a day. It’s well known that iron deficiency can slow mental and physical development; what effects are the other deficiencies having? So, should we be supplementing our children’s diets? Researchers say it is too early to recommend mass supplementation and, anyway, "a healthy, balanced diet contains all the nutrients that children need". Of course they are right - but how many children do you know who eat five helpings of fruit and veg every day - let alone two portions of oily fish a week? Food for thought. The measure of a child MEASURING your child’s fingers could predict how they behave, according to British researchers who have discovered that naughty children are more likely to have ring fingers longer than their index fingers. This isn’t the first time the significance of finger length has been highlighted. Scientists in Liverpool found that boys with a ring finger shorter than their index finger are more likely to suffer an early heart attack, while researchers in California have shown that finger length offers clues to a person’s sexuality. Lesbians, they found, are more likely to have an index finger shorter than their ring finger. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-fast-road-to-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-six-things-you-can-do-to-have-truly-younger-looking-skin The Six Things You Can do to Have Truly Younger Looking SkinSource: www.mercola.comIf you want to have soft, smooth, younger looking skin, then read on. The following information is just what you need to get the skin you’ve always wanted, no matter what your age. Limit Intense Sun Exposure Exposing your skin to intense sunlight for an extended period of time may result in sunburn, which you always want to avoid. Sunburned skin is more susceptible to damage and may age more quickly. During the hottest hours of the day, typically this is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., be sure to limit your sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or other protective clothing, particularly during the summer months. Using sunscreen is not a good way to limit your sun exposure; in fact, sunscreen is one of the LAST things you want to put on your body. Sunscreen is a toxic chemical that can cause problems in your system and increase your risk of disease. Remember that sunlight is not something to be avoided. You need sunlight in order to stay healthy. The key is to gradually build up your resistance to the sun by going out slowly in the beginning of the season, perhaps 10 minutes at a time to start, and always avoid getting burned. Avoid “Yo-Yo” Dieting A recurrent cycle of gaining and losing weight will cause your skin to stretch and become less elastic. As you age, this loose skin will be more prone to sagging and wrinkles simply by the force of gravity. However, remaining overweight will also contribute to older looking skin, as excess fat can accumulate around your chin, neck and cheeks as you age. Maintaining your ideal weight will keep your skin firm and If you need to lose weight, my book, The No-Grain Diet, can help you to keep the weight off for good. Coconut OilUsing virgin coconut oil as you would any lotion is an ideal way to rejuvenate skin. Not only does it prevent the formation of damaging free radicals and protect against them, but also it can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots and other blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight. Coconut oil keeps the skin’s connective tissues strong and supple, which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkles, and in some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin. Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing, unlike most lotions. The coconut oil can help bring back a youthful appearance to your skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy "shine." And the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.Naturally, you need to choose a high-quality coconut oil that is free of chemicals and is not bleached or hydrogenated, all of which can irritate your skin, if you want to experience the maximum healing effects. My team and I here researched coconut oil extensively until we found the ideal source--one that is certified organic and made from the freshest coconuts. I now highly recommend and offer you what is clearly the premier brand of virgin coconut oil in the United States, Tropical Traditions.If you decide to use another brand of virgin coconut oil, be sure it meets these requirements.Relax Your Facial Muscles If you frown (or smile broadly) often, over time lines will form where the muscles tend to contract. Try to become aware of any tense muscles in your face and make a conscious effort to relax them. Similarly, sleeping on your face may cause wrinkles to appear over time because of the continuous pressure and pulling of your facial skin. Try sleeping on your back or varying your sleeping positions so that you don’t create permanent creases in your skin. Get Plenty of Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to healthy skin, but unfortunately most people are seriously deficient. Making sure you get enough omega-3 in your diet, by taking fish oil or cod liver oil regularly, will help to keep your skin looking vibrant, young and healthy. Omega-3 fats help to normalize skin lipids and prevent dehydration in the cells. This keeps skin cells strong and full of moisture, which can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines. Fatty acid deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, but skin problems such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels are common. Plus, omega-3 fats may have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to calm irritated skin, giving you a clear, smooth complexion. Aside from taking a high-quality fish oil or cod liver oil (now is the time when most will want to switch to cod liver oil, click here for details), you can also indulge in delicious, omega-3-packed Vital Choice salmon--the only fish I’ll now eat. Although I don’t recommend eating most commercial fish due to mercury contamination, the Vital Choice brand of salmon, which comes from the cold, pristine waters of Alaska, proved to be free from harmful levels of mercury and other toxins when we had it lab tested. If you choose to eat fish from another source, please be sure it has been independently lab-tested and found to be safe to eat. Avoid Cigarette Smoke Whether you smoke yourself or are around people who do, cigarette smoke exposes you to damaging free radicals that will accelerate the aging process by damaging the microcapillaries in the skin. This limits the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients, which accelerates wrinkling and aging. Antioxidants, such as those found in fresh vegetables and fruit like organic blueberries, can help to fight free-radical damage and will naturally promote healthy, young-looking skin. A diet with plenty of vegetables will also provide plenty of micronutrients and antioxidants, which will limit damage from the sun and accelerate the skin’s repair processes. Although you should strive to get your nutrients from whole foods, if you want to fortify your diet with antioxidants but find that your lifestyle makes it difficult to get enough fresh veggies, Living Fuel Rx Super Greens, rich in healthy greens, and Living Fuel Rx Super Berry, very high in antioxidant berries, make excellent alternatives. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-six-things-you-can-do-to-have-truly-younger-looking-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-fat-diet-may-protect-liver-in-morbidly-obese-patients High-Fat Diet May Protect Liver in Morbidly Obese PatientsSource: www.docguide.comHigh carbohydrate, low-fat diets were associated with an increased risk of liver inflammation in a series of 74 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, according to findings reported October 26th at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.The study also found that high-fat diets were associated with a reduced risk of inflammation. These findings suggest that "advising patients to pursue low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets could actually worsen non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)," said investigator Jeanne M. Clark, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.Since the study is a retrospective analysis, Dr. Clark said the results "support the need for a large, prospective study. But meanwhile, once again we are faced with results that suggest we need to be very cautious in our dietary recommendations."While the results appear to support diets such as the Atkins Diet, Dr. Clark said any recommendations are premature.Liver-biopsy results from 74 consecutive morbidly obesity patients were studied. The patients presented for bariatric surgery between January 2001 and March 2002. All patients underwent a pre-operative dietary evaluation and a 24-hour food-recall questionnaire. Intra-operative liver biopsy was performed during gastric bypass surgery, she said. The biopsy samples were reviewed and scored for steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis by a pathologist blinded to clinical and dietary information.Using the diet-recall data, Dr. Clark and colleagues estimated the total calories as well as carbohydrate, protein and total fat consumption. The patients were divided into low, medium or high categories for total fat, carbohydrates and protein consumption.The mean age of the patients was 44 years; 86% were white and 88% were female. The median body mass index was 55 kg/m2 (range 41-97). A total of 89% of patients had at least some degree of steatosis, with 30% having moderate to severe steatosis involving more than 33% of hepatocytes. Sixty-nine percent of the patients had inflammation, and 41% had fibrosis.Compared with patients with the lowest carbohydrate intake, a high-carbohydrate diet was associated with a seven-fold increase in risk for liver inflammation, while a high-fat diet appeared to be protective: Those with the highest fat intake had an OR of 0.17. [Study Title: Dietary Composition and Fatty Liver Disease. Abstract 734] Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-fat-diet-may-protect-liver-in-morbidly-obese-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-a-possible-help-for-bone-health Vitamin K -- A Possible Help For Bone HealthSource: www.newswise.comVitamin K, known for its ability to help coagulate blood, has traditionally had a low profile in the world of vitamins. That’s starting to change because of information that shows Vitamin K might be important in keeping bones strong and healthy. The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter explains that while results aren’t conclusive, some studies have found a positive relationship between Vitamin K and bone health. Low Vitamin K has been associated with increased incidence of hip fractures in the elderly. Likewise, women on Vitamins D and K for two years experienced increased levels of bone density. Vitamin K is found in many food sources including spinach, broccoli and brussels sprouts. It’s in multivitamins and some calcium supplements. For women, the recommended daily dose is 90 micrograms (mcg); for men, it’s 120 mcg. People who take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) should take Vitamin K with caution. It can thwart the effectiveness of the medication. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-a-possible-help-for-bone-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoarthritis-work-and-chopsticks-identified-as-risk-factors Osteoarthritis: work and chopsticks identified as risk factorsSource: www.commentwire.comResearchers in the US and China have found that even light repetitive movements, such as typing or using chopsticks, may increase the risk of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. Experts have been divided over whether repetitive tasks like typing can cause musculoskeletal damage, but this evidence suggests that daily tasks do indeed pose a risk. Although 65% of all occupational illnesses in US private industry are attributed to musculoskeletal disorders arising from repeated motion, little has been known about the precise way in which such disorders are caused. A new study by US researchers, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, provides evidence that highly repetitive work tasks are enough to cause physical problems. Investigators at Temple University in Philadelphia studied changes in upper extremity bone tissues resulting from performance of a highly repetitive, negligible force task in rats. The researchers found that the task did cause damage to the rats, specifically the inflammation of muscles, bones, nerves, and connective tissues. The study also noted that the rats appeared to pick up injuries relatively quickly, with evidence of tissue damage within three to six weeks. In a separate study in humans, researchers found that osteoarthritis is more common in the hand used to operate chopsticks. Investigators from US and Chinese institutions interviewed 2,507 60-year old residents of Beijing. They asked them whether they were left-handed or right-handed, and studied how they handled their chopsticks. X-rays were also taken, allowing each joint to be checked for signs of osteoarthritis. The researchers then examined the number of people who had osteoarthritis in the chopstick using hand as opposed to the other hand. Osteoarthritis was more common in the chopstick using hand, and specifically in the fingers used to operate chopsticks. These recently reported studies add to evidence that using the hands repetitively, whether at work or in the home, can put extra stress on joints and cause osteoarthritis. Both employers and employees are likely to require increased education emphasizing that action can be taken to avert such injuries. These studies suggest that earlier intervention in the development of osteoarthritis can help prevent further, more severe damage. Such information will prove valuable in helping companies and physicians establish guidelines to prevent work related and other musculoskeletal disorders. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoarthritis-work-and-chopsticks-identified-as-risk-factors http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/go-nuts-for-nutrition-pecans-on-parade Go nuts for nutrition Pecans on ParadeSource: www.easttexasreview.comthe “Pecans on Parade” here is some great information about pecans. With the holidays fast approaching, many individuals are searching their cookbooks and favorite recipes which sometimes contain pecans. Pecans, like many nuts, are packed with important nutrients. A one-ounce serving (about 20 pecan halves) of unroasted pecans provides 195 calories, 2.6 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 2.7 grams of fiber. In addition, pecans provide about 10% of the recommended amount of magnesium, a mineral that plays important roles in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and normal muscle and nerve function. Other nutrients, including vitamin E and zinc are also found in pecans. Pecans are naturally sodium and cholesterol free. Compared to other foods, pecans are high in calories. For those reasons, some individuals may be reluctant to include them in their diets. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, most of the fat in pecans is either monoun-saturated or ployunsaturated. In fact, less than 10% of the fatty acids found in pecans are of the saturated variety. Monounsaturated fat has been shown in several research studies to be beneficial in promoting healthy blood cholesterol levels. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, pecans are available year around. Fresh pecans, however, are typically available between October and January. When buying fresh pecans that have been shelled, look for clean nuts that are plump, and uniform in size and color. Unshelled pecans should be heavy for their size, smooth, clean, free from scars, cracks, holes, and mold. If unshelled pecans rattle when they are shaken, this may indicate that the pecan is not well-filled. If purchasing shelled, pre-bagged pecans from a grocery store or supermarket, be sure to check the “sell by” date stamped on the package. For best quality, store unshelled pecans in a cool, dry place. Use within four months. Once shelled, the pecans need to be refrigerated or frozen. Storing shelled pecans at room temperature is not recommended because they can become rancid. Refrigerate shelled pecans in an airtight container and use within 9 months for best quality. For longer storage, freeze pecans in a self-sealing bag designed for freezer storage and store at 0 degrees F. Use within two years. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/go-nuts-for-nutrition-pecans-on-parade http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-trial-stroke-hope Vitamin trial stroke hopeSource: www.news.scotsman.comRESEARCHERS are to investigate whether vitamin supplements can prevent strokes with the help of up to 1000 British patients. The Medical Research Council has awarded £280,000 to fund the UK arm of the international study. Recent research has linked strokes to raised amounts of a substance called homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine levels can be lowered effectively with small doses of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 which are present in standard multivitamin pills. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-trial-stroke-hope http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-improve-omeprazole-treatment-of-moderate-to-severe-erosive-oesophagitis Vitamin E May Improve Omeprazole Treatment of Moderate to Severe Erosive OesophagitisSource: www.docguide.comVitamin E may improve the results of alternate day omeprazole 20 mg maintenance treatment for moderate to severe erosive oesophagitis. This finding was from an Iranian study, presented here November 5th at the 11th United European Gastroenterology WeekOver 80% of patients with moderate to severe erosive oesophagitis relapse on currently available treatment, so improved therapeutic strategies are needed."There are studies showing that the mucosal damage in oesophagitis is mediated primarily by free radicals," explained Shahram Mirmomen, MD, Associate Professor in Gastroenterology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. "And vitamin E has antioxidant properties. This was [our] basis for using vitamin E to increase the mucosal resistance in reflux."Fifty-eight patients with moderate to severe erosive oesophagitis were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, in which 29 participants received omeprazole 20 mg every other day plus vitamin E 800 mg/day, and 29 received omeprazole 20 mg every other day plus a daily placebo. The groups were age and sex matched. At entry, all patients had been cured of endoscopically confirmed oesophagitis (Grade 2 or 3 on the Los Angeles scale) by anti-secretory therapy.All patients underwent endoscopic control to assess relapse rates at 24 and 48 weeks, or when they presented with symptoms.At 24 weeks, 82.8% of the vitamin-E-group patients were still in remission compared to only 58.6% in the placebo group (P = .04). Similarly, at 48 weeks, 79.3% and 55.2% were in remission (P = .04). Further, 68.9% of patients in the vitamin E group were symptom-free, compared to 48.2% in the placebo group."This study shows that vitamin E plus low-dose omeprazole is more effective than omeprazole alone for maintenance of moderate to severe osophagitis. But this is a very preliminary study, and I think a larger one is necessary to confirm this," said Dr. Mirmomen.The results could be of immediate use to physicians treating patients with recurrent oesophagitis, however. Vitamin E is cheap, widely available, safe, and may even help prevent other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia -- so nothing would be lost by adding it to the treatment regimen.Such treatment might also allow the dose of proton pump inhibitor used to be lowered. [Study Title: Combination of Omeprazole 20 mg Every Other Day and Vitamin E in Preventing Endoscopic Relapse of Erosive Esophagitis: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study. Abstract Wed-OP-G-228] Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-improve-omeprazole-treatment-of-moderate-to-severe-erosive-oesophagitis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-may-prevent-progression Vitamin supplements may prevent progressionSource: www.timesstar.comThe question: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people 65 and older. Can vitamin supplements help prevent the disease? This study examined the results of an earlier study showing that supplements of zinc and high-dose antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene) were beneficial for people with some vision loss from AMD. The researchers in this study estimated that 8 million people in the United States have AMD that has not yet reached an advanced stage. Of this group, they calculated, 1.3 million would develop advanced disease within five years if they did not use the supplements. This number would decline by more than 300,000 if everyone in the group adopted the treatment. Who may be affected by these findings? People with risk factors such as a family history of the disease. Caveats: Bausch & Lomb Inc., a manufacturer of the supplement mix, partially funded the study. In addition, large doses of supplements may not be safe for all people. Finally, compliance is difficult to achieve, because several pills must be taken each day. Bottom line: People with risk factors for AMD may wish to make sure they eat a diet rich in fruit and green vegetables, take a daily multivitamin and receive regular eye examinations. Those already experiencing vision loss from AMD may wish to consult their physician about taking high-dose vitamins. Find this study: November issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology; available online at http://archopht.ama-assn.org/ Learn more about the role of nutrition in AMD at www.nei.nih.gov/amd/faqs.htm and http://amd.org OsteoarthritisThe question: An estimated 16 percent of the elderly have depression at a given time; this may contribute to other health problems, especially when the mental illness goes untreated. Does addressing depression have affect on osteoarthritis of the knee -- a condition common in older people? This study involved 1,001 depressed adults with osteoarthritis. The participants, age 60 and older, were randomly assigned to usual care for depression -- routinely available treatment in a primary-care setting -- or enhanced care -- which offered closer supervision by practitioners, greater access to antidepressants, plus other measures including the option of up to eight sessions of psychotherapy. At the beginning of the study, those in the usual-care group estimated the pain at the site of their osteoarthritis at an average of 6.32 on a scale of 10; in the other group, the average was 6.04. After a year, the average usual-care score had declined to 6.15, compared with 5.62 for those receiving the extra care. The researchers concluded that people receiving treatment for depression can cope better with pain. Who may be affected by these findings? People 60 and older with depression and osteoarthritis. Caveats: The authors received money from companies that make antidepressants. In addition, osteoarthritis and levels of pain were self-reported. Finally, it is not known whether pain scores were affected by other treatments that the participants may have been receiving. Bottom line: Elderly people with depression and osteoarthritis, or their caregivers, may wish to consult their physician about receiving treatment for depression. Find this study: Nov. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association; abstract online at http://jama.ama-assn.org/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-may-prevent-progression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/western-diet-link-to-intestinal-cancer-studied Western Diet Link to Intestinal Cancer StudiedSource: story.news.yahoo.comA $10-million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (news - web sites) will be used by researchers at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City to investigate how a diet high in fat and phosphorus and low in calcium and vitamin D may predispose people with genetic mutations to develop cancer of the intestine.This is the first major national study to explore how a Western-style diet that mimics the key risk factors for colon cancer interacts with genetic factors and molecular pathways to increase the risk of intestinal cancer. Researchers will use a genetic research tool called microarray analysis and other technologies designed to image gene expression and analyze protein structure. They plan to determine on a molecular level how each component of the Western diet by itself, and in combination with genetic mutations known to initiate tumor formation, influences 27,000 specific genes and the mechanisms of intestinal cell growth that can lead to tumor formation. The study will link data from both animal research and human clinical trials.As scientific research progresses, the evidence that dietary patterns, foods, nutrients, and other dietary constituents are closely associated with the risk for several types of cancer becomes more compelling. And while it is not yet possible to provide quantitative estimates of the overall risks, it has been estimated that 35 percent of cancer deaths may be related to dietary factors (Doll and Peto, 1981). The recommendations for dietary change currently before the American public are based on years of scientific research and offer potential for an effective public health approach to cancer prevention. Currently available research shows that diets low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and grain products are associated with reduced risks for many cancers.Dietary FatsDiets high in fat have been linked to increased risk of various cancers, particularly breast, colon, prostate, and possibly pancreas, ovary, and endometrium (USDHHS, 1988; National Research Council, 1989). Studies of populations in countries consuming high-fat diets compared to low-fat diets have consistently shown higher incidence and mortality rates for breast, colon, and prostate cancer. There is substantial, but not conclusive, evidence that the international association between fat intake and the risk of breast and colon cancer is much stronger for total fat intake compared to the specific type of fat, i.e., saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fat (Hursting et al., 1990). However, a combined analysis of 12 case-control studies showed a significant positive association between breast cancer risk and saturated fat intake in postmenopausal women (Howe et al., 1990). Recent studies in the same population of U.S. women reported that increased intakes of total saturated and monounsaturated fats were associated with increased colon cancer but not breast cancer (Willett et al., 1990, 1992).Fat consumption in the United States is much higher than that needed to meet the physiological needs for energy and essential fatty acids. The average U.S. diet is estimated to contain approximately 37 percent of calories from fat. Dietary recommendations are to decrease total fat intake to 30 percent of calories. The major sources of fat in the American diet are added fats and oils used as spreads, cooking fats, and salad oils as well as the fat in meats and whole milk dairy products. Because dietary fat intake is highly correlated with calorie intake, the question has been raised as to whether fat intake or calorie intake is the major dietary factor affecting cancer risk. However, the few studies that have addressed the relative importance of fat intake versus calorie intake suggest that both fat and calorie intake have independent effects. Dietary fat is the most concentrated source of energy of all the nutrients and supplies nine calories per gram compared to four calories per gram from either carbohydrate or protein. In general, a reduction in dietary fat intake is accompanied by a decrease in total calorie intake and body weight (Boyd et al., 1990; Henderson et al., 1990).Dietary FiberDietary fiber falls into two categories, water-soluble fiber and water-insoluble fiber, and is generally defined as those components of food plants resistant to the enzymes produced by the human digestive tract.Increasing evidence suggests that diets high in fiber-containing foods are associated with a reduced risk for cancer, especially cancer of the colon (Trock et al., 1990). A few studies have also shown a reduced risk for cancers of the breast, rectum, oral cavity, pharynx, stomach, and other sites with diets rich in fruits, vegetables and grain products (Lanza et al., 1992). Because these foods contain other nutrients as well as fiber, and are usually lower in fat, it has not been possible to determine whether the protective effect is attributable to dietary fiber.Fruits and VegetablesPopulations consuming diets high in fruits and vegetables tend to have a lower cancer risk. Fruits, vegetables, and grains contain a number of nutrients, including carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The cancers for which there is evidence of a protective effect include those of the lung, colon and rectum, breast, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, uterine cervix, and ovary. For most cancer sites, especially epithelial cancers of the respiratory and digestive tracts, persons with low fruit and vegetable intake had about twice the risk of cancer as those with high intake (Block et al., 1992).Carotenoids and Vitamin ANumerous studies have found evidence that carotenoids reduce the risk of some cancers. The evidence is particularly strong for lung cancer (Ziegler, 1989), even after taking smoking into account. Every study that examined the role of carotene-rich foods found reduced lung cancer risk with higher intake, and about 20 of 25 studies yielded statistically significant results. Five of six studies of blood carotenoids found that persons with higher levels had reduced risk. There is no question that smoking is the strongest risk factor, and quitting smoking is the most important step to reduce risk. It appears, however, that there may be additional benefit to increasing the consumption of foods containing carotenoids.Carotenoids are found in dark yellow/orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe and in deep green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and collard greens. There are many different carotenoids in such foods, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and lutein. While the current dietary recommendation is for five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, Americans fall somewhat short of this goal. A recent survey showed that only 23 percent of the population is achieving this goal; the average daily intake is about three and a half servings of fruits and vegetables (Subar et al., 1992).Vitamin CVitamin C is found in fruits, particularly citrus fruits and juices, and in green vegetables, as well as in some fortified foods. Of a group of epidemiologic studies investigating the role of vitamin C, three-fourths found that vitamin C, or fruit rich in vitamin C, provides significant protection (Block 1991). The evidence is most consistent for cancers of the esophagus, oral cavity, and stomach, but protective effects have been reported for cancers of the pancreas, rectum, and cervix. There is increasing evidence for a role in lung cancer, and an analysis combining results of studies of diet and breast cancer found that vitamin C had a strong and significant negative association (Howe et al., 1990).Other NutrientsFruits, vegetables, and grains contain other vitamins and minerals associated with a protective effect against cancer.Vitamin E has inhibited tumors in experimental animals and been linked to reduced risks of oral, stomach, and other cancer in epidemiologic studies. Selenium also may have a protective effect. In a recent randomized large-population trial testing the effectiveness of vitamin/mineral supplementation among persons in high risk areas of China, those who received daily supplements with a combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium for 5 years had a significantly lower cancer death rate (Blot et al., 1993). The findings do not automatically translate to Western populations--in that the Chinese population studied was chronically deficient in a number of nutrients--but offer a hopeful sign that certain vitamins and minerals may lower risk of some cancers. However, two other recent large randomized trials of supplements, one testing the effect of supplemental beta-carotene or alpha-tocopherol in the prevention of lung cancer among smokers and the other testing the effect of supplemental beta-carotene and vitamins C and E in the prevention of adenomatous polyps (a precursor lesion for colorectal cancer), suggest that supplemental use of these nutrients does not reduce the risk of either lung or colorectal cancer (The ATBC Study Group, 1994; Greenberg et al., 1994). In the study of the effect of beta-carotene or alpha-tocopherol on lung cancer among smokers, dietary intake of these nutrients from foods was associated with a reduced risk for lung cancer (The ATBC Study Group, 1994). Some studies suggest that calcium may play a protective role in colon cancer. A 19-year prospective study in men showed the risk for colon cancer was lower in those with the highest calcium intake (Garland, 1985). In addition to dairy products, certain vegetables are good sources of calcium, notably roots, okra, and dark green leafy vegetables such as collard greens. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/western-diet-link-to-intestinal-cancer-studied http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-healthy-diet-key-to-longevity A Healthy Diet Key to LongevitySource: altmedicine.about.comA diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish, beans, low-fat dairy, and whole grains is the foundation of longevity, a new study suggests. The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, examined the diets of 59, 038 Swedish women. Researchers were interested in the influence of healthy and less healthy foods on mortality. Sixty foods commonly consumed in Sweden were classified as healthy or less healthy. Foods Considered Healthy Foods Considered Less Healthy apples, pears citrus, banana lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, spinach, kale cabbage, root vegetables (carrots, beets, etc.) beans, peas milk with 0.5% or 1.5% fat, yogurt with 1.5% fat whole grain bread, crisp bread, oats salmon, herring, tuna, other fish excluding shellfish meat, meat stew, minced meat bacon, sausages, blood pudding cold cuts, pate, liver, kidney fried potatoes, French fries, chips cheese, butter, margarine white bread pancakes/Belgian waffles cookies, ice cream, candy, sugar Regular consumption of a high variety of healthy foods was associated with longevity and lower mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer. In contrast, a diet with a high variety of less healthy foods such as red meat, refined carbohydrates, sugars, and foods rich in saturated fats was associated with increased mortality rates from cancer. While this finding may seem like common sense, it emphasizes the importance of a balanced, healthy diet. Foods in the healthy group are rich in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, probiotics (the "good" bacteria), fiber, and essential fatty acids. Nutritional supplements should not be viewed as a substitute for a healthy diet.It should be noted that this study did not adjust for smoking, physical activity, and use of dietary supplements, all factors which may influence mortality.Reference 1. Michels KB, Wolk A. A prospective study of a variety of health foods and mortality in women. International Journal of Epidemiology. 2002; 31:847-54 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-healthy-diet-key-to-longevity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/basics-of-a-detoxification-diet Basics of a Detoxification DietSource: altmedicine.about.comHow do I choose a detox method?If you are trying a detox for the first time, it is best to start with a gentle cleanse. Detox diets can target the different organ systems involved in detoxification: the skin, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and lymphatic system. In general, it is usually recommended that you begin with the intestines. The reason for this is if you focus on the liver first, the stored toxic substances that are released from the body tissues may become reabsorbed if the bowels are not moving adequately enough to expel them and can monitor your progress throughout the program. A natural health care practitioner can design a program that suits your needs by targeting specific organ systems. For example, a person with a skin condition may benefit from a program that addresses the liver, intestines, and skin. How frequently should I detox?Detox diets are generally recommended 1 to 2 times a year for general health improvement and prevention. For treatment of a specific condition, health practitioners may recommend it more frequently or may recommend a prolonged, supervised detox program. Detoxification diets are best done in the warmer months, and they are usually not recommended more than three times per year. What results will I notice?In general, people notice improved energy, improved skin condition, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity. Improvement can also be assessed by measuring markers of disease, severity of symptoms, and laboratory tests. What should I do after I finish the diet?A detox is a cleansing and eliminating process. After it is over, it is beneficial to rebuild and tonify your body with nutrients that support the function of the organs that have been cleansed. In addition, some of the practices that you learn during the program can be continued as a regular part of your lifestyle. Is there anyone who should not try a detox diet?People with kidney disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, cancer or other serious disease should only attempt a new program with the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Should I stop my medication during a detox?No. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting the prescribing doctor or your family physician. Are there any side effects of this diet?Some people may experience headache, acne, weight loss, or fatigue during a detox. These symptoms usually diminish after a few days. For this reason, many people take time off work to begin a detox or start the diet on a Friday night. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/basics-of-a-detoxification-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dha-supplements-could-reduce-postnatal-depression DHA supplements could reduce postnatal depressionSource: www.foodnavigator.comLow levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) after pregnancy are associated with postnatal depression, report researchers in a new study.The results suggest that supplementing with DHA could reduce women’s chances of the often debilitating symptoms. Researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands measured DHA levels in the plasma phospholipids of 112 women at delivery and 32 weeks postpartum. Depression was measured at this point using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. The results demonstrated that slower postpartum recovery of the functional DHA status is related to a higher risk for the development of postpartum depression. Writing in the journal Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (vol 69, issue 4 , pp 237-243), the authors note: "Although further studies are needed for confirmation, increasing dietary DHA intake during pregnancy and postpartum seems prudent."This study is consistent with other studies that show that populations with high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids have lower rates of depression than populations with low consumption of those fatty acids. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dha-supplements-could-reduce-postnatal-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-backs-vitamin-supplement-trial UK backs vitamin supplement trialSource: www.foodnavigator.comA major international trial to investigate whether supplements of B vitamins can protect people from a second stroke received funding from the UK this month, one of the 14 countries to participate.The UK’s Medical Research Council has awarded £280,000 (€403, 000) to fund the UK arm of the Vitatops study that will see up to 1,000 stroke patients recruited from the UK. The trial aims to gather 8000 patients by the end of the year. The patients will be randomised in a double-blind study to receive either supplements including vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid or a placebo daily for five years. Recent research has suggested that raised levels of homocysteine in the blood may be a treatable cause of the most common types of stroke. Small doses of B vitamins have been shown to lower these raised homocysteine levels. If the study shows that vitamin supplements are effective, they will be a safe and inexpensive treatment that can be given to virtually every patient at risk of stroke. First-time stroke afflicts some 100,000 people every year in the UK. People who have already had a stroke are more likely than average to have another. Conventional treatments to prevent further strokes are targeted at lowering blood pressure and include aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs. For some patients, however, these drugs are not cost-effective and for others their side-effects make them unsuitable. The UK’s coordinator Professor Kennedy Lees, from the university of Glasgow’s Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, said: “Stroke is the main cause of disability and one of the main causes of death in the UK. Affecting young people as well as the elderly, stroke remains a substantial burden for the patient, carers and society.""This study is one of major public health importance as the findings will have the potential to benefit the lives of thousands and to reduce costs to an already over-burdened NHS [National Health Service].”The study should help to clarify the role of supplements in heart health. Numerous studies have investigated whether folic acid can prevent heart attacks but so far results have been inconclusive.Other countries participating in the trial include Australia, Austria, Brazil, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of Georgia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, US and Yugoslavia. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-backs-vitamin-supplement-trial http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-may-help-with-depression Vitamin B12 May Help With DepressionSource: altmedicine.about.comVitamin B12 May Help With Depression Vitamin B12 may help people fight depression, a new study published in the journal BMC suggests.Researchers found that people with depression responded better to anti-depressants if they had higher blood levels of vitamin B12. They monitored 115 outpatients receiving treatment for depression over a six-month period, taking into consideration additional factors such as smoking, drinking habits, type of treatment received, and family history of depression. One theory on the benefit of vitamin B12 is that it helps manufacture compounds called monoamines in the central nervous system. A shortage is believed to be linked to depression. Another theory is that when there is a deficiency of B vitamins such as vitamin B12, another compound called homocysteine accumulates which may enhance depression. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-may-help-with-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/plant-oil-does-not-help-with-eczema Plant oil does not help with eczemaSource: www.healthandage.comA study of borage oil shows that it is not an effective treatment for eczema. Borage oil - or starflower oil - contains a minimum of 23 per cent gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that is essential for normal skin function. It has been thought that borage oil might be helpful for those with eczema. Researchers at George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, England, identified 151 patients with eczema. Each day for 12 weeks they received either high dose borage oil, containing 920 milligrams of GLA, or a placebo. Symptoms and signs of eczema improved to the same degree in each group. This suggests there is no benefit to using borage oil as a treatment for eczema. Source British Medical Journal 13th December 2003 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/plant-oil-does-not-help-with-eczema http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pimp-plant-may-cure-erectile-dysfunction Pimp Plant May Cure Erectile DysfunctionSource: www.laksamana.netResearchers at Diponegoro University in Central Java province have applied for a patent on a locally made herbal aphrodisiac they claim can cure erectile dysfunction. The aphrodisiac is made from the leaves and roots of the purwaceng (pimpinella pruacen) plant, which is similar to ginseng and grows only in the Dieng Plateau of Wonosobo regency. Locals have for years used the plant as a traditional herbal medicine (jamu) to boost the male sex drive, but few scientific studies have been carried out to determine its effectiveness. Diponegoro University’s Professor Susilo Wibowo on Monday (10/12/03) said his research team has applied to the Justice and Human Rights Ministry’s directorate general of intellectual property rights for a patent on the aphrodisiac. He said the team had already experimented with the herb on rats and would start experiments on people in April 2004. Dieng villagers are said keep a close guard on their supplies of purwaceng, which is often touted as “the Indonesian Viagra” and used by several major jamu companies. One enterprising local woman, Ibu Salim, uses the plant to make a ginger-flavored aphrodisiac coffee. According to a report in The Jakarta Post in July 2000, Salim has been producing her unique coffee since the early 1980s, making about 50 kilograms every month. Each month she sells up to 10,000 small packs of the coffee for Rp1,250 apiece. She has not registered her product at the Health Ministry, apparently due to the high cost of gaining the official seal of approval. But many other jamu producers have registered with the Health Ministry – 1,135 to be precise. The jamu industry is now worth $200 million annually, with most of the traditional medicines being marketed as aphrodisiacs, slimming products and breast size enhancers. The only possible threats to the purwaceng plant and its popularity are rampant deforestation in the Dieng Plateau, and efforts by radical Islamic groups to introduce shariah law and ban aphrodisiacs. In addition to traditional aphrodisiacs, internationally popular stimulants such as Viagra and Levitra are also big sellers in Indonesia, although they cost far more than a packet of jamu. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pimp-plant-may-cure-erectile-dysfunction http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-for-the-blues Vitamin B12 For the BluesSource: www.psychologytoday.comHere is something good for your heart and for your smile. Vitamin B12 appears to aid the treatment of depression. People with higher concentrations of the essential vitamin in their blood may have more success in overcoming the blues, according to research published this December in the journal BMC Psychiatry. Jukka Hintikka, a professor of psychiatry at Kuopio University in Finland, and colleagues measured vitamin B12 levels in 115 subjects with major depressive disorder. Measurements were taken at the beginning of treatment and then again six months later. A variety of antidepressants were used in treatment, and most participants also saw a therapist throughout the study. At the end of the study, participants were grouped according to treatment success. Those who improved the most had higher vitamin B12 levels. This was the case even when other major factors—such as smoking and drinking habits, type of treatment and a family history of depression—were taken into account. Hintikka notes that further research is needed to explain how B12 makes antidepressants work more effectively and why some depressed people have lower B12 levels. The vitamin is found naturally in foods like fish, milk, eggs and meat, and is also usually included in fortified cereals. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-for-the-blues http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rye-the-next-prebiotic- Rye, the next prebiotic?Source: www.foodnavigator.comThe rye grain, and rye bran in particular, is rich in dietary fibre and also contains a significant fructan concentration, which may have important prebiotic properties, suggests a new publication.Dietary fibre plays an important role in health and has been linked to prevention of heart disease and cancer, as well as protecting against obesity. Many of its health effects are a result of the microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the large intestine, notes author Sirpa Karppinen from VTT. While the macronutrients in rye are the same as in other cereals - starch, dietary fibre, and protein - rye generally contains less starch and crude protein than wheat, but more free sugars and dietary fibre. Of the free sugars, sucrose and fructo-oligosaccharides dominate. The researcher studied the effect of solubility and processing on the fermentability of rye bran from different rye bran fractions. Before fermentation, substrates were enzymatically digested simulating conditions within the small intestine in order to remove starch and protein. Fermentability was studied in vitro. Three groups of dietary fibre polysaccharides were identified - fermentable, soluble polysaccharides that are rapidly fermented; fermentable cell-wall associated polysaccharides that are gradually released from the cell-wall matrix and then fermented; and polysaccharides and cell-wall structures that are not fermented at all. The process led to production of short-chain fatty acids, which was related to the consumption of carbohydrates: the higher the rate and quantity of carbohydrate consumption the higher the rate and quantity of the fatty acid production. Butyric and propionic acids were produced in all rye fermentations, according to Karppinen. The partly soluble fibre arabinoxylan was found to be fermented in vitro by Bifidobacterium longum, a dominant Bifidobacterium species in the adult human colon. Arabinoxylan may have positive health effects similar to another soluble fibre, beta-glucan, found in high quantities in oats. Beta-glucan has been shown to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Rye could therefore be considered a candidate prebiotic. Rye is also rich in plant lignans. Intestinal microflora in the gut converts plant lignans into their mammalian derivatives, enterodiol and enterolactone, which may have a number of biological properties significant to human health. Fermentation of carbohydrates also had an impact on this conversion process, reports the author. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rye-the-next-prebiotic- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-research-claim Vitamin E research claimSource: www.utvlive.comVitamin E pills, one of the most popular supplements on the market, appear to be largely useless, new research suggests. For the vitamin to enter the body effectively it must be incorporated into food, the study showed.Volunteers who ate a breakfast cereal laced with vitamin E absorbed it efficiently into their bloodstream.But they got almost no benefit from swallowing vitamin E pills with a glass of milk.When they ate the cereal and took the vitamin separately, the results were inconsistent.The findings highlighted the importance of finding more natural ways to take vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant believed to protect against heart disease and cancer.One answer might be to consider routine vitamin E fortification of foods, said the scientists.Vitamin E is one of the most commonly taken supplements in the world, and is included in virtually every multivitamin pill.It is found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, soy beans, whole grains and green vegetables.However the average low-fat diet provides only about five to eight international units (iu) of vitamin E - far less than the recommended daily allowance of 30iu.The research team from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in Corvallis tested four different types of breakfast on a group of volunteers.One consisted of a 400iu vitamin E pill taken with skimmed milk. Two others comprised servings of wheat breakfast cereal fortified with 30iu and 400iu of vitamin E.For the fourth breakfast, the volunteers ate a serving of cereal and took a 400iu vitamin E pill separately.In theory, the 400iu pill taken with just a glass of milk should have provided more than 13 times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E. But the researchers found it raised blood levels of the nutrient by only 3%.Fortified cereal, in contrast, produced a big boost in vitamin E levels. The 30iu cereal raised them by 15%, and the 400iu cereal by 90%.When the volunteers took both the 400iu vitamin E capsules and cereal but separately, some showed significantly raised blood levels of the vitamin, and others almost none.Professor Maret Traber, who led the study, said: ``If people are getting all the vitamin E they need through a healthy, balanced diet, that is great.``But we really don`t want to be telling people to eat more fat, and that`s generally where vitamin E is found. That is why it is appealing to find an effective way of obtaining this nutrient, such as vitamin E fortification of what is essentially a low-fat food.``The scientists, whose findings were reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, said people taking vitamin E supplements only with liquids on an empty stomach were ``accomplishing nothing``.Prof Traber added: ``It is now clear that vitamin E must be taken in a certain way to be effective, either in a food containing vitamin E or in a supplement properly associated with a food.``So anyone studying vitamin E for a clinical response must now be sure they are using it in a regimen that works.``The results could explain why many previous vitamin E studies have produced inconsistent findings, said the scientists.They may have depended on the way people took the vitamin, and biological variations in their ability to absorb it. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-research-claim http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/feel-good-herb-may-offer-hrt-alternative Feel-good herb may offer HRT alternativeSource: www.telegraph.co.ukBlack cohosh, a herb used to treat the menopause, may be a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) despite earlier studies linking it to breast cancer.A study has shown that the plant, a relative of the buttercup, does not mimic the effects of the female sex hormone oestrogen as had been assumed. Instead, it appears to stimulate "feel-good" brain chemicals in the same way as anti-depressants.Medical herbalists said the findings would reassure women concerned about the dangers of the plant. However, some urged caution, saying that more research was needed before giving it the all clear.Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) grows wild in North America, where it has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It has been cultivated in Britain since the 1700s.Its roots and stems are used to relieve menopause symptoms. It has also been used to treat labour pains, malaria, colds, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism. It can serve as an insect repellent - hence its alternative name of bugbane.Following the concerns about the links between HRT and breast cancer, many women have used it as an alternative to oestrogen. But the plant was at the centre of a health scare when studies suggested that it might increase the toxicity of breast cancer chemotherapy drugs and make the cancer spread more quickly. It was assumed the herb had an oestrogen-like effect on the body.But research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found no hormonal effect. Teams at the University of Illinois in Chicago and Purdue University, Indiana, studied the reaction of rats to the plant. Black cohosh had no detectable hormonal effect but did stimulate receptors in the brain for serotonin, the feel-good chemical.Prof Edzard Ernst, of Exeter University, a specialist in complementary medicine, said: "Previously, the criticism was that herbs act in more or less the same way as oestrogens and thus carry the same risks. This study suggests that is not true." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/feel-good-herb-may-offer-hrt-alternative http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/weight-loss-and-exercise-improve-liver-disease Weight Loss and Exercise Improve Liver DiseaseSource: www.reuters.comFor people with chronic liver disease, losing weight and getting more exercise helps their liver function better and improves their quality of life, new research shows. The findings, which are reported in the medical journal Gut, are based on a study of 31 overweight patients with liver disease who completed a 15-month weight loss and exercise program. Eighteen patients had hepatitis C and 13 had other types of chronic liver disease. The program included regular meetings with a dietitian and 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise each week. During the study period, 21 patients successfully dropped a few pounds and kept the weight off. On average, patients lost about 9 percent of their body weight, Dr. E. Powell, from Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, and colleagues note. The amount of weight loss matched the degree of improvement in liver enzyme levels, a measure of how well the liver is functioning. However, maintaining weight loss was critical, as these enzyme levels rose again in 10 patients who were unable to keep the weight off. Weight loss also had a beneficial effect on fasting serum insulin levels. Once again, this effect disappeared in subjects who regained their weight, the authors report. Successful weight loss was linked to significant improvements in both physical and mental components of quality of life, the researchers report. "This study demonstrates that investment in weight reduction has the ability to reduce risk factors associated with progression of liver disease," the authors note. "These results suggest that treatment of overweight patients should form an important component of management of those with chronic liver disease." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/weight-loss-and-exercise-improve-liver-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fda-approved-omega-3-rich-oil-is-a-good-fat-found-in-fish FDA-approved Omega-3-rich oil is a ‘good fat’ found in fishSource: www.valleystar.comA local company hopes to make some school menu items healthier by preparing them with fish oil. All they need is a buyer.Mercedes-based H&H Foods is ready to add OmegaPure — a taste-free, odorless, Omega-3-rich oil approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration — to cheese sauce, breakfast tacos and tamales, said Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, vice president of H&H Foods, South Texas’ largest meat processing plant and distribution center.The three enriched foods are available only to schools in Region One Education Service Center, which spans seven counties. Region One will serve as a test market for the rest of the state, Hinojosa said. H&H Foods will also continue to sell unenhanced products, he said.Each district in the region can decide whether to purchase the enhanced products. The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District decided not to purchase fortified foods for a few reasons, said Toni Lopez, the district’s child nutrition area supervisor and dietician. Enhanced foods cost more; the district only occasionally serves the three items that include Omega-3; and the foods it serves are nutritionally balanced, she said.So far, no districts have bought them, Hinojosa said. He expects some districts to express interest following today’s meeting for districts’ nutrition directors, where they will learn about and sample fortified products."If you don’t give it (Omega-3) to children, they’re not going to get it," Hinojosa said.Omega-3s are "good fats" found in fish, said Margaret Lopez, child nutrition program specialist and registered dietician for Region One. Omega-3s help to raise good cholestoral levels while lowering bad cholestoral levels, she said. They prevent the kind of blockages that causes strokes and heart attacks, but they don’t prevent obesity, she said.Ailments that more commonly plague older people, including high blood pressure, diabetes and atherosclerosis, the fatty buildup on artery linings, are being seen more often in children today, Lopez said. She said Omega-3 can help to prevent those conditions.Despite the Rio Grande Valley’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, most local diets lack fish and, therefore, run short on Omega-3s, officials and nutritionists said. Children rarely get fish at school, said Mark Wallace, Region One child nutrition program purchasing specialist.The fortified foods cost one or two cents more per serving, Wallace said.Some districts serve the foods only occasionally, he said. The benefits for children are worth the cost, Hinojosa said. Wallace expects some districts to wait to see whether fortified foods work for other districts and whether Omega-3 is added to other products. H&H Foods is working on adding OmegaPure to spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, chicken fried chicken and hamburger patties, Hinojosa said.The fortification process starts with Omega Protein Corporation, a Houston-based company that extracts the long-chain fatty acid from menhaden, a type of fish, Hinojosa said. H&H Foods then adds Omega-3 to food in oil or powder form. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fda-approved-omega-3-rich-oil-is-a-good-fat-found-in-fish http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-well-oiled Getting well oiledSource: www.timesonline.co.ukA recent BBC programme with Professor Robert Winston said that increased consumption of oily fish in a child’s diet could help them with concentration and learning. I have two children, aged 7 and 9, who struggle to concentrate when reading. They don’t like fish. Would a supplement containing fish oils help?Louise Rowlands, Maida Vale, London The BBC programme you mention featured research being carried out by Durham Local Education Authority. It was set up to look at whether children with learning problems, such as dyslexia, dysphasia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might benefit from the inclusion of particular fatty acid supplements in their diet. It looks promising in that some children have been reported to have made good progress in terms of reading and improved concentration, although t he full results of the study have not yet been published. The study examined omega 3 fatty acids which are found in oily fish and in rapeseed and linseed oils. Their effect on learning has not been investigated in detail, but it is known that fatty acids play several roles in the brain. When electrical signals are sent through the brain, they pass through neuron cells. The walls of neurons are made up of around 20 per cent essential fatty acids, which may help the transfer of electrical signals from cell to cell. Western diets tend to contain only a limited amount of omega 3 fatty acids. So if omega 3 supplements can be helpful for some children with particular learning difficulties, it is good news. But they would need to be part of an overall treatment plan. There is also disagreement among experts about which omega 3 fatty acid is most effective. If your children can manage to eat some oily fish — mackerel, herring, salmon or sardines — each week, this would be a good source of the fatty acids they need and it doesn’t matter whether the fish is fresh, frozen, tinned or smoked. If they don’t like fish, switch to cooking with rapeseed or linseed oil. For fish oil supplements, always follow the dose given on the label. Further information: www.durhamtrial.org or www.fish-foundation.org.uk. HELP FOR HIP My 18-month-old son has been diagnosed with a clicky left hip. We are waiting to see a paediatrician. What sort of treatment, if any, might he need? Audrey Derry, Chard, Somerset A clicky hip means that the top of your son’s thigh bone (femur) may not be completely stable in its socket. The joint will probably feel more mobile than it should be and may be at risk of slipping out of its socket. As this condition is routinely screened for at birth, most cases are picked up then.Sometimes in mild cases it is not noticed until later. Your son will need an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the condition, he might need a splint for two to four months to keep the joint stable. When it’s removed, the joint should work normally. Occasionally operations are necessary to correct this, following which he will probably need to wear a splint or plaster cast. There is also a condition known as hyper mobility, which can lead to clicky hips. If this is the case, no treatment would be needed at this stage and it should not affect his development. He should be able to walk normally. MYSTERY RASH My three year old son has a mysterious rash all over his body. It started when he had a mild “bug” which has gone. It looks like nettle stings, blanches when pressed with a glass and isn’t itchy and doesn’t seem to bother him. But it is unsightly. Two doctors have said that they think it is viral and there is not much they can do. Can you tell me any more? Name and address supplied Rashes are common in young children, but it can be difficult to pinpoint a cause. Your son sounds as though he has quite a severe, but benign, rash. It will probably improve and clear in time and you may never know the cause. Treatment might include applying moisturising lotion to soothe the affected skin. Go back to your doctor if your son’s rash fails to improve, becomes itchy, painful, or infected (oozing yellow crusts/painful blisters) and also if it is accompanied by fever or swollen lymph glands. If at any point the rash does not blanch (disappear when you press a glass on to its surface) and/or your son starts to display symptoms such as a fever, stiff neck, headache or drowsiness, call an ambulance or NHS Direct (0845 4647) for immediate advice. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-well-oiled http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/us-grants-patents-for-medical-use-of-coconut-oil US grants patents for medical use of coconut oilSource: www.ghanaweb.comThe United States of America has granted a number of patents for the medical uses of coconut oil and its derivatives, Dr Mary G Enig, President of the Maryland Nutritionists Association of the United States (US) has said.A statement by Dr Enig, who is also a fellow of the American College of Nutrition and Vice President of the Weston Price Foundation in the US, said thirty years ago, Professor Jon J Kabara was granted the first patent.The statement said this resulted in the production of lauricidin from lauric acid, adding, "lauricidin is being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of genital herpes and hepatitis c"."In 1989, New England Deaconess Hospital was issued with a patent for "kernel oils and disease treatment", adding that the treatment required lauric acid as the primary fatty acid source."In 1991 a patent was issued to C E Isaacs and others for "a method of killing enveloped viruses in a host human..." "In 1995, another patent was issued to Isaacs and others for the use of the mono glycerides and the acids of coconut oil for the inactivation of enveloped viruses.The statement said the patents provided the owners the licence to extract royalties from commercial manufacturers of mono-glycerides and fatty acids, which are normally derived from coconut oil."It is interesting to note that these health promoting medium chain saturated fatty acids are naturally produced in the body when coconut oil is eating in the ordinary daily food", the statement said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/us-grants-patents-for-medical-use-of-coconut-oil http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-diet-increases-insulin-sensitivity Low-fat diet increases insulin sensitivitySource: www.foodproductiondaily.comDutch scientists reveal that low-fat product diet is better than smaller portions of normal high-fat food for preventing diabetes in obese people.Lead researcher Martin Muurling at the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research put obese mice on different diets in which the total energy intake and the final body weight were the same. He then studied the impact of these diets on insulin sensitivity. He found that mice that only received low-fat products were more sensitive to insulin than mice that ate small portions of high-fat food. A low-fat diet is a more effective remedy for diabetes than eating less calories, concluded the researcher. He also reports that the consumption of fish oil had no positive effects on reduced insulin sensitivity in the mice, and notes that a diet with fish oil "cannot prevent or remedy diabetes in the case of somebody who is already less sensitive to insulin due to a high-fat diet".Clinically obese people sometimes suffer from a certain form of diabetes, type II diabetes mellitus, because more fatty acids are released from the adipose tissue during obesity. These fatty acids can reduce the functioning of the beta cells in the pancreas as well as the sensitivity of various tissues to insulin. Fat accumulation in adipose tissue is less harmful than fat accumulation in organs such as the liver and muscles and treatment methods that lead to a reduction of fat accumulation in these organs coul also remedy type II diabetes mellitus in obese patients, conclude the scientists. Numbers of diabetics across the globe are rapidly rising, intimately linked to the growing incidence of obesity. Diabetes is the fourth main cause of death in most developed countries and the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults in these countries, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Incidence of the disease increased by one-third during the 1990s, due to the prevalence of obesity and an ageing population. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-diet-increases-insulin-sensitivity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-lamb-with-cancer-fighting-value Low fat lamb with cancer-fighting valueSource: www.foodnavigator.comWorking to bring low fat lamb products to the European marketplace scientists in Spain are set to add value to the end product with new research focusing on boosting the presence of the disease fighting ‘friendly fat’, conjugated linoleic acid, in the end product. A two-pronged attack the research team at the Navarre Public university in Spain is analysing the effect on the development of fatty tissue in lambs of two substances which are common ingredients in their diet: vitamin A (retinol) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). ‘On administering CLA directly to live lambs, a double benefit can be obtained: apart from reducing the quantity of fat, the fat that is incorporated contains a higher amount of this anti-cancerous substance,’ said the scientists this week. Conjugated linoleic acid, the common name of a group of fatty acids found in dairy products and meat, is gaining in favour as more studies reveal its action on a range of diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, obesity, and immune function. As scientists begin to reveal its impact on the reduction of body fat, food makers are also increasingly looking at the ingredient for the applications in the weight loss market.One of the main aims of the Spanish project, due to end in 2006, is to modulate the quantity of fat accumulated in the animal through the regulation of adipogenesis or the process by which fat is deposited in different parts of the body. To this end, the resesarchers were looking at the effect on the deposition of fat in animals of vitamin A and CLA, two natural substances found fundamentally in vegetables. ‘The starting hypothesis is that these substances diminish fat deposition, but the concentrations of these substances have to be known in order to obtain the desired results,’ say the researchers this week.‘Experiments are being carried out to augment the content of this element in the animal-based foodstuffs in the diet such as, for example, milk: The more grass or forage the animals eat, the more CLA in their milk and, so, the more benefit to humans,’ they add. The study will be carried out firstly in vitro, cell cultures will be used to summarise the adipogenesis process and to see if differences between sexes, breeds and fatty deposits are due to intrinsic cellular differences or to external factors.Leading suppliers of the fatty acid CLA to the European marketplace include nutritional ingredients company Cognis and healthy fats and oils supplier Loders Croklaan. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-lamb-with-cancer-fighting-value http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-kills-prostate-cancer-cells Vitamin D kills prostate cancer cellsSource: www.bordermail.com.auTASMANIAN researchers are set to examine the links between sun exposure and prostate cancer in an effort to identify men most at risk of contracting the disease. The three-year study, which could pave the way for earlier intervention and treatment, was announced yesterday in Hobart by Menzies Research Institute director Prof Terry Dwyer. It will investigate the possibility that several candidate genes important in the bodys response to sun exposure may interact with vitamin D and influence the likelihood of a person developing the disease. “Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer now in men, if you set aside skin cancers, but there is not much known about how to prevent it,” Prof Dwyer said. “The Menzies Institute has had a focus on finding preventable causes of disease things that we can do to stop the disease occurring. “We have been looking at prostate cancer, looking at what leads there might be for doing research to find causes. “One of the leads is that vitamin D does seem to reduce the growth of cancer cells, including prostate cancer cells.” He said scientists also knew that ultra-violet radiation and skin type seemed to play some role in determining the risk of prostate cancer. “For example, in America, dark skinned men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than white Americans,” Prof Dwyer said. “This is quite an important lead we think. “We have put forward the view that if vitamin D is important and if ultra-violet may be, lets try to find out more about this causal pathway by looking at genes that actually influence vitamin D in the body, influence the way vitamin D is used, and genes that relate to the skin type of the individual that determine how their skin produces vitamin D. “In our population, about 90 per cent of the vitamin D thats there is actually produced by the action of sun on the skin. “So we are focusing on that area and we are looking at several different genes that we think have the potential to tell us something.” According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, about 10,000 Australian men are diagnosed and more than 2500 die of the disease each year. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-kills-prostate-cancer-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-urges-more-alternative-medicine-on-nhs Prince Urges More Alternative Medicine on NHSSource: news.scotsman.comThe Prince of Wales today called for far more alternative medicine to be available on the Health Service.The Prince, long a supporter of homeopathic and similar remedies, believes they may hold the key to stemming the growing number of people afflicted by allergies.Writing in today’s Guardian he says: “Clearly, something dramatic is happening. The rising trends in allergy seen in developing countries, as they adopt our western habits, point strongly to factors in the way we live.”The paper says Charles wrote the article in response to its story earlier this month warning that half of Europe would suffer from some type of allergy by 2015.He says: “It seems extraordinary to me that despite a recent poll indicating that 75% of people want complementary medicine available to all on the NHS, that very few such clinics exist.“I am led to believe that 90% of complementary medicine is currently only available to those who can afford to pay for it.”Charles cites big increases in conditions such as asthma and peanut allergies as an increasing cause for concern.“In the UK 34% of 13 to 14-year-olds now have active asthma, the highest prevalence in the world,” he writes, adding that he believes modern lifestyles are the most likely explanation.“Factors associated with Western society, such as overeating, lack of exercise and an obsession with hygiene, as well as our exposure to a myriad of chemicals from products whose effects we are only just learning about, are conspiring to weaken our defence against the environment.“Our children are paying the price.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-urges-more-alternative-medicine-on-nhs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-fats-against-depression Food Fats against DepressionSource: www.innovations-report.comDepression is the most prevalent psychiatric disease. The number of new cases rises and the disease manifests itself at an earlier age. Depression is lower in populations with higher fish consumption. This leads to the question whether there might be something in fish that prevents depression or more general that is required for proper functioning of the brain. Fats are major structural components of brain tissue. These fats are special in that they contain DHA. DHA is a fatty acid that can be made in the body only in limited quantities and only if special conditions are met. These conditions depend amongst others on the type of diet. A Western type of diet does not favour the formation of DHA. So it was considered possible that intake of preformed DHA is required for proper functioning of the brain. This brings us back to the association between fish consumption and depression: fish is main source of DHA and other ’higher omega-3 fatty acids’ in the diet. Instead of estimating fish intake, higher omega-3 fatty acids can be measured in blood. This is what was done at Ghent University. In a first type of study (’case-control study’) it was found that patients with depression have lower levels of higher omega-3 fatty acids than patients without depression. In a second type of study (’follow-up study’) individuals with low and with normal levels of higher omega-3 fatty acids were followed up and the numbers of new cases of depression were measured. The study group consisted of women whose blood was drawn just after delivery. It was found that when EPA, one of the higher omega-3 fish fatty acids was lower, the probability to develop a postpartum depression was higher. We could further demonstrate that relatives of patients with depression also had reduced levels of higher omega-3 fatty acids pointing to a genetic predisposition. The finding of reduced EPA in maternal blood at delivery was associated with more postpartum depression suggests that the previously found association between high fish consumption and low rate of depression was not due to DHA as first thought but to EPA. Indeed research groups in the UK and in Israel recently reported that beneficial results were obtained when patients with depression were supplemented with EPA but not with DHA. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-fats-against-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/palm-oil-programme-to-drive-vitamin-a-consumption Palm oil programme to drive vitamin A consumptionSource: www.foodproductiondaily.comRich red palm oil could be an efficient and cost effective way of increasing vitamin A levels in the regions south of the Sahara in Africa, suggests new research.A two-year study, carried out by researchers from Canada and Burkino Faso, found a clear increase in vitamin A levels among mothers and children that had consumed red palm oil either directly or through breast feeding. More than 250 million children under the age of five around the world are at risk of vitamin A deficiency. Deficiency in this vitamin is said to be the leading avoidable cause of blindness, and it also leads to fatal disease among young children. The researchers set up a pilot project to promote unrefined red palm oil in a region of Burkina Faso where it is not traditionally consumed. The oil, known to be rich in the vitamin A precursor beta-carotene, is widely used in another region of Burkina Faso, situated in the south west of the country. It is extracted from the Elaeis guineensis palm. The oils was transported and sold as a dietary supplement on study locations in 10 villages and an urban area in east-central Burkina Faso, targeting approximately 10,000 women and children aged under five years old. The study was designed to be realistic : women were informed of the benefits of the oil but they were required to purchase the product themselves. Researchers measured retinol in blood plasma at the beginning and end of the study on a random sample of 210 mother and child pairs, selected from seven out of the 11 pilot sites. After 24 months, red palm oil was reportedly consumed by nearly 45 per cent of mothers and children in the previous week. The number of women and children with a retinol level below the recommended threshold (0,70 µmol/l) dropped from 62 to 30 per cent for women and from 84.5 to 67 per cent among children. Given that the oil was only available through this project, the results can be attributed to the product, say the researchers. They add that half of the women involved in the project changed their consumption patterns intentionally adding this oil to their diets. This underlines the ease with which such a food could be added to the diet in the long-term and also its potential for commercial distribution. The palm oil could also be integrated in national programmes against vitamin A deficiency in Burkina Faso and extended to other areas in the Sahel region of north central Africa, south of the Sahara desert. Further studies on use of the oil in meals served in schools are underway. Researchers will also investigate other benefits from the commercialisation of palm oil outside the project’s designated area, such as for creation of jobs, particularly for women. The results are reported in Public Health Nutrition, 6 (8), 733-742. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/palm-oil-programme-to-drive-vitamin-a-consumption http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nuts-for-nutrition Nuts for nutritionSource: www.indystar.comSome say an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but what about nuts? At one time, nuts were frowned upon because they were believed to be high in fat.But studies show eating nuts on a regular basis may decrease risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol without packing on the pounds, said Sara Blackburn, clinical associate professor in the Dietetics and Nutrition Department at the Indiana University School of Medicine."People are looking at nuts in a different way altogether," she said. "They are a good choice, because they have a large amount of protein and good fats (unsaturated)," she said.Nuts and peanuts (really a legume) are nutrition-rich foods, especially rich in magnesium and essential fatty acids.And magnesium benefits the heart and muscles, Blackburn added.Since nuts have a new lease on life, she said people have changed the way they eat them."They used to eat them sautéed in lots of butter; now, we eat more of them raw," she said.Combined with other things, nuts can become a well-rounded meal."Think about a peanut butter sandwich -- two slices of wheat bread and some milk. Inexpensive meal, easy to digest. And you can eat on the go," she said.Nuts are also a good concentrated energy source."(Nuts provide) a nice pick-me-up at the end of the workday to hold you over until dinner," Blackburn said.Health benefits (by the ounce)Walnuts190 calories, 4 grams of protein, 19 grams of fat, 17 of which are unsaturated.Peanuts161 calories, 7.3 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat, 11 of which are unsaturated.Almonds (raw)170 calories, 6 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, one of which is unsaturated.Cashews163 calories, 4 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, 10 of which are unsaturated.Chestnuts37 calories, .6 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of fat. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nuts-for-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cystic-fibrosis-gene-linked-to-fatty-acids Cystic Fibrosis Gene Linked to Fatty AcidsSource: www.genomenewsnetwork.orgNew research suggests that the gene that causes cystic fibrosis may affect a person’s ability to metabolize ordinary fatty acids. The new information adds another piece to the complex puzzle of a devastating disease that has eluded a cure since the discovery of the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene more than a decade ago.The recent study shows that people with the CF gene have increased levels of a fatty acid that causes inflammation and decreased levels of another that reduces inflammation. The two fatty acids in question, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are involved in many biological functions, including inflammation.Scientists have long known that inflammation is an important factor in CF. Inflammation promotes production of mucous in the lungs of people with the disease, where it impairs breathing and makes it hard to fight infections. It also affects the pancreas, where the thick secretions prevent digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food.“There is some basic problem with the CF gene that affects the types of fat in a person’s cells,” says Brian O’Sullivan, who directs the Cystic Fibrosis Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, where the study was done. He worked with Steven Freedman of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and his colleagues.They find that some CF patients have a fatty acid imbalance similar to one that Freedman discovered a few years ago in mice.The findings, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest a possible new avenue for treatment: Doses of the fatty acid DHA. Mice with CF improved after taking large amounts of DHA, but the amount of fatty acids needed to make a dent in the disease is “enormous” relative to what a person could ingest and absorb, O’Sullivan says.Genzyme Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which holds a license for the patent on the use of DHA in CF patients, is meeting with the researchers to explore ways to deliver more DHA to CF patients and possibly correct the imbalance.Freedman’s finding that mice with the CF gene don’t become sick until they are weaned from their mother’s milk also suggests a fatty acid link. Human breast milk, like the milk from mice, is rich in DHA as well as other beneficial substances such as antimicrobial proteins. O’Sullivan has conducted a survey of mothers whose children are treated in cystic fibrosis clinics. He says there are “tantalizing hints” that breast feeding might also be beneficial for human babies who will develop cystic fibrosis. Thus, at his clinic and others, mothers of babies with the cystic fibrosis gene are strongly encouraged to breast feed. In future studies, the researchers will try to determine whether adding DHA to infant formula is equally beneficial and whether nursing mothers should take supplemental DHA. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cystic-fibrosis-gene-linked-to-fatty-acids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-fears-raised-over-vitamin-deficiency Health fears raised over vitamin deficiencySource: www.swissinfo.orgA lobby group is stepping up pressure for increased consumption of vitamin B9 or folic acid in Switzerland. According to campaigners, people are not getting enough in their diet to prevent spina bifida, cardiovascular problems, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. They say babies are particularly at risk of being born with “open” spinal chords, known as spina bifida, if women do not double their intake of B9 during pregnancy.“Around 70 per cent of all cases of spina bifida can be prevented through an adequate intake of folic acid,” states the lobby group, Folic Acid Offensive Switzerland.Campaigners want the government to force Swiss bakers to add vitamin B9 to bread by adding cold-pressed wheatgerm to flour.They are being backed by the Swiss Foundation for Consumer Protection, which has been running a letter campaign to pressure food suppliers into adding folic acid to their products. Bakers rise However, the consumer protection agency has met with plenty of resistance from bakers. It says the reaction from the industry has generally been “patronising”.But the Federal Health Office says it is taking the bakers’ objections “very seriously”.Michael Beer, head of the foodstuffs section, told swissinfo that the government was investigating the legal prerequisites for introducing such a measure, as well as looking at alternatives.“It remains unknown what will come of the campaign to add folic acid to flour used in baking,” Beer added.Beer, who personally considers the “Folic Acid Offensive” a good idea, said that once recommendations had been formulated by a committee of experts, they would then be put through a consultation process. Too little B9 can lead to anaemia. Professor Otmar Tönz Daily dose In Switzerland, the daily recommended dose of B9 is set at two milligrams – much less than in Germany (three milligrams) and the United States (four milligrams).While pregnant women require double that amount (eight milligrams), Swiss people in general only have a consumption rate of 0.25 milligrams of folic acid daily.This is despite the attention spina bifida received around ten years ago, when the Swiss skiing star, Maria Walliser, gave birth to a baby with an open spinal chord.Walliser became the patron and driving force behind the campaign to increase the level of B9 in people’s diets.She is backed by Professor Otmar Tönz, the former chief surgeon at Lucerne’s Children’s Hospital, who appears on the lobby group’s website to elaborate on the medical aspects of the disease.“The formation of blood cells is the most sensitive part of the body to react to a lack of folic acid,” he points out. “Too little B9 can lead to anaemia [deficiency of red blood cells].” Pregnancy fears Tönz said that when women consume the correct level of B9 before and at the beginning of pregnancy, this helps the unborn child to develop a normal, healthy neural tube as well as a proper spinal chord.Erich Meyer, co-founder of the B9 initiative, has already convinced some food producers and suppliers, such as Nestlé, and food retailers Coop and Migros, to offer products with an increased level of folic acid.But Meyer, like his government counterpart, Beer, is still far from optimistic about increased folic acid content becoming the norm in Switzerland. Critics have sought to fuel public fears by arguing that it may be possible to overdose on B9 – a claim refuted by Meyer as “unfounded”.“The vitamin is water soluble, which means it can pass through people’s system quite normally,” he said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-fears-raised-over-vitamin-deficiency http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-the-key-to-avoiding-diabetes Vitamin E the Key to Avoiding DiabetesSource: news.scotsman.comEating foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts and wheat germ, could help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, research has revealed.Researchers in Finland found that people with a greater intake of vitamin E and alpha-tocopherol – one of the forms of vitamin E – were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who consumed less of the powerful anti-oxidant.There are eight forms of vitamin E of which alpha-tocopherol is the most useful to the body as it circulates throughout the blood to reach all the body’s tissue.Good sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, soya bean oil, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, shrimps and brown rice.Charity Diabetes UK said boosting vitamin E intake may help but the best way to avoid Type 2 diabetes was to eat a balanced, healthy diet and take regular exercise.Around 1.4 million people in UK have Type 2 diabetes, a further million are thought to have it without realising and the number of cases is set to double by 2010.It occurs when the body’s insulin is insufficient or does not work properly and is treated by various combinations of diet, exercise, tablets and insulin injections.An increase in the numbers being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes has been linked to rising cases of obesity, with one in five British adults now classed as obese.Type 2 diabetes, associated with poor diet and a lack of exercise, was once only seen in adults but is now increasingly being diagnosed in children.Recent research by the University of Surrey found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who are obese could be wiping eight years off their life expectancy.Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve Redgrave and broadcaster John Peel have all been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-the-key-to-avoiding-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-gives-migraine-therapy-a-lift Acupuncture gives migraine therapy a liftSource: abc.net.auAcupuncture is a useful, cost-effective treatment for chronic headaches or migraines, U.S. and U.K. researchers have found.In one of the largest randomised studies to assess the effectiveness of this ancient Chinese treatment, scientists found adding acupuncture to standard treatment worked better than using standard treatment alone. The scientists published their study online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal."People using acupuncture had fewer headaches, less severe headaches and they used less health resources over the course of the following year," said one of the authors Dr Andrew Vickers, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.The scientists compared acupuncture plus standard treatment to standard treatment alone in 401 patients in England and Wales who suffered from headaches several days each week. Most patients in the trial had migraines.Patients who were assigned acupuncture plus standard treatment had up to 12 acupuncture treatments over three months from an experienced practitioner.Each patient completed a diary, detailing the frequency and severity of their headaches and medicine use, for four weeks at the start of the study, again at three months, and finally at one year.Initially there was not much difference between the two groups but at the end of the year-long trial the scientists noticed a big change. Patients receiving acupuncture had 22 fewer days of headaches a year, used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to their family doctors and took 15% fewer days off sick than the other group. There were not many side-effects. Vickers and his colleagues also found the treatment cost-effective."For severely affected patients, acupuncture reduced the severity and the frequency of their headaches to make a real difference in their lives," Vickers said.The researchers said they could not rule out a placebo affect of acupuncture, which can occur when no treatment (or pretend treatment) is given but the patient feels it is working.And as the patients knew which treatment group they were in, the researchers said patients could have given biased assessments of their treatments.But the researchers said their results were in line with previous work.Acupuncture was first used in China about 2000 years ago, according to Vickers. It involves inserting very fine needles into the skin at specific points in the body. It is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine and has been shown to relieve nausea and pain. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-gives-migraine-therapy-a-lift http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-levels-linked-to-bone-loss-in-aging-women Vitamin B-12 levels linked to bone loss in aging womenSource: www.innovations-report.comResearch suggests that Vitamin supplements may slow bone loss Older women with low levels of vitamin B-12 are more likely to experience rapid bone loss, according to new research published this month in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The new findings help to establish the importance of vitamin B-12 in the bone health of women as they age. Vitamin B-12, which is found in animal products, such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese and eggs, is needed to produce red blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. Still, little is known about the vitamin’s affects on skeletal health, specifically among aging women. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, led by Dr. Katie Stone, studied whether elderly women with low levels of vitamin B-12 suffer from more rapid bone loss. Through a random, cohort study of 83 women over the age of 64 who participated in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, researchers archived baseline serum samples and measured hip bone mineral density in study subjects during two and six year follow-up examinations. Test results demonstrated that after adjusting for age, weight and clinic site, women with the lowest levels of B-12 (below 280 pg/ml) experienced significantly more rapid hip bone loss than women with higher levels of B-12 (above 280 pg/ml). "While deficiencies in vitamin B-12 are uncommon among younger women, many older women suffer from vitamin B-12 deficiency," explains Dr. Stone. "Our research shows that the women with the lowest levels of vitamin B-12 are at an increased risk for bone loss in their hips, which could lead to fractures. We knew that vitamin B-12 benefited the nervous system, but our findings suggest that it may also benefit bone health." The authors note that these results indicate that for some elderly women, simple dietary supplements of vitamin B-12 or multivitamins or dietary modification may slow the rates of bone loss. "A larger, randomized trial would be needed to determine whether treatment with supplemental vitamin B-12 could reduce rates of bone loss in elderly women," notes Dr. Steve Cummings, one of the investigators on the study. JCEM is one of four journals published by The Endocrine Society. Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones, and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Endocrinologists are specially trained doctors who diagnose, treat and conduct basic and clinical research on complex hormonal disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, obesity, hypertension, cholesterol and reproductive disorders. Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 11,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students, in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit the Society’s web site at http://www.endo-society.org. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-levels-linked-to-bone-loss-in-aging-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zinc-speeds-recovery-from-pneumonia-in-boys Zinc Speeds Recovery from Pneumonia in BoysSource: www.reuters.comTreatment with zinc reduces the duration of fever and severity of illness in boys with pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections, new research indicates. In contrast, such therapy does not benefit girls, and may actually slow their recovery from such infections. The findings also indicate that vitamin A supplementation does not improve recovery rates in either sex, according to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Although zinc use has been shown to prevent respiratory infections, whether it offered any benefits after the onset of such diseases has been unclear, lead author Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis, from the Society for Applied Sciences in Kolkata, India, and colleagues note. Also, reports have linked vitamin A with a reduced risk of death in children, but it was unclear whether this applied specifically to respiratory infections. To investigate, the researchers assessed the outcomes of 153 young children who were hospitalized with lower respiratory infections and were treated with vitamin A, zinc, both agents, or neither. The subjects included 97 boys and 56 girls, who ranged in age from 2 to 24 months. Boys treated with zinc were more likely to recovery from fever and severe illness within a given time frame than boys not treated with zinc. In contrast, among girls, zinc use was actually associated with lower recovery rates. Vitamin A treatment did not seem to influence recovery rates, but was linked to an increased risk of diarrhea. Exactly why boys, but not girls, benefitted from zinc is unclear, the authors note. Hopefully, the findings will stimulate researchers of previous zinc trials to re-analyze their data for gender-based differences, they add. SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zinc-speeds-recovery-from-pneumonia-in-boys http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-influence-on-epilepsy Omega-3 influence on epilepsySource: www.foodnavigator.comOmega-3 fatty acids have been associated with numerous health benefits, from brain development and preventing memory loss to suppressing tumours and cutting heart disease. But according to new findings in the US, one particular fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found at abnormallylow levels in patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, suggesting DHA supplementation in the diet could potentially help control seizures. Demand for omega-3 fatty acids – notably found in fish - has surged in recent months on the back of increasing scientific evidence for the benefits to consumer health. Key suppliers of omega 3 ingredients – both derived from microalgae - are US firm Martek and European company Nutrinova.DHA is essential for the development of the nervous system and visual abilities in babies and for the proper functioning of the brain in adults. The human body cannot produce sufficient amounts of DHA for the needs of the eye and brain consequently it must be consumed through foods, such as cold water fatty fish, or in supplemental form. The small US study, carried out by researchers at Emory University School of Medicine, was based on 41 people with ‘refractory complex partial seizures’ - a common type of seizure that develops in one brain region and is resistant to antiepileptic medication - compared to a control group of 57 healthy participants. Both groups had blood drawn and analysed for levels of DHA. After complete analyses, the researchers report that they found ‘significantly lower levels of DHA’ in the red blood cell membranes of the group with uncontrolled epilepsy - 2.74 per cent - when compared to DHA levels in the healthy group - 3.46 per cent. "By determining a deficiency in the red blood cell membranes in these patients, we infer that brain cell membranes are also depleted of this normal fatty acid," said researcher Dr.Thomas Henry at Emory. "Future studies are needed to determine if DHA supplementation can help control seizures in this patient population," he concluded. According to the World Health Organisation, it is likely that around 50 million people in the world have epilepsy at any one time. The lifetime prevalence of epilepsy - the number of people presently in the world who have epilepsy now or have had it in the past or will experience it in the future - is approximately 100 million people.The results of the study was presented at the American Academy of Neurology last week in San Francisco.Omega-3 fortified foods currently represent a €38 million opportunity for food manufacturers, according to recent data from Frost & Sullivan, and this is expected to grow by 10 per cent per year for the next three years before reaching a plateau. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-influence-on-epilepsy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-gets-a-for-effort Vitamin D Gets A For EffortSource: www.thepittsburghchannel.comVitamin D is made in the body and holds dual roles. It helps deposit calcium in your bones and helps protect you from bone disease by keeping bones strong. Vitamin D is found in canned salmon, fortified milk, fortified orange juice and fortified cereals. It is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because your body makes it after sunlight hits your skin. Just a few minutes of sun three times a week can help the body activate vitamin D in the skin. In addition to bone health, new studies from Dartmouth Medical School show that along with calcium, vitamin D may help reduce colon polyps, a common precursor to colon cancer. Also, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health suggest women who consume 400 International Units of vitamin D every day have a 40 percent less risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-gets-a-for-effort http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-palm-oil-as-means-of-combating-vitamin-a-deficiency Red palm oil as means of combating Vitamin A deficiencySource: www.webindia123.comVitamin A deficiency leads to eye malfunction and increases infant mortality. As the problem is especially prevalent in Africa, diet diversification by using locally available products is one of the possible means for alleviating these deficiencies. Focusing on this option, a project is under way to promote unrefined red palm oil in Burkina Faso. It has included a study, by scientists from the IRD, the University of Montreal and the IRSS of Ouagadougou on the impact of the introduction of this oil, produced in the South-West of the country, into the diet of women and children of another region where it is not normally used. They provided the first demonstration of the effectiveness of free voluntary consumption of this vegetable oil, rich in the precursor of vitamin A, beta-carotene, in reducing deficiencies of this vitamin in women and children. This long-term food-supplement strategy, effective in public health management, could also contribute to local economic development by stimulating production and creating jobs, especially for women. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-palm-oil-as-means-of-combating-vitamin-a-deficiency http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coconut-oil-as-medicine Coconut oil as medicineSource: www.abs-cbnnews.comWith each passing year, the demand for reliable information about natural medicine grows greater and greater. Quite a number of medical practitioners and big pharmaceutical companies join the ranks of those recommending and manufacturing natural medi­cine. And drugstores now routinely offer a wide selection of natural remedies such as herbs, vitamins and minerals. The growth of natural medicine has resulted from the limitations of conventional medicine, much of which offers little in terms of prevention. One good example is in the treatment of common colds and flue. Over-the-counter cold-relief medications may do more harm than good, especially among seniors. Even more alarming, a recent survey found that half of patients with colds and other respiratory infections were given prescriptions for antibiotics. Inappropriately issued prescriptions, particularly antibiotics, are worthless against the majority of these infections because they are usually viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics not only hamper and weaken the immune system but may also create disease-resistant strains of bacteria that are more and more difficult to eliminate. What’s the solution? Coconut oil. Yes, coconut oil may provide a vital role in the diet as an important physiologically functional food. Functional food provides health benefits beyond its nutritional content. The health and nutritional benefits of coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. Research has shown that coconut oil is a valuable source of lauric acid, the medium chain saturated fatty acid precursor to the antimicrobial lipid monolaurin, which has important functional benefits for individuals with compromised immune systems. Currently, studies are being made on the effectiveness of coconut oil to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/Aids). Coconut oil is unique. While it is true that coconut oil is primarily saturated fat, which has been largely regarded as bad for the health, it must be pointed out that there are many different types of saturated fat which affect the body differently. The type of saturated fat in coconut oil, a plant source, is different from the type found in animal products. The therapeutic benefits of the oil found in coconut help protect against heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and other degenerative illnesses. It is unique among oils in that it promotes weight loss, which earns the reputation as the world’s only low-calorie fat. There are many different methods of processing coconut oil which affect the quality, appearance, flavor and aroma of the finished product. Coconut oil is commonly divided into two categories -- RBD and Virgin. RBD stands for “Refined, bleached, deodorized,” usually from copra (matured coconut). The term “Virgin” simply signifies oil made from fresh young coconut and has been subjected to less intense refining without chemicals. The oil is extracted by any of the following methods: boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, mechanical press, or centrifuge. One such product is Pro Source Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. It is made from fresh coconuts and is pure white when the oil is solidified, or crystal clear like water when liquefied. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coconut-oil-as-medicine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fertility-herbal-supplement-sprouts-promising-results-in-stanford-pilot-study Fertility herbal supplement sprouts promising results in Stanford pilot studySource: www.innovations-report.comA researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine says a small study shows promise for a nutritional supplement that may help boost fertility in women who have difficulty conceiving. Initial results indicate that of the women who took the supplement, one-third became pregnant after five months. "This was a small, pilot study but if the findings hold up in a larger trial, the supplement may be a feasible treatment for some women," said Lynn Westphal, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, whose study results appear in the April issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine. One in six couples in the United States has trouble conceiving, Westphal said. The possible culprits include endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, male factor infertility and irregular menstrual cycles, among others. Treatments vary, and she said a growing number of patients have expressed interest in pursuing alternative therapies before taking more aggressive routes such as in vitro fertilization. Despite this, little research has been done on the benefit of a pre-pregnancy supplement to optimize fertility health. "There’s not a lot of work in this area but it’s an important one," she said. "Many women are interested in avenues aside from aggressive infertility treatment. If we can find an effective way to treat patients less invasively, it would be a great benefit." The supplement she studied, marketed as "FertilityBlend," contains chasteberry (an herb that has been shown to improve ovulation and restore progesterone balance, which can be skewed in women having difficulty conceiving), L-arginine (an amino acid that improves circulation to the reproductive organs), green tea and numerous vitamins and minerals. To study the effects of FertilityBlend, Westphal recruited 30 volunteers who had tried unsuccessfully to conceive for six to 36 months. The women ranged in age from 24 to 46; some had been tested and diagnosed with a particular disorder that hindered their fertility while others fell into the category of "unexplained" infertility. During the double-blind study, the women were randomly assigned to take the supplement or a placebo three times a day. Changes in progesterone levels, basal body temperatures and menstrual cycles were then monitored. After three months, the supplement group had an increased progesterone level and a significant increase in the average number of days in their menstrual cycle in which they had basal temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius, which indicates better ovulation, Westphal said. The placebo group, meanwhile, showed no notable changes. After five months, five of the 15 supplement participants were pregnant and none of the 15 women on placebo were. The pregnancies resulted in four healthy babies; one woman miscarried. "I was definitely skeptical before the study, but the results are promising," said Westphal, adding that she believes the chasteberry component of the supplement most likely played the biggest role in boosting fertility. Westphal said she considers the supplement a good option for younger women who choose to forego or postpone aggressive treatment. However, she encouraged women over the age of 35 who have been trying to get pregnant for more than six months to get a full evaluation from their physicians. Based on its promising findings, Westphal’s pilot study has been expanded to a larger multicenter study. She is currently enrolling women ages 18 to 43 who have been trying to get pregnant for six to 36 months and have abnormal menstrual cycles. She is also looking for men to enroll in a separate study on FertilityBlend for Men, a supplement containing L-carnitine (an amino acid that can improve sperm function) and ferulic acid (an antioxidant that has shown to improve sperm quality). Interested volunteers should call (650) 498-7911. The study was funded by the Asian Cultural Teaching Foundation and the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Daily Wellness Co., which manufactures FertilityBlend. Westphal’s Stanford colleague on the study was Mary Lake Polan, MD, PhD, who serves on the scientific advisory board of Daily Wellness. Stanford University Medical Center integrates research, medical education and patient care at its three institutions - Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. For more information, please visit the Web site of the medical center’s Office of Communication & Public Affairs at http://mednews.stanford.edu. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fertility-herbal-supplement-sprouts-promising-results-in-stanford-pilot-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cod-liver-oil-the-facts Cod liver oil: the factsSource: www.timesonline.co.ukDon’t believe the hype — believe the many independent research results, says Simon Crompton So now that we’ve created our own hype about cod liver oil — is it actually true? Can something that simple really be that good? Science rarely provides simplicity, but the facts behind the health-giving qualities of cod liver oil are powerful — as long as you look at reputable research. Some of its benefits have been established through authoritative studies, others are supported by encouraging but inconclusive evidence. Its potential mainly revolves around its constituent fatty acids — eicosapentaeonoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). High levels of vitamins A and D bring additional benefits. Deficiencies in these oils and vitamins, which occur all too readily in modern diets, affect many of the body’s main systems. In three fields in particular, cod liver oil makes a unique impact: heart disease, joint pain and brain performance. There’s been excitement at the potential of cod liver oil in all these fields for some time — it’s just that recent research has provided convincing backing. Sold by pharmacists since the early 20th century, cod liver oil first gained its reputation as a protector against rickets because of its high vitamin D content. Our grandparents swore it was good for aching bones and, in the 1950s, the first evidence that this was true started to emerge as research began into its properties. Its key ingredients, DHA and EPA, are types of omega-3 fatty acid. These are found in oil extracted from fish liver or the flesh of oily fish — but unless you eat salmon, mackerel or herring several times a week, you’re unlikely to be getting enough. That’s why a daily supplement of omega-3 rich cod liver oil offers such a convenient option. Research has shown that these fish oils reduce the levels of unhealthy blood fats (triglycerides), raise levels of the healthy variety of cholesterol (high density lipoprotein), lower blood pressure, decrease the likelihood of blood clots and reduce inflammation. This is good news for preventing stroke, heart disease and arthritis. HEART DISEASE The effect on heart disease was demonstrated vividly in a series of papers published in the 1970s which showed that the Inuit people of Greenland, who eat salmon and whale meat — sources of omega-3 — had heart disease rates ten times lower than their Danish neighbours. More recently, a trial of 2,033 Welsh men who had suffered heart attacks was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers found that the death rate in those subsequently advised to eat oily fish was 29 per cent lower than the others. INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS There is also evidence that fish oil supplements help people with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. This may not be unconnected with its benefits for heart disease because scientists believe that inflammation in the arteries is linked to heart attacks. Many studies have shown that omega-3 acids reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis, reducing the need for drugs. Ten trials in 1995 concluded that fish oil taken for three months brought a reduction in joint tenderness and stiffness. There is some less convincing evidence of the benefits of treating inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, with fish oils. OSTEOARTHRITIS New research from Cardiff University indicates that cod liver oil also helps people with the non-inflammatory form of arthritis — osteoarthritis. It can actually slow the destruction of joint cartilage, the researchers say. In their trial, they measured the levels of the enzymes that cause joint damage in a group of arthritis patients taking cod liver oil daily and a group taking nothing. Nearly nine out of ten of the cod liver oil group showed reduced or non- existent enzyme levels, while only a quarter of the non-cod liver oil group showed a reduction. BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND MEMORY Omega-3 acids are important structural components of cell membranes — particularly in the brain and retina. So they are essential for the formation of new tissue; for example, in infant and child development. However, researchers are as yet unclear about the optimum levels of omega-3 in young children’s diets. There are clear signs from animal experiments, however, that if your brain is deprived of these vital fatty acids, your memory could be impaired. One study showed that when fish-oil deficient rats are transferred to a diet supplemented with DHA, they demonstrate dramatic improvement in learning and memory. BRAIN AND LEARNING DISORDERS Studies have shown that patients with depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease all have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in cell membranes. Whether this is a cause or effect of the illness has yet to be established. But there is growing excitement among scientists that cod liver oil supplementation really might have a significant impact on young people with learning and behavioural disorders. In 1996 Purdue University researchers found that boys with low blood levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids have a greater tendency to have problems with behaviour, learning and health consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And there is a wealth of exciting anecdotal evidence that omega-3 supplementation produces dramatic improvements in children and young people with other problems, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia (co-ordination problems) and autistic-type disorders. VITAMINS It isn’t just the fatty acids in cod liver oil that are good for you. It provides high levels of vitamin D, essential for healthy bones and joints. Recent research has linked vitamin D deficiency with breast and colon cancer. It also provides vitamin A, which stimulates the immune system, keeps the eyes and skin healthy, protects against infections and some studies have indicated that it may protect against cancer. Lack of the particular form of vitamin A in cod liver oil may have a dramatic effect on some children. The American researcher Mary Megson says it causes blockages in vital visual, sensory, language and attention pathways in the brain. Her theory has been backed by a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 38 children with autism, which found that those taking cod liver oil showed significant improvements in their abilities over six months. CHOOSING AN OIL So how much cod liver oil should you take and are there any types that are better than others? How rich the cod’s liver is in omega-3 and vitamins depends on its stage in the breeding cycle but all brands of oil are blended so they achieve a consistent level of omega-3 and vitamin constituents. It makes no difference where the cod comes from. What you do need to consider carefully when choosing your oil is how likely it is to include contaminants (see panel right). Ann Walker, the senior lecturer in human nutrition at the University of Reading, says it is always best to go with a specialist manufacturer, and never stint on the grounds of cost. “A lot of big shops’ own-brand cod liver oil is of a lower quality,” she says. DOSAGE According to Dr Walker, cod liver oil capsule manufacturers’ recommendation of “one a day” is meaningless and the UK Government’s recommended daily intake of 100mg is far too low. In fact, she says, consumers shouldn’t be looking at total capsule size; they should be looking at is the EPA and DHA content listed on the side of jar or bottle. In some cod liver oil products, the fatty acids are concentrated. For example, EPA ranges between 40mg to 250mg in capsules. All the trial data on the benefits of cod liver oil has been based on high dosage of EPA and DHA, Dr Walker says. So even for a purely protective effect against joint pain, heart disease, and other inflammatory conditions, she recommends that an adult should be looking at a daily intake of 1g of EPA and DHA combined — that would mean taking up to ten low-dose capsules. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cod-liver-oil-the-facts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alzheimers-vitamin-link Alzheimers, vitamin linkSource: www.bordermail.com.auALZHEIMERS disease could be related to a deficiency of key nutrients such as iron and Vitamin E, a new study has suggested. The Australian Centre for Neuropsychotherapy conducted a year-long study using American medical library resources to analyse and collect results from other research projects. It concluded there was a strong link between Vitamin E and folate deficiencies and the prevention of brain degeneration. The study found that the rural community of Chandra in northern India had the lowest rate of Alzheimers disease in the world. This may be due to the communitys high intake of the spice tumeric, an active component of curcumin, believed to have brain cell protective qualities. The Monogahela Valley in Pennsylvania was found to have the highest rate in the world. Mr Rod Markham, director of the Australian Centre for Neuropsychotherapy, said there was a growing amount of clinical research suggesting the link between Alzheimers and nutrients. He said the reason for the research was to determine whether a brain patch could be developed, which would be stuck on the back of the neck to improve long-term memory. Based on the findings, Mr Markham recommended people increase their intake of Vitamin E and folate, found in vegetable oils, wheat germ, whole-grain products, avocados and nuts. “Prevention of Alzheimers disease should start early in life with proper nutrition,” Mr Markham said. There could also be a link between Alzheimers and lack of amino acids. Alzheimers was becoming more common because the population was ageing and living longer. Exercise could also help preserve the brain. “If you dont use it you lose it,” he said. One study had suggested academics were less likely to develop Alzheimers because they exercised their brains more effectively and for longer periods of time. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alzheimers-vitamin-link http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-may-reduce-fractures Vitamin B may reduce fracturesSource: news.statesmanjournal.comFolate and other B vitamins seem even more of a wonder drug than anyone suspected. Already known to prevent severe birth defects and heart attacks, they also may ward off broken bones from osteoporosis, two major studies suggest.The findings underscore doctors’ longstanding recommendation that people take multivitamins. They also could further support the government’s decision to require bread and cereal makers to fortify their products with folate, also known as folic acid.B vitamins are known to reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid already linked, at high levels, to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Now research shows high levels of homocysteine double the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.A report from Holland found that the risk of such fractures was twice as high in men and women with homocysteine levels in the top 25 percent, compared with those with lower levels. Similarly, a U.S. study found the risk nearly quadrupled in the top 25 percent of men and nearly doubled in the top 25 percent of women, compared with the 25 percent with the lowest levels.The studies were reported in today’s New England Journal of Medicine.Kiel said a standard multivitamin, taken once daily, would bring a person’s homocysteine levels below the danger point. Foods naturally rich in B vitamins and calcium — including dairy products, broccoli, carrots, avocados, cantaloupes, apricots, almonds and peanuts — also can reduce the broken-bone risks.Since 1998, when the U.S. government began requiring that folate be added to bread, cereal and other flour products, the resulting drop in Americans’ homocysteine levels has been credited with preventing about 48,000 deaths from heart attacks and strokes each year. Also, severe brain and spinal birth defects have dropped 27 percent — the strategy’s original purpose. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-may-reduce-fractures http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/form-of-vitamin-e-may-reduce-bladder-cancer Form of Vitamin E May Reduce Bladder CancerSource: www.cancerwise.orgDiet High in Certain Fruits, Vegetables, Oils SuggestedOne form of vitamin E appears to offer protection against development of bladder cancer, while a second form has no beneficial effect, say a team of researchers led by M. D. Anderson. In a five-year study, which included 468 newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients and 534 people without cancer, researchers found that high dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol, one form of vitamin E, significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. But gamma-tocopherol, which is consumed in greater amounts than alpha-tocopherol in the United States, offered no protection, say the researchers led by Xifeng Wu, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at M. D. Anderson. The research, which was conducted by M. D. Anderson epidemiologists and nutritionists from Texas Woman’s University, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research March 27-31.Diet tips“High intake of vitamin E from dietary sources was associated with a 42% reduced risk of bladder cancer, whereas a high intake of vitamin E from diet and supplements combined reduced the risk by 44%,” says the study’s first author, Ladia Hernandez, research dietitian in the Department of Epidemiology at M. D. Anderson.While the study is not over, researchers are recommending that people eat a healthy diet that includes fruit, vegetables and nuts. Many people do not eat the current recommended dietary allowance of 15 milligrams of vitamin E from their diet.Many foods include both forms of vitamin E, including some vegetables, nuts, fruits and oils. Researchers say foods richest in alpha-tocopherol include:Almonds Red and green peppers Spinach Mustard greens Sunflower seeds Vegetable oils (including cottonseed and safflower oils) Those high in gamma-tocopherol include:Walnuts Pecans Garbanzo beans Soybean oil Previous research tentatively linked low intake of vitamin E to bladder cancer, but those studies did not distinguish between the different forms of vitamin E, which include four tocopherols. Only the alpha and gamma forms of tocopherol are predominately found in food, and because they are metabolized differently, a recent Institute of Medicine report suggested they should be studied separately.Research processTo do that, the researchers had to develop a database for the alpha- and gamma-tocopherol contents of 200 different foods, based on an extensive review of published values and their own analytical values for foods like cornbread and french fries. These values were used to estimate the intakes of the two tocopherols in an ongoing study. Participants answered a detailed food-frequency questionnaire that summed up their dietary habits the year before they were diagnosed with bladder cancer or, in participants without cancer, the year before they agreed to participate in the study. Researchers then factored out other known bladder cancer risks, such as smoking, age, ethnicity and gender, to determine the benefits of the two forms of vitamin E.“Our long-term goal is to identify risk factors that are important for bladder cancer development,” Wu says. More studies are suggesting that different vitamins protect against different forms of cancer, and some point to a benefit from gamma-tocopherol in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Scientists say, however, that more research is needed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/form-of-vitamin-e-may-reduce-bladder-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-cancer VITAMIN E & CANCERSource: www.mensnewsdaily.comIn theory, vitamins and other nutrients with antioxidant activity might be able to reduce the incidence of both cancer and cardiovascular disease. Free radicals in our bodies are unstable atoms or molecules formed by normal metabolic chemical reactions. These substances are highly reactive against other atoms and molecules in the body, and are capable of causing damage to DNA, proteins, and fats throughout the body. Cellular damage caused by circulating free radicals in the body have been linked to many of the effects of aging, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other serious illnesses. For many years, nutrients with antioxidant properties, including vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene, have been studied as possible weapons against the harmful effects of free radicals. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence for any beneficial effect of large doses of these—and other—antioxidant nutrients is, at best, limited and contradictory. Multiple studies have looked at the impact of antioxidant vitamins on the incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and most have shown no significant benefit. One such study suggested that active smokers who take beta-carotene supplements may actually experience an increase in the risk of developing lung cancer.The largely unregulated “nutritional supplements” industry, which is expected to reach $11 billion dollars in sales in the US this year, has an enormous stake in any research related to the effects of vitamins on health. This huge industry has, understandably, seized upon every scientific study showing potential health benefits associated with vitamins and other dietary supplements, while ignoring numerous studies that have failed to identify any such benefits. Caught in the middle between the “nutritional supplements” industry (an oxymoronic term, if there ever was one) and a large body of contradictory scientific research, the American consumer is basically left to figure out the indications for taking these supplements on his or her own.Most of the studies looking at the disease prevention effects of vitamins and other dietary supplements rely upon either dietary surveys or randomized trials in which volunteers take either supplement pills or placebo pills. The dietary survey method is more common than the randomized, prospective, double-blinded method of study, and for several reasons. The dietary survey method is a simple and inexpensive means of studying the impact of dietary factor on public health, and enables researchers to efficiently study large numbers of people. Unfortunately, studies that rely upon dietary surveys are less powerful than prospective randomized studies, as dietary surveys rely upon the memories of study participants, and so the retrospective data derived from this type of study is far more subjective than prospectively acquired data. An additional problem with the dietary survey model of research is that confounding factors among the study participants might not be uncovered by the research team managing the study, resulting in skewed data that does not actually explain the effects of diet, or dietary supplements, on the disease processes being evaluated. For example, if a group of study participants is divided into sub-groups defined by the level of their self-reported intake of, say, vitamin C, the research team will then statistically analyze the incidence of certain diseases in this group of volunteers as a function of their vitamin C intake. But if the research team fails to recognize, for example, that the study participants with the highest self-reported intake of vitamin C also exercise more regularly than the people who consume the lowest levels of vitamin C, an attempt to correlate a reduction in cardiovascular disease incidence with high levels of dietary vitamin C might be completely erroneous. In this example, differences in exercise habits between volunteers with the highest levels of vitamin C in their diets and those with the lowest levels would be a confounding factor. In my example, I have used a glaringly obvious potential confounding factor, exercise levels, to illustrate my point. However, the interactions of various dietary factors, genetic predispositions, lifestyle behaviors, the side effects of medications, gender, age, environmental factors, emotional and mental health issues, and numerous other simple and complex factors (and all of them potentially interacting with each other at multiple different levels), make it extremely difficult for researchers to identify and correct for every conceivable confounding factor. On the other hand, matching study participants as carefully as possible prior to beginning a new study, and then giving them either a nutritional supplement or a placebo pill (and not allowing either the research team or the study volunteers to know which pill they are actually receiving), bypasses many of the potential weaknesses of retrospective dietary survey studies.When I review studies that look at the potential health impact of a specific dietary supplement, I am looking for simplicity, power, and accuracy. The more focused the study is on a specific endpoint (for example, what is the effect of garlic supplementation, within a controlled prospective study, on blood cholesterol levels?), the more likely that the study’s conclusions are going to be accurate. A new study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has piqued my interest, particularly in view of the very contradictory scientific evidence available that vitamin E might reduce the risk of certain cancers. Up front, one potential limitation of this study is that it uses a mouse model instead of a human model, and we know that what works in a mouse doesn’t always work in a human being. Having made this disclaimer, this study, at a minimum, demonstrates a biochemical mechanism whereby a specific form of vitamin E might actually reduce the risk of tumor formation and progression. In this study, an established and validated test for detecting DNA mutations was used to assess the impact of two different chemical forms of vitamin E on the presence of two tumor-associated DNA mutations in mice with experimentally induced tumors. Two different groups of tumor-bearing mice were fed diets high in either alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol, two different forms of vitamin E that are found in natural sources of this fat soluble vitamin. A third group of mice received normal mice chow, without vitamin E supplementation. The authors found that the tumors in the mice fed high levels of alpha-tocopherol, but not gamma tocopherol, underwent a significant reduction in the expression of two mutated genes associated with genetic instability in their tumors. Interestingly, the 28 mice that were fed 50 mg or less per kg of body weight of alpha-tocopherol per day all experienced a significant reduction in the function of one of the two mutated tumor-associated genes that were studied. Among the 18 mice that received 100 mg/kg body weight of alpha-tocopherol per day, 7 (39%) had evidence of suppressed function of this same tumor-associated mutant gene (these results, in both groups of mice, were based upon comparison with the third group of mice who did not receive any dietary supplementation with any form of vitamin E). Although the small numbers of mice in each group may limit conclusions regarding a dose-response effect, these results at least suggest that there may be an optimal dose of supplemental alpha-tocopherol necessary to shutdown the function of, at least, this one tumor-associated mutant gene (at least in mice…). This is a very intriguing study, and demonstrates a specific biochemical mechanism whereby alpha-tocopherol is able to reduce, or down-regulate, the function of mutant genes associated with genetic instability in tumors. Of course, this same mechanism of alpha-tocopherol anti-tumor function must be demonstrated in humans before the results of this study can be generalized to human beings. However, this elegant and focused research study provides powerful evidence that at least one form of the vitamin E that we consume from natural dietary sources can, at least in mice, reverse the function of tumor-associated mutant genes.BRIEFLY…Cancer Journal: Previous studies have shown contradictory effects of the popular cholesterol-reducing statin drugs on the risk of developing cancer. In an age-matched study of 975 women with a history of breast cancer and 1,007 women without breast cancer, current or prior use of statin drugs was not associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Among women who used statin drugs for more than 5 years, there was actually a 30% reduction in the relative risk of developing breast cancer when compared to women who had never taken statin drugs.Cancer Journal: A total of 23,618 postmenopausal Danish women were followed for an average of 4.8 years, and the incidence of breast cancer in this group of women was correlated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. Overall, the women who reported prior or current HRT use experienced a 222% increase in the relative risk of developing breast cancer when compared to women who reported no current or prior HRT use. The women who reported continuous long-term HRT use, not surprisingly, had the highest risk of developing breast cancer, and breast tumors sensitive to estrogen stimulation in particular. More evidence that chronic HRT is associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer….Journal of Urology: The relationship, if any, between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and nighttime bed-wetting (enuresis) has not previously been well studied. A total of 120 children, age 6 to 12 years, with a history of enuresis were evaluated. Among these 120 children, 15% were diagnosed with the full ADHD syndrome, while 22.5% met the diagnostic criteria for the ADHD inattentive subtype (i.e., attention deficit disorder, but without hyperactivity). This is much higher than the generally accepted incidence of ADHD in the general population, which is estimated to be 3 to 5%. Moreover, the study determined that the older children (those 9 to 12 years of age) with enuresis in this study were more likely than the younger children to have ADHD. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dandelions-have-health-benefits-other-uses Dandelions have health benefits, other usesSource: www.indystar.comIf there ever was a plant that jumped in and out of the role of "weed," it is dandelion. Lawn-lovers, gardeners, even fruit farmers despise the plant for its appearance and the way it grabs for nutrients and water and distracts bees. The plant is perennial, tough, and spreads its seeds all summer long. What a weed!Hoeing or mowing hardly fazes dandelion. The thick, deep roots are a storehouse of energy that fuels growth of new leaves each time you lop off the old ones. The seeds are well adapted to hitchhiking a ride on the slightest breeze.Weed killers are effective against dandelion, but digging out whole roots is a satisfying, nontoxic way of getting rid of the plants. Just slide a shovel into the ground next to the plant, then lever the root up as you pull on the crown.Easier than eradicating dandelion might be to change your perception of it. For centuries, this plant has been praised for its health-promoting properties. The leaves are richer in calcium than milk, richer in vitamin A than carrots, and compare with spinach in iron, as well as with oranges in vitamin C.Recognizing the healthful properties, the ease of growth, and the good flavor (when grown well) of dandelion, gardeners in various parts of the world started cultivating the plant about 150 years ago. Some of these varieties are still available today.Whether you grow dandelion in the garden or just harvest it from the wild, the plant has many uses. (Make sure any plants that you eat are not from lawns or fields treated with pesticide.) The youngest leaves in the center of the rosette are tasty enough for fresh salads or to boil up as "greens."To make the leaves more tender and less bitter, keep them in the dark under an inverted flowerpot for a week before harvest. The roots can be cooked as a vegetable or roasted as a coffee substitute. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dandelions-have-health-benefits-other-uses http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-can-save-your-life Vitamin C Can Save Your LifeSource: www.lewrockwell.comIn the hopes of not typecasting myself as simply an attacker of the Bush administration, I think it is time to break ground on a new topic: vitamins and supplements. Yes, while an immoral war rages miles away from home and the administration scurries around trying to stop the bleeding at home, I think it is time to discuss an issue that will probably fly underneath the radar screen of most observers. On January 20th, 1985, the Dan Marino-led Miami Dolphins were defeated soundly in Super Bowl XIX by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana. While I can not remember the exact score, I can remember that I was sick with the flu. That was nineteen years ago and is not too big of a deal in and of itself. What I do believe is somewhat interesting, is that I have not had the flu since. There is but one reason for this in my opinion: vitamin C. I am not talking about a couple hundred milligrams that come as part of a multi-vitamin. I am talking about thousands of milligrams per day.The merits of vitamin C have been well known for some time. In 1747, Scottish naval surgeon James Lind discovered that a nutrient (now known to be vitamin C) in citrus foods prevented scurvy. It was rediscovered by Norwegians, A. Hoist and T. Froelich in 1912. Vitamin C was the first vitamin to be artificially synthesized in 1935. A process invented by Dr. Tadeusz Reichstein, of the Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich. The most recent studies have shown that it may fend off everything from Alzheimer’s to stress. In short, there is credible evidence to support my claim that I have not been sick in nearly 20 years due to my taking high doses of vitamin C. Additional proof of the healing powers of vitamin C was shown to me when a former neighbor of mine told me that as a young boy, (prior to the days of polio vaccines), he was treated with vitamin C at Duke University while suffering from the disease. He was completely cured. A good source of information on the topic of vitamins and supplements is MaryClinic.com. Dr. Charles C. Mary, himself a colon cancer survivor based only on the intravenous taking of vitamin C, heads this New Orleans based clinic which has become a haven for those who have been failed (or fooled) by traditional medicine.While discussing the value of vitamins and supplements is probably an issue only a handful of LRC readers might wish to discuss, the pending legislation that would call for stricter monitoring of the industry should be important to freedom lovers who are tired of governmental interference. Currently, I pay about $5 online for 100 capsules of 1000 mg vitamin C. In addition, I take several other supplements that give my knees and back much more relief than would ibuprofen. These additional supplements are a bit more expensive, so I spend about $30 a month on vitamins and supplements. Senate Bill 722 seeks to end that, calling for more FDA oversight, and consequently an estimated increase of 70% to consumers of these products. This oversight is necessary in the eyes of some lawmakers because apparently, some people who use the Internet and shop at health food stores can not read. On the bottle of every supplement made, packed, and shipped, read words similar to this: "WARNING: This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. Consumers are cautioned to read all labels and follow all directions. You should always consult with your physician before using this or any such products." In other words, "Use at your own risk." Unfortunately, we now live in a time in which individuals can not make decisions for themselves. We are living in a time in which seemingly normal adults are not considered competent enough to discern whether a little bit of St. John’s Wort might be good for them. It is incredible that there are some who think that "pro choice" should mean the ability to abort an unborn child at any time, but not the ability to choose what vitamins to take. It should not come as any surprise that this bill was co-sponsored by none other than Hillary Clinton, Dianne Feinstein, and Charles Schumer after having been sponsored by Illinois Democrat Richard Durbin.Recent data show that 16 deaths were attributed to dietary supplements in 2002. The American Medical Association has reported that approximately 106,000 deaths a year can be attributed to prescription drugs while thousands more have been caused by over the counter drugs. It seems that America, instead of being called the "Land of the Free," is now the "Land of the Over Reaction," for just like 9-11 brought knee-jerk reactions from those in Washington, so did the deaths that were only partially linked to ephedra. Apparently, that is what those in Washington are sent there to do: ensure that no one dies of ephedra, or no student gets left behind, or perhaps no small business owner gets ahead. Currently, the bill is in committee. While I am no parliamentarian, I realize that this bill becomes an easy insert into all manner of other legislation. For example, President Bush ran into problems when he tried to hammer home Patriot Act II. Instead of passing the entire bill, bits of it have been incorporated into other similar pieces of legislation like H.R. 3037, "The Antiterrorism Tools Enhancement Act of 2003"; H.R. 3040 and S. 1606, "The Pretrial Detention and Lifetime Supervision of Terrorists Acts of 2003"; and H.R. 2934 and S. 1604, the "Terrorist Penalties Enhancement Act of 2003." With Senate Bill 722, it is an easy fit into the Agricultural Appropriations Bill. The smokescreen of choice for all of this legislation is "safety," but the true intention is the power grab that typifies Washington.While it is always entertaining to discuss when it was that the American politician lost his grasp of the Constitution, I think some attention needs to be paid to what it is that they are called by the media. I can remember a time in which politicians were called just that: politicians. It seems that over night, they became "law makers," as though they produce corvettes, curtains, or cocktails. Evidently, the word politician had far too many negative overtones. Now that the much more benign label of law maker is being used, it seems the goal of every congressman is to pass legislation. It is not important whether the legislation deals with spam or supplements. Sadly, the politicians only have the power because "we the sheeple" have given it to them.If you are interested in combating this bit of legislation, you can go to Puritan.com to get more information. There is a form letter that you can tweak to your liking and send to your representative or senator.May 18, 2004 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-can-save-your-life http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-d-linked-to-insulin-resistance Low Vitamin D Linked to Insulin ResistanceSource: www.reuters.comPeople with a low level of vitamin D in the blood have poorly functioning insulin-producing cells and show a poor response to insulin, even when their blood sugar levels are normal, according to California-based researchers. "Low vitamin D is extremely common," lead investigator Dr. Ken C. Chiu told Reuters Health. Moreover, "our observations indicate that low vitamin D has a small but significant impact" on blood glucose metabolism and diabetes, he said. Chiu and colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles came to this conclusion after a study involving 126 healthy, glucose-tolerant subjects. As reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the team found that the lower the vitamin D concentration, the longer it took for blood glucose levels to decline during oral glucose testing. Overall, subjects with low levels of vitamin D were more likely than did those with higher concentrations to exhibit components of the so-called metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. In particular, 14 of 49 participants classified as having vitamin D were deemed at risk of the syndrome versus 9 of 79 without such deficiency. "Now, we have one more reason to keep up vitamin D," Chiu added. However, he also emphasized that "correction of low vitamin D itself is not sufficient in the treatment of these conditions and too much vitamin D could also be harmful." SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-d-linked-to-insulin-resistance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-s-in-your-vitamin-e- What’s in Your Vitamin E?Source: www.newswise.comVitamin E in foods may offer more health benefits than vitamin E supplements. How to know if you’re getting your vitamin E’s worth? The July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers guidance: * Vitamin E comes in many forms. Foods contain the alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and delta-tocopherol forms of vitamin E. Research suggests that these forms -- when obtained from foods such as nuts, vegetable oils, whole grains, tomato products and dark-green leafy vegetables, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. * Supplements appear less beneficial. Studies haven’t consistently shown that supplemental vitamin E provides the same risk-reducing effect as does vitamin E in foods. It could be because supplements typically contain only the alpha-tocopherol form, or have it in high amounts. * Some supplements could be better than others. Supplements that contain mixed tocopherols -- including natural alpha-tocopherol and other forms such as gamma- and delta-tocopherol, may provide better health benefits. * Food offers other benefits. Foods high in vitamin E also are rich in other compounds that can protect against disease. Even if you take a supplement, don’t neglect rich dietary sources of vitamin E. Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today’s health and medical news. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-s-in-your-vitamin-e- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dietary-supplement-with-plant-extract-may-ease-hangover Dietary Supplement with Plant Extract May Ease HangoverSource: www.innovations-report.comIndividuals who took a dietary supplement containing extracts of Opuntia ficus indica, a type of prickly pear cactus, before consuming alcohol, had reduced symptoms of alcohol hangover compared to individuals who drank but took placebo, according to an article in the June 28 issue of The Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Alcohol hangovers cause substantial economic and health consequences, the article states. The severity of alcohol hangovers may be related to inflammation caused by impurities in alcoholic beverages and byproducts of alcohol metabolism. C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver, becomes elevated after injury or trauma and is thought to be involved in inflammation and alcohol hangovers. An extract from the skin of the prickly pear fruit, Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) has been shown to reduce inflammation, the article states. Jeff Wiese, M.D., of Tulane University, New Orleans, and colleagues investigated the effect of OFI on the symptoms of alcohol hangover. The researchers randomly assigned 55 young adult volunteers (aged 21 to 35 years) to receive either OFI or placebo five hours before alcohol consumption. The study participants were given dinner (cheeseburger, fries and soda) four hours before alcohol consumption started, and were able to choose a single type of alcohol to drink for the study: vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, scotch, or tequila. Over four hours of drinking, volunteers consumed up to 1.75 grams of alcohol per kilogram of body weight, a quantity that has produced hangovers in previous studies. One hour after alcohol consumption ended, the researchers measured blood alcohol levels, and the volunteers were driven home. The next morning, volunteers returned to the study site and had their vital signs measured, and blood and urine samples were taken. Hangover severity (based on nine symptoms) and overall well-being were assessed on a scale (zero to six points, with six points indicating the worst well-being). Two weeks later, the study was repeated with the same volunteers except those that were previously given OFI were given placebo and vice versa. The researchers found that three of the nine symptoms of hangover – nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite – were significantly reduced after taking OFI. The average score for well-being the next morning was 2.75 for volunteers who took OFI and 3.10 for volunteers who took placebo. The researchers also found that levels of C-reactive protein were strongly associated with hangover severity, and C-reactive protein levels were 40 percent higher in volunteers who took placebo compared with OFI. “In this randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, we found hangover symptom severity to be moderately reduced by an extract of the prickly pear plant, Opuntia ficus indica,” the authors write. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dietary-supplement-with-plant-extract-may-ease-hangover http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/trial-proves-vitamins-slow-down-hiv-aids Trial Proves Vitamins Slow Down HIV/AidsSource: allafrica.comTAKING the right vitamins has been proved to slow down the progression of HIV.A study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week, is one of the first to prove the benefits of vitamins for HIV-positive patients.In South Africa, many doctors recommend vitamin supplements for HIV-positive patients, but they are not always available in public hospitals.During a two-year trial, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1 078 HIV-positive pregnant women were given vitamin supplements or placebos. The researchers reported that women in the multivitamin group were "significantly less likely to progress to [Aids] or die of Aids-related causes"."In addition to enhancing immunity, multivitamins may also reduce HIV replication, as indicated by a significant reduction in viral load," they said.The women who took a combination of vitamins B, C and E were 30% less likely to progress to Aids or die; they were also less at risk for rashes, inflammation and fatigue.Vitamin A alone seemed to have some negative effects and when taken with other vitamins reduce their benefits.Dr Barbara Marston and Dr Kevin de Cock said in the journal that there was now a need to evaluate the effect of multi vitamins in larger populations, "particularly among persons with more advanced HIV disease or more serious nutritional deficiencies".HIV specialists in South Africa said the findings were significant.Dr Des Martin, head of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, said: "This makes me prick up my ears. It is very significant. We have always thought malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies accelerate the progression towards Aids."Johannesburg Hospital's Dr Francois Venter said it was interesting that multivitamins helped irrespective of the CD4 count or clinical stage.In the Western Cape, almost all HIV-positive patients received multivitamins, said HIV/Aids head Dr Fareed Abdullah.In Gauteng, only some patients have access to multi vitamins.Dr Alan Karstaedt, who runs the HIV clinic at Chris Hani Bara gwanath Hospital, in Soweto, said it had no multivitamins at the moment.At the HIV clinic in Kalafong, near Pretoria, patients get a B-complex supplement.Dr Mariette Botes said: "We are lucky that many of our patients are employed and have [nutritious] food. But nutrition is an extremely big problem in rural areas."Dr Leon Regensberg, clinical director of Aid for Aids, South Africa's biggest managed-treatment programme, said patients on medical aid were routinely advised to take vitamins.Relevant Links East Africa AIDS Tanzania Health and Medicine "We had the view all along that micronutrients do have value but we have been waiting for scientific evidence to back this up.He warned, however, that excessive doses of vitamins could be harmful. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/trial-proves-vitamins-slow-down-hiv-aids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/from-prayer-to-herbs From prayer to herbsSource: www.usnews.comAlternative medicine is looking more mainstream than alternative. According to a new government survey, over a third of American adults use some form of nontraditional medicine.What the researchers wanted to know: How many Americans use complementary and alternative medicine? What therapies do they use? And why?What they did: This is government work, so there are a lot of long titles involved. Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (part of the National Institutes of Health) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed part of the 2002 data from the National Health Interview Survey, for which more than 30,000 adults answered questions about their health and healthcare. The survey, which is designed to get a representative sample of Americans, has been going on for decades, collecting reams of data on the health of Americans.What they found: Over a third of adults had used some form of nontraditional medicine in the previous 12 months. If you count people who use prayer specifically for better health, the proportion goes up to 62 percent. Forty-three percent of adults pray specifically for their own health, and nearly 25 percent have someone else pray for them. After prayer, the most commonly used therapies were natural products (including herbs), 19 percent; deep breathing, 12 percent; taking part in a health prayer group, 10 percent; meditation, 8 percent; chiropractic, 8 percent; yoga, 5 percent; massage, 5 percent; and diet-based therapies (including Atkins and Zone diets), 4 percent. Most people who use complementary and alternative therapies say they do so because they think that combining those therapies with conventional medicine will help; half of all people try alternative medicine because they think it's interesting to try.Who cares: I do. Don't you? Doctors should care that nearly 20 percent of U.S. adults are taking "natural products"—and remember to ask their patients if they're taking any dietary supplements, which may interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs.The caveats: The data come from a survey, so people could be lying about the treatments they've tried. Also, these data are only about one point in time; they don't say anything about how alternative medicine usage is changing over time.Find out more: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (http://nccam.nih.gov) has this study and health resources on complementary and alternative medicine.Information about the National Health Interview Survey is at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm. This study is posted there, too.Retired psychiatrist Stephen Barrett is extremely skeptical about alternative medicine and has the website to prove it: www.quackwatch.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/from-prayer-to-herbs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/orange-colored-bananas-could-help-prevent-blindness Orange colored bananas could help prevent blindnessSource: www.webindia123.comAn orange colored banana called 'karat', which is a native fruit of the Pacific islands of Micronesia, has been found to be so rich in vitamin A that it could help prevent certain types of blindness in children suggests a new study, which was presented at an international conference on bananas and plantains, in Penang, Malaysia, this week.According to New Scientist, the study conducted by the agriculture ministry of Pohnpei, a Micronesian island, has indicated that karat is unusually rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is also responsible for the banana's orange color.Karat is one the 21 types of native bananas found on the islands. They were earlier given to children on the islands in order to make them start taking solid foods after they stop getting their mother's milk.Researchers have now found that 15 of the 21 types of bananas had enough carotenoids content to make up for half of the required daily intake of vitamin A, when combined with a good diet.The karat had the maximum carotenoid content, which was found to be 25 times as much beta-carotene as the traditional Cavendish banana."Steam-boiling karats makes more arytenoids available to the body. But they can also be eaten ripe and raw," said Lois Englberger of the Island Food Community of Pohnpei, who authored the study. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/orange-colored-bananas-could-help-prevent-blindness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cancer-survivors-may-benefit-from-nutrition-plan Cancer survivors may benefit from nutrition planSource: www.chron.comAfter her third battle with cancer, Diana Dyer decided she needed something more than surgery and chemotherapy to keep the disease at bay. During treatment, she ate whatever she could tolerate to get the calories her body needed. But afterward, her goal was to use diet to minimize the risk of recurrence.She increased her exercise; reduced her alcohol intake; avoided saturated fats in animal foods and trans and hydrogenated fats in processed foods; switched to olive and canola oils; gave up red meats and poultry and ate more soy foods, fatty fish and eggs, rich in omega-3 fatty acids; doubled her fiber intake through whole grains, legumes and nine or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables; replaced diet sodas with tomato and orange juice and green tea; stuck to low-fat dairy products; and added nuts and flax seeds to her diet.She describes her plan, including what to do when eating out, in A Dietitian's Cancer Story (Swan Press, $15.95) and offers two weeks of menus and recipes on her Web site, at www.cancerrd.com. Part of the sales proceeds from the book benefit the American Institute for Cancer Research. The book can be ordered through the institute at 800-843-8114.Also helpful on the subject is the American Cancer Society's publication "Nutrition for the Person With Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Families," available by calling 800-227-2345.Will Dyer's approach help keep her free of cancer? So far she has been healthy. And the diet will lower her risk of heart disease.To help health-care providers and their patients make the best choices based on the best available evidence, three years ago the American Cancer Society published a guide on nutrition during and after cancer treatment. It was designed to help the more than 1.2 million Americans who each year receive cancer diagnoses and the more than 9 million who have thus far survived cancer. The article can be found online at caonline.amcancersoc.org and in the May/June 2001 issue of the journal CA. During treatment Current approaches to cancer treatment — surgery, radiation and chemotherapy — may not only change a person's nutritional needs but also interfere with the ability to consume, digest, absorb and assimilate food. In most cases, cancer treatment increases a person's caloric needs while making it more challenging to meet them. Small, frequent, appealing meals and snacks and foods that are easy to chew, swallow, digest and absorb are recommended, even if they are high in calories or fat. This is not a time to try to lose weight or worry about how healthful foods might be. Meeting one's caloric needs is the primary goal; during treatment, it is often helpful to add beverages such as Ensure or Boost as temporary aids.But the cancer society's experts warn against consuming high levels of certain supplements that may do more harm than good. Folic acid, for example, can interfere with the action of some chemotherapeutic drugs, such as methotrexate, that act as folic-acid antagonists. And high doses of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, which patients sometimes take in hopes of protecting normal cells, may reduce the effectiveness of therapies that work by causing oxidative damage to cancer cells.As a prudent approach during treatment, experts recommend "not to exceed the upper limits of the Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin supplements and to avoid other nutritional supplements that contain antioxidant compounds."Cancer treatment often suppresses immune responses, so it is also important to pay particular attention to food safety. Do not eat raw fish or undercooked meats and poultry or drink unpasteurized juices; rinse all fruits and vegetables; and protect foods eaten uncooked from drippings or utensils used on raw meats, poultry and seafood.Once active treatment ends, the goal is to rebuild muscle strength and correct problems that may have been caused by treatment, such as anemia. Again, this is not a time to diet; the emphasis should be on eating healthful foods. Eating for good health The cancer society experts say, "There is no evidence to support fasting as a healthy practice during cancer treatment or beyond." Vegetarian diets and macrobiotic diets based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, fermented soy products, nuts, seeds and teas "can be consistent with a healthy diet" as long as consumers are careful to take in enough calories and essential nutrients.But the experts found "no data to support the claim that a macrobiotic diet reduces cancer incidence or recurrence" any more than the less restricted regimen the society recommends, which includes animal-protein foods in moderation.Although a one-a-day type of multivitamin-mineral supplement can help compensate for nutrient shortfalls, the experts advise against doses above the recommended intake for any nutrient.Alcohol is best avoided or consumed in moderation — at most one drink a day for women, two for men — since it is associated with an increased risk of breast, lung and digestive cancers. Purple grape juice helps protect against heart disease. Teas are all right for cancer survivors, as long as they are made from plants that are ordinarily used for foods or beverages. Caffeine is all right, too; it has no link to cancer.As Dyer discovered, until there is evidence to the contrary, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains rich in potentially protective fiber and phytochemicals should be the goal for all cancer survivors — and for everyone else. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cancer-survivors-may-benefit-from-nutrition-plan http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/organic-foods-in-relation-to-nutrition-and-health-key-facts Organic foods in relation to nutrition and health key factsSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comThis factsheet is a summary of an article published in “Coronary and Diabetic Care in the UK 2004” by the Association of Primary Care Groups and Trusts (UK). It was written by James Cleeton, Policy Projects Co-ordinator at the Soil Association. The article concluded that a predominantly organic diet: • reduces the amount of toxic chemicals ingested; • totally avoids GMOs [genetically modified organisms]; • reduces the amount of food additives and colourings; • increases the amount of beneficial vitamins, minerals, EFAs [essential fatty acids] and antioxidants consumed; • appears to have the potential to lower the incidence of common conditions such as cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies and hyperactivity in children. 1) PESTICIDESThe routine use of synthetic pesticides is not allowed under organic standards. Currently, over 400 chemicals can be regularly used in conventional farming to kill weeds, insects and other pests that attack crops. For example, Cox’s apples can be sprayed up to 16 times with 36 different pesticides. 7 Only four chemicals are allowed in restricted circumstances under Soil Association standards. “Organic food contains fewer residues of pesticides used in conventional agriculture, so buying organic is one way to reduce the chances that your food contains these pesticides” (Sir John Krebs, Chair, Food Standards Agency, Cheltenham Science Festival debate, 5th June 2003). “Consumers who wish to minimise their dietary pesticide exposure can do so with confidence by buying organically grown food” (Baker et al 2002). OrganophosphatesThe most dangerous chemicals used in farming such as organophosphates [pesticides] have been linked with a range of conditions such as cancer, decreasing male fertility, foetal abnormalities, chronic fatigue syndrome in children and Parkinson’s disease. 8,9 Pesticide residues have been ranked among the top three environmental cancer risks by the American Government. 10Pesticide residues in foodIn recent years, UK Government research has consistently found pesticide residues in a third of food, including residues of more than one chemical in apples, baby food, bread, cereal bars, fresh salmon, lemons, lettuces, peaches, nectarines, potatoes and strawberries. 11 Not all foodstuffs are checked; instead a small number of different products is tested every 3 months and the results published by the Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD). Residues of multiple pesticides: the cocktail effectAfter pressure from NGOs [non-governmental organisations] such as the Soil Association, the PSD has begun testing for multiple pesticide residues in its samples because evidence suggests that when acting in combination, harmful effects of pesticide residues may be increased. The Government has recognised that “….ignoring the cocktail effects during risk assessment will lead to significant under-estimations of risk”.12Combinations of low-level insecticides, herbicides and nitrates have been shown to be toxic at levels that individual chemicals are not.13 - 16 It is clearly an enormous task to test all possible combinations of the 400 permitted pesticides currently in use. It is clear that not enough is known about how combinations of pesticides affect our health, and the Government’s Committee on Toxicity has expressed disquiet about the risks involved.17Pesticides and cancerWomen with breast cancer are five to nine times more likely to have pesticide residues in their blood than those who do not.18 Previous studies have shown that those with occupational exposure to pesticides have higher rates of cancer.19 - 21 The apparent link between hormone dependent cancers, such as those of the breast and prostate, may be via endocrine disrupting chemicals [compounds that artificially affect the hormone system] such as 2,4D and Atrazine (both herbicides, now banned or about to be banned). The Royal Society [the UK’s main scientific organisation] recommends that human exposure to EDCs (especially during pregnancy) should be minimised on grounds of prudence.63 Effects of pesticides on childrenChildren may be particularly susceptible to pesticide residues as they have a higher intake of food and water per unit of body weight than adults and their relatively immature organ systems may have limited ability to detoxify these substances.22In a study of children aged 2 –4 living in Seattle, concentrations of pesticide residues up to six times higher were found in children eating conventionally farmed fruit and vegetables compared with those eating organic food.23 Whilst the presence of pesticide residues in children eating conventional food has been confirmed, the full effect of such pesticides are unknown. 2) FOOD ADDITIVESFood colourings and additives can cause a range of health problems in adults and children. For example, tartrazine (the yellow food colouring E102) and other additives have been linked to allergic reactions, headaches, asthma, growth retardation and hyperactivity in children.24 - 27Although around 300 additives are permitted in conventional food only 30 are allowed under Soil Association standards. Some additives found in organic food are added for legal reasons including iron, thiamine (vitamin B) and nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) in white flour, and various vitamins and minerals in different types of baby foods. All artificial colourings and artificial sweeteners are banned in organic food. Specific ingredients and additives not allowed in organic food are monosodium glutamate, aspartame, phosphoric acid and hydrogenated fats. In each case their use has been banned because of evidence that they can be damaging to health. For example, hydrogenated fats (also known as trans fats) have been directly linked with increased rates of heart disease, cancer and skin disease. 28,29,30,31 The FSA [Food Standards Agency] acknowledges that they have no known nutritional benefits and increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The FSA website advises that people should try to cut down their consumption of hydrogenated fat. 323) GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS Genetically modified organisms are banned from organic food. The potential health effects of GM foods are unknown. Michael Meacher the former Minister for the Environment recently stated that “We have had no systematic clinical or biochemical trials of the effects on human beings of eating GM food”. A paper in Nutrition and Health 33 supports Mr Meacher’s position. The authors state that there have only been ten published studies of the health effects of GM food and that the quality of some of these was inadequate. Over half were done in collaboration with companies (fully or partially), and these found no negative effects on body organs. The others were done independently and looked more closely at the effects on the gut lining; in several, evidence of harmful effects were found which remain unexplained. 33Similar effects on the gut lining were found in an unpublished animal feeding study on a GM tomato. In addition, a study by Newcastle University sponsored by the FSA found that the transgenes [genetically modified organisms] transfer into gut bacteria at detectable levels after only one GM meal. The health effects of these transgenes are unknown and until they have been properly tested people are, in our opinion, wise to avoid eating GM food. 4) ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALSUK and US government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991. 34,35 In contrast there is growing evidence that organic fruit and vegetables generally contain more nutrients than non-organic food. The Soil Association conducted a systematic review of the evidence comparing the vitamin and mineral content of organic and conventionally grown food. It was found that, on average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium. 36An independent review of the evidence found that organic crops had significantly higher levels of all 21 nutrients analysed compared with conventional produce including vitamin C (27% more), magnesium (29% more), iron (21% more) and phosphorous (14% more). Organic spinach, lettuce, cabbage and potatoes showed particularly high levels of minerals. 375) ANTIOXIDANTSA high antioxidant intake has been shown to be associated with a reduced incidence of coronary heart disease and some cancers. Such antioxidants include certain vitamins (vitamin E and beta-carotene) and substances known as phenolics. Researchers have recognised the growing concern that levels of some phenolics may be lower than is optimal for human health in conventionally grown foods. 38Phenolics are generated by a plant when attacked by pests. Generally, organic crops are not protected by pesticides and research has shown that organically produced fruit contains higher levels of phenolic compounds than conventionally grown fruit. 38,39 Danish researchers have found that organic crops contain 10% to 50% more antioxidants than conventional crops. 406) ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS The essential fatty acids (EFA), omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) play an essential role in metabolism [chemical changes which take place in our bodies to utilise food and eliminate waste materials] and especially in the prevention of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure 41,42,43. Omega 3s also reduce the risk of neurological disorders including depression 44,45,46 and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children 47,48,49,50, 51,52. Furthermore, CLA has been demonstrated to help prevent cancer and degenerative changes in the walls of the arteries 53,54 enhance growth promotion and reduce body fat 54, 55, 56. Forage based diets [a diet based on fresh or dried food as opposed to processed feed] form the basis of organic livestock production systems and have the potential to decrease saturated fat concentrations and to increase the concentrations of omega-3 57, 58 and CLA 59,50,61 in beef. Milk taken from animals fed on a forage-based diet also display improved levels of EFAs, including CLA and omega 3. 61, 627) ALLERGIESIn a study of Swedish children, the prevalence of atopic disorders [allergies] from two different groups of children was measured. The study compared 295 children aged 5 – 13 years from two anthroposophic schools [schools with an alternative approach to education] with 380 children from two neighbouring state schools. The anthroposophical school children ate a predominantly organic diet, used antibiotics restrictively, had few vaccinations and their diet usually contained live lactobacilli [a friendly bacteria found in the upper intestinal tract of humans and in some yoghurts and in unpasteurised milk]. It was found that the anthroposophic way of life is associated with a lowered prevalence of atopy in children. 4The reduced incidence of atopic disorders is likely to be the result of a combination of lifestyle differences between the two groups of children so that the contribution of organic food consumption is unclear. However, consumption of organic food is the single most common factor unifying the anthroposophic children. 8) FERTILITYA steady deterioration in male reproductive health has been reported throughout Europe. Sperm concentrations have declined and abnormalities in sperm development have been recorded. Danish research compared the sperm density of members of an organic farming association (OFA) with that of three different occupational groups and found that that the former had significantly higher sperm counts 2. This research was corroborated in 1996 when members of another Danish OFA were compared with a control group of 797 healthy men. It was found that “…sperm concentration was higher among men eating organically produced food” 3. “A biological plausible hypothesis has suggested that man-made chemicals act as endocrine disrupters (EDC) resulting in altered development of the reproductive tract causing the observed effects”5. A number of pesticides regularly used in conventional agriculture are known to be EDCs. Therefore, if an individual’s diet does not contain pesticide residues, it can be hypothesised that the above abnormalities of sperm would be less likely. 9) POSITION OF THE FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY AND THE GOVERNMENTThe Food Standards Agency responded to the Soil Association’s report “Organic farming, food quality and human health’ (2001) by stating that: On the basis of current evidence, the Agency's assessment is that organic food is not significantly different in terms of food safety and nutrition from food produced conventionally. 1The Government has taken a more open-minded view. At a meeting between members of the Government’s Organic Action Plan and the FSA, the then Organic Farming Minister, Elliot Morley, suggested to the FSA that: "….while the FSA is clear that all conventionally produced food is safe, the FSA could also recognise that some consumers want less pesticide residues, less use of veterinary medicines, no routine use of antibiotics, and no use of GM ingredients, and that in all these areas organic food delivers what the consumers want." At that time, Sir John Krebs the Chair of the FSA, was unwilling to change its stance on organic food. However, in recent months Sir John has endorsed one of the organic sector’s findings, namely that organic food contains less pesticide residues. “Organic food contains fewer residues of pesticides used in conventional agriculture, so buying organic is one way to reduce the chances that your food contains these pesticides” (Sir John Krebs, Cheltenham Science Festival debate, 5th June 2003). Footnotes: References1) http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/science/ sciencetopics/organicfood/2) Abel A et al (1994) High sperm density amongst members of organic farmers’ association, The Lancet, 343, p. 1498. 3) Jensen TK et al (1996) Semen quality among members of organic food associations in Zealand, Denmark, The Lancet, 347, p. 18444) Alm JS et al (1999) Atopy in children of families with an anthroposophic lifestyle, The Lancet, 353, p. 1485 – 1488. 5) Chia SE. (2000) Endocrine disruptors and male reproductive function--a short review. International Journal of Andrology, 23 Suppl 2:45-6. 6) Baker BP, Benbrook CM, Groth E, and Benbrook KL (2002) Pesticide residues in conventional, IPM-grown and organic foods: Insights from three U.S. data sets. Food Additives and Contaminants, 19, (5), p. 427-446. 7) MAFF (1998) 'Orchards and fruit stores in Great Britain 1996', Pesticide Usage Survey Report 142, MAFF publications, London. 8) BMA (1992) The BMA guide to pesticides, chemicals and health, Report of the Board of Science and Education, British Medical Association. 9) Robbins C (1991) Poisoned harvest: A consumer’s guide to pesticide use and abuse, Victor Gollancz Ltd, p. 300 – 313. 10) Balch JF and Balch PA, 1997, Prescriptions for nutritional healing, 2nd edition, Avery publishers, USA p. 176-183. 11) Pesticides Residues Committee (various years), Annual Report of the Pesticides Residues Committee, Pesticide Safety Directorate, DEFRA. 12) www.foodstandards.gov.uk/ science/ouradvisors/toxicity/COTwg/wigramp/ Stakeholder13) Porter et al (1993) Groundwater pesticides: interactive effects of low concentrations of carbamates aldicarb and methomyl and the triazine metribuzin on thyroxine and somatrophin levels in white rats, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, (40) p. 15 – 34. 14) Boyd et al (1990) Behavioural and neurochemical changes associated with chronic exposure to low level concentrations of pesticide mixtures, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, (30) p. 209 – 221. 15) Porter et al (1999) Endochrine immune and behavioural effects of aldicarb (carbamate), atrazine (triazine) and nitrate (fertiliser) mixtures at groundwater concentrations, Toxicology and Industrial health, (15) p. 133 – 150. 16) Thiruchelvam M et al (2000) The nigrostriatal dopaminergic system as a preferential target of repeated exposures to combined paraquat and maneb: implications for Parkinson’s Disease, Journal of Neuroscience, 20 (24) p. 2907 – 9214. 17) Committee on Toxicity (2002) Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: Risk assessment of mixtures of pesticides and similar substances, Crown Copyright, September 2002. 18) Charlier G et al (2003) Breast cancer and serum organochlorine residues, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60 (5), p. 348 - 35119) Schreinemachers DM (2000) Cancer mortality in four Northern wheat producing states, Environmental Health Perspectives, 108 (9), p. 873 – 881. 20) Alavanja MCR et al (2003) Use of agricultural pesticides and prostate cancer risks in the agricultural health study cohort, American Journal of Epidemeology, 157 (9), p. 800 – 814. 21) Ohio G. (1999) Endocrine disrupting chemicals and carcinogenicity Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, 26 (3), p. 263-8. (Japanese) 22) Eskenazi B, Bradman A and Castorina R, ‘Exposures of children to rganophosphate pesticides and their potential adverse health effects’, Environmental Health Perspectives, 107 (supp 3) p. 409 – 418. 23) Curl CL , RA Fenske and K Elgethun (2003) Organophosphorus pesticide exposure of urban and suburban pre-school children with organic and conventional diets, Environmental Health Perspectives, 111 (3) p. 377 – 382. 24) Hanssen M and Marsden J (1987) E for additives, 2nd edition, Harper Collins, UK25) Holford P (1998) 100% Health, Piatkus, London, p. 128 – 132. 26) Ward NI, Soulsbury KA, Zettel VH, Colquhoun ID, Bunday S and Barnes B (1990) ‘The influence of the chemical additive tartrazine on the zinc status of hyperkinetic children. Double blind placebo-controlled study’, Journal of Nutritional Medicine 1, p. 51 – 57. 27) Food Standards Agency (2000) ‘Do food additives cause hyperactivity and behaviour problems in a geographically defined population of 3 year old?’ MAFF/DEFRA project code FS3015. 28) EC Multicentre Study on Antioxidants, 1997. 29) Willet W et al (1993) ‘Intake of transfatty acids and risk of coronary heart disease amongst women’, The Lancet 341 (8845), p. 581 – 585. 30) Triosi R et al (1992) Trans-fatty acid intake in relation to serum lipid concentrations in adult men, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, , 56, p. 1010 – 1024. 31) Erasmus U (1999) Fats that heal, fats that kill, 2nd edition, Alive Books, Canada. 32) http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/healthiereating/asktheexpert/fatsoils/hydrogenatedfat33) Pryme IF & Lembcke R (2003) In vivo studies on possible health consequences of genetically modified food and feed - with partifular regard to ingredients consisting of genetically modified plant materials. Nutrition and Health, 2003, Vol 17, p. 1-834) McCance & Widdowson (1991) The composition of foods. MAFF and the Royal Society of Chemistry. 35) Bergner P (1997) The healing power of minerals, special nutrients and trace elements, p. 312. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA. 36) Soil Association (2001) Organic Farming, food quality and human health: a review of the evidence. 37) Worthington V (2001) Nutritional quality of organic versus conventional fruits, vegetables, and grains. The Journal of Complimentary Medicine, vol. 7, No. 2, p. 161 – 173. 38) Asami et al (2003) Comparison of the Total Phenolic and Ascorbic Acid content of freeze-dried and Air Dried Marionberry, Strawberry and Corn Using Conventional, Organic, and Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2003, 51, p. 1237 – 1241; 39) Carbonaro et al M (2003) Modulation of Antioxidant Compounds in Organic vs Conventional Fruit (Peach, Prunus persica L., and Pear, Pyrus communis L.). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2002, 50, p. 5458 – 5462). 40) Brandt K and Molgaard JP (2001), ‘Organic Agriculture: Does it enhance or reduce the nutritional value of food plants’, Journal of Science in Food and Agriculture, 81, p. 924 - 93141) Siscovick, D. S., T. E. Raghunathan, et al. (1995). Dietary Intake and Cell Membrane Levels of Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Risk of Primary Cardiac Arrest. Journal American Medical Association, 274(17): p. 1363 - 1367) 42) Department of Health (2000) National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease. 43) Lichtenstein AH (2003) Dietary fat and cardiovascular disease risk: quantity or quality? Journal of Womens Health (Larchmt), 12(2), p. 109 - 14. 44) Stoll A L (2001) The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Anti-depression Diet and Brain Program. 45) Haag M (2003) Essential fatty acids and the brain. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 48, (3), p. 195-203. 46) Colin A, Reggers J, Castronovo V, Ansseau M. (2003) Lipids, depression and suicide Encephale 2003 Jan-Feb, 29(Pt 1): p. 49-58. 47) Richardson AJ, Puri BK.(2002) A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of supplementation with highly unsaturated fatty acids on ADHD-related symptoms in children with specific learning difficulties. Prog Neuropsychopharm Biol Psychiat, 2002, 26(2) p. 233 - 239. 48) Kidd PM (2000) Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: rationale for its integrative management. Altern Med Rev. Oct;5(5): p. 401. 49) Bruce, AW and Oakland, TD (2002) Alternative Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Does Evidence Support Their Use? Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. January 2002. 50) Romm, A and Romm, T. (2000) ADHD Alternatives: A Natural Approach to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Storey Books. 51) Stengler, Mark and Stengler, Angela (2001) Your Vital Child. Rodale Press. 52) Weintraub, S. (1997) Natural Treatments for ADD and Hyperactivity. Pleasant Grove, Utah:Woodland Publishing. 53) Scimeca, J.A et al (1994) Conjugated linoleic acid. A powerful anti-carcinogen from animal fat sources." p. 1053. Cancer, 74 (3 suppl), p. 1050-4. 54) Martin JC, Valeille K (2002) Conjugated linoleic acids: all the same or to everyone its own function? Reprod Nutr Dev, 42(6), 525 – 536. 55) Belury MA. (2002) Dietary conjugated linoleic acid in health: physiological effects and mechanisms of action. Annual Review of Nutrition, 22, 505 - 53156) Banni, S. et al (1999). Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on lipid metabolism in relation to its anticarcinogenic activity. Chpt 23. in Advances in Conjugated Linoleic Acid Research. M.P. Yurawecz, M.M. Mossoba, J.K.G. Kramer, M.W. Pariza, G.J. Nelson, eds. Vol.1. AOCS press. Champaign. Illinois. 57) Warren, H, Scollan, N.D, Hallett, K, Enser, M, Richardson, I, Nute, G and Wood, J.D (2002) The effects of breed and diet on the lipid composition and meat quality of bovine muscle. Proceedings of the 48th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, Rome. 58) French P et al (2000) Fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acid, of intramuscular fat from steers offered grazed grass, grass silage, or concentrate-based diets. Journal of Animal Science, 78 (11), p. 2849 – 2855. 59) Dhiman, T. R., G. R. Anand, et al. (1999). "Conjugated linoleic acid content of milk from cows fed different diets." Journal of Dairy Science, 82(10), p. 2146 - 2156. 60) www.agrsci.dk/index_uk.shtml61) Jahreis, G., J. Fritsche and H. Steinhart. (1997) Conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat: High variation depending on production system. Nutr. Res, 17, p. 1479 - 1484. 62) Bergamo P, Fedel E, Iannibelli L, & Marzillo G (2003) Fat soluble vitamin contents and fatty acid composition in organic and conventional dairy products. Food Chemistry, 82, p. 625 – 631. 63) The Royal Society (2000) Endocrine disrupting chemicals, June 2000 http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/ files/statfiles/document-111.pdfPlease see the Soil Association website library, http://www.soilassociation.org/library, for more information Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/organic-foods-in-relation-to-nutrition-and-health-key-facts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-cigarettes-to-boost-your-health Herbal cigarettes to boost your healthSource: timesofindia.indiatimes.comIf practitioners of Ayurveda are to be believed, the periodic inhalation of herbal cigarettes enhances your memory power, your IQ and can prevent onset of respiratory tract-related diseases, specifically those connected with the nose, the sinuses and your eyesight. "As we are all aware, smoking is highly injurious to health because of the presence of nicotine. But herbal cigarettes are absolutely nicotine free. They contain ingredients like basil, cloves, cinnamon, liquorice and herbs like turmeric that have anti-effective properties. These type of cigarettes also increases appetite and is good in reducing bronchitis and sinusitis," said Uma, an Ayurvedic doctor. According to WHO estimates, over 500,000 people die annually due to tobacco consumption, and given the current trend, the number will rise to 10 million in 2030. Indians accounted for one-fifth of the four million people who die every year owing to tobacco-related diseases. Those who have shifted to smoking herbal cigarettes say they are feeling much better now. "I have been smoking for the past 10 years. To avoid using cigarettes, I consulted a doctor. He advised me to use herbal cigarettes. Now, for the past five months I am using herbal cigarettes only," claimed Ramachandra, a chain smoker. "Now, I can find good results and am confident about quitting the habit," he added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-cigarettes-to-boost-your-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginseng-conflicts-with-warfarin Ginseng conflicts with warfarinSource: www.theglobeandmail.comThe popular herbal elixir ginseng can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, a widely used blood-thinning medication, scientists warned this week. Warfarin, also known by the brand name of Coumadin, reduces the risks of blood clots forming in the body and is often given to patients who have irregular heartbeats, have recently had a heart attack or have undergone heart-valve replacement surgery."Precise dosing is crucial," Dr. Chun-Su Yuan of the University of Chicago said in a prepared statement. "With too small a dose, the risk of clots increases, but too much can cause serious bleeding." In a study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, his research team found that ginseng significantly reduced the levels of warfarin in blood and its anti-clotting effects."A substance, such as ginseng, that alters warfarin's effects, even slightly, can have significant consequences."He speculates that ginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine which many people take as a general tonic and energy booster, may be speeding up the actions of enzymes which break down warfarin in the blood stream. Give soy a chanceSoy products are often touted as natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. They contain isoflavones, substances that are similar to the female hormone estrogen. Some researchers have thought that soy could act like an estrogen substitute and forestall the effects of aging as a woman's own production of estrogen declines. But a Dutch study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, has cast some doubt on the merits of soy. The study indicated that taking soy protein supplements for one year did little to improve cholesterol levels or slow the decline in mineral bone density and mental function. However, there was one serious drawback to the research: The 202 women who took part in the study were all over the age of 60. These women were well past the age when menopause commences -- which is usually around 51. Women might benefit more if they start soy supplements sooner. For instance, there tends to be a rapid decline in bone density at the beginning of menopause and it's hard to reverse this process once it has taken place.Even the researchers acknowledge this shortcoming. As they write in their study: "The influence of the timing of supplementation needs to be elucidated in further research."White wonderDrinking milk appears to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers have long suspected that diet, including calcium intake, plays a role in colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer worldwide. So researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston decided to take a closer look at the issue.Among all of the food sources of calcium they examined, only milk was clearly associated with a decreased risk for the cancer. For every two eight-ounce glasses of milk consumed each day, the chance of getting the cancer dropped by 12 per cent.Researchers speculate that vitamin D, which is often added to milk, could aid with calcium absorption.Other calcium-rich foods might still be of benefit simply by adding to total calcium consumption. For example, the researchers also found that higher overall calcium intake -- from all food sources as well as supplements -- reduced the cancer risk. Fat rats Could the increasing use of artificial sweeteners be contributing to the expanding obesity epidemic? For 10 days, researchers at Purdue University in Indianapolis gave one group of rats liquids sweetened with sugar and another group was given liquids sweetened with both sugar and saccharin.At the end of that period, the rats given the combination of sugar and saccharine ate three times as many calories in chow as the other rats, Associated Press reported. The researchers speculate that artificial sweeteners, which are added to many soft drinks, could be interfering with people's natural ability to regulate how much they eat. People might no longer be able to distinguish between high- and low-calorie sweets. However, other scientists dismissed the conclusions of the research. They said the results of the rat study shouldn't be automatically extended to people, or to other sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose.ptaylor@globeandmail.ca Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginseng-conflicts-with-warfarin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/l-carnitine-supplement-may-help-infertile-men L-carnitine supplement may help infertile menSource: www.foodnavigator.comThe widely-used dietary supplement, L-carnitine when combined with L-acetyl-carnitine, a related chemical, may improve sperm motility in men with fertility problems, according to new research by scientists at the University of Rome.The researchers chose 60 infertile men between the ages of 20 and 40 to take a combination of L-carnitine and L-acetyl-carnitine or a placebo for six months. The group, led by Dr Andrea Lenzi, reported in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, that two months after the patients had completed their course of supplements, the men who had taken L-carnitine and L-acetyl-carnitine had increased sperm concentration and movement. The most significant improvements in sperm motility, both forward and total, were observed in men who had the lowest levels of moving sperm when the study began. The researchers noted that four spontaneous pregnancies were achieved during the study by men who had taken the combination therapy. "Combined treatment with L-carnitine and L-acetyl-carnitine was effective in increasing sperm motility, especially in groups with lower baseline levels (of moving sperm)," they concluded. Many food supplements and dietary products across Europe contain L-carnitine. L-Carnitine, a vitamin-like nutrient, occurs naturally in the human body and is essential for turning fat into energy. It is frequently used as a dietary supplement by physically active people to help with post-exercise recovery. Lonza, which claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of L-Carnitine, has said that extensive scientific research shows the supplement promotes cardiovascular health and that other studies suggest the nutrient may be useful in weight management. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/l-carnitine-supplement-may-help-infertile-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/loving-lavender-washingtons-favorite-herb-has-unlimited-uses Loving lavender: Washington's favorite herb has unlimited usesSource: www.zwire.comLavender. Its scent is known for evoking relaxation and healing in the world of aromatherapy. Its hue has long been a favorite of brides, babies and boutiques.Its popularity has produced annual festivals in its honor and an ever-expanding list of uses from cooking to cleaning. It has even been known to cause a born and bred city girl like me to consider abandoning the urban life for a five-acre farm in the country where I could tend fields of purple forever more. Lavender grows extremely well in Western Washington and is in full bloom in July, when a plethora of lavender festivals take place. The largest of these is the Sequim Lavender Festival, which last year drew and estimated 40,000 people. This year's festival will be held July 16-18.Purple Haze Lavender Farm owner Mike Reichner says Sequim's unique microclimate is ideal for growing lavender."We only get 10 to 15 inches of rain per year, and it's a very drought tolerant plant. It likes dry conditions. Combined with the marine breezes and alkalized soil here, it's perfect for growing," Mike said. But you don't have to live in Sequim to grow lavender, just about anyone can cultivate this hardy plant."It requires no nutrition, no water, has no pests, no insects...deer won't touch it," Mike explains.With 18,000 plants and more than 40 varieties, Mike has a bit of work in his hands, but it's all worth it, he says, when he sits on his porch and looks out over the fields. "It's just the most beautiful sight in the world."Hard-pressed to choose a favorite type of lavender, Mike says his top choices would be Royal Velvet, which produces very dark blue blossoms with a velvety finish, and Hidcote Giant, named for its blossom size. An herb with uses dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome, and a traditional cottage garden plant, lavender is a welcome addition to any garden."There are so many applications for each different variety," Mike explains. One simply needs to gather a few bunches from any number of local farms, or try your hand at growing your own.To dry your own lavender, cut in bunches just before the buds begin to open, bind with a rubber band, and hang upside down in a well-ventilated area until dry. Cooking with lavender English lavender is considered the best for culinary use. Try adding some to sugar for use in tea. The folks at Purple Haze sell a recipe folder with 10 different recipes and a sample of the herb. Recipes can also be found on their Web site (www.purplehazelavender.com/recipes.html) with a ton of tasty, creative ideas for cooking with lavender. Here are a they agreed to let us share.Lavender Ice Cream 3/4 cup honey 1 teaspoon dried lavender placed in a tea ball or gauze 1 cup half and half 2 cups heavy cream 7 egg yolks Pour the half and half and the cream into a heavy saucepan. Add the lavender to this mixture and warm for about 5 minutes. Remove the lavender flowers. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are frothy. Slowly pour the about half of the warm cream into the mixture of egg yolks as you whisk continuously. Combine the remainder of the yolk and cream mixture into the saucepan and continue to heat on low (stirring constantly) for about 5 minutes. Strain the mixture into a bowl and whisk in the honey. Chill the mixture and then freeze according to the instructions on your ice cream maker. Lavender Pistachio Lamb Chops Ingredients: 8 lamb chops (or a rack of lamb) 2/3 cup pistachios, toasted 1/2 cup honey 2 Tbsp culinary lavender olive oil Serve with parsnips or any root vegetable accompanied by a green salad. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor pulse the pistachios and lavender until all nuts are broken up but not powdered. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy gauge or cast iron pan to medium high. Add enough oil to coat pan well. Add chops and sear well, turning once. Set aside. In a small saucepan heat honey just to warm. Dredge each chop in honey then in lavender/pistachio mixture. Place on sheet pan and finish cooking in oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes for chops or 10 minutes for rack before carving. Serves 4 Lavender MargaritasIngredients: 3/4 - 1 cup tequila 1/3 - 1/2 cup blue Curacao or other orange flavor liqueur 3/4 - 1 cup canned coconut milk 1/4 - 1/3 cup lime juice 1 1/2 - 2 cuts frozen unsweetened raspberries 1 1/2 - 2 cuts frozen unsweetened blueberries 3-4 ice cubes 1 t. lavender In a blender, combine the tequila, Curacao, coconut milk and lime juice. Cover and turn to high speed, then gradually add berries and ice. Whirl until smooth and slushy. Pour into glasses. You can rub glass rims with lime and dip the rim in lavender sugar or salt. Add a lavender sprig for garnish!Celebrate lavender There are a host of festivals in July, so depending on your schedule, you'll more than likely be able to find one that works. Make it a day trip or an overnight getaway. Third Annual Pelindaba Lavender Harvest Festival This year's festival, held July 10 and 11 on picturesque San Juan Island, focuses on lavender's 2,500-year history with its theme "Lavender in History and Lore." Susan Robins, co-owner of the Farm will give a version of the talk she gave this year at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show highlighting the historical figures and events that have given lavender its well-deserved reputation as a healing and restorative plant. Tour the farm, see demonstrations of essential oil distillation, enjoy music, picnic in the fields, make crafts with your kids and cut your own lavender from the cutting fields. The festival runs from 10-5 both days and admission is free. For more information call 1-866-819-1911 or visit www.pelindaba.com. Lavender Hills Farm Festival (Marysville) Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stroll through fields and cut your own bundles, then visit 21 vendors selling arts and crafts, berries and live plants. Take in music, food and lavender ice cream. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and BeeHaven will have live demonstrations with bees and honey for sale. Admission is free. Parking is $1 with half the proceeds going to the Everett Humane Society. Visit www.laven derhillsfarm.com.Sequim Lavender Festival. With 36 lavender growers throughout the Dungeness Valley, Sequim is the Lavender Capital of North America. Tour eight of these farms July 16-18 during the town's 8th annual lavender festival. These farms open their fields to visitors, offering music, food and lavender-centered activities. Farms are open 10-6 each day of the festival. Admission to all the farms is by a $6 Festival Support Button, with children under 12 admitted free. Festivities extend into downtown Sequim where a huge street fair features more than 125 vendors of lavender and other Olympic Peninsula specialties.For more information, visit www.lavenderfestival.com.Vashon Lavender Harvest Celebration. The Vashon Island Lavender Growers invite the public to tour four lavender farms on the island on Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Growers will share their techniques for growing, harvesting and using lavender. See more than 28 different varieties of lavender. Bring a picnic lunch, stroll around the gardens, and pick your own lavender. Admission is $3 per person, with children 18 and under free, and provides access to all four farms. For more information, visit www.vashonlavender.com/festival.html. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/loving-lavender-washingtons-favorite-herb-has-unlimited-uses http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplements-damage-kidneys-and-liver Herbal supplements damage kidneys and liverSource: www.webindia123.comConsumers should remain cautious about trying other herbal supplements for according to doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, substances such as bitter orange, germander, jin bu huan and usnic acid ", ingredients in weight-loss products have been associated with kidney and liver problems. According to Dr. William Lee, "A number of herbal preparations have been implicated in causing liver damage, some even leading to the need for a liver transplant or to death. Herbal products are not under any specific supervision by the Food and Drug Administration, so there is no quality control, no proof of efficacy and no tests of safety.""The herbal industry is largely satisfying a need for self-remedies for patients who are unwilling to seek conventional medical attention or are wary of doctors. Most supplements are indeed harmless and only injure the pocketbook. Many people, however, take these compounds in any amount, never limiting themselves to what is advised regarding dosing," he added. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplements-damage-kidneys-and-liver http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-snapped-covered-in-bruises Gwyneth snapped covered in bruisesSource: icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.ukGwyneth Paltrow has been pictured with her back covered in strange circular bruises.But don't panic, she's not been the victim of a mugging or violent assault - the marks have come from a form of alternative medicine.The Hollywood actress arrived at a New York film premiere in backless dress which revealed the bruises on her back.According to the Daily Mirror, Gwyneth - who is married to Coldplay singer Chris Martin and gave birth to their first child, Apple, seven weeks ago - is the latest celebrity to take up the health craze of Cupping.The ancient Chinese treatment involves heating glass cups with a candle and placing them on the body to create a vacuum that sucks up the skin.The process is believed to eliminate toxins and energise the body's "chi" - or life force.The only problem is it leaves big marks on the skin which take a few days to disappear.Health conscious Gwnyeth, 31, and 27-year-old Chris are known to be big fans of alternative medicine, regularly attend yoga classes and follow a strict diet.And it seems Gwynie wants the world to know it! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-snapped-covered-in-bruises http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k2-may-help-prevent-liver-cancer-in-women-with-cirrhosis Vitamin K2 May Help Prevent Liver Cancer in Women with CirrhosisSource: patient.cancerconsultants.comAccording to results recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, daily supplementation with vitamin K2 appears to significantly reduce the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in women with viral cirrhosis of the liver.The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins and fats; the production of bile; the processing of hemoglobin and detoxification of numerous substances. Primary liver cancer starts in the cells of the liver and can spread, through blood or lymph vessels, to different parts of the body. Approximately 85% of all liver cancers that start in the liver (primary liver cancer) are classified as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Viral cirrhosis of the liver is a viral infection that causes scarring of the liver. Individuals with viral cirrhosis of the liver may be at an increased risk of developing HCC. Researchers are evaluating ways to prevent HCC in patients who are at a high risk of its development.Researchers from Japan recently conducted a clinical study to evaluate the effects of vitamin K2 on the development of HCC in women who had been diagnosed with viral cirrhosis. This trial included 40 women, 21 who received vitamin K2 supplementation daily and 19 who did not receive vitamin K2 (control group). Overall, only 2 of the 21 patients (approximately 9%) who received vitamin K2 developed HCC, while 9 of the 19 patients (approximately 46%) who did not receive vitamin K2 developed HCC.The researchers concluded that daily vitamin K2 supplementation significantly decreases the risk of developing HCC in women diagnosed with viral cirrhosis of the liver. Patients who have been diagnosed with viral cirrhosis of the liver may wish to speak with their physician about their risks and benefits of daily K2 supplementation.Reference: Habu D, Shiomi S, Tamori A, et al. Role of Vitamin K2 in the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Women With Viral Cirrhosis of the Liver. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004;292:358-361. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k2-may-help-prevent-liver-cancer-in-women-with-cirrhosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prebiotics-carnitine-help-lose-weight-eating-and-polycystic-ovary-syndrome Prebiotics, Carnitine Help Lose Weight, Eating and Polycystic Ovary SyndromeSource: www.infozine.comby Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN - Q: What are prebiotics? Q: Will carnitine help me lose weight? Q: Do eating habits affect polycystic ovary syndrome?Q: What are prebiotics? A: Prebiotics are carbohydrates that pass through the upper part of your digestive system without breaking down, unlike most carbohydrates. There are two major types of prebiotics. Fructooligosaccharides are found in whole grains (like barley and oatmeal), dried beans, flaxseeds and several vegetables and fruits (especially onions, spinach, kale, berries and bananas). The other type of prebiotics, inulin, is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. It is also sometimes added to yogurt, milk and nondairy frozen desserts as a fat substitute. After arriving in the large intestine intact, these two kinds of carbohydrates are fermented by bacteria. This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that seem to protect against colon cancer. In addition to this possible benefit, these carbohydrates provide nutrients for healthy bacteria to grow. That's why they're called prebiotics. Although some people are concerned about the intestinal gas that accompanies their fermentation - and excessive amounts of prebiotics can have a laxative effect - these are often natural consequences of a healthy diet.Q: Will carnitine help me lose weight? A: In theory, carnitine, a derivative of the amino acid, lysine, seems like a good supplement to aid weight loss efforts. It helps move building blocks of fat into the area in cells where they are burned. This ability to speed up fat burning would seem to help increase weight loss. However, there is no good evidence that carnitine creates a weight-loss effect. In one animal study, carnitine supplements had no effect upon weight loss. In a small study of overweight women, the supplement made no difference in weight loss, fat loss or fat burning. In fact, studies suggest that raising the blood levels of carnitine does not necessarily raise the levels of the enzyme system in which it works. Furthermore, some supplements contain the inactive form, which could actually displace the body's own active carnitine, which could lead to undesirable effects. More research is also needed to see whether carnitine can help certain heart conditions. If you're trying to lose weight, instead of a carnitine supplement, you would benefit more from reducing your food portions and investing in a good pair of walking shoes.Q: Do eating habits affect polycystic ovary syndrome? A: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth that often appears on the lips, chin or chest. Teens and women who develop PCOS, also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome, tend to become overweight and suffer an increased risk of developing diabetes. Research now ties this condition to a whole group of hormonal changes that center around insulin resistance. Treatment may include medications, but scientists now emphasize weight loss, regular exercise and healthy eating patterns as vital elements to reduce insulin resistance. Nutrition recommendations include avoiding excessive amounts of carbohydrates (especially large amounts at one time); choosing primarily high-fiber carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits; and limiting saturated fat. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prebiotics-carnitine-help-lose-weight-eating-and-polycystic-ovary-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/3-500-year-old-holistic-remedy-said-to-extract-ear-wax 3,500-year-old holistic remedy said to extract ear waxSource: www.pittsburghlive.comThat's what some Armstrong County residents are doing much better thanks to a 3,500-year-old holistic therapy called ear candling. Touted as a natural therapy, ear candling was practiced by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. In centuries past, however, the practice most often was reserved for royalty and renowned warriors. Today, ear candling is practiced by such groups as the Amish and other believers in home remedies and natural healing methods. Unlike the common everyday-style candle, ear candles are made from a cotton cloth that has been soaked in pure beeswax and rolled to form a hollow tube. The tube is narrowed at one end to fit in the ear canal. Armstrong County residents Kathy Dreyer and Cathy Hufhand became interested in ear candling several years ago, and now are confirmed devotees. "I heard some friends talking about it," Hufhand said, "but they didn't know much about it or where to get supplies. So my daughter and I went to some Amish families and asked them. We obtained an address where we could buy ear candles. After getting a few sets of candles we tried the procedure on each other." At about the same time, Dreyer's son became interested in ear candling. "Cathy and I are co-workers and to my surprise, I learned that she had already started practicing ear candling. We got together and at first we tried making candles, but later we found it was better to buy commercially made candles." "We buy them in bulk and package them," she added. "We make up our own labels and each label has a different saying." Some labels contain a birthday greeting, "Hear are two candles for your birthday, but not for your cake, one for each ear." Other labels might bear the "Hear ye, hear ye" message, or during the winter holiday season labels might read "Hear the bells of Christmas a little clearer this year." A typical ear candling session takes 30 to 45 minutes, and can be very relaxing. "It can be done in a variety of ways," Hufhand said. "Some folks like to put on soft, soothing music, and some may even burn incense to add to the mood. However, ear candling is a two-person procedure, you should never try it by yourself." "It's very relaxing and soothing" Dreyer said, "and because of that there is a danger that you might fall asleep and could be burned by the candle." Ear candles are mounted in a hole cut into a paper plate or small metal pie pan to prevent hot wax from spilling onto the person having their ears done. Good quality ear candles are made from pure beeswax, and because of the candle's construction there is little if any wax drip. As a precaution, a glass of water is kept handy to extinguish the flame. A small, soft towel is placed around the person's ear while he lies on his side. The person performing the procedure gently places the narrow cone end of the candle into the entrance of the ear canal. The tube-shaped candles are made from unbleached cotton cloth soaked in beeswax. The candle is lit and through a process called convection, softer ear waxes will be drawn into the base of the candle. Ear candlers believe the softer waxes may contain trapped pollen, airborne dust and dirt, and even ear mites or small insects. When excess wax is removed, the trapped impurities go with it. Although Dreyer or Hufhand do not make any claims regarding ear candling benefits, some ear candling advocates claim the procedure will cleanse the ear canal, improve hearing, relieve ear aches and relieve sinus pressure. A few ear candling practitioners go so far as to claim the method may clear the eyes, fortify the central nervous system, release blocked energy and help stabilize emotions. Controversy over ear candling is a burning issue. None of the above claims have been proven scientifically. Moreover, according to Food and Drug Administration regulations, ear candles may not be sold or advertised as medical devices. In September 1998, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert against and prohibited the importation of ear candles from Canada, primarily due to advertising claims of supposed medical benefits included in their packaging. While some government agencies may throw cold water on ear candling, the ancient art form continues to have its share of holistic therapy devotees. To ear candlers, the big ball of wax that accumulates in the end of an ear candle after a candling session is all the proof they need that excess wax has been purged from the ear canal. Although Hufhand and Dreyer are not in the ear candling business, nor are they ear candling practitioners, they do offer their ear candle packages at craft shows. Each package comes with a set of instructions explaining the procedure. They caution that there are some people who should not practice ear candling, namely anyone with a perforated ear drum, an ear tube or serious ear problems. Whether ear candling benefits are real or imagined, most all who have had their ears candled agree that candling is soothing and relaxing. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/3-500-year-old-holistic-remedy-said-to-extract-ear-wax http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnant-omega-3-essential-for-babys-brain Pregnant? Omega-3 Essential for Baby's BrainSource: my.webmd.comResearch has suggested that increasing intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acids may have a number of health benefits. And babies whose diets include an abundance of essential fats seem to have an edge in terms of early development. Now new research shows that the same is true for infants born to mothers whose diets contain plenty of this essential fatty acid.Researchers found that infants born to mothers with higher blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at delivery had advanced levels of attention spans well into their second year of life. During the first six months of life, these infants were two months ahead of those babies whose mothers had lower DHA levels.Attention is considered an important, but not the only, component of intelligence early in life, lead researcher John Colombo, PhD, tells WebMD."This adds to the mounting evidence that DHA plays an important part in brain development," he says.DHA is important for the developing brain, which accumulates large amounts of it during the first two years of life. Compared to the rest of the body, the brain and nervous system contains very high levels of DHA but its exact role in the brain is not fully known.Advantages LastedDHA is found naturally in breast milk and is now available in infant formulas and some baby foods. Atlantic salmon, Pacific cod fish, and tuna are some of the best food sources of the omega- 3 fatty acid, but algae-derived DHA supplements are also now available.The study involved some 70 mothers and infants. At the ages of 4-, 6-, and 8-months of age, the babies were tested for visual learning ability. The testing involved showing them pictures and recording their reactions."We know from past research that when we show babies pictures during the first year of life, as they get older they look less and less," Colombo says. "The reason is that they are taking in the information faster as they develop."Babies born to mothers who had higher blood levels of DHA scored better on the attention tests until 6 months of age, and they scored better on different tests designed to measure visual learning in older babies at 1 year and 18 months. The findings are reported in the July/August issue of the journal Child Development.Not So Fishy Food SourcesWhile Colombo says he encourages his pregnant friends to add salmon to their diets, he adds that it is not yet clear how much DHA a woman needs during pregnancy. He hopes to answer this question in future studies with nutritionist and co-author Susan Carlson, PhD."What we can say right now is that authorities are concerned that pregnant women are not getting enough omega-3 in their diets," Carlson tells WebMD. "A number of observational studies suggests a link between DHA levels during pregnancy and a baby's behavioral performance."But getting DHA from food sources can be problematic for pregnant women. The FDA recommends eating up to 12 ounces (two average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are low in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.Mercury is less of an issue with salmon than tuna, but concerns have been raised about unsafe levels of the toxic chemical dioxin and polychlorinated byphenols (PCBs) in farmed salmon. PCBs have been linked to cancer and birth defects.Nutritionist Barbara Levine, PhD, recommends that pregnant women get their DHA through algae-derived supplements, available in health food stores. Omega-3-fortified eggs are another good source of DHA.Levine says studies suggest that women need about 250 mg of DHA daily during pregnancy, but very few are getting it."It is true that we don't get a lot of DHA in our diets," she says. "It took forever to get the message across about the importance of folic acid early in pregnancy, but now it is in our wheat products and most women get what they need. Now we are trying to get the message out about DHA." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnant-omega-3-essential-for-babys-brain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/radish-fans-have-lots-to-root-for Radish fans have lots to root forSource: www.newsday.comRadishes aren't everybody's natural passion. To tell the truth, the hothouse ones seen year-round aren't particularly exciting.But in season - and several varieties are in season right now - these root vegetables with ancient origins have a lively flavor, a fine, firm texture and a bright complexion.Used in cooking from the Orient to the Mediterranean, radishes have been around so long, there's been speculation they were used by the Egyptians to feed their slaves.The Chinese are thought to have cultivated radishes even earlier. The ancient Greeks grew radishes, too, though the familiar round ones are thought to have been developed in the 18th century.Today, many varieties of radishes are grown, some shaped like globes, others like icicles, and they come in a range of sizes from tiny to substantial. Colors vary from white to red to red-and-white to pink to mauve to almost black.Radishes are high in potassium, extremely low in fat and calories, and an unexpected source of Vitamin C.HOW TO SELECT: The freshly bunched red radishes of summer should be bright and firm. Bypass radishes with cracks or a spongy feel. Radish tops should be dark green - yellowing leaves are an indication of age. Varieties such as French breakfast radishes, which are long and cylindrical with oval ends, may be available now.HOW TO STORE: Radishes should be eaten relatively soon after purchase, or they will become bitter. They can be stored for several days in the refrigerator wrapped loosely in plastic with their tops removed. HOW TO PREPARE: Radishes are ordinarily eaten raw after they are washed, cleaned with a stiff vegetable brush and drained. They usually are not peeled, but taste milder if they have been. The leaves can be either sliced off completely or pared down to a decorative tuft. The radishes can be eaten whole, dipped in salt, sliced, chopped or grated.Radishes also can be roasted, sliced and served with olive oil, salt and pepper, or treated like turnips (to which they are related). They can also be pickled.The French serve them with bread, butter and salt. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/radish-fans-have-lots-to-root-for http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/now-use-red-wine-for-tightening-stomach-and-firming-breasts- Now, use red wine for tightening stomach and firming breasts!Source: www.webindia123.comRed wine is the latest rage in the beauty salons of Buenos Aires, where it is believed that it can tighten the stomach and firm sagging breasts.According to Ananova, creams made with red wine or even a glass of pure wine, when applied directly to the person's skin are bringing in dramatic results, and beauty clinics all over Buenos Aires are reporting a huge demand for wine therapy by women."After cleansing, the skin receives a special wine mask that is rich in vitamin E. It brings firmness and nutrition to the skin, making it healthy and elastic," said wine therapy expert Diego Barberan."It is fantastic. It does what it promises. I can say with no fear that I am addicted," added Mary Andres, a regular wine therapy customer. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/now-use-red-wine-for-tightening-stomach-and-firming-breasts- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoporosis-on-rise-in-men Osteoporosis On Rise In MenSource: www.cbsnews.comOsteoporosis is a condition win which bones gradually weaken and lose density, putting patients at a much higher risk of fracture. Efforts to fight osteoporosis have traditionally focused on women, but more and more attention is now being focused on the millions of men who also suffer, The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay reports. Like many men who suffer from osteoporosis, Don Traunstein's diagnosis came late in the game. He says, “I've broken bones all throughout my life, maybe as many as twenty. You have to suspect something, but osteoporosis was just not on the radar screen.” A debilitating shoulder fracture that wasn't healing properly plagued him for seven years, but it wasn't until a year-and-a-half ago that he was referred to osteoporosis specialist Dr. Carolyn Becker. Dr. Becker says, “I think that's one of the biggest oversights in this field. We're just now starting to come around to recognize that men get osteoporosis - a third of hip fractures are in men.” Now Traunstein takes a new drug to help his bones heal, along with calcium and vitamin D to help prevent further bone loss. To her patient Dr. Becker says, “The key is that you've got new bone forming, things are healing after six or seven years of living with this." Although osteoporosis in men is usually a condition that develops with age, it can occur much earlier for some. “Unfortunately, many men don't know they have it until they break a bone,” Dr. Becker notes, “We've been very good about screening women for osteoporosis by doing a bone density test but unfortunately men are not getting that advantage.” Traunstein says, “I've advised my son and my son-in-law to have a bone density test. I don't think it's ever too early.” Many doctors are now starting to recommend bone density screening for men at age 70 and over. Doctors can be on the lookout for other telltale signs besides bone fractures. Loss of height or a rounded spine can also be symptoms of osteoporosis. For older men, low testosterone can be a risk factor as their levels decline with age. The good news is that along with a healthy lifestyle, many of the same drugs given to women to treat and prevent osteoporosis are also approved for men. But all men should be getting calcium and vitamin D because they're the building blocks of your bones. Exercise is also critical. The causes of osteoporosis in men include family history or genetics in some cases; other factors are tobacco use, alcohol use, and steroid use. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoporosis-on-rise-in-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-cornflake-vitamin-that-beats-migraines The cornflake vitamin that beats migrainesSource: www.dailymail.co.ukA vitamin that appears in many popular breakfast cereals could be a powerful new treatment for migraine. Scientists have discovered that riboflavin - also known as vitamin B2 - can halve the number of attacks and significantly reduce the number of pills needed to control the pain. Vitamin B2 is routinely added to cornflakes and other cereals in small doses to provide nourishment for the skin, eyes and nervous system. But the latest research suggests that in much larger doses it is not only safe but also highly effective at curbing migraines. Daily dose Migraine is a debilitating condition characterised by blinding headaches and, in some cases, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea. It affects an estimated 10 per cent of the UK population. The majority of sufferers are women. The exact cause is still unknown, but experts think migraines may be related to a shortage in the brain of the mood-related chemical serotonin. It's also thought that certain blood vessels and nerve cells in the head are involved. Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol may be used to treat the headaches, but if these fail to work special anti-migraine drugs called triptans can be prescribed by doctors. But although they can provide relief, they seldom banish attacks completely. It has been estimated that migraine attacks cost companies several thousand pounds a year each in lost production due to staff absence. In the search for ways to prevent or reduce the number of attacks, riboflavin could be crucial. Experts believe that most healthy men need no more than 1.3mg of the vitamin a day, and women 1.1mg. Most of us get what we need from foods rich in riboflavin, such as milk, eggs, breakfast cereals, rice and mushrooms. But because our bodies cannot store it, we need to have it in our diet every day. As well as being good for the eyes, skin and nerves, riboflavin is known to help produce steroids and red blood cells. It also helps us to absorb iron from the food we eat. 'Worth trying' The Food Standards Agency says that anyone taking supplements should limit their daily intake to about 40mg. But to see if riboflavin could prevent migraines, researchers at the University of Berlin recruited a group of regular sufferers and gave them a much higher dose - 400mg a day - contained in a capsule. They recorded the number of migraine attacks and the amount of drugs that each patient used at the beginning of the study. Further checks were made after three and six months. The results, published in the latest European Journal of Neurology, revealed that the number of headaches fell from an average of four days a month to just two days a month after using riboflavin. The number of anti-migraine pills that patients needed fell, with some sufferers taking 35 per cent fewer tablets. And researchers found that no ill- effects were caused by riboflavin, despite the high doses. In a report, they said: "We could demonstrate a significant reduction of headache frequency following riboflavin treatment. It is a safe and welltolerated alternative in migraine prevention." Ann Turner, director of the Migraine Action Association, said: "Evidence is mounting that riboflavin could help some sufferers. "We have had feedback from some members who have tried it and this shows that it works for some but not others. "We are not exactly sure why it works, but it may be that it is increasing the brain's capacity to cope with the stresses and strains of life. "It's certainly worth trying, but you need to take it in the very high doses that were used in the trial." This story first appeared in the Daily Mail For more great stories like this, buy the Daily Mail every day. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-cornflake-vitamin-that-beats-migraines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/behold-the-mighty-blueberry Behold the mighty blueberrySource: www.sunherald.comGo blue for a true burst of health wrapped in a tasty package.The blueberry, one of summer's most abundant crops, contains high levels of disease-fighting chemicals. When scientists compared antioxidant levels in 40 fruits and vegetables, the blueberry came out on top, according to Kathy Blake, spokeswoman for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.This is a significant finding because antioxidants can help ward off cancer and heart disease. As people age and are exposed to dangerous chemicals from pollution, cells oxidize, making the body susceptible to disease, she said. Chemical antioxidants found plentifully in fruits and vegetables and to lesser degrees in red wine and chocolate can slow this process. Anthocyanin, the pigment which colors blueberries, is what makes them so healthy.In recent years, researchers have discovered several links between blueberries and health. A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Center found that eating blueberries may stop age-related loss of mental ability. Laboratory rats that daily consumed blueberry extract displayed improvements in short-term memory, coordination and balance, according to the study.The University of California at Davis found that chemicals in blueberries may reduce the buildup of the type of cholesterol that causes heart disease and strokes.Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey say blueberries could prevent urinary tract infections. A compound in the berry can stop bacteria from building up on the urinary tract wall.Japanese and Israeli research has shown blueberries might improve night vision and ease eye fatigue.The blueberry has a long history in healing. American Indians, who called the fruit star berries for their five pointed blossom, made medicine from the plants' leaves and used blueberry juice to treat coughs. One of the few fruits native to North America, blueberries grew wild for years before being domesticated in the 1900s. Today, 90 percent of the world's blueberry crop is grown in the United States and Canada, according to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. More than 42,000 metric tons are harvested from April to October, and half of the crop is sold fresh.You'll get the same amount of healthy chemicals whether you eat fresh, frozen, canned or dried berries.Easy add -insHere are some quick tricks for making the most of the season's blueberry crop.Chop peaches or pineapple chunks and toss in blueberries. Add a bit of crystallized ginger for extra zing.Stir fresh blueberries into partially set sugar-free lemon gelatin and chill until firm for a low-calorie treat.Top peach ice cream with partially thawed frozen blueberries.Ladle pancake batter onto a hot griddle and scatter frozen blueberries over batter. Finish cooking as usual.Try canned blueberries over ice cream, yogurt or rice pudding.Scatter dried blueberries, toasted nuts and crumbled blue cheese over spinach salad.Source: U.S. Highbush Blueberry CouncilBlueberry tipsHow to select: Look for fresh berries that are firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned and relatively free of leaves and stems. Color should be deep purplish blue to blue-black. Reddish berries aren't ripe but can be used in cooking.Stay away from containers of berries with juice stains. This could be a sign berries are crushed and possibly moldy. The berries are overripe if they're watery and soft. Wrinkled berries have been stored too long.When buying frozen berries, the fruit should feel loose, not clumped together.How to store: Keep in refrigerator for up to two weeks. Don't wash until just before using.How to freeze: Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze. After berries are frozen, transfer to airtight freezer containers or sealed plastic bags.The color blue: Blueberries may change color when cooked. Acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar, cause the blue pigment in the berries to turn reddish. Blueberries also contain a yellow pigment which, in an environment such as a batter with too much baking soda, may give a greenish-blue color.Too much blue? To reduce the amount of color streaking in batters, carefully fold blueberries into your cake or muffin batter last. For pancakes and waffles, add the blueberries as soon as the batter has been poured on the griddle or waffle iron. This will make the pancakes prettier and they'll be easier to flip.When using frozen blueberries, cooking time may have to be increased to make sure the berries are heated through.Sources: N.C. Blueberry Council, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/behold-the-mighty-blueberry http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/first-herb-based-cancer-cure First herb-based Cancer cureSource: nation.ittefaq.comA group of scientists in this eastern Indian city have claimed to have made a major breakthrough in cancer studies when they struck upon a molecule in betel (paan) leaf that targets and kills leukemia cells and holds the promise of becoming the world's first herb-based, cheap therapeutic drug for blood cancer. A multi-disciplinary team from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research's premier lab Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB) here is ecstatic over the serendipitous find since there is just one prohibitively expensive drug currently available world for the treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), a severe type of blood cancer. The molecule, identified as chlorogenic acid, code-named icb- 101 throughout the three-year hush-hush study, came as a chance discovery while the team was conducting immuno-modulatory studies on betel leaf and its effect on human cell lines. "We found that chlorogenic acid induced programmed cell death in human cancer cells transplated in experimental nude mice," immunologist and team leader Santu Bandyopadhaya told PTI here on Friday. The 12-member team, comprising IICB Director and cell biologist Prof Samir Bhattacharya, drug designer Chhabinath Mandal, medical chemist Bikas Pal, animal scientist Aditya Konar, haematologists Dillip Bhattacharya and Utpal Chaudhuri and a number of laboratory aides, has applied for US and global patents for the molecule. The pathbreaking work, to be published in the journal 'Blood' in October, has been given a verbal go-ahead for immediate multi- centric human trials in the country by Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr NK Ganguly, the team disclosed.The molecule, tested on human cancer cell lines obtained from America, Milan-based Instituto Nazionale Tumori and Meikai University School of Dentistry in Japan, showed no effect on the growth of non-cancerous cells. "This has a major implication in terms of development of a target-specific drug delivery system," Bhattacharya said. Chlorogenic acid was also tested successfully on fresh blood samples donated by four CML patients admitted to the Medical College, Kolkata. The molecule extracted and purified from leaves of Piper betel (Piperaceae) procured from various areas of West Bengal state, of which Kolkata is the capital, was administered to nude mice already made malignant by injecting cancerous cells, Dr Pal said. In their search for anti-leukimic activity in the leaf extract, the scientists experimented the molecule on human squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland tumor cell lines and oral tumor cell lines. The herbal source, found in 'paan' widely consumed across the sub-continent as a mouth freshner and digestive, was easily available and could be tapped to make the cheapest-ever drug for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, the team observed. Earlier, anti-cancer properties of 'vinblastine', a molecule extracted from Nayantara plant (Vinca rosa) as well as 'curcumin' from haldi had been established but could not stand their ground as the former showed high toxic side effects while the later was not target-specific.The project, entirely funded by CSIR, was being considered as one of the pet projects of its Director General RA Mashelkar, under whose direct patronage the team is on the verge of developing India's first probable anti-cancer drug. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/first-herb-based-cancer-cure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-palm-oil-the-answer-to-healthy-living-in-america-today Red Palm Oil: The Answer to Healthy Living in America TodaySource: biz.yahoo.comSafari Group Inc. has emerged as the leading wholesaler and retailer of Red Palm Oil; a dietary additive with amazing health benefits that until now was unknown to most people in North America. Red palm oil is the second most consumed vegetable oil across the globe and has been used for cooking in Asia and Africa for generations. This cooking oil is rich in vitamin A, beta-carotenes, vitamin E, retinol, and antioxidants: tocotrienol and tocopherol.Booker Gompah, President of Safari Group said, "We can barely keep this product in stock, everyone seems to be saying they read about or were told about the extraordinary health benefits of this product." Research has shown that cooking with red palm oil will lower cholesterol and blood pressure; and also protect against heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and other cancers. In terms of protection from heart disease and arteriosclerosis, it is a natural and potent alternative to aspirin which is prone to cause "leaky gut syndrome" due to continual usage. Red palm oil will also strengthen the immune system and is an excellent blood thinner for heart attack and stroke victims. Red palm oil aids in strengthening weak vision and weight loss. Additionally, red palm oil is highly recommended for the diet of tropical bird like parrots.According to a Woman's World magazine March 9, 2004 article titled "The Miracle Oil That Can Make You Thin," preliminary studies at Michigan's Wayne State University show using red palm oil can reduce your body fat by 27%, plus help boost your ability to use sugar controlled insulin; two keys to keeping weight under control and delaying or even preventing the onset of diabetes. In fact, UCLA doctors say making this single switch could cut your diabetes risk by 58%."New data shows that people who substitute just 5% of the fat in their diets with red palm oil lower their total cholesterol by 9% and artery clogging LDL cholesterol by 11% -- sufficient to slash their risk of heart disease a full 20%.One tablespoon each day of red palm oil contains 10,000 IU of immunity boosting vitamin A -- enough to slash a woman's risk of colds and flu by 67%. According to Harvard research, people who enjoy vitamin A-rich diets also enjoy a 70% lower risk of all types of cancer."Red palm oil's antioxidants slow the cellular aging that often leads to cancerous changes," explains Los Angeles physiologist Robert Kowalski, M.S., author of "The New 8-Week Cholesterol Cure."Mr. Gompah states that the main consumers of red palm oil are: older adults with a variety of health issues, health conscious individuals, people trying to lose weight and bird owners. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-palm-oil-the-answer-to-healthy-living-in-america-today http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-fruit-boosts-brits-vitamin-c-levels-but-vitamin-e-down More Fruit boosts Brits' vitamin C levels but vitamin E downSource: www.foodnavigator.comConsumption of fresh fruit is on the rise in the UK, shows new government data, leading to a notable increase in intake of vitamin C. But a decline in other foods such as milk means calcium, iron and other nutrients are still lacking in the average consumer.The Family Food Survey, published yesterday by the UK's Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), asked one person over the age of seven in 6,927 households in the country to record the food they bought over a fortnight. The results for 2002-2003 show a good increase in fruit consumption - up 4.3 per cent to around 4 portions (including fruit juice) per person each day - but a decline in purchasing of certain vegetables appears to be hitting intake of beta-carotene, which dropped almost 3 per cent last year. And while there were significant decreases in intake of saturated fats and salt, levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E are also going down. The results seem to support a growing need for supplementation of certain nutrients as British diets favour convenience foods and eating out. Eating out, making up 9 per cent of all energy and nutrient intake, has important implications for intake of vitamins and minerals. The amount of calcium, iron, fibre, vitamin B12 and vitamin D gained from food eaten in restaurants is less than that gained from food prepared at home, showed the estimates. Unsurprisingly, food eaten out also provides a higher proportion of energy from fat than household food. A look at the long-term trends of the survey shows that many minerals have fallen in line with falling energy intake among UK populations. Calcium from household food dropped 24 per cent between 1975 and 1991. “Since 1992, calcium intake levels have varied between 880 and 970 milligrams per person per day with little sign of an increasing or decreasing long-term trend,” notes the report. This is backed up by the yearly decline in consumption of milk and cream, important calcium sources. Iron intake from food eaten at home is down 15 per cent since 1975 to an average 11.1mg per person per day in 2002-03. By contrast there has been little change in zinc and magnesium since figures were first collected in 1992. The survey also revealed that consumption of potatoes fell by 4.4 per cent during the 2002-03 period, likely due to the impact of the Atkins diet, with its estimated 3 million fans in the UK last year. However the vegetable’s popularity has been going down over the years, and is 50 per cent lower than 1975. As expected, there were financial as well as regional variations in food and drink consumption. Those in top 20 per cent income bracket devoured the most cheese, vegetables, fruit and alcohol and the least milk, cream, fats, sugar, potatoes, cereals and confectionery. Correspondingly, those in the lower income brackets ate more saturated and monosaturated fats and carbohydrates. People in Scotland were shown to consume the highest amount of soft drinks. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-fruit-boosts-brits-vitamin-c-levels-but-vitamin-e-down http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-fiber-diet-helps-spare-gallbladder High-Fiber Diet Helps Spare GallbladderSource: www.reuters.co.ukReducing the risk of gallstones by eating a diet high in fiber, particularly the "insoluble" type found in whole-wheat products and corn bran, may help women avoid gallbladder surgery, new research suggests.In fact, the protective effect of a high-fiber diet remains even after taking into account other risk factors for gallstones, Dr. Chung-Jyi Tsai, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, and colleagues found.These findings, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, appear shortly after a report from the same research team showing that consumption of vegetable protein also seems to block gallstone formation.Tsai's group analyzed data from approximately 70,000 women who completed food-frequency questionnaires starting in 1984. The women were apparently free from gallbladder disease when the study began.By 2000, nearly 6000 of the women had undergone gallbladder removal, also called cholecystectomy. Women who consumed the highest amounts of fiber were 13 percent less likely to undergo cholecystectomy than those who consumed the lowest amounts. The reduction in risk was even more pronounced for the highest levels of insoluble fiber intake --17 percent.The authors note that fiber has a number of biochemical effects that may reduce gallstone formation."Our findings support the notion that the public should consume adequate amounts of dietary fiber," Tsai and associates conclude.SOURCE: American Journal of Gastroenterology, July, 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-fiber-diet-helps-spare-gallbladder http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-carbohydrate-diet-may-lead-to-breast-cancer-study High carbohydrate diet may lead to breast cancer: StudySource: www.webindia123.comResearchers at the Instituto de Salud Pzblica in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston have found that the risk of developing breast cancer is twice as high in Mexican women, for whom carbohydrates represent more than half the daily diet, than those who take a more balanced diet.Researchers suggested that the association between carbohydrates and breast cancer might be related to elevated levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in the blood. "Scientists have long suspected that diet was among the factors contributing to breast cancer. Now, with studies like ours, we are beginning gradually to understand what elements of diet specifically are associated with the disease, and to grasp the chemical and biological processes that contribute to it at the cellular level," said study co-author Walter Willett.Of all the carbohydrate compounds, sucrose and fructose demonstrated the strongest association with breast cancer risk. Sucrose is derived from sugar cane, sorghum and the sugar beet and is most commonly found in table sugar and sweetened prepared foods and beverages. Fructose is a component of sucrose and is also found in fruit. Eating sweets and starches causes a rapid rise in the body's blood sugar levels, which in turn cues the production of insulin that ultimately poses a risk factor for breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. However, dietary fat, which certainly contributor to obesity, showed no significant association with breast cancer risk in the study. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-carbohydrate-diet-may-lead-to-breast-cancer-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-dont-protect-heart-of-male-smokers Antioxidants Don't Protect Heart of Male SmokersSource: www.reuters.co.ukNeither vitamin E nor beta-carotene supplements protect male smokers against heart disease. The antioxidants may actually be harmful, cardiologists report in the European Heart Journal.The findings come from a follow-up study of a Finnish trial that originally looked into the prevention of cancer using vitamin E and/or beta-carotene in men who smoked.Specifically, over 29,000 male smokers between 50 and 69 years of age were randomly assigned to take one or other of the antioxidants or both or a placebo for 5 to 8 years.At the end of the trial 23,000 of the men remained at risk for a first-ever major coronary "event," while another 1255 had had heart attack and were at risk for a second event.During the 6-year period after the trial ended, a total of 2059 first-ever major coronary events were recorded, about half of which were fatal.According to the trial investigators, vitamin E supplementation had no significant impact during the post-trial period on first-ever major coronary events, similar to observations made during the trial period.Beta-carotene supplementation, on the other hand, increased the risk for major coronary events by 14 percent."These findings of beta-carotene were unexpected," the team points out, "since no increased risk was observed during the trial period." This may be a chance finding, they suggest.Nonetheless, the researchers say these data on the late effects of vitamin E and beta-carotene argue against their use by male smokers for the prevention of coronary heart disease.SOURCE: European Heart Journal, July 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-dont-protect-heart-of-male-smokers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-protein-may-benefit-diabetics-kidneys Soy Protein May Benefit Diabetics' KidneysSource: www.reuters.comThe kidney function of people with type 2 diabetes seems to be improved by dietary soy protein, with the added benefit that their levels of "good" cholesterol also go up a bit, preliminary research suggests. Kidney function often becomes impaired with long-standing diabetes. The study of 14 older men with diabetes-related kidney disease found that adding a soy product to their diets reduced the amount of protein in their urine -- an indicator of improved kidney function. The study is too small to draw conclusions, but the results provide "initial evidence" that isolated soy protein may help reduce diabetics' risk of kidney and heart disease, the researchers say. Dr. John W. Erdman Jr., one of the study's authors, told Reuters Health he hopes the work will spur larger studies. It's unclear why soy protein might aid in diabetic kidney disease, but estrogen-like plant compounds called isoflavones could be involved, said Erdman, a professor of food science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He and his colleagues there and with the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Illinois, report the findings in the Journal of Nutrition. For eight weeks, men in the study used an isolated soy protein powder that could be added to a drink or food. For another eight weeks, they used a milk-based protein powder. The goal, Erdman explained, was to have the men replace part of their usual protein intake with the soy or milk protein; however, the patients failed to follow the diet instructions and instead added the protein powders to their normal routine. Yet even with the extra protein intake, the men's excretion of protein in urine fell an average of nearly 10 percent when they consumed the soy product, the researchers found. In contrast, protein levels in the urine increased with the milk-based powder. < In addition, eight weeks on the soy powder boosted the men's levels of heart-healthy HDL cholesterol by about four percent, while it tended to dip while the men were on the milk protein. It's possible, Erdman and his colleagues note, that the estrogen-like activity of soy isoflavones explain the kidney effects they found, because kidney disease seems to progress more slowly in women than men, and estrogen may be a factor. In this study, blood tests showed that as the men's isoflavone levels increased, their protein excretion declined. Another possibility, Erdman said, is related to the fact that soy protein and animal protein have different compositions. While using the soy powder, the men's blood levels of amino acid called arginine increased; arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, a compound that helps dilate blood vessels. The study received partial funding from Protein Technologies International, maker of the soy- and milk-based protein powders used in the research. SOURCE: Journal of Nutrition, August 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-protein-may-benefit-diabetics-kidneys http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-herbs-really-can-help How herbs really can helpSource: news.independent.co.ukNatural remedies can't cure cancer, but they can treat the symptoms, says Dr Jo Walker. If only her colleagues knew more about their uses. By Clare Dwyer Hogg 09 August 2004 A few years ago, a young man in his twenties came to see Dr Jo Walker, his GP. He had recovered from testicular cancer, and stopped taking his cocktail of anti-cancer drugs without realising that one of the tablets he had been prescribed was Valium. "Because he just stopped, he went totally off the rails," Dr Walker says. He had a psychotic episode, was deported from abroad where he was living at the time, and put into a psychiatric unit. Fortunately, the doctors in Britain realised what had happened, put him back on Valium, and he went to Dr Walker to try to come off it gradually. "It was a long, slow process: we substituted herbs like valerian for Valium, and it was successful," she says.Dr Walker is particularly interested in using herbs to help treat symptoms that are associated with cancer, but emphasises that herbs are not a cure. Last week, scientists warned of the health risks for cancer patients who place their faith in alternative "cures", mostly bought over the internet. But while herbs cannot cure cancer patients, says Dr Walker, they can help to treat them - not least for the side effects of mainstream medical treatments. "It's really about the concomitant effects of having cancer," she says. "Most people who are taking a cancer cure take it by mouth. If they have indigestion, they'll have nausea, which is going to affect their recovery because they can't take the drug or it's not being absorbed properly."Depression, too, is a natural and common reaction when people discover they have cancer. Dr Walker has used lemon balm, St John's wort and vervain to help patients, and has found they work. "I see people who are anxious, depressed, having PMT or prostate problems," she says. "If you've got lung cancer, say, it doesn't stop you getting prostatitis." And if she can help with herbs, she will. "They work very well, and the side effects of natural pharmaceuticals appear to be a lot fewer than with synthetics."It's not a field with which many doctors are familiar, and Dr Walker admits that her feet were also once firmly in the sceptics' camp. "I was a traditional GP," she says, "and if I was asked about herbs, I tended to say, 'Mmm, yes, they probably don't do you any good'." But she's not a traditional GP now. She had a stroke in 1997 that stopped her working for two years. While she was recovering, she began to study herbal remedies: "It's my biggest qualification, being a patient. I know what it's like to be unwell and worried," she says.As Dr Walker recuperated, she did a course in herbal medicine, helping out friends along the way who had various ailments. Word of mouth spread, and people began to pop in to her for advice about which natural remedies they should try. "Amazingly, people started to get better," she says. It was all very low-key, until her local palliative-care team asked her to come and speak about her work. "The nurses were very interested," she remembers, "but threw their hands up in despair when I started talking about what to mix with what, and what to avoid. They asked me where they could get the information, and there wasn't anywhere really, so I started to make up hand-outs." This was the genesis of her book, which shows how herbal remedies and pharmaceutical drugs can work together if properly researched and handled.What Dr Walker is especially concerned about is the ease with which patients can gulp down concoctions of prescription drugs without knowing what they are. The effects of high-octane drugs are, of course, an evil with which people are prepared to deal in order to eradicate their disease. The side effects sometimes have to be treated with even more drugs. What is not so well known, however, are the exact ways in which herbal remedies can be used as a substitute for pharmaceutical drugs. "Don't think of them as herbs," Dr Walker says. "Think of them as natural pharmaceuticals." And with any pharmaceutical, natural or otherwise, it pays to be careful - 800mg of St John's wort is, for example, equivalent to 800mg of Prozac, so the dosage should be as strictly monitored as prescribed drugs. Dr Walker was horrified when she saw 1,200mg St John's wort tablets in a health-food shop recently. "The dose is crucial," she says.But the lack of understanding of the power of herbal medicine is the reason many patients don't tell their doctors they're taking natural remedies, or why some doctors might not take the information into account even if they are told. But some complementary medicines can interfere with cancer, and other, treatments. Dr Walker has this advice: "If someone is pregnant, I tell them not to take anything, natural or synthetic." She adds that some cancer treatments are so strong, Warfarin in particular, that they must be taken alone. "No one taking Warfarin should take a herbal product," she says, "because it interferes with anything, cranberry juice even."While Dr Walker still prescribes conventional drugs, she is convinced that herbal remedies are having the desired effect. She has, however, had mixed reactions from her fellow-professionals. "Some are supportive and interested. Some are sceptical, and a few are downright antagonistic," she laughs. But she's not fazed. "I believe what patients tell me. If they came back saying it was a load of rubbish, I'd re-evaluate what I'm doing. But I've been doing this for nearly 10 years. Even today, I've seen a number of people, and they have all come in smiling."'Cancer: Herbs in Holistic Healthcare', by Dr J Walker, is available from Amberwood Publishing (01634 290115), £15.99 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-herbs-really-can-help http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-during-pregnancy-keeps-cholesterol-down Exercise During Pregnancy Keeps Cholesterol DownSource: www.reuters.co.ukWomen who stay active early in pregnancy may have lower cholesterol than those who take it easy, new research suggests.Investigators found that among 925 pregnant women evaluated at the end of the first trimester, levels of total cholesterol and blood fats called triglycerides declined as exercise levels increased.It is normal for a woman's cholesterol and triglycerides to go up during pregnancy, lead study author Carole L. Butler told Reuters Health, but particularly large increases have been linked to the pregnancy complications gestational diabetes and preeclampsia -- a potential dangerous condition marked by high blood pressure, fluid retention and protein in the urine.Some studies have found evidence that exercise lowers a woman's risk of both of these complications. The new findings suggest that effects on cholesterol could be one reason, said Butler, a researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle.She and her colleagues report the findings in the American Journal of Epidemiology.The study included women who were interviewed around their 13th week of pregnancy about their exercise habits over the previous week, as well as other lifestyle and health factors. The researchers found that women who spent the most time being active -- about 13 or more hours a week -- had the lowest total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while sedentary women had the highest. More moderate exercisers fell somewhere in between.Similarly, women who reported vigorous activities such as jogging had lower cholesterol and triglycerides than women who engaged in moderate exercise such as "casual" swimming and biking. Again, sedentary women had the highest levels.However, it seems a woman need not exercise intensely to see the most cholesterol benefits. According to Butler, time spent exercising, whatever the activity, was just as strongly related to cholesterol levels as exercise intensity was.She said the findings should encourage research into the effects of exercise later in pregnancy as well.SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, August 15, 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-during-pregnancy-keeps-cholesterol-down http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-new-guidelines-call-for-more-whole-grains-exercise DIET: New guidelines call for more whole grains, exerciseSource: www.sfgate.comNot just any bread will do: Americans need more fiber, and whole wheat is better than white bread for getting it, a panel of scientists and doctors said Friday. The federal advisory panel was offering its final recommendations for making the government's food pyramid a better guide to proper eating. But diet alone is not enough. The guidelines should put a new emphasis on exercise and other physical activity, the committee said. It explained that most people seeking to control their weight need 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily. About two-thirds of the nation's population is overweight or obese, according to the latest government figures. The recommendations play down the current guidelines' highlighted advice to "choose beverages and foods to moderate your intake of sugars." Americans still should control their intake of sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, particularly people who need to watch their weight, the guidelines say, but they do not include advice among nine major points the new proposals stress. The panel's report goes to government officials who will prepare a final version for the secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services. The final dietary guidelines and the updated food pyramid are due out early next year. The guidelines also will be used in decision-making for other federal programs such as planning menus for school lunches. To get more fiber, people should eat at least three one-ounce servings of whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, preferably as a substitute for refined grains such as white bread, according to the recommendations. Whole grains are rich in 14 nutrients including fiber, which has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. "We need more fiber," said Eric Hentges, executive director of the Agriculture Department's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. "It's getting a balance of our enriched grains and our whole grains, and the whole grains are the ones that are out of balance and lacking right now." The new report puts a strong emphasis on getting calories under control and pays no heed to popular diets that focus on specific nutrients, such as counting carbohydrates. "To stem the obesity epidemic, most Americans need to reduce the amount of calories they consume," the report said. "When it comes to weight control, calories do count -- not the proportions of carbohydrate, fat and protein in the diet." The new proposals allow "discretionary calories," including sweet treats, for the minority of Americans who eat and exercise right and get their nutrients without exceeding their calorie limits. The change on sweeteners was welcomed by the sugar industry, which had argued that the committee should focus on total calories, not specific nutrients. "Sugar is part of many, many healthful foods," said Cheryl Digges, director of public policy and education at the Sugar Association, an industry group. "The previous message was too simplistic." The Sugar Association gave the committee its position as the experts developed their report, but it's hard to say how much influence the association had, Digges said. Panel members also considered comments from groups that wanted limits on sugar calories. David Schardt, a nutrition specialist for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, one of the groups favoring limits on sugar consumption, said some members of the advisory committee were food industry consultants who "could have been pushing the industry point of view." The report, however, does advise people to limit their added sugar, and the final government guidelines may make the advice more clear, Schardt said. The report also said people should put tight limits on fats that can clog arteries and lead to heart disease. Trans fats found in many processed foods such as baked and fried products should be kept below one percent of calories, it said. People also should eat more fruits and vegetables as a low-calorie way to get nutrients, including vitamin C, as well as fiber, the report said. Servings could range from 21/2 cups to 61/2 cups a day, depending on how many calories a person burns, it said. For stronger bones, people should use lowfat or nonfat milk or milk products, such as skim milk or yogurt, the panel said. It recommended three cups of milk a day or the equivalent in other dairy foods. Advice on salt also should be revised to deal with high blood pressure, the panel said. It recommended salt intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams a day, the equivalent of one teaspoon and 100 milligrams below the current guidelines. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-new-guidelines-call-for-more-whole-grains-exercise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-with-the-right-carbs-seems-to-boost-health Diet With the 'Right Carbs' Seems to Boost HealthSource: story.news.yahoo.comPopular diets such as Atkins and South Beach recommend eating low or no carbohydrates to lose weight. But not all carbs are created equal, and now evidence suggests that using the "glycemic index" may be the way to shed pounds and boost health. Results of a new animal study found that a low-glycemic-index diet can lead to weight loss, reduce body fat, and trim risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based on their immediate effect on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion have the highest glycemic index. Carbohydrates that break down slowly, releasing sugar gradually into the blood stream, have a low glycemic index. The theory is that the rapid increase in blood sugar makes you hungry and causes you to eat more and gain weight. Meanwhile, carbs that release their sugar more slowly keep your hunger in check. "Contrary to popular belief, starchy foods can be broken down to sugar very quickly," said lead researcher Dr. David Ludwig, director of the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children's Hospital Boston. "White bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes, have a very high glycemic index, whereas fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes have a low glycemic index," he added. According to Ludwig, previous studies in humans have suggested that low-glycemic-index diets can have important health benefits. "But these studies have had difficulty in distinguishing the effects of glycemic index from those of other dietary factors like protein and fiber," he said. Partly for this reason, no agency in the United States recognizes the glycemic index in human nutrition, Ludwig said. The glycemic index is recognized by many other countries and by the World Health Organization (news - web sites), he said. To determine the effect of a low-glycemic-index diet in a controlled setting where the diet could be tested without interference from other factors, Ludwig's team experimented with rats. In the experiment, rats were fed a diet of 69 percent carbohydrates. Eleven rats were randomly assigned to a high-glycemic-index diet and 10 to a low-glycemic-index diet, according to the report in the Aug. 28 issue of The Lancet. After two to four months, the researchers found that the rats given the high-glycemic-index diet had 71 percent more body fat and 8 percent less lean muscle mass, compared with rats on the low-glycemic-index diet. In addition, the high-glycemic-index group had significantly higher blood sugar and insulin levels and higher triglyceride levels, compared with the low-glycemic-index group. In further experiments, rats were switched from a low- to a high-glycemic-index diet. These rats had greater increases in blood sugar and insulin, compared with animals switched from a high- to low-glycemic-index diet. "These findings suggest that low-glycemic-index diets might help prevent and treat obesity, diabetes and heart disease," Ludwig said. A healthful diet, according to Ludwig, includes adequate protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates that have a low-glycemic-index -- such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes. There have never been any adverse effects from a low-glycemic-index diet, Ludwig added. "In contrast, low-fat diets can raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol," he said. "A low-glycemic-index diet is the perfect compromise between a low-fat diet and an Atkins-type, very low carbohydrate diet," Ludwig said. Dr. Mary Vernon, a spokeswoman for Atkins Nutritionals Inc., and co-author of the Atkins Diabetes Revolution, said, "The Atkins diet doesn't say eat meat and eat a candy bar to get your carbohydrates."Vernon said the diet recommends limiting carbohydrates to 20 grams per day until you lose the weight you want, and then increasing your intake of carbohydrates until you see that you are starting to gain weight."The Atkins diet recommends certain carbohydrate sources, which are all low-glycemic-index sources," Vernon said. "Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index are healthy carbs with nutritional value, not just energy value," she added.More informationTo learn more about the glycemic index, visit the Joslin Diabetes Center. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-with-the-right-carbs-seems-to-boost-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-tip-make-sure-you-get-enough-b12 Health Tip: Make Sure You Get Enough B12Source: drkoop.comIt will help keep you healthy Advertisement From Our Sponsors: Related Slides Angioplasty Atrial Fibrillation Congestive Heart Failure Related Videos Get More Calcium Transfusion Alternative Vacuum Out Blood Clots Related Stories • Angina Drug Safe for Long-Term Use • Catching Clots in Legs • Most Kids Have Dieted by 10th Grade Related Breakthroughs • Cool Caps Prevent Brain Damage • Computer-Assisted Knee Surgery • Solution for Emphysema Other Stories • Preschoolers Are Eating Better -- and More • Link Between Hypothyroidism, Glaucoma Found • Virtual Colonoscopy Shows Promise • Fatty Acid in Fish May Arrest Alzheimer's (HealthDayNews) -- Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It's also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach releases B12 from the protein during digestion.The vitamin is found in animal foods including fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry. Fortified breakfast cereals are an excellent source, especially for vegetarians who might otherwise get too little. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-tip-make-sure-you-get-enough-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberries-are-a-powerhouse-of-nutrition Blueberries are a powerhouse of nutritionSource: www.lacanadaonline.comIn searching for information about the human brain, researchers commonly use rats. While studying the effects of various fruit and vegetables on aging rats, scientists made some startling discoveries relative to the field of nutrition. For one early project, in the mid-'90s, three groups of aging rats were studied. The first group of rats ate their usual grain diet. The second group had spinach added and the third ate a diet enriched with blueberries.Rats can swim, but they dislike water. The old rats were put into tanks of water with raised platforms. All three groups of rats swam around in the tank, looking for a way out. After awhile they discovered the raised platforms, and climbed out of the water.When the rats were returned to the tanks for another swimming session, the first group of rats did not remember that the tank held platforms, they swam around for the same length of time looking for a way out, eventually climbing up on the platforms. The second group, the spinach-eaters, remembered the existence of platforms, but not their exact locations, it took them a shorter time to find the platforms and climb up. The third group of blueberry rats swam directly to the platforms. The research team concluded that both spinach and blueberries could help aging humans recover from short-term memory loss, although they did not know why the blueberriy diet had better results.Over the past eight years, hundreds of projects have sprung up throughout the United States and Europe looking to find the answers to questions provoked by earlier studies. Some researchers have evolved a system using test tubes, blood and oxygen. They can measure the effect that certain foods, known to be high in anti-oxidants, have on human blood. They know, for example, that consuming 12 ounces of fresh spinach will raise a woman's blood plasma's anti-oxidant level significantly.Another study showed that raising the number of daily servings of fruit and vegetables from five servings to 10 also raised anti-oxidant blood levels significantly, even though the participants were allowed to eat whatever fruits or vegetables they preferred. There was no increase beyond the 10 servings. (This is why I agree with AICR's 10 serving recommendation and passed it along to readers.)Today, much more is known about the chemical content of blueberries. Along with the anthocyanin, studied with the swimming rats, which seems to aid in memory loss, balance and eyesight, blueberries contain other phytochemicals such as ellagic acid, a cancer- fighter.Blueberries' guercetin may help raise HDL levels (good cholesterol). It also has high levels of pectin, which lowers bad cholesterol and reduces aging-related nerve disorders.Subsequent rat brain studies showed exactly where the brain cells are located that control balance. In humans, those cells begin to deteriorate around age 50. Spinach seems to improve middle-aged rats' ability to balance on beams. That study did not use blueberries, but another one did, with moderate results in improved motor skills for elderly rats. Earlier this year, a European team found that blueberries played a role in good eyesight.Through their reseach division, the United States Department of Agriculture funds scientists in anti-aging research. The USDA also supports programs directed at helping blueberry growers improve their crops. Commercial blueberry breeders need to replicate the high levels of the anthocyanin found in wild blueberries. Commercial berries, like so many fruits, have been bred to be easily harvested and shipped, to have a longer shelf lives, to be bigger and prettier. In the process, the level of anthocyanin in commercial berries has dropped to as low as one-twentieth the level in a wild berry. Commercial crops' anthocyanin levels vary widely from season to season, from field to field.The wild blueberry is one of the few fruits native to North America. Native Americans dried the berries and some tribes used them in making jerky. Others used the berries as a medicine. The USDA also supports research with cranberries, another native American fruit.Even though scientists have yet to determine exactly how the chemicals in blueberries work their magic in the human body, they have built a growing body of evidence supporting the importance of blueberries in the diet. The Atkins Diet describes blueberries as "a nutritional powerhouse" with a low glycemic index and recommends incorporating them into menus at the start the ongoing weight loss phase of the diet. Atkins suggests raw blueberries. My research indicates that frozen or dried blueberries are fine, too. Heat destroys some nutrients, so blueberry jam or blueberry muffins would not be as nutritious as a 1/2 cup of blueberries mixed into your morning yogurt or cereal. Today's recipes present three new ways to incorporate the nutritional power of blueberries into your diet.Write Lynn Duvall at boblynn@ix.netcom.com.Grilled Chicken with Blueberry-Onion Relish ]4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about one pound)Marinade:1/2 cup orange juice1/2 Tablespoon canola oil1 small bay leaf2 sprigs fresh rosemary, thyme or oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)2 cloves garlic, finely mincedRelish:Canola oil spray2 medium onions1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1/4 cup sherry2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries1 cup chopped cherry tomatoesMake marinade for the chicken by mixing together (in a non-metal container) the orange juice, oil, bay leaf, herbs and garlic. Add chicken, cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.Turn chicken occasionally to distribute flavors evenly. When ready to grill, drain chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Discard marinade.While chicken is marinating, make relish by cutting onions in half, then cut each half crosswise in thirds, cut each third into thin slices. Spray a large skillet with canola oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes or until onions are golden, stirring occasionally. Add sherry, vinegar, blueberries and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, immediately reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowl.Prepare grill for cooking, rinse chicken, pat dry. Spray chicken lightly with canola oil spray and season with salt and pepper. Grill about 5 to 6 inches from heat source until cooked though, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve with blueberry relish. Serves 4. (low carb, low fat, high protein)Adapted from AICR recipe files.Blueberry Sangria ]1-1/2 cups ready-to-serve blueberry juice1-1/2 cups chilled white wine or apple juice1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, optional1 orange, sliced1 lemon, sliced1 cup fresh blueberries1-1/2 cups chilled lemon-lime soda, such as SpriteCombine blueberry juice, wine or apple juice and liqueur, if used, in a 2-quart pitcher. Add orange and lemon slices and fresh blueberries. Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving stir in soda. Serve in tall glasses over ice cubes, if desired.Serves 6. (Makes about 1 quart liquid)Courtesy: U.S. Highbush Blueberry CouncilBlueberry & Citrus Sorbet 'Layer Cake' ]1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons blueberry preserves or jam, divided1 pint orange sorbet, slightly softened1 pint lemon or other citrus sorbet, slightly softened1 cup fresh blueberriesLine the bottom and sides of an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with a double layer of waxed paper, folding the paper to fit smoothly. In a small bowl, stir together walnuts and 1/4 cup of the blueberry preserves; set aside. Spoon orange sorbet into the lined pan, smoothing the top to make an even layer. Spread the reserved walnut-preserves mixture evenly over the orange sorbet. Spoon the lemon sorbet evenly over the preserves and smooth the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze several hours or overnight.Just before serving, in a medium bowl, stir remaining 2 tablespoons preserves until smooth; fold in fresh blueberries. Invert the cake onto a chilled serving plate. Remove the pan and waxed paper; spoon about one-fourth of the blueberry mixture down the center of the cake. Cut the cake into 8 (1-inch) slices. Serve on chilled dessert plates; top each slice with a spoonful of the remaining fresh berry mixture. Serve immediately. Serves 8. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberries-are-a-powerhouse-of-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/avoiding-alzheimer-s-it-s-all-in-the-diet Avoiding Alzheimer’s: It’s all in the DietSource: www.ivanhoe.comA new study shows consuming foods or supplements containing the omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA may be the best way to avoid Alzheimer’s disease -- even if you carry a gene that makes you susceptible to the condition.That surprising finding comes from researchers at University of California in Los Angeles who studied Alzheimer’s in mice. First they bred mice to carry the gene known to cause the brain lesions characteristic of the disease. The original intention was to see how various environmental factors affect symptoms over time. But the mice only showed minimal memory or other brain-related problems.The investigators wondered if the reason was because they were living on a diet rich in soy and fish, two foods high in DHA, which has been shown in other studies to help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. To test their hypothesis, they placed the mice on an unhealthy diet with no DHA. About half were fed this diet alone. The other half was given DHA supplements along with the unhealthy food.Mice that ate the unhealthy diet without the DHA supplements went on to develop the kind of brain changes typically seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Those that received DHA supplements, however, maintained much of their brain functioning, even though they, too, carried the Alzheimer’s gene.“After adjusting for all possible variables, DHA was the only factor remaining that protected the mice against the synaptic damage and memory loss that should have resulted from their Alzheimer’s genes,” says study author Greg Cole, Ph.D. “We concluded that the DHA-enriched diet was holding their genetic disease at bay.”The investigators note DHA is easy to add to the diet and can be found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines or can be taken in supplement form. They suggest more people consider increasing their DHA consumption.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: Neuron, 2004;43:633-645 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/avoiding-alzheimer-s-it-s-all-in-the-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/children-in-crisis-dylan-nutritional-therapy-gives-youngster-a-weapon-in-battle-against-rage CHILDREN IN CRISIS: Dylan -- Nutritional therapy gives youngster a weapon in battle against rageSource: www.freep.comLike a child reciting his favorite video game titles, Dylan DeGlopper meticulously lists the foods he can't have: anything with wheat or white flour; flavored popcorn and potato chips; anything enhanced with smoky seasoning. The no-nos go on and on. But breads, cookies, beef jerky and more aren't off limits for weight-control reasons. For Dylan, the foods fuel his aggression, anger, irritability and instability. If the Kalamazoo 12-year-old eats ordinary foods that contain wheat, MSG or other common ingredients, he said his "head feels tingly and lightheaded, and then it's like a big burst of feeling everything." "I was ornery and cranky," he said recently, four months after starting a gluten-free diet. "I feel a lot better than I did when I was eating normal stuff. Now with this, I feel a lot more mellow." As advances are made into understanding children's emotional and mental disorders, some experts are espousing nontraditional, holistic approaches to treatment, such as the nutritional therapy Dylan is trying. "It's easy to throw a medication at something but understanding what the real, underlying cause is takes a lot more legwork," said Constantine Bitsas, executive director of the Health Research Institute Pfeiffer Treatment Center in Warrenville, Ill. The nonprofit research and treatment facility specializes in researching biochemical imbalances that affect mental health. It purports to have treated more than 16,000 patients with behavior dysfunctions, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, learning disorders or anxiety by balancing body and brain chemistry. RELATED CONTENT ZACK: Family of boy overcoming abuse makes tough choice to get him help he needsPHOTO GALLERY More stories in the series Bitsas, who has a degree in psychology Portland State University in Oregon and was a mental health therapist for eight years, said most people's bodies have no problem breaking down glutens. But for those like Dylan who can't, the proteins act like opiates, causing a lack of focus and an inability to pay attention, stay on task and think clearly. Glutens also can cause sugar levels to go up and down, leading to irritability and aggression, he said. "Our position is not that medications are bad for you. You may need a combination of" a gluten-free diet and drugs, Bitsas said. "If we get them on the proper nutrient-based program, they might be able to reduce the amount of medications they're on." The diet has been a miracle for Dylan and his family, said his grandmother Emily DeGlopper. Life is much calmer and more pleasant in their home, where Dylan has punched holes in walls, destroyed aluminum siding and smashed a glass oven door during his fits of rage. "For a while, it was a real bad roller-coaster. You could never know what mood Dyl would be in," said DeGlopper, who has cared for Dylan most of his life. But since he started the gluten-free diet, "it's been a world of difference," she said. "He's a dream," she said. "It's nicer here." Dating back to the first grade, Dylan has been charged six times with assault, treated in psychiatric hospitals nearly a dozen times and has alienated his fellow students and neighbors. He's been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and also deals with abandonment issues, anxiety and learning disabilities. At least once a week, Dylan would have a violent outburst, and it would take him hours to calm down. Regular work with an anger-management counselor, therapist and psychiatrist helped, but his explosions were unpredictable and -- as he is growing bigger and stronger -- dangerous. DeGlopper was afraid another criminal charge would send Dylan to juvenile detention, or that he would seriously injure someone. On his new diet, Dylan may still erupt, but the episodes only last a few minutes and occur much less frequently, DeGlopper said. Afterward, Dylan realizes what he's done, and is apologetic and cooperative, cleaning up any mess he makes, she said. He's also taking about half the 12 or so daily medications he was on four months ago. Preparing meals with hard-to-find rice flour and potato flour and making sure meats and other foods haven't been tainted with wheat products or MSG can be costly and time-consuming. DeGlopper is trying to shake up the recipes so she's not always feeding Dylan a plain hamburger, cheese and rice. Many mental health practitioners are skeptical of nontraditional therapies, such as acupuncture, reflexology and diet and nutritional treatments. But DeGlopper said she was open to trying nearly anything that could help Dylan. Dr. Preeti Venkataraman, a Bloomfield Hills child and adolescent psychiatrist, said, "It's tough to say" if such alternative treatments are truly effective "because there isn't a lot of data out there backing these things up." She said she doesn't discourage patients from exploring dietary alternatives, but said they should be very cautious about nutritional supplements or herbal remedies, which can interfere with prescription drugs and impact the body. "When you're treating children you want to be very cautious and careful and go with treatments that have been proven and that have data that's backing up what you're doing," she said. The diet hasn't been fail-safe. A few weeks ago, Dylan snapped, slamming his fists into a tree and then into the steering wheel of his grandmother's minivan, which he wanted to drive away. "He wanted me to choke him, put him out of his misery. He explodes, the anger is just horrible," DeGlopper said. She suspects Dylan -- who has learned to carefully read food packaging labels -- accidentally ate or drank something containing gluten. This time, though, Dylan's fit didn't last as long, and he let his anger-management counselor help talk him down. Afterward, he apologized, telling his grandmother, "I'm so sorry I could have hurt you." "There are some days that are harder than others," he said. Still, while Dylan and his grandmother know they face hurdles, they're committed to him becoming a happy, healthy young man who recognizes what triggers his anger and knows how to deal with it. "I'm hoping in the long run Dylan's going to do things on his own," DeGlopper said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/children-in-crisis-dylan-nutritional-therapy-gives-youngster-a-weapon-in-battle-against-rage http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bad-news-on-eye-disease Bad News on Eye DiseaseSource: www.forbes.comA combination treatment of vitamin A and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) do not slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.The bad news comes in two articles in the latest issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.Rentinitis pigmentosa is a progressive eye disease that can cause vision loss. It affects about one in 4,000 people worldwide. Previous studies had found that taking vitamin A slows the decline in retinal function and vision loss.Harvard Medical School researchers tracked 221 people with retinitis pigmentosa, aged 18 to 55, for four years. Some took 1,200 milligrams per day of DHA and others took a placebo. All the patients took 15,000 international units per day of vitamin A, according to the researchers.The study found that, at four years, progression of the eye disease hadn't slowed in any of the patients.In a separate analysis, the researchers did find an impact on patients who were not taking vitamin A before the study."Among patients not taking vitamin A prior to entry, those in the DHA+A group (30 patients) had a slower decline in (vision loss) than those in the control +A group (35 patients) over the first two years; these differences were not observed in years three and four of follow-up or among patients taking vitamin A prior to entry," the study authors wrote.The study findings support "a previous recommendation that most adults with the typical forms of retinitis pigmentosa should continue to take 15,000 IU/d of vitamin A palmitate under medical supervision to slow the course of their condition," the authors concluded.More informationThe U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about retinitis pigmentosa. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bad-news-on-eye-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-may-prevent-migraines Vitamin B may prevent migrainesSource: www.nutraingredients.comSupplementing with high-dose vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may help prevent migraines, according to recent research.The study - published in the European Journal of Neurology (2004;11:475–7)- investigated the effect of high-dose riboflavin on migraine frequency, duration, and intensity in 23 people aged 20 to 65. Each participant received 400 mg of riboflavin per day for three months and kept a diary recording the number of migraine attacks, duration of each migraine, headache intensity and the use of pain relievers during a migraine. Participants suffered significantly fewer migraines while taking riboflavin. The average number of headaches decreased from four per month prior to the study, to two per month during treatment with riboflavin. Participants also used significantly less pain-relieving medication while taking riboflavin than before the study. Headache duration also decreased during the treatment period, though headache intensity was unchanged. Only mild adverse reactions were reported, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and facial redness. As there are no known interactions between riboflavin and pain relievers, riboflavin appears to be a safe and effective therapy for the prevention of migraine headaches, concluded the researchers. About 12 - 15 per cent of people in the UK, (around nine million people), suffer from migraines, with twice as many women as men affected by the complaint. The headaches are sometimes preceded by flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms or legs, or anxiety. Suffers generally experience a pounding sensation in one side of the head and many undergo nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. The symptoms are often severe and debilitating, lasting anywhere between four and 72 hours. Migraine pain is believed to originate from inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. Theories about the exact cause of inflammation range from nervous system malfunctions to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Known migraine triggers include hormonal fluctuations, emotions, changes in weather, strong odours, and some foods. Alcohol, aged cheeses, monosodium glutamate (MSG), chocolate, and fermented foods are also frequently held responsible for initiating migraines. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-may-prevent-migraines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-boosts-bodys-defence-system Vitamin E boosts body's defence systemSource: www.nutraingredients.comScientists have found that vitamin E improves the function of the liver and thereby strengthens the body’s defence system.Researchers working for DSM Nutritional Products (DNP) have discovered that dietary vitamin E significantly stimulates the hepatic (liver) production of glutathione, which is the body’s major line of defence against free radicals and potentially harmful agents and metabolites. Free radicals and metabolites are produced continuously in the human body, as – for example - a consequence of normal metabolic processes and a result of physical activities, diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption and from the exposure to environmental pollution and UV-light. They are also negatively involved in the aging process. If these free radicals are not inactivated they can damage the body. Glutathion, which is produced in the liver, protects the body by neutralizing these aggressive agents. In the DNP study, rats were fed a diet supplemented with or without vitamin E for nine months. Using nutrigenomics, that enable scientists to monitor the activity of thousands of genes, scientists revealed, among other things, that vitamin E stimulates the activity of two key enzymes - glutamyl-cysteinyl-synthase and glutathione synthetase - both important for the production of gluthatione, the body’s defense system. Further analysis of the glutathione concentration in the liver confirmed that animals supplemented with vitamin E had significantly enhanced production of glutathione - thereby increasing the body’s major line of defense against toxic substances. These results reveal that the well recognized antioxidant and protective activities of vitamin E are not only dependent on its own chemical properties but also on its ability to enhance the body’s own antioxidant network by glutathione synthesis. In addition this study illustrates the importance of vitamin E for the correct functioning of the liver. This study was published in the BBA Molecular Basis of Disease (05/04). Last week, NutraIngredients reported that DSM had lifted its vitamin E capacity to 25,000 tons, making it the world’s largest producer of the vitamin. At an official opening at the former Roche site in Sisseln, Switzerland, the company said the investment of some SF180 million (€117m), would allow it to meet rising global demand for vitamin E and considerably improve its competitiveness. Vitamin production by the two leading European players, DSM and BASF, has come under significant price pressure from lower cost production and ready supply from China in recent years. But recent investments by both firms in vitamin E plants in Europe suggests that they have identified cost-savings in current production that will allow them to hold onto a majority share of the world’s vitamin E capacity. BASF has capacity of around 20,000 tons, with two Chinese firms holding much of the rest. DSM believes its new plant offers the lowest production costs of its competitors, giving it a stronger market position and benefits for customers. Demand for vitamin E is being driven by the feed market (70 per cent of global supply goes to animal nutrition) but also by new research supporting its use in dietary supplements and increasing cosmetic applications. Current growth is expected to be sustained for “at least the next five years,” noted Bob Hartmayer, chief operating officer of DSM Nutritional Products. He said vitamin E is growing faster than the overall food ingredients market at 5-7 per cent on average and is DNP’s most important product after vitamin C. The plant, which began production last November and took over entire vitamin E production in May this year, is currently running at 50 per cent of its full capacity. It can produce 3 tonnes per hour of the highest purity vitamin E. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-boosts-bodys-defence-system http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/britons-suffering-from-lack-of-sunshine Britons suffering from lack of sunshineSource: www.nutraingredients.comHealth experts said at a news briefing last week in London that a quarter of Britons may suffer from a winter deficiency of vitamin D and that supplementation and further fortification of foods may be the answer.Britain's northern location and lack of sunshine means that during the winter months many people do not get enough of the vitamin made by the body when it is exposed to sunlight. This lack can be serious, increasing the risk of muscle weakness, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. "About 25 per cent of adults are deficient in vitamin D in winter," Dr Birgit Teucher, of the Institute of Food Research, said during the briefing at the Science Media Centre. Graham Bentham, a professor of environmental science at the University of East Anglia, said 80 per cent of vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight, but during the months of October to March sunlight exposure in Britain is not be sufficient for the body to produce any vitamin D. During the winter months, the body relies on stores of vitamin D built up from summer exposure to the sun and that obtained from food. However, increased time spent indoors and fears about the risks of cancer from too much sun now limit many people's exposure to sunlight, leaving them with depleted winter reserves. The health experts concluded that more research is needed but suggested vitamin D supplements such as cod liver oil and fortifying more foods could be a solution – at present foods such as breakfast cereals and margarine are fortified with the vitamin. The food industry could help by fortifying milk, bread and even orange juice with vitamin D. A number of scientists have raised the profile of vitamin D deficiency in recent months, demonstrating an association with cancers, autoimmune diseases as well as fractures. A US cancer prevention expert recently called for action to raise vitamin D levels, inciting the government to require calcium and vitamin D to be added to foods. He argued this could achieve a 20 per cent reduction in colon cancer deaths and osteoporosis-related fractures. Most recently, a study propsed that vitamin D could be important for oral health. Researchers led by Bess Dawson-Hughes, director of the Bone Metabolism Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston demonstrated that the higher the levels of vitamin D in volunteers' blood, the better their gum health. Among men and women aged 50 and older, those with the lowest vitamin D levels had 25 to 27 per cent more tooth loss than had those in the highest range. An adequate intake for dietary vitamin D has been established as a range from 200 to 600 international units (IU) daily, depending upon age group, although recent evidence suggests that more vitamin D may be needed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/britons-suffering-from-lack-of-sunshine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-anti-ageing-cream-for-everlasting-beauty A herbal anti-ageing cream for everlasting beautySource: www.hindustantimes.com new cream developed by researchers at Thailand's Government Pharmaceutical Organisation is all set to take the cosmetic industry by storm.According to The Straits Times, the anti-ageing cream combines traditional herbal ingredients with nanotechnology and has chalked up sales of 10,000 jars in just five days at Bangkok's recent Herbal Fair.The cosmetic cream took three years to develop by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), which has 40 researchers working on a range of products.The cream is priced at 1,300 baht or 50 Singapore dollars for a 50g jar and it's main ingredient is turmeric, used for centuries in South Asia and Thailand as a flavouring agent in curries - and as a beautifying skin application and internal herbal medicine.According to GPO managing director Thongchai Thavichachart, 'We first have to be strong in the local market, then we will go overseas'. He calls the cream the 'national champion' of Thai herbal products and is ready to franchise marketing plans. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-anti-ageing-cream-for-everlasting-beauty http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-boosts-muscle-strength-in-elders Vitamin D boosts muscle strength in eldersSource: www.webindia123.comA new research has revealed that a supplement of Vitamin D not only builds stronger bones, but may also improve muscle strength in older adults.Vitamin D is already known to boost calcium absorption and help to build and maintain bone strength, but it also acts as a hormone in the body that may regulate the growth and development of other tissues, such as muscles, claimed the researchers.Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, their study compared Vitamin D levels and the lower-body mobility of older adults, aged between 60 and 90, using an eight-foot walk and sit-to-stand test. It found that elder adults with a higher level of Vitamin D in their blood scored better on tests of mobility, such as walking and getting up from a seated position, regardless of their levels of activity, use of a walking device or arthritis etc. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-boosts-muscle-strength-in-elders http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-may-lower-risk-of-gallstones Mediterranean diet may lower risk of gallstonesSource: msnbc.msn.comA Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable oil, nuts and fish may help fend off more than heart disease and diabetes: It appears to prevent gallstones, too.advertisement Men who ate more of the unsaturated fats found in such foods lowered their risk of gallstones by nearly one-fifth, according to a 14-year study published in Tuesday’s Annals of Internal Medicine.Gallstones affect up to one in four Americans at some time in their lives. In some cases, the stones can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, and the gall bladder has to be removed.Other research has suggested that diets high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates increase the risk of gallstones, said Dr. Edward L. Giovannucci, a co-author and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School.“It’s probably not entirely an accident that some of the same mechanisms that relate to gallstones relate to having diabetes, or heart disease,” he said. “The same diet that is good for some of the Western diseases is good for gallstones.”Thousands of men tracked in study The study tracked the eating habits and medical histories of 45,756 men — dentists, veterinarians, optometrists, osteopaths and podiatrists — from 1986 to 2000. Whether such a diet would also prevent gallstones in women is not clear.The way gallstones form “is not exactly same between men and women,” said Dr. Chung-Jyi Tsai, associate professor of medicine at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Ky., the lead author of the study. “The study in women is ongoing.”Doctors in recent years have come to recognize the heart-healthy benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet, which is rich in unsaturated fats from vegetable oils, nuts and fish such as salmon and tuna.In the study, 2,323 of the participants reported new cases of gallstone disease during the 14 years. Those in the highest one-fifth of the group in unsaturated fat consumption had an 18 percent lower risk of gallstones than those in the lowest one-fifth. Those in the highest group ate about twice as much unsaturated fat as the lowest group.In the United States, 639,000 people are hospitalized each year because of gallstones, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.Dr. Keith D. Lillemoe, chairman of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, noted that diet is not the only factor that contributes to gallstones. But he said he and many other researchers have long thought that fat consumption must play a role.“So the results don’t surprise me, that there was some correlation,” he said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-may-lower-risk-of-gallstones http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-who-ate-red-meat-ham-more-prone-to-endometriosis-study-finds Women Who Ate Red Meat, Ham More Prone To Endometriosis, Study FindsSource: www.wnep.comAt age 30 Eric Labrant was diagnosed with bladder cancer. "No family history of bladder cancer," he says. "I didn't smoke. I didn't work in industries that would lend itself toward that," LaBrant insists. Now, a new study shows Vitamin E may have helped prevent the cancer. "Basically, the results show that individuals with a higher intake of Vitamin E showed a 42-percent reduced risk in bladder cancer," Research Eietician Ladia Hernandez, of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston finds. But beware, not all Vitamin E is the same. M.D. Anderson Epidemiologist Xifeng Wu finds, "Foods containing high levels of the alpha-tocopherol form of Vitamin E offer better protection. Those foods include red and green bell peppers, spinach, mustard greens, almonds, sunflower seeds, and vegetable oils." The Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can reduce DNA damage. Dr. Wu says 15-milligrams a day is all you need. Ladia hernadez, "it's definitely attainable is someone eats 5-servings of fruits and vegetables a day. " Walnuts, pecans, and garbanzo beans contain a different form of Vitamin E and don't offer the same protection against bladder cancer. Another natural helper is folate, which studies show can cut the risk of bladder cancer nearly in half. Folate is found in fruits and veggies is crucial for DNA repair. Eric's bladder cancer is in now remission now, but he says he's changing his diet, "Especially now that I know I'm at risk for cancer in the future." He thinks the new diet will give him the extra protection -- and security -- he needs. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-who-ate-red-meat-ham-more-prone-to-endometriosis-study-finds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coping-with-the-common-cold Coping With the Common ColdSource: www.ajc.comDetermined this cold season to nip your sneezing, runny nose and scratchy throat in the bud before those nasty respiratory symptoms sideline you?There's a broad array of cold remedies you might want to try, ranging from over-the-counter preparations to basic ingredients tucked away in your kitchen pantry.So what'll it be? A combination pain reliever and nasal decongestant? Vitamin C and echinacea? Tea with honey? A brimming bowl of chicken soup? It turns out the best advice for dealing with the misery of a cold is the same principle mothers often apply when trying to coax their unruly toddlers to take a nap: Whatever works.After all these years, scientists still have not nailed down a cure-all for the 200 different viruses known to cause symptoms of the common cold. And while nutritionally oriented doctors often tout the cold-fighting properties of certain vitamins, minerals and herbs, others say the evidence is mixed.Dr. Norman H. Edelman, a consultant for scientific affairs for the American Lung Association, lumps vitamin C and the herb echinacea into the category of "the unprovens." They might work, he said, but there's a lack of scientific evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness."We advise patients to do the sensible things," he offered. "The most important thing is to try to avoid a cold." Frequent hand washing, for instance, is a must.That's little comfort to the Americans who collectively suffer an estimated 1 billion colds a year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Colds are particularly prevalent among children, who get six to 10 a year. Adults have about two to four colds a year, mostly between September and May, the American Lung Association reports.While the typical cold is little more than an annoyance, lasting a week or two, its societal toll is huge. Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to the common cold, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.With so many people desperate for relief, researchers continue to grasp for evidence to substantiate or dismiss potential cold remedies.Several years ago, experts tapped by the Cochrane Collaboration, a United Kingdom-based nonprofit that disseminates medical evidence, reviewed 30 trials involving long-term vitamin C supplementation. Taking large daily doses doesn't prevent colds, they found, but it does appear to modestly reduce the duration of cold symptoms."For people who have vitamin C-deficient diets, it very likely works as both a treatment and a preventive," said Dr. Bruce Barrett, an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.As for echinacea's medicinal properties, "I think the jury's still out," said Barrett, who was the lead author of a 2002 Annals of Internal Medicine study of the popular herb. It's no better than a placebo for shortening a cold's duration or reducing the severity of symptoms, he found.And then there's zinc, an essential mineral purported to have some benefit as a cold remedy. But the evidence is equivocal, Barrett said. Of the 14 trials conducted to date, eight reported positive results and six found no benefit, he noted.Zicam, an over-the-counter zinc-containing nasal gel, is one way to get the benefit of that mineral without having to endure its unpleasant metallic taste. A study reported last year, paid for by the makers of Zicam, found it can cut the length and severity of a cold by half when the patient begins treatment within 48 hours after symptoms have begun."I wouldn't discount it at all," Barrett said, "but when you just have a couple of studies that are pretty much embedded in one corporate research structure, I don't think it's proven yet." In the throes of a miserable cold, many Americans still reach for familiar pain relievers, decongestants and antihistamines in the cold-and-flu aisle of their local drugstore. These products can't cure a cold but may provide instant relief from symptoms.Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, will dry up a runny nose, but virtually all of the over-the-counter products cause drowsiness, Edelman cautioned. Non-drowsy exceptions include Alavert and Claritin, which contain the antihistamine loratadine, he said."If you have to drive, then you probably ought to take a non-sedating antihistamine," he advised.Cold products that relieve nasal congestion without sleep-inducing antihistamines often contain pseudoephedrine, a type of decongestant that can cause nervousness, dizziness or restlessness. People with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking products with this ingredient."In general, I would steer people away from the decongestants because they work like adrenaline, like a stimulant," Barrett said.To reduce a fever or ease body aches, try taking aspirin or acetaminophen.Got an irritating cough? There's little evidence that cough-suppressing anti-tussive medications actually work, yet there appears to be a strong placebo effect, Barrett noted.In fact, as with many cold-relieving strategies, if you think it works, it probably will, said Barrett, who finds evidence in support of the placebo effect too strong to ignore. Over the next three years, he hopes to enroll 800 cold sufferers in a trial that will examine the healing power of suggestion using echinacea versus a placebo.It will be several years before those results are in. In the meantime, Barrett has a health tip for those who feel the sniffles coming on."Without any scientific evidence whatsoever, I can recommend that people drink their favorite herbal teas or chicken soups," he said. "It helps because people believe in it; it helps trigger your own innate system of healing." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coping-with-the-common-cold http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/traditional-diabetes-remedy-offers-hope Traditional diabetes remedy offers hopeSource: timesofindia.indiatimes.comIndia's traditional diabetes remedy from its native curry-leaf tree really does work, and could potentially be the making of a multi-billion dollar alternative drug, a landmark British pharmaceutical conference heard on Wednesday. The claims for the curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) are made on the basis of research hailed by complementary medicine specialists as good and qualitative. The research, led by Professor Peter Houghton of King's College London, is significantly supported by a grant from a leading US drug company, Merck Research Laboratories. On Wednesday, Edzard Ernst, a British complementary medicine professor, who has long argued for greater and closer links between Western researchers and Indian Ayurvedic producers, told The Times of India he was very encouraged by the curry-leaf tree research. Houghton, who presented his findings to the British pharmaceutical industry's premier gathering, said extracts from the curry-leaf tree appeared to restrict the action of a digestive enzyme called pancreatic alpha-amylase. The enzyme is involved in the breakdown of dietary starch to glucose. A patient with diabetes does not produce enough insulin to cope with rapid rises in blood glucose levels, Houghton explained. That is why slowing the rate of starch breakdown, by blocking alpha-amylase, can lead to a more even trickle of glucose into the bloodstream from the intestine. This is what the curry-leaf tree appears to do. Using folksy analogy, Houghton said it was rather like restricting people coming out of a station gate in the rush hour so that they come out one at a time rather than seven at a time. Complementary medicine experts said the new research was one of the first serious, big business-supported initiatives to try and unlock the treasures of Indian and Chinese plants. Ernst's remarks about the curry-leaf tree's remarkable, untapped potential are seen as especially significant because just three weeks ago, he publicly described as irresponsible the miracle cure claims about the Ayurveda-based herbal remedy Carctol. Carctol, a mixture of eight remedies, was devised by Dr Nandlal Tiwari from Rajasthan, who has been giving it to patients for 25 years. Houghton's research also covered a wound-healing agent from the African climbing dayflower, which is traditionally used by Ghana's Ashanti tribe for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/traditional-diabetes-remedy-offers-hope http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-power-of-garlic The Power of GarlicSource: www.zwire.comSome yearn for its robust aroma and savory, often creamy taste; others look to it as a cure for ailments. Garlic has long been shrouded in mystery. Whether it is used for medicinal purposes, to lure love interests or as an enhancement to any dish, it plays a significant role in dining, cooking and culture. Appropriately, the world's largest Chinese restaurant chain, Panda Express, is offering a special garlic menu promotion. The earliest documentation of garlic's use was in 3,000 B.C.; it was mentioned in the Bible and Chinese Sanskrit writings. The Egyptians fed it to workers building the Great Pyramid of Gaza; its robustness was thought to increase the efficiency and endurance of men. More recently, garlic production tripled during the 1990s, positioning China as the top garlic producer in the world. Many cultures have used garlic for its health benefits as a cure for the common cold, high blood pressure, rheumatism, tuberculosis and cancer. It has also been thought to increase energy and endurance. In garlic-growing regions throughout the world, experts have linked life longevity to garlic consumption. Chef Andy Kao of Panda Express believes in the healing properties of garlic. His father used to tell stories of the Chinese soldiers during World War II who drank river water after running out of fresh water and food. The soldiers chewed on garlic to kill the bacteria and give them strength after drinking from the river. Chef Kao continues the practice of eating garlic regularly to kill germs and strengthen his immune system. In addition to its curing properties, the herb is beneficial to the body's overall maintenance. It is rich in protein; vitamins A, B-1 and C; and essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium. It also contains 17 different amino acids. Chinese culture has been particularly influenced by garlic. A compilation of poems by Confucius -- Shi-ching, the book of songs -- even mentions garlic and its importance to China's development. The herb is believed to have originated in Asia and is probably one of the oldest cultivated plants. In China, ancient medical books say garlic bulbs can scare off chills, reduce swelling and increase the efficiency of the spleen and stomach. The Chinese include it in many everyday dishes and because of the herb's ability to improve the body's circulation it is also thought to act as an aphrodisiac. Selecting, preparing and storing the perfect clove Garlic's intoxicating fragrance and flavor is a prominent characteristic in Szechwan and northern-style Chinese cooking. Not only in China, but across the world, this kitchen staple adds a wonderful aroma and creates a delicious entrée. The first step to incorporating it into meals is selecting the perfect bulb. Chef Kao has been using garlic to enhance his cooking since his childhood in China, and makes the following recommendations: * Perfect cloves are plump, firm and have a dry skin. Each bulb should have eight to 12 pieces. * Garlic should not be refrigerated or stored in a moist environment. If properly stored, garlic can be kept for about six months. If the bulb sprouts it has not gone bad, but the sprouts should be removed before cooking. * To enjoy garlic's flavor to the fullest, don't buy garlic that has been pre-minced, chopped or diced. These varieties have been bred for a long shelf life and can have a diluted taste. Cooking with garlic Garlic is classified as both an herb and a vegetable. It can be found in products ranging from ice cream to dry rubs; the versatility of this herb is seemingly endless. Chef Kao adds garlic to everything from hot meat sauces to cold vegetable dishes. He learned the culture and traditions behind Chinese cuisine while cooking for his family as a young boy. He suggests these tips for cooking with garlic: 1. Before cooking, remove the exterior skin of the clove. There are many ways to do this: strike the bulb with the broad side of a kitchen knife, use a rubber garlic rolling tube, soak the garlic in lukewarm water for 30 minutes or dip the cloves into boiling water for 30 seconds. 2. After skinning the garlic, select a cooking method that will result in the appropriate flavor. It can be sautéed to create a nutty, savory taste; poached to create a mild flavor; oven-roasted to bring out the nutty flavor with a caramelized quality; fried to create a crisp exterior; or grilled to create a soft, smoky flavor. 3. Garlic is very sensitive to heat and will burn easily, especially when sautéing. Expose the garlic to heat just until the oil sizzles and then remove it. When cooking garlic with onions, start the onions first. They will take longer to cook. If you would rather leave it to the pros, Panda Express is paying tribute to garlic with a promotion called "Panda Chefs Celebrate Garlic." From July 11 through Sept. 18 Panda Express offers four tasty garlic entrées featuring shrimp, chicken, beef and vegetables. Chef Kao has experimented with many ingredients to create his favorite garlic entrées: Chicken Breast with Asparagus in Garlic Sauce; Spicy Shrimp with Cashews in Garlic Sauce; Beef with Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce; and Spicy Chicken Breast with String Beans in Garlic Black Bean Sauce. These dishes can be found at more than 650 Panda Express restaurant locations nationwide. During the promotion these dishes are also available on the restaurant's catering menu -- the perfect way to make get-togethers unforgettable (and fast and easy)! People all over the world recognize garlic as a source of health and good flavor. Whether at Panda Express or in your own kitchen, take some time to enjoy it! Courtesy of ARA Content Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-power-of-garlic http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-cutting-herb-interferes-with-prescription-dugs-researchers Cholesterol-cutting herb interferes with prescription dugs- researchersSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comResearchers say the over-the-counter herbal drug, Gugulipid, can break down prescription drugs. 29/09/2004 Gugulipid has been shown to lower cholesterol but now appears to have some unwanted side effects. Researchers say the over-the-counter herbal drug can break down prescription drugs, such as those used to fight AIDS and cancer.As a result, researcher Jeff Staudinger, PhD, of the pharmacology and toxicology department at the University of Kansas, and colleagues say people taking prescription medications should use caution when taking gugulipid.Staudinger`s team performed lab experiments with gugulipid bought at a local health food store, as well as a pure version of the herbal drug`s active ingredient, guggulsterone. They tested guggulsterone`s effects on cell receptors taken from mouse and human liver cells.They found that guggulsterone stimulates a cell`s drug metabolism machinery -- enzymes that break down prescription medicines. This action of the herbal supplement would affect medications such as the AIDS drug AZT, anticancer agents, and cholesterol-lowering statins, according to a news release.In addition, guggulsterone stimulates two other cell receptors: one for the hormone estrogen and another for the hormone progesterone, according to the researchers.Gugulipid is not the only herbal drug that can interfere with prescription medications.The study recently appeared in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-cutting-herb-interferes-with-prescription-dugs-researchers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-keep-your-veggies-vitamin-packed How to keep your veggies vitamin-packedSource: www.brudirect.comMost of us are confused and overwhelmed by all of the tips and information out there about how to cook and care for vegetables. Is it healthier to eat your tomatoes raw, or enjoy them in a slow-cooked sauce? Should you refrigerate leafy greens? Unless you're Popeye, you're probably not going to bulk up overnight by eating a can of spinach, no matter how it's prepared. But there are plenty of health benefits that you'll enjoy from careful care and preparation of your veggies. The most striking benefit of plant foods is their disease-fighting potential, says Amy Joy Lanou, PhD, a nutritionist and the nutritional director of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. "Across the board, fruits and vegetables are beneficial for reducing chronic disease risk," she says. That's why we asked Lanou and nutritionist Christine Filardo to give us the scoop on proper veggie handling, so something insignificant doesn't come between you, your health, and your veggies. Here's a little food for thought. There's plenty of conflicting information about whether vegetables and fruits are better enjoyed cooked or raw, and that's because there is no single answer. Some active nutrients in vegetables and fruits are more readily available when cooked, others are more prevalent when foods are eaten raw, says Lanou. For example, lycopene, an antioxidant, which may help prevent against prostate cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses, is more prevalent in cooked forms of tomatoes -- even ketchup. On the flip side, many of the nutrients from vegetables can get leached during cooking. The key is to watch out for cooking vegetables too long, and with too much water, says Filardo. If you cook vegetables gently -- and without a great deal of water -- you will help protect the water-soluble vitamins. Filardo recommends blanching your veggies, which is when you quickly cook vegetables in boiling water, and remove them when they're still very crisp, to help preserve the color and nutrients. The same principle applies if you're going to steam or microwave vegetables. Not all water is bad, however; it's only when you aren't consuming the liquids that the nutrients are leached into. That's the great thing about soup, says Lanou. "You consume the water-soluble vitamins that go into the broth," she says. For the most part, it's the leaching that causes the problem, not the heat. Time is the most important factor when it comes to the nutrient breakdown of fruits and vegetables. You can slow down the process of nutrient depletion by your storage methods, but getting produce fresh to begin with is very important. Try finding markets that sell locally grown produce. "Farmers' markets are great, because usually you get produce the day after it was harvested," says Lanou. The sooner you eat a fruit or vegetable after it's picked, the better. If the vegetable stays on the plant until it's ripe, it will have more nutrients in it than if it's picked early and allowed to ripen off the vine, says Lanou. It will often taste better as well, she says. "For example, sweet corn is super sweet the day it's picked, but a week later it tastes kind of like a potato, because the sugar has broken down." The same thing happens with other nutrients that you can't detect with taste. You need to take proper care when it comes to cooking and serving your veggies. Here are some tips: Keep your cool. Don't keep vegetables in very hot environments -- like your car -- for a long time. Remember that certain vegetables should get stored on your counter, while others should get refrigerated. Onions, potatoes, and other root vegetables do better in cool, dry places, and the refrigerator is too wet for them. Most fruits -- including tomatoes -- are best kept on the counter and consumed once ripe. Most greens, mushrooms, and almost all other produce should get refrigerated. Take a breath. Some vegetables do a little better with air, says Lanou. Try storing mushrooms in a paper bag, instead of a plastic one. If the mushrooms came in a plastic or cellophane container, use a fork to poke some air holes in the lid. Go for frozen. Frozen vegetables are often just as healthy as fresh veggies, especially if the fresh ones have been collecting dust for a few days in your fridge. Filardo says frozen vegetables are still nutritious, because they often come right out of the field, and are blanched and frozen immediately. Dress it up. Use a little fat or salad dressing on your vegetables. Filardo says a little fat will improve the uptake of lycopene. "But that doesn't give people the license to put huge amounts of salad dressings on their foods." Try precooking. Blanch veggies before you pop them in the fridge, and you will save time. "It will also help kill some of the enzymes that can cause deterioration," says Filardo. Just don't overdue the reheating. Slow down. Take more time to chew and enjoy your vegetables. Filardo says the more you chew, the more you will break down vegetables, and that will result in better absorption of nutrients from the gut. "Sometimes people stuff things into their mouths without paying attention, and you can eat a lot that way," she says. "If you slow down, and savor the taste of foods, you are likely to eat less." You are also allowing more time for the message to get from your stomach to your brain that you're full. Spice things up. "People tend to eat the same fruits and vegetables over and over again. Every fruit and vegetable has a unique footprint -- a unique assortment of nutrients and phytochemicals," says Filardo. Variety will increase your enjoyment of fruits and vegetables, while also giving you more nutrients. She suggests that you use color as a guide when planning your meals. Instead of worrying about getting specific vitamins, for example, worry about getting your oranges, greens, and reds. It will also make for a more appetizing plate. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-keep-your-veggies-vitamin-packed http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-diabetes- Lack of vitamin D linked to diabetes?Source: www.medicalnewstoday.comMany adults could be short of Vitamin D, putting them at greater risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, research suggests. In a review of research into diabetes and Vitamin D, three separate studies showed that breastfeeding mothers and children who received Vitamin D supplements were 60% less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes. More black and Asian people may be getting Type 2 diabetes because if you have darker skin you are less able to make your own Vitamin D from the sun. Phil Casey, Care Advisor for Diabetes UK stressed more research is needed before we know for sure whether a lack of vitamin D can trigger diabetes. Scientists need to rule out the chance that something else - rather than Vitamin D - is raising the risk of diabetes in these people."Diabetes UK does not recommend that people take supplements unless clinically diagnosed with a deficiency," he added. "The safety of taking various dosages of supplements, such as vitamin D, and taking them for a prolonged period of time must be rigorously tested."http://www.diabetes.org.uk Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-diabetes- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-restore-sudden-hearing-loss Vitamin E may Restore Sudden Hearing LossSource: www.ivanhoe.comA preliminary study from Israel shows vitamin E may be effective in restoring sudden onset hearing loss.Researchers say about 4,000 Americans each year experience sudden hearing loss, which occurs within three days or less. The cause of the sudden hearing loss can be identified in only 10 percent to 15 percent of the cases, which includes viral and bacterial diseases, and metabolic, neurologic and immunologic sources. The rest of the cases are termed idiopathic, which means there is no known cause.Previous research shows antioxidants could prevent consequences of damage in the inner ears of animals. With this evidence, the study authors assumed antioxidants could reduce the damage and enhance recovery of idiopathic sudden hearing loss.Sixty-six participants were enrolled in the study within eight days from onset of the hearing loss. They were all treated with bed rest, magnesium, inhalation of carbogen and steroids, and the patients in the study group received 400 milligrams of twice-daily vitamin E in addition.The success of the treatment, defined as improvement of 75 percent or more, was better in the study group (about 78 percent vs. about 45 percent). This was also true at follow-up. However, the difference in complete recovery between the groups was insignificant.The study authors call for further studies to be directed toward a better understanding of the role of antioxidants in idiopathic sudden hearing loss. They add this should include determining the most effective antioxidant and its optimal dose.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting in New York City, Sept. 19-22, 2004 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-restore-sudden-hearing-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-is-good-for-your-gums- Vitamin D Is Good for Your Gums?Source: www.medicalnewstoday.comThe Agriculture Research Service, the research arm of the US Department of Agriculture has recently reported that getting enough vitamin D, either through the diet or from sunlight, could be important for oral health. The analytical study looked at a possible connection between vitamin D levels in the blood and periodontal disease, a widespread chronic inflammatory condition marked by a loss of attachment of the thin ligaments that connect teeth with their surrounding bone sockets. Periodontal disease is a primary cause of tooth loss, particularly among the elderly.The study was conducted by Bess Dawson-Hughes, a physician specializing in bone health and nutrition, together with colleagues in academia and medicine. The scientists studied relevant data on 11,202 men and women aged 20 or older who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The scientists analysed data on periodontal attachment loss and blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, a biomarker indicating vitamin D levels accumulated from both dietary intake and exposure to sunlight.The population was ranked into five groups from lowest to highest in terms of blood levels of vitamin D. Four out of the five groups--80 percent of those studied--had lower-than-desired vitamin D levels. The scientists found that the higher the levels in volunteers' blood serum, the better their periodontal health. Among men and women aged 50 and older, on average, those in the groups at the low range of vitamin D levels had 25 to 27 percent more attachment loss than had those in the highest range.The scientists suspect that vitamin D cuts down on the inflammatory response that leads to periodontal disease. Conformational studies are needed, but the findings suggest important oral health implications related to vitamin D intake. An adequate intake for dietary vitamin D has been established as a range from 200 to 600 international units (IU) daily, depending upon age group, although recent evidence suggests that more vitamin D may be needed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-is-good-for-your-gums- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplement-to-prevent-prostate-cancer- Herbal supplement to prevent prostate cancer?Source: www.foodnavigator.comColumbia University Medical Center has launched the first clinical trial of a possible herbal preventative for prostate cancer.The phase I study will determine whether Zyflamend, a herbal supplement commonly used as an anti-inflammatory, can prevent prostate cancer in patients with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). PIN - meaning that the top layer of cells or epithelial cells of the prostate are dividing more rapidly than normal epithelial cells - is a clinical precursor for prostate cancer.Without intervention, men diagnosed with PIN have a 50 to 70 per cent likelihood of developing prostate cancer. "Zyflamend has shown the ability, in vitro, to reduce prostate cancer cell proliferation by as much as 78 per cent and to induce cancer cell death or apoptosis," said Aaron Katz, principal investigator of the study. "These results are exceptionally promising and have led us to initiate this clinical trial." The herbal, made by the nutritional supplements manufacturer New Chapter, is composed of 10 herbs – including rosemary, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, green tea, hu zhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, oregano, and Baikal skullcap - that inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inflammation pathway. Long-term chronic inflammation contributes to carcinogenesis in many organ systems (the origin of certain cancers); inhibiting this pathway appears to be key to preventing cancers like prostate and colon cancer. A herbal supplement may inhibit this pathway without causing the adverse gastrointestinal side effects associated with the long-term use of other COX-2 inhibitors. The preparation of this supplement differs from many herbal products in that it is not standardized to isolated chemicals. It delivers herbs in concentrated form, but the herbs retain their "food" status. "We know more people are using herbal supplements as either their primary treatment or in tandem with their prescribed therapies, which is why it is important to study the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies," said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council. The Phase I study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of the herbal supplement in patients with PIN. Up to 48 men, between the ages of 40 and 75, will receive the herbal supplement three times a day for 18 months. Prostate cancer is one of the biggest cancer killers in industrial countries and affects more than 500,000 men worldwide every year. This number is expected to increase with the ageing population. In the US it is known that at least a quarter of all prostate cancer patients use alternative therapies, such as green tea. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplement-to-prevent-prostate-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-antioxidants-may-prevent-hearing-loss Vitamin E, antioxidants may prevent hearing lossSource: www.nutraingredients.comVitamin E may be effective in restoring sudden onset hearing loss of unknown origin, Israeli researchers will report this weekend.The results, which found the vitamin to improve recovery of the disease, suggest that antioxidants may play a role in the prevention and restoration of hearing loss. Each year some 4,000 Americans report the onset of sudden hearing loss but little is known about the cause of the disease. About two thirds of patients with ISHL recover without treatment within days but for those who do not, there is no consistently supported treatment. But there is some preliminary evidence to suggest that antioxidants may help treat the disease. Previous research has shown that superoxide anion radicals (O2-) appear in the inner ear of experimental animals after damage caused by noise-induced trauma, administration of ototoxic drugs (those that damage the ears), and inflammatory disease. Other studies have shown that antioxidants could prevent the ototoxicity of cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug. To find out whether antioxidants may have a restorative or protective role in the inner ear, researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel, randomly divided 66 patients, with an average age of 41, with sudden hearing loss into two groups. The basic treatment of both groups was identical (including bed rest and steroids) except for the addition of 800 mg of vitamin E per day taken by the study group. The severity of hearing loss was only marginally significant in the rate of recovery but the success of treatment, defined as improvement of 75 per cent or more at the time of discharge, was significantly better in the study group. The recovery rate of more than 75 per cent was achieved in 26 (more than three quarters) patients in the vitamin E group compared with 15 (45 per cent) patients in the control group. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E have been known for many years. Since its discovery, vitamin E has been recognized as an essential factor in neurologic function. It has also been associated with prevention of cardiovascular diseases, reduction of risk of cancer, and functioning of the immune system. "Further studies should be directed toward a better understanding of the role of antioxidants in idiopathic sudden hearing loss," said the researchers. Their findings are being presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in New York this weekend. The research is also discussed in the July 2003 issue of Otology & Neurotology (24(4):572-5). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-antioxidants-may-prevent-hearing-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-helps-relieve-the-severity-and-duration-of-atopic-dermatitis vitamin B12 helps relieve the severity and duration of atopic dermatitisSource: www.soap-wire.comTopical vitamin B12 helps relieve the severity and duration of atopic dermatitis, according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (150, 5:977-83 May 2004) (www.blackwell-synergy.com). Researchers from Ruhr University, Bochum, evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of topical vitamin B12 and its effects on atopic dermatitis--also known as eczema.The prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III, multicenter, clinical trial treated 49 patients for eight weeks. Each patient applied the vitamin B12-containing active preparation twice daily to affected skin areas of one side of the body and a placebo preparation to the other side, according to a randomization scheme. On the side treated with the vitamin B12 cream, the modified Six Area, Six Sign, Atopic Dermatitis score (SEM) dropped to a significantly greater extent than that of the placebo-treated side (55•34 SEM versus 28•87 SEM for B12 and placebo, respectively). The scientists concluded topical vitamin B12 cream, as a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis, may be effective in the reduced extent and severity of atopic dermatitis. Source: British Journal of Dermatology Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-helps-relieve-the-severity-and-duration-of-atopic-dermatitis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/quercetin-levels-high-in-mauritian-vegetables Quercetin levels high in Mauritian vegetablesSource: www.foodnavigator.comFurther evidence to support the antioxidant power of broccoli and cabbage revealed this week following a small investigation into the phenol and flavonoid levels of ten common vegetables.In a small study between an Indian island and a London university, scientists conclude that Mauriitan vegetables represent a significant source of phenolic antioxidants. “Quercetin derivatives were the most abundant, and this may contribute to their potential health benefits,” report the researchers this week in the September issue of Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.A raft of recent science has uncovered the role polyphenols, to which quercetin belongs, can play in preventing the onset of various diseases, notably certain cancers and cardiovascular disease, that annually kills 17 million people in the world.“Quercetin was the dominant flavonoid aglycone in the hydrolysed vegetable extracts, with values in the range of 15–390 µg g-1 fresh weight,” say the researchers from the Imperial College London, the University of Mauritius and the University of Glasgow. They analysed ten Mauritian vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mugwort, carrot, onion, tomato and chilli pepper - for their total phenol, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin and vitamin C contents and antioxidant capacity. Levels of total phenols in the vegetables varied quite considerably, between 132 and 1189 µg g-1 fresh weight and those of total flavonoids between 45 and 944 µg g-1, write the scientists. Vitamin C also varied considerably, between 25 and 748 µg g-1 fresh weight while the antioxidant compounds, proanthocyanidins, were detected at very low levels in only a few vegetables.Proanthocyanidins have been linked to helping to prevent disease-causing organisms from causing infection. “Mauritian vegetables therefore represent a significant source of phenolic antioxidants,” conclude the scientists. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/quercetin-levels-high-in-mauritian-vegetables http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-myths-and-facts-about-salt The myths and facts about saltSource: www.dailymail.co.ukA new report shows half of Britons eat dangerous amounts of salt, risking heart problems, strokes, kidney disease and cancer. Our nutrition expert Angela Dowden takes a look at some of the myths, and truths about salt. Fact: We eat far more salt than we need At least 26 million people in the UK are eating more than the recommended adult daily salt intake of six grammes. Men eat an average of 11g of salt a day, equivalent to almost two level teaspoons, while women consume around 8.1g. Children also have more salt than recommended. Babies below the age of six months should have less than 1g of salt per day and seven to 12-month-olds should have no more than 1g per day. For ages one to three, the recommendation is 2g; for four to six-year-olds it is 3g; and for seven to ten-year-olds it is 5g. Children over 11 have adult requirements. Myth: Sodium and salt are the same Chemically, salt is sodium chloride - and every 1g of salt contains just 0.4g sodium. This means that if a food label gives only sodium information, you need to multiply it by two-and-a-half to get the salt content. While we cannot live without sodium - it regulates the body's fluid balance and is crucial for nerve and muscle function - too much is harmful. The chloride part of salt isn't deemed harmful, though. Fact: Salt isn't the only source of sodium Sodium is also found in additives including sodium nitrite, sodium bicarbonate and monosodium glutamate. So read the label of processed foods and medicines. Myth: Salt is the primary cause of high blood pressure Too much salt can cause cause blood pressure rises in people who are already prone to hypertension (high blood pressure). But whether healthy people who don't have blood pressure problems need to reduce their salt intake is a matter of controversy. In launching its latest campaign, however, The Food Standards Agency has decided that population-wide reductions in salt are to be recommended, citing the Intersalt trial - the world's largest salt investigation - as evidence. This study involved more than 10,000 people from 32 countries and showed a general correlation between sodium consumption and blood pressure - a pattern which was strongest in the middle-aged, but also persisted weakly across the whole age and blood pressure range. Experts involved in the study estimate that a blanket reduction by one third in sodium intake could reduce strokes in the UK by 22 per cent, and heart attacks by 16 per cent. Fact: salt can make you heavier According to Professor Graham MacGregor, of St George's Hospital in London, salt consumption results in us carrying around 3lb of excess fluid (salt attracts water like a sponge, and this can be especially troublesome for women before their period). High salt intakes are also associated with a greater excretion of calcium in the urine - which some researchers think may compromise bone strength and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. A correlation has also been found between salt and asthma, and salty foods and stomach cancer. Fact: Some people may not need to reduce their salt consumption This is possibly the case - a review in the Journal Of The American Medical Association concluded that salt reduction has little benefit for many healthy individuals with normal blood pressure. Other, arguably more important factors in keeping blood pressure healthy are reducing weight and alcohol intake. In the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hyper-tension) trial in the U.S., those who ate more potassium, calcium and magnesium through a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy products showed significant reductions in blood pressure even if they didn't restrict salt. However, the effects were better still when salt was minimised as well. One estimate is that ten to 25 per cent of those with normal blood pressure are sensitive to the effects of salt, but what's incontrovertible is that most of us eat far more salt than we need, so reducing intake is probably wise for all of us. This is especially so if there is a history of high blood pressure in your family. Myth: You should not cut down on salt if you sweat a lot It's often been suggested that manual workers and athletes need extra salt, or that it's dangerous to cut down on salt when the weather is hot. But you need very little salt to be healthy - and many people in tropical countries eat far less salt than we do. The Salt Manufacturers' Association argues that at-risk groups for low salt include the elderly and pregnant women. But if you're in one of these groups you'd have to be eating a very low salt diet indeed (and in the hottest weather) to run into problems. In practice, it's extremely unlikely to happen. Myth: Most salt is added at the table About 80 per cent of the salt we eat comes from processed foods. Supermarkets and manu-facturers have pledged to reduce salt, but they aren't doing it quickly enough for either the Government or Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH), which represents the views of the leading medical experts on salt in the UK. The food industry has been asked by both the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health to come up with plans to make a 40 to 50 per cent reduction. Fact: There's a commercial interest in keeping our food salty According to Professor MacGregor, salt is by far the cheapest flavour enhancer and can make cheaper foods more palatable. "Salt also helps food to retain water and bulks up products extremely cheaply," he says. "Salt intake is the main driver to thirst and, therefore, soft drink consumption. It is, therefore, of huge commercial interest to many companies." Myth: Eating just 6g a day is impossible No - there's a lot you can do while manufacturers plan to make salt reductions. Start by checking the label on processed foods to see how much sodium they contain. More than 0.5g sodium (1.25g salt) is "a lot"; less than 0.1g sodium (0.25g salt) is a little. Also try following these tips, from Sam Church, a nutritionist at the Food Standards Agency: Be sparing with sauces, especially soy sauce, because they are usually very high in salt. Cut down on salty snacks such as crisps - go for low-salt snacks such as dried fruit, sticks of vegetables and unsalted nuts instead. Try to eat less of heavily salted foods such as bacon, cheese, pickles, smoked fish and many ready-prepared meals. Choose canned vegetables and pulses that are marked "no added salt". Make your own stock or choose lower salt stock cubes, because stock cubes tend to be high in salt. Add less salt to cooking - use herbs and spices to add flavour to cooking, instead of salt. Get out of the habit of adding salt at the table - try to remember to taste food first. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-myths-and-facts-about-salt http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-fears-over-lead-poison-risk-to-children New fears over lead poison risk to childrenSource: www.dailymail.co.ukLead poisoning among children may be a bigger public health issue in this country than previously thought, experts have warned today. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that even low levels of lead exposure, such as peeling paint in dilapidated homes and school buildings, could be damaging the health of children in the UK. The HPA has now called for more research to find out what effect relatively low levels of lead in the blood may have on children's development. Look here too...Skip gossip links to more articles Archive: Hazardous chemicals in everyday products News: Tobacco smoke toxins 'poison air' Story: Children inherit health anxieties Article: One in ten children are obese Many children could be inadvertently exposed to low levels of lead in buildings where lead-based paint remains. Neurological damage The sale of lead paint was prohibited in the late 1980s but in older buildings where it remains it can deteriorate and peel or be disturbed during decoration work. At the moment the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that attempts are made to make sure at least 98% of children have blood-lead levels of less that 100 micrograms per litre. Experts fear that levels higher than this may lead to neurological and behavioural damage in youngsters. But toxicologists at the HPA's Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division said this level may not be appropriate in the UK and children may be damaged by much lower concentrations. Experts at the HPA's scientific conference at Warwick University said that more research needed to focus on the effects of lower levels of lead exposure on British children. Toxicologist Prof Virginia Murray said their main concern was exposure to lead from paint in buildings built before 1960. "Lead paint was ubiquitous in this country, it was everywhere," she said. The researcher said children were most likely to be exposed to lead paint in their own home, but other public buildings such as schools could also still have lead paint inside. Other sources of lead exposure include lead toys, lead pipes, soil contamination, industrial pollution and traditional remedies. Worrying cases Prof Murray said they had seen worrying cases of children falling ill after eating flakes of lead paint. She said children exhibiting this so-called pica behaviour - eating non-food substances - were at an even greater risk than those who might inhale lead paint dust or pass it from their hands to their mouth inadvertently. "We are concerned that lead may pose a bigger problem in this country than is realised. "Currently we are only alerted of cases by doctors where lead has made children very ill. "Yet we fear that lower levels of exposure in this country could also be damaging our children," Prof Murray said. Research in the US has suggested that low levels of lead in the blood could cause subtle impairments including a possible decrease in intelligence and subtle neurological changes. There is no routine programme to monitor the effects of low lead exposure in the UK and the HPA is only notified of severe cases where a patient becomes particularly ill. Prof Murray said that research was needed to establish the effects of low blood-lead levels in children and take any action necessary. 'Tip of the iceberg' Prof Pat Troop, chief executive of the HPA, added: "One of the new roles of the HPA is to look at some of the effects of long-term chemical exposures as well as the effects from acute incidents. "Children are particularly vulnerable and are therefore one of our top priorities. "We are working with partners to establish the levels of threat that chemicals such as lead may pose to their health." The HPA has been notified of five cases of lead poisoning in children this year, but Prof Murray said this could be "just the tip of the iceberg". "This is a Europe-wide issue and we need a system to monitor what effects these low levels of exposure might be having," she added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-fears-over-lead-poison-risk-to-children http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coq10-boosts-vitamin-es-anti-inflammatory-action CoQ10 boosts vitamin E's anti-inflammatory actionSource: www.foodnavigator.comSupplements of coenzyme Q10 significantly enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin E in a new animal study. The findings underline the potential protective effect of vitamin E on heart health, which remains disputed by inconsistent findings. But they also found the vitamin-like substance CoQ10 to reduce an inflammation marker by a further 20 per cent. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in the development and progression of vascular diseases, including heart disease, the world’s biggest killer. The US and Australian researchers tested the combination supplement over a two-week period on 21 baboons that had previously been fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet for seven weeks. The vitamin E (DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate) reduced blood levels of C-reactive protein, a well-established marker for inflammation, from 0.91 to 0.43 mg/dL, a 53 per cent reduction. Additional supplementation of 2g CoQ10 per kg diet, donated by the leading supplier Kaneka, further reduced serum CRP by nearly 70 per cent, reveals the study in this month’s American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 80, no 3, pp 649-655). Such findings have also been shown in a trial on mice. “This result is remarkable given that the baboons did not have any inflammatory condition at the time of the study and the two-week high-fat, high cholesterol diet did not initiate a significant inflammatory response,” reported the researchers. “In light of the fact that elevated CRP has been associated with vascular dysfunction which is in turn associated with cardiovascular disease, the results from our study suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin E plus CoQ10," they added.The study is limited by the small number of animals involved. In addition, extrapolation of the results to humans is problematic : there are some differences in metabolic profiles, noted the researchers.However it is one of the first to show that co-supplementation of vitamin E with CoQ10 may achieve better protection against inflammation-related vascular diseases. The body’s manufacture of CoQ10 begins to drop after the age of about 20, leading to its investigation in age-related disease. It has been shown to help prevent Parkinson’s and is also thought to prevent skin ageing, significantly boosting demand in recent years to more than $200 million across the US alone. DSM Nutritional Products yesterday presented an Innovation Award to a group of scientists involved in developing what it claimed was the world's first formulation of CoQ10 that can be pressed into tablets. US multivitamin brand One-Source was first to use the product, followed by Perrigo and Walmart in May 2004. Additional formulations for food are in the pipeline. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coq10-boosts-vitamin-es-anti-inflammatory-action http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-may-ward-off-metabolic-syndrome Diet may ward off metabolic syndromeSource: www.southbendtribune.comThe so-called Mediterranean diet was put to the test recently to see if it benefited people with metabolic syndrome -- a risky combination of excess weight, high blood pressure and glucose intolerance.A total of 180 adults with metabolic syndrome followed either a normal healthy diet or a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and olive oil.After two years, those on the Mediterranean diet had lost more weight, increased their "good" cholesterol, lowered their blood pressure, and improved their glucose, insulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels more than the other group.In the Mediterranean group, only 40 people still had metabolic syndrome, compared with 78 people on the other diet.You can read about this study online at www.jama.com, the Web site of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-may-ward-off-metabolic-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-and-menopause Exercise and MenopauseSource: www.fitcommerce.com(10/07/04) Recent findings published in the American Journal of Epidemiology find that active exercise can reduce the normal strength loss caused by a drop in estrogen during menopause. In a previous study exercise, in general, was found to have a greater positive impact on women than men. October 7, 2004 Chicago, IL -- Probably no surprise for women that are either currently experiencing menopause or are in post-menopause, that there have been several changes to their body, one of which is a lessening of muscular strength. However, recent research has found that active exercise during menopause triggers metabolic and neurologic mechanisms that can mitigate such strength loss. "I know (women) keep hearing this, that exercise is good for you, now we have some solid proof." -- Dr. Martha Gulati, Researcher at Rush University Medical Center Postmenopausal women were found to be weaker, as measured by grip and pinch tests, than women who have not entered menopause, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. However, the researchers found that physical activity protected women from losing strength as they progress through menopause. Researchers at Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Hospitals followed 563 Chicago-area women for five years. Strength were periodically given. The results of these tests were assessed against the women's age, state of menopause, ethnicity, income and use of hormone replacement therapy. "Previous studies examining the relation between menopausal status and physical function have been inconsistent," said Dr. Martha Gulati, one of the principal investigators of the study. Reduced Estrogen Responsible for Decline in Strength Gulati said that it is possible that reduced levels of estrogen or changes in other reproductive hormones are responsible for the decline in strength. Active exercise can mitigate muscular strength loss that occurs with a drop in estrogen during menopause. Related Stories: (5/27/2004) Aspirin May Help Reduce Certain Breast Cancer Risks (9/21/2004) Running Shown to Improve Health, Especially of 50+ Women (6/11/2004) Exercise Best For Young Adult Female Bone Density (10/20/2002) Fitness Can Help Fight Osteoporosis "The good news for women is that being physically active -- whether it is a formal exercise program or doing work around the house -- may help stave off a decline in strength brought on by going through menopause," Gulati said. The authors theorized that physical activity may influence one's performance own on grip and pinch testing through a variety of metabolic and neurologic mechanisms. Exercise Overall Has Greater Positive Impact on Women Than Men Gulati has conducted several similar research projects on women. From a previous Reuters report, one study found that physically unfit women were three times more likely to die than women who were physically fit. But even women in the middle range of physical fitness were twice as likely to die as women who were in the best shape. For each additional unit of exercise a woman could perform, her risk of dying was reduced 17 %, Gulati told Reuters. Although the study did not include men, she said that in previous studies, each extra unit of exercise for men reduced the risk of dying by only 8 % or 9 %. "It may be that physical fitness is even more important in women," according to Gulati, "since the reduction in mortality was significantly greater than what has been previously demonstrated in men." "I know (women) keep hearing this, that exercise is good for you," Gulati told Reuters. "Now we have some solid proof." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-and-menopause http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-herbs-ease-hay-fever Acupuncture, Herbs Ease Hay FeverSource: www.reuters.co.ukRegular sessions of acupuncture and daily doses of Chinese herbal medicine may help ease the burden of seasonal allergies, new research indicates.A group of German investigators found that hay fever sufferers who received weekly acupuncture treatments and took three doses of a Chinese herbal formula per day showed fewer symptoms and were less likely to say their allergy was infringing on their daily activities than people who received a placebo treatment."There are additional options to conventional medicine," lead author Dr. Benno Brinkhaus of the Charite University Medical Center in Berlin told Reuters Health.Brinkhaus suggested that people with seasonal allergies should consider acupuncture and herbs, but added that they should use it with caution, given that every treatment has side effects.According to the report, published in the journal Allergy, the number of people with hay fever is growing in industrialized countries, affecting between 10 and 20 percent of the population.Many of these patients are now opting for alternative medicine, including Chinese remedies, but few studies have rigorously examined their effects, Brinkhaus and colleagues note.To investigate, the researchers asked 52 adults with moderate hay fever to try a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs or a placebo treatment. People given the placebo regimen had needles applied to non-acupuncture sites, and were given a non-specific Chinese herbal formula.After 6 weeks, Brinkhaus and colleagues found that 85 percent of treated participants showed overall improvements in their hay fever, compared with only 40 percent of the comparison group.More specifically, subjects who received the real treatment were more likely to report that their symptoms had decreased. They also tended to say their allergies were having less of an impact on their daily activities, such as sleep, everyday problems and general health.People who got the genuine treatment were also twice as likely to experience a remission of their allergy, and had a bigger decrease in the number of drugs they took to relieve hay fever symptoms during the study period.Patients given the real and sham treatment were equally likely to report side effects.Brinkhaus noted that this study focused on people who already had symptoms, and acupuncture and herbs may be more effective when used before hay fever kicks in.SOURCE: Allergy, September 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-herbs-ease-hay-fever http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-arthritic-knees-function-better Vitamin D May Help Arthritic Knees Function BetterSource: story.news.yahoo.comBoston researchers report a link between low serum levels of vitamin D and decreased knee function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. At the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in San Antonio, Dr. David Felson of Boston University presented his team's findings from 221 subjects recruited from the Boston VA Medical Center. All had knee arthritis and reported knee pain on most days in the month before they joined the study. The investigators measured blood levels of vitamin D at the start and again after 15 and 30 months. They compared change in vitamin D levels with changes in knee pain, physical function and muscle strength during the 30-month study period. "We found a relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and knee function," lead investigator Dr. Kristin Baker told Reuters Health. Low levels were associated with higher levels of pain and disability and to a lesser extent muscle weakness. "We also found that about 50 percent of the population were deficient in vitamin D," Baker commented. In previous studies conducted in Minnesota, "almost 100 percent of the subjects with muscle pain were vitamin D deficient," she added. "It may be that vitamin D increases muscle strength or decreases postural sway, we don't really know." Baker pointed out that this was not a study of vitamin D as a treatment for osteoarthritis, but she speculated that "we may need higher serum levels of vitamin D than we originally thought...This is one more piece of evidence that vitamin D intake should be increased." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-arthritic-knees-function-better http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-and-coronary-disease Folic acid and coronary diseaseSource: www.sunherald.comDear Dr. Sangani: I have a strong family history of heart disease and am the only sibling who has not had a heart attack, bypass surgery or stent. I was wondering if taking folic acid would help decrease the risk of heart disease?- Fit as a FiddleDear Fit:As society is maturing and we understand more about disease patterns and causes, largely due to free and abundant availability of information, we are now tending more toward prevention than cure. This certainly is a good thing. We all are trying to find ways of preventiing heart disease and folic acid is one of the gentle attempts to do so. Let us now understand your question in more detail.Q: What is folic acid?A: Folic acid and folate are B vitamins important in the synthesis of DNA and in the breakdown of homocysteine. Folic acid is more easily absorbed than folate. Therefore, folic acid rather than folate is used in vitamin supplements and is added to cereals, breads and pasta.Q: What is the relationship between folic acid and elevated homocysteine levels?A: Folic acid lowers the homocysteine level and improves blood vessel lining (endothelial) function. Early data on the relationship between elevated blood homosysteine and coronary artery disease and stroke have been inconsistent. High homocysteine levels appear to be clearly associated with increased risk of heart, blood vessel and brain disease. Homocysteine does not appear to be as important as other risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and hypertension.Q: What is homocysteine and what does high levels in the blood mean?A: Homocysteine is an amino acid. Elevated levels of homocysteine can cause osteoporosis, thromboembolic disease and severe premature clogging of the arteries. Homocysteine has primary blood clotting (atherogenic, prothrombotic) properties and can cause vascular injury. High levels of homocysteine increase blood clotting effects and platelet accumulation.Q: How is hyperhomocysteinemia treated?A: The physician will need to order a homocysteine blood test. Hyperhomocysteinemia or elevated levels of homocysteine is classified into moderate, intermediate and severe.The treatment involves vitamin supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated and total fat also can lower fasting serum homocysteine.Q: What is the toxicity of folic acid?A: Folic acid is water soluble and rapidly excreted in the urine, and has no toxicity.Q: Who should consider taking folic acid supplements?A: Adequate folate level in the body is important in early pregnancy to prevent neural-tube birth defects, so women of childbearing age are recommended to take a supplement. All healthy adults are recommended to take a multivitamin that contains 400 mcg of folic acid daily.Although there is not yet conclusive proof that taking folic acid supplements prevent heart attacks or strokes, taking one multivitamin a day is safe long-term. The potential lowering of homocysteine levels outweighs the risk.Patients with early onset of heart attacks and other forms of heart disease associated with elevated blood homocysteine levels should consult their doctors. These patients may need higher doses of folic acid supplements as well as vitamin B-6 and B-12 supplements to lower homocysteine levels. Also, patients with folic acid deficiency related to alcoholism or a form of anemia due to destruction of red blood cells may need higher doses of folic acid. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-and-coronary-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-soy-diet-doesnt-affect-fertility-monkey-study-suggests High-Soy Diet Doesn't Affect Fertility, Monkey Study SuggestsSource: www.sciam.comRates of breast cancer among Asian women, who consume more soy protein on average than Americans do, are much lower than they are for women in the U.S. Scientists have hypothesized that plant estrogens called isoflavones confer this protection by reducing ovarian hormone levels. If so, some researchers have reasoned, they could also impair fertility. The results of a new monkey study presented yesterday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, however, indicate that a high-soy diet does not affect fertility. Jay R. Kaplan of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and his colleagues studied 96 female monkeys approximately equivalent in age to 30-year-old women. The animals had not eaten soy before the experiment began. For six months, they all ate the same animal-protein-based diet. For the next year, half the monkeys remained on that diet while the other half consumed only soy protein, about twice as much as a typical Asian woman eats. “Soy treatment did not change any characteristics of the menstrual cycle, including length, amount of bleeding or hormone levels,” Kaplan reports. “This suggests that any protection that soy may provide against breast cancer does not come from changes in the menstrual cycle.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-soy-diet-doesnt-affect-fertility-monkey-study-suggests http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-supplements-effective-in-combating-depression Vitamin B 12 Supplements Effective In Combating DepressionSource: www.onlypunjab.comNew research reports, patients who were treated for depression responded better if they had a higher level of vitamin B12 in their blood. An increasing amount of research is looking at the association between vitamin B and depression, but the specifics have not been understood. Researchers conducted a study to look at the relationship of vitamin B12 and the treatment of depression.The study included 115 patients who suffered from depression. Over a six-month period, researcher grouped them as to how well they responded to treatment including not at all, partially or fully. Investigators also measured the level of vitamin B12 in the patients' blood when they first came to the clinic and again at their six-month check up. Researchers then determined if the level of vitamin B12 played a role in the patients' outcomes.Researchers report the patients who responded fully to treatment had higher concentrations of vitamin B12 in their blood at the start and end of the study when compared to those who did not respond to treatment. The study also found the association between vitamin B12 and the response to treatment remained even after other factors were considered such as type of treatment received, smoking and drinking habits, and if other family members suffered from depression.Researchers say, there have been no previous studies that have suggested a positive relationship between vitamin B12 and the treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder who have normal or high vitamin B12 levels. However researchers say the new study supports previous research that showed patients responded better to treatment if they took vitamins B1, B2 and B6. These vitamins indirectly increase the level of vitamin B12 in these patients' blood. Therefore, they say it appears taking vitamin B supplements may help people respond positively to antidepressants. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-supplements-effective-in-combating-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/womens-health-forum-highlights-nutrition-as-cancer-preventive Women's Health Forum highlights nutrition as cancer preventiveSource: www.juneauempire.comOrthopedist says cancer-prevention diet is also best for heart, staving off osteoporosis By ERIC FRY JUNEAU EMPIRE Michael Penn / Juneau Empire Stephanie Yates serves lunch at the Women's Health Forum on Saturday at Centennial Hall. Good nutrition as a preventive against cancer and osteoporosis was the main topic at this year's forum. The free lunch included Alaska salmon chowder, broccoli and garbanzo bean salad, Silverbow multigrain bread and chocolate tofu mousse. After Tish Griffin-Satre was diagnosed with cancer for the third time, she recalled Saturday at the Women's Health Forum, it was a "wake up moment" that she needed to change her lifestyle."I tried to take control of what I could control," Griffin-Satre told about 350 women assembled at Centennial Hall for the fourth annual forum.Griffin-Satre lost 100 pounds, meditated, prayed, drank plenty of water, worked less, went fishing, and got married. And she ate differently."I take my vitamins, and dark-colored vegetables have become my friends," she said.The health forum was about how to use nutrition to prevent and survive cancer and osteoporosis, a bone disease. It was sponsored by the Cancer Connection, a local nonprofit that provides information, support groups and travel assistance for patients and their families.Diana Dyer, a Michigan dietitian and a survivor of multiple cancers, said 1,500 Americans die every day from cancer. One in three women and one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer.But up to 70 percent of cancer cases are preventable with the proper nutrition, exercise and weight control, she said. And about 9.6 million Americans alive today have survived cancer.Dyer said she was diagnosed at 6 months with a type of cancer called neuroblastoma, for which she was successfully treated. When she was 34, and again 10 years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The body goes cold when it hears the diagnosis, she said."When you hear that word, 'cancer,' you hear nothing else for a while," Dyer said.Her cancers were treated, but she didn't have peace."Logic told me my old ways of doing things, coping, living, weren't enough to prevent this from happening again and again," Dyer said.Her goals were to directly change her body's biochemistry to reduce the risk of cancer recurring, and to indirectly change her body's biochemistry by rebuilding her life spiritually, mentally and emotionally.She knew she had to eat mindfully. Most of what you eat should be vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain, she advised."Plants have the ability to optimize our health," said Dyer, the author of "A Dietitian's Cancer Story." Some of her suggested meals are at www.CancerRD.com.Dr. Jon Reiswig, an orthopedic surgeon in Juneau who spoke about osteoporosis, said he wished all of his patients could have heard Dyer's talk."I agree with her that the diet for cancer (prevention) is the best diet for your heart and the best diet for your overall health, including your bones," he said.Tiffany Andres, a dietitian at the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, was busy at the forum blending "supersoy and phytochemical" smoothies from a Dyer recipe.The recipe calls for soft tofu, carrots, fruit, wheat germ, wheat or oat bran, flaxseed, soymilk and orange juice.The nutrients from plants fight cancer, and the phytoestrogens in soy, fruits and vegetables help regulate hormones, Andres said. The drink also is high in fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol and modulate blood sugar levels, she said. The flax is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may protect against heart disease and cancer."And it tastes good, too," Andres told women lined up for a taste.Attendees at the free event were served Alaska salmon chowder, broccoli and garbanzo bean salad, multigrain bread from the Silverbow, and chocolate tofu mousse - the latter of which even a teenager said was OK, claimed Linda Wild, a dietitian at Bartlett Regional Hospital.Food is much more than food, Wild asked the women to remember as she ticked off the health benefits of their meal.• Eric Fry can be reached at eric.fry@juneauempire.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/womens-health-forum-highlights-nutrition-as-cancer-preventive http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/asthma-alternative-therapy- Asthma "Alternative Therapy"Source: asthma.about.comThe last in a series of articles on so-called "Alternative" or "Complimentary" treatments in regards to asthma. Our series on Quack Asthma Cures has touched on just a few of the high profile "Alternative" therapies promoted for the treatment asthma. Chiropractic, homeopathic, and acupuncture are probably the best known. Others range from the benign to the ridiculous, including colloidal silver, colostrum, dried lizards, live fish, royal jelly, touch therapy, urine, and various eastern philosophies. Most seem to use similar tactics to recruit believers. The most pervasive is the use of testimonials, accusations of conspiracy by physicians, pharmaceutical companies, government, etc. to suppress information on new "cures," and baseless pseudo-scientific mumbo-jumbo to support claims. Others have set up Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes to make the most money for the most aggressive sales people. Some customers that complain and take action for adverse reactions have been harassed. Many are "spiritually" based, where a belief system is fundamental to the success of treatment. Frequently used keywords such as essence, ch'i, vitalism, psora, lines of force, and other New Age titles given to old ideas based in magic and mysticism are popular. Shamanism and current "Alternative" therapies have a lot in common. A strong belief in the curative effects of the treatment are crucial to a successful outcome. Part of what science calls the "Placebo Effect," this belief in the treatment has for centuries been the basis for treating illness in primitive societies. Asthma is by nature an extremely complex disease, it can change severity from wild to severe and back, it can go into remission and reemerge later in life. The effects of stress (physical and mental), environment, lifestyle, even family and friends can change asthma severity and effectiveness of medication. Asthma's habit of presenting itself differently with each individual also makes it difficult to treat. This leads confusion and frustration for many asthmatics and their physicians. In their attempt to gain some control over their lives some asthmatics turn to alternative treatments. Some may find solace in alternatives therapies that modern medicine has left behind in the attempt to weigh quality care and cost. It remains vitally important to separate the scams from honest attempts to help. Research remains the key to finding whatever grains of truth are to be found in alternative therapies. At the moment the truth remains; asthma is not curable, and claims to a cure is a lie until proven otherwise. Here are the signs of a rip-off asthma cure as published by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission: Phrases like "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret formula," and "ancient ingredient." Use of "medicalese" - impressive terminology to disguise a lack of good science. Case histories from "cured" consumers claiming amazing results. Their testimonials also imply that their experience is typical for consumers using the product or service. When you see a testimonial, ask for proof of its 'typical' nature. A laundry list of symptoms the product cures or treats. The latest trendy ingredient touted in the headlines. A claim that the product is available from only one source, for a limited time. Testimonials from "famous" medical experts. A claim that the government, the medical profession or research scientists have conspired to suppress the product. The science of evidence based medicine thrives and grows not on established dogma but on its own mistakes, review by peers, procedurally correct experimentation, and reproducible proof. Any system that suppresses the questioning of it's own practices at best stagnates, at its worst, eventually becomes corrupt. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/asthma-alternative-therapy- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/regardless-of-diet-calories-still-count Regardless of diet, calories still countSource: www.bradenton.comSome issues were not up for debate. Americans are too fat. We don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. And we have no idea what a normal "portion" looks like. Other topics were the right news at the right time: We need to get off our duffs and exercise at least 30 minutes five to seven days a week. We could save this nation a heck of a lot of money and health woes if we would better integrate nutrition therapies into medical care.Still, there was much to be debated at the recent Food and Nutrition Conference sponsored by the American Dietetic Association - the largest organization of nutrition professionals in the world.• This country is currently engaged in a low-carb craze. Based on what we know now, what would you say to Americans who struggle to lose weight?Read my lips: "Calories still count." Problem is, very few people in this great country seem to know what a calorie IS. For the record, calories are units of energy your body derives from food. Calories are found in protein, fat, carbohydrates and alcohol. If you put more calories into your body than it needs for energy, the excess will be converted to fat.• You make the point that calories count. Yet even experts agree that after three to six months on any type of diet, most people "plateau" and find it difficult to lose more weight. Is this a vast right-wing conspiracy?Blame your body. After a certain period of weight loss, it tries to compensate by trying to hold on to whatever fat it has left. If you give up at this point, you'll probably regain the weight you lost. Stay on course with your diet and shake up your exercise routine a bit (like adding weight lifting) to convince your fat to surrender.• Researchers at the recent Food and Nutrition Conference told pregnant women to eat more fish to enhance the brain development of their offspring. Yet mercury poisoning is a very real threat from fish. How do you justify this recommendation?Fish is the best source of DHA - an omega-3 fatty acid necessary for brain and eye development in growing babies. You can also get omega-3 fats in plant foods like flax seed, flax oil and walnuts. Fish, however, is the best source of pre-formed DHA, the type best incorporated into growing brains. Fish like salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and halibut are good sources of DHA. It is true that pregnant women should not eat big fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish, according to the latest warning by the Food and Drug Administration (bigger fish accumulate more mercury). However, women can safely eat up to 12 ounces of other fish each week.• Do you believe this country needs more nuts? If so, how many and what kind?Research has found that a handful of nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and even peanuts a few times a week can help control blood pressure, lower cholesterol and may even help reduce the risk for some cancers. Walnuts are particularly high in linolenic acid - the healthful omega-3 fat found in fish. A coalition of experts recommend we eat about an ounce of nuts four or five times a week for the health benefits. One ounce is about 23 almonds, 28 peanuts, or eight walnut halves. And don't forget to count the calories! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/regardless-of-diet-calories-still-count http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glucosamine-an-effective-natural-remedy Glucosamine: An Effective Natural RemedySource: www.cnw.caThere has been recent media coverage about a Canadian study from The University of British Columbia researchers stating that glucosamine has no long-term advantages for treating arthritis knee pain. Jamieson Laboratories is concerned that this study may cause unnecessary worry among Canadians currently taking glucosamine for their wide range of health benefits. Glucosamine has been proven in many other studies to be an effective natural remedy for promoting cartilage formation and joint repair associated with osteoarthritis. There has been a great deal of research on glucosamine that indicates positive reactions and efficacy in treating arthritis with no side effects than there are with pharmaceutical drugs used for arthritis. Double blind placebo controlled studies compared glucosamine to ibuprofen and showed that at the end of the eight week study, patients reported a better reduction in pain from glucosamine than they did from ibuprofen and with no side effects. One study that reviewed sixteen studies and summarized that in 12 out of 13 reviewed studies glucosamine was better for pain control than the placebo and more effective than NSAIDS. Another study published in the Lancet Journal demonstrated follow up x-rays of arthritic joints after 1-3 years of glucosamine supplementation. They found that out of 1060 patients taking placebo and those taking glucosamine had similar changes in joint space, but only the glucosamine group had a reduction in pain, stiffness and range of motion. Jamieson has been dedicated to the health and safety of our consumers for over eighty years. We are recognized as a leader in the vitamin and nutrition industry, with state-of-the-art manufacturing laboratories and significant commitment to research, development and quality control. (*) Lopez, D, Double blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of OA of the knee in out-patients Curr Med Res OPIN 1982: 8(3):154-49 (*) Piperno M et al Glucosamine sulfate on OA progression: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001 (Jan):357 (9252):247 (*) Setnikar I, and Rovati, Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of glucosamine sulfate, Arzneimittelforschung, 2001 (*) Tapadinhas et al Oral glucosamine sulfate in management of arthrosis: report on multicentre open investigation in Portugal. Pharmatherapeutica 1982:3(2) (*) Towheed TE, et al, Glucosamine therapy for treating arthritis from the community. Health and epidemiology, Queen's University Cochrane DatabaseFor further information: please contact Stephanie Blok, Public Relations, Jamieson Laboratories at 416-960-0052 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glucosamine-an-effective-natural-remedy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dna-diet The DNA DietSource: www.news.com.auYour personal food plan Can't fit into your jeans? Well, it's all in the genes, according to the latest scientific research, says Elisabeth King. `You've probably read hundreds of articles in which nutritionists offer strategies to fend off unwanted kilos. And you've probably taken on board all kinds of tips, such as eat before cocktail parties so you don't raid the canapes like a famine victim, and don't eat in front of the TV as you're likely to overeat. So what's with those women who are slimmer than Paris Hilton yet can attack a buffet like a lioness scavenging for her young? You, on the other hand, have to shoulder the brunt of the curse of dieting - any lost weight always seems to find its way home again. An explanation is now at hand thanks to the new science of nutrigenomics. A blend of the words nutritional and genomics, nutrigenomics is the science of analysing your genes to determine which foods in particular your body metabolises best and needs for optimum health. But this is not only handy for working out which foods your body won't store as unwanted fat. Nutrigenomics may well be the key behind finding diets to prevent some of the world's most common diseases. This is because researchers now know that diet is the main culprit behind many chronic diseases - and that up to 30 per cent of all cancers can be triggered by wrong food choices. Nutrigenomics, however, is discovering that if you eat the right foods, you can stop or repair the cell damage that leads to these diseases. At the recently founded Centre of Excellence for Nutritional Genomics at the University of California, scientists are already predicting that the day will come when you can send away a blood sample to a laboratory and receive a "diet design" for life based on your DNA. If you are Greek, for instance, you'd probably get a report suggesting you eat seafood and extra-virgin olive oil - key ingredients in the healthy Meditteranean diet. Those of Asian descent will be warned off dairy foods, as their DNA will show they weren't built to metabolise things like milk and ice-cream. A lucky minority will be told to throw all caution to the wind and eat anything they want, as their DNA will show that their bodies can metabolise fat at the speed of a 100 metre sprinter. Basically, the aim is to provide an eating plan specifically for your own unique genetic makeup, right down to the precise levels of vitamins and minerals.striking a balance Until recently, popular scientific wisdom was that our bodies metabolised everything we ate to produce energy for the cells. That theory still holds sway for most of the meals we eat, but some dietary chemicals and ingredients aren't digested at all and they aren't flushed from our systems. Instead, they convert to what is known as ligands, molecules that attach themselves to cells and then change the way they operate. An unbalanced diet that produces too many ligands, say nutrigenomic scientists, can be the major cause of common chronic diseases like diabetes and many types of cancer. But the situation is not completely clear-cut because science is still finding its way. Take the soy debate. Some experts say soy protein can extend your life. Others say that soy products are bad for us as they produce oestrogen overload that is harmful to both sexes. Both viewpoints could be correct, depending on the individual. How? Genestein, a chemical in soy, attaches itself to oestrogen receptors and starts to affect how the genes work. But each person's oestrogen receptors respond differently to genestein, and therefore you get widely disparate results. Without being too specific, that's the reason why some people can live on pizza and bread rolls and stay whippet-thin, and others would start thinking of liposuction to rectify the damage. These genetic differences have existed since our earliest ancestors left Africa to populate the other six continents - only now researchers can identify them. The genetic makeup of each sub-population adapted to the diet and environmental conditions of their new homelands. But the fly-in-the-ointment of this argument is that a lot of foods that we think of as traditional to certain cultures - such as tomatoes in Italian cooking - are fairly recent introductions. Tomatoes are from South America and didn't reach the general population in Europe until the 17th and 18th century. The Irish and the Germans didn't become potato eaters until the 18th century. Cornmeal porridge is the main food of many nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet again, it's a South American import that was introduced by European colonisers in the 19th century.whatever suits But there's no denying that certain foods agree more with some ethnic groups than others - with good reason. The most significant example is milk products. Asian people suffer more from lactose intolerance because human beings, like all mammals, are programmed to turn off the gene responsible for digesting milk when we reach maturity. What we think of as a global appetite for ice-cream and milkshakes stems from a mutation in the DNA of northern Europeans about 10,000 years ago which allows so many of us to enjoy nutrient-rich milk. The Western diet has now spread all over the world, causing immense problems along the way. Obesity wasn't a problem in the South Pacific islands until the introduction of imported, processed foods. The Inuit peoples of Canada and Greenland are also plagued by obesity. Although their bodies are designed to digest high fat foods like whale meat, the advent of snowmobiles and cars mean they don't have to do the physical work to hunt for food. There was little incidence of heart disease in Japan and south-east Asia until the introduction of Western-style foods after World War II. If you're already thinking, like many Australians, what should I do because I'm half Italian/half Scottish, Greek/Irish or English/Chinese, relax. The wizards behind nutrigenomics say that about 65 per cent of us should stick with the fruits, vegetables and proteins that form the basis of good nutrition. Those with the most to gain from gene-determined diets are the fortunate few who will discover they really can eat what they want with no ill effects (just remember to close your eyes as they polish off an entire block of chocolate). And it will also benefit the 15 to 20 per cent of people whose health is truly governed by what they eat. When will this eat-for-your-genes technology be available? About 20 years from now, say optimists. But a handful of American health companies are already pushing the boundaries and offering genomic profiles and supplements at about US$2500 a pop. So while the future might bring a brave new world of being able to eat your way to a good memory or curing your hayfever, right now the best way to dine healthy is to stick with salads, fish, whole grains, extra-virgin olive oil, fruit and vegetables - and the occasional piece of chocolate. Medical research has also recently discovered that a little indulgence is fine as long as you know when to stop. What took them so long?you are what you eat Eat a diet high in folate and B12 if you want to protect your DNA and reduce your risk of contracting conditions such as cancer, say scientists at Australia's CSIRO. Rich sources of folate include leafy green vegies and whole grains, while B12 is found in meat, especially pork, chicken, fish, liver and kidneys. And many of us could do with higher levels of both, says CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition scientist Dr Michael Fenech who is leading Australia's only study into diet and DNA. "Even when people have a normal range of folate in their blood, it's possible to see damage to DNA of a similar magnitude as you'd see after a significant dose of radiation," he says. "People might be aware of the dangers of radiation but have no idea of how they're damaging their DNA by not eating enough of certain things." Dr Fenech says his findings are quite concerning, because DNA damage - caused mainly by bad diet and carcinogens - has been directly linked to such conditions as cancer, Alzheimers, immune deficiencies and infertility. "Many people are flippant about the effects of diet and alcohol but from what we see in our studies the effects on our bodies of what we eat is significant." Other key nutrients involved in DNA repair are zinc, niacin, magnesium and carotenoids, Dr Fenech says. So, what's the answer? Eat a variety of foods in order to get enough protective doses of nutrients. As Dr Fenech explains, "Let's say you were eating six or seven serves of fruit a day. Some people would think that was healthy, but the reality is, if you're eating fruit in exclusion of other foods like vegetables, you're only getting 140mcg of folate a day when your requirement is actually 400mcg." The good news, says Dr Fenech, is that we're definitely on the way to prescribing diets based on DNA for people. "This field is now mushrooming - the European Union has just funded a $29 million study in this area," he says. • Sources of folate: whole grains, oats, chickpeas, lentils, almonds, chicken and lamb's liver, a wide range of vegies especially dark leafy greens, and yeast extracts such as good old Vegemite. • Sources of B12: liver, fish such as whole sardines, poultry, meat, dairy food and eggs. Bronwen Gora Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dna-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-could-ease-ms-symptoms Supplement Could Ease MS SymptomsSource: cbs2chicago.comCould an inexpensive, widely available supplement help ease the debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis? Some doctors are trying it out.Forty-one-year-old Elizabeth Steiner lives with a mild form of MS. The disease affects her eyesight, her balance and her energy level."The worst one for me is my fatigue. And, that's hard because people can't see it. If you look at me, you can't tell that I have MS. And the fatigue is really hard," Steiner said.Recently, Steiner, a doctor herself, was one of 37 people to participate in a small study testing a common dietary supplement, alpha lipoic acid or ALA.Neurolgoist Vijayshree Yadav gave varying doses of ALA to MS patients, up to 1,200 milligrams twice a day."Yes, we have found that it was safe in high doses. Yes, it was tolerable in high doses and yes, we were able to achieve good peak levels when it was given in high doses," said Yadav, a neurologist at Oregon Health Sciences University. Scientists think ALA works by inhibiting the activity of proteins that help bad T-cells migrate into the brain and spinal cord. It's the abnormally activated T-cells that may cause MS symptoms.Steiner, who currently spends $2,000 a month on three different medicines for her disease, welcomes a cheaper solution."I really hope that we can find ways to suppress or cure this disease without taking medications that are as expensive or as toxic as some of the ones that we have now," Steiner said. Now, although Steiner says she doesn't seem to be as tired after taking the ALA, scientists warn it's too soon to say whether the supplement is truly beneficial in the treatment of MS.Researchers plan to boost the dosage by giving it to patients intravenously in the next phase of the trial. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-could-ease-ms-symptoms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-first-pasta-the-post- The first pasta the post. . .Source: www.timesonline.co.ukChocolate and biscuits may give a quick fix, but for a lasting boost in serotonin levels, stick to starches and high-protein foods I HAVE BEEN told that I have low serotonin levels as a result of frequent business travel. I am often over tired and have a form of myalgia, which presents itself as lower back tension and hypersensitivity in my thighs. It has been suggested that I take SSRIs but I would rather find a natural way of increasing serotonin. Any advice? Peter Wilson, by e-mail You are not alone — low serotonin levels are common not only in people who travel through time zones frequently, but also in those who suffer from lack of sunlight at this gloomy time of the year. Serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone”, regulates mood. The first nutrient to boost is tryptophan, an amino acid converted by the brain into serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in bananas, high-protein foods such as eggs, lean meat, milk (full, semi-skimmed or skimmed), chicken, game, and oily fish (wild salmon, fresh tuna, sardines and mackerel are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids which can help if you are feeling low). The story with starches and sugars is more complex, but, put simply, if you eat a starchy meal, the production of insulin that follows enables the trytophan in the blood to be absorbed into the brain where serotonin is manufactured — and your mood is improved. So eating porridge, pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, fruits and root vegetables, such as carrots, swede and parsnips should keep serotonin levels high. That said, if you eat a large portion of starchy food, such as a bowl of pasta, over and above the serotonin level to the happy, contented zone, you can tip into the contented sleep stratosphere. So you can starch-load in the evening for a good night’s sleep, but watch the quantities at lunchtime. I should point out that diet can only correct low serotonin levels and bring them up to normal. It doesn’t mean that the more you eat, the happier and less fatigued you’ll feel. Chocolates and biscuits tend to boost serotonin levels quickly but it can drop fast too so I don’t suggest you sweet-food load, apart from fresh and dried fruit. Also eat plenty of fresh fruit, especially those rich in vitamin C — berries, kiwis, citrus — as it can help the body manufacture serotonin. If you’re not a fruit person, then look to green-leaf vegetables such as spinach, kale, purple-sprouting broccoli and peppers of all colours. Try to keep the cooking minimal — steam or microwave in a small amount of water — as vitamin C leaks out into the water and is zapped by heat. Keep your water intake up (2.5l a day) but alcohol and caffeine levels down, and, finally, with your myalgia, exercise such as pilates or yoga, even walking, is a good idea. I have been a vegetarian for about 8 years (I am a pensioner and mother of four) and wonder if I am getting enough protein and essential vitamins, in particular B5 and B12. I am nervous about taking supplements without knowing what I am doing although I do take the occasional flaxseed oil tablet to get my omega 3 vitamins, as I don’t eat fish. I have also been advised to take vitamin C every day because I smoke. Clare Fordham, by e-mail You’re right to look at the finer details of your diet, because, as a vegetarian, you can easily fall down on the B vitamins, protein and iron — especially as there are so many variations on what being a vegetarian means. I am assuming you don’t eat animal flesh, but will eat eggs and dairy. First, as a smoker, your requirement for vitamin C escalates from the usual 60mg per day to 2000mg per day — which is virtually impossible, bar becoming a fruit fiend, to find food-wise. So I’d take a 2000mg supplement. You could split it 1000mg in the morning and 1000mg in the evening as sometimes the supplement can irritate sensitive stomachs. Straight, cheap vitamin C is fine — you don’t need to spend a fortune on the slow-release forms of vitamin C. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-first-pasta-the-post- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicine-eases-dementia Herbal Medicine Eases DementiaSource: www.reuters.comAn herbal medicine used in Asia for 2,000 years can reduce the impact of dementia, a small study suggests. After 16 people took the Chinese herbal preparation ba wei di huang wan (BDW) for 8 weeks, they showed a boost in mental functioning, and had less trouble doing their day-to-day activities. In contrast, people who took an inactive (placebo) pill experienced no improvements over the same time period. "These results argue the benefits of BDW in the treatment of dementia," the authors, led by Dr. Koh Iwasaki of Tohoku University School of Medicine in Miyagi, Japan, write. The National Institute of Aging recommends that elderly people use caution when taking herbal treatments, since many can interfere with other medicines. According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society report, BDW has been used for centuries by older adults throughout China, Japan and Korea. Evidence also suggests the herbal treatment may ease fatigue, cold sensation, and muscle weakness. To investigate whether BDW helps improve the mental abilities of people with dementia, Iwasaki and colleagues asked 33 patients with mild to severe forms of the condition to try either the treatment or a placebo for 8 weeks. None of the patients, who were an average of 84 years old, were told which they were taking. Participants had dementia for an average of 5 years. By the end of the study period, the authors noted that people who were given BDW showed a significant improvement in their mental functioning, and in their ability to complete day-to-day activities. Even participants who showed minor improvements in mental functioning "became quick in their action and response to caregivers," the authors write. "Nurses and families felt that the patients looked cheerful." People taking the placebo showed no significant improvement in either daily activities or mental functioning, the authors note. None of the patients taking BDW experienced any side effects. The reasons why BDW may improve dementia remain unclear, Iwasaki and his colleagues write. Some research suggests the treatment may boost the activity of important proteins in the brain, increase the amount of brain substances associated with learning and memory, or improve blood flow to the brain. "A traditional Chinese medicine is not simply a purified substance but contains many ingredients, and the interaction of these ingredients is important," the authors write. "Eight herbs in BDW were carefully devised to interlock according to the traditional rules." SOURCE: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicine-eases-dementia http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/multivamins-vitamin-e-supplements-help-breast-cancer-chemotherapy-patients-maintain-immune-cells Multivamins, vitamin E supplements help breast cancer chemotherapy patients maintain immune cellsSource: www.newstarget.comOverview: Breast cancer patients who take a multivitamin or extra vitamin E experience a smaller decrease in important immune cells, a common side effect of chemotherapy, new research suggests. Women who took a nutritional supplement, a multivitamin or extra vitamin E had a smaller drop in neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight bacterial infections. Study author Dr. Richard F. Branda cautioned that chemotherapy patients should first discuss taking supplements with their doctors, because some supplements may interfere with treatment. For instance, cod liver oil and St. John's Wort may interfere with blood thinning drugs, hormone treatment or chemotherapy. Previous research has also shown that an herbal dietary supplement that some men use to treat prostate cancer, called PC-SPES, may interfere with the anti-cancer activity of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, making it less effective. However, studies have also shown that vitamin E may enhance the benefits and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and many doctors now recommend vitamin therapy during treatment. To investigate whether supplements help reduce side effects from chemotherapy, Branda and his colleagues asked 49 women with breast cancer to complete questionnaires detailing their use of supplements during chemotherapy. Women who took multivitamins or vitamin E alone experienced a smaller decrease in their neutrophils during chemotherapy. However, women with relatively high levels of the B-vitamin folate in their blood had a larger-than-average decrease in neutrophils, the authors report in the journal Cancer. Branda, who is based at the University of Vermont in Burlington, explained that many cancer patients -- and people without cancer -- take supplements because they believe they are "natural," and could therefore only help them. However, Branda noted that supplements typically consist of complex chemicals, which can have many possible effects on the metabolism of drugs and the functioning of cells. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/multivamins-vitamin-e-supplements-help-breast-cancer-chemotherapy-patients-maintain-immune-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-supplement-focuses-on-alzheimers-research Tea supplement focuses on Alzheimer's researchSource: www.nutraingredientsusa.comNashai Biotech is using English research to draw attention to its tea-supplement product TeaFlavin.Nashai Biotech has sent out a news release highlighting research by the University of Newcastle, England that found that green and black teas may inhibit certain brain enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, (Phytotherapy Research, 10/04). TeaFlavin is a natural, caffeine-free supplement made from enriched green tea extracts and, according to Nashai, its daily 375 mg capsule is a way to achieve the benefits of 35 cups of tea. “The report states that green and black tea act in a similar way to prescription drugs and demonstrates that an individual can achieve desired anti-Alzheimer’s results from non-prescription alternatives,” said Jim Zhao, the company’s chief science officer. He added that: "We hope this report, coupled with clinical results that document that TeaFlavin reduces “bad” cholesterol by up to 16 percent, will encourage more Americans to consider adding non-prescription supplements like TeaFlavin to their daily routine.” Crom Carmichael, the CEO of Nashai, explained to NutraIngredientsUSA.com that most of the research carried out by his company has focussed on the effects of the tea supplement on cardiovascular problems. While as yet the company has no clinical proof that its product could aid the prevention of other diseases such as Alzheimer’s, is it pretty sure this would be the case. He said the company was planning to spend the next six months concentrating on marketing its supplement for cardio-vascular reasons, but that its longer term goal, over the next 18-24 months, is for more research, which could include that into Alzheimer’s. "We are working with a university in the North-East that wants to use our product with diabetes patients and people who have a genetic pre-disposition to diabetes," he added. TeaFlanvin was launched on the market about 18 months ago, but it was only when Carmichael became the CEO in January this year that Nashai started to market it more aggresively. Since then, the company has begun talking to firms about adding it to beverages and food products, and with organisations who deal with health professionals who work with cardio-vascular patients. Carmichael believes his product is at present the most efficicent natural cholestoral lowering product on the market, having been proven in a 12 week trial to lower cholesterol by 16-17 percent. The plan now it to launch a 24-week trial in the first quarter of 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-supplement-focuses-on-alzheimers-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ala-may-protect-against-sudden-cardiac-death ALA may protect against sudden cardiac deathSource: www.nutraingredients.comWomen who reported eating diets rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) had a lower risk of dying from heart disease and sudden cardiac death than those whose diets are low in the plant-derived fatty acid, researchers reported this week. Women in the highest intake group had a 46 per cent reduced risk of dying from sudden cardiac death compared to women in the lowest intake group, said researchers at the American Heart Association's annual meeting (poster 3604). And women who consumed the most ALA were 21 per cent less likely to die from coronary heart disease than women in the lowest ALA intake group. The study supports the heart health benefits of ALA, a form of omega-3 found in green leafy vegetables, some nuts, canola and flaxseed oil. It is converted by the body into DHA and EPA but some scientists have questioned whether it is as valuable in supplement form as the concentrated DHA and EPA gained from fish oils. However the new results seem to confirm that ALA, like fish oils, does protect people from dying from heart disease, possibly by preventing life-threatening rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). "Sudden cardiac death is usually the result of a fatal rhythm disturbance. So, if this fat were to prevent sudden cardiac death, it would support the hypothesis that these oils were preventing fatal arrhythmias,” suggested the study's lead author Christine M. Albert, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University Medical School, Boston. Two recent studies have also suggested that taking fish oil supplements and eating fatty fish can reduce the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). However Albert noted: "A clinical trial that randomly assigns people to ALA supplements or to a diet high in ALA would be needed to know for sure that ALA lowers risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.” The new study included 76,763 women participating in the Nurse's Health Study who had completed a food questionnaire in 1984. The food questionnaire was updated every four years during a 16-year follow-up period. Researchers separated the women studied into five categories of increasing ALA intake. The average intake varied from 0.7 grams a day in the lowest intake category to a high of 1.5 grams each day in the highest. According to Albert, the study suggests that the higher a woman's ALA intake, the greater the benefit. However, she underlined that this is an observational study and further studies are needed before recommending certain amounts of dietary ALA. But the study may help to boost the market for plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax, which still only makes up 4 per cent of the €160 million European omega-3 market. Another study out this month found that a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid from walnuts, walnut oil and flaxseed oil not only lowered bad cholesterol but also decreased markers for blood vessel inflammation in men and women at risk of heart disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ala-may-protect-against-sudden-cardiac-death http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carnitine-a-new-weapon-against-america-s-no-1-killer- Carnitine: A New Weapon Against America’S No. 1 Killer?Source: www.rednova.comHeart disease is the leading killer of Americans today, according to the American Heart Association. Researchers and cardiologists are constantly looking for new ways to both treat and prevent heart disease. One such researcher is developing a method he believes can do both. Nutricise recently spoke with Stephen L. DeFelice, M.D., author of the new book, The Carnitine Defense (Rodale, 1999). DeFelice has been studying and recommending what he calls nutraceuticals (from nutra, meaning blend, and ceutical from the word pharmaceutical). They're basically combinations of foods and dietary supplements thought to have disease-fighting properties. However, nutraceuticals have not been officially classified by any government organization. DeFelice is most enthusiastic about one particular nutraceutical he developed, which he calls the carnitine elixir. It's a main ingredient in his prescription for fighting heart disease, whether you have it or not. These are the ingredients: carnitine vitamin E vitamin B6 vitamin B12 folic acid magnesium alcohol Chances are, you've seen every word in this list except, perhaps, the first. Carnitine, a protein that naturally exists in our bodies, is the cornerstone of the elixir because of the way it attacks heart disease. "Carnitine is the world's best-kept nutraceutical secret. There are numerous well-conducted clinical studies that clearly demonstrate its beneficial effects both in treating patients with heart disease and in preventing heart disease. Carnitine is so important to cardiac health because without it, fatty acids can't cross into the mitochondria," says DeFelice. You may remember mitochondria from your high school biology class. They're the bean-shaped "powerhouses" of the cells. DeFelice says carnitine brings fat to the mitochondria to use for energy. So it actually takes fat away from the body, including clogged arteries. This is why DeFelice says carnitine is so good for heart disease, because it attacks existing fat in and around the heart and arteries. Others are not so sure about nutraceuticals. Barbara V. Howard, Ph.D., president of the MedStar Research Institute, part of the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., studies heart disease and its risk factors. She says, "The whole idea of nutraceuticals came up when we knew that there were beneficial components in food that you could use to supplement your diet. These natural products would act like a drug. The problem is there are no proven nutraceuticals. The laws are so loose now that a person can put 'whale oil' in cookies and say that it can promote a healthy heart, and they don't need evidence. That's how the law is written. The public is being swindled. There are health food stores with products that have tons of claims that don't have to prove it, and people misinterpret it. And this goes for carnitine. I have seen no data that prove it increases fat metabolism when it is dumped into the body. I hope nutraceuticals will eventually be registered, and we can determine things that can be truly effective."Howard also says the most important and most effective way to treat and prevent heart disease is to make serious lifestyle changes. "There is not one elixir or potion that will solve problems. There is no substitute for diet, physical activity and refraining from smoking."In our discussion with DeFelice, he admits more testing must be done, and he hopes his book will raise the money needed to conduct clinical trials and prove his elixir works. Nutricise: What's good and what's bad about the way we treat heart disease today? DeFelice: The good aspect is the pharmaceutical side. They decrease death. The bad thing is we aren't doing anything to prevent it. We have an epidemic. We have good ammunition for after we have the heart attack. We have a lot of what we call silent heart disease because the arteries are clogging up or the heart isn't getting enough oxygen. What we have tried has failed. The only way to correct that is to do something rational. Nutricise: How were you first introduced to carnitine? DeFelice: As a young endocrinologist in 1965 at St. Vincents Hospital in New York, Pfizer came to me with some studies that carnitine helped hyperthyroid problems. I smelled something. I did a study, and people got remarkably better very quickly. It helped in a patient with a hyperactive thyroid condition. We gave him carnitine, he had also had angina [a condition in which the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood, resulting in pain in the chest]. The carnitine helped his heart. It was definitely by accident, but that's how I began my long journey. Nutricise: What is carnitine's role in the treatment of heart disease? DeFelice: Heart disease is rarely heart disease. It's usually really vessel disease. It's artery disease that results in heart attacks. Heart disease is multi-factorial. You have clotting, inflammation, artery constriction and other things. You're alive now because carnitine is in your heart. High-energy organs use fatty acid to power themselves, and the heart is a high-energy organ. Carnitine drives fatty acids out of the blood to power the heart. Nutricise: How have you seen carnitine's effectiveness as a treatment firsthand? DeFelice: Our clinical research has shown it clearly. We created false heart attacks in animals, and giving carnitine actually worked against the induced heart attack, on isolated hearts. Treatment is a larger issue. Everyone should be taking carnitine. Your body makes it, but you can get it from meat and at pharmacies. I want to stress that you can't get enough in the diet; you need to supplement your diet. Everyone says diet, diet, diet. I don't care what your diet is, you need to supplement it with vitamins, fish oil, whatever, this is what nutraceuticals are all about. Nutricise: How many cardiologists are using carnitine these days? DeFelice: Eight out of 10 cardiologists are prescribing and taking vitamin E. Carnitine, on the other hand, is the best-kept secret in medicine. I don't know if it's ever going to be approved as a heart drug. Doctors are not under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) control. It's the industry that's under FDA control because the pharmaceutical industry influences the doctors. The doctors only know from clinical data, and I don't have enough clinical data on carnitine yet. That's why we are raising the money to get that clinical data. What I've done in the book is pulled the clearest data that I have that show what the elixir does to the vessel. Carnitine is cardiac insurance. It reduces the amount of heart cells that are killed by a lack of oxygen. Nutricise: How do you hope nutraceuticals will change medicine in general? DeFelice: Nutraceuticals are enormously important. Folic acid plus alcohol can affect heart disease in some way. With carnitine it can help it more. We are raising funds to run the clinical test so that we can prove to the medical committee that this works. The American Heart Association Provides more information on Heart Disease American Heart Association Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carnitine-a-new-weapon-against-america-s-no-1-killer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-treatments-can-soothe-cancer-effects Herbal treatments can soothe cancer effectsSource: www.marinij.comIf you have cancer - or have a friend or relative who does - you may be feeling at a loss. So many directions to go; so few clear choices.Earlier this fall, Sylvie Beljanski, daughter of the late Louis Pasteur Institute researcher Mirko Beljanski, told a crowd in San Rafael about a cancer treatment using herbs extracted from Amazonian rainforest tree bark.Research was promising, she said to about 150 people at the event, sponsored by San Anselmo's Pine Street Foundation, an Oriental medicine clinic and research facility.Does that mean we should we tell all our friends who have cancer to rush out and buy Beljanski's herbs? "It's really exciting stuff, and the philosophy behind it's great," said Nicholas Broffman, Pine Street's executive director. "But I think you still have to work with your health care practitioner to see if it's right for you - cancer is such a specific thing, treatment must be tailored to you; it's not a one-size-fits-all approach."So, what now? Although anti-cancer treatment and prevention programs are beyond the scope of this column, there are some common-sense ideas circulating in Marin's alternative medicine community. We've heard:- Screen your cosmetics - even face creams or shampoo - for toxic chemicals. A list of the better choices is at www.safecosmetics.org.- Try not to eat non-foods - such as diet soda, for example. Non-foods add digestive processing stress to the body that is already stressed from fighting off cancer.- Reduce cooking with fruit and vegetable rinds - such as orange zest, a condiment made from orange skins - that could carry chemical residues.- Reduce consumption of fish with high mercury content, such as canned albacore tuna. Try cutting your frequency by half or less.The rule of thumb is, as a chiropractor friend said recently: "If it's not food, don't eat it."Simple, perhaps, but our world is becoming increasingly complex in every way. Simplifying may help your body cope - whether with cancer or just with life as we know it in the 21st century.For more information on the Beljanskis' botanicals, see www.natural-source.com. For Pine Street Foundation, call 455-5878. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-treatments-can-soothe-cancer-effects http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-hit-you-really-dont-need A herbal hit you really don't needSource: www.timesonline.co.ukIt is important that the potency of herbs is recognised in relation to prescription drugs WHEN I READ the specialist’s report about a former patient of mine, my mind returned to my childhood and the senna tree in one corner of the family garden where we always had tea. The senna flowers were a brilliant yellow, and as toddlers we would delight in popping the seed pods that followed. When my parents married, they were surprised as they came out of the church to be greeted by an elderly bystander, who thrust a small shrub into my father’s hands. “It’s a senna bush,” he said. “No doctor’s garden is complete without one”. Later, when I was a junior doctor on maternity wards, a sinister brew of senna pods was made by the sister. This was described inaccurately as senna tea — but it had a kick. It emptied the patient’s bowels before the baby was delivered, or kept the mother regular if she had to spend a long time languishing in an antenatal ward. My former patient had recently come in to my office for a chat. She had been having rectal bleeding and, as her father and all four of her grandparents had died from colorectal cancer, she, very wisely, didn’t want to waste any time getting it checked out. People with a strong family history need to have their colons checked for polyps every five years from the age of 30 or more often if they have ever had polyps previously. Fortunately, there was a cancellation at the London Clinic Endoscopy Centre, and the patient was able to have a colonoscopy within a day or two. The colonoscopy expert, an internationally famous specialist, was able to peer into the patient’s colon, and had a clear view of it throughout its length. He took colour photographs as a record and pronounced that all was clear. The patient’s only lasting problem was that she had a congenitally abnormal colon that would predispose her to developing recurrent constipation. The specialist recommended two sachets of Fybogel — a bulking agent — daily, and a Senokot laxative at night: a pleasantly bland mixture, and one whose origins are based entirely on ancient herbalism. Fybogel is made of ispaghula husk, and is prepared from the coats of its dried seeds. Once it has been taken by mouth, with water, it reaches the guts, where it rapidly absorbs more water. As a result it swells so as to become a bulk laxative. The Senokot is a preparation made from the anthraquinone glycosides found in senna pods. These two preparations illustrate that herbal medicine, rather than being a complementary or even an alternative form of medicine, has been, for thousands of years, part of mainstream therapeutics. The Senokot, just like the pods on the tree in the garden of my childhood, is used as a laxative. The modern patient is fortunate in that these medicinally effective remedies can now have their potent constituents extracted, refined and measured so that standard doses can be given. Herbs work, but their effects can be powerful. Even those apparently innocuous strings of black liquorice (the ones that look like bootlaces and are available in old-fashioned sweet shops) can cause a marked increase in blood pressure. It is important that the potency of herbs is recognised and that, when a patient is taking them, they should warn their GP, because some of the homely remedies may increase the action of pills obtained on prescription from chemists, while others may limit their effect. Many doctors now have a copy of Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals (published by Pharmaceutical Press) at hand to check out possible interactions between natural herbs and prescription drugs. Young women of reproductive age should be careful, particularly if they have been conscientiously taking the contraceptive pill and are also feeling depressed. Whether you are a young woman suffering an attack of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as the winter evenings close in, or are just feeling a bit miserable, don’t be tempted to treat any mild depressive feelings with St John’s wort (pictured left). This reduces blood levels of the hormone derived from the Pill in the blood, increasing the risk of an unintended pregnancy. In some cases it may cause breakthrough bleeding. For those who are that little bit older, avoid using ginkgo biloba to treat Alzheimer’s if you are also taking warfarin to prevent blood clotting and coronary thrombosis. Ginkgo biloba makes bleeding more likely, as does cranberry juice — and either could cause serious haemorrhage, even a stroke. Conversely, St John’s wort and ginseng may precipitate a heart attack by reducing the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Watch out for the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, if you are also taking St John’s wort, it can increase the action of the SSRIs and could even induce hypomania. If you are not careful, you’ll end up as a guest on Panorama next time the programme discusses the potential side-effects of antidepressants. This is Ask About Medicines Week. Part of the organisers’ campaign this year is to increase awareness of these interactions between herbal remedies and prescription drugs. Two booklets have been produced by the organisation Developing Patient Partnerships (www.dpp.org.uk), which explain the potential risks to doctors and their patients. The booklets are available from some GPs’ surgeries. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-hit-you-really-dont-need http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruits-and-veggies-diet-can-reduce-heart-diseases-but-not-cancer- Fruits and Veggies diet can reduce heart diseases but not cancer:Source: news.newkerala.com According to a new study conducted by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, although fruit and vegetable consumption can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease but it does not reduce the chances of cancer. Earlier studies have evaluated the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with the reduction of risk of specific diseases, but their overall associations with cardiovascular disease and cancer have rarely been evaluated in large cohort studies. To evaluate the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer, Walter C. Willett, M.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues analyzed data from more than 100,000 participants. The researchers found an inverse association between total fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease but no relationship with cancer incidence. "Consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day has been recommended in the National 5 A Day for Better Health Program for cancer prevention, but the protective effect of fruit and vegetable intake may have been overstated," the authors write. However, "our findings for cardiovascular disease still support the recommendations of the American Heart Association of consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day," they added. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruits-and-veggies-diet-can-reduce-heart-diseases-but-not-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-wards-off-asthma Fish oil 'wards off asthma'Source: www.heraldsun.news.com.auFISH oil supplements appear to ward off asthma symptoms in young children with a family history of allergies, Australian researchers have found.Children who consumed higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from birth were 10 per cent less likely to experience coughing and wheezing at the age of three, Sydney University's Professor Craig Mellis and colleagues found. "It's very hard to know who's got asthma and who hasn't in preschoolers," Prof Mellis told AAP."But we are starting to see a reduction in respiratory or asthma-like symptoms in the group that took the fish oil."In a study of 616 children with a family history of asthma and allergies, one-quarter was exposed to increased omega-3 fatty acid from birth, one-quarter lived in households where anti-dust mite measures were taken, one-quarter did both and the remainder did neither. "The dust mite avoidance group didn't have any reduction in any of their respiratory symptoms at the age of three, but the fish oil supplement is looking promising," Prof Mellis said."If dust mite avoidance doesn't work, then at least we can tell people that it doesn't work and therefore we shouldn't be using it as a treatment."Asthma usually cannot be diagnosed before children reach primary school age, and Prof Mellis said the group in this study would be followed up at age seven to obtain more definitive results."It may well be when we look at them next time that the ones who got the intervention are even more different from the control group," he said.peThe children were recruited before they were born, he said, and started on increased omega-3 fatty acid, obtained from fish oil, from their first day after birth."If they were not being breastfed it was added to their formula from day one and if they were being breastfed the mother took the supplement – there's plenty of omega three fatty acid in breastmilk anyway," Prof Mellis said."We wanted the children as they were weaned and taking solids to continue having a fair bit of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet and little kids don't like fish so we were giving the parents special margarine that had omega-3 fatty acid supplement in it. "We were measuring the omega-3 fatty acid in their blood and there was a fair separation between those that were on the supplement and those that were on the control."The study, published in the latest issue of the United States-based Journal of Allergyand Clinical Immunology, was prompted by an earlier survey of NSW school children in which those who ate fish at least once a week were found to have a much lower rate of asthma."Omega-3 fatty acid is incorporated into cell membranes and it makes them more stable so, given that asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, it makes them less likely to get inflamed," Prof Mellis explained. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-wards-off-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-launch-of-herbal-skincare-treatment UK launch of herbal skincare treatmentSource: www.yorkshiretoday.co.ukA CENTURIES-old aboriginal herbal remedy, which claims to combat the ageing process, is being used in skin creams manufactured and supplied throughout the UK by a South Yorkshire company. Plantolin (UK), based in Sheffield and headed by managing director, Mark Lythe, has launched eight products with the Plantolin name targeting big store chains, ranging from skin creams to foot gel. "Actor Jude Law's partner, Sienna Miller, along with Geri Halliwell, Rachel Stevens and Jamie Oliver have all discovered the power of Plantolin," said Mr Lythe. Plantolin, previously only sold in Australia and throughout South East Asia, is an extract from the Australian native plant known as Centipeda Cunninghamii. "The plant has been used in aboriginal medicine to treat a variety of ailments," added Mr Lythe. The company, whose business plan for the UK market was prepared by the Sheffield office of accountants and business advisers PKF, has exclusive rights to manufacture and supply Plantolin products in the UK, Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Africa. "Our products will be launched in the large supermarket and pharmacy chains in February, 2005. In the meantime, they are available in our region at selected Boyes Stores and from our website at www.plantolin.co.uk," said Mr Lythe. He said Plantolin offered a natural solution to skincare problems and represented great value for consumers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-launch-of-herbal-skincare-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-nutrition-leads-to-low-iq Poor Nutrition Leads To Low IQSource: www.scienceagogo.comResearchers at the University of Southern California say malnutrition in the first few years of life leads to antisocial and aggressive behavior throughout childhood and late adolescence. "These are the first findings to show that malnutrition in the early postnatal years is associated with behavior problems through age 17," said Jianghong Liu, lead author of the study which appears in the American Journal of Psychiatry. "Identifying the early risk factors for this behavior in childhood and adolescence is an important first step for developing successful prevention programs for adult violence," she said. For 14 years, researchers followed the nutritional, behavioral and cognitive development of more than 1,000 children who lived on Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. The children's intelligence level and cognitive ability were also tested, and social workers visited their homes to come up with a so-called adversity score that summarized factors such as the income, occupation, health, age and education levels of their parents and their overall living conditions. At ages 8, 11 and 17 years, the researchers looked at how the children were behaving in school and at home. Over time, a link became evident between malnourishment and antisocial or aggressive behavior, said Adrian Raine, a co-author of the study. Compared to those in the control group - the group that did not suffer from nutritional deficiencies - malnourished children showed a 41 percent increase in aggression at age 8 and a 51 percent increase in violent and antisocial behavior at age 17. While social class did not play a significant factor in behavior, intelligence level did, Raine said. "Poor nutrition, characterized by zinc, iron, vitamin B and protein deficiencies, leads to low IQ, which leads to later antisocial behavior," he said. "These are all nutrients linked to brain development." Researchers also found that the more indicators of malnutrition there were, the greater the antisocial behavior. "There's more to antisocial behavior than nutrition, but we argue that it is an important missing link," Raine said. "Biology is not destiny. We can change the biological disposition to antisocial and aggressive behavior." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-nutrition-leads-to-low-iq http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blood-sugar-based-diet-shows-tentative-benefits Blood sugar-based diet shows tentative benefitsSource: springfield.news-leader.comAdvances in Medicine "Glycemic index" diet is less restrictive than Atkins or standard low-fat regimens.On the Web Journal of the American Medical Association: jama.ama-assn.org By Lindsey Tanner Associated PressChicago — A diet favoring "good" over "bad" carbohydrates is better for the heart and less likely to slow down metabolism than a conventional low-fat diet, a small, preliminary study suggests. The "glycemic index" diet recommends carbohydrates that do not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels after meals, such as old-fashioned oatmeal rather than highly processed sugared breakfast cereal. It is not as anti-carb as Atkins-style regimens, nor as fat-restrictive as standard low-fat diets.Proponents call it a happy medium, though skeptics say the science — including the new study — doesn't prove that low-glycemic diets are superior.The study involved 39 overweight people ages 18 to 40 who were paid $1,500 to eat hospital-prepared diets for about 10 weeks.Low-glycemic foods were given to 22 participants, while 17 got the low-fat option.Participants in both groups lost an average of about 20 pounds. But glycemic-index dieters fared better on two risk factors for heart disease: They had a slight decrease in fats in the blood called triglycerides, versus an increase in the low-fat group, and they had a much greater reduction in levels of an inflammation-related substance called C-reactive protein.The number of calories burned while resting decreased in both groups — a metabolism slowdown that commonly occurs while dieting. But the average decrease was smaller in the low-glycemic group — 96 calories per day versus 176 in the low-fat group.Hunger pangs were less common among low-glycemic dieters.The study's leader, Dr. David Ludwig, director of an obesity program at Boston's Children's Hospital, said that because of those differences, people on the low-glycemic regimen are more likely to stay on their diet and less likely to put the weight back on. But he said longer studies are needed to show if that really is true.The study appeared in the Nov. 24 Journal of the American Medical Association.Dr. Robert Eckel, an American Heart Association spokesman, called the results "underwhelming."Participants' triglyceride and CRP levels already were in a healthful range when the study began, and there is no evidence that decreasing them further would be more beneficial, Eckel said.Also, he said, if the metabolism changes had been meaningful, the glycemic-index dieters should have lost more weight than the other group.Both diets involved 1,500 calories per day, but they differed in nutrient content.In the low-fat diet, 65 percent of calories came from carbohydrates, including foods like instant oatmeal, raisins and tortilla chips — all with a relatively high glycemic index.In the glycemic index diet, 43 percent of daily calories came from carbs and they included steel-cut oatmeal, blueberries and peanuts — all foods that are more slowly broken down into sugar than foods in the low-fat diet.In the low-fat diet, 18 percent of calories came from fat. In glycemic index diet, 30 percent came from fat — the limit recommended by U.S. government dietary guidelines and many nutritionists. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blood-sugar-based-diet-shows-tentative-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ovarian-cancer-is-tied-to-milk OVARIAN CANCER IS TIED TO MILKSource: www.nypost.comWomen who drink large amounts of milk may increase their risk of developing ovarian cancer, new research reveals. A study of 61,000 women age 38 to 76 found those who consumed more than two glasses a day significantly increased their chance of developing the most serious form of the disease. Scientists at Sweden's Karolinska Institute found a total of 266 women from the group were diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 13-year period and 125 of those had serious ovarian cancer. Those who consumed more than four servings of dairy products a day had twice the risk of serious ovarian cancer than women who had fewer than two, they discovered. The researchers found the strongest ovarian-cancer link for those who drank two or more glasses of milk a day. Their risk was double that of those who drank it in small amounts or not at all. The study is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Why milk can increase the risk of ovarian cancer is unclear, but one theory is that lactose, a type of sugar found in milk, may overstimulate production of hormones which encourage the growth of tumors. "The picture is far from clear, as other evidence suggests that women who drink skim or low-fat milk might have a lower risk of ovarian cancer," said researcher Dr. Kate Law. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ovarian-cancer-is-tied-to-milk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dhea-supplementation-may-be-ammo-for-the-elderly-in-fat-war DHEA supplementation may be ammo for the elderly in fat warSource: www.miami.comAll right, it's not the fountain of youth. But a study published in the Nov. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that DHEA, a hormone widely marketed as a nutritional supplement, decreases belly fat and improves the body's use of insulin among the elderly when taken daily for six months. Earlier studies have shown that DHEA supplementation led to improved bone density.''We were surprised that there was such an effect,'' said Dr. Dennis Villareal, one of the study's authors. ``It's not snake oil.''Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. When broken down by the body, it becomes an active sex hormone, such as testosterone or estrogen. But production of DHEA peaks at about age 20, then declines gradually as one ages.In a six-month study of 56 men and women, average age 71, researchers at Washington University had half the participants take 50 milligrams daily of DHEA as a supplement. The other half of the participants took dummy pills. In women who took the DHEA, levels of belly fat fell by 10.2 percent, while men's belly fat decreased by 7.4 percent. In both men and women taking DHEA, subcutaneous fat -- stores of fat carried just below the skin's surface -- went down by 6 percent. At the end of the study period, subjects receiving the DHEA supplement also had lower insulin levels in response to glucose tolerance tests, while their glucose levels remained unchanged. That's an indication that they had improved ''insulin action,'' a measure of metabolic health that tends to decline with age. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dhea-supplementation-may-be-ammo-for-the-elderly-in-fat-war http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fight-ageing-from-the-inside-out Fight Ageing From the Inside OutSource: biz.yahoo.comRepair, Hydrate and Protect With Dr. Murad's NEW Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack It's finally here, an all-in-one supplement pack to combat the signs of aging! Dr. Howard Murad, dermatologist, CEO and founder of Murad, Inc., and author of "Wrinkle Free Forever" offers the Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack, a combination of his best internal skincare supplements. Blending the powers of Youth Builder®, Wet Suit®, Pomphenol® Sunguard and Essential Fatty Acid supplements in daily, pre-measured packets, getting the right dose and reducing the signs of aging has never been easier or more effective. With an optimum mix of key vitamins, minerals and anti-aging ingredients, the Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack fights signs of aging and is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines up to 34% in only five weeks! ADVERTISEMENT "Each supplement provides individual benefits, but used together, the Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack provides an unmatched way to repair, hydrate and protect skin from free radical damage, the main cause of premature signs of aging," says Dr. Murad "As we age, loss of water directly translates into sagging, wrinkled and damaged skin. It is essential to maintain an healthy internal balance by constantly improving cells and connective tissue."Revolutionizing skincare practices, Dr. Murad holds 16 patents and was the first dermatologist, to introduce the idea of Internal Skincare(TM) in 1996 with a supplement line. His independent scientific studies prove that a 34% reduction in wrinkles and 15% increase in elasticity can be seen in 4-6 weeks of supplement use. The Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack is comprised of four of Dr. Murad's skincare supplements.Youth Builder increases hydration in the dermal layer of the skin that reduces fine lines and wrinkles by 34%, and increases skin elasticity by 18% with a unique blend of Glucosamine and Amino Acids, which are essential to healthy collagen and elastin formation. Wet Suit strengthens cell membranes and locks in cellular water by supplying phosphatidylcholine, the building block for lecithin, which makes up the cell membrane, and encourages the maintenance of water levels. Also contained in Wet Suit are Gamma Linoleic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and free radicals that cause water loss. Pomphenol Sunguard, the first supplement ever created, with pure pomegranate extract that contains an antioxidant-rich, protective formula, serves as an environmental defense booster increasing the SPF of topical sunscreens by up to 25%. In addition, pomegranate extract is studied worldwide for its benefits as an anti-cancer agent.Dr. Murad explains his scientifically proven "Water Principle," "If you have a sufficient amount of water in the skin, it will be thicker and smoother. There's a new resiliency and firmness to skin after using the Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack. Damaged collagen and skin cells are repaired, your skin's ability to hold onto water improves, new collagen and elastin are formed and protected, all from the inside out."The Wrinkle Reducing Dietary Supplement Pack (30 packettes / 4 week supply) will be available for $115.00, suggested retail. Murad products are available at the Murad Center for Inclusive Health, Los Angeles, Sephora stores nationwide and other Murad selected salons and spas. For locations offering Murad professional services, please call 800-33-MURAD or visit www.murad.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fight-ageing-from-the-inside-out http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zotrim-natural-herbal-diet-pill Zotrim Natural Herbal Diet PillSource: www.onlypunjab.comHealth News Onlypunjab.com Clinical Trials: In clinical trials with overweight but otherwise healthy people on no special diet half of them took a placebo before meals for 45 days. The half that took Zotrim lost an average of 11 pounds over 45 days compared with less than a pound for the placebo group. Better still continuing with Zotrim was shown to maintain this weight loss over 12 months! That means that once you have reached your target weight ZOTRIM stops the fat creeping back by helping to limit food intake and re-educating the body’s eating habits preventing the infuriating yo yo effect of many weight loss regimes. Why Zotrim? Containing a combination of extracts of three South American herbs – Guarana, Yerba Mate and Damian ZOTRIM speeds up and extends the feeling of fullness whilst giving a natural energy that encourages calorie burning. Ultrasound scanning shows ZOTRIM slows the rate at which the stomach empties by about 20 minutes. As food stays in the stomach longer you feel full for longer. This combination of reduced food intake coupled with a sensible eating and exercise programme encourages lifestyle change allowing you to achieve a healthy weight over a long period of time with lasting results. What customers are saying about Zotrim: “By following a low fat diet and taking these tablets I have lost an amazing 10lbs in just three weeks!” Mrs JMP South Wales “I’ve been on Zotrim for 8 weeks and I’ve lost 10lbs in weight in such a short time”. Mrs MF Swansea Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zotrim-natural-herbal-diet-pill http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nourkrin-hair-loss-remedy-product Nourkrin Hair Loss Remedy ProductSource: www.onlypunjab.comHealth News Onlypunjab.com Losing your hair? Hair loss is not just a male problem. Did you know that nearly 50% of all women now suffer from some form of thinning hair or hair loss? The effects that hair loss has on a persons well being are often dismissed as trivial but it’s true to say that it affects people in different ways no matter what their age or sex. Many suffer in silence convinced there is nothing that can be done. Well now there is! NOURKRIN. Recently voted the Leading Brand for Hair Loss by the European Medical Journal ECM. In a number of studies carried out on NOURKRIN results show an improvement in 75% of cases! Why Nourkrin? NOURKRIN is a natural food supplement whose key ingredient is a protein of marine extracts including the cartilage of deep sea fish with Acerola Cherry – the richest source of Vitamin C you can get, Silica which is an important mineral for reducing hair loss and maintaining strong healthy hair, Horsetail Extract – organic form of silica which increases the strength of the hair and re-vitalises lifeless hair and IgG and IGF-1 speeds up absorption of tablets into the blood stream. How does Nourkrin work? NOURKRIN is designed to stop excess thinning hair, improve the strength of existing hair and supply the body with the specific compounds needed to stimulate the re-growth of dorment hair follicles. Working in stages, NOURKRIN first slows and stops thinning hair, then strengthens existing hair and then begins to promote the growth of dorment hair follicles whilst finally strengthening the new hair. What they are saying TV Presenter Cheryl Baker is among the many women who have experienced hair loss and has been using NOURKRIN. “I can measure the effectiveness of NOURKRIN by the size of my pony tail. It now fills a 10p sized elastic band instead of a 5p sized one. I am now menopausal and that is another time in your life when thinning hair can be a problem so I will continue taking NOURKRIN”. Instructions for use For best results take two tablets per day over a period of six months. At the end of the six month hair recovery program, continue taking one tablet a day to maintain the improvements. Most users notice a difference after three months. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nourkrin-hair-loss-remedy-product http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-before-pregnancy-may-prevent-prematurity Vitamins before pregnancy may prevent prematuritySource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukWomen who take multivitamins before conceiving are half as likely to encounter premature births, suggests a new study by University of North Carolina published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Data based on 2000 women at 24-29 weeks of pregnancy showed that vitamin use before conception reduced the risk of premature birth, although continued use through the early months of pregnancy did not seem to influence the risk of prematurity. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-before-pregnancy-may-prevent-prematurity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jack-challem-s-worldwide-research Jack Challem’s Worldwide ResearchSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukJack Challem, editor of The Nutrition Reporter, is a well known health journalist who has been reporting on vitamin, mineral and supplement research for more than 20 years. www.nutritionreporter.comWith the extreme shortage of flu vaccines this year in the UK and US, I’ve decided to share my personal supplement regimen for both preventing and fighting cold and flu symptoms. My suggestions fall into two areas, covering general prevention and the suppression and reversal of symptoms. Research suggests that all of these supplements work best preventively and on the first day of an apparent cold or flu infection. If you wait until the second or third day, the supplements will be of less, and possibly no, benefit. The reason is that viral concentrations increase sharply after the first day, and they become more difficult for the body to control. Vitamin C More than 24 clinical studies have found that vitamin C can reduce the symptoms and severity of the common cold (and presumably the flu). The most effective dosages range from 2,000 to 6,000 mg daily. What to take In general, your body’s optimal level of vitamin C is based on bowel tolerance — that is, the amount (divided up two or three times a day) just below what causes loose stools. When you’re fighting a cold or flu, your vitamin C requirements increase sharply. If you follow the bowel-tolerance concept, you may find yourself temporarily taking 10 or 20 grams of vitamin C daily. As you recover, your vitamin C requirements will decrease.Vitamin E A recent study found that seniors who took vitamin E supplements were less likely to suffer colds and other upper respiratory infections. What to take 200 IU to 400 IU of natural source vitamin E daily.Selenium This mineral is a component of the body’s four glutathione peroxide compounds, potent antioxidants and immune stimulants. Clinical studies have found that selenium deficiencies increase the likelihood of mutations in flu and coxsackie viruses, leading to more severe infections. What to take 200 mcg daily, 400 mcg if you are actually fighting cold or flu.Lysine This amino acid inhibits the growth of many viruses, including those that cause herpes infections. What to take To fight a cold or flu, take 500 to 1,000 mcg daily with the other supplements recommended here.Zinc This mineral inhibits the replication of the virus that causes colds. Although some studies have yielded conflicting results, zinc lozenges can often reduce the severity and length of cold and flu symptoms. The most tested brand (Cold-Eeze) provides about 13 mg of zinc per lozenge. What to take Follow label directions, taking one zinc lozenge every couple of hours, starting at the first sign of symptoms. Vitamin A Several studies have found that large amounts of vitamin A can reduce the severity and risk of death in vitamin-deficient children with measles, chicken pox, and respiratory viral infections. In addition, very high dosages of pure vitamin A (not beta-carotene) have been used in developing nations to reduce the risk of death from pneumonia in children. These dosages are 100,000 IU daily, but for only two days over a month. What to take Lower regular dosages should be helpful, such as 10,000 IU daily. When fighting a cold or flu, consider taking 25,000 to 50,000 IU daily — but not for more than three days. If you are pregnant, do not take more than 5,000 IU of pure vitamin A daily. Echinacea Again, much of the research is conflicting, but there’s sufficient evidence to take echinacea to help prevent colds and flus. The herb boosts activity of various immune cells, in a sense putting the body on a “yellow alert,” ready to quickly fight an infection. What to take Because of the many different forms (capsules, tablets, tinctures, liquids), follow label directions.Oscillococcinum Whatever the rationale, it does seem to work (at least in this instance). Recent medical reviews have conceded that oscillococcinum (pronounced os-sill-uh-cos-sih-num), a homeopathic remedy containing extremely minute extracts of duck heart and liver, can reduce flu symptoms. A medical review cautiously acknowledged that oscillococcinum “probably reduces the duration of illness in patients presenting with influenza symptoms.” What to take One dose at the first onset of symptoms, with additional doses six and 12 hours later.A reminder…again, it is important to ramp up the dosages of these supplements at the first sign of symptoms. That ticklish nose or cough may not be from an infection, but given the potential consequences of a serious infection, it is better to err on the side of caution. If the symptoms completely disappear by the second day, you can resume your preventative dosages. If you still have any symptoms at all, continue taking the supplements for three to seven days. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jack-challem-s-worldwide-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-improves-memory Tea improves memorySource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukResearchers at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne found that green and black tea inhibit the activity of enzymes in the brain which are associated with memory loss and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea in particular was found to inhibit harmful enzymes by as much as 38% with its effects lasting for a week, as compared to one day for black tea. The findings suggest tea could be used in the development of treatments for Alzheimer's, which currently affects 10 million people worldwide and for which there is currently no known cure. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-improves-memory http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-b-vitamin-combo-to-slow-dementia- Antioxidant, B vitamin combo to slow dementia?Source: www.nutraingredients.comCombining B vitamins with a powerful antioxidant could lower blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine enough to prevent dementia, claims a UK research firm preparing to test the theory in clinical trials. High blood levels of homocysteine are a known risk factor for stroke and dementia but although homocysteine can be lowered by standard B vitamin supplements it is not yet known whether these can be used to treat or prevent dementia. So far, the small studies on this effect have been disappointing. However homocysteine research company Cobalz says that clinical trials starting in January could confirm that adding B vitamins to the powerful antioxidant N-acetylcysteine is superior to standard B vitamins in slowing the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease patients. Dementia already affects millions around the world and the threat is increasing with the growing numbers of elderly. Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, afflicts an estimated 4.5 million people in the US alone. The condition is not only associated with homocysteine levels but also with ‘free radicals’ that oxidise and damage an enzyme that breaks down homocysteine. Cobalz has found that adding a powerful antioxidant to B vitamins lowers homocysteine levels even further and results in prompt, striking and sustained clinical improvement in patients. Cobalz claims that the glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC)is not only a potent antioxidant but also a source of cysteine. Cysteine is required to generate hydrogen sulphide - an important neuromodulator and vasorelaxant. Levels of hydrogen sulphide levels are severely decreased in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Last week the firm signed a licensing agreement with US pharmaceutical firm Pamlab to produce the product scheduled for use in the trial by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Neil McCaddon, global head of licensing and corporate development at Cobalz, said: “We are very excited about the possibilities, and hope to announce some real breakthroughs for sufferers of dementia, and their carers.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-b-vitamin-combo-to-slow-dementia- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lutein-zeaxanthin-offer-cataract-protection-new-research Lutein, zeaxanthin offer cataract protection, new researchSource: www.nutraingredients.comLutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids found in dark leafy green vegetables, were nearly 10 times more powerful than the antioxidant vitamin E in protecting human eye cells from UV-induced damage, report US researchers.Their findings support previous evidence suggesting that the natural compounds could help prevent cataracts, which affect nearly 20 million people in the United States alone and require expensive, surgical treatment. The researchers from Ohio State University say theirs is the first laboratory evidence that these carotenoids help protect the eyes. "Along with the many environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors associated with cataracts, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and oxidative stress appear to be the most relevant in this disease," said study co-author Joshua Bomser. "Our results are the first to provide physical evidence suggesting that lutein and zeaxanthin decrease damage caused by ultraviolet radiation." The Ohio researchers treated human eye lens cells with varying concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin or vitamin E. They then exposed these cells, along with a batch of untreated cells, to doses of ultraviolet-beta radiation for 10 seconds. UVB radiation is thought to be the primary environmental culprit in causing skin cancer as well as initiating cataract disease. "The dose of UVB radiation we used on the cells is about the same amount a person receives when they get a mild tan," Bomser said. Adding lutein and zeaxanthin to the cell cultures provided double the protection from UVB damage – the antioxidants reduced signs of damage by 50 to 60 per cent, while vitamin E only reduced the same signs of damage by 25 to 32 per cent, according to the study in this month’s issue of the Journal of Nutrition. The researchers also found that it took far less lutein and zeaxanthin as vitamin E – about 10 times less – to get this protective effect. "The lens is equipped with antioxidant defense mechanisms designed to guard against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress," Bomser said. "In addition to protective enzymes and compounds like vitamins C and E, we think that low concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye lens help shield the eye from the harmful effects of UVB radiation." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lutein-zeaxanthin-offer-cataract-protection-new-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/non-hodgkins-lymphoma-risk-reduced-by-exposure-to-sunlight Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk reduced by exposure to sunlightSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comResearchers from Sydney University, Australia, have found that your risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is reduced after high exposure to sunlight. NHL is a type of blood cancer. Dr Anne Kricker, team leader, was looking at whether high exposure to sunlight would increase NHS risk - the researchers were surprised to find that, in fact, the opposite seems to be the case. You can read about this study in the International Journal of Cancer. The researchers looked at 704 patients with NHL and 694 randomly selected matched controls. They were aged 20-74. People's exposure to sunlight over up to sixty years was assessed by means of a questionnaire and phone interviews. Such factors as working and non working days as well as vacation periods were taken into account. They found that the more hours people were exposed to the sun the lower their risk of NHL was. Those at the top end of sun exposure were 35% less likely to get NHL than those at the bottom end. It is possible that the increased production of vitamin D, due to more sun exposure, offered people more protection from NHL. Dr Kricker and team suggested that “increasing evidence that vitamin D may protect against cancer makes ultraviolet-mediated synthesis of vitamin D a plausible mechanism whereby sun exposure might protect against NHL." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/non-hodgkins-lymphoma-risk-reduced-by-exposure-to-sunlight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ethnicity-affects-impact-of-vitamin-d-on-diabetes Ethnicity Affects Impact of Vitamin D on DiabetesSource: story.news.yahoo.comAs blood levels of vitamin D increase, the risk of diabetes decreases in non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans -- but not in blacks -- researchers have found. Yahoo! Health Have questions about your health? Find answers here. The findings may "offer an explanation, in part, for the generally lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes observed in Caucasian populations around the world compared with other ethnicities," Dr. Robert Scragg, from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and colleagues suggest in the medical journal Diabetes Care. The results are based on a study of 6228 subjects, representative of the US population, who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, so-called). Whites with the highest vitamin D levels had only one quarter the risk of having diabetes compared to those with the lowest levels. For Mexican Americans, the comparative risk dropped even further. The reason why this pattern was not seen in blacks is unclear, but the researchers believe it may "reflect decreased sensitivity to vitamin D and/or related hormones" in this group. The team calls for further research to confirm the findings and to pinpoint underlying mechanisms, but notes that simple and cheap ways to increase vitamin D levels are readily available. SOURCE: Diabetes Care, December 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ethnicity-affects-impact-of-vitamin-d-on-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/schiff-product-users-can-move-freer-with-hyaluronic-acid Schiff product users can Move Freer with hyaluronic acidSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comSalt Lake City based Weider Nutrition said yesterday it had boosted its Schiff-branded joint care supplements by adding hyaluronic acid to the Move Free product line.Hyaluronic acid, or joint fluid, helps joints glide easily and smoothly and assists in nutrient delivery to joint tissues “Based on considerable research and study of the oral delivery and absorption of HA commissioned by our company and published in the FASEB Journal, we have added joint fluid to our Move Free formula,” said Dr. Luke Bucci, vice president of research for Schiff. The 1500 milligrams glucosamine/1200 milligrams chondroitin blend in Move Free products is designed to support joint cartilage and maintain healthy joint function. The company was also keen to note that all Move Free products were recently verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplement Verification Program for quality, purity and potency. Last month, Weider Nutrition launched a new Schiff-branded joint care supplement that combines an antioxidant, hyaluronic acid and glucosamine for faster-acting relief. The supplement, marketed as Lubriflex, is a triple action formula combining Uniflex, an antioxidant designed to protect cartilage and joints, HA and glucosamine. However, not everybody is enthusiatic about the effect of glucosamine on joint health. A study by a group of researchers in Canada, published in October, suggested that glucosamine had no long-term beneficial effect. Their study investigated whether the food supplement could prevent painful flare-ups in patients who had already been taking it for two years on average, with some signs of benefit. The results showed that there was little difference with placebo: 42 percent of placebo patients experienced flare-ups in the six-month follow-up, compared with 45 percent in the glucosamine group. In addition, subjects using glucosamine flared as quickly and as severely as those using a placebo, reported the researchers in Arthritis and Rheumatism (15;51(5), pp738-45). Lead investigator Dr Jolanda Cibere, from the University of British Columbia, said: “Our study shows that even if the supplement was initially perceived by study participants to be helpful, it has no benefit for maintenance and continued use is not effective to control flare-ups”. However the supplement continues to see annual growth of around 10 percent in the joint health category, with consumption of between 4,000-6,000 tons annually. A major US government-funded trial, called GAIT, investigating at a cost of $14 million the efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin as natural remedies for osteoarthritis, may help to clear up some of the confusion when it releases results next year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are among the most common chronic diseases, affecting 70 million adults in the US in 2001, and are the leading cause of disability among US adults. Research by the CDC has shown that if arthritis prevalence rates remain stable, the number of affected persons aged 65 and under will nearly double by 2030, meaning that as many as 41 million people in this age group could be afflicted by arthritis or chronic joint symptoms (CJS). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/schiff-product-users-can-move-freer-with-hyaluronic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/over-the-counter-wrinkle-creams-miracle-or-marketing-myth- Over-the-counter wrinkle creams: Miracle or marketing myth?Source: www.mayoclinic.com Many of today's over-the-counter (OTC) skin creams and lotions promise to do more than moisturize the skin. They also claim to reduce wrinkles and prevent or reverse damage caused by aging and sun exposure.Do they work? Some research suggests that wrinkle creams contain ingredients that may improve wrinkles. But many of these ingredients haven't been subjected to intensive research that proves this benefit.Here are some of the most common types of ingredients found in OTC wrinkle creams, organized by known effectiveness. Modestly effective ingredients Vitamin A (retinol) Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and is the first antioxidant to be widely used in OTC wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, the only prescription topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating wrinkles. Both retinol and tretinoin can cause redness and irritation, but retinol's side effects are usually milder.Claim. Works deep below the skin's surface to smooth wrinkles. Brand examples. RoC Retinol Actif Pur Anti-Wrinkle Treatment, L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Line Eraser Pure Retinol Night Treatment. The facts. Retinol concentration varies from product to product, and the FDA warns that some OTC preparations may contain almost no retinol. Avoid Vitamin A derivatives if you're pregnant or may become pregnant because they increase the risk of birth defects. Hydroxy acids Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are all synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants, substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin.Claim. Improve the look of deeper lines and wrinkles while increasing skin hydration. Brand examples. Kiss My Face Peaches & Creme Moisturizer with 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acids, M.D. Forte Facial Cream III with Glycolic Acid. The facts. Hydroxy acids stimulate production of collagen, a protein that thickens skin and prevents water loss. Use of these acids may lead to modest improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. Side effects may include burning, itching, pain and possible scarring. Since hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, apply sun protection during use and for at least one week afterward. Sun exposure and skin protection: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist Possibly effective ingredients Alpha-lipoic acid ( ALA) Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that penetrates skin cell membranes, where it neutralizes free radicals and increases the effectiveness of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. It may also work as a superficial chemical peel to exfoliate dead skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.Claim. Diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and other skin irregularities. Produces firm, toned skin and a smoother complexion. Brand examples. Derma e Alpha Lipoderm Alpha Lipoic/Green Tea Advanced Repair Complex, Zia Natural Skincare Ultimate Oil-Free Moisture. The facts. Alpha-lipoic acid appears to reduce fine wrinkles and brown spots. Because side effects include inflammation, however, it's possible that inflammation is responsible for this effect. Larger studies are needed. Coenzyme Q-10 Coenzyme Q-10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells.Claim. Improves the skin's ability to fight wrinkles. Brand examples. Avalon Organic Botanicals CoQ10 Wrinkle Defense Creme, Nivea Visage Q10 Plus Wrinkle Control Night Creme. The facts. Two human (clinical) trials show significant reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes with no side effects. Other studies show that application before sun exposure protects against sun damage. More research is needed to examine the long-term effects. Copper peptides Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In topical products, it's combined with small protein fragments called peptides. Copper peptides enhance wound healing. They also stimulate production of collagen and may enhance the action of antioxidants.Claim. Improve the skin's elasticity and hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Brand examples. Neutrogena Visibly Firm Night Cream with Active Copper Formula, Neova Night Therapy with Copper Peptide Repair Complex. The facts. Some small studies show that copper peptides may modestly improve fine wrinkling, age spots and sun damage with no side effects. More research is needed, however. Growth factors Growth factors are naturally occurring hormones found in plants and animals. They act as chemical messengers between cells. Kinetin, a plant growth factor, is the one most often used in cosmetics.Claim. Reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Brand examples. Almay Kinetin Skincare, Kinerase Cream. The facts. Kinetin may improve wrinkles and uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It's unclear how it works, but it may help reduce wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. It also may be a potent antioxidant. Large-scale studies are needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness. Soy isoflavones Protein extracts of soybean and soymilk contain several different estrogen-like substances called isoflavones. Because they may mimic the effects of estrogen, they're sometimes called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens may produce wrinkle-reducing effects on skin that are similar to those resulting from hormone therapy.Claim. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Brand examples. Aveeno Positively Radiant Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Archipelago Botanicals Milk Soy Cream. The facts. Animal studies show that soy isoflavones protect skin against sun damage and may increase production of hyaluronic acid, a substance that thickens skin and reduces wrinkles by binding to water molecules in skin. A small clinical study of soy isoflavones shows that they may lighten age spots. Although oral soy isoflavones may increase the risk of some cancers, it's unknown if topical products do the same. Researchers believe that soy isoflavones may help reduce wrinkles, but caution that more human research is needed to determine their safety and effectiveness. Tea extracts Green, black and oolong tea contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea extracts are the ones most commonly found in wrinkle creams.Claim. Repair sun damage, leaving skin toned and refined. Brand examples. Derma e Retinol and Green Tea Advanced Renewal Creme, Sudden Change Eye Gel with Green Tea. The facts. Animal studies of topical tea extracts show that they protect against skin cancer and prevent sun damage. Human studies of topical green tea extracts also show that they protect against sun damage with no side effects. But it's not clear if extracts in creams and lotions degrade over time. Although preliminary research shows that tea extracts may reduce wrinkles, larger human studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness. Vitamin C Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient that helps recycle vitamin E. It also promotes collagen formation.Claim. Repairs and protects skin by stimulating cell renewal and increasing healthy circulation. Brand examples. Avalon Active Organics Vitamin C Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 15, ShiKai Dermaceutical Formulation Nighttime Renewal Cream with Bio-Active Vitamin C. The facts. Topical vitamin C may reduce wrinkles, thicken skin and protect against sun damage. It's difficult to manufacture and degrades rapidly, however, so it must be stored in airtight, light-resistant containers. Many of the first vitamin C products couldn't penetrate the skin deeply enough to be effective, but newer products may be more absorbent. Side effects may include stinging and irritation. Larger studies are needed to prove whether topical vitamin C can reduce wrinkles. Vitamin E Vitamin E, an antioxidant nutrient, is the major antioxidant found in human skin. Declining levels in skin are associated with wrinkles.Claim. Neutralizes free radicals for a soft, smooth, radiant complexion. Brand examples. Nutra-E Pure Vitamin E Skin Cream, Olay Moisture-Rich Cream Cleanser with Olay Moisture and Vitamin E. The facts. Animal studies show that topical vitamin E may reduce wrinkling. One of the few human studies shows a slight reduction in wrinkling, skin roughness, length of facial lines and wrinkle depth. Side effects may include swollen, reddened and itchy skin (contact dermatitis). Tocopherols and tocopherol acetate are the most common forms of vitamin E found in cosmetics, but they may be poorly absorbed by skin. More research is needed to determine if vitamin E reduces wrinkles effectively by itself or in combination with other antioxidants. Dermatitis/Eczema Possibly ineffective ingredients Collagen Collagen is a large, fibrous protein that keeps your skin supple and elastic. Collagen diminishes with age, contributing to wrinkling and sagging.Claim. Firms the skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines. Brand examples. St. Ives Collagen Elastin Essential Moisturizer, University Medical Face Lift Collagen 5 Cell Regeneration Cream. The facts. Many skin creams contain collagen, which supposedly nourishes the skin and reverses the signs of aging. But collagen isn't absorbed through the skin and doesn't increase the body's production of collagen. Applying a collagen cream may give the sensation of firmness, but it's probably due to skin hydration that could be achieved by using any moisturizer. Light regulation means no guarantees The FDA considers these creams and lotions to be cosmetics, which are defined as having no medical value. So the FDA regulates them more lightly than it does drugs, which are defined as "products that cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease, or that affect the structure or function of the human body."The FDA steps in, however, when advertisements portray cosmetics as drugs. In 2004, for example, the FDA ordered a manufacturer to stop advertising its wrinkle cream as "proven to reduce deep wrinkles up to 70 percent."The FDA also intervenes when cosmetics contain ingredients that may pose a potential health hazard to consumers. For example, in 2002, the FDA ordered manufacturers of products containing alpha hydroxy acids to include a warning label stating that the acids may increase the risk of sunburn.Because the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetic products for effectiveness, there's no guarantee that any OTC product will reduce your wrinkles or even contain any of its advertised ingredients. Sorting through the hype If you shop for such products in a department store or pharmacy or on the Internet, you'll find hundreds of different brands containing a confusing array of ingredients. You may be tempted to experiment with different brands until you find one that works. But this approach may be expensive. It also may cause skin irritation and deprive you of the benefits of an effective skin-care regimen.Different skin creams and lotions may be more effective on dry, oily or sensitive skin. A dermatologist can help you take the guesswork out of selecting a wrinkle cream or lotion by assessing your skin type, evaluating your skin's condition, and determining if you're allergic to certain ingredients.If you're looking for a face-lift in a bottle, you probably won't find it in an anti-aging skin cream. Still, the use of such products may result in slight to modest improvements in wrinkles. Combining the right product with a proven medical or surgical treatment for wrinkles may be the most effective way of achieving a younger-looking face. Related Information Smooth moves: Medical treatments for facial wrinkles Slide show: How aging affects your skin Caring for your skin: What to do Saving face: The nips and tucks of face-lifts Anti-aging therapies: Youth in a bottle? Skin Center November 12, 2004 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/over-the-counter-wrinkle-creams-miracle-or-marketing-myth- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bra-gives-go-ahead-for-three-projects BRA gives go-ahead for three projectsSource: www.boston.comThe Boston Redevelopment Authority approved projects that could add nearly 400 residences in the city, including an expansion in Charles River Park. The BRA gave the green light to developer Equity Residential to move forward with the West End Residences at Emerson Place. The residences plan 306 rental apartments, 15 percent of which will be affordable. Equity said the project will be the first residential development in the West End in 20 years. At 131 Green St. in Jamaica Plain, the BRA approved a ''transit-oriented development project" with 21 town house condos near the MBTA Green Street station. Another project that got BRA approval was one with 29 town houses at 131 Brookley Road in the same neighborhood. (Chris Reidy)ADVERTISEMENT Hub company loses ruling in GermanyA German court has ruled that Energizer Holdings Inc.'s four-bladed Quattro razor does not infringe on Gillette Co.'s European patent on a three-bladed design, Energizer said. In the latest development in a feud between the world's largest makers of wet-shave products, the court also ordered Gillette, the market leader, to reimburse Energizer's unspecified court costs. The ruling came 11 months after a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a similar finding, denying Boston-based Gillette's request for a preliminary injunction in the United States. Gillette spokesman Eric Kraus said the company would appeal, adding, ''We have been consistent in our rigorous defense of our intellectual property and we do not intend to abandon the claim based on this ruling." (AP)Gaiety Theatre owner seeks demolitionThe owner of the defunct Gaiety Theatre has asked the City of Boston for a demolition permit, but a group of preservationists wants to save the nearly 100-year-old building. Kensington Investment Co. wants to tear down the structure and put up an apartment building nearly 300 feet tall. Kensington already has its major approvals from the Boston Redevelopment Authority for the project, at the corner of Washington and LaGrange streets near Chinatown. (Chris Reidy)Genzyme, partner get OK for wrinkle gelInamed Corp. and its partner Genzyme Corp. won US approval to sell the Captique wrinkle gel, a dermal filler product based on Genzyme's nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid technology. The treatment is Inamed's first wrinkle filler that is not derived from animals. The Food and Drug Administration cleared Captique to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles, Inamed said. Genzyme and Inamed disclosed the clearance after US markets closed. (Bloomberg)Inverness Medical to restate earningsInverness Medical Innovations Inc. will restate earnings downward for all previous periods through 2002 because of an error in calculating deferred taxes. Waltham-based Inverness, which restated 2002 earnings this year following a Securities and Exchange Commission review of an intercompany loan, also cut its earnings outlook for 2005 by 12 cents a share, citing the error. The diagnostics company said restatements will widen its 2002 loss of $4.63 a share by 8 cents, and decrease 2003 earnings of 64 cents a share by 10 cents. The adjustments will widen the loss in each of the first two quarters of 2004 by 4 cents a share, and by 3 cents in the third quarter. (Dow Jones) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bra-gives-go-ahead-for-three-projects http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-boosts-depression-treatment Supplement Boosts Depression TreatmentSource: www.betterhumans.comSmall study shows that SAMe can relieve symptoms when antidepressant drugs aren't enough Betterhumans Staff 12/1/2004 3:51 PM Advertisement The purported mood-boosting supplement SAMe has received support from a small study that found combining it with standard antidepressants can help people who fail to respond to drugs alone. The pilot study by American researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that SAMe improved symptoms in half of subjects and provided complete relief of symptoms in 43%."One of the most common problems in treating depression is the number of people who are left with symptoms after initial treatment with a first-line antidepressant," says study leader Jonathan Alpert. "Some previous trials have suggested that SAMe might have effects comparable to some antidepressants, but there has not been sufficient research on oral SAMe preparations or comparisons with available antidepressants."Combined treatmentSAMe (S-Adenosy-L-Methionine) is found in every human cell, especially in the brain and liver. It is a metabolite of the essential amino acid methionine. Among other things, it helps the body grow and repair cells and helps maintain the action of neurotransmitters that affect mood such as dopamine and serotonin. It is therefore widely sold as a mood-booster, with several reports supporting its efficacy.For the latest study, Alpert and colleagues looked at whether adding SAMe to antidepressant treatments could improve results for people who failed to get relief from a single medication. Thirty people participated. All had significant depression after more than a month of treatment with such drugs as Prozac. For six weeks, they received SAMe along with their antidepressant, beginning at 400 mg twice a day and increasing to 800 mg twice a day after two weeks. After the study period, analysis of symptoms showed that 50% of the participants had improvements in their symptoms and 43% had remission of their depression.Two participants dropped out because of treatment side-effects, but none were considered serious.Larger trials comingWhile the results are considered promising, the study has acknowledged limitations: It was small, there was no control group and participants knew they were taking SAMe. The study was also sponsored by Pharmavite LLC of Mission Hills, California, which manufactures Nature Made vitamins and supplements.But the researchers consider it a good stepping stone to larger trials. "This is the first study to look at the safety and efficacy of combining SAMe with antidepressant treatment after antidepressants had proven insufficient on their own," says Alpert. "Patients and physicians have been using these combinations without good supporting data, and these results are an initial step toward compiling the necessary scientific evidence."The researchers have now begun a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of SAMe combined with antidepressants. Another NIH-supported study will compare SAMe alone with standard antidepressants and placebo.The research is reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-boosts-depression-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spectrum-organic-products-alpha-linolenic-acid-is-proven-to-be-heart-healthy Spectrum Organic Products: Alpha-Linolenic Acid Is Proven to Be Heart HealthySource: home.businesswire.comSeparate research studies reveal that a diet rich in the omega-3 essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death Spectrum Organic Products, a leading manufacturer of natural and organic fats and oils, is endorsing new studies that demonstrate the cardiovascular benefits of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a form of omega-3 unsaturated essential fatty acid found in flaxseed oil, flax seed, canola oil, walnuts and walnut oil, plus certain green leafy vegetables. A Harvard University School of Medicine study, presented in November at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans, suggested that women who reported eating diets rich in ALA had a lower risk of dying from heart disease and sudden cardiac death than those whose diets are low in the plant-derived fatty acid. The study tracked 76,763 women who completed a food questionnaire every four years over a 16-year period beginning in 1984. According to the study's lead author, Christine M. Albert, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University's Medical School in Boston, the study suggests that the higher a woman's ALA intake, the greater the benefit in preventing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. In related news, researchers at Pennsylvania State University reported in the latest issue of the Journal of Nutrition that a diet rich in ALA not only lowered bad cholesterol but also decreased markers for blood vessel inflammation in men and women representative of typical Americans at cardiovascular risk. According to the results of the Penn State study, compared to the average American diet, an ALA diet lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation strongly associated with heart disease, declined after six weeks on the alpha-linolenic acid diet. "The real news behind these two studies is that ALA by itself has been reaffirmed as a healthy dietary fat that can significantly reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) risk," says Dr. Richard Delany, M.D., F.A.C.C., and president of Personalized Preventive Medicine in Milton, Mass. "ALA works not only by preventing lethal arrhythmias (and thus sudden death) but also by acting directly in preventing the body from making pro-inflammatory compounds, thus helping in the prevention of plaque formation, heart attacks and CHD death. This anti-inflammatory action of ALA illustrates the multiple ways that ALA is able to reduce coronary heart disease risk," he says. "By simply adding a little flax oil to your cooked foods you can add a wonderful flavor while adding a heart-healthy fat to your diet," says Claire Criscuolo, owner of Claire's Corner Copia Restaurant in New Haven, Conn., the nation's longest-running vegetarian restaurant. Criscuolo further counsels people to use the right cooking oil for the right reasons. "The folks at Spectrum have created an easy-to-understand method for people to correctly cook with the right oils, called 'Cooking 1-2-3,'" added Criscuolo. Here's how "Cooking 1-2-3" works: 1) Refined for High Heat High heat cooking, such as frying or sauteing, requires refined oils that won't burn at high temperatures. When cooking oil burns or reaches its "smoke point," it begins to decompose, which can cause a loss in nutritional integrity and the healthful properties of the oil. Spectrum recommends almond, avocado, or high heat canola oil. 2) Unrefined for Flavor Unrefined oils are best used for short-term, medium heat cooking, such as sauteing or baking, or for adding a flavor component to a prepared dish. Spectrum recommends extra virgin olive, peanut, toasted sesame, corn, walnut or coconut oil. 3) Nutriments for Health Oils with nutriment qualities complement a dish by providing nutrients that nourish, promote growth or repair cell damage. These oils are best used in finished dishes, including soups, grains, hot cereals and salads or blended into dressings. They can also be taken without food, as a dietary supplement. Spectrum recommends flax, flax/borage and wheat germ oil. For more information, please visit www.spectrumorganics.com. Spectrum Organic Products Inc. (OTCBB:SPOP), the leading manufacturer and marketer of organic and natural oils and condiments in North America, was founded in 1986 by Jethren Phillips. Today, the company sells more than 175 products under the Spectrum Naturals(R) and Spectrum Essentials(R) brands, as well as industrial sizes of oils and condiments through its Spectrum Ingredients(R) division. 'Safe Harbor' Statements under the Private Securities Act of 1995: The statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks are described in SPOP's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Content provided by Compass Natural Marketing, Boulder, CO, www.compassnaturalmarketing.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spectrum-organic-products-alpha-linolenic-acid-is-proven-to-be-heart-healthy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-protects-against-stomach-cancer Vitamin C protects against stomach cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukVitamin C intake and fruit consumption may be linked to reduced risk of stomach cancer according to new research form the US National Cancer Institute and the Public Health Institute of Finland. The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of stomach cancer was assessed in 29,000 male smoker participants aged 50-69. The US and Finnish scientists said they had found fruit and vitamin C intake, but not vegetable consumption, reduced the risk of stomach cancer by 45 per cent. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-protects-against-stomach-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-may-reduce-risk-of-lung-cancer Red wine may reduce risk of lung cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukResearch from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain suggests there are benefits to lung health from drinking moderate quantities of red wine. In a hospital-based case study, 319 subjects were interviewed about their lifestyles including alcohol consumption and tobacco use. White wine appeared to contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer while red wine showed a slight reduction. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-may-reduce-risk-of-lung-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-acupuncture-effective-for-arthritis Study: Acupuncture Effective for ArthritisSource: my.webmd.comAncient Practice Relieves Pain, Improves Function in Knee OsteoarthritisAn ancient Chinese medical treatment that has been used by millions of Americans finally has a stamp of approval from western medicine. In what investigators are calling a "landmark" study, acupuncture was found to reduce pain and improve movement among patients with osteoarthritis of the knee when used with other treatments.Findings from the study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, were reported at a Monday news conference and are published in the Dec. 21 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.The director of the NIH's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) called the investigation the "largest, longest, and most rigorous study of acupuncture" ever conducted. He said the 2,000-year-old practice can now be considered a "new" addition to therapies for degenerative osteoarthritis.Principal investigator Brian M. Berman, MD, of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland, said osteoarthritis of the knee was a logical choice for the large, government-funded acupuncture study because so many people with the condition have already turned to alternative medicines."(Osteoarthritis) is a big public health problem affecting many millions of people in the U.S.," he said. "It is associated with a significant reduction in quality of life and is an area where traditional medicine does not have all the answers. Adequate pain relief is often not achieved, and many drugs have undesirable side effects, especially in the elderly."Traditional Treatments Under FireThe safety of the most widely prescribed of the traditional medicines -- the pain relievers known as Cox-2 inhibitors -- has been much in the news lately. The arthritis drug Vioxx was voluntarily pulled from the market earlier this fall after a large trial linked its use to an increase in heart attacks and strokes. In another trial, reported last week, Pfizer's popular Cox-2 inhibitor Celebrex was also found to increase heart attack risk. The company says it has no plans to pull Celebrex from the market until it studies the data.Just under a third of the patients in the acupuncture trial were also taking a Cox-2 inhibitor. But study co-investigator Marc Hochberg, MD, PhD, said Monday that the Cox-2 inhibitors have not been shown to be superior to other pain relievers for the treatment of osteoarthritis.He added that recent studies suggest that side effects such as ulcers and bleeding that result from the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be minimized by also taking ulcer drugs, known as proton-pump inhibitors or H2 blockers."There is actually very little indication for the use of Cox-2 selective inhibitors in managing patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis," Hochberg said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-acupuncture-effective-for-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/facial-acupuncture-gaining-ground Facial Acupuncture Gaining GroundSource: www.kansascity.comPaula Scardamalia has pins in her face - nine tiny ones angling out near her eyes, mouth and jaw. The pins were poked in to tighten chin skin and erase lines on the 52-year-old woman's face. The practice, called facial acupuncture, is becoming popular as a sort of holistic alternative to trying to turn back time through toxins or surgery."This has got to be healthier than Botox or a surgical facelift," said Scardamalia, the little needles wagging slightly.Interest in facial acupuncture might be connected to the rising popularity of alternative medicine, or to society's obsession with youth and beauty, or to the mass of aging baby boomers. Whatever the reason, acupuncturists report a wave of interest in the ancient Chinese practice."It's very hot," said Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, a New York City practitioner whose facial work now consumes about three-quarters of her practice.Acupuncturists typically stimulate selected points on the body with hair-thin pins to promote good health and alleviate pain. They view it as correcting energy imbalances along the body's "meridians," which carry an energy flow called Qi (pronounced "chee") - a concept many mainstream physicians say lacks scientific evidence.In facial acupuncture, needles are usually stuck in wrinkles and sags to bring more blood, Qi and muscle tone to an area. The theory, in a nutshell, is that a healthy face is a better-looking face."As you might imagine, facial acupuncture for, shall we say, cosmetic purposes, was not one of the core issues in ancient Chinese medicine," said Michael McCoy, executive director of the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. "It just turns out to be an interesting application that fits a lot of cultural values of the present."Some practitioners advertise the process as an "acupuncture facelift," though more tradition-minded practitioners blanch at the term. Wakefield says that's an improper label for what amounts to an organic healing process .Marion Bergan, the licensed acupuncturist who treated Scardamalia for a demonstration, offers "facial rejuvenation acupuncture" in addition to her medical acupuncture. The 90-minute procedure includes an herbal face mask, a massage and a mild electrical stimulation. But the underpinning, so to speak, remains acupuncture.Most of Bergan's facial customers are women in their 50s and 60s. But Wakefield said her practice gets a fair share of men, too."They realize in order to keep their jobs and to get jobs, they need to look younger," Wakefield said.Patients who get over any aversion to having needles stuck in their face find out it doesn't hurt, at least not much.Bergan stuck eight needles in my face and neck with little discomfort. A needle was jabbed into the furrow between my eyes. No pain. Then laugh lines. No pain. Then my cheeks. OK, felt those. But the needles were thin and the jabs shallow.The needles were out within a half-hour, leaving no trace of pinprick wounds. Facial lines, such as they are for someone in his late 30s, were still there after a single treatment.Mary O'Connell, a 60-year-old treated by Bergan last year, said she noticed a tighter face after her sixth of 10 weekly treatments."It didn't put me back to age 16," she said. "... What it did do is take out the heavy, deep, deep lines around my cheeks and mouth and has sort of eliminated the drawn, tired look."Ten treatments ran O'Connell about $1,300. That's cheaper than a facelift. A treatment with Botox, the wrinkle-smoothing agent derived from the toxin that causes botulism, can cost around $400.While millions of Americans have had acupuncture treatments, the practice has never been fully embraced by the American medical establishment.The American Medical Association has no position on it. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, cites on its Web site research that found evidence acupuncture is useful for managing pain, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Proponents cite an 8-year-old study in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture that found a 90 percent success rate for facial acupuncture.Still, some medical professionals are dubious. Stephen Barrett, a retired psychiatrist who runs the Quackwatch Web site, compares faith in Qi and meridians to believing in ghosts."I can't think of any anatomical reason why needles in the face would affect wrinkles," he said.O'Connell said that besides making her face look younger, the process just made her feel good.Which is part of the point. Bergan said many clients are starting to visibly age and the acupuncture helps them deal with it in a healthy way."The women just need a little lift," she said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/facial-acupuncture-gaining-ground http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/epilepsy-alternative-medicine-may-not-mix Epilepsy, Alternative Medicine May Not MixSource: my.webmd.comSome Products May Be Risky When Taken With Epilepsy TreatmentsMany people with epilepsy use complementary and alternative medical products, but some of those items may conflict with traditional epilepsy treatments. Such products can include vitamin/mineral supplements as well as herbal and natural products. They're available over the counter and are widely used for a variety of health concerns. However, those products aren't necessarily proven remedies and may have unwanted side effects. To be on the safe side, patients are encouraged to tell their doctors about any products they're taking. But that doesn't always happen, as a recent survey of 187 people with epilepsy (or their caregivers) showed. The survey was conducted by Marie Plunkett and colleagues from the University of California at San Francisco. They reported their findings in New Orleans at the American Epilepsy Society's annual meeting. More than half (56%) reported using some sort of complementary or alternative medical product. But only 68% of those patients had let their doctors know about it. They would probably be surprised to learn that some complementary and alternative medicine products might cause an increase in seizures or affect the metabolism of seizure medication. "Over one quarter of these persons used products containing ingredients with the potential to either increase the occurrence of seizures or alter hepatic drug clearance [liver metabolism]," say the researchers. Almost 14% of complementary and alternative users took products containing ingredients that had the potential to increase seizure occurrence. Those ingredients include ephedra, ginseng, evening primrose, and ginkgo, the researchers report. In addition, almost a fifth of complementary and alternative medicine users took products that could interfere with the metabolism of their epilepsy medication. St. John's wort, echinacea, and garlic might affect liver enzymes that influence the body's response to medicine, say the researchers. Vitamin/mineral supplements were the most popular products, with 83 users in the survey group. Those products weren't flagged by the researchers for possible epilepsy interactions. Most people said they took complementary and alternative products to improve general health, supplement their diet, or follow their doctor's recommendations. Only six patients said they used complementary and alternative medicine specifically to improve their epilepsy or to counteract side effects from their epilepsy medications. No life-threatening events due to complementary and alternative medicine were reported in the survey. Patients using those products weren't more likely to have frequent seizures or negative side effects from their antiepileptic drugs. Still, there is reason for caution, say the researchers. They call for more studies to weigh the risks and benefits of complementary and alternative medicine for people with epilepsy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/epilepsy-alternative-medicine-may-not-mix http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-10-arthritis-advances-of-2004 Top 10 Arthritis Advances of 2004Source: my.webmd.comNew therapies designed to fight the biology behind rheumatoid arthritis lead the list of the top 10 arthritis advances of 2004, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Recent clinical trials show the biologic drug Rituxan, which is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Another biologic drug, known as abatacept, also appears to help those who don't respond to other rheumatoid arthritis treatments. Also high on the list of arthritis advances is the discovery of a common genetic link between immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, and thyroid disease. "Breakthrough advances in 2004 offer hope to people with arthritis and provide a glimpse of what is possible in the future," says John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, in a news release. "As the number of people with arthritis reaches epidemic proportions, advances in research, public health, and public policy are more important than ever to preventing, controlling, and eventually curing the nation's No. 1 cause of disability." Top Arthritis Advances In compiling its list of the top arthritis advances of 2004, the Arthritis Foundation sought input from physicians and researchers in a variety of different arthritis specialties, as well as the American College of Rheumatology, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the CDC. Here's a brief summary of their top 10 choices: New Biologic Drugs Show Promise in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Two experimental drugs that selectively target harmful immune cells involved in rheumatoid arthritis have been successful in recent clinical trials. Researchers say these drugs bring them closer to stopping the progression of the disease. In 2004, researchers showed that a brief course of treatment with Rituxan, either alone or in combination with methotrexate or cyclophosphamide, was safe and effective in relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for at least six months. Other research suggested the value of using abatacept, part of a new class of drugs known as co-stimulation modulators that block the activation of a type of immune cell known as T-cells. Abatacept appears to be a useful alternative therapy for people with rheumatoid arthritis who have failed on methotrexate and/or other medications called biologic agents, which specifically target parts of the immune system that lead to inflammation, as well as joint and tissue damage. Gene Variation Linked to Autoimmune Disorders. Scientists discovered a variation in a gene linked with an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other disorders that affect the immune system, which may explain why these conditions tend to group in families. This discovery may eventually lead to new treatments for immune disorders. Biological Marker for Rheumatoid Arthritis Found. Researchers demonstrated that more than 90% of a group of people with "undifferentiated arthritis" who tested positive on a simple "anti-CCP2" antibody blood test developed rheumatoid arthritis within three years. Such a tool may help alert physicians to those patients who may require more intensive monitoring, screening, and early treatment. Medicare Coverage of Self-Injected Medications Secured. A new law implemented in 2004 allows up to 50,000 people with Medicare who have serious and life-threatening conditions, including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, to obtain medications at a reduced cost. The new Medicare legislation means patients who take self-injected medications, such as the biologics Enbrel, Humira, and Kineret, can save thousands of dollars on medications to improve their arthritis. Effectiveness of Weight Loss and Physical Activity Confirmed. New research showed that exercise and diet together significantly improve physical function and reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis of the knee in people over age 60 that are overweight or obese compared with either therapy alone. Antibiotic Slows Osteoarthritis Progression. Research showed that an antibiotic, doxycycline, which is used to treat a variety of infections, also inhibits the breakdown of joint cartilage in osteoarthritis. Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2004 Introduced. The first arthritis-specific legislation in more than 30 years expands the federal government's efforts to prevent, treat, and find a cure for arthritis. First Set of Quality Indicators for Arthritis Pain Treatment Introduced. Fifty-one measures of quality health care for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or anyone using pain medication were introduced in 2004 by a multidisciplinary panel of nationally recognized experts New Treatment Effective in Slowing Bone Erosion. Data reported in 2004 show the potential value of a new drug based on new insights about bone biology. AMG 162 is a human antibody designed to block an inflammatory chemical (RANKL) that contributes to the destruction of bone in people with a variety of conditions including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and those taking corticosteroids. Measures Mandated to Prevent Wrong-Site Surgery. It is estimated that one in five orthopaedic surgeons will operate on the wrong site in his or her career. To improve patient safety, preoperative surgical site marking became mandatory in U.S. hospitals and surgical centers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-10-arthritis-advances-of-2004 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wonderful-walnuts Wonderful WalnutsSource: www.50connect.co.ukWalnuts offer a natural source of omega-3s, which are good for heart health and linked to a reduced risk of cancer.More...Walnut RecipesA Handful Of Nuts A DayPeanuts Keep The Heart HealthyNutritious Pecans Walnuts are one of the most nutritious whole food sources of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Research shows including walnuts in the diet can improve vascular, or blood vessel, function which can aid in the prevention of heart disease and stroke, and walnuts can lower cholesterol levels, including LDL or "bad" cholesterol.Walnuts are one of the few foods, and the only nut that fulfils the daily requirement of omega-3s. Omega-3s are essential for optimal function of every cell in our bodies but since our bodies can't produce this 'good' fat, we have to get it from the foods we eat. A daily intake of 1.6 and 1.1 grams of omega-3s for men and women respectively is recommended. With 2.5 grams of omega-3s, just one ounce, or a handful, of walnuts more than fulfils this requirement. Promising research from Penn State University showing that a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid improves blood vessel function was reported recently at the American Heart Association's 5th Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. Lead author Dr. Sheila G. West suggested that "the special kind of fatty acids that are present in walnuts can improve the function of arteries and allow them to dilate better."Walnut consumption has been proven to significantly lower total cholesterol levels as well as LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels, and clinical studies have already proved that omega-3s reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Several studies, including the Nurses' Health Study, have shown that eating nuts reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, and omega-3s seem to protect against developing irregular heart rhythms.Other studies suggest omega-3s may also help prevent certain cancers and ease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3s are also good for the brain, and eating nuts helps lower the risk of developing gallstones.Walnuts are an easy way to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into a daily diet since they can conveniently be included in any meal, from breakfast to dessert, and they taste good. You can enjoy them as a healthy snack, add them to salads or toss them in your yogurt. You can lightly roast them, add them to cooked vegetable dishes, use them in stuffing recipes or incorporate them into home-made breads and cakes. Many researchers cite the special combination of nutrients in walnuts as accounting for these beneficial effects. In addition to providing a significant concentration of omega-3s, walnuts are packed with many vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre, melatonin, L-arginine and several other important nutrients, which fight disease. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study of food antioxidants noted that walnuts have a particularly high concentration of antioxidants. Walnuts are not a low-calorie food, but they are protein-rich and have no cholesterol or trans fat.Considered an essential food for good health because they contain so many vital nutrients, walnuts are a great alternative omega-3 source if you're a vegetarian or simply don't want to eat fish as frequently as recommended. "Walnuts are an excellent plant source for omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them a good addition to your diet if you are interested in reducing risk of cancer and other chronic diseases," said Jeff Prince, vice president for education at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). With recent news about toxins in certain fish sources of omega-3s, the AICR recommends walnuts as an alternative beneficial source of this critical nutrient that is deficient in many diets. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wonderful-walnuts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/an-omega-3-and-omega-6-diet-could-enhance-breast-cancer-treatment An Omega-3 and Omega-6 Diet Could Enhance Breast Cancer TreatmentSource: www.medindia.netA new study shows a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may enhance response to the drug tamoxifen in breast cancer patients. Researchers say they studied mice to determine the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.For the study the animals were divided into four groups. The first received a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids with a placebo. The second received a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids along with the drug tamoxifen. The third received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with a placebo. The fourth received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with tamoxifen treatment.It was observed that the animals that received a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids and tamoxifen had a 66-percent tumor growth inhibition when compared to those on placebo. Mice on the diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a placebo had about a 48-percent tumor growth inhibition. Those that received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with tamoxifen had a nearly 80-percent tumor growth inhibition.Researchers say the results of their study have significant clinical implications, suggesting that dietary interventions could be effective at enhancing therapeutic response to a subset of breast cancer tumors resistant to endocrine therapy due to aberrant growth factor signaling. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/an-omega-3-and-omega-6-diet-could-enhance-breast-cancer-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-is-key-if-you-want-to-avoid-prostate-cancer- Diet is key if you want to avoid prostate cancer.Source: www.50connect.co.ukFive times more men die of prostate cancer in the United States than in Japan. In fact, the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer are significantly higher in the United States when compared to most Asian countries. Why? The answer, as research suggests, can most likely be found in the diet and lifestyle differences found across the globe. The Men's Health Index: Health resources for menYour Health: All your health problems explained In general, Americans consume approximately 40 percent of total calories from fat, where fat intake in China and Japan is considerably lower, at 10 to 20 percent. The Asian diet is characteristically rich in fish and plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soy foods, while the typical Western diet consists of significantly more processed, or 'convenience' foods, and animal products. Evidence overwhelmingly suggests that it is healthier to have a diet low in fat particularly saturated or animal fat, and high in fruits, vegetables, fibre, and soy protein. Fat Facts Fat has been studied more thoroughly and linked more frequently to cancer than any other factor in our diets. Studies of the vast cultural differences in diet first identified total fat intake as a factor directly associated with the incidence of prostate cancer. The incidence of prostate cancer has increased significantly in the 20th century right along with the increased intake of red meat and hidden fats in oils, margarine, butter, and processed baked goods. Saturated Fats While the evidence does support a diet that is on the whole low in fat - as low as 10 to 20 percent total calories from fat—more recent research suggests that the type of fat you consume can also make a difference. Several studies have found a direct association between saturated fat intake from meat and dairy products and prostate cancers. Saturated fats are animal in origin, such as fatty meats (i.e., beef, veal, pork, lamb), whole-milk dairy products, and butter. Even leaner animal products such as chicken or turkey can serve up a lot of saturated fat if you are choosing pieces with skin or dark meat. Unsaturated Fats On the other hand, unsaturated fats are derived mainly from plants and fish. The two types of unsaturated fats include monounsaturated fats, which include fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and peanuts and polyunsaturated fats such as omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and fish and flax seeds. While all types of unsaturated fats have been shown to help cardiovascular health by lowering levels of LDL or 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, laboratory tests have suggested that trying to increase omega-3 fatty acids while decreasing sources of omega-6 fatty acids can help control stimulation of tumour growth in prostate cancer. Trans-Fatty Acids Trans-fatty acids are unsaturated fats that have been chemically modified to become saturated and seem to carry the same risks as saturated fats where cancer and heart disease are concerned. These fats are found mostly in margarine and processed snacks or baked goods, which list “partially hydrogenated oil” as one of the first ingredients on the food label. Overall, in the fight against prostate cancer, your goal should be to lower the total fat in your diet - specifically saturated fats, omega-6 fatty-acids and trans-fats, while incorporating some omega-3 fatty acids for their potential protective effects. Here are some tips for lowering your fat intake: Eliminate fried foods. Use low-fat cooking methods. Use cooking spray or a nonstick pan instead of oil. Grill, broil, roast, or poach fish and poultry. Trim all visible fat before cooking. Choose only low-fat or fat-free dairy products. A low-fat product means there is no more than 3g of fat per serving and a “fat free” product has no more than ½ gram of fat per serving. Eliminate fatty meats like hot dogs, marbled meats and dark meat poultry. Try and limit consumption of red meat to no more than once per week or once per month - or simply avoid these meats altogether. Eliminate fatty foods like cream sauces, poultry skin, cream soups, nuts, chocolates, gravies. Choose tomato-based sauces and soups instead of cream varieties. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-is-key-if-you-want-to-avoid-prostate-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/swanks-late-night-protein-diet SWANK'S LATE-NIGHT PROTEIN DIETSource: www.contactmusic.comOSCAR winner HILARY SWANK piled on 8.6 kilograms (19 pounds) of muscle to play a boxer in CLINT EASTWOOD's new movie MILLION DOLLAR BABY by guzzling egg whites and protein shakes in the middle of the night.The BOYS DON'T CRY star trained for four-and-a-half hours a day, six days a week for three months to get into fighting-fit shape for her role as MAGGIE FITZGERALD, and that meant upsetting her sleep patterns.She explains, "To gain the actual muscle I had to eat about 210 grams of protein a day. There was a point where I could only eat 50 grams of carbohydrates a day."Just to give you an example of that, an eight ounce glass of apple juice has 30 grams of carbs in it. It was challenging and it was a really strict diet. I was drinking egg whites."I needed nine hours of sleep a night for my body to be able to recover. Your muscles have to rest. But I couldn't go that long without eating so I had to wake up and drink protein shakes." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/swanks-late-night-protein-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prostate-cancer-and-pancreatic-cancer-new-studies-indicate-improvement-with-pc-hope Prostate Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer: New Studies Indicate Improvement with PC HopeSource: www.emediawire.comStudies show that for people with pancreatic cancer and men with prostate cancer, PC Hope is associated with significant improvements in quality of life, reductions in patients’ pain rating, and a decline in PSA levels for prostate cancer patients—all without major side effects.(PRWEB) December 9, 2004 -- PC Hope, an herbal supplement from Nutrition 2000, has not only shown significant improvement for prostate cancer patients, but also has shown antiproliferative and apoptotic (cell death) effects with pancreatic cancer.In a pancreatic cancer study, eight human pancreatic cancer cell lines were exposed to PC Hope. Cell proliferation effects on the cell cycle and the mode of cell death were analyzed. In vivo effects were also studied in an intraperitoneal mouse model. PC Hope displayed inhibition of cell growth in all eight pancreatic cancer lines. Three-hour exposure to PC Hope led to a significant absolute increase in the cell cycle fraction. Cyclin B1 levels were downregulated in all pancreatic cancer cell lines after 24 hour exposure to PC Hope. After 24 hours of PC Hope exposure DAPI positive apoptotic nuclear formations were seen in 20% to 46% of pancreatic cancer cells. The studies ultimately showed that PC Hope mediates powerful and deadly effects against an array of pancreatic cancer cells. In vivo activity has led to a significant survival advantage, but no curative prognosis to date. PC Hope’s promising remedy for pancreatic cancer, qualifies for phase I clinical testing. With the cancer as a leading cause of death in the United States, Nutrition 2000 is truly optimistic.The prostate cancer studies also yielded encouraging results. Led by two European doctors, Dr. U. Kratzer of the Urology Clinic in Trostberg, Germany, and Dr. B. Pfeifer of the Aeskulap Cancer Center in Brunnen, Switzerland, the prostate cancer studies concluded that the herbal blend in PC Hope significantly reduces PSA and pain of metastatic disease, which can improve the quality of life for prostate cancer patients without the harmful side effects that accompany other treatment methods. The first study revealed that 60% of the 84 prostate cancer patients reported improvement of at least 30% in their overall daily functioning. The second study indicated that about two-thirds of the hormone refractory prostate cancer patients responded with a greater than 50% reduction in their serum PSA levels. Moreover, at least 20% of the prostate cancer patients responded not only with a durable PSA decline under the PC Hope formulation therapy, but also showed evidence of decreasing volume of primary prostate cancer and metastases. Experts say that current therapeutic regimens for prostate cancer have only shown temporary palliative benefits without increasing patient survival rate, and most of these palliative therapies have significant side effects. Prostate cancer patients with such negative prognoses are more likely to seek alternative treatments, including herbal remedies. Among such remedies, PC Hope has gained popularity due to reports about its benefits for hormone refractory prostate cancer patients. The results of both prostate cancer studies verify some of those claimed benefits. Larry Pope, President of Nutrition 2000, says, “The results of these studies are promising and show that PC Hope is an effective alternative for prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer patients. We want the public to be educated and know about the benefits of PC Hope. It is part of a comprehensive care program with a particular protocol, and should not be perceived as a magic bullet on its own.”About Nutrition 2000 Nutrition 2000 offers some of the world's finest natural health products, herbal remedies, alternative medicines, and supplements for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, Candida, and more. Stocking a carefully selected range of products made from the highest quality herbal extracts and pharmaceutical-grade nutrient powders, they provide alternative natural remedies to combat illnesses and common ailments. Nutrition 2000 delivers their message and products to the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries around the world.For more detailed information concerning these studies on pancreatic or prostate cancer or to learn more about PC Hope, please visit www.nutrition2000.com or call 1-800-558-9697. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prostate-cancer-and-pancreatic-cancer-new-studies-indicate-improvement-with-pc-hope http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meditech-collaborates-with-international-cancer-drug-expert Meditech Collaborates with International Cancer Drug ExpertSource: www.pharmalive.comBiotechnology company Meditech Research Limited (ASX: MTR) today announced that it has initiated a collaboration with Professor Kazuhiko Arimori at the Miyazaki Medical College Hospital in Miyazaki, Japan. Professor Arimori is a world expert on the metabolism of irinotecan – one of the most widely used colorectal cancer drugs – and, through the collaboration, will investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid on the levels of irinotecan in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of rats. Meditech anticipates that the collaboration will provide insights into the mechanism by which hyaluronic acid reduces the toxic effects of cancer drugs. These insights will support and extend the observations from the company’s recently completed Phase I study of HyCAMPTM – Meditech’s proprietary formulation of irinotecan with hyaluronic acid – where it saw evidence of reduced GI toxicity in colorectal cancer patients. In particular, patients showed a lower than expected incidence of severe diarrhoea, one of the most common side effects seen in patients treated with cancer drugs such as irinotecan. Meditech announced earlier this month that it has begun a Phase II clinical study of HyCAMP in colorectal cancer patients. “We are excited to work with a scientist of the caliber of Professor Arimori,” said Associate Professor Tracey Brown, Meditech’s Research Director. “Professor Arimori conducted many of the studies supporting the original approval of irinotecan and so is the ideal person to carry out the HyCAMP™ studies.” Research work under the collaboration will be conducted at the Miyazaki Medical College Hospital in Japan and the Hyaluronan Research Laboratory at Monash University in Melbourne. About HyCAMP HyCAMP is Meditech’s proprietary formulation of irinotecan (Camptosar®) with hyaluronic acid. It has previously been tested in a 12-patient, uncontrolled Phase I study, the results of which were presented at the 29th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in October 2004. Although the number of patients in the Phase I study was not sufficient to draw any firm conclusions, treatment with HyCAMP showed a trend towards improved safety with maintained efficacy. A Phase II study is currently underway. HyCAMP is the subject of a development and commercialisation agreement with Danish company Novozymes Biopolymers A/S. Novozymes Biopolymers is a 100% owned subsidiary of Novozymes A/S, the biotech-based world leader in enzymes and microorganisms. With its head office in Denmark, Novozymes employs more than 3,900 people in 30 countries. (For further company information visit Novozymes on the Internet at www.novozymes.com.) Under this agreement, Meditech and Novozymes are collaborating in the development of advanced formulations of HyCAMP. In addition, Novozymes is providing funding for the Phase II clinical study. Meditech has the right to commercialise intellectual property arising from the collaboration in the fields of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, while Novozymes has the commercialisation rights for cosmetics and nutraceuticals. For products developed under this agreement, Novozymes will be the exclusive supplier of hyaluronic acid. About Meditech Meditech is an Australian biotechnology company focused on developing and commercialising drugs that improve the health and quality of life of patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. The company has internationally recognised expertise in carbohydrate-based therapies, particularly products based upon the glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid. Building on this expertise, Meditech has created its patented HyACT (Hyaluronic Acid Chemotransport Technology) platform which it is applying to the development of improved formulations of cancer drugs. In addition to HyCAMP, Meditech has taken the anti-cancer products HyDOX (doxorubicin and hyaluronic acid) and HyFIVE (5-fluorouracil and hyaluronic acid) into clinical testing. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meditech-collaborates-with-international-cancer-drug-expert http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-facelift-in-your-lunch-hour A facelift in your lunch hourSource: www.telegraph.co.ukThe latest weapon against wrinkles is an injectable treatment that lifts and fills – the results are almost instantaneous, discovers Lisa Reich Most (honest) people's idea of growing old gracefully isn't embracing each wrinkle like a friend, but rather heading it off at the pass (the soaring sales of beauty products are testament to this). And if a wrinkle manages to sneak up on you, then you try to blast it off the face of your epidermis with Bush-like zeal.Creams and moisturisers, all those promises-in-a-jar, are not the answer. "I get asked all the time what moisturiser is best and my answer is always, just use the one that makes you feel good," says Penelope Tympanidis, consultant dermatologist at Renascene Facial Aesthetics in London. "An over-the-counter product can't make a significant difference because it can't penetrate dermal layers. If it could, it would be on prescription. So really, it doesn't matter if you spend £1, £10 or £200."Surgery, of course, can work miracles. It grabs time in a headlock and forces it to retreat decades. But lifting and implants are expensive, the procedures traumatic. And then there is the little problem of what to do if you hate your new look.But as of last week, there is a new weapon available in the war against wrinkles. Restylane Sub Q, the latest from Swedish skincare laboratory Q Med, is an injectable treatment that fills and lifts, and it is being hailed as something of a breakthrough."Sub Q can alter facial contour, rather than just filling lines or folds," says cosmetic surgeon Rajiv Grover. "I've been using it since March and it has proved effective in a way which previously I could only have achieved with surgery."It is made from non animal stabilised hyaluronic acid gel – a tissue-friendly substance that occurs naturally in the body. It's versatile and once inside the skin, the practitioner can move and mould it to get the desired look and lift. The effects are gratifyingly immediate and, unlike surgery, it can be carried out in a lunch hour.Sub Q lifts the skin by plumping from within, says Mr Grover. It can last up to 18 months, so while beauty trends come and go, you won't run the risk of being stuck with something you loathe. In the past few months, I've been feeling that age has caught up with me – my skin is thinner, softer, crêpier and a lot more "south" than it used to be – so I decide to give Sub Q a try. Penelope Tympanides, who carries out my treatment, is efficient, honest and reassuringly beautiful. "I'm very cautious," she says, handing me a mirror. Patients are required to tell her in their own words what they dislike about their faces so that she can gauge whether expectations are realistic. "I'm good, but I don't have a magic wand. I can't make you 10 years younger, but I can probably make you look like you did 10 years ago."That's good enough for me. Tympanidis draws on my face, marking the areas she will treat. She leads me to a large mirror, stands behind me and pulls back and lifts my skin with her fingers to show me what the result will be.She suggests just one injection for both sides of my face – more dramatic results would entail one in each side and I can come back later if that's what I want. A local anaesthetic, probably the most uncomfortable part of the whole procedure, is applied to the entire face. After 20 minutes or so, my face is numb. Tympanidis is humming happily to herself as she takes the needle and the Sub Q out of its packaging, and even though I know I won't feel a thing, the sight of the glinting sabre she's flicking with her nail makes me a bit anxious."Is that needle five inches?" "At least – and it's a canella not a needle." "You say it so... casually.""I know. I'm cool, huh? OK now, so lie still, please."It might have been the mother of all needles/canellas, but I did not feel it enter my flesh. In fact, I have had more painful bikini waxes. The photographer fares less well and almost drops his camera, grabbing my foot for support."Always the men," says Tympanidis.The results are hard to gauge immediately after the procedure, because of swelling. "I look a bit hexagonal," I say. Tympanidis just waves off my worries and says to come back two days later, on Thursday.By then, my skin is plumper and firmer and I look less tired. What I love most are my cheekbones, which seem higher and more defined. One woman I know tells me I look great and, for once, I can't be bothered to disagree. Penelope Tympanidis, Consultant Dermatologist, Renascene Facial Aesthetics, 19 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8GE. Tel: 020 7462 0030. Mr Rajiv Grover, Consultant Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon, 144 Harley Street, London W1G 7LE. Tel: 020 7486 4301. For information about Sub Q and Restylane, and to find your nearest practitioner, tel: 0800 015 5548 or see www.restylane.com 13 August 2004[Health]: A few pointers for a new face [Facial acupuncture] 12 August 2002[Health]: A facelift for the fainthearted Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-facelift-in-your-lunch-hour http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-aging-supplements-mean-taking-leap-of-faith Anti-aging supplements mean taking leap of faithSource: www.contracostatimes.comQ: What can you tell me about an anti-wrinkle dietary supplement that contains hyaluronic acid? I have heard that it replenishes water in the system that is lost in the aging process. It is sold in 20-milligram capsules. Is this as effective as it is advertised to be? Any information you could give would be greatly appreciated.A: I am not a plastic surgeon or an esthetician, but I can provide some background on hyaluronic acid and the claims of what it might accomplish as a dietary supplement.We are all aging, and I am at a point in life where the "getting older" process is one I have come to welcome. I am unsure whether this is borne of inevitability, but I have found that aging is accompanied by an ongoing opportunity to grow and gain wisdom from life's experiences and to share and learn from others. The physical manifestations of aging are another issue. Perhaps it is a control issue, as this is one thing over which we ultimately have little say. Some choose to counter the march of time through healthful eating and staying mentally and physically active to help maintain vital body tissues.One of the most visible signs of aging is the shrinkage factor, or the loss of tissue volume, which can be particularly noticeable in the face. Habitual muscular movements tend to become more evident in various folds and wrinkles. Aside from plastic surgery, there are popular treatments that involve injections to interrupt normal muscle contours of the face or to fill in the face and its folds. These changes are cosmetic, but they have increased in popularity. One of the substances used is hyaluronic acid, a compound that is actually produced in our bodies. This substance is present in soft tissue, such as skin and cartilage, and is also present in the fluids in our eyes and in synovial fluid that lubricates joints. The physical structure of hyaluronic acid has a water-holding, gel-like lubricant quality that helps it perform its tasks in the body. Physicians sometimes administer hyaluronic acid via injection directly into joint areas with severe problems.The issue here is that we are not talking about hyaluronic acid made by the body to suit its own needs or the compound purposefully injected to have a direct effect on a site where a problem exists. Your question involves taking this substance as a dietary supplement. The assumption is that this product will be absorbed intact and that it will preferentially go to the intended location and have the desired anti-wrinkle effect. That is massive leap of faith, not science. What happens when a substance is injected does not translate to the same effect when taken as a dietary supplement. There is no evidence, nor reason to believe, that hyaluronic acid as a dietary supplement will have any anti-wrinkle abilities. Simply because such claims exist in tandem with convincing testimonials does not make them valid.Q: Your column on calcium and milk brought back memories from the '70s, when I was buying books on nutrition for the library I worked at. I encountered the statement in several books that (as I recall) fat was needed to metabolize milk. It was in a diet book that called for smoothies made with nonfat milk and vegetable oil. (Yuck!) I eventually traced the tale to one of nutritionist Adele Davis' books. Although Davis scrupulously documented statements like "People need vitamins," she gave no source for the dictum on milk and fat. Davis died shortly afterward. I hadn't heard the statements about milk for years, but apparently they are still around.A I have found that every time the topic of milk comes up, it awakens the opinion from those who take issue with homogenization, pasteurization, vitamin D fortification, etc., that milk is only OK to drink if you are a calf. And all of this countered by the "pro" milk forces who have well-funded chapter-and-verse to match any "anti" argument. It is always a challenge to inform while not fanning the flames. I remember reading Adele Davis and thought her commonsense approach to focus on the nutrients in real food was a good starting point. There were some definite issues when she endeavored to fill in the scientific blanks, and the nonfat-milk-plus-vegetable-oil issue was certainly one of them. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-aging-supplements-mean-taking-leap-of-faith http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-bad-girl- Nutrition: Bad girl!Source: www.timesonline.co.ukIt's cold and dark outside, you're feeling miserable and your natural instinct is to reach for the chips. Amanda Ursell tells you why - and what you can do to avoid the winter stodge Some animals hibernate as a means of making it through the cold winter months. Humans, on the other hand, have developed other survival mechanisms, one of which is to eat more. Winter weight gain is hardly surprising: scientists estimate that we tuck away about 7% more calories in winter than at other times of the year. In the past, this served us well, providing the extra calories we need to keep warm and fuel the more strenuous efforts required in hunting for food. In today’s western culture of central heating and a 24-hour, plentiful food supply, however, this seasonal urge to eat more is simply another obstacle in the continuing battle to control our weight. And the problem does not end there. As the days get shorter, we are exposed to less sunlight and so produce less of the feelgood, appetite-suppressing brain chemical serotonin. This, in turn, stimulates an urge to eat fast-release carbohydrate foods, such as piles of toast, chunks of cakes, biscuits, sweets and puddings, to boost serotonin levels as the body attempts to self-medicate its way to a better mood. This is particularly relevant for the 1 in 25 adults who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (Sad), a condition caused by low serotonin levels during the darker months, which results in seasonal extreme lows in mood. The news gets worse still. Research has also shown that we have a tendency to eat more when it is darker. This is purely psychological — it is why restaurants turn down the lights (to get you to eat more and, thus, spend more). Scientists believe the explanation is that we lose our inhibitions around food when we feel others cannot see exactly how much we are eating. Next time you think about scoffing a chocolate bar on the way home from work, bear in mind that nobody may be watching, but the calories still count. And, of course, there is a tendency to stay in more during the winter evenings, which potentially has two effects on our energy balance. First, it means we are not burning calories while out and about, taking a walk or playing with the children out-of-doors. We opt instead to curl up in front of the television or the computer. Second, not only have these activities been shown to burn even fewer calories than sitting and reading (our bodies appear to go into a kind of comatose state, which demands an even lower energy burn), but it frequently leads to mindless telly-snacking, during which, nutritionists have revealed, hundreds of extra calories can be unwittingly consumed. But knowledge — as ever — is power. If you know the pitfalls, then you can work around them. It is instinctive to crave more food in winter and to want steaming-hot, filling dishes, so why not make or buy healthy versions of warming soups, casseroles, stews and tasty puddings such as baked fruits that satisfy your senses without causing you to pile on the pounds? Keep a stock of low-calorie telly snacks, such as frozen berries that can be defrosted, heated and served with a big blob of low-fat yoghurt. Carry a variety of ready-to-eat dried fruit with you to dig into if the dark nights usually send you heading for the vending machine on the way home. Or just grab a skinny cappuccino or latte for a low-calorie warm drink. If you suffer from Sad, ward off the temptation to overeat by taking serotonin boosters, such as St John’s wort, and by eating lower-calorie, slow-release carbohydrates, such as porridge, which boost this brain chemical naturally. Also, make a serious effort to get active, even though you may be tempted to curl up and sofa-surf. Physical activity not only burns calories but boosts feelgood endorphins to help counteract a fall-off in serotonin. If you still crave food, it is worth trying the natural supplement Zotrim, which is based on South American herbs. Studies show that it slows down stomach emptying and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Finally, book a January beach holiday. There is nothing like the thought of baring all in a bikini to keep your hand out of the biscuit barrel. Seek medical advice before taking St John’s wort if you have been taking the contraceptive pill for several years, if you are taking prescription antidepressants, or if you are taking warfarin Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-bad-girl- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mrsa-cured-by-vitamin-c MRSA Cured by Vitamin CSource: press.arrivenet.comI am unable to understand why, after publication of the evidence I submitted on 30th July quoting the two papers on the efficacy of ascorbate in killing MRSA in Japanese research by Nakanishi T. and available on Entrez PubMed, no interest at all has been shown. Could it not be the case that non-toxic IV ascorbate would provide an instant solution to these infections and many others, and may one ask why it has not been done? There is not even a negative paper to be found in the literature on the subject of multigram doses of ascorbate IV - only many successes and positively beneficial sequelae. The prompt resolution of many bacterial and viral infections by ascorbate IV have been reported by Klenner F and others from 1949 onwards. If the public has to wait much longer as the death rate mounts, might not MRSA patients start discharging themselves from hospitals in order to start injecting themselves? I would. -Sydney J Bush PhD. DOpt. (IOSc. London) Competing interests: None. Sydney J Bush PhD.,DOpt. (IOSc., London) Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner The Hull Contact Lens and Eye Clinic. also....Anti-Coronary Clinics (UK) Ltd. Yorkshire CardioRetinometry facility. 20-22 Brook St. HULL East Yorkshire. ENGLAND HU2 8LA Tel 0044 (0) 1482 223131 (fax 227636)MRSA = Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus now killing thousands world-wide.Additional note by Dr Bush: CardioRetinometry is the new speciality of monitoring heart and other diseases electronically via the eye vessels and recording their reduction through nutrition e.g., ascorbate. This is the new name for vitamin C, known for 50 years to be probably less toxic than water, but denied or ignored by physicians. CardioRetinometry clearly and instantly reveals that over 95 % of people suffer from chronic sub-clincal scurvy which is difficult for general medical practitioners - but not optometrists - to diagnose electronically using advanced camera/microscopes. Hull 25th December 2004# # #Letter in eBritish Medical Journal 29th November 2004 Reducing MRSA on orthopaedic wards From Dr.Sydney J Bush PhD. DOpt. (IOSc. London) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mrsa-cured-by-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-water-therapy Benefits of Water TherapySource: www.zwire.comI would like to point out for others who may be suffering the same ailments that I do the benefits of aquatic therapy. Since my back surgery, plus other ailments and all the pain associated with it, I have been undergoing therapy at the YMCA pool. Advertisement The benefits have been great. It helps with the pain, it gives me mobility, strength and flexibility to my joints, muscles, tissues, ligaments and nerves.There are unique physical properties of the water. The heated water with resistance and buoyancy decreases the gravitational forces placed on my body during exercising.It's less painful because of the lack of gravity. It increases tissue temperature and helps assist with circulation, helps reduce swelling and improves cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.The relaxing effects of immersion in water also improve my psychological well-being, and the water has a massaging effect.I've seen it help others, too, with the way people walk, improving coordination, decreasing pain, muscle spasm and stiffness.Through research I found many people could benefit with a specially designed water exercise program.Water aerobic is beneficial to people suffering from orthopedic problems (joint problems, arthritic, muscle strains, sprains, disc problems, reconstructive surgery), neurologic problems (multiple sclerosis, stroke), acute or chronic pain, cardiac problems, pregnancy and exercise-induced asthma.I want to thank Laurel Highland Physical Center for all their help, their caring and competent staff, especially Dr. Amy Bencic, who first evaluated my impairments and then designed a personal water aquatic therapy program suitable to meet my needs so that I would receive the most out of the program. For now, they use the pool at the YMCA, which also has water aerobic and arthritic classes available.I would also like to mention Dr. Klain's medicine practice for being so attentive to my problems and directing me to the physical therapy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-water-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-to-point-of-alternative-therapy Getting to point of alternative therapySource: news.scotsman.comJESSE walks with pain and a stick. In her mid-50s, she lives in the country and finds getting about in Edinburgh difficult because of the cobbles, which jolt at every step. Osteoarthritis in her left hip is now preventing her from gardening. She takes two painkillers, with glucosamine for her joints, cod liver oil for her circulation, garlic to ward off seasonal ailments, and something for high blood pressure. As well as this, she has had acupuncture for her hip, when she was abroad and wants more, as she is too young for a hip operation. Acupuncture? Why acupuncture? What good is sticking pins in someone with osteoarthritis, which happens when the bones rub against each other because the cushioning cartilage between them has deteriorated? It’s one of the oldest known degenerative diseases, and modern medicine usually helps people with osteoarthritic hip problems by operating on the hip. I have another new patient in her 80s who has now had two operations on each of her hips - she’s still hobbling. Why does she think acupuncture can help? Research by scientists in the United States has concluded acupuncture can reduce pain and improve mobility in arthritis patients by 40 per cent. A total of 570 patients aged 50 and older with osteoarthritis of the knee took part in the 26-week study. They were randomly assigned one of three treatments - genuine acupuncture, "sham" acupuncture, or a self-help course that teaches patients to manage their own condition. They also continued to receive their normal medical care, including anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers. By the end of the trial, the volunteers receiving acupuncture found pain was reduced by about 40 per cent and function improved by almost 40 per cent. Acupuncture is a traditional oriental therapy that aims to improve the overall wellbeing of the patient, as well as treat the specific complaints the patient is concerned about. Chinese philosophy says our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) within the body. FOR any number of reasons, Qi may become unbalanced. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance. To assess how the energies are flowing in an individual’s body, an acupuncturist with traditional Chinese training is likely to ask a number of questions, and assess the patient’s energy from how they look, sound, behave, walk and so on and will probably feel the pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of the tongue also give a good guide to physical health. Acupuncture is only one part of traditional Chinese medicine, others include cupping (placing heated cups over the skin to encourage blood flow, which Gwyneth Paltrow recently brought to public notice), ear acupuncture, moxibustion (a method of warming the body using herbs), guasha (a method of moving the body’s energy and blood) and massage. An acupuncturist will have an understanding of Chinese medical philosophy and theory, which can be applied to almost any condition, from the common cold to meningitis, infertility to depression, skin disease to respiratory problems and migraine to arthritis. It also helps an acupuncturist understand the causes of disease. Acupuncture is a powerful method for helping many conditions, using a system that has been developed and safely tested over thousands of years. Chinese medicine has very few side effects and most of those are desirable, like sleeping better, having more energy, being more positive, and coping with the stress of everyday life better. Acupuncture may not be suitable for everyone, because sometimes there is a more appropriate alternative, such as herbs or homeopathy, but acupuncture can help most people, and reduce suffering and prolong life in many terminal conditions. Does it hurt? The answer is yes, a little, but much less than giving blood, for example. Once the needle has been inserted, you should feel something, more like a slight ache, a tingling or heaviness, when the needle starts to work. In most cases, without this the treatment is less successful. Anyhow, people wouldn’t keep coming if they didn’t think it was worth it. Chinese medicine and acupuncture approaches everyone as an individual, a practitioner won’t use the same acupuncture points for everyone with the same disease. Which points are used depends on the specific health condition and the patient. AN acupuncturist will also offer lifestyle and dietary advice so you can help yourself to maintain good health. How do you find someone properly trained in this wonderful system of medicine, at last receiving its due recognition? Be careful to choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council. BAcC members have an extensive training in acupuncture and bio-medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. Look out for the letters MBAcC after the practitioner’s name as this shows membership of the BAcC. A patient’s personal relationship and rapport with their practitioner is important. You need to find a practitioner you feel comfortable with, who understands what you want from treatment and who can explain clearly the benefits acupuncture can offer. As for Jesse, the woman in her 50s who found it difficult to get round Edinburgh, three days after the first treatment she said the pain initially got slightly worse, then got considerably better. Seven days after the next treatment she was less sore and much better at night and she’d managed to visit and walk around a large foreign city (also with cobbles) with much more energy than usual. At the next treatment, four days later, she said that she had now had five days without pain at all, until she went Christmas shopping, after which she ached that night. And the stick? I never saw it after the first session. • Jonathan Clogstoun-Willmott is director of the Edinburgh Natural Health Centre. He is a member of the Society of Homeopaths and of the British Acupuncture Council Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-to-point-of-alternative-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cherie-blairs-alternative-therapy-to-rid-her-of-negative-energy- Cherie Blair's alternative therapy to rid her of 'negative energy':Source: www.newkerala.comBritain's first lady, Cherie Blair, has reportedly hired a heath guru to help her get rid of the 'negative thought patterns in her mind.' The therapist, Lilias Curtin, taps her patient's thought patterns and believes problems ranging from anxiety to insomnia can be cured by tapping on the body to ' unblock' negative thoughts, reports The Daily Mail. Insiders reveal that Cherie has been visiting Mrs Curtin on a regular basis for several months after being introduced by Carole Caplin, her style and fitness consultant. "Cherie started going to see Lilias in the early autumn," said a source close to the Prime Minister's wife. She had been recommended by Carole Caplin, who apparently sends quite a few of her clients to her," the report quoted an insider as saying. "It's no secret that Mrs Blair is a big fan of alternative therapies, and it may well be that Lilias Curtin has taken over from the late Jack Temple in offering Mrs Blair the sort of remedies she is interested in," the source added. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cherie-blairs-alternative-therapy-to-rid-her-of-negative-energy- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-some-vitamin-e-fights-cancer Study: Some vitamin E fights cancerSource: www.southbendtribune.comThe form of vitamin E found in many plant seeds -- but not in most manufactured nutritional supplements -- might halt the growth of prostate and lung cancer cells, according to a Purdue study.A team led by Qing Jiang has found that gamma-tocopherol, which occurs naturally in walnuts, pecans and sesame seeds, and in corn and sesame oils, inhibits the proliferation of lab-cultured human prostate and lung cancer cells.The vitamin's presence interrupts the synthesis of certain fatty molecules called sphingolipids, important components of cell membranes.However, the gamma-tocopherol leaves healthy human prostate cells unaffected, which could give it value as an anti-cancer agent. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-some-vitamin-e-fights-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/leafy-green-vegetables-may-prevent-cataracts Leafy green vegetables may prevent cataractsSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comEating leafy green vegetables may help prevent cataracts, according to a new study in the December 2004 edition of the Journal of Nutrition. What did the study show? The study showed that substances found in leafy green vegetables helped to protect eye cells from damage by ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is thought to be a cause of cataracts. What are cataracts? A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye clouds over. The cataract is like frosted glass, making your vision blurred. See below for more information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of cataracts. What is the lens? The lens is a clear tissue that is found behind the iris, the coloured part of your eye. The lens helps your eye to focus on what you are looking at. What do we know already about protecting the eyes? Vitamin E is thought to protect the eye from the development of diseases. Vitamin E is mainly found in plant products, such as vegetable oils, soybeans, broccoli and leafy green vegetables. It is an antioxidant. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that are thought to "mop up" molecules called free radicals in the body. Free radicals are produced by the body's normal chemical reactions. Free radicals are thought to damage body cells, which may lead to the development of diseases such as cancer. So mopping up free radicals may stop the damage they cause. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/leafy-green-vegetables-may-prevent-cataracts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breakthrough-retinal-photos-confirm-vitamin-c-pills-can-reverse-artery-disease Breakthrough: Retinal Photos Confirm Vitamin C Pills Can Reverse Artery DiseaseA new diagnostic technique can access coronary heart disease risk (CHD) suggested by universal retinal arterial atheroma, previously thought irreversible. Physicians have overlooked, and Optometrists were not expecting that vitamin C would have this benefit. This effect was accidentally found and linked to the vitamin C that contact lens wearers had agreed to take. We have increasingly noticed it since 1999 using retinometry in the Hull Contact Lens and Eye Clinic. Such a discovery requires urgent evaluation.(PRWEB) December 17, 2004 -- Given that arterial disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries, doctors have employed different technologies to ascertain the onset and severity of cardiovascular disease. Since 1851 when the first ophthalmoscope was developed, doctors have been able to directly view arteries at the back of the eyes. Years later, pictures of the retinal blood vessels were taken which helped eye doctors diagnose and chart the progression of various eye disorders. Then, beginning in the 1960s cardiologists began injecting dye into blood vessels and viewing an x-ray fluoroscope to find arterial blockages throughout the body. Angiograms, as they care called, usually aren’t obtained until symptoms of arterial disease are apparent. But when eye researchers revealed this past July in the British Medical Journal that narrowing of small arteries at the back of the eyes precedes the development of high blood pressure, it opened up a new non-invasive way of detecting systemic artery disease. Retinal photos could detect hypertension long before blood pressure rises. But what are doctors to do with this discovery? Prescribing medications to adults before they actually develop hypertension would not be advisable. Then Dr. Syd Bush, a PhD and Doctor of Optometry in East Yorkshire near London, wrote a letter to British Medical Journal editors citing his experience prescribing vitamin C for arterial disease based upon retinal photographs he had taken with a digital retinal camera. In the course of his practice of placing patients on vitamin C to prevent or treat contact lens problems, Dr. Bush serendipitously discovered high-dose vitamin C reversed arterial disease, and he had the photographic evidence to prove it. Dr. Bush’s letter could be historic. If Dr. Bush is correct, millions of strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery operations could be avoided with early supplementation with vitamin C. Dr. Bush calls this new approach to cardiovascular health CardioRetinometry. Retinal photograph taken in 2002 (left) reveals artery disease (vessel narrowing, drop out of some vessels). Retinal photo (right) taken in 2004 after daily vitamin C supplementation confirms retinal arteries have widened and some reappear.But is the medical community ready to embrace such a simple technology that would prevent much of the cardiovascular disease being treated today? The worldwide figures are staggering – 600 million have hypertension. The World Health Organization says some 20 million strokes occur each year. Two million angiographies are performed annually in the US. Virtually every adult over age 40 is at risk for arterial disease. Angiography is much too expensive to be a screening tool (~$2000). Dr. Bush’s retinal photographs could be a cost-effective breakthrough.Insurance plans don’t pay for retinal photos without an indication. But the public can afford to pay, out of pocket, to have retinal photos taken during eye exams. Progression or regression of retinal artery narrowing can be monitored. It will take the world some time to fathom what Dr. Bush has revealed. Vitamin C Therapy Misunderstood Mega-dose vitamin C has been misunderstood, says Dr. Bush. With the revelation that vitamin C has a half-life of about 30-minutes in the human body, a fact recently documented by two other British researchers, Drs. Steve Hickey and Hilary Roberts of Manchester, emphasizes the need to take repeated doses of vitamin C throughout the day to maintain blood concentrations. Hickey and Roberts book, Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C (www.lulu.com/ascorbate), reveals vitamin C concentrations can reach many times greater concentration than previously thought possible, a fact now confirmed by National Institutes of Health researchers themselves in independent studies. A more recent study, just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, an analysis of nine previous studies, further confirms vitamin C supplement users, those who consume more than 700 milligrams per day, have a 30% reduced risk for coronary heart disease compared to non-supplement users. A report in 1992 mistakenly claimed that more than 200 milligrams of daily vitamin C is worthless because excesses are excreted in the urine. That errant report has likely resulted in the otherwise avoidable loss of millions of lives. It began in 1998 Dr. Bush began utilizing advanced retinal photographic technology in 1998. He claims every human being has scurvy, a frank deficiency of vitamin C. Animals produce their own vitamin C and don’t develop age-related arterial disease as do humans, Dr. Bush notes. Small aneurysms, bulging areas that indicate weak artery walls, can also be reversed with vitamin C. This suggests many thousands of cases of brain or aortic aneurysms can possibly be remedied with supplemental vitamin C. After a time Dr. Bush judged that over 90% of patients with arterial disease can be improved with 3000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, but some need over 10,000mgs/day supplemented with extra vitamin E. Even hard calcifications could be remedied over a two-year period of vitamin C supplementation. Dr. Bush says he can even visualize a fine white line, a silver wire appearance, that runs down almost every artery of adults who have high cholesterol. The silver line disappears with vitamin C therapy.Dr. Bush’s CardioRetinometry Logo Dr. Bush has already been the victim of some dirty tricks, in this case a false accusation that he placed the name of a physician on one of his CardioRetinometry brochures without the doctor’s permission, but that allegation soon disappeared. He fears cardiologists will retaliate in some fashion over a technology that could turn many of them into cab drivers. Dr. Bush has been interviewed on television and radio and his website ( http://www.hullcontactlensclinic.co.uk/cardior.htm ) has been flooded with inquiries. He mulls over how entrenched medical authorities will attempt to maintain the status quo. One approach could be the upcoming limitation on doses of vitamins and minerals now being established by a world trade body called Codex. If Codex can limit vitamin C pills to no more than a few milligrams, it will be more expensive to practice vitamin C therapy. Dr. Bush doesn’t anticipate the medical profession to readily begin taking retinal photographs and prescribe vitamin C. But the public can choose to have photos taken and evaluate vitamin C therapy on their own. Maybe patient-driven medicine is just what is needed, he says. Dr. Bush claims when Dr. Linus Pauling’s book, Vitamin C And The Common Cold, was published in 1970, vitamin C consumption rose by 300% and the rate of cardiovascular disease began to decline thereafter. It could happen all over again, says Dr. Bush, to an even greater extent. Imagine a world without the plague of cardiovascular disease. It now appears within reach. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breakthrough-retinal-photos-confirm-vitamin-c-pills-can-reverse-artery-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-can-halt-prostate-and-lung-cancer-study- Vitamin E can halt prostate and lung cancer: Study:Source: news.newkerala.comA new study, conducted by scientists at the Purdue University, has found that the form of vitamin E found in many plant seeds, but not in most manufactured nutritional supplements, might halt the growth of prostate and lung cancer cells. They found that gamma-tocopherol, which occurs naturally in walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, and in corn and sesame oils, inhibits the proliferation of lab-cultured human prostate and lung cancer cells. The vitamin's presence interrupts the synthesis of certain fatty molecules called sphingolipids, important components of cell membranes. However, the gamma-tocopherol leaves healthy human prostate cells unaffected, which could give it value as an anticancer agent. The study, which has been published in the journal 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,' however said that because most nutritional supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol, a different form of vitamin E that alone does not have these anticancer properties, it may be better to supplement the diet with mixed forms of vitamin E. The researchers indicated that gamma-tocopherol inhibits inflammation, which had already been implicated in cancer development. They theorized that it might retard the progress of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and to test their hypothesis they exposed cultures of cancerous prostate and lung cells to the vitamin. Normal prostate epithelial cells were used as a control group. They said that the vitamin could be used to target lung and prostrate cancer cells without the damaging side effects of chemotherapy. The study also revealed that gamma-tocopherol caused cell death by interrupting sphingolipid synthesis. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-can-halt-prostate-and-lung-cancer-study- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-supplements-boost-muscle-mass-in-senior-citizens Vitamin D supplements boost muscle mass in senior citizensSource: www.newstarget.comElderly people who get supplemental vitamin D in their diets have stronger muscles than those who don't, based on evidence from studies funded by the Agricultural Research Service. The findings underscore the importance of getting adequate vitamin D for the prevention of falls among the elderly. An estimated one-third of people over age 65--and up to half of those over age 80--are injured in falls each year. Bess Dawson-Hughes is director of the Bone Metabolism Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, Mass., and is also a physician and nutrition specialist. She, along with colleagues in academia and medicine, researched the five major vitamin D clinical trials conducted with older populations during the last 43 years. The researchers' analysis revealed that among more than 1,200 participants studied in controlled trials during those decades, elderly people fell down 22 percent less often if they took vitamin D supplements. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-supplements-boost-muscle-mass-in-senior-citizens http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritional-supplement-helps-ease-depression Nutritional Supplement Helps Ease DepressionSource: www.forbes.comAdding the nutritional supplement SAMe to common antidepressants may help depressed patients who haven't responded to single-drug treatment.That's the conclusion of a Massachusetts General Hospital study in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.The study found that treatment with both SAMe and an antidepressant either improved or completely relieved depression symptoms in the majority of patients.SAMe (S-Adenosy-L-Methionine) is a substance found in every human cell and is a commonly used dietary supplement, the researchers said.This study included 30 people who continued to have significant depression after more than a month of treatment with antidepressants such as Prozac, Effexor and Paxil. Over the six-week study, the patients took SAMe along with their antidepressant.The patients started by taking 400 milligrams of SAMe two times a day. After two weeks, that was increased to 800 milligrams of SAMe two times a day. At the end of the study, half the patients had significant improvement in their symptoms and 43 percent had complete remission of their depression.The study was funded by Pharmavite LLC, which makes nutritional supplements and vitamins.The researchers noted that the study had many limitations. It was a small study that lacked a control group and the subjects knew they were taking an active dose of SAMe. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritional-supplement-helps-ease-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zinc-supplement-can-save-75-000-childrens-lives Zinc supplement can save 75,000 children's livesSource: www.thedailystar.netScientists working on 'zinc supplement' for treatment of diarrhoea yesterday announced it can save the lives of 30,000 to 75,000 under-five children a year in Bangladesh both as a treatment for diarrhoeal illness and by preventing future infectious diseases. Zinc treatment not only reduces the duration of diarrhoea but also prevents its recurrence and strengthens the immune system, they said. On a global scale, zinc treatment could effectively prevent diarrhoeal diseases, saving the lives of some 400,000 children under five a year, the scientists thought. Disclosing the findings of their research at a press briefing in Dhaka, the scientists said zinc treatment reduces the severity and duration of diarrhoea as well as the likelihood of its recurrence and the need for hospitalisation. The researchers worked on management of childhood diarrhoea with the micronutrient for the last 24 years at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). The ICDDR,B's research is supported by the WHO and Unicef recommendations for use of zinc in the treatment of acute or persistent diarrhoea. Leading child specialists also favoured zinc supplement saying it has many benefits. National Professor and chief of the Institute of Child Health, Shishu Hospital, M R Khan was present as one of the panelists at the briefing. "If zinc is taken with oral saline, it enhances 20 per cent chances of survival from diarrhoea," he observed. The researchers also said zinc treatment seems to have a positive impact on pneumonia, which is another major cause of child mortality in developing countries. The WHO-Unicef recommendations for the treatment of diarrhoea include providing children with zinc for 10 -14 days (20 mg a day for children aged six months to five years or 10 mg a day for children aged 2 to 6 months. The ICDDR,B has developed a way to deliver the exact daily dosage of zinc in dispensable tablet form. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Social Marketing Company, Nutriset, Roedel Pharmaceutical Laboratories and Square Pharmaceuticals cooperated in the process. The tablets are distributed in blister packs containing a complete course of treatment. Low-cost blister pack will cost Tk 15 as against Tk 30 for the same dose in syrup form. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zinc-supplement-can-save-75-000-childrens-lives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-supplement-claims-may-be-overstated Calcium supplement claims may be overstatedSource: www.twincities.comQ. In your recent column on calcium, you said to count only the amount of "elemental" calcium in supplements. I take coral calcium. Is it superior to other calcium supplements? What percentage of it is elemental calcium?A. I see it's time for an update on coral calcium. Since last year's columns helping to expose the facts about this overhyped supplement, coral calcium products are still being heavily advertised and promoted as a special or better form of calcium.Remember the notorious coral calcium TV infomercials from years past? The FTC and the FDA finally stepped in and charged the makers and promoters of the Coral Calcium Supreme product with falsely claiming the product could treat or cure cancer and other diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis and heart disease.The feds also sent warning letters to operators of some Web sites that promote coral calcium treatments.To answer your first question, there's no evidence that coral calcium is superior to other calcium supplements, despite its exotic-sounding hype. If free of excessive lead and other contaminants, it should be comparable to other calcium carbonate supplements — no better, no worse.To your other question: Coral calcium is primarily calcium carbonate. (Product labels may say just "calcium.") Elemental calcium makes up 40 percent of calcium carbonate.To get 1,200 mg of elemental calcium (the RDA for adults older than 50), you'd need to take 3,000 mg of a calcium carbonate product.Another popular form of calcium is calcium citrate. Elemental calcium makes up only 21 percent of this calcium compound. Getting 1,200 mg of elemental calcium would require 5,700 mg of a calcium citrate product.Adequate calcium is important to help ward off osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and prone to breaking.Remember to count both dietary and supplemental sources in adding up your total calcium intake.Milk, cheese, yogurt, and calcium-fortified orange juice are easy dietary sources of calcium. For example, an 8-ounce glass of skim milk provides about 300 mg of elemental calcium.You also need adequate amounts of vitamin D to help the body absorb and use calcium. A typically recommended daily amount is 400 IU (provided by standard multivitamin-mineral products).Q. Have you heard any information about Bob Barefoot's Coral Calcium Supreme giving refunds to people who bought via his TV infomercial?A. In 2003, the FTC said it would ask that restitution be made to consumers who bought this product. This process may be stalled in the bureaucratic maze for no telling how long, but I'll stay tuned for updates.A final tip about too-good-to-be-true claims made for loosely regulated dietary supplement products: Promoters carefully craft their pitch to push our gullibility buttons. Be skeptical of purported claims until you've confirmed them through independent sources of evidence-based information. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-supplement-claims-may-be-overstated http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/overweight-have-a-cup-of-tea- Overweight? Have a cup of tea!:Source: www.newkerala.comChinese herbalists claim they have demonstrated the efficacy of tea in reducing fat in the human body, reports Xinhua.Research conducted by the Guiyang Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine shows tea drinkers on an average have less fat on their bodies and have lower risk of obesity than those who never drink tea."The average fat level in those who've been drinking tea for 10 years is 20 percent less than non- drinkers," said Shao with the hospital based in the southwestern Guizhou Province.The slimming effect of the traditional Chinese drink is more obvious in women as they were found to have 30 percent less fat and five percent less in the belly region compared with women who didn't drink tea, said Shao.Shao and his colleagues also found green tea to be more effective than black tea in reducing fat."But those who suffer from iron-deficiency anemia should avoid drinking tea during meals and insomniacs should stop drinking in the evening", said Shao. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/overweight-have-a-cup-of-tea- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/move-over-botox-theres-a-new-facial-treatment-in-town Move Over Botox, There's a New Facial Treatment in TownSource: www.14wfie.comGenetics, sun damage, smoking and how we laugh or frown can all be blamed for etching lines into our faces. Bovine collagen used to be the wrinkle-filler of choice, but had the potential to cause allergic reaction and its results were short-lived. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new substance that many dermatologists are finding more promising. Linda Doerflein says she's not looking to have an extreme makeover, but she does want to enhance her features. She's having a dermatologist soften what some refer to as the "marionette lines" near her mouth. The injectable filler called Hylaform gel contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar in the body that adds volume to the skin. Dermatologist Dr. Naji Tawfik says, "It's almost the mortar upon which the other structures of the dermis are laid, like the collagen and elastic fibers." A topical cream Dr. Tawfik put on Linda two hours before the procedure makes these injections less painful. Dr. Tawfik says, "I go under the line into the dermis and inject that material carefully to lift the skin up and replenish that compound, the hyaluronic acid that Linda had normally before and over the years we all tend to lose a little bit of it." This synthetic version is made from bird tissue. Hyaluronic acid is the same compound in every species. Unlike collagen, there's very little chance for allergic reaction. Results are usually immediate and last anywhere from four to six months. Dr. Tawfik says,"The same unwanted effect, which is short longevity, is also a good advantage because if there is a side effect with it in terms of if it is not placed properly in the area or over-correction, this does not last very long." Linda thinks she'll have a better idea of what the skin near her mouth looks like once the swelling goes down. You can judge for yourself if there's enough of a difference to justify the cost. One syringe of hylaform gel sells for $350 and it takes a full syringe to treat each area of the face. Besides wrinkle-reducing, hyaluronic acid can also be used to augment the lips, which can be more painful. And you only want a dermatologist to inject it because if someone less qualified hits a blood vessel you could have permanent discoloration, scabbing or scarring. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/move-over-botox-theres-a-new-facial-treatment-in-town http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/greying-hair-provides-clue-to-skin-cancer Greying hair provides clue to skin cancerSource: www.dailymail.co.ukScientists have discovered the root of the problem of greying hair. A gradual loss of colour-regenerating stem cells appears to be responsible, they said. But knowing why we go grey is not likely to lead to miracle "youth" treatments anytime soon. The American researchers say a more important aspect of the work is that it might lead to new ways of fighting skin cancer. Deadly disease They made the discovery while investigating the origins of malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of the disease. Members of the team from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital in Boston studied populations of ageing mice. As the animals' fur turned grey, stem cells in their hair follicles diminished in proportion to the loss of colour. The stem cells were a type which normally develop into melanocytes, the cells providing the hair's pigment. At the same time pigmented melanocytes appeared in the follicle at the wrong place, making them useless for tinting the hair. When the scientists examined human scalp tissue from people of increasing age, they found the same pattern. The research suggests that melanoma is, in a sense, the flip-side of the going-grey coin. The cancer is caused when melanocytes in the skin proliferate uncontrollably to form tumours. Anti-death gene Team leader Dr David Fisher, director of the Dana-Farber Programme in Melanoma, said: "Preventing the greying of hair is not our goal. Our goal is to prevent or treat melanoma, and to the extent this research is revealing the life cycles of melanocytes, which are the cells that become cancerous in melanoma, we would love to identify a signal that would make a melanoma cell stop growing." A clue has been found in the form of an "anti-death" gene called Bcl2, the researchers report in the journal Science. Mice lacking the gene lost their melanocyte stem cells shortly after birth and quickly and dramatically went grey. It may be that people who go grey prematurely have mutations which knock out Bcl2, Dr Fisher speculates. "This tells us there is a requirement for Bcl2 in normal hair follicle cycling," said Dr Fisher. "So the question is: what in the hair follicle is signalling the stem cells that is absent when ageing occurs and the stem cells die off ? "Now we have a much more refined way of dissecting that signalling pathway in melanoma. Eventually we hope to tap into this death pathway, thereby using drugs to mimic the ageing process, to successfully treat melanoma." The team also genetically engineered mice lacking a gene called MITF that regulates Bcl2. These mice also went grey, but more gradually than mice with no Bcl2. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/greying-hair-provides-clue-to-skin-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mend-bodys-imbalances-with-acupuncture Mend Body's Imbalances With AcupunctureSource: www.rednova.comBODY BOOSTERS * Ancient Chinese practice gaining in acceptance and popularity Is your medicine cabinet starting to look more crowded than Emeril's spice rack? Maybe you're tired of paying for and popping pills that don't seem to work. Perhaps you're worried you'll be stuck taking some of these meds for the rest of your life. It might be time to look into whether acupuncture can help balance your body -- and clear out your medicine cabinet. Acupuncture is increasingly becoming an accepted and popular way for people to not only treat their aches and pains, but also to get at the root of what ails them, say two local practitioners. "A lot of people toward middle age are starting to have a lot of pain over the body. Neck and back pain is a major complaint, especially among those whose jobs involve repetitive motion," says Cindy Wu, a doctor of Oriental medicine at Chinese Natural Therapy in Albuquerque. Patients often come to her because "they've been trying all kinds of medications, even steroid injections, and they still don't feel good," Wu says. Acupuncture is often the last resort, she adds. "We're trying to get people to think of us earlier, because we treat the root of the problem and not just the symptoms, so you get a more solid result."Acupuncture has been around for more than 5,000 years and its purpose is to locate and remedy imbalances of the body, Wu says. The Chinese believe the body is a matrix of electromagnetic energy flowing through circuitry referred to as meridians. Each of the 12 main meridians is related to an organ or function. Super- thin needles are inserted into the skin in certain channels or meridians along which the body's energy, or chi or qi (pronounced "chee"), flows. According to Chinese medical theory, "illness arises when that cyclical flow of the qi becomes unbalanced or blocked," says Susan K. Turner, a doctor of Oriental medicine at Alternative Family Healthcare in Albuquerque. The purpose of acupuncture is to restore that balance by unblocking or redirecting the qi. Bonus benefits In 1997, the National Institutes of Health issued a statement that acupuncture has proven "promising" in treating postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, and in postoperative dental pain. In addition, the institutes said acupuncture may be useful in treating addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma. Balancing the body, as opposed to masking the problem or simply treating the symptoms, can lead to bonus benefits, Wu says. "For example, we had a woman coming in for lower back pain, so we did a lower back treatment, and later, her periods became regulated," she says. "She had a lot of cramps and pains, and that's not the main reason she came in, but because we're treating the body for imbalance, it gets other symptoms, which can be a bonus or surprise."In a typical visit, acupuncturists take a detailed medical history from the patient. They take a pulse, then check the patient's tongue. The tongue's size, color, coating and other indicators help indicate the body's health, Turner says. Some acupuncturists also will palpate key points on the body to check for tenderness. "We're going to treat the whole person," she adds. "We're looking at the spiritual, mental and emotional elements. When people are stressed, they're going to get heartburn or what have you."Once the acupuncturist decides on a diagnosis, he or she usually concentrates on eight to 20 points on the meridian. Very fine, disposable needles about the width of a hair are inserted at those points to "try to communicate with the energy and to attract the energy to certain points and reguide the energy," Wu says. In scientific terms, the needles stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins, which are the body's natural painkilling hormones, Turner says. "Endorphins also play a big role in the function of the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture works well for PMS or infertility."Substances that are released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body but also regulate serotonin in the brain, which plays a role in emotions, Turner adds. "That's why depression is often treated with acupuncture."A typical session lasts 20 to 60 minutes, once or twice a week, depending on the treatment. Patients usually see positive results within one to four treatments, Turner says. Most patients find acupuncture relaxing, even to the point of dozing off. "The patient usually comes out enjoying it very much," Wu says. How many visits the patient requires depends on the nature of the problem and how long the patient has had it. Strictly regulated Acupuncturists also use Chinese herbal remedies to treat problems and to encourage patients to be proactive. "The whole idea is to maintain your balance," Wu says. Chinese herbs used in conjunction with acupuncture encompass more than 5,000 substances derived from plants, animal and mineral sources, Turner says, making for "an incredibly rich and powerful system of medicine."One of the benefits is the low risk of adverse reactions, she adds. "Unfortunately, with medications, you're often treating only the symptoms, or you're stuck on the medication forever."Turner says many people see their acupuncturist several times a year for a tuneup or maintenance. Acupuncture has gained acceptance and popularity in the United States in the past 10 or 12 years, partly because of the National Institutes of Health studies and because patients have found success with the treatments and are demanding the service, says Wu, who has practiced for 19 years. New Mexico is at the forefront of requiring strict credentials of doctors of Chinese medicine, Wu adds. All acupuncturists here must pass national and state board exams. "It's not just a certificate."Send questions about supplements and alternative medicine to Patricia Gabbett Snow at bodyboosters@ aol.com or Albuquerque Journal Boomer, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.Source: Albuquerque Journal Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mend-bodys-imbalances-with-acupuncture http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ms-sufferer-swears-by-bee-sting-therapy Ms Sufferer Swears by Bee Sting TherapySource: news.scotsman.com mother-of-two who suffers from multiple sclerosis claims 36 bee stings a week help to improve her condition.Paula Cooke, 40, endures the treatment three times a week and is stung up to 12 times each session.She began the unconventional treatment three months ago after her father spotted it on the internet.Mrs Cooke, of Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, who has battled with MS for 15 years and has no movement from her waist down, credits the bee venom therapy with helping her to regain some movement.She recently found she could move some of her toes.The bees are collected in a jar by her mother, Jillian Fisher, from a local beekeeper.Ice is placed on her back and legs to dull the pain and then the bees are taken from the jar with tweezers and put on to her skin.Mrs Cooke now wants other MS sufferers to know about the benefits of the bee sting therapy.But experts warned that the treatment could be dangerous, causing allergic reactions that could prove fatal.An MS Society spokesman said anyone tempted to try the alternative therapy should consult his or her doctor first.“No clinical trials have been carried out into the treatment and there is no scientific evidence to support it,” a spokesman for the MS Society said.“MS is a very variable condition. Its symptoms can vary or change and so therefore sometimes its difficult to know whether or not the intervention is responsible for the change or whether it’s part of the natural disease process.“Anybody who is looking to try this, or any other alternative, unconventional therapy, should first check with their doctor or neurologist before they embark on it,” he said.It is thought that the treatment works by stimulating the body’s immune system which produces the natural painkiller cortisol and reduces the effect of an existing condition. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ms-sufferer-swears-by-bee-sting-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/too-much-vitamin-c-not-good-for-diabetics-hearts Too Much Vitamin C Not Good for Diabetics' HeartsSource: www.paktribune.comOlder women with diabetes who take high doses of vitamin C for the sake of their hearts may be doing more harm than good, new research suggests. The study, which followed nearly 2,000 postmenopausal women with diabetes for 15 years, found that those who took heavy doses of vitamin C supplements -- 300 milligrams (mg) a day or more -- were roughly twice as likely to die of heart disease or stroke compared with women who took no supplemental C. The researchers did find statistically weak evidence that lower supplement doses -- up to 99 mg per day -- curbed the risk of cardiovascular death, and high intakes of vitamin C from food were not related to a greater risk of death from cardiovascular causes. The findings appear in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. According to the researchers, their results suggest that taking supplements to correct the lower blood levels of vitamin C commonly seen in diabetes is not necessarily the right choice. And though the research focused on older women, the findings may apply to men as well, according to the study's senior author. "Our results, if confirmed by other research, would suggest that diabetics should be more cautious than others about taking supplements," says Dr. David R. Jacobs Jr., of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. That additional research is important, Jacobs cautioned, because public health recommendations cannot be made on the basis of one study. The current recommended dietary intake for vitamin C is 90 mg a day for men and 75 mg per day for women. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize potentially cell-damaging substances known as oxygen free radicals, which are a normal byproduct of metabolism. While the vitamin is clearly necessary for good health, studies have garnered conflicting results on whether supplements help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, Jacobs and his colleagues note in the report, although people with diabetes often show subnormal vitamin C levels in their blood, it remains unclear whether using supplements to raise those levels has health benefits. For their study, the researchers recorded deaths from cardiovascular disease among 1,923 postmenopausal women who had diabetes at the study's start. At the outset, the women completed surveys on factors that sway cardiovascular disease risk, including diet, exercise levels, high blood pressure and smoking habits. Over the next 15 years, women who reported taking 300 mg or more of vitamin C each day had just over a two-fold higher risk of dying from coronary artery disease or stroke than women who did not take vitamin C pills. According to Jacobs, past lab research offers some potential explanations for the findings. For example, vitamin C has been shown, in the test tube, to damage cell proteins in the same manner that high blood sugar harms diabetics' body cells. Jacobs also pointed to the complexity of the "antioxidant defense system." When antioxidants interact with free radicals, he explained, they become "pro-oxidants" that must be detoxified by other antioxidants. It's possible, Jacobs speculated, that this detox process happens more slowly in diabetics -- both women and men -- and that under certain circumstances, the altered vitamin C molecules are able to harm body cells. Jacobs said he and his colleagues favor getting vitamin C, along with the full complement of nutrients, from food rather than supplements. Whereas the antioxidants in the food may be "balanced biochemically," the researchers write, any vitamin pill would lack such balance. Taking high doses of a single antioxidant, they speculate, may "perturb" the body's balance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants. The findings follow study results reported last week showing that high daily doses of another antioxidant, vitamin E, may not extend life, and instead may slightly raise the risk of dying earlier. End. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/too-much-vitamin-c-not-good-for-diabetics-hearts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hormone-replacement-therapy-connected-to-stroke-risk Hormone Replacement Therapy Connected to Stroke RiskSource: health.dailynewscentral.netHormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, especially ischemic stroke, according to a review of scientific trials published online at bmj.com. These results support previous studies that have suggested a connection between HRT and stroke. 29% Increase Researchers at the University of Nottingham reviewed the evidence from 28 completed trials involving 39,769 individuals. They assessed the risk of stroke by type, severity and outcome. Hormone replacement therapy was associated with an overall 29% increase in the risk of stroke, especially ischemic stroke, which is caused by an insufficient blood supply to the brain. The severity of stroke also increased with hormone replacement therapy. Cause Unclear It remains unclear why HRT should increase ischemic stroke and its severity when some previous studies have suggested it might have a protective effect, say the authors. However, given these findings, HRT cannot be recommended for the primary or secondary prevention of stroke, they caution. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hormone-replacement-therapy-connected-to-stroke-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-backs-chamomile-teas-health-benefits Research Backs Chamomile Tea's Health BenefitsSource: health.dailynewscentral.netBritish researchers have found new evidence that chamomile tea, a centuries old cure-all for all manner of ailments, actually may offer health benefits, including relief for cold symptoms and menstrual cramps. Their study is scheduled to appear in the January 26 issue of the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, one of the Society’s peer-reviewed journals. ACS is the world’s largest scientific society. More Evidence for Popular Natural Remedies“This is one of a growing number of studies that provide evidence that commonly used natural products really do contain chemicals that may be of medicinal value,” says study leader Elaine Holmes, Ph.D., a chemist with Imperial College London. “The healthcare industry is placing increasing emphasis on functional foods including natural remedies, yet little work has been conducted on the long term effects of such products on human biology.” The herbal plant used in this study was German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), also known as manzanilla, whose flowers and leaves are brewed as a fragrant, flavorful tea. The study involved fourteen volunteers (seven women and seven men) who each drank five cups of the herbal tea daily for two consecutive weeks. Daily urine samples were taken and tested throughout the study, both before and after drinking chamomile tea. Increased Antibacterial ActivityThe researchers found that drinking the tea was associated with a significant increase in urinary levels of hippurate, a breakdown product of certain plant-based compounds known as phenolics, some of which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. This could help explain why the tea appears to boost the immune system and fight infections associated with colds, according to the researchers. Drinking the tea also was associated with an increase in urinary levels of glycine, an amino acid that has been shown to relieve muscle spasms. This may explain why the tea appears to be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps in women, probably by relaxing the uterus, say the researchers. Sedating EffectGlycine also is known to act as a nerve relaxant, which may also explain why the tea seems to act as a mild sedative, the scientists note. Glycine supplements are sold in stores for that purpose, they add. Levels of both hippurate and glycine remained elevated for up to two weeks after the study participants stopped drinking the tea, indicating that the compounds may remain active for quite some time, according to the researchers. Additional studies are needed before a more definitive link between the tea and its alleged health benefits can be established, they emphasize. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-backs-chamomile-teas-health-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tanners-have-higher-vitamin-d-levels-bone-mass Tanners Have Higher Vitamin D Levels, Bone MassSource: www.reuters.co.ukPeople who try to stay bronze with the help of a tanning bed tend to have higher blood levels of vitamin D than those shun the salon, according to a new study.The findings, say the study authors, suggest that a regular appointment at the tanning salon may have health benefits -- though they and other experts don't recommend that people start tanning in order to boost their vitamin D levels.The study of 156 adults found those who regularly soaked up the artificial rays of a tanning bed had a 90 percent higher average vitamin D concentration in their blood. The tanners, who frequented the salon at least once a week for 6 or more months, also had greater bone density in the hips.The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was partially financed by the UV Foundation, which is funded by the Indoor Tanning Association, an industry group.A precursor to vitamin D exists naturally in the skin, and exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays touches off a chemical process that creates the usable form of the vitamin. Because vitamin D is needed for proper calcium absorption, the nutrient is vital to bone health. There is also a body of research suggesting vitamin D helps protect against certain cancers and some autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.But the fact that UV radiation is the major cause of skin cancer, as well as the major source of vitamin D, has made for a controversy over how much sun -- or artificial sun -- people should get.The senior author on the new study, Dr. Michael F. Holick of Boston University School of Medicine, has for some time advocated that people spend a short amount of time outside, without sunscreen, several days a week -- with the amount of time depending on factors such as latitude and a person's skin sensitivity.For a white person in Boston, that might mean 10 minutes in the sun, while a darker-skinned person would need longer exposure."I'm not an advocate of tanning," Holick told Reuters Health in an interview, noting that some people -- those with particularly sun-sensitive skin that never tans -- should avoid tanning salons.However, Holick said, the new findings indicate that there is a "health benefit above and beyond feeling good" from tanning beds that emit UVB light, the form of UV radiation that triggers vitamin D production.Moreover, Holick said, the results add to research showing that many Americans may be low in vitamin D. A number of studies have found fairly high rates of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S., particularly among African Americans, who need more UV exposure to produce the vitamin.Among the 50 tanning-salon patrons in Holick's study, 8 percent were deemed deficient in vitamin D, compared with 41.5 percent of non-tanners.But dermatologists, concerned about skin cancer, balk at the idea that many Americans need to increase their UV exposure for the sake of vitamin D.The American Academy of Dermatology advises people to avoid outdoor activities when the sun's rays are strongest -- between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- and to wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher whenever they're outside. The group has also urged a ban on the use of tanning equipment for non-medical purposes."You get plenty of UV light in your normal daily activities," said Dr. Darrell S. Rigel, a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University in New York City.Even when protected with sunscreen, he noted in an interview, the skin still absorbs UV rays and churns out vitamin D.Anyone concerned about getting enough of the nutrient, Rigel said, can get more by taking vitamin supplements and from vitamin D-fortified milk or other dietary sources of the vitamin. Some cereals and juices are also D-fortified, and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are natural sources.With UV radiation known to be a carcinogen, Rigel said, "there's no reason to go to a tanning bed."Holick said that people who do not wish to get more sun should take supplements to increase their vitamin D levels, as it may be tough to consume enough milk and fatty fish.SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tanners-have-higher-vitamin-d-levels-bone-mass http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-boosts-calcium-absorption-treats-psoriasis-prevents-osteoporosis-and-breast-cancer-interview-with-dr-michael-holick Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption, treats psoriasis, prevents osteoporosis and breast cancer: interview with Dr. Michael HolickSource: www.newstarget.comThe following is part one of an eight-part interview with Dr. Michael Holick, author of "The UV advantage" and one of the world's most respected authorities on vitamin D and the health benefits of natural sunlight. His work can be found at www.UVadvantage.com. Be sure to print out the vitamin D myths, facts and statistics page summarizing the key points of this interview. Adams: Today we're speaking with Dr Michael Holick, Thank you for joining us today Dr Holick. Dr. Holick: Oh, it's my pleasure. Adams: For those who may not be familiar with your work and your website, can you give a brief introduction of what you cover and how you got into it? Dr. Holick: Sure, I've been doing research in the vitamin D field for, now, more than 30 years, and I happened to be in the right place at the right time as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, and worked with one of the authorities in vitamin D, Dr. Hector DeLuca. As a graduate student my PhD project was actually the isolation and identification of the active form of vitamin D, and my roommate and I, over the next two years, were the first to chemically synthesize it. And what was really neat about that experience was that we actually gave this to patients when I was in medical school -- and patients that had bone diseases associated with kidney failure, that were wheelchair bound, that had severe bone pain started walking again. That was my first introduction into one of the major benefits of activated vitamin D and the development of it for the treatment of a bone disease. Adams: Does this mean you and your colleague were the first to synthesize this form of vitamin D? Dr. Holick: Yes, the active form of vitamin D that's made by the kidney, it's called 125-dihydroxy vitamin D. Adams: Is this procedure more widely used now, for example to make vitamin D supplements? Dr. Holick: No, because this active form of vitamin D is available only by prescription. It's used to treat osteoporosis in Europe and Japan. And it's also used to treat bone disease and kidney failure patients, and has a lot of other uses as well. Adams: So as you were doing the research on this, you were able to immediately observe the health impact of it, right away. Dr. Holick: Exactly, and what we began to realize was that vitamin D was much more complex than thought. We always knew that vitamin D was made in your skin when you are exposed to sunlight, but it was only in the 1970s that it was finally appreciated that it actually had to go on this circuitous journey, first to your liver to get hydroxylated, kind of activated, modified -- what's called 25-hydroxy vitamin D - it's the major circulating form of vitamin D that doctors should be measuring in your blood to determine your vitamin D status. But that is also inactive, and it has to go to your kidneys, and then in the kidneys it gets modified again, to its active form, which we call 125-dihydroxy vitamin D. And it's this 125-dihydroxy vitamin D that's responsible for telling your intestines to absorb calcium from your diet more efficiently, and to make sure that your blood calcium is normal and that you have healthy bones. Adams: So if there is a failure of any of these body systems along the chain, that can suppress the circulating active vitamin D then? Dr. Holick: Exactly, and in fact if you have severe liver disease, for example, you have two problems. One is that you may not be able to modify it, to get the 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and secondly if you have a fat malabsorption problem where you can't absorb dietary fat, since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, then you can't absorb vitamin D and you become deficient in vitamin D. Then if you have any kind of kidney disease, you need either activated vitamin D or one its analogs in order to be able to maintain healthy bones. Adams: In the testing then that you mentioned, was this active form being given through injection? Dr. Holick: You could either take it orally or by injections. Adams: Interesting. So you mentioned the positive impact on people who had trouble walking, who had osteoporosis, and various bone diseases. What other effects did you observe? Dr. Holick: We also realized a few years later was that your skin doesn't only make vitamin D, which I think we'll talk about a little bit more in a minute, but it also recognizes activated vitamin D. And what was really, to me, quite amazing, was that in 1985 we realized the possibility that if you take activated vitamin D and put it in skin cells that you culture from humans, it turns out that activated vitamin D was probably one of the most potent inhibitors of skin cell growth. So I reasoned back in 1985 that if that was true, maybe you could take advantage of it by developing it to treat the hyperproliferative skin disorder psoriasis. And indeed it's one of the treatments of choice now worldwide. Both activated vitamin D and its analogs are used worldwide as the first line therapy for treating psoriasis. And so again it shows you the breadth of activity that vitamin D has. Not only just to regulate calcium metabolism and bone health, but to regulate cell growth. And that's why we started realizing that people who live in higher latitudes and are more prone to vitamin D deficiency and are more prone to developing common cancers and dying of them, such as cancer of the colon, prostate, breast and even ovaries. And we think that that's in part due to the body's inability to make enough activated vitamin D to help regulate cell growth and to keep cell growth in check. Adams: That would explain the links between breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Holick: Exactly. And then the key factor that we found was that, as I mentioned to you originally, we realized that the kidney was the major source of the activation of vitamin D. And the function of that is to make activated vitamin D for bone health. But we now also know that the prostate, breast, colon and many other tissues in the body can also activate vitamin D. And by doing so, we think that it locally produces this 125-dihydroxy vitamin D, which then regulates cell growth. It's a cell growth modulator. And I spell all this out in my book "The UV advantage" at www.UVadvantage.com Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-boosts-calcium-absorption-treats-psoriasis-prevents-osteoporosis-and-breast-cancer-interview-with-dr-michael-holick http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/same-supplement-works-as-antidepressant-even-without-ssri-drugs SAMe supplement works as antidepressant, even without SSRI drugsSource: www.newstarget.comThe reason health researchers always use nutritional supplements in combination with prescription drugs is because they don't want to admit that the prescription drug is worthless. It's the nutritional supplement -- in this case, SAMe -- that's producing the antidepressant effects. The drugs aren't doing anything. So they piggyback the drug with an herb or nutritional supplement that they know works, then announce something like, "Drug X in combination with SAMe helps patients…" The real story is that you don't need the drug. SAMe, all by itself, is good medicine for depression. Of course, natural sunlight is even better, and it's free.News summary: Source: http://www.massgeneral.org/news/releases/113004SAMe.html Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have found that adding the nutritional supplement SAMe to a standard antidepressant may be helpful to patients who have not responded to single-drug treatment for clinical depression. The pilot study, appearing in the December Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, found that treatment with both SAMe and an antidepressant improved symptoms in half the study participants and produced complete relief of symptoms in 43 percent of participants. "One of the most common problems in treating depression is the number of people who are left with symptoms after initial treatment with a first-line antidepressant," says Jonathan Alpert, MD, associate director of the MGH Depression Clinical and Research Program, who led the study. A substance that is found in every human cell, SAMe (S-Adenosy-L-Methionine) is a commonly used dietary supplement. The current study was designed to investigate whether adding SAMe to antidepressant treatment could improve the results for patients for whom a single medication had not relieved symptoms. The MGH team notes that the current study has many limitations - including its small size, the lack of a control group and the fact that participants knew they were taking an active dose of SAMe. The study's co-authors are senior author Maurizio Fava, MD, George Papakostas, MD, David Mischoulon, MD, PhD, John Worthington, MD, Timothy Petersen, PhD, Yasmin Mahal, Alana Burns, and Andrew Nierenberg, MD, all of the MGH Depression and Clinical Research Program; and Teodoro Bottiglieri, PhD, of Baylor University. In 1994, MGH and Brigham and Women's Hospital joined to form Partners HealthCare System, an integrated health care delivery system comprising the two academic medical centers, specialty and community hospitals, a network of physician groups, and nonacute and home health services. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/same-supplement-works-as-antidepressant-even-without-ssri-drugs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-nutrition-healthy-eyes Good Nutrition = Healthy EyesSource: www.moretv32.comTo help prevent some diseases associated with aging of your eyes, consume a variety of foods rich in phytochemicals and vitamins C, E and A.Vitamin C- and A-rich foods include oranges, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and other dark orange and yellow fruits and vegetables.In addition to being rich in these vitamins, dark and brightly colored produce contain phytochemicals that keep eyes healthy. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds and oils. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-nutrition-healthy-eyes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chromium-a-closer-look-at-supplements Chromium -- A Closer Look at SupplementsSource: www.ediets.comWhat is Chromium? Chromium is a naturally occurring trace element obtained from foods such as liver, American cheese, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, meat, fish, fruits, whole grains, brown sugar, alfalfa and animal fats. This essential mineral is difficult for the body to absorb, whether ADVERTISEMENT from food or nutritional supplements. Chromium is thought to be required in only small amounts, and deficiency is rare. While it can be measured in hair and blood, no laboratory standards have been developed; therefore, no daily value recommendation has been established. How Does Chromium Work? Chromium's biological role has not been well defined, although we do know that it is required for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Animal studies have shown that chromium has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels. However, the results of studies involving human subjects are varied. Even if human studies confirmed that chromium affected cholesterol levels, additional studies would need to evaluate whether that reduction resulted in reducing the risk of heart disease to prove a direct benefit. Chromium is also involved with the activity of insulin. This mineral works with insulin to transfer glucose from the blood stream into cells where it is used for energy. Chromium supplementation appears effective in lowering glucose and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics. Human and laboratory studies suggest that chromium enhances the activity of insulin, although it has not proven to bring blood sugar down to normal levels. Optimal doses of chromium have not been determined. Chromium is not considered an effective stand-alone treatment for diabetes because diabetes is not a chromium deficiency disease. Usage of Chromium and Weight-Loss Claims There is no RDA for chromium, but experts generally recommend that you get between 50 to 200 mcg of the trace mineral each day, whether through food sources or supplementation. However, overdoses of chromium can have significant detrimental effects, including chronic renal failure, therefore; any supplementation with chromium should be done in modest amounts. As a supplement, chromium is manufactured in several forms, one of which is chromium picolinate. Despite the fact that relatively little is known about our need for chromium, it is touted as a supplement for a wide variety of uses, including weight loss, which earned it the "Worst Claim" award from the National Council on Health Fraud. What exactly was the claim? That chromium picolinate helps burn fat and build muscles. Proponents claim that chromium picolinate helps you lose fat and build muscle. However, the early studies that suggested this were flawed. These studies included small numbers of participants and imprecise measurements of body muscle and fat. Follow-up studies have been unable to duplicate original findings. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking chromium picolinate supplements has no effect on changing body composition. The best way to lose weight and get fit is, and always will be, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising daily. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chromium-a-closer-look-at-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/niacin-vitamin-b3-shown-to-boost-levels-of-good-cholesterol-regardless-of-statin-drugs Niacin (vitamin B3) shown to boost levels of good cholesterol, regardless of statin drugsSource: www.newstarget.comWhat's really stupid about this news (see below) is that the positive health effects of the B vitamin have nothing at all to do with the statin drug. Doctors could just ditch the statin drug and start prescribing B vitamins to their patients, and they'd see these positive effects just the same. Saying that statin drugs combined with a vitamin supplement is good for heart health is sort of like saying Frosted Flakes served with fresh strawberries is a nutritious breakfast. The only nutrition comes from the strawberries, not the sugary cereal. Similarly, the only health benefit here comes from the B vitamins, not the potentially deadly statin drugs.News summary: Source: http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=102316 Adding a high dose of niacin to a statin drug slowed the progression of artery disease in people with known heart disease, according to a new study that may prompt more doctors to prescribe the B vitamin. It has been known for years that niacin (vitamin B3) can increase levels of HDL cholesterol, the good kind. To measure that, doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center used ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery as a surrogate for coronary artery disease, a method that has proven accurate in the past. The researchers then took a group of 167 patients with known heart disease and put them on a cholesterol-lowering statin or a statin and a 1,000-milligram, extended-release niacin pill. After one year, those taking niacin had a 21% increase in their HDL cholesterol, up from an average of 39 milligrams per deciliter to 47 mg/dl. Lead author Allen Taylor, director of cardiovascular research at Walter Reed, said the study was the first to document a benefit in artery disease when comparing statins alone with a statin and niacin. Major guidelines still do not recommend niacin for treatment or prevention of heart disease. However, some cardiologists in specialized clinics have been prescribing it for their patients with low HDL cholesterol, said Daniel Rader, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania. "We do it based on faith and that low HDL is a bad thing," said Rader, who was not associated with the study. Large trials that look at whether niacin actually can reduce heart attacks and strokes are still needed, said Sidney Smith, a professor of medicine and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Science in Medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/niacin-vitamin-b3-shown-to-boost-levels-of-good-cholesterol-regardless-of-statin-drugs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-virtue-in-2005-little-alcohol-and-lots-of-herb-tea HEALTH: VIRTUE IN 2005, LITTLE ALCOHOL AND LOTS OF HERB TEASource: www.agi.itThe year 2005 will for many Italians be a year lived under the sign of well-being, of temperance and balance. No smoking, a bit of sport, farewell to blow-outs and too much drink, substituted maybe by a herb tea before going to bed early. According to a survey conducted by the magazine, "Salute naturale" (Natural Health) out of a sample of 890 Italians, between 25 and 65, the tendency to take care of their body and health is growing. And if only 19 pct of interviewees admit to having radically changed their lifestyle, 63 pct believe that they have not done enough but will take further steps in the new year. Recidivists, those who prefer a "reckless" life are only 12 pct of the interviewees. But the word health does not have the same meaning for everyone: 41 pct think it synonymous with being in good health; for 37 pct it means being beautiful and for 24 pct it is only achieved via renunciation. There are then those who think that the important thing is to take care of themselves (23 pct), to be relaxed (21 pct), to have healthy habits (17 pct). Finally, 13 pct associate health with love. There is also a growth in the number of hours that Italians dedicate to their own wellbeing: 39 pct at least an hour a day, 25 pct also two. But every good intention pursued should bring a result and for 33 pct looking after oneself should bring improvements to health, 23 pct believe that it will improve relations with other and 17 pct sex life. Notwithstanding good intentions for only 31 pct has wellbeing become a lifestyle while for 25 pct is a daily commitment consisting in renunciation and iron rules. The growth of the "neo-healthy" population is due, in good pat, to advertising and television (for 32 pct of the sample", to physical culture widespread in gyms and health centres (for 23 and 18 pct) and to the reading of magazines and specialised newspapers (13 pct). (AGI) - 291520 DIC 04 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-virtue-in-2005-little-alcohol-and-lots-of-herb-tea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/potassium-is-the-mineral-king Potassium is the mineral kingSource: sun.yumasun.comHow important is potassium? Mine is on the low side, and I've been told to drink orange juice. I've never missed a morning without orange juice. What else can I do? -- K.O.ANSWER: Potassium is a very important mineral. It keeps nerves firing, the heart beating and muscles contracting. It figures into blood pressure control. It prevents bone loss, and it stops kidney stones from forming. Potassium can blunt the effect of salt (sodium) on blood pressure. It lessens the chances of stroke.Too little potassium brings on muscle weakness, changes the ECG patterns and can alter the heartbeat. Long-standing deficiencies lead to kidney failure. Markedly low levels paralyze muscles, but that is a distinct rarity.Rather than searching for what to eat and drink to raise potassium, the more important search is finding what's making it low. One of the most common causes is diuretics. Are you taking a water pill for blood pressure control? Kidney diseases, changes in the body's acid balance, diarrhea and adrenal gland disorders also lead to potassium losses.When a cause is found and eliminated, the problem is solved.When there's a potassium deficiency and no cause is found for it, then a potassium supplement is the fastest way to right the situation. If the deficiency is not great, diet can restore the deficit. The daily potassium requirement is 4,700 mg. One cup of orange juice provides 500 mg; 10 dried figs have more than twice that amount; a baked potato with skin weighs in with 800 mg, and a sweet potato at 700. Beans, salmon, halibut, brussels sprouts, dairy products, most citrus fruits and bananas supply good amounts.You should not be left to your own devices to solve this problem. Find out how low your potassium is and press your doctor to answer why your levels have dropped.DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a number of what I call icicles dangling from my neck. One constantly gets caught in jewelry and bleeds. What are these things? Can I safely cut them off? -- L.N.ANSWER: I'm sure you're speaking of skin tags. At least a quarter of adults have one or more of them. They're most commonly found under the arms or on the neck. No one knows what causes them.They aren't cancer and they don't lead to major trouble, except that they sometimes get in the way, as yours do.From time to time, there appear medical articles that make an association between skin tags and terrible things, but never has any of those dire predictions been proven. At one time, they were said to be a sign of colon polyps. Today not many subscribe to that statement.If they're bothering you, have your doctor snip them off. It's safer than doing that on your own. You might provoke an infection or bleeding that's hard to stop.DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What does head ringworm look like? I think my daughter has it. How do I go about proving what it is? How is it treated? -- G.R.ANSWER: Scalp ringworm -- tinea capitis -- has many appearances. Most frequently it starts out as a small bald patch about the size of a dime. The patch increases in size. Involved scalp is usually red and sometimes has a crust on the surface. Itching is common.Children are the usual victims. Their oil glands do not have substances that stop scalp ringworm fungus from taking hold. Those substances appear after puberty.Children can get it from another child, from resting their heads against seats or cushions that have the fungus, from sharing hats, combs or brushes with an infected child or from pets.Griseofulvin, a medicine taken by mouth, is quite effective in eliminating it.Don't try to make the diagnosis of ringworm on your own. You're going to need the practiced eye of a doctor and possibly a microscopic examination of scalp scrapings to find out if your daughter has ringworm.* * *Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/potassium-is-the-mineral-king http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-slow-down-prostate-tumor-growth-canada-finds Vitamin D may slow down prostate tumor growth, Canada findsSource: news.xinhuanet.comA new study suggests that giving vitamin D supplements to men with rising rates of prostate tumor markers (PSA) seems to slow down their rate of tumor growth, it is reported Monday. It is a small study and this is very preliminary evidence, but doctors do see a connection between vitamin D levels and PSA levels, according to the study reported by Canadian Television. "The PSA levels seemed to reflect the seasonal variation in vitamin D levels," Dr. Lawrence Klotz, a urologist at Canada's Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Center. Researchers followed 190 men for the study. They found that overall, their PSA levels were flat during the summer, but rose during the fall and winter at the rate of about one percent each month. The doctors then gave the men 2,000 International Units of vitamin D during the fall and winter months to see what would happen. Interestingly, the vitamin D seemed to cut the rise in PSA rates by more than half. Without vitamin D, PSA rates rose by about five percent. With vitamin D, PSA rates only rose by two percent. "As far as I know, there is no other nutrient studied that has shown a slowdown in the rate of rise of a PSA." said Reinhold Veith, a professor at the University of Toronto and a leading researcher in the field of vitamin D research. Enditem Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-slow-down-prostate-tumor-growth-canada-finds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections Herbal remedies for urinary tract infectionsSource: www.expressnewsline.comA urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urethra, a pair of ureters, bladder and kidneys. If the infection is found in the urethra and bladder, it is referred to as a lower urinary tract infection. In the kidneys it is called an upper urinary tract infection. The function of kidney is to remove excess from the body. Ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores urine temporarily. And urethra passes the urine. If this system is not emptied regularly or completely from the bladder, urine can stagnate and grow bacteria. Bacteria can also be introduced into the system through the urethra. This is the most common cause of Urinary tract infections. painful, but can be life threatening. Prevention of this type of infection can be done by reducing or eradicating the bacteria before an infection occurs. The first preventative would, of course, be good hygiene. Beyond keeping the area clean, avoid dehydration. An adult should drink about eight glasses of water each day, and urinate frequently. Frequent urination can flush bacteria out of the urethra and avoid stagnation of urine in the bladder. Herbal treatments: Cranberry juice or cranberry fruit extract is acidic, and creates a hostile environment for any bacteria which could be introduced to the urinary tract. Pink grapefruit juice or essential oil has much the same effect. These can be taken in a prepared form or fresh juice can be used. Remember, when using juice as a preventative measure or treatment for an existing infection, the juice should be pure. Do not use a juice blend or "cocktail." The medicinal properties would be diminished. Eight to sixteen ounces of juice a day should be sufficient for prevention. Healthy kidney function is important in preventing urinary tract infections as well. An alfalfa juice concentrate can improve kidney function, which in turn helps rid the body of natural toxins, and increases urine flow. Another herb which works in much the same way as alfalfa is burdock root. Rose hips are a natural antibiotic, and have high vitamin C content. A special preparation of rose hips can be used to fight any type of mild infection if taken for about ten days. This is the same as many prescription antibiotics. Saw palmetto is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The two of these taken in conjunction can reduce symptoms, and infection allowing your body to heal without the side effects of prescription drugs. Sarsaparilla and juniper berries or juniper fruit extract can also be used to increase urine flow. All of these can be taken together, but it is better to choose a mixture of herbals for an overall balance. Include cranberry fruit extract with alfalfa juice concentrate, for example, to get the benefits of both. If you want to start with herbal medicines, must consult a herbalist. These herbs can be available at any drug store. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil Herbal benefits of tea tree oilSource: www.expressnewsline.comThe official name of the medicinal tea tree the oil comes from is “Melaleuca alternifolia”. The oil itself is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. Know the benefits of tea tree oil:1. It is very useful for hair as it naturally solves the problem of dry hair, dandruff, head-lice. It also relive itchy scalp. You can add a few drops of oil to your regular shampoo and leave it on for five or ten minutes, then rinse.It is also beneficial for skin problems such as dermatitis, sunburns, diaper rashes and cuts.3. It also relives the problem of arthritis, just by rubbing the oil into your joints will help a lot. 4. Athlete’s foot, smelly feet, toenail infections and other foot ailments can be cured by using a few drops of tea tree oil. Always dilute it before using. 5. Various insect bites like flies, mosquitoes and bee stings, that can be soothed simply by rubbing some tea tree oil on. 6. It is also helpful to treat sinusitis. A drop of tea tree diluted in a bit of oil can work great around your sinuses. Rub around sinuses or put a few drops in a steam bath or vaporizer. You can also put a few drops onto a tissue or handkerchief. Add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water for an inhalant. 7. The oil can even be used internally by adding a couple of drops to juice to soothe a sore throat. Mixed with water, it’s also useful as a mouthwash for a variety of mouth and gum problems. Even your pets can benefit from the use of tea tree oil. Besides deterring those pesky pet insects like fleas and ticks, using a few drops of tea tree oil in pet shampoo will help alleviate odor problems.Tea tree is safe for virtually all skin types. It is concentrated natural oil safe for most skin types but those with sensitive skin may prefer to dilute it in some sort of oil such as baby oil, olive oil or a jelly like aloe-vera. Someone with sensitive skin may want to dilute the oil and anyone with reactions should quit using it and consult their doctor for remedies. Tea tree oil can actually be diluted 100 or more times its volume and still be effective. While some people can and do use the oil straight, it’s probably better to mix a few drops with an oil such as baby oil, olive oil or Aloe Vera jelly. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 Benefits of Vitamin B12Source: www.expressnewsline.com Vitamin B12 is a cobalt containing vitamin. It is alternately known by the names derivative of cobalamin such as cyanocobalamin, cobalamyns, and hydroxycobalamin. Functions: Vitamin B12 promotes DNA synthesis and thus plays an integral role in the human body in the manufacture of genetic material of cells which is essential for growth and development. Vitamin B12 is also active and vital in the role of many enzymatic functions in the human body. It is also required for the formation of myelin. It also plays vital role in the formation and maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow of the body. It is also necessary in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is though to function in conjunction with the processing of both folic acids and carbohydrates in the diet. Sources: The dietary sources for Vitamin B12 are found in lean meats, eggs, fish chicken, milk and fermented liquors. It is also synthesized by the intestinal bacteria in human colon. Deficiency symptoms: Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, Vitamin B12 deficiency does occur but typically develops over months or years, rather than quickly as the liver can store up to a 6 year supply of the body‘s needs for Vitamin B12 in a healthy individual. Absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine requires the action of gastric enzyme, castle’s intrinsic factor. Failure of secretion of this enzyme causes cobalamin deficiency which results in pernicious anemia (reduced formation of erythrocytes in bone marrow). The first signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a sore mouth and tongue, or numbness and tingling in the limbs. This last sensation is caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency affecting the spinal cord and brain which if severe can lead to either depression or total memory loss. Recommended intakes of Vitamin B12 vary, and since such a minute quantity is needed for proper function, you should be able to get all your sources from your diet. What is more threatening with Vitamin B12 than deficiency is that high dose of Vitamin B12 over time may cause rare allergic reactions. Before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rice-bran-oil-not-fibre-benefits-cholesterol-levels Rice bran oil, not fibre, benefits cholesterol levelsSource: www.nutraingredients.comRice bran oil, being used by some US restaurants to eliminate trans fats, appears to be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect of the ingredient rather than its fibre content, say researchers. They also found that unsaponifiable compounds in the oil, rather than fatty acids, are likely producing this effect. This gives the oil similar properties to plant sterols used increasingly in food products designed for cholesterol reduction. Researchers at Louisiana State University carried out two studies to test which element of rice bran was responsible for a widely known benefit on cholesterol levels. In the first study they gave 26 healthy adults with moderately raised cholesterol levels a daily diet containing 13–22g dietary fibre for three weeks. Then 13 of the volunteers were switched to a diet with defatted rice bran to double the fibre intake for five weeks. In a second, randomized, crossover study over 10 weeks, 14 volunteers consumed a diet with rice bran oil (a third of the total dietary fat), which was then substituted for an oil blend that had a fatty acid composition similar to that of the rice bran oil. The defatted rice bran did not lower lipid concentrations, the researchers report in this month’s American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 81, no 1, pp 64-68). In the second study, total cholesterol was significantly lower with consumption of the diet containing rice bran oil than with consumption of the control diet. "There were no substantial differences in the fatty acid composition of the diets; therefore, the reduction of cholesterol was due to other components present in the rice bran oil, such as unsaponifiable compounds,” write researchers. Consumption of the rice bran oil diet led to a 7 per cent decrease in LDL cholesterol. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rice-bran-oil-not-fibre-benefits-cholesterol-levels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginger-the-multifaceted-wonder-herb Ginger: The multifaceted wonder herbSource: www.moneycontrol.comThis important herb's beneficial health properties continue to care for modern health problems. On a chilly winter morning, nothing perks you up more than a nice hot cup of ginger tea. But ginger has medicinal values as well. CNBC-TV18 finds out more about ginger's multifaceted virtues.Nutritionist Shikha Sharma says, "Ginger infact, is one of the most widely used herbs, it's used in Chinese medicine, Indian medicine, Unani medicine and the reason why it's so widely used is because ginger has a liver detoxifying action - that means it cleanses your liver and rejuvenates the liver. Second, it also has anti-nausea effects, especially beneficial for women who are expecting and they cannot take many medicines, so if they take little bit of ginger like in pickle or tea, they'll feel much better. Even for motion sickness, ginger has been used since ages and ofcourse it has so many other properties that it can be truly called a wonder herb."Though an ancient spice, the popularity of ginger increased around the 15th century, when it was found useful in treating plague. Modern medicine too recognises the health benefits of ginger. It aids digestion, is a popular remedy for nausea and improves circulation. It also protects against respiratory infections. Infact hot ginger tea is an ideal home remedy for a cold. Just add some honey and lemon juice to some freshly grated ginger for a soothing drink. This healthy drink is also an ideal way to start your day. You can also chew a few pieces of ginger, which will cure a persistent toothache.If all these benefits don't convince you to think better of the pungent and tangy herb, then remember the multiple purposes it serves. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginger-the-multifaceted-wonder-herb http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-c Benefits of Vitamin CSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comResearchers in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University have made a major discovery about the way vitamin C functions in the human body - a breakthrough that may help explain its possible value in preventing cancer and heart disease.The study, which explores the role of vitamin C in dealing with the toxins that result from fat metabolism, was just published in a professional journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.It contradicts the conclusions of some research that was widely publicized three years ago, which had suggested that this essential nutrient might actually have toxic effects.The new OSU study confirmed some of the results of that earlier laboratory study, which had found vitamin C to be involved in the formation of compounds potentially damaging to DNA. But that research, scientists say, only provided part of the story about what actually happens in the human body.The newest findings explain for the first time how vitamin C can react with and neutralize the toxic byproducts of human fat metabolism. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-diet-can-prevent-breast-cancer-in-women-update Olive Oil Diet can prevent Breast Cancer in Women - UpdateSource: www.expressnewsline.comHealth News ExpressNewsline.com (Health Express, Breast Cancer Study 11 Jan) - Oleic acid, a fatty acid found in abundant quantities in olive oil might cut the risk of developing breast cancer.Researchers from Northwestern University, found oleic acid significantly reduced levels of a protein that is produced by the breast cancer gene known as Her-2/neu.Lead researcher Dr. Javier Menendez indicated their findings may explain why the Mediterranean diet, which just happens to be rich in olive oil, provides protection against developing breast cancer.The researchers found oleic acid in combination with Herceptin cut proteins produced by the breast cancer gene by as much as 70 percent.This news was earlier reported by Express Health yesterday, Please read it here for more information. Earlier Version (Health Express - Express Newsline) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-diet-can-prevent-breast-cancer-in-women-update http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bran-in-diet-seen-to-lower-risk-of-heart-disease Bran in Diet Seen to Lower Risk of Heart DiseaseA diet rich in whole grains does seem to lower a man's risk of developing heart disease, with the bran component of grains playing a key role, a large study suggests. Researchers found that among nearly 43,000 middle-aged and older men, those who ate the most whole grains -- such as oatmeal, brown rice and some breakfast cereals -- were less likely than men with the lowest consumption to develop coronary heart disease over 14 years. When the investigators looked at two of the major components of whole grains, bran emerged as the lead player. Men who added the most bran to their diet were 30 percent less likely to develop heart disease than their peers who ate no added bran. Whole grains have three basic components: the outer layer of bran, the inner germ and the starchy layer known as the endosperm. In highly processed grain products, such as white bread, the bran and germ are removed before milling -- which also takes away the fiber, vitamins and other nutrients found in those constituents. Diets rich in whole grain foods such as cooked oatmeal, whole barley, bulgur, popcorn, and breakfast cereals and breads made from whole grains, have been linked to better weight management and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The new findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, come from a long-running study of U.S. male health professionals. The study began in 1986, when the men were between the ages of 40 and 75, and has since periodically collected information on the men's health, diet and lifestyle. Senior study author Dr. Eric B. Rimm of the Harvard University School of Public Health said he and his colleagues developed a database that allowed them to estimate how many grams of whole grains, as well as how many grams of bran and germ, the men typically ate each day. That included the bran and germ found naturally in grains, plus any that was added to processed foods or that the men added to food themselves. Overall, men with the highest intake of whole grains had an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease compared with those who ate the least. And those who consumed the most grams of added bran had a 30 percent lower risk than those who ate no added bran. But that does not mean that people need to add bran to their food to get the benefit, or that sprinkling bran on that gooey morning doughnut makes it a health food, according to Rimm. "Added bran is one way to go about it," he told Reuters Health. But, he added, eating whole grains, rather than highly processed grain products, will help bulk up the diet with bran. That, though, means not mistaking refined grain products that list the ingredient "wheat flour" for a whole-grain food. Rimm advised making sure the word "whole" is on that ingredient list. When it comes to bread, he said, choosing one "where you can actually see the grain" is a good move. As for why bran, and whole grains in general, may ward off heart disease, Rimm said the fiber content probably contributes, but it is likely that the full complement of nutrients -- including B vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and various plant chemicals -- is involved. He also pointed out that people looking to boost their whole grain intake have a range of options, including ones that are not hard to swallow, like popcorn and some breakfast cereals. "Unfortunately," Rimm said, "many people kind of associated whole grains with eating cardboard. But they should know that they have a lot of choices." The research received partial funding from cereal maker Kellogg Company. SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2004. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bran-in-diet-seen-to-lower-risk-of-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-more-potassium-in-diet-recommended Nutrition: More potassium in diet recommendedSource: www.shreveporttimes.comEvery five years the United States Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services issues new dietary guidelines. One of the recommendations of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 is to increase potassium in our diets.For most healthy people, a potassium deficiency is rare. However, if you suffer from a bout of vomiting and diarrhea, your potassium levels could drop. Many times an individual with weakness, loss of appetite, nausea or fatigue goes to their doctor and learns it is because of a low potassium level.The American Dietetics Association notes "there is no set Recommended Dietary Allowance, but the minimum amount suggested for adults is 2,000 milligrams a day; some experts suggest more, 3,500 milligrams per day to help protect against high blood pressure."Potassium is vital for muscle contraction, nerve impulses and the proper functioning of the heart and kidneys. This mineral must work together with sodium, calcium and magnesium to help regulate blood pressure and water balance in cells.Examples of good sources of potassium are:Banana, medium (1): 450 mgMilk, whole (1 cup): 370 mgHaddock, cooked (3 ozs.): 340 mgOkra, boiled (1/2 cup): 255 mgTurkey, light and dark meat, roasted, skinless (3 ozs.): 255 mgOrange, medium (1): 250 mgTomato, raw: 135 mgBell pepper (1/2 cup): 90 mgSource: American Dietetics Association Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-more-potassium-in-diet-recommended http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-high-blood-pressure Vitamin B Linked To Reduced Risk Of High Blood PressureSource: www.healthtalk.caResearchers report folate, a water-soluble vitamin B can reduce the risk of hypertension in young women.Recent studies have also shown that folate, or folic acid also prevents certain birth defects when taken by women during childbearing years.In the most recent study, Harvard Medical School researchers examined data on more than 150,000 women who took part in two separate studies, the Nurses' Health Study I and II.Study data on dietary folate and supplemental folic acid intake was collected from study subjects who completed questionnaires over a period of 8 years. The researchers found that young women who consumed at least 1,000 micrograms of folate per day had a 46 percent reduced risk of developing hypertension, compared with young women who consumed less than 200 micrograms per day.High folic acid intake among older women decreased high blood pressure risk by 18 percent, according to the study. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is found in supplements.Folate is found naturally in dark leafy green vegetables, like spinach and turnip greens, citrus fruits and juices, and dried beans and peas.The findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-high-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-new-in-cosmetic-surgery- What's new in cosmetic surgery?Source: www.post-gazette.comIn the hot field of cosmetic surgery, look for advances this year in the use of lasers for everything from improving the appearance of that dreaded cellulite to removing gray hair.Botox treatments and soft tissue fillers such as Restylane will continue to be popular in the Pittsburgh market as consumers opt for so-called "lunchtime procedures" that are less invasive and require less recovery time than a face lift or liposuction."If you subdivide procedures into surgical vs. nonsurgical, nonsurgical procedures are booming," said Dr. Leo McCafferty, a Pittsburgh plastic surgeon and a spokesman for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed has risen 1,504 percent from 1992 to 2003, according to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with 1.8 million procedures performed in 2003. So if you received a gift certificate over the holidays for a cosmetic procedure or are just looking to freshen your appearance for 2005, here's a review of new procedures arriving in Pittsburgh and other local trends in cosmetic surgery.Experts emphasized that as with all procedures, it is important to choose a doctor who is well-versed in everything available and can use the technology effectively. Hyaluronic acid treatments Some of the most popular treatments in 2004 were soft-tissue fillers such as Restylane and Hylaform, both approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2003. They are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in human skin. When injected, the filler plumps up the skin by allowing it to attract and hold water. Restylane is an alternative to collagen injections, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery predicts that it will surpass collagen this year as the most popular injectable cosmetic treatment. Collagen injections have been available since the 1980s, but sometimes cause allergic reactions. Such side effects are less likely with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is most commonly used around the mouth and on forehead wrinkles and smile lines and can be used to enlarge the lip. The process takes less than an hour, and requires repeat treatments every four months to a year. Hyaluronic acid treatments are more expensive than those using collagen, but last longer because they help the skin hold onto moisture. A primary cause for wrinkles is dehydration.A syringe of Restylane or other hyaluronic acid product might cost $500 or up, while the national average surgeon fee is around $373 for collagen, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "It's something that can be done as an office visit," said McCafferty about Restylane, "And you can go back to work, with really no down time at all." Botox Botulinum toxin, or botox, has been popular since it was approved by the FDA to treat eye muscle disorders in 1989, and in 2000 to treat a neurological disorder that causes neck and shoulder contractions. The FDA approved Botox to treat moderate to severe wrinkles in 2002. There were 2.27 million Botox injections performed in 2003, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, up 3,387 percent from the previous year. Botox is primarily used to temporarily reduce or eliminate frown lines, forehead creases, and crows feet near the eyes, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Some studies suggest that Botox also helps get rid of migraines because it relaxes the muscles around the eyelids.Botox injections take about 30 minutes and cost roughly $400. Treatments should be repeated every four to six months.But consumers must be careful when shopping for Botox injections. Last year, four patients in Florida were paralyzed when they were injected a form of the toxin not approved for use in humans. To avoid this, consumers should ask their doctors to check the Botox bottle and should make sure their doctors are certified to administer it. Thermage and Titan A few local practices have started performing Thermage, one of the newest treatments available. Some doctors tout it as the most effective nonsurgical procedure for making faces look younger, while others warn it is not worth the risks or costs. Thermage, which was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the area around the eyes, is now used to treat whole faces. It uses a radio frequency device called ThermaCool to heat the lower layers of the skin, while protecting the outer layers with a cooling spray. The result: a tightening of the facial layers that is not quite a face lift, but is as close as you can get without surgery. "It allows you to turn back the clock," said Dr. Brian V. Heil, a plastic surgeon who has offices in Cranberry, Washington, Butler and Pittsburgh. "We haven't figured out how to break the clock yet, though." His office performs Thermage, and Heil says he has seen it cause some discomfort associated with the heat, and lingering pinkness. In the initial clinical trials of Thermage, 80 percent of patients experienced improvement, and about 6 percent had slight burns. As the only FDA-approved tissue tightening treatment, Thermage has a hefty price tag -- at $2,800 to $4,000 for a full facial treatment, Heil said.Dr. Lori Cherup, who heads the Radiance Surgery Center in South Fayette is skeptical about the treatment. "The machine is ridiculously expensive, and the patient has to have three or four treatments," she said. "It pretty much comes to the price of a face lift." The procedure is generally not focused on a specific area of the face, and so Cherup thinks that it completes something inaccurately that could be done otherwise with surgery. Thermage "is pretty painful," because the frequency is conducted along nerve endings, said Dr. Suzan Obagi, director of the Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Her practice gives a pain medication to patients undergoing Thermage therapy.Obagi's office is testing a new treatment called Titan that could have the same results as Thermage, but with less pain. The Titan treatment, which costs from $1,750 to $4,000, is a light source that uses multiple wavelengths to tighten skin.Optimal results for both treatments are available in three to six months. Lasers Although Cherup says she does not trust most laser companies because they often exaggerate the efficacy of their procedures, there will be a lot of interest in new laser treatments that will address everything from cellulite to gray hair. "The new lasers try to do everything with one machine," said Cherup, who has seen lasers that attempt to obliterate freckles, sunspots and broken blood vessels. The cellulite laser is a combination of a laser and a radio frequency device that remodels the collagen in the skin. Although there is not yet a treatment to get rid of the fat entirely, the machine is "finally something that improves cellulite," Obagi said. Although this treatment can be painful, Obagi thinks it will be palatable. The second type of laser coming this year will get rid of light-colored or gray hair, which currently is difficult to do with traditional lasers. The heat from the lasers targets hair follicles and stunts the growth within them, Obagi said. This device is innovative because it can locate lighter-colored hairs in a way that current technology cannot. This treatment would be comparable in cost to other lasers used for hair removal, or $150 for a small area like an upper lip up to $800 for removing hair from legs. "With anything, if used incorrectly, there are risks for burns," she said, referring to both treatments. Skin care as treatment Doctors agree that the best way to keep skin wrinkle- and blemish-free is through prevention, so many offices have started patients on skin care treatments to supplement cosmetic procedures. "For the past five years, there's been a real heightened awareness about skin care," said McCafferty. This increased attention has led to an emphasis onprocedures that produce natural-looking results. "Gone are the days of these tight face lifts and brow lifts," said Obagi. "People don't want to have that operated-on look." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-new-in-cosmetic-surgery- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/review-supports-vitamin-e-dosage-for-age-related-macular-degeneration Review Supports Vitamin E Dosage for Age-Related Macular DegenerationSource: www.seniorjournal.comFollowing recent media stories concerning the danger of high dosages of vitamin E, the National Eye Institute has reviewed the 2001 findings of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a study of nearly 5,000 patients with varying stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) a leading cause of vision loss in senior citizens. The study concludes that NEI still recommends 400 international units (IU) for those at high risk of AMD. What is age-related macular degeneration?Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision you need for "straight-ahead" activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. (See diagram above.) AMD causes no pain.In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. Click to more information by National Eye Institute Related Stories Some Good News for Vitamin E – It Helps Some DiabeticsNov. 19, 2004 - More... Will Vitamin E Kill You, Or Save Your Life?Research results send conflicting messages with latest saying it increases risk of dyingNov. 10, 2004 – A research report will be presented today that says daily doses of Vitamin E in excess of 400 IU (international units) is associated with a higher overall risk of dying. This is not the first study reporting on dangers of Vitamin E, but there are many recent studies saying it helps senior citizens in the fight against Alzheimer’s, heart disease and even vision problems. More... 11/10/04* Both the AREDS results regarding the risks and benefits of taking vitamin E and the results of multiple other published studies of vitamin E were reviewed. A paper to be published in the January 2005 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine will report that taking high-dose vitamin E supplements does not lower the risk of death, and there might be a small increase in the risk of death. The material in this paper was recently presented at a meeting of the American College of Physicians in New Orleans and this presentation has received much attention from the media. The authors of the paper analyzed combined data from 19 clinical trials that had tested vitamin E as a possible treatment for different diseases. One of the trials included in the analysis was the AREDS. In the AREDS, scientists found that people at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD could lower their risk of the disease by about 25 percent when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc.After careful study and interpretation of the data from the paper in Annals of Internal Medicine, the NEI researchers have concluded that taking a recommended 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E each day, as part of the AREDS formulation, does not increase the risk of death of persons at risk for advanced AMD."If the reason for taking vitamin E is to decrease mortality, we agree with the authors of this new study that there does not seem to be any benefit of vitamin E for most patients and there might be some harm at very high doses of 500 IU or more," Emily Chew, M.D., deputy director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research at NEI. "However if you are at high risk for developing AMD, there is a benefit in taking the AREDS formulation that includes vitamin E. Different patients have different needs and it is important to discuss with your doctor whether this formulation is right for you," says Dr. Chew.In the new study, the data seem to show that people taking particularly high doses of vitamin E (500 IU to 2000 IU) may have a slightly increased risk of death. However, taking 400 IU vitamin E per day did not increase the risk of death in a total of 15,000 patients studied in several different clinical trials.For additional information on the AREDS, visit Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/review-supports-vitamin-e-dosage-for-age-related-macular-degeneration http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-b12-raises-risk-of-birth-defect Low Vitamin B12 Raises Risk of Birth DefectSource: www.paktribune.comMothers with low levels of vitamin B12 in their blood are at increased risk of having an infant with spina bifida -- a birth defect in which the spinal cord fails to form properly, Dutch researchers report. Based on previous research, pregnancy guidelines recommend that women consume enough folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida and related problems. The new findings suggest that these guidelines should also include recommendations about vitamin B12. Dr. Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, of University Medical Center Nijmegen, and colleagues report the findings in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The researchers measured vitamin B12 levels in blood samples from 45 mothers and their children with spina bifida and from 83 mothers and their healthy children. Mothers of children with spina bifida had vitamin B12 levels that were 21 percent lower than those of other mothers. With the lowest levels, the risk of spina bifida was increased more than threefold. "This study suggests that mothers with low vitamin B12 concentrations may benefit from the use of a...multivitamin supplement" around the time of conception, the researchers note. "However, this should be proved in future research." End. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-b12-raises-risk-of-birth-defect http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-mind-body-diet The mind-body dietSource: www.mercurynews.comWant to make 2005 your year for a healthier weight and a smaller jeans size? Don't just mull over what you eat -- try thinking about why. l Women tired of counting calories and carbs are seeking out non-traditional ways to lose weight, such as hypnosis, acupressure and aromatherapy. And many are hearing a common prescription from their alternative health practitioners, one that focuses as much on feelings as food. l Traditional tricks for shedding pounds, many practitioners say, overlook the complex emotions many people tie to eating. Without understanding those connections, they say, it's hard to bring cravings or unhealthy food habits under control. l ``A lot of these issues start with emotional issues,'' said Suzann Wang, founder of Natural Health California, an alternative health practice in Palo Alto and Sausalito. ``The goal is trying to get to the underlying cause of what is going on.'' l The emotional factors in severe weight-related conditions such as anorexia are well-known. Many alternative medicine experts, who often try to look beyond a patient's symptoms to broader causes of illness, say such links also influence milder problems. l Do certain eating habits or cravings pop up at particular times? Are your afternoon chocolate scavengings tied to the most high-pressure part of the work day? Will bouts of sadness or worry send you straight to the refrigerator?If so, tackling weight or eating issues may start with understanding just how food pushes your buttons. That often begins with paying attention to food, habits and feelings, natural medicine caregivers say.If you find yourself making routine french fry stops before big meetings or a hectic afternoon with the kids' play group, for example, that may be a sign that your fry foraging is tied to stress.New diet plans should take such patterns into consideration, alternative practitioners say. Just telling yourself ``No more fries'' may not work. Without adding in other stress reducers, the cravings may resurface, scuttling your efforts to eat more healthfully.Some caregivers recommend stress-lowering alternatives such as meditation or yoga. Others, who follow alternative medicine's preference for milder natural remedies over prescription medicines, may suggest herbal or aromatherapy aids.Wang often turns to acupressure to help patients with food and eating disorders. The technique, based on principles from traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on adjusting the body's internal energy flows. An initial 90-minute consultation, which includes discussing a patient's emotional state and feelings about food, costs $225.``This has really helped me rethink what I'm doing, in a gentle, self-affirming way,'' said Marcia Ganeles, 53, of Palo Alto, who reduces stress and food cravings through acupressure and other remedies administered by Wang.Ganeles, who'd had no luck with conventional dieting, said the more holistic approach has helped bring peace of mind and better health. She has lost about 15 pounds since starting the treatments and a broader exercise routine in late 2003. She hopes to lose another 15.``This gives me a compassionate way to stop and make better choices,'' she said.Some traditional doctors, while cautious about the safety or power of alternative remedies, agree that emotional links to food are a powerful force.``To many people, food is their friend,'' said Dr. Stuart Markovitz, a Mountain View physician who has studied dieting trends. ``They eat when they are lonely, when they are anxious, when they are unhappy. If those issues are there, it's definitely valid to take them into account.''Others say it's not everyday emotions that are the problem. The real damage comes from most people's fight to be thin. Stressing over your weight, they say, creates negative feelings about eating that spin into a vicious circle of guilt, stress and self-loathing.``The reason food issues get so emotionally charged in the first place is because of our obsession over weight,'' said Los Altos therapist Deb Burgard, who focuses on women and body image. ``The real problem is how we pathologize weight and larger bodies.''Ultimately, many caregivers agree that shedding pounds comes down to more healthful eating and exercise. Such changes, never easy, often bring self-reflection -- a chance to rethink the foods and forces that shape your life.``So many people just want a quick fix. They say, `I'd like a pill to stop my chocolate cravings today,' '' Wang said. ``It's not that simple. It takes time, and becoming more aware of your body, how you eat, how you feel.'' Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-mind-body-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-be-one-of-the-keys-to-fighting-diabetes Vitamin D may be one of the keys to fighting diabetesSource: www.newstarget.comNew research indicates a good dose of Vitamin D can help protect you against diabetes. Researchers have found that low blood levels of Vitamin D interfere with the proper function of insulin-producing cells. Low Vitamin D levels also result in an increase in the risk of insulin resistance, even in otherwise healthy individuals. So consider stepping into the sunshine if you want to increase your own Vitamin D levels. Be sure to read the related article, Every person needs sunlight exposure to create vitamin D, obesity impairs vitamin D absorption.When you think of vitamin D, what do you think of? The understanding about the importance of vitamin D and health has changed dramatically. New research now demonstrates a laundry list of benefits of vitamin D for nearly 10 different health conditions including diabetes and insulin resistance. Vitamin D is both a hormone and a vitamin. The Diabetes Connection Low blood levels of vitamin D appear to interfere with the proper functioning of insulin-producing cells. After years of overworking, the insulin-producing cells can become exhausted and lose their ability to make enough insulin. If not enough insulin is present, blood glucose levels will begin to rise. Those with higher blood levels of vitamin D have better sensitivity to insulin and lower blood glucose levels compared to those with the lowest vitamin D levels. Sources of Vitamin D The skin is the most plentiful source of vitamin D. When exposed to ultraviolet light, our skin can produce as much as 20,000 IU of vitamin D from full-body sun exposure in areas near the equator. Because nature intended our body to produce vitamin D, food sources are limited to egg yolks, liver, cod liver oil and fortified milk. Compared to skin production, a glass of fortified milk only provides about 100 IU of vitamin D. The recommendations by the Food and Nutrition Board for 200-600 IU a day for most healthy Americans is now thought to greatly underestimate the needs of those with chronic illness, such as diabetes. Your need for vitamin D will vary greatly depending on where you live and how often you are exposed to the sun. Another factor to consider is the use of sunscreen which, although important for preventing skin cancer, blocks the skins ability to produce vitamin D by over 95 percent. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-be-one-of-the-keys-to-fighting-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-extract-boosts-exercise-endurance-in-animals Green tea extract boosts exercise endurance in animalsSource: www.nutraingredients.comGreen tea extract could become a novel ingredient for the sports nutrition industry if new findings on animals can be confirmed in human tests. A team from the Japanese healthcare company Kao has found that mice given green tea extract regularly over 10 weeks increased their endurance in exercise by up to 24 per cent. They explain in an online edition of the American Journal of Physiology, Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology (10.1152/ajpregu.00693.2004) that green tea extract appears to stimulate the use of fatty acids by the muscle, reducting carbohydrate use and allowing for longer exercise times. Green tea's effect on fatty acid uptake, speeding up fat breakdown, is also thought to be the reason why it helps weight loss, another area studied by the Kao researchers, and already targeted by supplement makers. In the new experiments, on Balb/c mice swimming in an adjustable-current water pool, endurance exercise performance was boosted up to 24 per cent when the mice were given green tea extract at a dose of 0.5 per cent of their weight for 10 weeks. It increased 8 per cent with a 0.2 per cent by-weight addition to food, showing that the effect was dose-dependant. Like the weight loss category, the sports nutrition sector is growing rapidly, significantly outpacing growth in the more traditional vitamins and minerals categories. In the UK, second only to Germany in terms of size, sports drinks and supplements grew 37 per cent in 2002 to reach a retail value of £166 million in 2003, according to Mintel. But while sports nutrition has been characterized by innovation and become known as one of the most dynamic segments of the nutraceuticals industry, annual growth in the US market - the world's biggest is slowing - and manufacturers are under pressure to develop novel products with new ingredients. The Kao researchers claim that green tea extract may be one such opportunity, although results have to be confirmed in human trials. Nor do they yet not understand the precise molecular mechanism by which green tea stimulates fatty acid metabolism, although the researchers suggest the antioxidant properties of tea catechins may play a role. They note that in a second part of the study, looking at one of the most potent antioxidant components in green tea (EGCG) fed to mice on its own, they found evidence to show that EGCG has at least some role to play in the overall effects of the green tea extract. "However, because the effects of EGCG appear weak compared with those of green tea extract, we cannot rule out a possible contribution from other components of green tea,” said lead researcher Takatoshi Murase. He added: “Although long-term intake of green tea extract enhanced endurance capacity, no marked effects were observed after a single dose, suggesting that some biochemical changes induced by habitual green tea extract intake, such as up-regulation of muscular beta-oxidation, contributed to the improvement in endurance capacity." The study found that plasma NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) measured immediately after exercise slightly, but significantly, increased in mice fed the tea catechins. Though they conceded that the effect of plasma fatty acid level on endurance capacity is controversial, the researchers said that increased supply of circulating fatty acids would "induce the uptake of fatty acids, and thereby stimulate lipid metabolism in muscle." Indeed, lab results showed that muscular beta-oxidation was higher in green tea extract-fed mice than controls, suggesting that the supplement enhanced the capacity of muscle to catabolise lipids and use fatty acids as an energy source. Taken together the experimental results "suggest that habitual exercise and the intake of green tea extract enhance fatty acid availability, catabolism and utilization in muscle, and this is accompanied by a reduction in carbohydrate use, which together result in prolonged swimming times to exhaustion." The Kao researchers also controlled for possible influences of caffeine by reducing the amount in supplements, and possible weight-fat changes that might affect buoyancy. Although difficult to extrapolate the findings to a human athlete, Murase said: "We estimate that an athlete weighing 75 kilograms would have to drink about four cups (0.8 litre) of green tea daily to match the effect in our experiments." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-extract-boosts-exercise-endurance-in-animals http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/types-of-tea Types Of TeaSource: www.nbc4i.comTea has been lauded lately as a healthy alternative to other soothing beverages because of its health benefits. But how much do you know about tea?There are five main types of tea: black, green, oolong, white, and herbal -- which isn't actually made from tea leaves at all.Black tea: Generally known in the United States as "regular tea," this type is oxidized; which means it's left to fully dry and ferment after being picked. Chemical reactions to air exposure darken leaves' color. Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Darjeeling are some examples of black teas. Green tea: Unlike the black variety, green tea is not fermented. After being picked, the leaves are immediately dried. This tea type is generally more pale and has a slightly bitter taste, which is why it's often enjoyed after a very sweet dessert and alongside Oriental foods. Green teas include Lung Ching, Bancha and Sencha.Oolong tea: This is a combination of green and black leaves, as it is partially fermented. The color and flavor falls between the green and black teas as well. Examples of oolong teas include Black Dragon and Pouchong (Pao-Chung).White tea: This rare type of tea is unfermented, but unlike the green tea, the leaves are rapidly fired and dried, resulting in a more "natural" state. They taste lighter and more fragrant. This tea is usually enjoyed without a meal, and is generally available only from specialty stores and importers. It can also be as much as 10 times more expensive than other teas. White teas include Flowery White Pekoe, Silver Needles and Noble Beauty.Herbal tea: Tea purists are quick to point out that herbal teas don't actually contain tea leaves. Instead, most are made from a blend of herbs, leaves, flowers and roots. Chamomile and Peppermint are just two of the many herbal teas available today. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/types-of-tea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supermodel-frederique-van-der-wal-signs-on-as-the-new-face-of-restylane Supermodel Frederique van der Wal Signs on as the New Face of RestylaneSource: home.businesswire.comtoday announced that Frederique van der Wal will serve as the new face of its dermal filler, Restylane(R), an injection for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. The supermodel's image will appear on the Company's Web site as well as its informational brochures. Additionally, Frederique will serve as the product's spokeswoman for its public relations efforts, as she conducts media interviews on the brand's behalf. "Restylane is a product I truly believe in," said Ms. Van Der Wal. "Maintaining a youthful appearance is vital to my career, so I was excited to find a natural, non-invasive treatment that can safely erase some of the fine lines I've recently started to notice. With a procedure like Restylane, I can make subtle improvements where and when I need to without worrying about side effects or recovery time." Among her credits, Frederique has appeared on nine Cosmopolitan covers as well as adorned the pages of Victoria's Secret, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Named one of Revlon's "Most Unforgettable Women in the World," Frederique has appeared in specials on E!, VH1 and DIY and is working on pilots for the Discovery Networks. She will also serve as the host on VH1's new reality makeover show, "Spread," scheduled to premiere in 2005. "We are delighted to have Frederique onboard as the new face of Restylane," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "Her enthusiasm for the product coupled with her immense success in the modeling and entertainment industries and great personality make her a natural choice for us." Since its U.S. launch in January 2004, Restylane has become the market leader among cosmetic dermal fillers. In addition to its long-standing safety profile in the clinical and real-world settings, Restylane also offers physicians and patients long-lasting results. In fact, of all the FDA-approved fillers available today, Restylane is the only one with clinical data supporting its efficacy for as long as six months. About Restylane Restylane is the first and only dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called NASHA(TM) (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid). Restylane uses a dual mechanism of action to correct wrinkles and folds. Upon being injected beneath the skin's surface, the NASHA gel adds natural volume and lift to smooth wrinkles and folds. The NASHA gel integrates into dermal tissue, then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume. Restylane is gradually degraded by the body's own mechanism and disappears without any residue. Results can be seen immediately following treatment and last six months, or even longer. Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test prior to injection. As with any dermal filler, reported side effects include temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects usually resolve within two days. Restylane is a prescribed medical product, so please speak with your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to see if it is right for you. For more information on Restylane, including complete product information, log on to www.restylaneusa.com About Medicis Medicis Aesthetics Inc., the company that is marketing and selling Restylane in the U.S., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, a leading independent specialty pharmaceutical company in the United States focusing primarily on the treatment of aesthetic, dermatological, and podiatric conditions. The Company is dedicated to helping patients attain a healthy and youthful appearance and self-image. Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation has leading branded prescription products in a number of therapeutic categories, including acne, eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and skin and skin-structure infections. The Company's products have earned wide acceptance by both physicians and patients due to their clinical effectiveness, high quality and cosmetic elegance. Except for historical information, this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Medicis expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. This includes earnings estimates, future financial performance and other matters. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by Medicis based on its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Medicis. Any such projections or statements include the current views of Medicis with respect to future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given, however, that these events will occur or that such results will be achieved. Medicis cannot validate its assumptions of the full impact on its business of the approval of competitive generic versions of its core brands, including DYNACIN(R) Tablets and/or LOPROX(R), or any future competitive product approvals that may affect its brands. Also, there are a number of additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including the anticipated size of the markets, the availability of product supply, the receipt of required regulatory approvals, the ability to realize anticipated synergies and benefits of the Q-Med transactions, the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the pharmaceutical industry, dependence on sales of key products, the uncertainty of future financial results and fluctuations in operating results, dependence on Medicis' strategy including the uncertainty of license payments and/or other payments due from third parties, the timing and success of new product development by Medicis or third parties, product introductions, the risks of pending or future litigation, and other risks described from time to time in Medicis' SEC filings including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004. There can be no assurance as to when or if any of the holders of the Notes will have the right to convert or if the Notes will be converted, and what impact the increase in the number of shares outstanding will have on its results of operations. Forward-looking statements represent the judgment of Medicis' management as of the date of this release, and Medicis disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements. NOTE: Full prescribing information for any Medicis prescription product is available by contacting the Company. OMNICEF(R) is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories, Inc. under a license from Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. RESTYLANE(R) is a registered trademark of HA North American Sales AB, a subsidiary of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation. NASHA(TM) is a trademark of Q-Med AB. All other marks (or brands) and names are the property of Medicis or its Affiliates.More people discover that 'life in plastic is fantastic' By: Michelle Miller, Journal Staff Writer Tuesday, January 25, 2005 12:06 PM PST Christy Jennings, a medical assistant with Roseville Facial Plastics Surgery, receives a Botox injection from Kiener. Kiener calls the injection a "lunch break" procedure. Photo by Karina Williams/Auburn Journal Maybe it's the rise of "makeover television." Maybe it's a shedding of cultural taboos. But people seem more willing than ever to seek out plastic surgery and other means to noticeably change their appearance.More than 8.7 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2003, up 32 percent from the previous year, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Media coverage of plastic surgery and gastric bypass transformations have helped the industry, said Dr. David Kiener, a certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery."There are more people having procedures done now than ever before," he said. "With the media exposure, they can see what kind of changes can occur."While many TV shows such as "The Swan" feature dramatically changed appearances, the average patient only wants a little work on their nose, chin or teeth, he said, especially since TV producers usually foot the bill for an expensive whole-body makeover."Our motto here is we want everybody to look natural," he said. "We want someone who's never seen you to look at you and not see that you've had plastic surgery." The non-profit ASPS also reports that minimally invasive procedures, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, enjoyed a large increase, rising 41 percent in 2003.One of the most common procedures at Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery is botox injections. Due to its affordability, quick recovery time and great results, botox is a perfect "lunch break" procedure, Kiener said.While botox has received a lot of publicity, a new product that people are buzzing about in the plastic surgery world is Restylene, chemically known as Hyaluronic acid.It acts as a dermal filler that restores skin's fullness and is used primarily for wrinkle correction, especially lines from the corner of the nose to the tips of the mouth, and lip enhancement."It's relatively new and has pretty much replaced collagen among people who know about it. It lasts and doesn't have the problems with allergies some people have with collagen."Other trends include people seeking procedures to look their best for special events. The most common is the mother of the bride, Kiener said. He suggests people undergoing more invasive surgical procedures do so three months ahead of the big occasion to allow optimal healing time.Nani Schoening, 21, of Auburn has friends who are considering getting work done."They want to feel good about themselves and fix what it is that bothers them," she said. "But I've seen enough on TV about what goes on and what can go wrong. I don't think I'd have anything done."Dr. Jonathan Freed of the Freed Plastic Surgery Medical Center said the ideal patient is already leading a healthy lifestyle."I don't want patients to have gone on a crash diet of cabbage soup and lost 40 pounds and then gain it all back," he said. "You should be on a healthy program, eating well, exercising well, getting enough sleep and rest, then look at yourself in the mirror and study things that concern you and bother you the most. Then when you come into the office, I usually go into what your concerns are and what can be done, but I like to let the patient make the decision."Freed, an ASPS member and certified surgeon, has offices in Grass Valley and the only plastic surgery office in Auburn."In our community, there are higher rates of face rejuvenation because our population is a little older than the average city," Freed said.Freed said some TV shows give a false impression by fast-forwarding through recovery time and doing several procedures at once, which he would not recommend.While the promise of physical transformation leads some to the plastic surgeon, health issues necessitate others to seek the successful, but often risky, gastric bypass surgery.Ty Rowe, owner of Bootlegger's Old Town Taver & Grill, underwent the surgery a year and a half ago that cut his stomach to a smaller size.Weighing 690 pounds, Rowe was under doctor's care and told to loose weight. He faced a decision that could have risked his life."Death. That was the big risk," he said. "There also wasn't a lot of long-term studies on the effects."Although Rowe experienced complications that required an extended hospital stay, the surgery helped him loose 410 pounds."That number speaks for itself, he said, "Your whole life is different."Regardless, the procedure is not for everyone."I don't push this on anyone. It's a personal decision and a personal thing. I'm still good friends with the surgeon and he refers a lot of patients with questions to me."Whether it's a health-conscious transformation or some minor resurfacing, it appears that there is no shame revolving physical self-improvement."People used to fly to New York or Beverly Hills for plastic surgery, stay there a couple weeks to recuperate and nobody would know any different," Kiener said. "But now with people on TV, it doesn't seem that taboo anymore, it's more mainstream. There's still some who prefer to keep quiet, but more people are telling everyone they know. It's not a secret."The Journal's Michelle Miller can be reached at michellem@goldcountrymedia.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supermodel-frederique-van-der-wal-signs-on-as-the-new-face-of-restylane http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/african-herb-yields-its-anti-addiction-secret African Herb Yields Its Anti-Addiction SecretSource: www.disinfo.com'The secret of an African herb that helps drug addicts and alcoholics kick the habit has been discovered. The finding could lead to safer and more effective medications for treating addiction.'Since the 1960s, many addicts have reported that even a single dose of ibogaine, a hallucinogenic alkaloid extracted from the root of an African shrub, helps them kick their habit by reducing their cravings for drugs. And there is hard evidence to back these claims, as well. However, troubling side effects - including heart problems and several deaths - have kept ibogaine from being widely accepted as a medical treatment. Instead, a few researchers have begun searching for ways to deliver ibogaine's benefits without its risks (New Scientist, 26 April 2003, p 34).' Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/african-herb-yields-its-anti-addiction-secret http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-greens-hope-in-cervical-cancer-battle 'Eat Your Greens' Hope in Cervical Cancer BattleSource: news.scotsman.comResearchers are hoping to find if “eating up your greens” could help combat cervical cancer.A team at the Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University, wants to find out if a substance found in vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, sprouts and cauliflower can reduce cases cervical abnormalities if used as a food supplement.The supplement, diindolylmethane (DIM), apparently exerts its effect by modifying the breakdown products of oestrogen in the body and by inducing abnormal cells to self-destruct. To obtain enough DIM to benefit, at least two raw heads of cabbage would need to be eaten daily.The trial uses a capsule containing DIM, already available as a herbal remedy in the USA.A research team headed by Professor Alison Fiander, head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, is carrying out the study.“The study is looking at whether a food supplement called DIM is able to reverse minor or mild cervical smear abnormalities and prevent the development of more serious abnormalities in the future,” she told BBC Wales.“DIM is formed in the body naturally during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, sprouts and cabbage.”The trial is sponsored by Cancer Research UK.Women in the area who have either a second borderline or mildly abnormal cervical smear will be invited by letter to participate.Participants in the research are to take DIM daily for six months while waiting for the next smear. Clinics are being held in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-greens-hope-in-cervical-cancer-battle http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ministers-blasted-over-eu-pills-ban Ministers blasted over EU pills banSource: www.yorkshiretoday.co.ukDirective will sweep common supplements from shops MINISTERS came under attack last night for making late-night drinking and gambling easier, while failing to oppose a European Union-wide ban on vitamin supplements used by thousands of Britons. Simon McGee Political Editor Up to 5,000 common products used safely for years – including multi-nutrient tablets, high-dose vitamin pills, and minerals – are due to be swept from shop shelves when the EU Food Supplements Directive comes into effect in August. Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson was attacked by MPs of all parties in a Commons debate yesterday led by Tory health spokesman Chris Grayling, who dubbed the directive "a betrayal to British consumers". In the Commons debate, Hackney North and Stoke Newington's Labour MP Diane Abbot asked: "How can the Government say that all they're concerned about is health when they're legislating for people to drink themselves into a stupor 24 hours a day?" Mr Grayling pointed out: "It will be legal for a teenager to go out and buy cigarettes that cause cancer, but it will be illegal for an adult to go out and buy a vitamin tablet. "That is completely and utterly absurd." But Ms Johnson insisted: "It's better to be safe than wise after the event." The Tory MP for Vale of York, former Euro-MP Anne McIntosh, is one of 186 MPs to have signed a Commons motion expressing "grave concern" that pills and powders in common use are to become illegal. Yesterday she branded the legislation "discriminatory and unfair". Meanwhile, British lawyers representing health food manufacturers and shops, led by a senior partner from a Sheffield law firm, appeared before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg yesterday to argue that the directive was flawed and "uses a hammer to crack a nut". The head of public law with Irwin Mitchell, in Sheffield, Andrew Lockley, who is legal adviser to the British Health Food Manufacturers Association and National Association of Health Stores said in Luxembourg that his legal team told the bench of 13 international judges that implementation would impose regulatory costs on suppliers which would lead to many of them going bankrupt. The new legislation outlaws health food preparations containing ingredients not on a "positive list" of permitted substances. Only manufacturers who submit detailed scientific dossiers by July 12 this year proving their ingredients are safe would be allowed to escape the directive's provisions, and then only until the end of 2009. But campaigners stress there is absolutely no evidence that any of the ingredients are unsafe for adults and say confirming this will cost up to £250,000 per nutrient source, too much for many small providers to compile. The former style adviser to Cherie Blair, Carole Caplin, is one of the figures fronting the last-ditch campaign to get the directive on food supplements overturned. She went to Downing Street yesterday to hand in a petition urging the Government to reconsider its position. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ministers-blasted-over-eu-pills-ban http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cold-remedy-tips Cold Remedy TipsSource: www.wlns.comThe 1st hint of a sore throat or a runny nose sends many people scurrying to the drug store seeking relief in the form of over-the-counter cold remedies. Just because we don't need a prescription to buy over-the-counter medications, doesn't mean the drugs are without risk. Even the most popular OTC remedies can be misused or abused with serious consequences.Before reaching for a cold or flu remedy, experts offer the following considerations:*People with high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats, for example, should be careful with decongestants because it may aggravate their condition.*Consult with a doctor if you are taking other medications, either over-the-counter or prescription. Cold and flu medications can have serious effects when combined with other drugs.* Look for a product that targets only the symptoms you have. Limiting the number of drugs you take will lessen the likelihood of side effects or drug interactions.*Taking double the recommended dose won't cure a cold faster or make you feel twice as good. In fact, it could lead to very serious side effects if an accidental overdose is taken. *Most over-the-counter remedies just relieve symptoms, rather than preventing or shortening the duration of your illness. Products that contain zinc gluconate glycine have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold by almost half in clinical studies. Washing your hands, getting enough sleep and practicing healthy habits will also go a long way toward fending off the common cold. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cold-remedy-tips http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-effectively-treats-depression Herbal Extract Effectively Treats DepressionSource: www.healthtalk.caAccording to a study published in the online edition of The British Medical Journal, an herbal extract was found to be slightly better in treating patients with moderate to severe depression than a leading prescribed antidepressant drug.German researchers compared the effectiveness of St. John's Wort to Paroxetine, brand name Paxil, in a short-term study that involved 301 participants aged 18-70. At the end of the trial, 50 percent (61 out of 122) of those taking St. John's Wort reported their condition improved, compared with 35 percent (43 out of 122) of those taking the antidepressant drug Paxil.The researchers also found fewer adverse effects among those taking St. John's Wort compared to those who took Paxil - 172 and 269 respectively. The researchers said they welcome more research in this area and support the use of St. John's Wort as an alternative to treat depression. NOTE: The research was financed by the company that markets the extract. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-effectively-treats-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-may-treat-diabetes-like-a-drug Herbal Extract May Treat Diabetes Like a DrugSource: my.webmd.comAn herbal extract used in traditional Indian medicine may treat diabetes as effectively as prescription medications, according to a new study.Researchers found that a large dose of the herb Salacia oblonga lowered blood sugar and insulin levels by 23% and 29%, respectively, in healthy normal-weight adults."These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with prescription oral medications for people with diabetesprescription oral medications for people with diabetes," says researcher Steve Hertzler, assistant professor of nutrition at Ohio State University, in a news release.It remains to be seen whether the herb would have the same effect in people with diabetes, but researchers say the results merit further research to answer that question."Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes," says Hertzler. "Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as opposed to a pill."Salacia oblonga is an herb native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, which binds to enzymes in the intestine that break down carbohydrates into sugar (glucose). The herb works similar to medication used to treat diabetes known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitorsalpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as Precose or Glyset. When these enzymes bind to the herbal extract rather than to carbohydrates, less glucose is absorbed, resulting in lower blood sugar and insulin levels.In the study, which appears in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers examined the effect of different doses of Salacia oblonga on insulin and blood sugar levels in 39 healthy adults.How Large a Dose Is Needed?The participants drank four test meals consisting of a carbohydrate-rich beverage fortified with either 0 (placebo), 500, 700, or 1,000 milligrams of Salacia oblonga herbal extract on four different occasions after fasting for 12 hours. Researchers then measured blood sugar and insulin levels two hours after the meal.Since Salacia oblonga can cause intestinal gas, researchers also measured breath hydrogen as an indicator of intestinal gas for eight hours after the meal.The results showed that the largest dose of the herbal extract reduced blood sugar levels by 23% and insulin levels by 29% compared with the placebo. The other, smaller doses of the herbal extract did not have an impact on blood sugar or insulin levels.Researchers found breath hydrogen levels increased as the dose of Salacia oblonga increased, but there were only minimal reports of gastrointestinal discomfort.The say the next questions are to determine which dose of the herbal extract is optimal for achieving blood sugar control in people with diabetes and when it should be taken."We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to the enzymes that break down carbohydrates," says Hertzler. "The participants in this study took the herb with their meal, but maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective."Hertzler says Salacia oblonga is relatively hard to find in the U.S., but the herbal extract is sold by some manufacturers over the Internet Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-may-treat-diabetes-like-a-drug http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritionist-diet-needs-differ-by-decade Nutritionist: Diet Needs Differ By DecadeSource: www.kfoxtv.comWhether you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, there are certain foods and nutrients to maximize your health. Health experts say your eating habits should change through the decades even if you think you have a healthy diet, reported KGTV in San Diego. For example, if you are in your 20s, your body is building its bone bank, and it needs plenty of calcium. But you don't necessarily need to get it from milk."Go beyond the diary. Look at toasted sesame seeds, figs and even sushi," nutritionist Patti Milligan said."I feel my body changing as I get a little older," 20-something Jamie Demtre said.Milligan suggested cutting back on bone-stealing soft drinks.Twenty-somethings are also developing their energy reserves in this time. You can beef up energy by adding dried fruit and B vitamins to your diet.Your 30s is prime time to prevent cancer. That's when cells can undergo changes to become cancer cells later in life."I do have cancer in my family, and so anything I can do now to help would be beneficial," 30-something Revelle Anderson said.Milligan suggested deep-orange and green vegetables and fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, cantaloupe, dried apricots and squash.Other cancer-fighting weapons are green tea, flaxseeds and fresh herbs.In your 40s, health experts say you should choose foods for your heart and digestion system."B-6 and B-12 support the heart. I like flaxseed meal for those omega-3s, and raw nuts and soy for protein support," Milligan said.Choose healthier fats, foods with fiber, soy and whole grains. Ginger tea, fresh ginger and pears can improve your digestion and keep you going strong in your fourth decade, Milligan added.For those in their 50s, the goal is to keep a strong immune system. Milligan said seasonal favorites, such as apples, pears, sweet potatoes and mushrooms are excellent choices.Keeping your half-century-old skin supple with chemical-free hydrating lotions and topical Vitamin C can help keep your skin look decades younger."Our skin doesn't turn over as fast as when you were younger, so there are things you can do to bolster good skin health" Milligan said.Women like Deborah King, 40, know the value of dieting by the decade."When you eat like this, your body hums. It feels better," she said.And for those 60 and older, eat to boost brain power. Some brain nutrients and foods are fish, nuts, avocados, squashes and oatmeal. Beneficial supplements include, phosphatidyl serine, B vitamins, ginkgo biloba and magnesium. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritionist-diet-needs-differ-by-decade http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-calcium-ok-for-crohns-related-bone-loss Vitamin D, Calcium OK for Crohn's-Related Bone LossSource: today.reuters.co.ukAdding etidronate to calcium and vitamin D therapy is not necessary in the treatment of bone loss in patients with Crohn's disease, results of a new study indicate. "The addition of the bone-building drug etidronate adds no additional advantage," Dr. Richard N. Fedorak told Reuters Health."This is an important finding," he noted, "since the bone-building drugs can have additional side effects including diarrhea and stomach upset that could make a Crohn's patient feel worse."Etidronate, sold under the trade name Didronel (Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals), is one of the bisphosphonate drugs, used to treat osteoporosis.Fedorak, at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, and colleagues, studied the effects of 2 years of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation, with or without etidronate therapy, in 154 Crohn's disease patients with low bone mineral density.The subjects were randomly assigned to oral etidronate (400 mg) or no treatment for 14 days. Both groups then received calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU) for the next 76 days. This cycle was repeated every 3 months for 2 years.Bone mineral density in the lower spine, forearm and upper thighbone -- but not the total hip -- increased steadily, significantly, and similarly in both treatment groups, the investigators report in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.A large number of patients with Crohn's disease have low bone density due to treatment with steroids, poor nutrition, active inflammation, and calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, Fedorak told Reuters Health.For Crohn's patients with low bone density, "our trial demonstrates that treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplementation alone will increase bone density by about 4 percent per year," he said. Adding etidronate does not appear to enhance the effects of calcium and vitamin D.In an editorial, Dr. Charles Bernstein from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg says this study provides reassurance that bisphosphonates are "rarely needed in inflammatory bowel disease patients" most of whom have low bone mineral density scores and many of whom are using steroids.SOURCE: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, February 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-calcium-ok-for-crohns-related-bone-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alternative-treatment Alternative treatmentSource: www.usnews.comTired of Prozac? Zoloft and Paxil not working? If you're not keen on traditional antidepressant medicines, new research shows that an over-the-counter therapy could work for you. Doctors and nurses from the National Institutes of Health tested the hormone supplement DHEA, a dietary supplement that may prevent degenerative disorders, to see if it could help depression. 2/4/05: Sad kids: Antidepressant prescriptions fall for the under-18 crowd 2/1/05: All in your head: Images of physical and psychological pain in the brain More about Mental Health AddictionsAllergy and AsthmaAlternative MedicineAlzheimer's and Neurological DisordersArthritisBeauty and AppearanceBone Health and OsteoporosisCancer Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Colorectal Cancer Leukemia Lung Cancer and Disease Lymphoma Ovarian Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer Stomach Cancer Testicular CancerChildren's and Teens' HealthDiabetes and Endocrine DisordersDigestive HealthEar, Nose, and ThroatEye and Visual HealthFitness and ExerciseHeart, Stroke, and Vascular HealthHIV/AIDSInfectious DiseasesMen's HealthMental HealthNutrition and DietObesityOral HealthPainPregnancy, Infertility, and InfantsPublic HealthSeniors' HealthSex and STDsSmoking and QuittingWomen's HealthOther What the researchers wanted to know: Does the hormone DHEA help patients with depression?What they did: The researchers treated 23 men and 23 women between the ages of 40 and 65 who had depression that had come on within the previous five years and who were not currently taking other antidepressants. Half the sample received DHEA (Its full name is dehydroepiandrosterone.), and half received a placebo pill for six weeks. Then, after taking no pills for two weeks, the groups switched therapies. The researchers used several common questionnaires to measure depression symptoms, including sexual interest before, during, and after the therapy.What they found: For about half the sample (12 women and 11 men), DHEA improved their depression significantly during the six weeks of treatment. However, the researchers could not find anything to predict what would make some people respond to the treatment and not others—age, prior depression, gender, depression severity, and hormone levels all did not correlate with the response to DHEA. When participants took the placebo, about one third improved; that's pretty average for depression studies, according to the lead researcher.What it means to you: Because only half the participants responded to DHEA, the researchers suggest that DHEA should be used only if other therapies do not work or if a person does not want to take traditional medicines. DHEA can be effective and is relatively free of side effects—oily skin was the worst in this study—but since there is no way to predict whether or not it will treat depression in one person versus another, this hormone won't be the magic pill. In addition, DHEA is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, a relatively unregulated corner of the world. Some products that say they contain DHEA may not actually include it—in one study less than half of the products that were marketed as having DHEA contained the dose they claimed.Caveats: The researchers restricted their study to exclude people with severe depression. Though the treatment had the same effect on those with mild and major depression, the researchers say that DHEA may not be effective for people whose depression is severe enough to warrant inpatient treatment, including people who are suicidal. In addition, there are much fewer studies on the effects of DHEA on depression than on traditional therapies—so this drug should be considered only after other options have been explored.Find out more: The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has resources for people with mood disorders, including depression, and information about the disease and its treatments.DHEA is a controversial hormone. For one side, take a look at DrugDigest, which explains some of the potential benefits of the hormone.Quackwatch.org has the opposing perspective. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alternative-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/seaweed-emerging-as-an-important-diet-supplement-for-americans Seaweed emerging as an important diet supplement for AmericansSource: www.newstarget.comSeaweed has long been a staple of diets all across Asia, and now American nutrition experts are starting to recommend it highly here. A recent study by the University of California at Berkeley is just the latest to conclude that the vegetable may help prevent breast cancer, among other dangerous maladies.A type of vegetation that can often be found washed ashore on beaches may soon emerge as a new player in the field of cancer-fighting foods. A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has found that a diet containing kelp seaweed lowered levels of the potent sex hormone estradiol in rats, and raised hopes that it might decrease the risk of estrogen-dependent diseases such as breast cancer in humans. Prior studies have shown that Japanese women have longer menstrual cycles and lower serum estradiol levels than their Western counterparts, which researchers say may contribute to their lower rates of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. "Brown kelp seaweed makes up more than 10 percent of the Japanese diet," said Christine Skibola, assistant research toxicologist at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health and lead author of the study. The researchers say that the type of kelp used in this study, bladderwrack seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus), is closely related to wakame and kombu, the brown seaweeds that are most commonly consumed in Japan. "The most profound thing I found was that two women with endometriosis and a lot of menstrual irregularities experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after three months of taking 700 milligrams of seaweed capsules per day," said Skibola. One group was fed a high daily dose of 70 milligrams of dried, powdered kelp for four weeks, while a second group was fed a low daily dose of 35 milligrams. To ensure that all the kelp was eaten, Skibola and study co-author John Curry, a UC Berkeley post-doctoral fellow in molecular and cell biology, sprinkled the powdered kelp onto apple wedges, one of the rats' favorite foods. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/seaweed-emerging-as-an-important-diet-supplement-for-americans http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/environmental-factors-the-primary-cause-of-prostate-cancer Environmental factors the primary cause of prostate cancerSource: www.newstarget.comMen in Japan and Hawaii have a prostate cancer incidence 90% lower than mainland American men, and scientists at the University of Hawaii are trying to find out why. Researchers have enrolled 215,000 people of varying ethnicities in Hawaii and California for a massive comparative study of diet and related factors. The study is expected to run for twenty years or more, and scientists hope to be able to make specific dietary recommendations when they have collected sufficient data.Scientists are testing the effects of a healty diet on prostate cancer. With the large number of immigrants in Hawaii from Japan, researchers at the University of Hawaii set out to determine why this difference exists. Their research involved Japanese-Americans including first generation immigrants and their offspring. What they found was that cancer rates varied between Japan and Hawaii and that cancer rates varied between generations within Hawaii. This, says Kolonel, is an indication that it can't just be genetics. Researchers concluded the likeliest culprit was diet -- especially as more Western eating habits make their way into Hawaii with fast food restaurants. Now, Kolonel and colleagues at the University of Hawaii are collaborating with researchers at the University of Southern California to gather groups of individuals in one of the following categories: native Hawaiians from Hawaii, Caucasians from Hawaii, Japanese-Americans from Hawaii, African-Americans from California, and Latinos from California. Their goals are twofold: see which components of the diet increase the risk for cancer and which protect against cancer; and see if those relationships are consistent across ethnic groups. All filled out a 26-page questionnaire about their diets and some will have blood and urine collected as well to look at biological markers that explain what happens to the food once it's absorbed into the bloodstream. "We want to be able to recommend to the public not just specific suggestions like 'eat less fat' or 'eat more fiber,' but what's the kind of diet that you should eat in general? Dr. Dean Ornish, inventor of the Ornish diet, has found by eating a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables, men can actually lower their risk of prostate cancer. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/environmental-factors-the-primary-cause-of-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/they-are-what-they-eat They are what they eatSource: observer.guardian.co.ukWith the rise in skin complaints and asthma, obesity and attention disorders, children's health is a constant battle. However, simple changes in their diet can help target these problems. In this extract from his informative new book, Dr John Briffa pinpoints the danger signs, and serves up the foods that'll keep them sweet When I was growing up, I would have occasion to attentively sit in on clinics in which my mother or father would see to the medical needs of a procession of babies and children. Bearing in mind such early influences, it perhaps comes as no surprise that I have quite an interest in such kids' stuff myself. My medical training undoubtedly exposed me to the best of what orthodox medicine has to offer. Witnessing, say, a skilled paediatric surgeon at work or the life-saving qualities of antibiotics in a baby with meningitis has convinced me what a potent force for good modern medicine can be. However, my experience in medicine has also brought me face to face with many children whose long-term health issues have not been well served by conventional means. All too often, standard medical treatments for conditions such as eczema, asthma, hyperactivity and recurrent infections fail to really get on top of the problem. I have also seen many children who are suffering not only from their underlying problem, but also from the side-effects of one or more medications used to treat it.It is partly these experiences that have led me to seek safer and more effective remedies in my own practice. Wherever possible, my aim is to find, and correct, the underlying cause of a health issue. Over the years, I have found that this approach is very often effective in resolving a wide spectrum of childhood illness. What I have learnt I have distilled into my latest book, Natural Health for Kids (£16.99, Penguin). The book details the natural management of some 150 behavioural and physical conditions common in children. Many of the strategies I recommend involve dietary change. This basic approach is born out of the fact that diet is so often a core factor in health issues. Natural Health for Kids contains comprehensive and scientifically referenced information on what constitutes a truly healthy diet for children, and also offers practical advice on how to encourage little ones to eat nutritious fare, with a minimum of fuss.While a good basic diet can prevent and even remedy many ills, sometimes a more tailored approach is required. In this extract from my book, I explore three specific dietary imbalances that are commonly found at the bottom of a child's health issue. The first of these, imbalance in blood-sugar levels, can manifest in a number of ways, including mood swings and behavioural problems, unexplained fatigue and food cravings. The other two are food sensitivity (a common cause of many conditions, such as asthma, eczema and recurrent ear, nose and throat problems), and an imbalance in certain fats in the diet (which is a frequent factor in learning and behavioural problems). Working with children has convinced me that young bodies generally have the potential to snap back into shape quite quickly. For instance, I have seen efforts to stabilise blood-sugar levels transform little devils into little angels in a few short days, and the elimination of problem foods from a child's diet can bring about considerable resolution in their eczema or asthma in a week or two. My experience is that with the right approach, the boy or girl usually comes good in the end.Blood-sugar balance and healthThe body is constantly engaged in a biochemical balancing act in which it attempts to regulate its internal environment. Part of this process involves ensuring a relatively stable level of sugar in the bloodstream. However, in some children this mechanism can go awry, leading to peaks and troughs of blood sugar. In the short term, blood-sugar swings may manifest as problems such as mood swings, fatigue and food cravings. In the long term, this imbalance may predispose to a range of health issues, including weight gain and diabetes.One of the principal hormones involved in the regulation of blood sugar is insulin. This hormone is secreted in response to rises in blood-sugar levels after the consumption of carbohydrate (sugar or starch). The chief effect of insulin is to reduce blood-sugar levels, thereby preventing excesses of blood sugar that can be damaging to the body. However, in certain circumstances, blood-sugar levels can rise considerably after a meal, which stimulates surges of insulin in the system. One potential effect of this is to drive blood sugar down to subnormal levels.The effects of low blood sugarAdequate blood-sugar levels are generally required to fuel both body and brain. When blood-sugar levels drop, this can cause energy to stall (typically in the mid- to late afternoon). Fluctuating blood-sugar levels often cause fluctuating mood, and this can manifest as deep depression or temper tantrums (and everything in between). Another common symptom of low blood sugar is food cravings. When a child's blood-sugar levels get low, it's natural for the body to crave foods that will replenish sugar quickly into the bloodstream. A child that 'needs' sweet foods such as biscuits, chocolate or highly sugared drinks from time to time is normally struggling with a blood-sugar issue.The problems of excess insulinWhile the symptoms of blood-sugar imbalance are most obvious when sugar levels are low, high blood-sugar levels and the surges of insulin this tends to induce can have hazards, too. One of insulin's effects is to stimulate the conversion of sugar into fat. Children with blood-sugar imbalance may therefore have a tendency to weight gain. Also, high levels of insulin in the body can increase the risk of what is known as type 2 diabetes in the long term.Getting blood sugar back in balanceChildren who have symptoms and signs of blood-sugar imbalance can generally expect to have more stable levels of mood and energy and more controlled hunger when steps are taken to correct this. A loss of excess weight, if this is an issue, is very likely, too.One important factor in getting blood sugar back in balance is to eat a diet based on foods which give a controlled release of sugar into the body. The speed and extent to which a food increases blood sugar can be quantified using something called the glycaemic index scale. Here, the speed and extent of a food's sugar release into the blood stream is compared with glucose (the fastest-releasing food), which is given a value of 100. The higher a food's glycaemic index, the more disruptive its effects on blood sugar (and insulin) are, and the worse it tends to be for a child's health. What follows is a list of the commonly eaten carbohydrates and their respective glycaemic indices. For a long time, traditional nutritional wisdom has dictated that foods rich in sugar produce rapid rises in blood sugar, while starches, because they need to be broken down to sugar prior to absorption, release more slowly into the bloodstream. However, the glycaemic index list (previous page) reveals that this is far from the truth. While some starches, eg oat porridge, release sugar relatively slowly, others - notably pasta, potato, most breads, rice and sweet corn - tend to be quite destabilising to the body's chemistry, particularly when eaten in quantity. Some scientists have suggested that the preponderance of high-GI foods in many children's diets is a major factor in the burgeoning rates of obesity and diabetes seen in the young.Getting good control over blood-sugar and insulin levels is a key aspect of health, and a crucial part of this is a diet based on low-GI foods. It is not necessarily important to get higher-GI foods right out of the diet, and neither is this realistic. However, what this is about is balance. It's about emphasising healthier, slower-releasing foods, while at the same time pulling back on the faster-releasing fare.The importance of proteinOne thing that seems to be particularly important for blood-sugar control is that there is adequate protein in the diet. In practice, a diet reasonably rich in protein does seem to stabilise blood-sugar levels and help combat the symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Good sources of protein in the diet include meat and fish. Eggs are another protein-rich food, as are beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.Regular meals and snacking for better blood-sugar controlWhatever it is that a child consumes, eating small amounts of it more frequently will generally lead to more stable levels of sugar and insulin compared to eating that food in two or three big meals. Regular meals are important for children, but healthy snacks in between can be extremely useful, too. Fresh and dried fruit, cut-up raw vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds, all make eminently nutritious snacks that help keep blood-sugar levels on an even keel.When steps are taken to stabilise blood-sugar levels, children generally enjoy more stable energy and mood, and have more controlled eating habits, too. Children carrying weight that is surplus to requirements can generally expect to shed some of this in the long term, without the need to go hungry or restrict calories per se.Food sensitivityWhile food can have health-giving and healing properties, it can also cause considerable health issues. Food has the capacity to cause unwanted reactions in the body that are often grouped under the heading 'food sensitivity'. Food sensitivity may manifest as one or more of a wide variety of symptoms, including frequent colds, a blocked or runny nose, headaches and migraine, abdominal bloating, eczema and asthma. The identification and elimination of problem foods from the diet can often make a major change to a child's health and wellbeing.What causes food sensitivity?Conventional medical wisdom dictates that before food is absorbed through the gut wall into the bloodstream, it is first broken down into its smallest molecular constituents. However, contrary to received wisdom, food can sometimes make its way through the gut wall into the body in a partially digested form. Once in the body, the body may see these undigested food molecules as 'foreign', and may trigger a response from the body's immune system. Such reactions usually involve the production of substances called antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins). One type of antibody involved in food-sensitivity reactions is known as IgE (which stands for immunoglobulin E). IgE is the type of antibody that is generally involved in immediate and obvious reactions to food such as the acute allergic reaction to nuts. Conventional tests such as IgE blood tests and scratch testing (in the skin) are generally useful for diagnosing such sensitivities. However, not all food reactions involve IgE antibodies. Some, for instance, involve a different class of antibodies known as IgG. This type of antibody does seem to be responsible for more subtle food reactions, that in practice can be at the root of a number of childhood conditions, including glue ear, ear infections, eczema, asthma, recurrent tonsillitis, excess mucus or catarrh formation, hyperactivity, food cravings (particularly for things such as bread and cheese), dark circles under the eyes, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal bloating and rashes in the skin. Drawing a distinction between IgE and IgG sensitivity is important, as conventional tests focus on IgE, and can therefore fail to identify problem foods that are causing unwanted reactions through other mechanisms.Testing for food sensitivityIf you suspect your child might be food sensitive, then the next step might be to identify which food or foods are the problem. There are a variety of tests available for food sensitivity. Conventional blood tests for food sensitivity test for IgE, but IgG tests are available to the public - I find that these generally yield useful results. One laboratory, York Laboratories, is able to test IgG food sensitivity from a single drop of blood (see www.allergy-testing.com for more details).Common problem foodsFood-sensitivity testing is not strictly necessary, however. Many children improve on elimination of the most common problem foods. These are:Dairy products - such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice creamIn practice, the foods that we appear to tolerate the best are those that have been in the human diet the longest. Dairy products are relatively new to the human diet (we have consumed milk for about the last 10,000 years of our two or more million years on this planet). One of the main elements in dairy foods that seems to provoke reactions is the protein molecules within them. Pasteurisation (a very new thing indeed) is believed to change the nature of dairy proteins,which does seem to increase the likelihood of us having a reaction to them. Be particularly suspicious of a dairy sensitivity in your child if he or she had colic as a baby, or suffers from frequent colds, a runny nose, ear problems or sore throats and/or tonsillitis.Wheat (including bread, pasta, pastry, biscuits, wheat-based snacks, wheat-containing cereal bars, cakes and wheat-based or wheat-containing breakfast cereals)Like dairy products, wheat is a relatively recent addition to the human diet (about 10,000 years). Not only that, but wheat is one grain that has been modified over the years using plant-breeding techniques. In other words, the type of wheat we eat now is often quite different from the wheat we originally started eating all those years ago. It seems to be true that the more of a food we eat, the more likely we are to develop a sensitivity to it. The fact that wheat is such a staple in our diets may be another reason why it is a common cause of food sensitivity.Any food your child craves or doesn't seem to be able to do withoutChildren sometimes crave and become quite wedded to the very foods they are sensitive to. A child, for instance, who loves bread and pasta is quite likely to be wheat sensitive. One that adores milk or cheese is probably harbouring a dairy problem. What causes this phenomenon is not known for sure, though it's probably not too dissimilar to the cravings that individuals can get for other things that are not good for the body, such as nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.Removal of problem foods from a child's diet very often leads to a swift resolution of food sensitivity-related symptoms. However, a child has to eat something. Natural Health for Kids contains comprehensive information about alternative foods, including non-dairy sources of calcium.Fatty-acid imbalanceDietary fats come in a variety of forms which can have quite distinct health effects in the body. Recent years have seen a lot of scientific interest in what are known as polyunsaturated fats found in a variety of foods, including vegetable oils and oily fish. While these fats may have broadly beneficial effects for the body, it now appears as though many children are subject to health issues as a result of an imbalance of these important fats in the diet.Polyunsaturated fats come in two main types: the so-called omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The major omega-6 fatty acid in the diet is known as linoleic acid, which is found most abundantly in plant oils such as hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, safflower, sesame, corn, walnut and soya oil. The major omega-3 fatty acids in the diet come in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant sources such as flaxseed, and fats known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are mainly found in oily varieties of fish. Linoleic acid, ALA, EPA and DHA are often referred to as essential fatty acids (EFAs).Both omega-3 and omega-6 fats have important roles to play in the body, though their actions are roughly antagonistic. For instance, omega-6 fats tend to encourage blood clotting and inflammation, while omega-3 fats have quite the reverse effects. What this means is that the relative amounts of these two main types of fat in the body are critical to health. Some scientists believe that the ideal ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fats in the diet is 1:1. However, the British diet is typically low in omega-3 fat, and usually supplies several times the amount of omega-6. The surfeit of omega-6 fat in the diet, coupled with a general deficiency in omega-3 fats, can have profound effects on health.One of the fundamental roles of omega-3 fats is in the structure and function of the brain. DHA is believed to be important in the building of the brain during pregnancy, and in maintaining its growth and development after birth. EPA is also important, and seems to play some role in the day-to-day running of the brain. A deficiency of omega-3 fats is believed to contribute to a variety of issues, including dyslexia, dyspraxia (lack of co-ordination), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression.Correcting a fatty-acid imbalanceImproving the balance of fats in a child's body is usually about cutting back on omega-6 fats, while at the same time increasing omega-3 consumption. Foods rich in omega-6 fats to limit in the diet include many vegetable oils that are used in the manufacturing of fast and processed foods and margarine. Good sources of omega-3 fats to emphasise include oily fish, such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring and sardine. Two or three portions of this each week will help ensure a good intake of omega-3 fats if a child will eat them. Omega-3 enriched eggs are another option.However, not all children will eat oily fish. Fortunately, concentrated fish-oil supplements (rich in EPA and DHA) are available in a variety of forms, and do offer an alternative to non-fish-friendly kids. These can be taken in capsule form (as directed on the label) or opened into soups, sauces, stews or casseroles. Vegetarian children may benefit from taking DHA extracted from algae (eg Cerebrum vegetarian DHA, available from healthspan.co.uk). Another alternative is to supplement a child with flaxseed oil at a dose of about 1 tbsp a day. Flaxseed oil is very rich in ALA, some of which will convert to EPA and DHA within the body.Correcting a fatty imbalance in a child's body can take a few weeks or months, though the effects are usually well worth the wait. Apart from external effects such as healthier skin and hair, it is usual to see internal improvement, too. Often, this will manifest as improved mood and behaviour, as well as an enhanced ability to focus, concentrate and learn. Ensuring a healthier balance of fats in a child's diet is food for thought indeed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/they-are-what-they-eat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mothers-herb-garden-peppermint Mother's Herb Garden: PeppermintSource: www.motherearthnews.comLately, more and more people hove begun to understand just how ' limited-in both variety and nutritional valueour "modern" diets hove become. This realization has sparked o new and widespread interest in the culinory and therapeutic uses of herbs . . . those plants which—although not wellknown today—were, just one short generation ago, honored "guests" on the dinner tables and in the medicine chests of our grandparents' homes. In this regular feature, MOTHER examines the availability, cultivation, and benefits of our "forgotten" vegetable foods and remedies . . . and—we hope—helps prevent the loss of still another bit of ancestral lore. According to ancient Greek legend, Pluto—the god who reigned over the underworld—became enraptured by a nymph named Menthe . . . causing his wife, Proserpina, to turn the young beauty into an herb and banish her forever to regions of shadows and moisture. And—like most such tales—the myth still has relevance today: This perennial, peppermint (Mentha piperita), is often found growing wild in wet, shaded spots . . . but it will also thrive in your own garden or window box. The herb is distinguished by a square, reddish, bitter stem. Red overtones are also visible in the leaves (which are darker green, larger, less crinkly, and more potent than those of spearmint), and the two- to three-foot spreading branches curve outward instead of growing straight up. Attractive rose-lavender flowers appear art cylindrical spikes in late July or August . . . and produce small, round, dark seeds. These, however, don't always reproduce true to the parent plant, so it's best to cultivate the herb from cuttings (which will generally root easily when placed in water) or—in the autumn—to plant small pieces of root two inches deep and six to eight inches apart. Peppermint will grow almost anywhere that's out of the hot sun, but it prefers a moderately rich soil and at least partial shade. Because it spreads vigorously by underground runners, you might want to cultivate yours in containers (at least four inches in depth) or—in the garden—in beds surrounded by boards buried about six to eight inches in the earth (they'll help keep the mint from taking over your growing plot). When planted as a companion to cabbage—or strewn between any vegetables of the genus Brassica—peppermint helps deter the white cabbage butterfly. Make sure the herb receives at least an inch of water a week, and to promote bushier growth, snip off the tender budding tips. If you want to assure a lengthy harvest, you should also keep the flowers pinched back . . . but don't pick any leaves before the herb is 10 to 12 inches high, or you'll weaken the plant. To dry peppermint, gather the foliage in the early morning before the dew has evaporated. The leaves will be at their best just prior to flowering when the level of essential oils is at its peak. Hang the bunches upside down in warm shade, or dry them in the oven at 150°F . . . then strip the leaves from the stems and store them in opaque jars with airtight lids. Clean, undried sprigs can also be frozen in plastic bags, orto prepare a decorative, flavorful addition to punch and iced teajust add leaves to the water when you refill an ice cube tray. Either fresh or dried, peppermint leaves can add zest to salads or fruit cocktails . . . and are also delicious sprinkled over ice cream or mixed into cream cheese. A tasty marinade can be made by combining the fresh-tasting greenery with a little vinegar and water. And to make a mint sauce, start by cooking 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in the top of a double boiler for five minutes. After that, add mint leaves (experiment to find the most appealing strength of mint flavor) . . . let the liquid simmer for 10 to 15 minutes . . . and serve it warm with lamb or veal. Mint tea has long been used as a refreshing drink that's also said to relieve indigestion, alleviate motion and morning sickness, calm nerves, induce sleep, and reduce the effects of heat prostration. Many people believe that fresh stems and tops, mixed with rosemary or balm in a hot bath, can ease stiff joints and relax tired muscles. And few would dispute the claim that refrigerated "mint water" (soak a cup of peppermint leaves in a quart of water and then strain the foliage out) makes a stimulating face wash. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mothers-herb-garden-peppermint http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-under-spotlight-in-new-cancer-research Vitamin D under spotlight in new cancer researchSource: www.nutraingredients.comVitamin D’s role in the development of cancer should get further attention following the unexpected findings that sunlight may benefit certain types of cancer. One of two new studies in the 2 February issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that sun exposure may increase chances of survival from the deadly skin cancer malignant melanoma. Solar radiation is a major risk factor for melanoma. Another trial out this week suggests that sun may also reduce risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Sun’s benefit could be down to the vitamin D made by sun-exposed skin, believe researchers. Vitamin D has previously been associated with a protective effect against cancer. Last year, UK researchers found that women with certain versions of the vitamin D receptor gene are almost twice as likely to develop breast cancer than women with other versions of the gene. It has also been linked to reduced risk of colon cancer. In the new study Marianne Berwick of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and colleagues conducted a population-based, case-control study of more than 500 patients who had been diagnosed with melanoma in the late 1980s. The incidence of and mortality from melanoma have been increasing over the last 50 years in all developed countries with large Caucasian populations. But survival has also improved, suggesting that increasing sun exposure increases melanoma survival in addition to melanoma incidence. However, increased early detection of melanoma might also explain the increased survival. The US team report that three measures of sun exposure—sunburn, high intermittent sun exposure, and solar elastosis (an indicator of the skin's sun damage)—and a personal history of skin awareness (a measure of early detection) were all inversely associated with death from melanoma. Melanoma patients with higher levels of sun exposure or skin awareness were less likely to die. In addition, both solar elastosis and skin awareness were independently associated with increased survival from melanoma, even after adjusting for certain melanoma characteristics, such as lesion thickness and location. The authors conclude that sun exposure is associated with increased survival from melanoma. "It would be reasonable to speculate... that the apparently beneficial relationship between sun exposure and survival from melanoma could be mediated by vitamin D," Berwick and colleagues write. "However, an alternative hypothesis is that sun exposure induces less aggressive melanomas by inducing melanization and increasing DNA repair capacity, both of which might reduce further mutational changes in a melanoma. Which, if either, hypothesis is more plausible remains to be determined." Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sun exposure has also been thought to be partly responsible for the worldwide rise in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To investigate this hypothesis, Karin Ekström Smedby, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and colleagues conducted a population-based, case-control study in Denmark and Sweden using history of UV exposure and other risk factors for lymphoma from more than 3,000 lymphoma patients and a similar number of control subjects. They found that increased exposure to UV radiation through sunbathing and sunburns was associated with a decrease, rather than an increase, in the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Increased UV exposure was also associated, although more weakly, with a decreased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma. "[These] results suggest an inverse association between UV light exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk," Smedby and colleagues write. "However, before this association can be considered causal we need further confirmatory data from other epidemiologic studies and, ideally, a better understanding of possible biologic mechanisms," including UV-induced systemic immune modulation and the photo-initiation of vitamin D production. In an editorial, William J. Blot of the International Epidemiology Institute in Rockville, Maryland and colleagues discuss how the results of these two studies provide new evidence that sunlight may have a beneficial influence on both cancer incidence and outcome. They hypothesize that vitamin D may be a critical mediator in the relationship between sunlight and cancer. "In view of the major potential public health consequence of these results, further studies of sunlight and the vitamin D connection to cancer are certainly warranted," they conclude. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-under-spotlight-in-new-cancer-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-supplements-could-be-effective-in-treating-patients-with-osteoporosis Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Could Be Effective In Treating Patients With OsteoporosisSource: www.medindia.netA new study shows patients with Crohn's disease do not have improved bone mineral density by adding bone-building drugs to calcium and vitamin D therapy. Crohn's is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall. It usually begins in the teenage years and is characterized by abdomen pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Patients with Crohn's disease suffer bone mass loss and bone fractures due to treatment with corticosteroids, poor nutrition, active inflammation, and calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.Researchers studied the effectiveness of the bone-building drug etidronate (Didronel) in patients with Crohn's. It was found to have no additional benefit to calcium and vitamin D therapy. Calcium and vitamin D therapy alone were found to provided benefit to Crohn's patients who suffer from osteoporosis and osteopenia . Thus researchers say based on their findings , physicians should consider BMD testing and drug therapy for patients who are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures, and not only for those who merely have Crohn's disease as a diagnosis. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-supplements-could-be-effective-in-treating-patients-with-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/echinacea-can-help-some-with-cold-flu Echinacea can help some with cold, fluSource: www.sunherald.comI have surgery coming up and have been exposed to a relative with a cold. Will taking echinacea be of any help in warding off this cold?Also, are there any side effects to taking echinacea?A: Echinacea probably won't help you ward off a cold. But if you happen to come down with one, evidence indicates this herbal supplement may modestly reduce its duration and the severity of symptoms. Lesser evidence suggests echinacea also might modestly diminish some symptoms of the flu.For treating a cold, echinacea seems to work best if started when symptoms first appear and continued for 7 to 10 days.Preliminary test-tube research hints that echinacea stimulates the immune system, and research in people indicates it may possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity.Of interest to many women, echinacea seems to help prevent recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Ingesting the juice of echinacea purpurea while using the topical antifungal cream econazole (Spectazole) has been shown to be much more effective than the cream alone.Though echinacea generally is well tolerated, a number of side effects have been reported, including fever, heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, tingling and numbness of the tongue, sore throat, headache, dizziness and insomnia.More rarely, allergic reactions have occurred. Symptoms include hives, skin rash, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face and upper airway. This type of reaction calls for immediate medical help.People with an inborn tendency to allergies seem to be at greater risk, as do those who are sensitive to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.Like many herbal supplements, echinacea's active constituents have not been identified, so these products cannot be standardized.Q: Can you tell me if glucosamine or the combination of that with chondroitin and MSM is constipating? I cannot find this information anywhere. I have chronic constipation and try to treat it by eating a high-fiber diet. My problem has gotten worse since I've been taking this supplement combination.A: These supplements are used in products for osteoarthritis. Both constipation and diarrhea are among the reported side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin. Diarrhea has been reported with MSM.You didn't say, but perhaps you're taking another supplement or drug associated with constipation. These include calcium supplements, antacids containing calcium or aluminum, drugs with anticholinergic effects, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, NSAIDs and narcotics. If you're not sure, ask your pharmacist.Along with the extra fiber, drinking lots of fluids helps relieve constipation.Check with your doctor if you don't see improvement soon. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/echinacea-can-help-some-with-cold-flu http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-broccoli Eat Your BroccoliSource: www.thenewmexicochannel.comBroccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables that begin with the letter b!Cruciferous vegetables (named for their tiny cross-forming flower petals) belong to the cabbage family. The family portrait includes everything from arugula to watercress-with cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, Swiss chard and turnips in between.Why so healthful? First their nutrients: beta carotene (which forms vitamin A), vitamin C and varying amounts of calcium, iron and folate. Second, cruciferous vegetables have a unique phytonutrient array that includes cancer-fighting indoles and isothiocyanates and fiber. Source: 365 Days of Healthy Eating from the American Dietetic Association (Wiley 2004), Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-broccoli http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-for-a-healthy-prostate- Tea for a Healthy Prostate?Source: www.infozine.comAmerican Institute for Cancer Research - Since earlier research suggests that the same natural plant substances might also help prevent the development of prostate cancer, scientists say that more studies are needed on green tea's ability to fight this common cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, however, still lies in eating a mostly plant-based diet.In the new green-tea study, researchers observed that phytochemicals called polyphenols attack growth factors and proteins, interrupting processes that increase the size of tumors, thus preventing them from spreading to other parts of the body. Further study of green tea may help develop a treatment to prevent the dormant, nonthreatening type of prostate cancer many men have late in life from becoming aggressive and fatal.Studies presented at the most recent American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) conference on diet and cancer also show that green tea in mice with an aggressive form of cancer can decrease the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer to liver, bone and other sites. About six cups of green tea per day would contain the equivalent amount of polyphenols for humans to alter the balance of bodily processes and substances that will help block the spread of cancer.Furthermore, data presented at the AICR conference show that the phytochemicals in green tea could inhibit the early stages of prostate cancer development. For example, the phytochemicals seem to increase the number of enzymes that convert carcinogens to inactive, harmless forms. For now, however, many questions remain about the amount and frequency of green tea necessary to halt the formation of prostate cancer. Although black tea has shown similar benefits to green tea, it appears to have lower levels of the beneficial substances.In any case, it would be a mistake to rely on tea alone for prevention. Studies suggest that there are a variety of nutritional influences on prostate cancer risk. Vitamin E may offer some protection. In several important studies, the antioxidant mineral selenium also seems protective. Almost all Americans get adequate amounts of selenium, but these scientific studies used supplements, so the study participants reached higher intake levels. It is unclear, however, whether men can protect themselves more from prostate cancer by taking supplements, including multivitamins, with selenium and eating more selenium-rich seafood, grains and vegetables. If a person's total selenium intake exceeds 400 mcg per day, nerve damage and other side effects can occur.According to more research presented at the AICR conference, two or more servings per week of raw or cooked tomatoes lower the risk of prostate cancer about 25 percent. The antioxidant phytochemical called lycopene is often credited for the risk reduction, but other substances in tomatoes may play a role. Another protective phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli was mentioned at the AICR conference. This phytochemical, indole-3-carbinol, seems to increase the body's ability to block carcinogens and halt the development of prostate cancer cells. Phytochemicals in soy foods are also considered protective.If men want to lower their risk of prostate cancer, they should not consider drinking green tea as a replacement for a healthy, plant-based diet. However, it is reasonable to replace less healthy drinks with tea. Although black tea has health benefits, green tea's higher levels of phytochemicals called catechins may make it more potent. When combined with a mostly plant-based diet, the phytochemicals from tea could have an even greater effect as all the plant substances interact together to safeguard your health. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-for-a-healthy-prostate- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-charles-attacked-for-backing-unscientific-health-therapies- Prince Charles attacked for backing unscientific health therapies:Source: www.newkerala.comA new book issued by the Prince of Wales's foundation to promote alternative health therapies has come under fire, as unscientific and potentially dangerous by the country's leading authority on complementary medicine, reports the Independent. The book, to be launched next week and issued to all GPs' surgeries, is encouraging the public to resort to unproven treatments, says Professor Professor Edward Ernst, from the Peninsula Medical School at Exeter and Plymouth He described one draft of the Prince's book as "hair-raisingly flimsy, misleading and dangerous", and revealed that his repeated offers to correct the text free of charge were rejected. Complementary Health Care: a guide for patients is published by the Foundation for Integrated Health and offers advice on how to find the 12 most popular non-standard therapies, including reflexology, herbal medicine and yoga therapy. Ernst welcomed the Government's decision to put a range of alternative treatments on the health service menu, but insisted that therapies should be tested before they receive the backing of Prince Charles or the Government. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-charles-attacked-for-backing-unscientific-health-therapies- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-experts-claim-that-hot-plants-can-perk-up-a-drooping-libido Herbal experts claim that 'hot plants' can perk up a drooping libidoSource: www.sltrib.comLet's talk sex. Long before the little blue pill there was maca. And Horny Goat Weed, catuaba and ashwagandha - plant aphrodisiacs that people in far-flung parts of the world have used for hundreds of years to improve their sex lives. In tea, capsule and food form, these and other plant remedies may be poised to start a sexual revolution here, and Chris Kilham is taking up the charge. Kilham, 52, is the explorer-in-residence - or, as he calls himself, medicine hunter - at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he teaches ethnobotany. He also is the author of the new book Hot Plants (St. Martin's Griffin, $12.95), which chronicles his global pursuit of proven sex boosters for men and women. The intrepid explorer, who says he stumbled onto libido boosters while investigating medicinal plants used in foreign countries, also helped develop supplement formulas - Hot Plants for Her, Hot Plants for Him - based on his research. "When I first heard of sexual enhancements from plants, I sort of assumed it wasn't real," he says. "But as I encountered more and more, I realized it was my attitude that wasn't real. "You don't have something that people do for 2 or 3 thousand years, millions of people, if there wasn't justification for it," Kilham adds. Au contraire, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which holds that a long tradition of use doesn't equal scientific proof. It says sexual effects of aphrodisiacs are based in "folklore, not fact." A middle ground is taken by Jennifer Berman, the director of the Female Sexual Medicine Center at UCLA. "There are definitely herbal products that can enhance health, wellness and sexuality," Berman says. "The problem is they aren't regulated by the FDA and it's hard to know how much you need to take to see a beneficial effect. And just because they are herbs doesn't mean they are safe and they can interact with other medications as well." Berman says there is no "magic herbal pill medication" that immediately improves sexual vitality, yet she sometimes prescribes herbal supplements as part of a patient's overall regimen, particularly for women who can't or don't want to take hormonal therapies. Debate aside, Kilham is savvy enough to hear the cry for help coming from the bedrooms of America and thinks the "hot plants" can help. According to the National Health and Social Life Survey, about 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men experience sexual dysfunction - numbers that are likely to grow as baby boomers see their hormones wane and energy flag in mid-life. That trend is coinciding with another: Americans' growing acceptance and use of dietary supplements and herbal remedies. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, says 19 percent of adults use natural products such as herbs, botanicals and enzymes to treat and prevent disease. Sexual health supplements rank near the bottom of the supplement market - just above insomnia remedies and below those aimed at mood health. Still, they raked in an estimated $185 million in sales in 2003, says Patrick Rea, research director at the Nutrition Business Journal based in San Diego, Calif. Rea says sex boosters are the fastest growing category of the supplement business - up 21 percent in 2003, and still rolling thanks in part to the prolific marketing of sexual performance drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. "There is always going to be a segment of the potential consumer population that isn't interested in taking pharmaceutical drugs," Rea says. "They are looking for natural remedies." That is, something that will put a little humma-humma into their sex lives. Kilham focuses on 10 hot plants (see box) he says can restore desire, function and response, though other herbalists have their own favorites. He met with traditional herbalists and medical researchers in such countries as Malaysia, Africa, Russia and China. Some of the plant substances he touts have been subjected to scientific scrutiny, but he says proof for most lies in their safe use by "millions" of people over centuries. That view is echoed by Mark Blumenthal, executive director and founder of the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas, an independent nonprofit organization that researches and provides education about herbs. "The overall bottom line is there is a growing body of both scientific research on animal and human level that continue to support the traditional, historical and empirical data that shows some of the herbal formulas can be useful," Blumenthal says. People didn't give muira puama, the bark of a South American tree, the common name "potency wood," he says, without good reason. Still, Blumenthal would like to see more scientific research like that conducted at Yale University's School of Medicine. Researchers there showed Asian ginseng increases nitric oxide in cells and dilates the vascular -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- system - which may be why the herb has long been known in Asia as helpful for "old man's disease" - impotence. But herbal plant remedies can have side effects, too. Yohimbe, which yields the active ingredient yohimbine hydrochloride and is used in such prescription drugs as Yocon for erectile dysfunction, can cause a rapid heartbeat, nervousness and insomnia in its herbal and pharmaceutical forms. People with conditions such as heart and liver disease, or on certain medications, shouldn't take it. Kilham promotes yohimbe, but warns it is not appropriate for all people - in fact, he advises any readers of his book who have medical conditions to consult a doctor before trying hot plants. Then, if you're game, put maca at the top of list. It's a hot plant all-star, according to Kilham. A staple vegetable in Peru, he describes the root as "a food for epic sex." It can increase strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function. "I make maca blender drinks in the morning and just feel totally super-charged. It's a great thing for stamina," he says. He calls tongkat ali, a root native to Malaysia and several other southeast Asia countries, an "herbal Viagra." Kilham says it boosts testosterone, energy and muscle mass. Another favorite: rhodiola rosea, a plant whose root gives off a rose-like smell, found in Siberia. It, too, is an energy and stamina booster and aphrodisiac that works especially well for women. Kilham's top 10 plants can be used individually - and are available that way from numerous manufacturers. He collaborated with Enzymatic Therapy of Green Bay, Wisc., to come up with combination formulas tailored to men and women. "By putting in a number of plants, there is a higher likelihood an individual will get results," he says of his blends. Some local herbalists say Kilham's approach is far too simplistic. Minghau Zhang, a certified Chinese herbologist who was trained as a medical doctor in China, says figuring out why someone's sex life is unsatisfactory is "really complicated." In China, there are thousands of herbal extracts that have been found helpful for libido and performance problems. At Ming's Oriental Health & Wellness Clinic, the backroom pharmacy is stocked with dozens of herbal tea extracts she mixes according to each client's individual needs. Yin Yang Huo (Horny Goat Weed). Xian Mao. Tu Si Zi. Yang Qi Shi - whose Chinese name draws a laugh from Ming. "The name tells you 'It Goes Up.' " "It takes a good practitioner, who makes the right diagnosis, makes the right formula and the right dose," she says. Merry Lycett Harrison of Millcreek Herbs also prefers to take a holistic approach, addressing many factors that may affect libido, such as diet, stress and fatigue. "I work to remedy those things rather than ramp up someone's libido," Harrison says. "I don't just throw herbs at people. Herbs have these niches and I can match the herb to the niche. It's the best of all worlds." But are there herbs that help? Yes, she says. "What a lot of them do is help regulate vascular function in the reproductive organs." Or promote vitality and relaxation. Take damiana, for instance, which is available in tea form. "It can relax you," Harrison says. "You do feel really good physically. I can see how it would contribute to the moment if one came up. "If you stay away from herbs that are harsh, you can find many that will enhance your sex life through other means than stimulating you too much," she says. Kilham says proof the hot plants work comes from people who have tried them, though none of them are instant fixes. "I have had reactions, from the mischievous grins of guys who have better erectile function than they have had in a long time, a 'Hey, I'm back' kind of thing. I have had a couple calls from women completely in tears who'd given up on having a sex life," he says. The plants also can up the fireworks for those with healthy sex lives. "For the most part, the people who are choosing to use the hot plants are more in the baby boom generation," Kilham says. "But there is a younger user group who are not having sexual problems and just like the idea they can take something to make it hotter, last longer and make it more thrilling." And yes, Kilham practices what he preaches. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-experts-claim-that-hot-plants-can-perk-up-a-drooping-libido http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-misdiagnosed-as-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrom-says-researcher Vitamin D deficiency misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrom, says researcherSource: www.newstarget.comThe Institute of Medicine is discussing the possibility of raising the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, in response to a barrage of evidence that the vitamin has a major role in preventing cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. A 2002 study showed that 32% of students and doctors aged 18 to 29 years had vitamin D deficiencies at the end of winter. If you enjoy this article, you may also be interested in an article entitled 'Every person needs sunlight exposure to create vitamin D, obesity impairs vitamin D absorption.'The Institute of Medicine brought experts together recently to explore the question of whether the RDA or recommended daily allowance, of vitamin D has been set too low. The impetus for the occasion was the mounting evidence for this vitamin's role in preventing common cancers, autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is common in the U.S. Because the typical symptoms are aching bones and muscle discomfort, vitamin D deficiency is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, according to Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, of the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Holick has conducted a review of all vitamin D studies, which was published in the December 2004 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. For most Americans, sunlight provides the lion's share of our vitamin D requirements because we eat few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, such as cod liver oil and oily fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel). What's more, vitamin D deficiency is more pronounced among people living at higher latitudes, such as the New England States, especially in winter. It should be noted, however, that the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, is unrelated to sun exposure, as the disease usually occurs in areas of the body not exposed to the sun. "Little attention was paid to it until the 1980s when other researchers reported that colon and breast cancer rates were higher for those living at higher latitudes in the U.S." Even then, the finding was not taken seriously until researchers understood the mechanism for how the breast, colon, and prostate activate vitamin D and use it to regulate cell growth, which Dr. Holick explained as a process that is, "keeping cell growth in check and possibly preventing the cell from becoming autonomous and developing into an unregulated cancer cell." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-misdiagnosed-as-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrom-says-researcher http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blackheads-pimples-acne-black-heads BlackHeads, Pimples, Acne, Black HeadsSource: www.expressnewsline.comPimples, acne and blackheads are common problems faced by almost everybody. They can pop up irrespective of age. There are many factors contributing to the growth of these spots. The major factor is diet. Diet affects your kidneys. these organs are crucial in eliminating. The skin is another organ which eliminates toxins. If the majority of wastes are excreted by the kidneys via urine, then your skin will not be working that hard to excrete wastes. Then, you won't face so many skin problems like pimples, acne and blackheads. You can help your kidneys by drinking plenty of water. Plain water will encourage excretion of toxins as the wastes are flushed out with the water. A measure of the minimum amount to satisfy your body's needs is 8 glasses. If you exercise and sweat a lot, you need to drink water after exercise to replace the fluids lost as sweat. Sweat contains wastes so you need to shower after your exercise. Oils secreted also contribute to clogged pores which give the problem of pimples, acne and blackheads. Use a scrub like a cleanser and sponge to clean your skin. Rich foods like cakes, sugary food and alcohol produce toxins after metabolism. Sometimes, these wastes are excreted through the skin in the form of pimples, acne and blackheads. Other sources of hidden sugars are in refined starches, in white bread and in dried fruit. Dairy products contain iodine which affects pimples and acne. To reduce the amount of oil and thus " starve " those sebum-greedy pimples, acne and blackheads, cut down your consumption of oil, fats and fried foods. For a healthy lifestyle that doesn't clog up your pores, eat more lean meat, fish, beans, vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads and cereals. If your pimples, acne or blackhead condition is serious, you can consult your doctor or pharmacist for supplements like Vitamin A and zinc. The former fights the dreaded spots by reducing the production of sebum. Vitamin A will also prevent dead skin cells from sticking together. This prevents the skin pores from being clogged by skin cell debris. Zinc will work together with Vitamin A to heal lesions caused by outbreak of pimples and acne. Zinc also fights infection and arrest the spread of skin bacteria. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blackheads-pimples-acne-black-heads http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-made-simple Nutrition made simpleSource: www.thehccrusader.comRecently, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture released its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which they revise every five years. In addition to recommendations about exercise and nutrition, the Guidelines include how many servings of various foods we should consume each day. However, one of the challenges many people face is how to gauge a serving size. So, we thought we'd take this opportunity to clear up some of the mystery.An easy way to judge portion sizes and to know you are getting the right amount of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates, among other foods, is to use everyday objects for comparison. Here are some examples:Cell phone = 1 serving of meat or fish (3 ounces)Ring = 1 portion of butter (1 teaspoon)Powder case = 1 serving or rice or pasta (1/2 cup)Apple iPod = 1 serving of breadSmall wallet = 1 serving of raw fruits or vegetablesIn addition to comparing portions to common objects, you can also follow guidelines given by the National Institute for Health. Below are common portion sizes for fruits and vegetables. 1 serving is equal to: A small glass of 100% fruit or vegetable juice (3/4 cup or 6 oz) A medium-size piece of fruit (an orange small banana, medium-size apple)One cup of raw salad greensOne cup of cooked vegeteablesOne cup of cut-up fruit or vegetablesOne cup of dried fruitOne cup of cooked beans or peasIn addition to portion sizes, vitamin content can also be a confusing aspect of proper nutrition. Identifying the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables can be easier by associating them with specific colors. The wider color variety you select, the better. Different colors contain different vitamins. For example:Greens contain: lutein, zeaxanthin, indoles, vitamin K and potassiumTry: broccoli, green peas, kiwi, honey dew melon and leafy greensOranges/Yellows contain: beta-carotene, vitamin A, bioflavonoids, vitamin C and potassiumTry: carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, peaches and orangesReds contain: vitamin C and antohocyaninsTry: cranberries, strawberries, watermelon, tomatos and applesBlues/Purples contain: anthocyanins, vitamin C and phenolicsTry: blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, black currants and elderberriesWhites contain: allium and allicinTry: garlic, onions, leeks, scallions and chivesKeep these healthy tips in mind when dining in Kimball or anywhere else, on campus oroff. Portion control and a colorful plate are the keys to success!-This message brought to you by your friendly NEED Peer EducatorsSources: -Shape Magazine, October 2004.-National Institutes of Health. www.nih.gov -www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-made-simple http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-cure-for-jaundice-possible- Herbal cure for jaundice possible:Source: www.newkerala.comA cure for jaundice can come from a widely available plant, say researchers here.Three postgraduate students of the Jayadev College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in this Orissa capital have researched the curative powers of the "hybanthus enneaspermus" shrub, their supervisor said."The plant's response against jaundice was excellent," M.K Tripathy told IANS.The 12-15 cm tall plant, found in India and abroad, is used as medicine by tribal people for jaundice, a liver disease common in newborn babies, he said. "We collected aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the plant and tested it on rats in the institute's research lab. The results suggest possible repair and recovery of the damaged liver," said Tripathy, who supervised the research."Now we are readying for clinical trials on humans."The research was presented in international conferences on bio-medical therapeutic sciences at Bundelkhand University in Uttar Pradesh last year and at St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore this year, Tripathy said. A search is on for a collaborator for filing a patent. --Indo-Asian News Service Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-cure-for-jaundice-possible- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herb-can-help-alcoholics- Chinese herb can help alcoholics:Source: news.newkerala.comExtracts from a close relative of Chinese kitchen herb sage could help alcoholics, Italian researchers say. Xinhua quoted researchers from the National Research Council's Institute in Cagliari (IN-CNR) as saying that the active ingredient from sage has been shown to turn alcoholic mice into teetotallers. The next stage will be research on humans, Giancarlo Colombo of IN-CNR said. "We're very excited about the prospects for this Chinese sage," Colombo said. The Chinese sage, whose scientific name is Salvia Miltiorrhiza, is one of the many herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for centuries in China to treat blood diseases, heart disorders, haemorrhages, menstrual problems, edema (swelling, usually of the joints) and insomnia. If demonstrated in humans, the efficacy of the Chinese sage would provide science with a welcome tool against alcoholism, a biochemical disorder which has proved very difficult to treat by chemical means. According to Colombo, the Chinese sage slows the appearance of alcoholism traits in mice whose genetic make-up has been tweaked to make them more susceptible to drink. "It appears to be completely devoid of side effects, so far at least," he said. The Italian scientist thinks the herb may be able to turn alcoholics into moderate drinkers, a goal that has so far proved elusive. --Indo-Asian News Service Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herb-can-help-alcoholics- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/man-sues-over-willy-pills Man sues over willy pillsSource: www.thesun.co.ukA MAN is suing a firm which makes herbal penis enlargement pills for false advertising - because he reckons they do not work.Michael Coluzzi, from New Jersey in the US, bought the tablets which claim to add three inches to your manhood.But he says that after a one-month course his willy was the same length and that he was unable to collect a promised refund.His lawyer, Stephen DeNittis, filed a lawsuit saying many men were taken in by company's claims. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/man-sues-over-willy-pills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-charles-gets-government-approval-for-complementary-health-guide Prince Charles gets Government approval for complementary health guideSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukThe Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health has issued its first guide for patients on how to seek complementary therapies from the state service, private practitioners or charities. The guide called Complementary Healthcare: A Guide for Patients, has been written by The Foundation in conjunction with UK patient organisations, healthcare professionals and complementary practitioners. The 50 page booklet which is partly funded by the Government, gives advice on how to find therapists, check whether they are regulated, how much they might charge and how to get information on their qualifications. It includes information on 16 of the most popular complementary medicines practiced in the UK including acupuncture, aromatherapy and herbal medicine. Michael Fox, chief executive of The Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health said, “Many people across the UK are taking greater responsibility for their health, which explains the extraordinary rise in the use of complementary treatments – 1 in 10 people have visited a practitioner in the past year. However some people are still not telling their doctors they are having complementary treatments, and a large number do not know how to find a reliable practitioner. The Foundation has published the guide in order to address some of these issues; it will help to lead people to the right practitioner.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-charles-gets-government-approval-for-complementary-health-guide http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-no-longer-just-for-drinking Red wine — no longer just for drinkingSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukRed Wine Facial Lotion and Pomegranate Wine Body Lotion are just two of the new products containing wine we can expect to see in 2005 according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). Red wine is expected to appear in a range of skincare and cosmetics due to its natural antioxidant properties. “In recent years there has been a real trend towards using more natural and even organic products, not only in food and drink, but also in a wide range of cosmetics and toiletries,” says David Jago, director of GNPD consulting. “As wine is perceived as an all-natural product, this development seems to be a logical progression,” he adds. The report also reveals that carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread and rice, are back in favour. It states that the low carb diet “now seems almost passé as dieters look elsewhere for ways to shed those pounds.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-no-longer-just-for-drinking http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-prenatal-nutrition-causes-type-2-diabetes Poor Prenatal Nutrition Causes Type 2 DiabetesSource: www.ivanhoe.comBabies born underweight because of poor prenatal nutrition have a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This new study fortifies previous research that shows infants under 5.5 pounds have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes"The bottom line is that if you don't have delivery of enough nutrients from the mother to the baby, the baby's pancreatic cells will be programmed abnormally," says lead researcher Mary-Elizabeth Patti, M.D., from Harvard Medical School. "The effect doesn't show up until later on -- usually not until adolescence or adulthood."A pregnant mother's inadequate nutrition isn't the only cause of prenatal malnourishment. There are many factors that can cause reduced nourishment, including abnormal development of the placenta and its blood vessels, or high blood pressure, which damages vessels. Problems can also result from intrauterine growth restriction.Researchers conducted a series of experiments beginning with pregnant mice. Mice were separated into two groups of mothers and were studied for the three weeks of pregnancy. For two weeks, both groups were fully nourished. On the third week, one group of mothers was restricted to only half the amount as the other group. Babies who were undernourished weighed 23-percent less than the control group.About three weeks after delivery, undernourished babies caught up to the others, similar to human babies. There was no notable difference in between the two groups. Researchers fed both groups the same diet, limiting other risk factors of diabetes.Researchers began to test blood glucose after meals. No difference was found until the mice were 4 months old -- an age equivalent to human adolescence -- when mice babies born underweight began showing a higher level of blood glucose. By 6 months of age, the mice had extremely high levels of blood glucose, similar to full-blown diabetes in humans. "They were somehow not 'programmed' to secrete a limited amount of insulin later in life, no matter what signal they got from glucose. The impairment was permanent. It couldn't be corrected even when the body caught up to normal weight," say Dr. Patti.The findings underscore the importance of prenatal care as well as the importance of preventative maintenance with those born underweight. "In particular, someone who was a low-birth weight baby can compound the risk of developing diabetes by becoming overweight," study authors conclude.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: Diabetes, 2005;54:702-711 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-prenatal-nutrition-causes-type-2-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prostate-cancer-vitamin-e-could-cut-the-risk Prostate cancer, vitamin E could cut the riskSource: www.xagena.itThe ATBC ( Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention ) study investigated risk factors and prevention of major chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study population consisted of 29133 male smokers, aged 50 to 69 years, who participated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial between 1985 and 1993.ATBC Study demonstrated a 32 percent reduction in prostate cancer incidence in response to daily alpha-tocopherol supplementation.Researchers from the National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) in Bethedsa and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle examined baseline serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol to compare their respective associations with prostate cancer risk.From the ATBC Study cohort 100 patients with prostate cancer were randomly selected and compared with 200 matched control subjects.Odds ratios for the highest versus the lowest tertiles were 0.49 ( p for trend = 0.05) for alpha-tocopherol and 0.57 ( p for trend = 0.08) for gamma-tocopherol. Further analyses indicated that the association of high serum tocopherols with low prostate cancer risk was stronger in the alpha-tocopherol–supplemented group than in those not receiving alpha-tocopherol.Individuals with higher circulating concentrations of the major vitamin E fractions, alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol, had similarly lower prostate cancer risk.Vitamin E may play a role in cancer prevention through its antioxidant activity.Source : Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2005 XagenaMedicine2005 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prostate-cancer-vitamin-e-could-cut-the-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/melatonin-modestly-effective-for-sleep Melatonin Modestly Effective for SleepSource: www.foxnews.comAs dietary supplements go, melatonin (search) was a superstar just a decade ago. Books and news magazines celebrated the hormone as a cure for sleep ills, aging and even cancer. But the scientific evidence to back up the hype never materialized. These days, the supplement is largely promoted as a natural way to get a good night’s sleep. But does it work?A large review of studies, published late last year, found melatonin to be safe when taken for short periods but not particularly effective for people with long-term sleep problems. Now a newly published review of selected research shows the hormone to be modestly effective in treating insomnia (search).Sleep medicine specialist Frank Scheer, PhD, of Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital has studied melatonin for several years. He says the jury is still out on the supplement’s effectiveness for promoting nighttime sleep in people with long-term sleep problems.Are Benefits Overstated?“I think it is fair to conclude that melatonin is not the miracle sleep aid that it was once believed to be,” he tells WebMD. “Its benefits for sleep have been largely overstated.”In a review of 130 studies, published in December 2004, researchers reported that taking melatonin appears at best to be mildly beneficial in the treatment of insomnia and other ongoing sleep disorders. The report also found little evidence of a benefit for jet lag. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/melatonin-modestly-effective-for-sleep http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carnitine-supplement-helps-sperm-swim Carnitine Supplement Helps Sperm SwimSource: www.reuters.comTaking carnitine supplements seems to improve sperm mobility in men with poorly active sperm, a problem known as asthenozoospermia, Italian researchers report. However, for carnitine to work, tiny structures within the cell called mitochondria must function properly. Mitochondria are important because they provide the energy needed for sperm to move their tail and "swim." Senior investigator Dr. Carlo Foresta told Reuters Health that "it is well known that in some asthenozoospermic subjects an improvement of sperm (motion occurs) after carnitine administration...However in other asthenozoospermic patients this effect is not present." To investigate further, Foresta of the University of Padua and colleagues studied 30 asthenozoospermic men divided into two groups depending on whether they had normal or abnormal mitochondria function. The researchers' findings appear in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility. In patients with normal mitochondria function, movement rose from 29.3 percent before treatment to 41.1 percent after 3 months of carnitine. However, in those with abnormal function, movement held steady at about 24 percent. Thus, Foresta concluded that carnitine treatment is useful "in ameliorating sperm motility only when optimal...mitochondrial function ... is conserved." SOURCE: Fertility & Sterility 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carnitine-supplement-helps-sperm-swim http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/many-options-available-to-tweak-natures-design Many options available to tweak nature's designSource: www.clarionledger.comFor Ridgeland resident Skip Lowe, years of spending time in the sun playing tennis and running resulted in sun spots and small skin cancers on his face.After about three years of having the lesions burned off by a dermatologist, his face was left with several unsightly scars."I had a chemical peel to help even out my skin tone and to reduce the scarring," Lowe said.The results have been very good, according to Lowe.Lowe is among those seeking medical solutions to what mother nature and father time have wrought.As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The visible results include laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases.In youth, an abundance of two important substances, collagen and hyaluronic acid, keep skin looking smooth and supple. Collagen is a protein that provides your skin with structural support. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in all living cells that attracts and binds water, hydrating the skin and giving it volume.With time, sunlight and other factors, the skin's collagen and hyaluronic acid diminish, the skin loses structure and volume, and lines and wrinkles appear.There are surgical and nonsurgical procedures to help diminish the signs of aging. The most drastic procedures require a person have surgery. The first step in deciding if this is the right thing for your situation is to find a doctor with whom you are comfortable.To find a plastic surgeon, visit the online referral service of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS physician members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.The most asked-for elective surgical procedures today are augmentations, tummy tucks and liposuction, said registered nurse Lindsay Nichelson, assistant to Dr. Dev Mani-Sundaram of the Face & Body Center (Plastic & Hand Surgery Associates, PLLC).But, said Nichelson, "More people than ever are coming in to inquire about eye and brow lifts and full face lifts."She said the average age of the patients at the clinic is getting younger all the time."People in their 40s and 50s are much more concerned with their appearance today," she said.For those who don't want to subject themselves to such extreme measures as surgery, The Laser Enhancement Group in Madison offers a soothing way to improve skin tone and appearance.Owned by Dr. Scott Steed, the clinic offers Titan laser treatments, hair removal, vein removal and more.Registered nurse Nan Allen said the treatments are soothing."We use an infrared light that warms the skin. It's about like standing in front of a warm fireplace. The light warms the skin causing the collagen to contract."Allen said the lasers improve skin's elasticity. "We can do forehead lifts as well as tightening the cheeks, neck, decolletage and abdomen areas," she said.The Laser Genesis treatments are done in six treatments over a 12-week period. The time involved for each treatment is about 45 minutes."We begin with a facial cleansing, then we do a mild enzyme peel (microdermabrasion), then we do the laser treatment, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes," she said.Allen said patients can go straight to the restroom following the treatment and reapply their makeup. "The skin will be a little pink for about 30 minutes."Laser treatments are used to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and reduce pore size. The treatments can address pigmentation issues such as rosacia as well as diffuse capillaries.Botox treatments are another popular option. Botox has been used for more than 15 years to help patients worldwide, and it is approved by the health ministries of at least 70 countries.Lowe's doctor even threw in a complimentary Botox treatment, but Lowe said he wouldn't have the Botox done again."For me, I think the cost is too high for what you're getting. Even though I've heard the Botox is coming down in price, I don't believe I'd do it again," he said.According to the Botox Web site, Botox injections typically cost about $250-$500 for each area injected. Those getting injections can expect to pay this cost every four to six months to maintain results.One thing Lowe will do is to take better care of his skin."I'm much more conscientious of how important skin care really is. I wash my face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and I moisturize. And most importantly, when I go out in the sun I slather on the sunscreen."Lowe said he always thought skin care was a "chick thing.""But you know, they know what they're doing," he said. "I get most of my information on what's good for your skin from women." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/many-options-available-to-tweak-natures-design http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hemp-seed-oil-its-not-just-for-hippies Hemp Seed Oil – Its Not Just For HippiesSource: www.emediawire.comHemp – the word makes you think of jewelry, rope, hippies, and, let’s face it, marijuana. However, you might be surprised to find out that hemp seed oil is one of the most healthy oils for your body. Hemp seeds are one of the world's richest sources of a complete protein (second only to soybean) comprising 23% of the seed composition and 34% dietary fiber. In addition, hemp seed oil also contains three other essential unsaturated fatty acids including the super-polyunsaturated Omega 6 derivative gamma linolenic acid (GLA), stearidonic acid and oleic acid. Hemp is among the oldest industries on the planet, going back more than 10,000 years to the beginnings of pottery. Some believe that the oldest relic of human industry is a bit of hemp fabric dating back to approximately 8,000 BC.Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew hemp, as a matter of fact Americans were legally bound to grow hemp during the Colonial Era and Early Republic. The first drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper. The federal government subsidized hemp during the Second World War and US farmers grew about a million acres of hemp as part of that program.Hemp grows well without herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides. Almost half of the agricultural chemicals used on US crops are applied to cotton. Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber on a sustainable basis, and can be used for every quality of paper. Hemp paper manufacturing can reduce wastewater contamination. Hemp's low lignin content reduces the need for acids used in pulping, and it's creamy color lends itself to environmentally friendly bleaching instead of harsh chlorine compounds. Less bleaching results in less dioxin and fewer chemical byproducts.However, it is illegal to grow hemp in the United States. Why, if it is such a valuable agricultural crop? Many people believe this was a conspiracy by a number of major US corporations who stood to lose a lucrative market share of the raw fiber industry for paper and composites. Others feel it was a case of "throwing out the baby with the bath water" referring to both marijuana and hemp as one in the same. So how can consumers in the US use hemp seed oil? Even though it is illegal to grow hemp here, hemp seed, hemp oil, and hemp derivatives can be legally imported, sold, and consumed in the US. Linda Tabach, owner of The Potomac Soap Co. (www.potomacsoapco.com) and manufacturer of handmade natural skincare products, uses hemp seed oil in many of her products. “I find that it is wonderful for the skin. My Lotion with Hemp Seed Oil is smooth and creamy, yet light and moisturizing. Hemp seed oil is high in linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid essential in nutrition, and also conditioning for the skin.”Everyone asks the same question and here is the answer - you cannot get high from hemp seed oil, whether using it on the skin or taking it internally. The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC, found at levels of 5-20% in marijuana and only at 0.00030% in hemp seed oil. So feel free to enjoy your hemp seed oil, and know that you are doing something good for your body. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hemp-seed-oil-its-not-just-for-hippies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oils-aint-oils-say-olive-experts Oils ain't oils, say olive expertsSource: www.keralanext.comOlive oil that contains too much of a particular fatty acid may not meet new international standards, potentially forcing exporters to sell their oil as cheaper vegetable oil. A meeting of the world food standard-setting body Codex Alimentarius in London is this week considering requests by the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) to lower maximum levels of linolenic acid. The meeting comes as a paper published in the latest issue of the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture shows 5% to 15% of Australian virgin olive oils contain higher levels of linolenic acid than the standard sought by the IOOC. While linolenic acid does not largely affect the oil's taste or nutritional benefits, high levels may mean it has been adulterated with other edible oils. Australian growers say linolenic acid, a minor component of olive oil, is present in Australian-grown olive oil to a relatively high degree because of regional and climate conditions that don't exist in other countries. Secretary of the Australian Olive Association Chuck L'Huereux says in some seasons up to a fifth of the country's extra virgin oils exceed the proposed limit. "If they're sent overseas and tested people can say it isn't extra virgin olive oil but vegetable oil, which sells for a lot less," he says. L'Heureux says the new standard, proposed mainly by Mediterranean countries, is unrealistically low. Which level is best? Extra virgin olive oil can currently contain up to 1.5% of linolenic acid. The IOOC wants that standard reduced to 1.0%, but Codex is yet to ratify the change. L'Huereux says depending on the season, up to 20% of Australian extra virgin olive oils have linolenic levels between 1.0% and 1.5%. "Because of our climate a lot of our oil can be between 1.0% and 1.5%," he says. "We're not trying to increase the limit, we're trying to stop it being lowered." He says some Australian olive growers believe the move is an attempt to lock smaller olive growers out of the Mediterranean-dominated market. Australia isn't the only country with the problem, he says. In Argentina up to 45% of oils have linolenic acid levels between 1.0% and 1.5%. Oil in Australia Scientists from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries analysed more than 800 Australian extra virgin olive oils between 2002 and 2003. They found linolenic acid levels ranged from 0.42% to 1.91%, with 29 oils above the proposed 1.0% limit. But Australian product stacks up well against international standards overall, the report says. "The results ... provide evidence of the high quality of oils being produced and of the compliance with international standards," it says. Professor Peter Clifton, team leader at CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition, says the report shows Australian olive oil compares well with oils from France, Argentina and New Zealand and the proposed new standard is "very low". Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oils-aint-oils-say-olive-experts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-supplements-effective-in-raising-skin-antioxidant-levels Vitamin E supplements effective in raising skin antioxidant levelsSource: www.nutraingredients.comSupplements of either natural or synthetic source vitamin E almost double the levels of this important antioxidant on the skin’s surface, report researchers this month, providing the first strong evidence for the role of vitamin E supplements in skincare, writes Dominique Patton. Vitamin E has long been used in cosmetic applications to help the skin combat oxidative stress from the environment that lead to damage and ageing. However although some vitamin E supplements have been positioned for beauty and skin health, scientific data to support their benefit has been lacking. The new study, funded by vitamin maker BASF and first reported at a major conference on vitamin E last year, reveals for the first time a potential delivery mechanism for dietary vitamin E reaching the skin via sebaceous gland secretion. It will open up new opportunities for supplement makers to tap the lucrative skincare market, currently seeing significantly stronger growth than the traditional vitamins sector. “Most vitamin E supplements are just marketed as regular vitamin E but consumer awareness of the idea that nutrition can influence beauty is growing. Now we can offer customers scientific support for this concept,” Simon Gauch, global product manager for fat-soluble vitamins at BASF, told NutraIngredients.com. Skincare markets in Europe have seen growth above 20 per cent in recent years. France, which has some 40 per cent of the western European skincare market and sales of €2.2 billion in 2004, is expected to grow by 17 per cent over the next five years, according to Mintel, while less developed markets such as Italy will grow faster at 26 per cent over 2004 figures. The UK market is also going to perform particularly well over this period, growing some 24 per cent to almost €1 billion, according to the market research firm. “Consumer interest in beauty is often stronger than their interest in health,” noted Gauch, adding that BASF are the first to study vitamin E’s potential in this field. Researchers led by Professor Jens Thiele at the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago had previously shown that sebum contains the highest concentrations of alpha-tocopherol found in human skin and accounts for the high levels of vitamin E found in the outermost layers of the skin and in skin surface lipids. They hypothesized that take-up of oral vitamin E in the skin is largely dependent on sebaceous gland secretion. The theory was tested on 24 healthy volunteers, randomized to receive a daily supplement of either 400 mg synthetic alpha-tocopherol or natural source alpha-tocopherol for two weeks. Fasting blood samples, facial sebum samples, and skin surface lipid extractions from a site with low density of sebaceous glands (the forearm) were taken between baseline and 21 days. Serum alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly increased as early as 12 hours after the first supplements were taken, peaking on day seven, with an average increase of 76 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively. Sebum levels remained unchanged during the first 14 days of supplementation but after two weeks, both vitamin E groups saw alpha-tocopherol levels in sebum increase by 87 per cent and 92 per cent, respectively. No significant changes were observed in lower arm skin surface lipids at any time point. “The results suggest that sebaceous gland secretion is a major mechanism leading to site-specific differences,” write the researchers in a special issue of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (2004; 1031: 184). They note that the bioavailability of both vitamin types is comparable but that possible protective effects in the skin will not be achieved before a supplementation period of two to three weeks. “In view of the recently identified susceptibility of sebaceous lipids to solar photo-oxidation, dietary vitamin E supplementation may help to protect human skin barrier lipids from environmental oxidative stress,” conclude the authors. Further studies should compare test sites with different density and activity of sebaceous glands, they said, but added that other pathways of vitamin E delivery to the skin should not be ruled out. The findings will also give vitamin makers new potential to grow the vitamin E market. The leading suppliers of synthetic vitamin E, BASF and DSM, have both expanded capacity recently, to a combined 45,000 tons, and need to grow the market. While animal nutrition accounts for the biggest share of demand for this vitamin, both firms will be keen to push vitamin E products to higher value segments such as human nutrition and cosmetics, or indeed, the crossover -and least developed - area of cosmeceuticals. The findings were presented by Dr Swarna Ekanayake Mudiyanselage from Friedrich Schiller University in Germany at the Vitamin E and Health conference organized by the New York Academy of Sciences in May last year. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-supplements-effective-in-raising-skin-antioxidant-levels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 Benefits of Vitamin B12Source: www.kntimes.comVitamin B12 is a cobalt containing vitamin. It is alternately known by the names derivative of cobalamin such as cyanocobalamin, cobalamyns, and hydroxycobalamin. Functions: Vitamin B12 promotes DNA synthesis and thus plays an integral role in the human body in the manufacture of genetic material of cells which is essential for growth and development. Vitamin B12 is also active and vital in the role of many enzymatic functions in the human body. It is also required for the formation of myelin. It also plays vital role in the formation and maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow of the body. It is also necessary in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is though to function in conjunction with the processing of both folic acids and carbohydrates in the diet. . Sources: The dietary sources for Vitamin B12 are found in lean meats, eggs, fish chicken, milk and fermented liquors. It is also synthesized by the intestinal bacteria in human colon. Deficiency symptoms: Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, Vitamin B12 deficiency does occur but typically develops over months or years, rather than quickly as the liver can store up to a 6 year supply of the body?s needs for Vitamin B12 in a healthy individual. Absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine requires the action of gastric enzyme, castle?s intrinsic factor. Failure of secretion of this enzyme causes cobalamin deficiency which results in pernicious anemia (reduced formation of erythrocytes in bone marrow). The first signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a sore mouth and tongue, or numbness and tingling in the limbs. This last sensation is caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency affecting the spinal cord and brain which if severe can lead to either depression or total memory loss. Recommended intakes of Vitamin B12 vary, and since such a minute quantity is needed for proper function, you should be able to get all your sources from your diet. What is more threatening with Vitamin B12 than deficiency is that high dose of Vitamin B12 over time may cause rare allergic reactions. Before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vegetarian-food-and-some-allergies-related-to-it Information about vegetarian food and some allergies related to itSource: www.kntimes.comMost of the time it is found that even vegetarian food also causes some allergies. It depends on what you are allergic too, Some food items doesn?t cause any allergy to some and some are most suffered. It depends on a variety of things. Firstly, a vegetarian lifestyle is not just about eating vegetables in place of meats. It is important to know which foods belong to which food group, which contain necessary nutrients and which are deficient. For example, nuts and seeds can be very high in calcium but they are also often high in fat as well. Many vegetarians suffer from low iron levels and some are deficient in some of the B vitamins. . Carbohydrates provide heat and energy. If taken in excess it is converted into fat and stored in the body. It is stored in the body cells as glycogen and is used for the production of energy whenever required. Therefore, from this type of diet it would seem then, that the more extra calories we take from carbohydrates, the more fat stores we are likely to produce even on a vegetarian diet. These are found in sugar, jam, cereals, bread, biscuits and potatoes, also in fruits and vegetables. A vegetarian diet is essential but the need is to choose the food items that fulfill all the requirements of the body. You will have to plan carefully to make sure you get calcium, iron, and several other vitamins from sources other than milk products. Typically the vegan diet uses gluten (the protein in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, triticale and kamut), soy, beans, seeds and nuts to replace animal proteins. Unfortunately, this list also contains three of the top 8 allergens in North America. If you suffer an allergy to gluten, you still have several choices for protein replacement in your vegan diet. If you are allergic to gluten and soy, you can get by with beans and nuts. But if nuts or legumes are also a problem, your protein choices become pretty restricted and you may wish to consider whether some form of dairy product is appropriate in your new regime. If bovine products are a difficulty for you, you may wish to explore goat or sheep products instead. Bear in mind, though, that traditional immunology theory says that the protein in goat, sheep, and cow's milk is too similar to really make a difference to the body, and most who are allergic to one, are unable to tolerate the others. As well, if you are gluten and dairy allergic you will have other choice restrictions in both the cereal and milk alternatives. The cereals issue is important as a good portion of the necessary dietary fibre comes from this category, but if you experiment, you should be able to find other grains that you enjoy like buckwheat (a rhubarb family member not related to wheat), quinoa (an herb seed), millet (most commonly recognized as that little seed in the bird food), or corn. All of these grains can be made into a variety of dishes from hot cereal in the morning to flour for breads and cakes to compliments in soups. As well, portions of dietary fibre can be recouped from the use of beans and flours to be used in breads and muffins. Whole, well-washed, unpeeled vegetables and fruits may also help maintain an optimum level of dietary fibre. Alternatives to dairy products do not fulfill the same nutrient role so, while they are easily available (in the form of rice, coconut, potato or nut milks), you will have to be careful to take those nutrients from other sources as well. Soy drink is a good source of calcium without the accompanying fats in cow milk products, and is now being fortified with Vitamin D. A word of warning here too, is that not all Vitamin D is created equal, and the Vitamin D used in enriching cow?s milk products is usually derived from an animal source like pig skin, beef skin, or pig brains. The Vitamin D used to enhance soy milk is taken from yeast exposed to ultra violet light and is termed Vitamin D-2. Ideally, since the body is generally adept at manufacturing it?s own D from exposure to the sun, most people do not need this supplementation, but the additive is routinely included in the milk products. If you are attempting a vegan lifestyle, you will want to choose an non-animal derived supplement. Better yet, making your own milks will allow you to fully control what is in them. Rice, coconut, nut, and soy milks are easily made at home. One final concern in regard to allergies and the vegan (or vegetarian) diet is that some states and provinces require that white rice be enriched. In some areas this means spraying the rice kernels with a barley based nutrient spray. If you have a problem with gluten you may wish to investigate this further. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vegetarian-food-and-some-allergies-related-to-it http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-valerian Benefits of ValerianSource: www.kntimes.comValerian is one of the most beneficial herbs if taken into account its benefits. It has no known side-effects and doesn?t even cause dependency. It?s useful for its sleep-inducing properties as well as for giving relaxation to the mind. Benefits of Valerian herb: Valerian enhances the natural body process of getting into sleep and also gives calmness and refreshing feelings and also relieves the tensions and stresses. It also improves general sleep quality. It has good effect on smooth muscle, and is considered a powerful and safe muscle relaxant. It can be safely used in muscle cramping, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. Valerian?s volatile oils do not simply have sedative properties but also a predominantly regulative effect on the autonomic system. Valerian is used world wide as a relaxing remedy in hypertension and stress related heart problems. There is an effect here beyond simple nerve relaxation, as it contains alkaloids that are capable of lowering abnormally high blood pressure.. This is can be as re-vivifying as sleep itself, and indeed all that is necessary in more cases than not. The true nature of sleep still remains a mystery. Everybody goes through stages of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a stage where dreaming is associated with minor involuntary muscle jerks and rapid eye movements, indicating that active processes are occurring in the brain. It is important not to suppress the dreams dreamed during this stage. Emotional experiences are processed by the mind in those dreams, and much arising from both the unconscious and daily life is balanced and harmonized. Whilst sleeping pills have a marked impact on REM, Valerian does not interfere with this process as it is not powerful enough to suppress these necessary REM phases. Amongst other effects, Valerian decreases both spontaneous and caffeine-stimulated muscular activity and decrease a number of measurable processes in the brain. Research comparing the relaxing properties of Valerian and a number of other plants on the muscles of the digestive tract, has shown Hawthorn and Valerian to be the best, followed by Passion Flower and Chamomile. Especially interesting is the finding that combining all the herbs acted in a synergistic way, being relaxing at low dosage levels. How to use valerian herb for different remedies;To be effective it has to be used in sufficiently high dosage. The tincture is the most widely used preparation and is always useful, provided that the single dose is not counted in drops, but that 2.5-5ml (l/2 - l teaspoonful ) is given, and indeed sometimes 10 ml at one time. It is almost pointless to give ten or twenty drops of valerian tincture. Over dosage is highly unlikely, even with very much larger doses. For situations of extreme stress where a sedative or muscle relaxant effect is need fast, a single dose of one teaspoonful may be repeated two or three times at short intervals. The dried herb is prepared as an infusion to ensure no loss of the volatile oils. Two teaspoons of the dried herb are used for each cup of tea prepared. With these doses expect a good relaxing, anti-spasmodic and sleep-inducing effect, and above all rapid sedation in states of excitement. A cold infusion may be used: a glass of cold water is poured over two teaspoons of valerian root and left to stand for 8-l0 hours. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-valerian http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apple-cider-vinegar Apple-cider vinegarSource: www.kntimes.comApple-cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is less acidic than wine vinegar and therefore, easier to digest. It is enriched with essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene, thiamin, vitamins B, C, and E, and pectin. It has been in use since ages a sit has many healing properties. Researches have shown that its regular intake can relieve fatigue and help lower cholesterol levels by purifying the blood and preventing clots, thus helps relieving circulatory disorders. Cider vinegar is an all-around remedy for ailments affecting the skin, heart, and digestive system. Cider vinegar is also a widely used natural remedy for dermal problems and irritations, such as calluses, sunburns, insect bites, and dry and itchy skin. It is also used to reduce fever.. Here are some ways to use Apple-cider vinegar:*To lower cholesterol level: Mix 3-4 spoons of vinegar in a glass of water and drink it early morning or before meals.*To relieve fatigue and feel energized: Drink a glass of warm water, mixed with two teaspoons of cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey, twice a day. *To reduce fever: Mix equal parts of cider vinegar and cold water in a small basin. Dip a piece of cloth or face towel in the mixture, wring it out, and place it on the forehead of the feverish person. Repeat when the cloth loses its coolness. This method can also be applied to help relieve sunburned or mildly burned skin. *To relieve dry and itchy skin: Use equal parts of cider and vinegar as a rinse. This solution can also be used directly on the scalp before a shampoo to treat dandruff. *To soften corns and calluses: Dip a piece of gauze in cider vinegar and apply it on the affected area. Let the vinegar soften the skin overnight by taping the gauze in place. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apple-cider-vinegar http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skincare-tips-skin-care-nail-care-concepts Skincare Tips : Skin care, Nail Care ConceptsSource: www.expressnewsline.com Eau de Parfum: The most concentrated fragrance, usually more costly than eau de toilette because of its concentration. Follicle: Part of the skin which the root of hair comes fromFruit Acid: The same as glycolic acid (reduces build up of excess dead skin cells). Geranium: A mild astringent with antiseptic properties; promotes healing.Ginseng: Considered to be a tonic. Believed to be nourishing due to its vitamin and hormone content. It is taken orally and is also felt to have energy boosting capabilities.Glycerin: Used in moisturizers due to its water binding capabilities.Glycolic Acid: Reduces build up of excess dead skin cells.Glycolic Peel: Used to help peel or exfoliate the skin, making it appear more youthful.Golden Seal: Herb used as a mild antisepticGrape Seed Oil : It has moisturizing and nourishing properties due to its high linoleic acid content. Humectant: A substance that attracts moisture. Hyaluronic Acid: An acid that occurs naturally in the skin, helps retain the skin's natural moisture. Hydrate: To add moisture to the skin Hydroquinone: A bleaching agent used in skin preparations. Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin, commonly produced by ultraviolet radiation, which provokes melanocytes in the skin. Hypodermis: Below the surface of the skin. Immunostimulant: An agent that stimulates either innate or acquired immunity. Immunosuppressant: An agent that acts to suppress the body's natural immune response. Instant Conditioner: A conditioner with light to intense conditioning properties that restores a healthy look and protects against further damage. Irritant: A substance that consistently and predictably produces an adverse response (such as reddening, swelling, itching, burning, or blistering) in virtually all of the population. Irritants are not to be confused with allergens. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skincare-tips-skin-care-nail-care-concepts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/preventive-skin-care-steps-now-can-prevent-sun-damage-costly-procedures-later Preventive Skin Care Steps Now Can Prevent Sun Damage, Costly Procedures LaterSource: biz.yahoo.comWarmer weather will soon be here and that means spending more time in the sun's dangerous rays, which cause about 85 percent of premature aging. Following are some skin care and anti-aging tips from The Plastic Surgery Group on how you can protect yourself and avoid seeing a physician too soon. -- Be proactive against sun damage. "By protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays, you can delay or even avoid procedures necessary to reverse the aftermath of sun damage," said Dr. Richard Williams, a plastic surgeon with The Plastic Surgery Group. "By taking simple steps like using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher with a clear zinc oxide, you may save on costly procedures down the road." -- Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the single worst things for your skin since it not only takes away oxygen and nutrients for a dull complexion, but also increases the number of harmful free radicals, which cause damage to your skin. Fine lines around the mouth and eyes and deep wrinkles on the cheeks can also be attributed to smoking. -- Have a light chemical peel or Microdermabrasion. The newest skin care techniques are minimally or non-invasive with no pain and no downtime, meaning that you can have a procedure done during your lunch hour and go right back to work. Both of these procedures remove the top layer of skin to address blackheads and whiteheads, fine wrinkles, sun damage, acne, and age spots. When used in a series of treatments, both procedures promote discernible changes in texture, color, and appearance and increase skin's youthfulness. -- Consider using a dermal filler. Restylane(R) and Captique(TM) are some of the newest products available to fill in deep set lines or plump up the lips. Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as smile lines. Captique is an FDA- approved clear gel injected into the furrows between the eyes, nasal folds and lips to add volume lost during the aging process and smooth out facial lines and wrinkles. Captique is a non-animal based soft tissue filler made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body, making allergic reactions rare. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/preventive-skin-care-steps-now-can-prevent-sun-damage-costly-procedures-later http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruit-and-veg-lowers-risk-of-kidney-cancer Fruit and veg lowers risk of kidney cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukWomen who eat bananas, salads and root vegetables may be less likely to develop kidney cancer, suggests a new Swedish study. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed dietary information from 61,000 women aged 40-76 and followed the group for 13 years. Those who consumed five or more servings a day of fruit and vegetables mildly reduced their relative risk of developing renal cell carcinoma — the most common form of kidney cancer. However, certain fruits and vegetables such as bananas, white cabbage, root vegetables and salad veg offered stronger protection, by up 65%, according to the report published in the International Journal of Cancer. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruit-and-veg-lowers-risk-of-kidney-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-fish-oils-enhance-brain-cell-activities-in-bipolar-disorder Omega-3 fish oils enhance brain cell activities in bipolar disorderSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukOmega-3 fish oils alter the “membrane fluidity” of brain cells and may be helpful in treating bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. Perry F. Renshaw, MD, PhD, of McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massa-chusetts, studied 21 women diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 12 women without the disorder. Some of the women were asked to take high doses of omega-3 fats daily for four weeks. Other women were asked to take low doses of omega-3 fats. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Renshaw and his colleagues measured T2 values in the women’s brains. T2 refers to a technique used to measure membrane fluidity, which modulates how cells communicate with each other.The T2 activity decreased significantly among the women with bipolar disorder who took the omega-3 fish oil supplements, indicating an increase in brain cell membrane fluidity. The effect was more pronounced in women taking the higher dose of omega-3 fish oils.The findings support earlier reports that omega-3 fish oils are helpful in bipolar disorder. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-fish-oils-enhance-brain-cell-activities-in-bipolar-disorder http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrient-diversity-of-avocados-may-protect-against-prostate-cancer Nutrient diversity of avocados may protect against prostate cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukEating avocados may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, according to a recent cell study. David Heber, MD, of the University of California, Los Angeles, conducted experiments on two types of prostate cells: LNCaP, which are hormone-dependent, and PC-3, which are not hormone dependent. Both types of cells were grown with an extract of the whole edible portion of avocados. Avocados are rich in many nutrients known to have anti-cancer properties, including monounsaturated fats, lutein, alpha-carotene, betacarotene, vitamins E and C, and B vitamins. Because avocados are high in lutein, some LNCaP and PC-3 cells were treated with lutein alone.The avocado extract inhibited the growth of both types of prostate cancer cells, with higher concentrations of the extract having the greatest effect. By itself, lutein had only a slight effect on the PC-3 cells and no effect on the LNCaP cells. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrient-diversity-of-avocados-may-protect-against-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-of-folic-acid-may-reduce-risk-of-high-blood-pressure Supplements of folic acid may reduce risk of high blood pressureSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukA new study suggests that supplemental folic acid, a B vitamin, may help prevent high blood pressure.John P Forman, MD, of the Harvard Medical School tracked the health of two groups of women nurses for eight years. One group included 93,803 women, ages 27 to 44 years old, and the other included 62,260 nurses, ages 43 to 70 years old. None of the women had a history of high blood pressure when the study began.Forman found that younger women who consumed the most folic acid — at least 1,000 mcg daily — were 46% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The benefit was less pronounced among the older women, who had only an 18% lower risk of hypertension if they took folic acid.Only the large amounts of folic acid in supplements, not foods, were related to a lower risk of hypertension. Women who consumed less than 200 mcg of folic acid daily were those most likely to develop hypertension. The findings accounted for intake of other nutrients, weight, physical activity, and family history of high blood pressure. JAMA, 2005;292(3):320-329. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-of-folic-acid-may-reduce-risk-of-high-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/salmon-provides-good-source-of-omega-3-acids Salmon provides good source of omega-3 acidsSource: www.news-journalonline.comQ. Is wild salmon higher in omega-3 fatty acids than farm raised salmon? Omega 3 fatty acids are thought to help protect against heart disease by making the blood less likely to form clots and protect against irregular heartbeats. Since 2000, the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines have recommended that healthy adults eat at least two servings of fish per week.Cold water, higher fat fish, such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and albacore tuna, contain higher levels of two kinds of omega - 3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).According to USDA's nutrient data, the amounts of omega-3 in wild and farm-raised salmon are very close. For example, a 3-ounce serving of wild Atlantic salmon contains 1.89 grams of omega-3, while the farm-raised fish contains 1.92 grams. A 3-ounce serving of wild coho salmon has .95 grams of omega-3, compared with 1.15 grams in the farm-raised fish. Canned salmon and tuna also provide omega-3 fatty acid and are a less expensive and readily available choice. Q. What about other sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil capsules?According to sources such as FDA, it is still not confirmed whether the diet (containing fish) or the omega-3 fatty acids in the fish reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.Most sources conclude that taking a fish oil capsule will not undo the effects of an otherwise poor diet. The recommendations from American Heart Association are that daily intakes of omega-3 fatty acid not exceed 3 grams per day from both food and supplement sources. Before taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acid a physician should be consulted. Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician's care. The FDA has noted high intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some persons.Plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to a healthful diet. Foods such as soybeans, canola, walnut, flaxseed and the oils made from them contain a less potent omega-3 fatty acid -- alpha-linolenic acid. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy people include omega-3 fatty acids from both fish and plant sources in their diet. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/salmon-provides-good-source-of-omega-3-acids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/group-touts-power-of-sunflower-oil Group touts 'power' of sunflower oilSource: www.etaiwannews.comA U.S.-based non-profit agricultural organization yesterday kicked off a sunflower power campaign targeting Taiwan's health-conscious consumers."American New-Generation Sunflower Oil has high fives: High percentage of monounsaturated fatty acid; high stability; high smoke point; high vitamin E content; and guarantee of high quality from the origin of production," Mike Clemens, chairman of the National Sunflower Association, said in a statement.NSA, which developed the sunflower oil product with USDA, boasted that the oil had "perfect" fatty composition including 65 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, moderate 26 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids, and only nine percent saturated fatty acids."American New-Generation Sunflower Oil can enhance the nutritional value of cooked dishes because one spoonful provides 66 percent of the vitamin E needed a day," Clemens continued.The sunflower product was produced in the U.S. states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Kansas, NSA said.Cholesterol-lowering effectResults of a most recent human study showed that substituting about two tablespoons of American New-Generation Sunflower Oil in place of saturated fat had a significantly better cholesterol-lowering effect than substituting a similar amount of olive oil, said Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University. Kris-Etherton's research program focused on understanding the role of diet in the development of cardiovascular disease.Chao Chiang, director of Mackay Memorial Hospital's Department of Dietetics, said people should "pay extra attention" to a cooking oil's fatty acid composition to avoid excessive saturated fat intake."Taiwanese are used to cooking methods like frying, braising, sauteeing, and deep-frying, so they tend to use more oil," Chao said. "Also, people should pay attention to (a cooking oil's) smoking point because unstable oils decompose easily."Inhaling too much "cooking smoke" could be hazardous to one's health, he continued.If you want to monitor and control the amount and quality of fat that you consume, eat more homecooked meals, Chao added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/group-touts-power-of-sunflower-oil http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-gene Diabetes GeneSource: www.nbc10.comResearchers from the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System said they have identified a gene that plays a big role in the development of type one diabetes and could one day actually prevent it.The researchers used a medicinal compound they created to block the disease and injected it into mice that had been bred to develop diabetes. They said 90 percent of the treated mice did not develop diabetes. They also conducted similar tests with the same results.Researchers said this study opens the door to new drugs and gene therapy, although it's still years away. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-gene http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplements-in-children Herbal Supplements In ChildrenSource: www.nbc10.comDo herbal supplements work in children?According to new research, some do, some don't and some may even be harmful.Researchers found that Evening Primrose Oil seems to work on kids with dermatitis. But researchers found that Echinacea, while effective treating cold symptoms in adults, is useless in children. In fact, Echinacea may cause reactions in children with allergies.Scientists also warn that using botanicals on children with chronic diseases who are on drug therapy may cause dangerous drug interactions. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplements-in-children http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/go-for-green Go For GreenSource: www.turnto10.comFrom broccoli and green beans to spinach and green peppers, count all the ways you can fill your plate with greens.Properly prepared, green veggies add color appeal to your meals. Cooked just until tender-crisp, they add flavor appeal. Besides that, dark-green veggies supply plenty of nutrients-vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K, to name a few. Today we know they also supply two key carotenoids-lutein and zeaxanthin-which may promote eye health. And plant substances in greens may lower your risk for heart disease and some cancers, too.Go green! Think beyond the iceberg. Vary your salad greens: use spinach, romaine, watercress, chicory, escarole.Serve on a bed of greens. Arrange grilled or roasted fish chicken or meat atop tender-crisp green beans or wilted spinach.Get leafy. Tuck chopped fresh spinach and other greens into sandwiches, pita, and wraps-and in lasagna, risotto, pasta dishes and burritos.Nosh on green snacks: raw broccoli spears, asparagus spears, zucchini slices, or crisp snow peas. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/go-for-green http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dementia-study-trials-herbal-remedy Dementia study trials herbal remedySource: www.abc.net.auA study is being launched at Sydney's Bankstown Hospital to test whether Chinese herbs can slow the progress of dementia. Researchers from the University of Western Sydney are trialling a new Chinese herbal formula on 80 vascular dementia sufferers aged 60.They are checking to see if it can slow memory loss. Patients will take a capsule three times a day for 16 weeks.They will have their physical health and memory tested once a month for four months to assess the progression of the disease. Dr Daniel Chan, from Bankstown Hospital, says he cannot say what is in the formula. "It is a commercial secret but the drugs basically improves the circulation in the brain," he said. The trial will be carried out with the help of the China Academy of Chinese Medicine in Beijing, where the drug is already being successfully used.It is hoped the study will provide an alternative treatment for the thousands of people who suffer from vascular dementia. One in three people over the age of 80 currently suffer from dementia. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dementia-study-trials-herbal-remedy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil Herbal benefits of tea tree oilSource: www.expressnewsline.comThe official name of the medicinal tea tree the oil comes from is “Melaleuca alternifolia”. The oil itself is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. Know the benefits of tea tree oil:1. It is very useful for hair as it naturally solves the problem of dry hair, dandruff, head-lice. It also relive itchy scalp. You can add a few drops of oil to your regular shampoo and leave it on for five or ten minutes, then rinse.2. It is also beneficial for skin problems such as dermatitis, sunburns, diaper rashes and cuts.3. It also relives the problem of arthritis, just by rubbing the oil into your joints will help a lot. 4. Athlete’s foot, smelly feet, toenail infections and other foot ailments can be cured by using a few drops of tea tree oil. Always dilute it before using. 5. Various insect bites like flies, mosquitoes and bee stings, that can be soothed simply by rubbing some tea tree oil on. 6. It is also helpful to treat sinusitis. A drop of tea tree diluted in a bit of oil can work great around your sinuses. Rub around sinuses or put a few drops in a steam bath or vaporizer. You can also put a few drops onto a tissue or handkerchief. Add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water for an inhalant. 7. The oil can even be used internally by adding a couple of drops to juice to soothe a sore throat. Mixed with water, it’s also useful as a mouthwash for a variety of mouth and gum problems. Even your pets can benefit from the use of tea tree oil. Besides deterring those pesky pet insects like fleas and ticks, using a few drops of tea tree oil in pet shampoo will help alleviate odor problems.Tea tree is safe for virtually all skin types. It is concentrated natural oil safe for most skin types but those with sensitive skin may prefer to dilute it in some sort of oil such as baby oil, olive oil or a jelly like aloe-vera. Someone with sensitive skin may want to dilute the oil and anyone with reactions should quit using it and consult their doctor for remedies. Tea tree oil can actually be diluted 100 or more times its volume and still be effective. While some people can and do use the oil straight, it’s probably better to mix a few drops with an oil such as baby oil, olive oil or Aloe Vera jelly. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vitamin-c Information about Vitamin CSource: www.expressnewsline.com Dr. Albert Szent Gyorgyp is the winner of the 1937 Nobel Prize for medicine for the discovery of vitamin C. .Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most important nutrients necessary for human life. The word vitamin comes from the combination of words: vital amine. Vitamins are organic molecules that function as catalysts for reactions in the human body. A catalyst is a substance allowing a chemical reaction to take place using less energy and time that it would take under normal situations. If a catalyst is missing, normal body functions start to break down and a person will be more susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. Water soluble vitamins consumed in excess amounts are excreted in the urine and do not accumulate to toxic levels in the body. Vitamin C is stored in the liver too. Most animals are able to produce their own vitamin C. Man and primates, however, have lost the ability to produce this vitamin. So have guinea pigs. Thus guinea pigs have been used for vitamin C experimentation for many years. Vitamin C is important to all animals, including humans, as it is vital to the formation of collagen. Vitamin C also protects the fat-soluble Vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. Vitamin C prevents and cures the disease scurvy, and is beneficial in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C is also important for producing collagen. Collagen is the most abundant of the fibers contained in connective tissues of the human body. Connective tissues give our body form and support the organs as well. When collagen is produced, a series of events occur inside the cell and also outside the cell. Vitamin C is active inside the cell, where it hydroxylates to two amino acids: proline and lysine. This process forms a precursor molecule called procollagen that is later packaged and modified into collagen outside the cell. Without the presence of Vitamin C, collagen production is disrupted, causing a wide variety of bodily problems. *Vitamin C is good for protecting your body. For vegetarians it is even healthier. When combined with iron, iron becomes more absorbable allowing an increased iron intake*Vitamin C is destroyed by heat, aging, acids, alkalies, chopping, salting and drying. So, avoid more cooking and prefer to eat fresh citrus fruits that contain lots of vitamin C. Results of Deficiency: Its deficiency produces disease-scurvy. Scurvy is rarely seen nowadays except in severe alcoholics. It is characterized by spongy and bleeding gums, loose and falling teeth, fragility of blood vessels, extensive hemorrhages in skin, muscles and joints, fragility of bones, exhaustion, high fever and nervous breakdown. People depending solely on milk, meat, eggs and cereals for food usually suffer from scurvy. Vegetable eaters never get scurvy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glucosamine-can-help-joint-and-tissue-injuries Glucosamine can help joint and tissue injuriesSource: www.navytimes.comA reader asks about the benefits of the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for his son, an athlete. Before beginning this column, I would like to stress that, as with any supplement, it is your responsibility to research the supplement, assess the information and decide whether it could benefit you. Next, talk with a medical provider and make sure this supplement will not react with any medication you are taking. Should you decide to take the supplement, begin with a low dose, monitor your body’s reaction and adjust accordingly.To answer the reader’s question: Yes, your son may benefit from supplementing his training with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Athletes put a tremendous amount of stress on their bodies through training and often overtrain. But the reader, who noted his own problems with knee pain, could benefit as well.Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been known to work for both athletes and people who experience joint pain and strain, and have been used to treat osteoarthritis. The supplements can reduce degradation of connective tissue in joints, as well as symptoms associated with joint pain such as inflammation, stiffness and weakness of the tissue around the joints. They also assist in supporting connective tissues such as skin, tendons, ligaments, bone and cartilage. Because of these benefits, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been used to aid in healing wounds.Athletes and people of all ages may benefit from the supplements, as they help joints with cushioning and shock absorption, improve hydration of tissues, reduce connective-tissue injuries and improve joint lubrication, according to the article “Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate are for athletes young and old,” by Daniel Gastelu for Bodybuilding.com.Many people take glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate instead of ibuprofen or aspirin. Those who suffer from neck and back pain also have used them as an alternative treatment. The supplements also may prevent osteoporosis.There have been no reported severe side effects. However, some people may experience increased intestinal gas and softened stool.Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are derived from animal tissue and chitin, a component found in shellfish. The shells of crabs, shellfish and lobsters often are used to manufacture glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The supplements are sold in liquid and capsule form and are quickly absorbed by the body when taken as liquid. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glucosamine-can-help-joint-and-tissue-injuries http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beneficial-effects-of-alpha-linolenic-acid-in-walnuts-discussed-by-leading-researchers Beneficial Effects of Alpha-Linolenic Acid in Walnuts Discussed By Leading ResearchersSource: home.businesswire.comThe recently-announced USDA dietary guidelines stress the need for consumers to be more aware of the benefits of polyunsaturated essential omega-3 fatty acids in order to achieve a healthy diet. Many people look to fish, such as salmon, for omega-3s, but plant sources such as walnuts are also specifically noted in the USDA recommendations. The type of omega-3s found in walnuts, and other plant sources such as flaxseed and dark leafy field greens, are different from the type of omega-3s found in fish. However, according to Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at The Pennsylvania State University, "The omega-3 fatty acids from plants have many similar benefits to those found in fish." The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times a week. However, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, most Americans consume only about one serving of fish per week. "Obviously, Americans are not getting enough omega-3s from fish sources alone. Thus, an additional intake of omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources such as walnuts is important for heart health," says Frank Hu, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health. Plant sources provide an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and some to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - both found in fish. ALA and linoleic acid (LA) - an omega-6 fatty acid - are the only true "essential" fatty acids. "Marine source omega-3s are not essential because the body can create them from the plant source variety," Dr. Kris-Etherton explains. Some say the conversion need means it takes more plant source omega-3s to be absorbed by and to be equally effective in the body. However, Dr. Kris-Etherton points out that, "Emerging research is showing that the effects of plant sources are similar and independently beneficial in comparison to marine sources. Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous physiologic benefits, including potent cardioprotective effects. These effects have been demonstrated for ALA as well as EPA and DHA." Dr. Kris-Etherton refers to her recently published clinical study which shows that the ALA found in walnuts reduces C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation (Journal of Nutrition, November 2004). Similar findings were observed in a recent epidemiologic study reported by Dr. Hu and colleagues at Harvard. In this study, the intake of ALA was inversely related to C-reactive protein, a finding that was similar to that observed for fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, a recent study conducted by Dr. Sheila G. West and associates at The Pennsylvania State University found that the meals containing plant- and fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids (ALA compared with EPA + DHA) improved blood vessel function similarly. High in antioxidants and proven heart-healthy in clinical studies, walnuts are also the most versatile and palatable of the plant sources of omega-3s, which show benefits for many health concerns. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beneficial-effects-of-alpha-linolenic-acid-in-walnuts-discussed-by-leading-researchers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/three-viewers-test-botox-alternatives-and-find-out-which-ones-really-work Three viewers test Botox alternatives and find out which ones really workSource: www.gm.tvIn light of the Healthcare Commission's advice that the administration of Botox should be regulated LK Today sent three viewers off to test alternatives to Botox - but did they really work? 1. Protox 20 cream - £65 for 50ml This is a non invasive alternative to Botox that has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth by 50% in 30 days. It contains 20% Argireline to relax muscles and Hyaluronic acid to plump out 'cross-linked' skin. Protox does not paralyse but weakens muscle stimulation and therefore does not lead to 'the drooping effect' or 'freezing' that many people worry about with Botox.Results 39-year-old Louise Harrison thought the cream smelt pleasant and sank straight into your skin. It was really easy to use and Louise found no side effects. She felt that her skin looked more fresh and less tired. The fine lines and small wrinkles seemed to be less apparent. And her husband remarked that he could see a difference!For more information on Protox 20 call 0845 121 68682. L'Oreal Microdermabrasion - £14.99 It involves putting aluminium crystals onto the face and then removing them along with the dead skin cells to smooth away fine lines and wrinkles. According to the manufacturer, as non surgical treatments go, it's second only to Botox. There is also a home version of this salon treatment.Results Jan Foster is 49 years old and says all she can see in the mirror are wrinkles. After having this treatment Jan didn't think there was any long term difference. The treatment left her skin feeling lovely and soft. In the short term her face definitely looked better and felt tighter but this soon wore off.3. Bio Skin Jetting - from £35 to £95 BioSkinJetting is an alternative to injecting solutions into the skin. It works using the body's natural, self-healing process to create collagen along the line of the wrinkle, plumping and firming with a natural result that can last up to two years. Using a needle, the technique separates the wrinkle from the underlying skin. Upon removal of the needle, the tissues are stimulated to form new collagen fibres in exactly the right place, plumping and firming the skin to create a smoother and, for many, wrinkle free complexion.Results Jacky Potts is 45 years old and has a phobia about looking her age. She's considered Botox but doesn't have the courage to go ahead with it. Jacky thinks this treatment has made a difference, especially around her eyes. A few of her friends and colleagues have said that she looks a lot better. It was painless and she'd definitely do it again.This treatment costs £35 to £95 depending upon the size of the area that is treated per session. A course of 5-7 sessions is recommended. For more information contact 0121 708 2404. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/three-viewers-test-botox-alternatives-and-find-out-which-ones-really-work http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hemp-seed-oil-food-for-your-brain Hemp Seed Oil: Food for Your BrainSource: www.24-7pressrelease.comOmega-3 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Hemp seed oil contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 essential fatty acids. /24-7PressRelease.com/ - March 9, 2005 - Did you know your brain needs fat to function properly? It's true. But before you go running out for ice cream and hamburgers, you need to know what kind of fat your brain needs. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Your body cannot produce it, so you have to get it through your diet. Unfortunately, Americans typically consume mostly saturated fats and trans fats, rather than the healthy fats that supply this essential fatty acid. You may have heard fish referred to as "brain food." That's because cold water fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The problem is there are concerns about the toxic levels of mercury in fish. Flaxseed oil is a well-known plant source of omega-3's but many people do not like its overpowering taste. It ends up sitting on the shelf and, because flaxseed oil is unstable, it goes rancid quickly.Don't despair. There is an oil everybody agrees on: hemp seed oil. It's recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, author of numerous health books, and Udo Erasmus, author of "Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill." Hemp seed oil contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic/ LA) to Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic/ LNA) essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition. In addition, hemp seed oil contains the polyunsaturated fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid, and stearidonic acid. Hemp, you're thinking, isn't that illegal? Although hemp seed oil is derived from the same plant species as marijuana, it contains only a trace amount of THC (if any) - not even close to the amount that could cause psychoactivity. Consumption of hemp products is completely legal and hemp seed oil is safe and beneficial for pregnant women, infants and children, as well as adults.And what about the taste? According to Amie Nguyen of earthfriendlygoods.com, hemp seed oil has a delicious nutty flavor that is delicious in salad dressings, over pasta or vegetables, and in smoothies. And hemp seed oil has double the shelf life of flaxseed oil. So what is the best way to get your omega-3 fatty acids? It's a no-brainer. Hemp seed oil is good food for your body and mind. Cathe Olson is the author of "The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook: Whole foods to nourish pregnant and breastfeeding women - and their families" and "Simply Natural Baby Food: Easy Recipes Your Infant and Toddler Will Love." For more information or to order a book, visit www.simplynaturalbooks.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hemp-seed-oil-food-for-your-brain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/deficiency-symptoms-of-vitamin-b-12 Deficiency symptoms of Vitamin B-12Source: www.kntimes.comVitamin B 12 is very important vitamin. It performs many vital functions. It promoted DNA synthesis, maturation of erythrocytes and myelin formation. Deficiency symptoms: Being unaware of a vitamin B-12 deficiency (Pernicious Anemia) can cause serious complications. At high risk for a B-12 deficiency are those who are over 60, whether symptoms are present or not since B-12 absorption has usually ceased at this age. In addition, older people should have B-12 tests since B-12 deficiency has often been confused with senility. In addition, researchers have found a link between B-12 deficiency and Alzheimer's Disease. Problems with mal-absorption of this nutrient can be caused by gastrointestinal problems or excessive alcohol consumption. Those who have had gastrointestinal surgery and radiation may have problems absorbing vitamin B-12. Also at risk are those who are strict vegetarians and those who have eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Severe cases can result in lowered immunity to infection, congestive heart failure, impaired vision and male impotence. In rare cases the condition can be fatal. Vitamin B-12 testing usually consists of two tests. The first is a serum B-12 blood test to measure the amount of B-12 in the blood. The second is a test to rule out any folic acid deficiency, which can mimic the symptoms of B-12 deficiency. If found to be vitamin B-12 deficient, monthly injections can sometimes control or even reverse the condition. Vitamin B-12 gels, administered by squeezing into the nose, are absorbed through the nasal membranes but are not widely recommended. The monthly injections are proven effective and are the most accepted and prescribed treatment. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/deficiency-symptoms-of-vitamin-b-12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/curing-nail-problems-with-vitamins-and-herbs Curing Nail Problems with Vitamins and HerbsSource: www.kntimes.comFingernails, which are made mainly of a protein known as keratin, are one of the bodies strongest tissues. They not only protect the finger tips and toes but can often tell a story about the overall health of your body. Nail problems may signal a more serious disorder such as asthma, emphysema or heart disease, improper nutrition and stress. Vitamins and herbs can be used to aid with healing of nail problems since it is known that good nutrition is the key to healthy nails. Studies have shown that gelatin which has long been hailed to strengthen nails does not contain the proper mixture of amino acids for nail growth. Herbs like horsetail, nettle and oatstraw which are rich in silica are known to improve the health of your nails. Amino acid complex, vitamin C, vitamin E and biotin taken together will help the body build keratin. Ridges in the fingernail is a sign of insufficient B vitamins. Calcium and bone building formulas will benefit the nails by supplying much needed minerals. A calcium deficiency will usually show up as ragged cuticles, brittleness or dryness. The essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil will keep nails from cracking from lack of nourishment. A paste made with alum and water is effective in relieving ingrown nails. What is commonly called ring-a-round causes the finger to swell and become painful. This usually indicates toxity in the body and can be treated with a poultice of comfrey. Binding a piece of fresh lemon to the infected area will work as well. Tea tree oil, garlic oil and calendula ointment are the best treatments for nail fungus. Tea tree oil is a popular antifungal medication that has proved successful in treating athletes foot and other infections. To protect the nails from bacteria it is wise not to trim the cuticles. Wearing gloves when you are cleaning and keeping the nails cut short are good preventative measures. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/curing-nail-problems-with-vitamins-and-herbs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/all-natural-skin-care-natural-herbal-ayurvedic All Natural Skin Care - Natural, Herbal, AyurvedicSource: Althealth NewsMore and more companies and skincare product manufacturers are using natural ingredients in their products. So why shouldn't you try at your home to make an all natural skincare product. Sounds Intresting ?? Read on and your will find how easy it really is. You can spend a lot of money on face creams, cleansers and the like. Natural remedies require a bit of work, but are a lot cheaper and are possibly better for you than a pot load of chemicals. Unless otherwise specified, rinse all of these off with lukewarm water. DRY AND/OR SENSITIVE SKIN Dry and/or sensitive skin will benefit from: Bananas. Mash a whole banana and apply. Leave on for no more than 5 or 10 minutes, then rinse off completely. Honey is great for dry skin. A tablespoon of honey, a lightly beaten egg white and a teaspoon of glycerin, mixed together with finely ground oatmeal to make a paste, is a great moisturizer. Apply, rinse off thoroughly after about 20 minutes. Glycerin can be bought from chemists' shops quite easily. It's also good for mouth ulcers - apply a couple of drops on a fingertip to the ulcer. It helps slough off the skin, which sounds horrible but speeds up the healing process. Half a cup of canned coconut milk, warmed in the microwave until runny - about 30 seconds on high - mixed with two tablespoons of honey, smells like summer on the beach. Massage into the skin, rinse off after about 10 minutes. Honey is also believed to be a natural antiseptic. Useful if you have any pimples or cuts on your face. OILY SKIN A good skin toner can be made out of one teaspoon of cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water. The cider vinegar does smell rather strong, though. Tomatoes are beneficial for oily skin because they contain natural exfoliants and acids. Skin a ripe tomato and puree briefly, then apply, washing off after 15 minutes. (It's a bit difficult to get it to stay on the face, though - it tends to slide off). A bit of raw oatmeal, mixed with half a cup of lemon juice and a lightly beaten egg white to make a paste, does wonders for oily skin. Rinse off once the paste has fully dried out. Oily skins can be balanced out with strawberries. Crush a handful of strawberries and apply for five minutes. Like tomatoes, a little difficult to keep on the face. Honey is not just good for dry skins. A mixture of a pureed ripe peach and a teaspoon of honey is great for oily skins, too. Rinse off after five minutes. FACE MASKS Apply a soothing facemask once a week and watch your skin benefit. Pawpaws contain a tenderizing enzyme. Mash half a medium-sized ripe pawpaw, mix with one well-beaten egg white. Rinse when the mask is almost dry to the touch. Two tablespoons of aloe vera (or honey), mixed into a paste with two tablespoons of almost meal, makes a nice face mask that should be left on to dry for about fifteen minutes. Mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Leave to dry for about 20 minutes. Wrinkles may be kept at bay with a Vitamin E mask. Mix one egg yolk with the contents of a Vitamin E capsule (you want the oil inside the capsule, not the capsule itself - snip off one end with scissors and pour the oil carefully into the egg yolk). Rinse off after fifteen minutes. Sensitive skin, which is often aggravated by facemasks, will enjoy a soothing treat with this one. Enough pureed green grapes to cover the face, left on for 20 to 30 minutes while you relax - good enough to eat. Stew an apple gently in milk for 20 to 30 minutes. Puree it and apply, warm but not hot, and rinse off when cool. Two tablespoons of sour cream, mixed with a grated raw potato (medium-sized), can be left on for 20 minutes before being rinsed off. Try these suggestions, you will be captivated by the fresh smell. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/all-natural-skin-care-natural-herbal-ayurvedic http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-man-conquers-cancer-and-cardiac-pathology-if-solves-nutrition-problem-academician-t-sharmanov A man conquers cancer and cardiac pathology if solves nutrition problem, academician T. SharmanovSource: www.inform.kzA man may reach the age of 90 without being ill, according to studies by World Health Organization. ‘Being old is a disease but a man should not be ill. 90 is a high time to be happy if there is no disease. It is the age of wisdom, experience, view, assessment. If one is sick he (she) wastes the family and government budgets, and becomes a burden,’ suggests Toregheldy Sharmanov, president of Kazakh Academy of Nutrition.Having summarized global data the WHO experts determined ten factors promoting the spread of death rate and illnesses. Cardiac pathology, cancer, diabetes, traumas are the result. But reasons are tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug addiction, microelement hunger of ferrum, iodine, selenium, A & C vitamins, and folic acid. ‘If once upon a time medicine conquers cancer and heart diseases, it will happen thanks to correct nutrition system,’ the scientist quotes an article he had read 25 years ago. Over 60% of death rate on the planet is directly connected with the bad nutrition. What is bad nutrition? It is an industrial production of fried, sugary, and fat products like chips, Pepsi and Coca colas. T. Sharmanov who is celebrating his 75th birthday this year came for interview with Kazinform correspondent by foot, having a really long walk from Samal microdistrict to Medical Academy. The professor does not like motor vehicles. However, he was not late.- Do you consider it is useful to eat products cultivated and manufactured on one’s native land? People say you prefer milk and ham from Central Kazakhstan, the place you were born in.- It is a generally recognized and scientifically grounded opinion. I always support and popularize this idea. Thus, a general rule of salubrious nutrition is a maximal correspondence of eaten food with fermentative capabilities of one’s digestive tract and metabolism system. The last ones are known to be formed in the process of history and evolution, depending on feeding traditions and cultures. To prove my suggestion I always bring examples that Kazakhs can not eat mushrooms, nations of North can not drink alcohol, and natives of South-East Asia can not drink milk. By the way, the quality of mutton is directly tied with the nature of beast’s food, its management, therefore I like our mutton. I am the son of Ulytau, Central Kazakhstan. Kumys (sour milk, Kazakhs’ national drink) produced there is the best thing for me. The year round I drink two cups of kumys a day. I was supplied with kumys when I lived in Moscow being cast away in my native country Kazakhstan.- Some people say it is cannibalish to eat a horse meat. What do you say about it?- It is an incorrect suggestion. There is a livestock for kumys, some horses are brought up for eating. But highbred horses are meant for races, not for eating. It is lack of culture to mix these phenomena. There is nothing bloodthirsty in eating horse meat, I say.- You urge to eat much fruits and vegetables. But our ancestors are accustomed to eat meat and dairy products. Is there any contradiction?- I always popularize consumption of much fruits and vegetables- sources of vitamins, foody fibers, minerals and microelements. It is our vital necessity. As for our ancestors, we should not forget that they lived different way and physical activity. Feeding traditions depend on life conditions. Kazakhs were nomads before, now things changed. We live a cozy life with adjustable temperature and humidity, use motor vehicles. The nutrition should be adequate and balanced for the food to be digested well. Kazakhs say ‘Mutton is digested till the next day sunset, beef is done by morning time, some 7-8 hours, but horse meat is immediately.’-Three years ago you refused eating bread completely. But Kazakhstan is the world’s leader on high quality grain production. Do you think Kazakhstan should focus on cattle breeding, and resume activities of ancestors on a contemporary base?- You are absolutely right. Kazakhstan needs to resume its traditional, national agriculture. However, we need to remember that Kazakhstan’s upcoming membership in World Trade Organization demands special requirements.- Do you go in for sports?- Yes, I have been going for sports all life long, and I encourages my relatives to physical training also.- Have you ever smoked?- Yes, I tried some smoking when I was young. Tobacco smoking brings more damage than drinking alcohol as one’s body gets full of carcinogens. No dose of nicotine is helpful.- Do you prefer local products to support local commodity producers and make economic incentive for them, don’t you?- Absolutely right. Everyone, including government, should support local commodity producers. We possess huge climatic and geographic reserves and natural resources.Many European travelers who visited Kazakhstan at different times left photos, pictures and description of nomads. A Polish artist Bronislav Zalesski, who kept his ban in steppes of Kazakhstan mid-XIX century characterized Kazakhs as following: ‘Usually a Kazakh man has well-proportioned form, and is very strong. The rider Kazakh is very agile and deft. He seems to cling with the saddle.’ About Kazakh women he notes ‘Vivacity and ease in walking makes a woman pleasant-looking.’ We, the begats of riders, follow America on the number of gross men. But Americans have taken care of this problem on a state level, but Kazakhs inherited carelessness… Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-man-conquers-cancer-and-cardiac-pathology-if-solves-nutrition-problem-academician-t-sharmanov http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/crohn-disease-precautions-remedy-and-symptoms Crohn Disease : Precautions, Remedy and SymptomsSource: www.kntimes.comCrohn's disease is often confused with other inflammatory bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, thus making it difficult to diagnose. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is characterized by an inflammatory reaction throughout the entire thickness of the colon and bowel wall. This inflammation can penetrate deeply into the affected organ, causing pain and diarrhea. Symptoms associated with Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding (which may lead to anemia), weight loss, malabsorption syndrome and nutritional deficiencies. The onset of Crohn's disease is typically between the ages of fourteen and thirty. Cases of this disorder tend to be 2-4 times more common in Caucasian whites than non-Caucasian, and 4 times more common in Jews than non-Jews. Crohn's disease is typically experienced as flair-up, with attacks occurring every few months to every few years. Over time, if the disease is active, bowel function can gradually deteriorate, with the risk of cancer increasing by 20 fold. Scientists believe that chronic imbalances in the intestinal flora set off a chain of events that, in the end, damages the intestinal mucosa. This theory is strongly supported by the parallel in the number of cases of Crohn's and other inflammatory bowel disorders and use of antibiotics over the last 50 years. In turn, it has also been found that the incidence of Crohn's disease is higher in cultures consuming a "western diet", while it is virtually non-existent in cultures consuming a more primitive diet. Studies also reveal that patients with Crohn's disease were found to be individuals who habitually ate, prior to the onset of symptoms, more refined sugar, less raw fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber when compared to their healthy counterparts. While the exact causes of Crohn's disease is still unclear, there is much that can be done to lessen symptoms and even put this disorder into remission. The goal for treatment of this disorder is to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies and relieve symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.Recommendations for Wellness1) An elimination diet, such as Gottschall's Specific Carbohydrate Diet have been shown to reduce the symptoms experienced within 3 - 12 weeks.2) Avoid sugar, both white sugars, and the sugars contained in white flower, white rice etc.3) Keep a food/flair-up journal. Identify foods you are eating, or your emotional state just before and during a "flair-up". In time, you may find a pattern forming4) To reduce intestinal inflammation and begin the healing process, try products such as UltraInflamx - by Metagenics, Robert's formula - by Phytophamric, or aloe vera juice.5) Flax seed or fish oils (Omega 3 Oils) have been known to greatly reduce the inflammatory process. If you find you have a hard time digesting them, try freezing the gel caps before taking them. 6) Extra vitamins and minerals are important at this time, especially if you are not absorbing nutrients correctly. Incorporate a liquid meal replacement (one that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, and low on sugar!) into your diet as well as taking a high quality vitamin and minerals supplement. Try to find one that is in a gel casing or capsule. 7) Find a good mineral supplement such as Alfalfa, barley greens, liquid chlorophyll or colloidal minerals. Many of these come in a powdered form that you can mix with water or juice. 8) Because of blood loss due to rectal bleeding, and the anemia associated with it, incorporation of additional iron is important. Look to find an herbal iron alternative, especially one that comes in liquid form for better/easier assimilation. If you decide to look to a single herb, Yellow Dock would be my choice. (Consult with your health care provider before introducing additional iron into your diet.)9) Starting a program of re-inoculating the intestinal tract with Friendly Bacteria, namely lactoacidopholis can enhance recovery and restore bowel function to normal. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/crohn-disease-precautions-remedy-and-symptoms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lichen-planus-causes-prevention-and-remedy- Lichen Planus : Causes, Prevention and Remedy.Source: www.kntimes.comLichen planus is a skin disease that causes inflammation, itching, and skin lesions. What is going on in the body? Lichen planus is a skin disorder that produces scaly, purplish bumps with white lines or spots. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, or one in which the person produces antibodies against his or her own tissues. This abnormal immune response may be triggered by a viral infection. Lichen planus develops slowly and usually goes away in 18 months. However, in some people, it may last for many years. What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Symptoms of lichen planus may include: · flat, purplish, pimple-like bumps mostly on the wrists, lower back, shins, and sometimes the genitals · hair loss · itching · lace-like white lesions occurring in the mouth and on the mucosal surfaces of the genitals · painful sores in the mouth and genitals Symptoms become worse if a person feels stressed. What are the causes and risks of the condition? Lichen planus is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by a viral infection. This disorder may develop after exposure to certain medications, dyes, and chemicals, including: · gold · antibiotics · antimony · arsenic · chloroquine · diuretics · iodides · phenothiazines · quinacrine · quinidine New research findings suggest that autoimmune disorders may be triggered by a transfer of cells between the fetus and the mother during pregnancy. The study involved women with scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder involving the skin. These women have more fetal cells in their blood decades after a pregnancy than women who don't have scleroderma. While further research is needed to substantiate these findings, the study does offer an explanation for the much higher incidence of autoimmune disorders in women than in men. What can be done to prevent the condition? No means of preventing lichen planus are known at this time. Avoiding certain chemicals and medications may reduce flare-ups in someone with this disorder. How is the condition diagnosed? A distinctive appearance of the skin and mouth lesions may indicate lichen planus. A biopsy of the lesions confirms the diagnosis. The healthcare provider removes a small section of affected skin. The sample is then examined under a microscope in the laboratory. What are the long-term effects of the condition? Skin lesions of lichen planus that persist may be associated with hair loss and complete nail loss. Long-term lichen planus within the mouth and the genital region has been associated with genital and oral cancer. What are the risks to others? Lichen planus is not contagious and poses no risks to others. What are the treatments for the condition? If symptoms of the lichen planus are mild, no treatment may be needed. Treatment of lichen planus may include: · antihistamines to reduce the discomfort · liquid lidocaine mouthwashes to numb the affected areas · topical corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide cream, clobetasol proprionate ointment, or betamethasone proprionate ointment · oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone · topical vitamin A cream applied to lesions to reduce itching and inflammation · ultraviolet light therapy What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects depend on the specific medications used but may include drowsiness and allergic reactions. Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can lower resistance to infection. What happens after treatment for the condition? The skin lesions of lichen planus may clear up completely with treatment. Recurrence of lichen planus is likely when treatment is discontinued. Also, the degree and severity varies with each occurrence. How is the condition monitored? Lichen planus of the oral and genital mucosa needs to be monitored closely, since these lesions are associated with oral and genital cancers. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lichen-planus-causes-prevention-and-remedy- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-home-remedy-better-way-for-acne-free-face Acne home remedy : Better way for Acne Free FaceSource: www.kntimes.comWhat is Acne? Acne is the skin condition common in adolescence caused by overactive and inflamed sebaceous glands, commonly found on the face, back and chest. When these glands become accumulated with oil and dirt they produce both blackheads and whiteheads. How Can I beat it? Acne isn't the easiest thing to conquer. Trying to cover it with make-up only makes the glands more clogged with dirt and often makes the problem worse. Follow the advice below for a period of six months, if there still is a problem, consult your physician, he will probably prescribe an antibiotic cream and a course of tablets. 1. Wash your face every day and night with a mild, un-perfumed soap. Rinse off immediately with cold water and pat dry. Do not scrub your face this will only irritate your spots. 2. Try asking your local pharmacist for a spot cream. He/She will advise you which cream to buy according to the area and intensity of your skin. 3. Let your skin breathe. At least once a week, do not wear any make-up. 4. Exercise is important. Go for a brisk walk every couple of days. Be sure to tie your hear back off your face when doing strenuous exercise, the excess sweat and moisture on your skin will only aggravate your spots even more. 5. Don't pick, squeeze or touch your spots, even with clean hands. We cannot see the millions of germs and dirt on our fingers; all you are doing is transferring them to your face, making them look and feel even worse. 6. Avoid the temptation to cover up your acne with heavy make-up. Look for something lighter to use on your face if you insist on wearing foundation/powder. Make sure that you wash off the make-up before you go to bed. 7. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a must. Not only do they make your skin look radiant if eaten substantial amounts over time, but the help your immune system out too. 8. Include vitamins A, C and Zinc in your diet, either by foods or tablet form. All have been proven to benefit your skin. 9. Try a tea tree pure essential oil. Dab a little on a cotton wool puff and dot over the infected area. Now what? Stick at it! You will not see results overnight, you need to combine all of the above tips and persevere! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-home-remedy-better-way-for-acne-free-face http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aroma-therapy-how-aromatherapy-started-how-it-has-been-used-in-older-times Aroma therapy, How aromatherapy started, How it has been Used in Older TimesSource: www.kntimes.comFor centuries, people have relied on their 5 senses; sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing all can work together or separately. The sense I focus on in this article is the sense of smell. Aroma therapy is derived from two words. Aroma- meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy-meaning treatment. Aroma therapy was used by the most ancient civilizations and is reputed to be at least 6000 years old. It is widely thought that Aroma therapy began in Egypt. A medical papyri considered to date back to around 1500 BC contains remedies for all types of illnesses and the methods of application are similar to the one used in Aroma therapy and Herbal medicine today. The Egyptians used a method known as infusion (this process is described later on) to extract the oils from aromatic plants and incense was probably one of the earliest ways of using aromatics. Frank-in-sense was burned at sun rise as an offering to the sun god, Ra and myrrh was offered to the moon. The Egyptians were experts at embalming using aromatics to help preserve flesh. The Egyptians used to be massaged with fragrant oils after bathing. The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils and used them medicinally and cosmetically. A Greek physician, Pedacius Dioscoride, wrote a book about herbal medicine and for at least 1,200 years as the Western world's standard medical reference. Many of the remedies he mentions are still in use today in Aroma therapy The Romans took much of their medical knowledge from the Greeks and went on to use and improve the ability of aromatics with Rome becoming the bathing capital of the world. After bathing they would be oiled and massaged. The Romans started to import new aromatic products from East India and Arabia through the opening up of trade routes. During the crusades the knowledge of aromatic oils and perfumes spread to the Far East and Arabia and it was a physician called Avicenna who lived from A.D 980 to A.D 1037 that is understood to have first used the process known as distillation to distil essence of rose, although it probably took many years to perfect the process. (This process will be described later). The Arabs also discovered how to distil alcohol around the same time making it possible to produce perfumes without a heavy oily base. There is a strong possibility that he ancient Chinese civilizations were using some form of aromatics at the same time as the Egyptians. Shen Nung's Herbal book is the oldest surviving medical book in China which is dated about 2700 B.C. and contains information on over 300 plants. The Chinese used aromatic herbs and burned aromatic woods and incense to show respect to God. Traditional Indian medicine known as ayurveda has been practiced for more than 3,000 years and it incorporates aromatic massage as one of its main aspects. The invasions of South America by the conquistadors brought about the discovery of more medicinal plants and aromatic oils as the Aztecs were well known for their plant remedies and the Spanish were amazed at the wealth of medicinal plants found in Montezuma's botanical gardens. The North American Indians also used aromatic oils and produced their own herbal remedies It wasn't until the 19th century that scientist in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans. A French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, began his research into the healing powers of essential oils after burning his hand in his laboratory and immersing in it in lavender oil and being impress by how quickly the burn healed. In1937 he published a book about the anti-microbial effects of the oils and coined the word Aroma therapy. He went on to set up a business producing oils for use in fragrances and cosmetics. Around the same time another Frenchman, Albert Couvreur, published a book on the medicinal uses of essential oils. A French medical doctor Jean Valnet discovered Gattefosse's research and began experimenting with essential oils. Around the same time, Margaret Maury, a French biochemist developed a unique method of applying these oils to the skin with massage. Micheline Arcier, living in London, studied and ked with Maury and Valnet and their combined techniques created a form of Aromatherapy now used all over the world. Essential oils are very expensive to produce some more so than others, due to the labor intensive process and the quantity of the plant required to produce the of oil approximately 400Kg of thyme would produce1Kg of essential oil, 2000Kg of rose petals to make 1Kg of oil, 6 tones of orange blossom to produce 1Kg of oil, and 4 million jasmine flowers to produce 1kg of jasmine absolute. "Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived. The odors of fruits waft me to my southern home, to my childhood frolics in the peach orchard. Other odors, instantaneous and fleeting, cause my heart to dilate joyously or contract with remembered grief. Even as I think of smells, my nose is full of scents that start to awake sweet memories of summers gone and ripening fields far away." This eloquent quote expressed by Helen Keller so vividly says what many of us experience when exposed to aromas. Smell is the sense that reaches deeply and quickly into our emotional center to evoke feelings and memories of our past. When was the last time you paused and took notice of an aroma? When did a certain scent evoke nostalgia by transporting you to that specific experience? Has scent soothed your anxiety, relieved insomnia or spiced up your social interactions? Odor molecules are chemical communicators that give specific and potent messages. "Neuroscience", the study of the sense of smell, has become the "haute couture" of the academic world. Aromatherapy Benefits Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to treat conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress. Essential oils are widely used throughout Europe and a system of medical aromatherapy is currently practiced in France. Aromatherapy has recently found its way into mainstream science in the United States. The National Institutes of Health in 1992 officially recognized "unconventional medical practices" and began a study to integrate these practices into modern health care. Among the unconventional treatments; herbal medicine, of which aromatherapy is a branch. "Aromatherapy works two fold," according to Michael Scholes, president of Aromatherapy Seminars, Los Angeles, California. "These essences have a smell that, when inhaled, is processed in an area of the brain that controls emotions. They penetrate the skin to get into the bloodstream and the immune system to work in a physiological method." Steam Bathing & Aromatherapy Aromatherapy can be used in conjunction with steam baths to enhance the effects of the steam bath and create a range of added benefits. The aromas in the following recipes are placed in the aromatherapy diffuser of your aroma Spa or can be used mixed with a quart of water and used in a pan of water. For General Relaxing Effect Clary Sage 2 drops Sandalwood 4 drops Menopause Ease General: Chamomile 2 drops Geranium 2 drops Cyprus 1 drops Hot Flashes Geranium 2 drops Clary Sage 2 drops Lemon 1 drop Fatigue Fighter Lavender 2 drops Clary Sage 2 drops Lemon 1 drop Mood Lifter Benzoin 3 drops Ylang-Ylang 2 drops Jasmine 1 drop Neroli 1 drop Rose 1 drop Sandalwood 2 drops Baths Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant way to relax and receive the therapeutic effects. - Water itself has therapeutic value which enhances the powers of the oils. To use, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil, (or a blend), to the surface of the water which has already been run, add no other substances, e.g. foam or bath oil, then immerse yourself for about 20 minutes. The heat of the water aids absorption through the skin, whilst you inhale the vapor. (Again reduce the amount of oils used in baths for babies). Compresses Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water. Wring out the excess water and place the cloth on the affected part of the body. Inhalation Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water, then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. you can also purchase steamers made especially for Aroma Therapy. Massage This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils (diluted to 5% in a carrier oil) are massaged into and absorbed by the skin. They are put into the blood stream and sent to the relevant parts of the body quickly and effectively. Perfumes You can make your own distinctive and personal perfume by blending different oils with unscented alcohol or a carrier oil. Apply as you would normally use perfume. Vaporization Because essential oils evaporate easily and create different mental and emotional atmospheres, they make excellent air fresheners. There are several ways to vaporize oils effectively- from a store bought vaporizer or a potpourri burner to placing a few drops of the oils in simmering pot of water on a stove top or radiator. Mixing Essential Oils Two major reasons why pure Essential Oils need to be diluted are... Pure Essential Oils are too strong and concentrated to be used directly on the skin. Small quantities of pure Essential Oils can be very expensive and will not go very far. Therefore they are diluted with carrier or base oil. Diluting oils will last longer, cover a much larger area and yet remain just as effective as the pure oils. It is recommended that you use a dropper so that you can measure the actual number of drops easily. Use a different dropper for each oil to avoid cross contamination. When mixing oils you should use no more than nine drops of pure Essential Oil to one tablespoon of a carrier oil. Recommended Carrier Oils Oils which are termed "Extra Virgin" or "Cold Pressed" are the best carrier oils to use. Also the oils which themselves have no or a minimum of aroma are suitable to allow the Essential Oils themselves to work best. Sweet Almond: The first choice of many aromatherapists as it is good for all skin types. Grapeseed: A good second choice carrier especially for those whose skin seems not to absorb other oils very quickly. Apricot Kernel: This oil is good for all skin types, but is especially good for sensitive or prematurely aged skin. Peach Kernel: This oil is good for all skin types as it is rich and nourishing. Olive: Used in a 10% dilution, for dry skin, hair care and cosmetics. Soya: This oil is good for all skin types and can be used undiluted with other carrier oils. Sunflower Seed: Can be used 100% Sesame Seed: Used as a 10% addition to other carrier oils. Can assist with psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, and arthritis. Coconut: Usually deodorized for use in aromatherapy coconut oil can aid tanning and is reputed to filter the sun's rays. Avocado: Used as an addition to other base oils, 10% to 25%. It is good for eczema and dry skin. Wheatgerm: Used 10% in a mixture. Helps eczema, psoriasis, prematurely aged skin, and slows down mixed blends of oils from deterioration. Jojoba: Jojoba is more of a liquid wax than an oil. Use as a 10% addition to other oils. Essential Oils Attracting a Man: Ambergris, Gardenia, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Musk, Neroli, Tonka Attracting a Woman: Bay, Civet, Musk, Patchouli, Stephanotis, Vetivert, Violet Courage: Cedar, Musk, Rose Geranium Fertility: Musk, Vervain Friendships: Stephanotis, Sweetpea Happiness: Apple Blossom, Sweetpea, Tuberose Harmony: Basil, Gardenia, Lilac, Narcissus Healing: Carnation, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Lotus, Myrrh, Narcissus, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Violet Insomnia: Lavender, Narcissus Love: Clove, Gardenia, Jasmine, Orris, Plumeria, Rose, Sweetpea Luck: Cinnamon, Cypress, Lotus Lust: Cinnamon, Clove, Musk, Vanilla Meditation: Acacia, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Magnolia, Myrrh, Nutmeg Mental Powers (Strengthen): Moneysuckle, Lilac, Rosemary Money: Almond, Bayberry, Bergamot, Honeysuckle, Mint, Patchouli, Pine, Vervain Peace: Benzoin, Cumin, Gardenia, Hyacinth, Magnolia, Rose, Tuberose Power: Carnation, Rosemary, Vanilla Protection: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rue, Violet, Wisteria Psychic Powers (Enhance): Acacia, Anise, Cassia, Heliotrope, Lemongrass, Lilac, Mimosa, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Tuberose Purifications: Acacia, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Olive, Sandalwood Vitality: Allspice, Carnation, Rosemary, Vanilla Storing Essential Oils Because essential oils are affected by sunlight they should be stored in dark tinted glass bottles with stopper caps. Make sure that the cap is on securely and the bottle stored up-right in a cool dark place to prevent the oils from evaporating. Always remember to keep the bottles out of reach (and sight) of children as the oils can be hazardous if swallowed or cause irritation of undiluted essential oils are applied to the skin. Never store essential oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential oils should keep for several years if properly stored. The following are a few recipes for aroma products: This bath salts recipe is fairly easy to make. It will help you feel more energized. Ingredients needed: 1 c. Epsom salts 1 c. course salt 10-20 drops green food coloring 6 drops eucalyptus oil 10 drops rosemary oil 15 drops peppermint oil Mix salts in a large bowl. In smaller bowl take 1/4-1/2 cup salt mixture and add oils. MIX WELL. Add back into rest of salt mixture. Store in airtight container. Put a few teaspoons of the salts in your bath water. ------------------------ I have purchased these for way too much money in the past. I now make my own. It's a fun activity to share with the kids. Once they are dry you just toss one into the tub and enjoy! Very simple, very easy and very inexpensive. I like to make them the size of golf balls all the way up to the size of baseballs. Plain Bath Fizzies 1 cup of baking soda 1/2 cup of citric acid 1/2 cup of cornstarch 2 T. of coconut, almond or other oil 1 T. of water Mix dry ingredients together. Mix liquid oil and water and drizzle onto dry ingredients slowly while stirring together. Shape into balls and let dry 24-48 hours. Simple Bath Bombs 10 T. baking soda 5 T. cornstarch 5 T. citric acid 1 1/2 T. safflower, sweet almond, or canola oil 1/2 T. water small amt of borax (1/2 tsp.) 1 T. fragrance oil or essential oil of your choice Sieve all dry ingredients. Mix oil, water, borax, and scent in a jar - make sure to shake well. Drizzle this mixture onto the dry ingredients and then work it in with your hands. Press into a mold and then carefully pop them out. Let set for at least 24 hours to be totally hardened. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aroma-therapy-how-aromatherapy-started-how-it-has-been-used-in-older-times http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bergamot-essential-oils-for-aroma-therapy Bergamot : Essential Oils for Aroma TherapySource: www.kntimes.comBergamot oil is originally from Italy. It is obtained from the rind of the bitter orange. It has a pale green colour. The fragrance is sharp, orangey and refreshing. It is a happy, uplifting oil. As the initial sharp notes fade, it leaves a lingering scent similar to neroli. Bergamot is recommended by some aromatherapy authors for vaginal itching and cystitis. For such purposes, use it in a wash diluted to 0.5%. It works well against tension headaches. A friend of mine used to suffer from terrible headaches.. Then she tried diffusing the oil in her room. She also massaged the diluted oil on the temples of her head. It worked wonders against her headache. It is one of the traditional antiviral oils. It is said to inhibit the Herpes virus. It is also used by some people to relieve chicken pox and shingles. A word of caution though: Bergamot is a photosensitiser. It contains bergaptene and bergamotine. According to Daniele Ryman in the book 'Aromatherapy. The Complete Guide to Plant and Flower Essences for Health and Beauty' These can cause over pigmentation on the skin when exposed to sunlight. They can also provoke abnormalities that can degenerate. This photosensitising effect can last a few days. So if you are using the oil, avoid the sun for at least 3 days after that. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bergamot-essential-oils-for-aroma-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/radicals-therapy Radicals therapySource: www.eastandard.netFree radicals present a danger to everyone’s health. Dr Maurice Wambani explains what they are and how a diet with all the right antioxidants can lead to increased longevity.Have you ever wondered why people in the East — especially in China, Japan and India — live for much longer than those in the West? Locally, rural folk outlive their urban counterparts for similar reasons as Easterners outlive Westerners. It all has to do with free radicals and antioxidants. What are these substances and why do they affect longevity?The food we eat to maintain growth and generate energy and the breakdown that we all undergo on a daily basis, leads to the formation of certain renegade molecules in the body. These molecules are called free radicals. They are mainly five of them: super oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloride ions, hydroxyl ions and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is also the main neurotransmitter in sexual function. The quantity of free radicals in our bodies increases with wear and tear and is a consequence of normal ageing. They all have a deleterious effect on our health.Free radicals are really unstable molecules. They attack our cells and deprive them of electrons, destabilising otherwise normal and useful molecules such as DNA, protein and fat. Free radicals destroy our immune mechanisms, make us susceptible to infection, metabolic derangements and cancer, a nd, therefore, are a cause of morbidity (illness) and eventually mortality (death). They have been implicated in ageing, cancer, heart disease, stroke and arthritis. The irony is that these free radicals are derived from the very oxygen we need, so in a way we cannot be immune to their formation. The only way to counter the effect of free radicals is to know what they are, how to avoid them and how to get rid of them from our bodies.There are two sources of free radicals: internal and external sources. Internally, free radicals are derived from the breakdown of the proteins, carbohydrates and fats we all eat. In conditions of stress, there is an accelerated production of free radicals. This can happen when we engage in excessive exercise or activities that add strain to the body. If there is diminished blood supply, there is also an increase in free radical formation.The external sources of free radical include environmental contaminants such as pesticides, insecticides, tobacco, alcohol and drugs, as well as beverages such as coffee and cocoa. Foods with a lot of fats and protein are also a common source of external free radials. Lastly, the effects of ionising radiation and overexposure to sunlight and x-rays lead to free radical liberation.There are substances in our bodies that are responsible for combating the effects of free radicals. These substances — called antioxidants — are like scavengers. The problem is that with increasing age, the body ceases to have enough of these antioxidants, so we need to get them from the food we eat. Failure to do so results into accelerated effects of free radicals.Antioxidants come as different substances. They come as specific vitamins, specific minerals, specific semi essential antioxidants, specific herbs and specific amino acids. They include the following:Super oxide dismutase, which is available in most vegetables (such as cabbage, broccoli and other green plants) and grain (such as whole wheat). This substance prevents the destruction caused by toxic oxygen molecule called super oxide.Glutathione is an amino acid that is used to scavenge heavy metals from the body, and can defend against the effects of tobacco, radiation and chemotherapy.Vitamins A, C and E are the most important vitamin antioxidants. Vitamin A, also called beta-carotene, is found in carrots, apricots, squashes and sweet melon oranges. It also tints leafy greens. It has been found in some studies that men with signs of heart disease who took beta carotene supplements experienced about half as many vascular events including heart attacks, strokes, coronary bypass surgery and deaths compared to those who took placebos. Vitamin A has also been known to be protective against cancer. Further, it has been found that people who took food rich in this vitamin have fewer cancers of the lung and gut.Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, sweet melons, cabbages, pepper and leafy greens, has been linked to lower incidences of stomach and intestinal cancers. Some studies have shown lower rates of heart disease among people whose diets are high in this vitamin.Vitamin E is found in nuts, vegetable oils, olives, asparagus, meats, leafy greens and wheat germ. It is the one antioxidant that has the highest potential to prevent heart disease. It prevents LDL (bad cholesterol) from clogging the arteries, improves oxygen utilization, aids the immune system and is protective against cataracts. It is less useful in preventing cancer.Selenium and Zinc are minerals that work in synergy with vitamins.There are two important amino acids with antioxidant properties: methianone and cysteine. Methianone prevents the built up of fat in the blood vessels and the liver. It also helps to detoxify the effects of lead and protects against radiation. It is abundant in garlic, yoghurt, onions, soybeans and meat. Cysteine is used to produce the powerful antioxidant, glutathione.Despite all this, various studies show that human beings are not taking enough of all these antioxidants. With their rush-rush lifestyles, people have no time to sit and evaluate what they are eating and what are they missing out on. Often people are ignorant on what are the right foods to provide them with enough nutrition for growth and development, and at the same time protect them from the effects of free radicals and toxic substances. There are studies that show that individuals who have an inadequate levels of antioxidants in their food live shorter that those who do. Further, they show that antioxidants improve health and life spans. Vitamins A, C, and E have a direct impact on melatonin and the ageing process.In conclusion, eating a healthy diet does not just involve a good measure of carbohydrates, protein and fat. It also involves taking these foods that act as scavengers. If they aren’t available in the food, then there is a justification to include them as daily supplements. Various studies have shown their added value in combating diseases that arise from the many free radicals in the body.People in the East tend to avoid foods that contain lots of free radicals. They avoid large quantities of protein and fats. They avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco. They do graded exercises. Above all, they eat foods that have large amounts of antioxidants such as vegetable and fruit. The same happens with the rural folk. That is the trick for an increased life span. If you are taking food supplements as a source of antioxidants, ensure that you are taking the correct amounts, as taking excessive amounts is not safe for your health. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/radicals-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranates-are-being-hailed-as-a-super-food-which-can-protect-the-heart- Pomegranates are being hailed as a super-food which can protect the heart.Source: news.bbc.co.ukScientists in Israel have shown that drinking a daily glass of the fruit's juice can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. "Pomegranate juice contains the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other juices, red wine and green tea," said Professor Michael Aviram, who led the team. This is good news, for antioxidants are the naturally occurring substances in plants that protect the body from free radicals - 'bad' chemicals in the blood. Free radicals alter cholesterol in a process known as oxidation, which is thought to speed up the hardening of the arteries. In studies at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, the juice of the fruit was found to slow down cholesterol oxidation by almost half, and reduce the retention of LDL. That is the 'bad' cholesterol which forms atherosclerotic lesions, the fatty deposits which narrow the arteries and lead to heart disease. "Antioxidants can protect us against the oxidative stress in our industrialised world, such as pollution, chemicals, viruses and bacteria, and consequently cardiovascular diseases and cancer," said Professor Aviram. The theme is being taken up by a team at London's Hammersmith Hospital, who are launching a study to see if they can replicate the Haifa findings. Their work will focus on people whose arteries are currently healthy. Researcher Dr Richard Bogle said the fruit contained polyphenolics, tannins and anthocyanins - all compounds that could have a beneficial effect. Dr Bogle said: "This study will test the idea that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice every day improves the function of blood vessels, reduces hardening of the arteries and improves heart health." "Preliminary studies suggest that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared to the same quantity of green tea or red wine." Many vitamins The round, leathery fruit is full of edible seeds nestled in tiny juice sacs. Oxidative Stress and Heart Disease: Free radicals are the products of normal cell processes. They wreak havoc in the body and are constantly controlled by the production of anti-oxidants. There is a fine balance between the oxidants and the anti-oxidants. Certain diseases tip the balance in favour of the free radicals. When cholesterol is oxidised by free radicals it produces a type which triggers thickening of the arteries. Brimming with vitamins A, C, E and iron, the pomegranate has been cultivated since pre-historic times. Thought to be native to Persia, the fruit is now grown everywhere from Spain to California. It features richly in mythology, as a symbol of birth, eternal life, and death, owing to its abundance of seeds and ability to 'bleed'. The deep red skin of the pomegranate was thought to link it to the blood of the earth, a taboo colour. Hence the fruit's association with forbidden desire. "Iranians believe that Eve was tempted with a pomegranate in the Garden of Eden," said Margaret Shaida, culinary historian and author of The Legendary Cuisine of Persia. "King Cyrus, who created the Persian Empire, was reputed to have wished for a number of good generals equal to the seeds of a pomegranate. "Later again, the Prophet Mohammed is said to have urged his followers to eat the fruit in the belief that it purges the system of envy and hatred." Ancient Egypt The ancient Egyptians were buried with pomegranates in the hope of re-birth, while in Greek mythology, Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, was offered a seed of the fruit by Hades. Adam and Eve: Some dispute the apple theory Tempted by its jewel-like appearance, she took it, thereby condemning herself to spending a portion of every year with Hades in the underworld. These days, Greeks traditionally break a pomegranate at weddings, as a symbol of fertility. In China, a sugared version of the seed is eaten on the day to bless the newlyweds. The fruit has long been used in folk medicine in the Middle East, Iran and India. Healers have used the bark, leaves, skin and rind as well as the edible bits of the fruit to cure everything from conjunctivitis to haemorrhoids. A boiled infusion of the rinds is said to soothe a sore throat, and a paste of the leaves, massaged into the scalp, can, apparently, reverse baldness. "When I lived in Iran, I used to be given a bowl of pomegranates to recover from a bout of 'Tehran Tummy'," said Ms Shaida. "Over there, pomegranate juice is recommended for pregnant mothers as it is rich in iron. It's also cooling and good for cleansing the system." Asian cookery Central Asian and Middle Eastern cooks always have a supply of the fruit on hand. In Azerbaijan, a pomegranate sauce called Narsharab is served with sturgeon fillet, while Georgians use the seeds as a salad garnish or to flavour meat dishes. In Iran, a dish known as Fesenjan is prepared with pomegranate concentrate. "No Iranian kitchen will be without a bottle," said Ms Shaida. "Fesenjan consists of ground walnuts, fried until brown, which are added to fried onions and duck, or chicken along with the pomegranate sauce. It has a wondrous flavour, but very rich." In the West, the fruit is still regarded as a novelty, but food writers like Rosemary Stark are keen to change this. She said: "I find it has one of the finest sweet/sour balances of any fruit. "Try sprinkling some over your breakfast muesli, or lunchtime hummus." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranates-are-being-hailed-as-a-super-food-which-can-protect-the-heart- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fennel-tea-a-natural-healer-alternative-health-care Fennel Tea - A Natural Healer, Alternative Health CareSource: www.kntimes.comFennel tea is used to promote a healthy appetite and good digestion. Fennel tea is so gentle it can be used for infants and children. To prepare fennel tea, take one-cup boiling water and pour over one to two teaspoons crushed fennel seeds. Let stand for ten minutes and then drain. Drink this mixture three times per day, to relieve abdominal cramps, upset stomach, colic or bloating. You can add other herbs such as caraway seeds and anise seeds to this mixture. Fennel tea is also used to help alleviate symptoms of whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis and other upper- respiratory infections. To prepare fennel tea to aid in alleviating these symptoms, you will need one-ounce fennel seeds, one-ounce anise seeds, and two-third ounce marsh-mallow root and two-third ounce thyme. Take all the herbs and mix together. Then use one teaspoon of herb mixture per one cup of boiling water. Let mixture stand in water for ten minutes and then strain to remove undiluted herbs. Drink this mixture three times per day. This mixture of milk also helps relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain, mix one cup warm milk with one tablespoon crushed fennel seeds, let stand for two to three minutes, strain and slowly drink warm milk. If breastfeeding, an old folk remedy to relieve sore nipples or relieve an infection, is to soak a cloth in warm tea and apply to the infected area of the skin. Apply this compress up to three times per day. Fennel tea is also good for eye inflammations, to prepare this mixture take one-half cup water and add two teaspoons crushed fennel seeds and bring mixture to a boil. Let cool for ten minutes, then soak a cotton cloth in mixture and place on eye for fifteen to twenty minutes. It is best to do this is a dim lighted room. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fennel-tea-a-natural-healer-alternative-health-care http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breaking-the-diabetes-cycle Breaking the diabetes cycleSource: www.whittierdailynews.comWhenever Mary Romero attends a professional luncheon, she encounters at least one person at her table who has diabetes and more often than not, didn't inherit it. "This is very prevalent and something needs to be done about it,' said Romero, who is president of the Whittier-based Hispanic Outreach Taskforce. The nonprofit group has dedicated much of its efforts in the past few years to educating the Latino community about the risk factors for getting diabetes."People still don't realize that it's not just about heredity anymore,' Romero said.Each year, the nonprofit holds health fairs at local schools, where nutritionists counsel people in English and Spanish about their risk of contracting diabetes.Currently, the organization is working on securing a grant to fund new community classes to educate entire families on how to prevent diabetes and maintain good health. "We're really taking note, because a study by Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (showed) one-third of the children in the Los Nietos School District will have diabetes by the time they get to high school, due to poor nutrition and lack of exercise,' Romero said.Diabetes is the nation's sixth- deadliest disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.Recent statistics show more than 18 million people have diabetes about 210,000 of those are under the age of 20.The disease is characterized by high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood because of defects in the amount or quality of insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to convert glucose into energy.Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, occurs when the body does not produce insulin at all. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease in adults, occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or when the cells ignore the insulin.Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death, but people can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. Experts recommend following a careful diet and exercise program, losing excess weight, and taking oral medication."Diet, physical activity and genetics are the main reasons why we're seeing a lot more Type 2 diabetes in children,' said Samantha Thompson, program coordinator for the Diabetes Education Center at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier."There are a lot of genetics involved, as well as environmental factors such as diet,' she added. "And now, with the decreased funding for P.E. in schools, kids are doing more computer work and games, versus playing outside and being more physically active.'Much of the latest diabetes research looks at the rising rates of the disease among children. As a result, many hospitals have developed prevention programs and educational programs aimed at decreasing the rate of childhood obesity, Thompson said.Over the past few years, the Los Nietos School District has moved toward offering healthier fare on breakfast and lunch menus at schools more salads, more fruits and vegetables.That is why district officials agreed to participate in the Presbyterian Hospital study about a year ago, said Doug Staine, the district's director of pupil services and special education."We strongly believe that children should be healthy not only mentally but physically,' he said. "We really try to approach the whole student, in a sense. And quite frankly, we even included the families in that as well.'In the Los Nietos district, students at risk of diabetes are referred to a program called Kids Shape, which stresses nutrition education and physical activity for the whole family."To get the whole family involved is a challenge, but it's necessary to really control the obesity,' Thompson said. "People have a difficult time changing eating habits and their physical activity. But it's one of the key elements in treating obesity and diabetes.' Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breaking-the-diabetes-cycle http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/missing-breakfast-leads-to-cholesterol-level-rise Missing breakfast leads to cholesterol level riseSource: Althealth NewsMissing breakfast has been shown to raise cholesterol levels in a small study at University of Nottingham. The study also found that women tend to eat more calories during the day if they had skipped breakfast, with implications for weight gain if they continued to skip breakfast as a long-term habit. Ten healthy women of normal weight were asked to eat bran flakes with low fat milk before 8am for two weeks, followed by normal mealtimes. They were later asked to eat breakfast at midday for two weeks. Cholesterol levels were higher after skipping breakfast and insulin levels were lower. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/missing-breakfast-leads-to-cholesterol-level-rise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hormone-dhea-found-helpful-in-serious-cases-of-depression Hormone DHEA found helpful in serious cases of depressionSource: Althealth NewsThe hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has been shown to improve cases of moderate to severe depression.Peter J. Schmidt, MD, of the National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, used DHEA to treat 46 men and women with mild to moderately severe depression. The subjects ranged from 45 to 65 years of age.The patients were given either placebos or very high daily dosages of DHEA — 90 for three weeks and 450 mg daily for another three weeks. After six weeks and a two-week “washout” time, the treatments were switched so that all patients took either DHEA or placebos for six weeks.DHEA supplements led to “significant improvement” in the Hamilton depression scale and another test for measuring depression. Twenty-three of the patients taking DHEA had at least a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared with only 13 of those taking placebos.Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005;62:154-162 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hormone-dhea-found-helpful-in-serious-cases-of-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-report-relatively-high-incidence-of-coeliac-disease-in-osteoporosis Researchers report relatively high incidence of coeliac disease in osteoporosisSource: Althealth News- March 31, 2005 A relatively high percentage of people with osteoporosis have undiagnosed coeliac disease, which probably interferes with their absorption of calcium and vitamin D. William F. Stenson, MD, of the Washington University School of Medicine, Missouri, evaluated 266 patients with osteoporosis and 574 without the disease. About 20% of each group tested positive for IgA or IgG antigliadin antibodies.However, when these patients underwent further screening with an intestinal biopsy, nine of those with osteoporosis were confirmed to have coeliac disease, compared with only one person in the non-osteoporosis group. These numbers translated to 3.4% of the osteoporosis group and 0.2% of the non-osteoporosis group.“The prevalence of coeliac disease in osteoporosis is high enough to justify a recommendation for serologic screen of all patients with osteoporosis,” Stenson wrote.Treating the patients with coeliac disease – that is, asking them to follow a gluten-free diet – resulted in improved bone-mineral density (BMD) after a year. “The improvement in BMD for coeliac disease patients on the gluten-free diet was greater than expected for osteoporotic patients receiving standard therapy,” Stenson added.Archives of Internal Medicine, 2005;165:393-399. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-report-relatively-high-incidence-of-coeliac-disease-in-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-protein-low-carb-diet-leads-to-impressive-blood-sugar-reduction-in-diabetics High-protein, low-carb diet leads to impressive blood-sugar reduction in diabeticsSource: Althealth NewsHigh-protein, low-carb diet leads to impressive blood-sugar reduction in diabetics - March 31, 2005 Switching to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar, according to a study of eight men with untreated type 2 diabetes. The diet was designed to contain only 10% saturated fat. Mary C. Gannon, PhD, of the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis, asked the eight men to follow a high-protein, low-carb diet for five weeks. After five more weeks, they were switched to a more conventional high-carb, low-protein diet.The carb:protein:fat ratio in the high-protein diet was 20:30:50. In the more conventional diet, it was 55:15:30.Overall, the high-protein diet led to a 36% reduction of blood-sugar levels over 24 hours, compared with the more conventional diet. In addition, levels of glycated hemoglobin decreased by about 22%, from 9.8 to 7.6By the end of the five-week high-protein diet, the subjects’ glycated haemoglobin levels were still declining, and Gannon projected that the final level would be about 5.4 — almost half the level at the start of the study.She wrote that this type of high-protein, low-carb diet “could be a patient-empowering way to ameliorate hyperglycemia without pharmacological intervention.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-protein-low-carb-diet-leads-to-impressive-blood-sugar-reduction-in-diabetics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-benefits-of-vitamin-d-could-outweigh-the-risk-of-skin-cancers The benefits of Vitamin D could outweigh the risk of skin cancersSource: www.newstarget.comA growing body of research shows healthy levels of Vitamin D helps combat various kinds of cancer. Regular exposure to sunlight is the best way to build Vitamin D levels, but years of education on the dangers of skin cancers have made people scared of the sun. Many people now say careful exposure to sunlight need not be dangerous. Just be careful not to overdo it, and avoid getting sunburn, experts add. That way, you get all the mental and physical health benefits of the sun without the risks. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-benefits-of-vitamin-d-could-outweigh-the-risk-of-skin-cancers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-good-and-bad Vitamin E, good and badSource: www.sunherald.com I've been taking 400 IU of vitamin E a day for years. Now I read that this amount is harmful, and it really threw me for a loop. Is vitamin E actually increasing my risk rather than helping me?A: The latest research you refer to fell with a thud in the vitamin world and warrants a detailed look.An evaluation (called a meta-analysis) of 19 clinical trials indicated that supplemental vitamin E in higher doses might be harmful. (Prior research found supplemental vitamin E to be an apparent dud in protecting against heart disease.)The new research found that daily doses of 400 IU or higher for at least a year appeared to increase the risk of death (called all-cause mortality) by about 3.8 percent. The risk increased progressively starting at 150 IU.On the other hand, low-dose vitamin E seemed to decrease the risk of death by about 1.6 percent.Most patients in the trials were older (over age 60) and had chronic health problems. The meta-analysis had other limitations, but combined with prior findings, it suggests that high-dose vitamin E supplementation might need rethinking.It's important to distinguish between dietary and supplemental vitamin E.A number of epidemiologic studies found that foods high in vitamin E provided a definite health benefit. But this benefit rarely panned out when researchers studied vitamin E supplements.A number of things might explain this seeming discrepancy:• Epidemiologic studies suggest only an association, not a causal link.In this way, they fall short of clinical trials.• Foods contain much smaller amounts of vitamin E than supplements, and foods contain an array of other nutrients. There's no way to narrow down a benefit to vitamin E only.• Most vitamin E supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol. Foods contain several different tocopherols, including gamma-tocopherol. Some research suggests gamma-tocopherol may be important, and that supplements containing only alpha-tocopherol might blunt the effect of the dietary gamma form.• Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and there's concern that higher doses might alter the normal antioxidant balance and cause damaging pro-oxidant effects. (Preliminary research hints that combining vitamin E with an antioxidant such as CoQ10 might prevent this pro-oxidant effect.)The bottom line?People taking 400 IU or more of supplemental vitamin E daily might wish to consider reducing their dose, particularly those who are older and have chronic health problems.If you choose to reduce your intake and have a stock of 400 IU of vitamin E on hand (the most common dose), you could cut down the daily dose by taking a pill only every two or three days.If you take prescribed high-dose vitamin E for a particular condition, discuss the risk-benefit issue with your physician.Anyone choosing to stop taking high-dose vitamin E altogether should probably taper down first, rather than quit cold turkey.To put things in perspective, the RDA is 22 IU for natural vitamin E and 33 IU for synthetic vitamin E. A typical multivitamin supplement provides about 30 IU. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-good-and-bad http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-homeopathic-remedies-may-work-for-allergies Doctors: Homeopathic Remedies May Work For AllergiesSource: www.nbc6.netAs spring nears, allergy sufferers will prepare for hay fever and other seasonal allergies.But this year, some might seek alternative treatment for allergies, reported WBAL-TV in Baltimore. Dr. Mimi Palenque, a naturopathic doctor at the Medispa at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, said homeopathy can help."Homeopathy is all about allergies and allergens, but we view the body very, very differently than a medical practitioner would," Palenque said.Two new studies reviewed the herbal supplement Butterbur."(Butterbur) is a huge leaf and an herb that comes from the rhubarb plant. It's used for sinuses, hay fever, migraines," Palenque said.One study found Butterbur superior to a placebo. A second study found Butterbur extract had similar effects to the prescription drug Zyrtec for relieving allergy symptoms."Symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion, in both groups of patients, had similar resolution," said Dr. Ileana Enamorado, also of Mercy Medical Center.There are other alternative remedies for allergy symptoms that Palenque said are safer than an herbal supplement like Butterbur."I don't call them medicines; I call them remedies, because that's what they are," she said. "They're very, very safe because of the dilution process. When you have a supplement, they're not diluted. They are cold pressed, and you're getting it full strength; that's very powerful."Naturopathic doctors say homeopathic remedies are safe enough to use with children. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-homeopathic-remedies-may-work-for-allergies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-to-reduce-multiple-sclerosis Vitamin D to reduce multiple sclerosisSource: www.medindia.netThe researchers at Harvard School of Public Health had found out that the intake of vitamin D might reduce the risk of having multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. The study said that women who took a vitamin D supplement had a 40% less chance of developing MS than the ones who did not take any such supplements.Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease of the central nervous system. There is no cure for this disease but modern day treatment may slow the course of development or give relief from some of the symptoms of this disease.The Harvard study had looked into the dietary information of more than 185000 women from Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II. The participants had filled up a questionnaire very four years from 1980 to 1999 that looked into all dietary information, especially their vitamin D intake. When compared with women who did not take the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D, those who took the highest levels of vitamin intake through vitamin supplements (400 IU per day or more) showed a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis. However, there was no association of taking vitamin D through food alone with the onset of the disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-to-reduce-multiple-sclerosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-is-brain-food Fish is brain foodSource: www.news-medical.netEven our grandmothers told us fish was "brain food"--and now scientists have evidence to back the claim. Researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that a diet high in docosahexenoic acid, or DHA--an omega-3 fatty acid found in relatively high concentrations in cold-water fish--dramatically slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice. Specifically, DHA cut the harmful brain plaques that mark the disease. The results appear in the March 23 online edition of the Journal of Neuroscience. Senior author Greg M. Cole, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System and UCLA, said that unlike many studies with mice, this one points to the benefits of a therapy that is easily available and already touted for other medical conditions. DHA--either from food sources such as fish and soy, or in fish-oil supplements--is recommended by many cardiologists for heart health, based on scores of previous studies."The good news from this study is that we can buy the therapy at a supermarket or drug store," said Cole. "DHA has a tremendous safety profile--essentially no side effects--and clinical trial evidence supports giving DHA supplements to people at risk for cardiovascular disease." The new study involved older mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease. The researchers fed one group of the mice DHA-fortified chow. The control mice ate a normal or DHA-depleted diet. After three to five months--the equivalent of several years in human biology--the high-DHA group had 70-percent less buildup of amyloid protein in the brain. This sticky protein makes up the plaques, or patches, that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's. A similar study by Cole's group published in Neuron last fall showed that DHA protected against damage to the "synaptic" areas where brain cells communicate and enabled mice to perform better on memory tests. The studies, say the scientists, suggest that even people who are genetically predisposed to the disease may be able to delay it by boosting their DHA intake. Omega-3 fatty acids, typically deficient in the American diet, are essential for human health. DHA in particular is vital to proper brain function, as well as eye health and other body processes. In recent years epidemiologists have tied fish-rich diets to a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and homed in on DHA as the preventive factor. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are now being tested in clinical trials with early-stage Alzheimer's patients in the United States, Canada and Sweden to see if the therapy really slows the disease. Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel and sardines, as well as almonds, walnuts, soy, and DHA-enriched eggs. Concerns about mercury contamination in fish have helped popularize purified DHA supplements based on fish oil or algae. Last year, Cole's team identified another nutrient that appears to combat Alzheimer's plaques in mice: curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, one of the spices that make up curry powder. Researchers became interested in curcumin's potential to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease after noting the low prevalence of dementia among the elderly in India, where curry is a staple. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-is-brain-food http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-vitamin-a Importance of Vitamin ASource: www.expressnewsline.com Vitamin A comes in several forms, and it is alternately known by the names beta-carotene, retinoic acid, retinol, retinol palmitate, carotenoids etretinare and isotretinon. It is a fat-soluble vitamin. **Food sources: Egg yolk, fish oil, milk, cream, cheese, butter, tomatoes, papaya, and yellow vegetables are good sources of Vitamin A. Vegetable sources such as carrots and squash, as well as the green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli are excellent sources of Vitamin A. Apricots and peaches are also prime dietary sources of this Vitamin. A large amount of this vitamin is stored in the liver. **Daily requirement: About 2mg for a normal individual but it may vary according to individual needs. **Functions: Vitamin A is necessary for rhodopsin of rod cells and iodopsin of cone cells of the retina of the eye. It is also required for the normal growth and development of macrymal (tear) glands. It keeps skin healthy and soft as it prevents keratin deposition in the epithelia. Because it influences the nutrition of epithelial cells and tends to reduce the severity of micro-organism infection, it is sometimes known as the ‘anti-infective vitamin’. It is also required for the formation of strong bones and normal growth patterns. It is also essential to the proper development of teeth in children. Vitamin A also helps in the protection of mucous membranes in the linings of the mouth and nose. Vitamin A also helps protect the delicate lining of the lungs, throat, and both the urinary and digestive tracts. Vitamin A helps protect these areas against infection. Additionally, without Vitamin A, the fertility of both sexes can become compromised. **Deficiency: 1. Night-blindness- The person is unable to see in dim light or darkness. 2. Xerophthalmia- Drying of eye-ball occurs because tear glands don’t produce tears. This increases the chances of bacterial infection. 3. Dermatosis- Dry and scaly skin. 4. Retarded growth of the body. 5. Weaken teeth and bones. 6. Lower resistance to infections. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-vitamin-d Importance of vitamin DSource: www.expressnewsline.com Vitamin D is alternately known by the names alfacalcidol, calciferol, calcefediol, calcitriol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol. It exists in two forms Vitamins D2 and D3, both formed by ultra-violet irradiations of steroid precursors. Vitamin D2 (calciferol) is formed from ergosterol which occurs in yeast and other fungi. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more important. The precursor substance, 7-dehydrocholesrerol, occurs in animal skin. Sources: The dietary sources for Vitamin D are easily obtained, in your diet and Vitamin D is also activated in the body by rays of ultraviolet light. Sunlight interacts with chemicals naturally present in the human skin in order to produce the Vitamins. Fish liver oil, liver, milk, cheese and egg yolk are good sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in herring, salmon, tuna and even sardines. Exposure of a child to ultraviolet light forms enough D3 to prevent rickets. Daily requirements: About 0.01mg -0.03 mg as it may vary according to different needs.Functions: Vitamin D helps to maintain healthy muscular system. It along with parathyroid hormone helps the human body to maintain and regulate a balance of calcium and phosphate. It facilitates the absorption and utilization of calcium in the intestinal tract and without it the human body would not develop strong bones and teeth. Deficiency diseases are Rickets and Osteomalacia. Vitamin D deficiency does occur when the human body is deprived of sunlight for longer periods of time, or adequate dietary sources are not provided. Dark skinned individuals and those who work at night or graveyard shifts are at higher risk. Vitamin D deficiency can result in certain bone disorders and liver disease can at times cause deficiency due to problems with absorption. Over the long-term, Vitamin D deficiency results in low blood levels of calcium, this condition then weakens and softens the bones. In children this causes rickets or abnormal bone development and in adults it causes osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is a condition which caused muscle weakness, back pain, and can result in bone pain and fractures. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanuts-shed-fat-stigma Peanuts Shed Fat StigmaSource: www.newsday.comGOING NUTTY: Peanuts are rebounding from the fat-phobic 1990s; Americans ate nearly 1.7 billion pounds of the nuts last year. DOCTOR'S ORDERS: Peanuts are being recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet because they contain nutrients such as vitamin E, niacin and vitamin B6, and minerals such as potassium, zinc and magnesium. They are a good source of fiber and protein. PEANUT-SIZED PORTIONS: Nuts are chock-full of calories, so portions should be small. One ounce contains 14 grams of fat and a handful of nuts can have up to 200 calories. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanuts-shed-fat-stigma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-inflammatory-infant-development-and-mental-health-benefits-of-omega-3s-confirmed Anti-Inflammatory, Infant Development and Mental Health Benefits of Omega-3s ConfirmedSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comRecent research in the March 2005 PUFA Newsletter helps explain why the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) diminishes inflammatory responses in various tissues and clinical conditions. New data also support positive associations between n-3 LC-PUFAs, infant development and mental health. The lead study describes how EPA operates in controlling excessive immune and inflammatory responses. It also indicates that in the presence of aspirin, EPA generates a newly identified category of anti-inflammatory substances called resolvins. Other new findings suggest that fish consumption, which provides n-3 LC-PUFAs, is associated with reduced risk of clogged carotid arteries. In stark contrast to most research, a recent study on abnormal heartbeats in Danish adults reported no benefit related to fish consumption. Another study indicated that greater fish consumption was associated with modestly reduced mortality from all causes after adjustment for age and energy consumption. However, the associations were not statistically significant when other risks such as alcohol consumption and smoking were considered. "The observations would be consistent with a threshold effect for n-3 LC- PUFAs in protecting against cardiovascular mortality," noted PUFA Newsletter editor Joyce Nettleton, DSc, RD. Other research reviewed in the March 2005 PUFA Newsletter shows the importance of the n-3 LC-PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in maternal and infant diets, supporting the recent regulatory decision to supplement infant formula with DHA and arachidonic acid. It also indicates that adding n-3 LC- PUFAs or at least DHA to weaning foods, along with educating mothers about food sources of DHA for their infants, could provide measurable benefits in infant development. "Outreach to mothers and by extension all women of child-bearing age about the nutritional value of dietary n-3 LC-PUFAs is long overdue," Nettleton said. Finally, new data from Finland are consistent with previous reports linking depression with infrequent fish consumption. Among young Finnish women, depression was 30 to 40 percent more likely in those who rarely ate fish compared to those eating fish regularly. Sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, the quarterly PUFA Newsletter is online at http://www.fatsoflife.com and by complimentary electronic subscription at fatsoflife.com/subscribe.asp . Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-inflammatory-infant-development-and-mental-health-benefits-of-omega-3s-confirmed http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginger-seems-safe-for-easing-nausea-in-pregnancy Ginger Seems Safe for Easing Nausea in PregnancySource: www.reuters.comGinger appears to help pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness, without side effects to the unborn child, according to a review of the medical literature. In six studies that examined the effects of ginger in reducing nausea and vomiting in expecting mothers, ginger worked better than a placebo, or inactive drug, and as well as vitamin B6, which has been shown to improve nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. None of the women who took ginger had problems with their pregnancies, the authors report in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. "Ginger may be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy," write Dr. Francesca Borrelli of the University of Naples Frederico II in Italy and her colleagues. However, they caution that these data are still "preliminary," and more studies are needed to confirm that ginger is truly safe for pregnant women. Up to 80 percent of pregnant women experience morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. While there are many medications designed to ease morning sickness, the authors point out, women often shy away from drugs during pregnancy out of fear of side effects in their unborn children. As a result, many women turn to alternative treatments, including vitamins, herbal products, homeopathic remedies and acupuncture. Among natural drugs, ginger has long been used to ease nausea, and there is some evidence that the botanical may relieve motion sickness and other types of queasiness. Indeed, in the U.S., ginger has become one of the top 20 best-selling herbal supplements, with sales of $1.2 million in 2001 alone. Other commonly used natural products for morning sickness include chamomile, peppermint and raspberry leaf, although none have been studied as extensively as ginger. To review what has been studied about ginger, Borrelli and colleagues scanned the medical literature, and found six trials that tested ginger in 675 women with nausea in pregnancy. In four studies that involved a combined total of 246 women, ginger consistently beat out placebo in quelling nausea and vomiting, even in women with a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. In the most recent studies, participants were randomly assigned to take a capsule containing 350 milligrams (mg) of ginger or one containing 25 mg of vitamin B6 three times a day for three weeks. Ginger was equally effective as vitamin B6 at relieving nausea, vomiting and dry retching. Symptoms of morning sickness improved in a little more than half of the women in each group. Some studies reported side effects such as headache, diarrhea and drowsiness, but there were no differences in pregnancy outcomes between women taking placebo, vitamin B6 or ginger. SOURCE: Obstetrics & Gynecology, April 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginger-seems-safe-for-easing-nausea-in-pregnancy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/memory-loss-no-more-the-brain-food-of-champions Memory Loss No More – The Brain Food of ChampionsSource: www.kntimes.comIf you suffer from memory loss or attention deficit, there may be a simple and natural solution to provide your brain with the food it needs to reverse these affects.It’s known throughout the medical industry that Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid our brains and bodies need. Marine lipids or fish oils contain the Omega 3 fatty acids. Years ago mother’s forced children to take cod liver oil. Although not the best fish oil available, it did provide the brain with enough nutrition to stave away ADD and memory loss. It’s been discovered that Omega 3 is also essential during pregnancy. As the baby develops, it will drain fat from the mother. It can reduce the mother’s brain by ½ its fat supply. If the mother does not replenish her Omega 3 during pregnancy, there is a high risk of postpartum depression and it can take up to 4 years to rebuild the fat needed in the brain. On a daily basis we hear of children and adults with ADD. More and more women are now suffering from memory loss as they reach their middle years. Liz Reichert was one of these people. She started experiencing memory loss in her mid 30’s and it continued to get worse as she approached menopause. There were even days when she couldn’t remember her Social Security number. After years of suffering she found that by simply taking an Omega 3 supplement on a daily basis, her mind became as sharp as when she was in her 20s. She noticed results within a few months. These results are still continuing 3 years later.Omega 3 is the brain food of champions.It is important to use an Omega 3 product that is highly refined and does not require refrigeration. It should have no after taste and be in capsule form to allow for easy swallowing for adults and children. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/memory-loss-no-more-the-brain-food-of-champions http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-herb-and-non-invasive-prostate-massage-offers-men-fast-effective-and-affordable-relief New Herb and Non-Invasive Prostate Massage Offers Men Fast, Effective and Affordable ReliefSource: www.kntimes.comMen with enlarged prostates can now receive fast, effective and affordable relief, thanks to new herb and external prostate massage techniques revealed in the ebook, "Prostate Secrets". The book, which is available on CD-Rom, discusses how men can cure their prostate problems and experience results within as little as three days. "My ebook mentions a new herb very few people know about that costs pennies and will solve all prostate problems quickly," said author Plato Rosinke, an herbalist with a background in Chinese medicine. "And my massage techniques are non-invasive, so you don't have to insert anything into your body." "Prostate Secrets" covers a variety of helpful topics, such as: An alternative herb that is cheaper and 1,000 times more effective than using saw palmetto to treat prostate enlargement.How to massage your prostate 500 percent more effectively - without taking off your pants.How to make one simple addition to your diet and reduce your odds of having prostate trouble by 300 percent. The prostate is a walnut-size gland found only in men. It's located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The tube that carries urine (the urethra) runs through the prostate. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate often include frequent urination, night time urination, weak stream, discomfort during urination, urgency (can't hold it), and decreased libido and sexual performance. The innovative remedies in Rosinke's book represent an alternative to traditional approaches to treating prostate enlargement, technically known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). Doctors often treat BPH with medication or surgery. However, conventional treatments generally don't cure the underlying problem and can have side effects ranging from dizziness to sexual dysfunction, according to Rosinke.Many doctors believe prostate enlargement may be linked to prostate cancer. Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among American men. Of all the men who are diagnosed with cancer each year, about one-third have prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-herb-and-non-invasive-prostate-massage-offers-men-fast-effective-and-affordable-relief http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-levels-of-vitamin-e-halve-prostate-cancer-risk High blood levels of vitamin E halve prostate cancer riskSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukHigh blood levels of vitamin E can halve the risk of prostate cancer, according to a new analysis of an earlier trial involving 30,000 Finnish men that showed that daily supplements of vitamin E (50mg) reduced the risk of cancer by 32 per cent. In an updated analysis, researchers at the National Public health Institute in Helsinki looked at the impact of vitamin E on 100 individuals with prostate cancer and 200 cancer-free controls participating in the trial. Men with the highest levels of vitamin E in their blood were 51% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those with the lowest levels, the researchers reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-levels-of-vitamin-e-halve-prostate-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-increases-life-span-study Mediterranean diet increases life span: studySource: www.earthtimes.orgSenior Europeans who live on a Mediterranean diet have higher life expectancy as compared to their counterparts who prefer high fat foods, a Greek study has found.Scientists from University of Athens Medical School studied 74,000 male and female residents of European countries, with ages exceeding 60 years. Researchers studied the food habits of these senior citizens and took details of their lifestyle, smoking, medical history, and physical activity among other things. They saw that the mortality rate of those who lived on a diet of fish, cereals, unsaturated fats like olive oil, and refrained from too much meat, saturated fats and dairy products was lower.“This is the largest study on the topic of the Mediterranean diet and health, and the results are the most generalizable concerning elderly people, since the study was undertaken in several European populations,” said Dr Dimitrios Trichopoulos, lead author of the study, adding that there wasn’t sufficient information about the effects of this diet on mortality among younger adults, but it is unlikely that the effects would differ by age’.According to the authors, the association between a Mediterranean diet and longevity was the most evident in Spain and Greece, where a Mediterranean diet is hugely prevalent.According to dietician Nancy Restuccia, the discovery comes as no surprise. “All of the research that has been done on this type of diet has been extremely positive. It’s a very, very healthy diet. Unfortunately, even in some of the Mediterranean countries they’re moving away from it as our fast foods move into the area,” she said.The study has been published in the British Medical Journal. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-increases-life-span-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/french-food-authority-questions-cla-safety French food authority questions CLA safetySource: www.nutraingredients.comA report recommending measures to reduce trans fat consumption in France raises questions about the safety of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), currently being marketed for its weight loss benefits, and also considered a trans fat by the country’s food safety authority, reports Dominique Patton. Published on Monday by AFSSA, the report reviews the evidence showing that trans fats lead to increased risk of heart disease. It recommends a 30 per cent reduction in foods with a high trans-fat content and little nutritional value, such as pastries, chocolate bars and cakes, and also proposes that trans fats be included on product labeling. CLA is also reviewed as it has the molecular structure of a trans fat. And while current consumption of CLA is not sufficient to recommend specific measures, according to the report, studies showing adverse effects of one of the CLA isomers, trans 10, cis 12, suggests that increased consumption of this ingredient should not be recommended. The government-funded agency, which has an advisory role but is not involved in legislation, reports that “based on current knowledge, AFSSA considers that the addition of certain mixtures of CLA in foods is not justified, whether in form of supplements or food ingredients”. Katinka Abbenbroek, marketing director at Loders Croklaan Lipid Nutrition, a leading CLA manufacturer along with Germany's Cognis, says that the agency did not include the most recent data on the ingredient. The company has now entered into discussions with AFSSA and says the task force behind the paper has underlined that it is open to further debate. However discussions may slow down further the development of a market for CLA-fortified foods. There are currently no foods with added CLA available in France but the country is Europe’s biggest market for CLA supplements, with more than 20 firms offering the fatty acid in capsule form. The country also has one of Europe’s biggest slimming foods markets. Manufacturers of the ingredient are pushing for CLA’s inclusion in foods as this segment offers significantly larger potential than supplements for the ingredient, shown to have good fat reduction properties over the long-term. Loders Croklaan Lipid Nutrition told NutraIngredients.com last year that it expects food use to more than triple current demand for CLA. However Spain is far the only European market to offer CLA-enriched foods in the form of a dairy range and CLA cookies. CLA is currently in a regulatory grey area – it is considered a ‘new’ ingredient by food makers yet has been available in foods before the European Union’s 1997 novel foods regulation, suggesting that it should not require safety approval. The new report from AFSSA will certainly influence decisions of French food makers and could be taken into account by other member states. The adverse effects of CLA underlined in the report focus largely on the t10,c12 isomer, which has been linked to an increase in oxidative stress markers, and the C-reactive protein, both associated with inflammation. In a review published in 2003, researchers said that CLA has been found to raise circulating levels of trans fats in the adipose tissue and muscle tissue. The t10,c12 isomer could also increase the risk of diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. It concludes that while insufficient, the studies suggest that there could be serious public health risks from certain CLA isomers, which should not be authorised in supplement form. Abbenbroek points out that the US Food and Drug Administration, set to introduce labelling of trans fats in 2006, has excluded CLA from its laws. The company’s Clarinol brand CLA and the Tonalin brand made by Cognis have also gained ‘generally recognized as safe’ (GRAS) status in the American market, based on study results such as a safety study on 60 people who took 7.5 grams of Clarinol for one year, without side effects. A two-year study has also just been published demonstrating the long-term safety of 3.4g of Tonalin CLA daily. Abbenbroek added that the firm was hoping to work together with the rest of industry to shift the views of the French experts. She said: “We would prefer to come up with a single point-of-view from the whole industry.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/french-food-authority-questions-cla-safety http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-link-between-diabetes-and-dry-eye The Link Between Diabetes And Dry EyeSource: www.newstarget.comIf you have diabetes there is about a 50-50 chance that you have dry eye. Dry eye is characterized by dryness, burning or sandy-gritty irritation in the eyes that gets worse as the day goes on. Dry eye in diabetes is a result of decreased corneal sensation or relative numbness of the surface of the eye. This relative numbness of the surface of the eye has also been associated with diabetic retinopathy. What is dry eye, what causes it and what can be done about it? The tears on the surface of the eye are a salt solution. The surface of the eye needs these tears because the delicate living cells on the surface of the eye have no blood supply—it has a tear supply instead. So rather than getting important things like oxygen and electrolytes from the blood, it gets them from the watery layer of the tears. This watery layer is so important that it is covered by a layer of oil produced by the oil glands in the eyelid that protects it from evaporation. The first thing that happens when an eye becomes dry is that the tears lose water and become too salty. Just like when you throw salt on a wound it causes stinging and burning, when your tears become too salty they cause stinging and burning of the eye surface. As the eyes become drier this becomes a sandy-gritty irritation of the eyes. Dry eye is one of the most common conditions affecting the eyes. It affects approximately 14% of people over the age of forty, and the prevalence increases with age. This is because there are so many ways to get dry eye. Anything that decreases tear production or increases tear evaporation may cause dry eye. Long-term hard contact lens wear, LASIK eye surgery, certain viral infections of the cornea, and diabetes all may cause decreased corneal sensation and, with it, the decrease in tear production that results in dry-eye irritation. Many people choose to treat dry eyes with eye drops. It used to be that all artificial tears were pretty much the same. They were designed to cover up the dry spots that appear on the eye in advanced cases of dry eye. These drops were developed before it was realized that dry spots don’t cause dry eye but are a result of the tears becoming too salty. These drops would provide temporary relief of dry eye but the dry eye would never get better. Recently it was discovered that just as the electrolytes in the blood are biologically active, the electrolytes in the tear film are biologically active as well. It turns out that if the content of an artificial tear does not precisely match this electrolyte balance, the drop can “starve” the surface of the electrolytes it needs and decrease the quantity of lubrication. So in effect, with these drops, patients take one step forward, but also one step back. There is another way to accelerate dry eye relief, and possibly even obtain complete dry eye relief. In a study of nearly 33,000 female health professionals it was found that the more omega-3s they ate, the lower their risk for dry eye. This is actually the third study that has linked dry eye to a dietary deficiency of omega-3s. Omega-3s are “essential fatty acids” that are scarce in the American diet. They can be obtained from salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna. Tuna is the number one source of omega-3s in the American diet, but now the FDA warns Americans not to eat it more than twice a week because of problems with high mercury content. To provide a healthy source of omega-3s for relief of dry eye irritation for those who won’t, don’t or can’t eat sardines every day, TheraTears Nutrition (see related ebook on nutrition) for Dry Eyes (omega-3 supplement with flaxseed oil, fish oil and vitamin E) is a great way to get the omega-3s that you need. The omega-3s in TheraTears Nutrition seems to help provide dry eye relief in three ways. First, omega-3s improve eye comfort by suppressing inflammation. Second, the oil glands in the eyelid use essential fatty acids to manufacture the oil layer of the tear film. TheraTears Nutrition provides the omega-3s your oil glands need to make a healthy protective layer of oil that coats the tear film and makes dry eyes feel better. Finally, the omega-3s work together to protect the tear gland and help it make more tear fluid. In addition to soothing the symptoms of dry eye, omega-3s carry other benefits for diabetics. High dietary intake of omega-3s correlates with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, omega-3 have been shown to reduce elevated triglycerides in non-insulin dependent diabetics, and even more importantly, omega-3s reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease and total mortality in diabetic women. If you have dry eye and diabetes, you are not alone. There are excellent treatments available that can greatly add to your health and comfort. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-link-between-diabetes-and-dry-eye http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-vitamin-supplement-cuts-need-for-drugs-in-bowel-disease Fish oil, vitamin supplement cuts need for drugs in bowel diseaseSource: www.nutraingredients.comA supplement of fish oil, soluble fibre and vitamins and antioxidants reduces reliance on traditional therapies for people with ulcerative colitis, according to a new study. Moreover, people who took the oral supplement were less likely to start corticosteroid drug therapy, which has many long-term side effects. "Our study proves that an oral supplement which combines fish oil, soluble fibre and antioxidants is safer and causes fewer side effects than many of the medications currently available to treat ulcerative colitis," said Dr Douglas Seidner, lead author of the study. Researchers at The Cleveland Clinic in the US conducted a randomized controlled, clinical trial of patients aged 18 and older with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis. Patients on corticosteroid therapy who were given the oral supplement had a significant reduction in the dose of corticosteroids needed to control their condition compared to a placebo group, write the researchers in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The oral supplement is manufactured by Ross Products and Abbott Laboratories and is currently being evaluated for commercial introduction. Ulcerative colitis is one of the UK's most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease and affects an estimated 50,000 people in the UK, with a particularly high incidence in north-east Scotland. The acute and chronic disease causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the large bowel. Treatments for the disease, including corticosteroids and mesalamine are intended to control inflammation. While corticosteroids are highly effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, prolonged use often leads to insomnia, mood alterations, increased appetite, hypertension, osteoporosis and other adverse events. These adverse effects lead to discontinuation of the therapy by many patients. However, more than 25 per cent of patients who discontinue the therapy have a relapse of symptoms. Previous smaller studies have shown that fish oil is effective in reducing the need for corticosteroids in ulcerative colitis patients. The current study combines fish oil with soluble fibre to diminish the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis symptoms. "The need to find new treatments that are safe, effective and inexpensive remains, and physicians should consider adding this combination of active ingredients as an adjuvant therapy for ulcerative colitis," concluded Seidner. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-vitamin-supplement-cuts-need-for-drugs-in-bowel-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breakthrough-retinal-photos-confirm-vitamin-c-pills-can-reverse-artery-disease Breakthrough: Retinal Photos Confirm Vitamin C Pills Can Reverse Artery DiseaseSource: www.kntimes.comGiven that arterial disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries, doctors have employed different technologies to ascertain the onset and severity of cardiovascular disease. Since 1851 when the first ophthalmoscope was developed, doctors have been able to directly view arteries at the back of the eyes. Years later, pictures of the retinal blood vessels were taken which helped eye doctors diagnose and chart the progression of various eye disorders. Then, beginning in the 1960s cardiologists began injecting dye into blood vessels and viewing an x-ray fluoroscope to find arterial blockages throughout the body. Angiograms, as they care called, usually aren’t obtained until symptoms of arterial disease are apparent. But when eye researchers revealed this past July in the British Medical Journal that narrowing of small arteries at the back of the eyes precedes the development of high blood pressure, it opened up a new non-invasive way of detecting systemic artery disease. Retinal photos could detect hypertension long before blood pressure rises. But what are doctors to do with this discovery? Prescribing medications to adults before they actually develop hypertension would not be advisable. Then Dr. Syd Bush, a PhD and Doctor of Optometry in East Yorkshire near London, wrote a letter to British Medical Journal editors citing his experience prescribing vitamin C for arterial disease based upon retinal photographs he had taken with a digital retinal camera. In the course of his practice of placing patients on vitamin C to prevent or treat contact lens problems, Dr. Bush serendipitously discovered high-dose vitamin C reversed arterial disease, and he had the photographic evidence to prove it. Dr. Bush’s letter could be historic. If Dr. Bush is correct, millions of strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery operations could be avoided with early supplementation with vitamin C. Dr. Bush calls this new approach to cardiovascular health CardioRetinometry. Retinal photograph taken in 2002 (left) reveals artery disease (vessel narrowing, drop out of some vessels). Retinal photo (right) taken in 2004 after daily vitamin C supplementation confirms retinal arteries have widened and some reappear.But is the medical community ready to embrace such a simple technology that would prevent much of the cardiovascular disease being treated today? The worldwide figures are staggering – 600 million have hypertension. The World Health Organization says some 20 million strokes occur each year. Two million angiographies are performed annually in the US. Virtually every adult over age 40 is at risk for arterial disease. Angiography is much too expensive to be a screening tool (~$2000). Dr. Bush’s retinal photographs could be a cost-effective breakthrough.Insurance plans don’t pay for retinal photos without an indication. But the public can afford to pay, out of pocket, to have retinal photos taken during eye exams. Progression or regression of retinal artery narrowing can be monitored. It will take the world some time to fathom what Dr. Bush has revealed. Vitamin C Therapy Misunderstood Mega-dose vitamin C has been misunderstood, says Dr. Bush. With the revelation that vitamin C has a half-life of about 30-minutes in the human body, a fact recently documented by two other British researchers, Drs. Steve Hickey and Hilary Roberts of Manchester, emphasizes the need to take repeated doses of vitamin C throughout the day to maintain blood concentrations. Hickey and Roberts book, Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C (www.lulu.com/ascorbate), reveals vitamin C concentrations can reach many times greater concentration than previously thought possible, a fact now confirmed by National Institutes of Health researchers themselves in independent studies. A more recent study, just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, an analysis of nine previous studies, further confirms vitamin C supplement users, those who consume more than 700 milligrams per day, have a 30% reduced risk for coronary heart disease compared to non-supplement users. A report in 1992 mistakenly claimed that more than 200 milligrams of daily vitamin C is worthless because excesses are excreted in the urine. That errant report has likely resulted in the otherwise avoidable loss of millions of lives. It began in 1998 Dr. Bush began utilizing advanced retinal photographic technology in 1998. He claims every human being has scurvy, a frank deficiency of vitamin C. Animals produce their own vitamin C and don’t develop age-related arterial disease as do humans, Dr. Bush notes. Small aneurysms, bulging areas that indicate weak artery walls, can also be reversed with vitamin C. This suggests many thousands of cases of brain or aortic aneurysms can possibly be remedied with supplemental vitamin C. After a time Dr. Bush judged that over 90% of patients with arterial disease can be improved with 3000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, but some need over 10,000mgs/day supplemented with extra vitamin E. Even hard calcifications could be remedied over a two-year period of vitamin C supplementation. Dr. Bush says he can even visualize a fine white line, a silver wire appearance, that runs down almost every artery of adults who have high cholesterol. The silver line disappears with vitamin C therapy.Dr. Bush’s CardioRetinometry Logo Dr. Bush has already been the victim of some dirty tricks, in this case a false accusation that he placed the name of a physician on one of his CardioRetinometry brochures without the doctor’s permission, but that allegation soon disappeared. He fears cardiologists will retaliate in some fashion over a technology that could turn many of them into cab drivers. Dr. Bush has been interviewed on television and radio and his website ( http://www.hullcontactlensclinic.co.uk/cardior.htm ) has been flooded with inquiries. He mulls over how entrenched medical authorities will attempt to maintain the status quo. One approach could be the upcoming limitation on doses of vitamins and minerals now being established by a world trade body called Codex. If Codex can limit vitamin C pills to no more than a few milligrams, it will be more expensive to practice vitamin C therapy. Dr. Bush doesn’t anticipate the medical profession to readily begin taking retinal photographs and prescribe vitamin C. But the public can choose to have photos taken and evaluate vitamin C therapy on their own. Maybe patient-driven medicine is just what is needed, he says. Dr. Bush claims when Dr. Linus Pauling’s book, Vitamin C And The Common Cold, was published in 1970, vitamin C consumption rose by 300% and the rate of cardiovascular disease began to decline thereafter. It could happen all over again, says Dr. Bush, to an even greater extent. Imagine a world without the plague of cardiovascular disease. It now appears within reach. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breakthrough-retinal-photos-confirm-vitamin-c-pills-can-reverse-artery-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mrsa-cured-by-vitamin-c MRSA Cured by Vitamin CSource: www.kntimes.com I am unable to understand why, after publication of the evidence I submitted on 30th July quoting the two papers on the efficacy of ascorbate in killing MRSA in Japanese research by Nakanishi T. and available on Entrez PubMed, no interest at all has been shown. Could it not be the case that non-toxic IV ascorbate would provide an instant solution to these infections and many others, and may one ask why it has not been done? There is not even a negative paper to be found in the literature on the subject of multigram doses of ascorbate IV - only many successes and positively beneficial sequelae. The prompt resolution of many bacterial and viral infections by ascorbate IV have been reported by Klenner F and others from 1949 onwards. If the public has to wait much longer as the death rate mounts, might not MRSA patients start discharging themselves from hospitals in order to start injecting themselves? I would. -Sydney J Bush PhD. DOpt. (IOSc. London) Competing interests: None. Sydney J Bush PhD.,DOpt. (IOSc., London) Optometrist & Contact Lens Practitioner The Hull Contact Lens and Eye Clinic. also....Anti-Coronary Clinics (UK) Ltd. Yorkshire CardioRetinometry facility. 20-22 Brook St. HULL East Yorkshire. ENGLAND HU2 8LA Tel 0044 (0) 1482 223131 (fax 227636)MRSA = Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus now killing thousands world-wide.Additional note by Dr Bush: CardioRetinometry is the new speciality of monitoring heart and other diseases electronically via the eye vessels and recording their reduction through nutrition e.g., ascorbate. This is the new name for vitamin C, known for 50 years to be probably less toxic than water, but denied or ignored by physicians. CardioRetinometry clearly and instantly reveals that over 95 % of people suffer from chronic sub-clincal scurvy which is difficult for general medical practitioners - but not optometrists - to diagnose electronically using advanced camera/microscopes. Hull 25th December 2004 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mrsa-cured-by-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/suppliers-hail-vitamin-sales-decision Suppliers hail vitamin sales decisionSource: news.ft.comVitamin suppliers and health food stores have welcomed a preliminary opinion from Europe's top court that regulations that tightened controls on the sale of vitamins were "seriously deficient" and should be annulled.The British Health Food Manufacturers Association, the Alliance for Natural Health and the National Association of Health Food Stores - the trade bodies that had led the legal challenge against the European Union directive in the European Court of Justice - described the result as "tremendous news". Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/suppliers-hail-vitamin-sales-decision http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-reasons-brewing-for-drinking-green-tea More Reasons Brewing for Drinking Green TeaSource: www.kntimes.comThe news supporting the health benefits of drinking green tea continues to amaze consumers. For everything from weight loss to cancer treatment to resolving sleep disorders, proof that green tea is good for body, mind and soul is growing.Grown on the same bush (camellia sinensis) as familiar black teas, green teas are steamed to stop the fermentation process, allowing them to retain more of their color and natural antioxidants. Research at Rutgers University has confirmed that green tea has six times the antioxidant capability of fully fermented black teas, which seems to support what Eastern healers have known for centuries; green tea has extraordinary healing properties. Scientists around the world agree that drinking several cups of green tea each day can have a profound effect on your health.The Original Ceylon Tea Company sells only 100% pure, high mountain-grown tea from Sri Lanka. These handpicked and processed tea leaves are a remarkable source of the antioxidants, flavonoids and amino acids that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.Weight LossBased on continuing research, many scientists believe that caffeine in conjunction with EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—a highly active antioxidant in tea—may work together to increase fat oxidation."Our data suggests that a component of tea other than caffeine might have promoted preferential use of fat as an energy source," says Beverly Clevidence, a coauthor of the study and head of the Diet and Human Performance Laboratory (DHPL), one of seven laboratories that make up the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC), Beltsville, Maryland. "But the information is tentative, and we need more studies to confirm it," she adds.It is universally accepted that caffeinated tea raises metabolic rate because caffeine is a stimulant. "The interesting part of our study, which agreed with findings from a similar study in England, was that when you drink tea you turn on the fat-burning spigot a little bit more than when you drink caffeinated water," says Physiologist William Rumpler, also of the DHPL. Cancer TreatmentGreen tea is a rich source of antioxidants, including EGCG, which new research shows binds to a protein found on cancer tumor cells and dramatically slows their growth.According to a study published in the April 2004 issue of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, researchers identified a potential target for the anti-tumor action of EGCG on human lung cancer cells that inhibited cancer cells' growth. By learning more about this target, researcher may be able to develop new treatments that maximize green tea's cancer-fighting potential.Researchers say these results further the understanding of how antioxidants interact with cancer cells and may one day lead to more effective cancer therapies that use green tea as a dietary cancer treatment.SleepThe health benefits of green tea dovetail into sleep as researchers in Japan find an amino acid located in green tea could improve slumber in young men, according to a study done by said the study’s author, Dr Shuichiro Shirakawa, a professor at The National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Tokyo.A recent study carried out by the NIMH, is the first human study to show that L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea), can enhance the quality of actual sleep experienced by young subjects. The research built on previous human studies that suggested L-theanine supplementation could foster ‘a relaxed state.’ The test results indicated that all subjects reported a significant absence of feeling exhausted and a reduced need for sleep when given the L-theanine, compared to the placebo. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-reasons-brewing-for-drinking-green-tea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-extract-stimulates-nerve-cells-in-russian-study Green tea extract stimulates nerve cells in Russian studySource: www.newstarget.comScientists at Kuban State University in Russia found that spinal nerves exposed to green tea extract showed marked growth and activity in laboratory studies. If green tea extract could be shown to regenerate nerves in the human body, this could develop into a treatment for Parkinson’s disease and other nerve disorders, say researchersIn search of vegetable preparations for nervous system diseases prophylaxis and treatment Russian researchers have turned to green tea. Specialists of the Kuban State University, the Kuban Research-and-Production Laboratory of Physiologically Active Substances and the Institute of Brain (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences) have discovered that ethanolic extract of green tea stimulates spinal cord neurons' regeneration. Dry extract in different concentrations was added to the medium. The length and number of processes account for the 'quality of communication' between neurons and ultimately the ability of the nervous system section to fulfill its functions. The ability to restore bonds is the rate of cells' resistance to neurodegenerative diseases, for example, ischemia or Parkinson's disease. The green tea extract had the most apparent stimulatory action in concentration of 0.004-0.006 percent. On the second day of cultivation, the number of cell processes started to grow as compared to the background ones, and then the length of cell processes began to increase. Apparently, healing power of green tea is caused by high antioxidant content - flavonoids, polyphenols, as well as theanine and vitamins. Results of the investigation carried out by the Krasnodar scientists, who were the first to demonstrate the stimulatory action of green tea extract on nerve cells' regeneration have been contributed by findings of researchers from other countries. It is known that theanine injection into ventricles of brain of Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) prevents destruction of brain neurons in case of ischemia. Green tea belongs to the group of food substances that avert the nitric oxide abundant synthesis, which can be the cause of neurodegenerative diseases. Of undoubted interest are the recent investigations by foreign researchers that showed anticarcinogenic effect of tea polyphenols. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-extract-stimulates-nerve-cells-in-russian-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-can-help-cure-cancer Olive Oil Can Help Cure CancerSource: toronto.fashion-monitor.comOlive oil can help fight breast cancer, a discovery that researchers said in a study out Sunday could guide the development of related treatment. "Our findings underpin epidemiological studies that show that the Mediterranean diet has significant protective effects against cancer, heart disease and ageing," said the study`s lead author Javier Menendez, of Northwestern University`s Feinberg medical school in Chicago. Researchers showed in a series of laboratory experiments on breast cancer cells that oleic acid, found in olive oil, dramatically cuts the levels of a cancer-promoting gene called Her-2/neu (also known as erb B-2), according to Menendez. High levels of the gene occur in over a fifth of breast cancer patients and are associated with highly aggressive tumors that have a poor prognosis, according to findings reported in the January 10 Annals of Oncology. Oleic acid suppressed the gene, and other tests showed that it boosted an antibody treatment trastuzumab (Herceptin), which targets the gene and has helped to prolong the lives of many breast cancer patients, the researchers said. Menendez said the findings should not only help in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which individual dietary fatty acids regulate the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, but also suggested eating oleic acid may help Herceptin work in breast cancer patients with the Her-2/neu gene. "To our knowledge this is the first report that a dietary monounsaturated fatty acid previously suggested to be protective against breast cancer significantly down-regulates the expression of Her-2/neu, cutting it by up to 46 percent. Her-2/neu is one of the most important oncogenes in breast cancer," said Menendez. "In our tests, oleic acid`s inhibition of Her-2/neu synergistically interacted with Herceptin-based immunotherapy by promoting the death of breast cancer cells exhibiting high levels of the oncogene. "Additionally, alongside the sensitizing effect of oleic acid on the efficacy of Herceptin we found it increased the expression of a protein (p27Kip1), a tumour suppresser protein, which is implicated in the development of resistance to Herceptin treatment." Menendez worked with Ruth Lupu, director of the Evanston Northwestern Health Research Institute`s Breast Cancer Translational Program and Ramon Colomer, head of the Medical Oncology Division at Institut Catala d` Oncologia in Girona, Spain. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-can-help-cure-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fat-may-affect-electrical-impulses-in-brain-heart Fat may affect electrical impulses in brain, heartSource: www.eurekalert.orgFatty molecules may modulate the electrical characteristics of nerve and heart cells by regulating the properties of key cell pores, according to research conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The findings suggest a novel mechanism in which dietary fat can attach directly to proteins that regulate bioelectricity. This can affect the performance of nerve and heart cells, with potentially broad-ranging health implications. The researchers report in the April 26 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that the proteins in specific electrically responsive cell pores--voltage-sensing potassium channels--can bind to molecules of palmitate. Palmitate is a saturated fatty acid previously linked to "hardening" of the arteries and obesity and is a common fat in unhealthy diets. "In effect, the attachment of palmitate makes these potassium channels, called Kv1.1 channels, open more easily, and this can influence the transmission of electrical impulses along nerve cells and the contraction of heart muscle cells," says senior author Richard Gross, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine, of chemistry and of molecular biology and pharmacology and director of the Division of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Potassium channels are among the most important cell channels used for propagating electrical signals in nerve and heart muscle. Their protein units form pores that permeate the outer wall or membrane of the cell and selectively allow the passage of potassium ions, which are essential components of cell signaling systems. Like a meter that measures charge in a battery, a Kv1.1 channel senses the amount of voltage between the interior and exterior of cells and can open and close in response to voltage changes. Because they are embedded in the cell membrane, Kv1.1 channels are tightly surrounded by the fatty molecules of the membrane, which line up next to each other to create a stable structure. "We think the attached palmitate molecule causes a defect in the close, regular packing of the membrane's fatty molecules around the Kv1.1 channel, because the palmitate has a different shape," Gross says. "This shape loosens the membrane packing, changes the movement of the channel protein and alters the voltage needed for it to open or close." The researchers identified the specific site or amino acid in the Kv1.1 protein units that palmitate most often links to. They discovered that a short sequence of amino acids on either side of the attachment site is found in several other proteins as well, arguing for an evolutionarily conserved function for this amino acid sequence. Most strikingly, five of six amino acids adjacent to the attachment site matched a site where palmitate is known to attach to CD36, an abundant protein vital for moving fatty molecules through the membrane into cells. "When we see that molecules as widespread, as important and as different from each other as CD36 and Kv1.1 are linked to palmitate at the same sequence--that's nature sending us a message," Gross says. "It's possible that this palmitate attachment site has been used throughout evolution to fulfill functions involving fatty molecules." Future investigations will seek to further characterize the electrical properties conferred by the addition of palmitate to Kv1.1. The research team will also begin studies with mice to determine the effects of dietary fats on palmitate attachment and the electrical characteristics of cells. "We want to find out if a connection exists between dietary fats, the attachment of palmitate to proteins and health," Gross says. "In obesity or in cellular lipotoxicity, you exceed cells' capacity to handle fatty acids. Accumulation of fatty acids can lead to an increase in alterations like palmitate attachment, not only in Kv1.1, but in dozens or even hundreds of other proteins. That possibly explains some of the many types of damage that result from having too high of a fatty acid burden." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fat-may-affect-electrical-impulses-in-brain-heart http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/call-for-ban-on-hazardous-fats-in-school-meals Call for ban on ‘hazardous’ fats in school mealsSource: www.sundayherald.comA LEADING nutritionist has called on the government to ban school dinners containing trans fats. Dr John Briffa, a health expert and author who is giving two talks in Edinburgh in May, believes trans-fatty acids are one of the most dangerous food hazards.Following a string of medical reports linking trans fats with an increased risk of heart disease, foods containing more than 2% have been banned in Denmark – and their presence must be labelled by next year in the US.Trans fats occur naturally in small amounts in dairy products and meat, but are also formed by the process used to extend the shelf life of processed food. In a session on how to encourage children to eat more healthily for the Scottish group Parents Like Us, Briffa will argue that, at school, children should not be given a choice – and that foods high in these and other fats and sugars should be banned.He said: “The government is being toothless in offering choice – once you give a seven-year-old choice, you have had it. There should be set ground rules about food, just like television or drug taking. “The government should have the balls to ban soft drinks, which are corrosive, other foods very rich in sugar and industrially-produced fats, known as trans fats, in schools.”He added: “I believe the government is in cahoots with the food industry and our regulatory authorities do not do a very good job of policing the industry.”Briffa said that while possible risks of saturated fats have been well-publicised, the government and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are not putting pressure on producers to label or eliminate trans fats from products – even though some are beginning to do this of their own accord.He said: “In the FSA recommendations on food labelling, and their ‘traffic lights’ scheme, there is no mention of trans fats, but it is well recognised that they are the most toxic fats.“When you introduce a new molecule into the diet, you have problems, and artificial sweeteners, food additives and industrial fats are hazardous to health. Trans fats find their way into lots of different foods – in bread, baked goods, processed pizza and, to some degree, in margarine.“They are thoroughly bad news and need more highlighting and regulation to ensure they are labelled.”Last year, a report by Which? magazine suggested the fats are found at dangerous levels in many common supermarket and takeaway foods. The FSA suggests people have no more than five grammes a day.Children’s diets are high on the agenda, following the chef Jamie Oliver’s Channel 4 series, Jamie’s School Dinners. He persuaded the government to invest £220 million in school dinners, but did not achieve a ban on “junk” food.But some experts believe that moderation is the answer.Des Spence, a GP in Glasgow’s inner city, who sees scores of “obese, unhappy and unfit kids”, said the solution is not a ban. “What we really want is kids to eat a mixed diet,” he said. “It is about a balanced view and, if you focus on one food group, the debate becomes focused on a single issue.”Kate Marks, director of Parents Like Us, said Briffa’s strategies would be welcome: “If you are not very busy and a great cook, it is easy, but I’m not. But a ban on junk food should also start in nurseries.” 10 April 2005 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/call-for-ban-on-hazardous-fats-in-school-meals http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-causes-unknown-early-treatment-helps Arthritis causes unknown; early treatment helpsSource: www.newbritainherald.comArthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Although there are rarer forms of arthritis, the three most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout, said Santhanam Lakshminaraya-nan, assistant professor of Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center.Advertisement "Most people would be covered if these three main forms of arthritis were taken care of," he said.Different people respond to the same stimulus in different ways; depending on what genetic background people come from, and what causes the arthritis (which is unknown), who will get arthritis cannot be predicted.Lakshminarayanan sees how severe arthritis is during assessment, and looks for the features of the disease that are evident. "Some gene types are at risk, but you can’t tell," he said.While most people will have heard of the first two forms of arthritis, not everyone will know about gout, which is an acute inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals formed in the blood that settle in the joints and cause intense pain.The presence of too many uric acid crystals in the blood can cause either arthritis or kidney stones.Treatment by a sub-specialist (someone who treats that type of arthritis) isn’t necessary for gout; a general practitioner can treat it.Doctors and researchers don’t know the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. "Rheumatoid arthritis is not as cut and dry as gout because we don’t know what causes it," he said. But he cautions, "Just because rheumatoid arthritis blood factors are present, doesn’t necessarily mean the patient has arthritis.There are other factors. A diagnosis has to be done on the history of the patient, and the exam and the blood tests are only an adjunct to the assessment." The opportunity for treating rheumatoid arthritis is in the early part of the disease. Even though detected early, the newest treatments for it may not be necessary, but follow-up treatment should be with a sub-specialist.Swollen joints, joint stiffness, nodules, small joints, small wrists, fingers and toes, and blood factors indicate arthritis, but the arthritis picture is complicated. "If the patient doesn’t have pain, but has positive blood factors, it doesn’t mean the patient has arthritis.Blood factors may indicate another disease; it may be Hepatitis C or another inflammatory disease.The diagnosis should be made on the clinical picture and not on the blood test," he said.Osteoarthritis is common, but again, doctors and researchers don’t know the cause. The most important thing with arthritis is early recognition and early treatment with a sub-specialist.Physicians know how to treat inflammation, and the damage that is done to the arthritic joints is caused by inflammation."All medications try to decrease the inflammation, and by doing so, decrease the damage to the joint. All succeed in varying degrees, but not all work in all patients," he said.Drug treatments that change the course of inflammation include Prednisone; Etanercept (trade name Enbrel, which is injectable); Infliximab, an injectable infusion that can be used over a prolonged period of time (brand name Remicade); Adalimumab (brand name Humira, which is injectable); the generic drug Methotrexate Sulfasalazine, and; Lefluno-mide (trade name Arava).The injectable drugs are effective for and can be used for rheumatoid arthritis.Side effects of the drugs are to be reckoned with.Prednisone can cause osteoporosis, diabetes, weight gain, and cataracts, among other problems.Most of the other drugs can decrease immune response and make the patient susceptible to infections, as can Prednisone.Newer injections that attempt to influence the mediators of inflammation will be coming out in the next few years, and treatment is becoming more specific.Yet the causes that set off inflammation aren’t known. The biologics target specific chemicals that cause inflammation, but use of those medications should be weighed against the side effects of risk and infection.Patients may decide that the risk is too high and seek other alternatives. Lakshminaray-anan is wary of naturopathic remedies since nothing has been proven for those aids within the scientific community, he said. Yet, he admits the scientific community doesn’t have all the answers and current medications cause side effects. "If the patient uses it and it seems to help, then I don’t have anything against it."He doesn’t know what is in natural products and this makes him leery.Some evidence shows Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate is protective against osteoarthritis in the long term, but that it is not effective in other kinds of arthritis.Oil of Evening Primrose and Borage Oil have been used to combat fatigue and achiness by some patients, he said, but there is no hard evidence that it works."But if the patient notices it helps, we have nothing against it. I haven’t seen any numbers that say it works every time, but if it helps the individual, that’s fine."Borage is credited with a "calming and anti-inflammatory action" in "The Herb Book" by John Lust. Earl Mindell’s "Herb Bible" states that gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil, was used successfully to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients in a double-blind study, reducing swelling, joint pain, and stiffness. A battery of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements, including evening primrose oil, glucosamine sulfate, calcium-magnesium, and drinking lots of water, is recommended in the Arthritis section of "Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide," compiled by The Burton Goldberg Group."My suspicion is that the cause of rheumatoid arthritis isn’t going to be one cause; there may be several triggers.Rheumatoid arthritis may not be one disease or one cause.It’s possible that we will get to the root of it in the next 20 years," Lakshminarayanan said.He points out that it is important to maintain a healthy diet.Diet, he says, has an influence in gout, and alcohol and organ meats, such as chopped liver, should be avoided. "One should avoid these to get rid of the symptoms. Avoid alcohol. Eat healthy for your heart."New American dietary guidelines recommend greater intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, daily exercise and weight reduction.Dietary guidelines for arthritis in "Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide" concur, adding that less weight on the joints reduces joint pain.This article is not meant for self-diagnosis. Visit your doctor if you experience pain. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-causes-unknown-early-treatment-helps http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-study-shows-fish-oil-supplementation-benefits-arthritic-patients New Study Shows Fish Oil Supplementation Benefits Arthritic PatientsSource: Althealth NewsNordic Naturals, Inc., a leading supplier of fish oil and essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements, announced today the results of a human trial showing beneficial effects of fish oil on pain, as well as symptom management in people with non-surgical arthritis. The results of this study, conducted by Joseph Maroon, MD, and Jeff Bost, PAC, at the University of Pittsburgh (PA) were presented today at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' annual meeting in New Orleans, LA. Adult patients with non-surgical neck or back pain under physician's care were asked to supplement with two (2) capsules daily of EPA™, a concentrated fish oil supplement from Nordic Naturals. Two capsules of EPA provide 1200 mg of omega-3 EFAs, of which 900 mg are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 200 mg are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). After supplementing with EPA for an average of 75 days, 60% of the respondents reported reduction in both overall pain and joint pain, and 59% discontinued taking prescription pain medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In additional reported results, 80% of the subjects reported being satisfied with the improvement experienced from supplementing with EPA, and 88% reported that they would continue to take the supplement. Virtually no side effects were reported, which is noteworthy in light of the recent voluntary withdrawals of two widely prescribed NSAIDs: Vioxx® (10/30/04) and Bextra® (4/07/05). Dr. Maroon noted that they were gratified "to see such a high percentage of patients who were able to stop taking their prescription NSAIDs after starting the omega-3 EFAs. Patient satisfaction exceeded 80%”. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-study-shows-fish-oil-supplementation-benefits-arthritic-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dhea-exempt-from-steroid-ban DHEA Exempt from Steroid BanSource: www.jointogether.orgDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a dietary supplement that is converted into steroids in the body, has thus far eluded a federal ban that applies to all other members of the steroid family, the New York Times reported April 17.DHEA is marketed as an anti-aging drug, and has a special legislative exemption from other federal laws banning steroids. However, the drug is banned by the Olympics, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the National Collegiate Athletics Association, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and baseball minor leagues.Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is seen as the key legislator behind the exemption for DHEA: Many dietary-supplement makers are based in Utah, and Hatch lobbied to keep DHEA on the market when Congress was drafting anti-steroid legislation last year. Scott Hatch, the senator's son, is a lobbying for a trade association for the supplement industry. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) also has been a big supporter of supplements, which do not require approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."There is a big argument that DHEA is very beneficial for health and well-being," Mr. Hatch said.Synthetic DHEA, made from the roots of wild yams, mimics a natural hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It was banned by the FDA in 1985, but the ban was reversed when Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which freed supplements from FDA oversight.The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 included most precursor drugs that, like DHEA, lead to steroid production in the body, including the better-known androstenedione, or andro. Other lawmakers said that the Hatch exception for DHEA was simply a political move to get the legislation passed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dhea-exempt-from-steroid-ban http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-wrinkle-in-skin-care-products-draws-interest New Wrinkle in skin-care products draws interestSource: desmoinesregister.comYour skin is bombarded daily by the elements in the environment, with everything from sunlight to air pollution contributing to skin damage.A California company says it's come up with a cream that not only protects skin from the harmful effects of the environment, but also reduces fine lines and wrinkles.Health-care providers in the Des Moines area say they're seeing a surge of interest in the antioxidant cream Prevage , a new anti-wrinkle treatment released in early January from manufacturer Allergan Inc., maker of the beauty blockbuster Botox.What sets Prevage apart from other wrinkle-smoothers, providers say, is its active ingredient, idebenone . The antioxidant cream works twofold: It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin tone, and it also prevents the free-radical damage caused by smoke, air pollution, ozone and UV light.Prevage is currently available exclusively at doctors' offices, but doesn't require a prescription. The cream doesn't come cheap - you should expect to pay about $100 to $115 an ounce, which physicians say lasts a few months.One major plus for this new cream, physicians say, is that it's milder than Retin-A, making it well-tolerated by most patients.It takes about six weeks to start seeing results, Allergan says. Physicians in Iowa say the product is so new that few individuals have been using Prevage long enough to begin seeing results.But Dr. Ava Feldman , a dermatologist at Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Clive, said some individuals have called to "rave" about Prevage, claiming to see a reduction in fine lines in as little as three weeks.Prevage works by protecting cells and inhibiting inflammation caused by free radicals. This process breaks down collagen and elastin, which causes aging.Feldman said that unlike other creams, Prevage has the science to back its effectiveness.Research looking at idebenone has shown it to be more effective than antioxidants like vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, kinetin and lipoic acid, she said.What's still lacking are the long-term studies that show the effectiveness of Prevage, said Dr. Roger Ceilley, a West Des Moines dermatologist."Hopefully we'll have some good, double-blind, controlled studies done," Ceilley said.Feldman, along with other physicians, caution that Prevage is not the magical solution to great, youthful-looking skin."This is not a miracle in a bottle," Feldman said. "It's one more thing in our skin rejuvenation armamentarium."She said a healthy lifestyle - that includes avoiding smoking, daily using sunscreen, eating a healthy diet and taking vitamins - are crucial to having good skin.Other products on the market with idebenone are Radiance Revealing Complex and Youth Revealing Complex from True Cosmetics in San Francisco. Both are $90 each. The products are currently sold at certain salons and spas. Check www.true cosmetics.com for locations or call ( 800) 419-8783 to order. Janet Hill, director of Tomorrow's Health Medical Spa in West Des Moines, said while her office will probably carry Prevage, she'd still like to see more research done on these antioxidant creams.Hill said other topical antioxidants that can help achieve results similar to those of Prevage are vitamin E and vitamin C serums, or a product by SkinCeuticals , which is a combination of vitamins E and C and ferulic acid.One Des Moines plastic surgeon said he still considers the long-used treatment regimen of Retin-A and sunscreen superior to Prevage.Dr. Jeffrey Carithers , who offers Prevage to his patients, said the cream provides "a little improvement in the wrinkles."Retin-A is well-tolerated if used correctly and in the right dosage, Carithers said. It's also less expensive than Prevage, carrying a price tag of about $50 for a four- to five-month supply."They're still the gold standard," Carithers said of the Retin-A and sunscreen combination. "Retin-A has much more effect on wrinkles than Prevage." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-wrinkle-in-skin-care-products-draws-interest http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/european-food-supplements-directive-declared-illegal-by-advocate-general-massive-victory-for-common-sense European Food Supplements Directive Declared "Illegal" by Advocate General - Massive Victory for Common SenseSource: www.prweb.comAn amazing victory for common sense and dietary freedom was secured yesterday when the Advocate General of the European Courts of Justice declared the proposed European Food Supplements Directive "Illegal". This opinion should secure the future of 75% of food supplements which were due to be made illegal on 1st August 2005.(PRWEB) April 8, 2005 -- In a move that has delighted the "freedom of choice" movement, the Advocate General of the European Courts of Justice, Mr Geelhoed announced yesterday (5th April 2005) that the proposed European Food Supplements Directive, due to come into force on 1st August, was "illegal".Supporting the challenge brought by the Alliance for Natural Health and Nutri-Link Ltd, Advocate Geelhoed declared the directive did not meet "the requirements of legal protection, of legal certainty and of sound administration"The directive would have dismissed as illegal over 75% of currently used food supplements, on the grounds that their manufacturers could not afford to submit support dossiers for their new intended classification as "drugs". Entirely natural substances such as Vitamins, Minerals and plant extracts would have been branded as illegal and withdrawn from sale, whilst synthetic counterparts (and therfore patentable, high revenue-producing products), although often more dangerous, would be left on the market.As just two examples, the natural, effective for of Vitamin E would have been banned, whilst synthetic versions that have been linked to dangers would be allowed. Similarly, the synthetic form of the essential mineral selenium would be allowed, but its natural alternative, found in brazil nuts, would not.No nutritional content in most foods. Due to the rapidly declining vitamin and mineral content in most foods (see modern farming methods - http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/modern-farming.html), many people now rely ENTIRELY on food supplements for their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, whilst the majority of the population suffers increasing levels of disease as a result of the chronic malnutrition caused by the consumption of foods utterly devoid of meaningful nutritional value.Whilst this victory is a welcome one, the war is not yet over and Natural Health Information Centre urges EVERYONE to back this campaign to ensure we all have access to the nutrients we need now and for the future. The ruling on the directive will not be known until around June, but it would be very unusual to ignore the Advocate General's opinion. We particularly urge the media to take up this fight and to support the right of ordinary citizens to supplement their meagre nutrution with natural, safe supplements instead of synthetic chemicals produced purely for profit by the pharmaceutical behemoths. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/european-food-supplements-directive-declared-illegal-by-advocate-general-massive-victory-for-common-sense http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-aids-lung-cancer-ops Vitamin D 'aids lung cancer ops'Source: news.bbc.co.ukLung cancer patients who have surgery in the winter are 40% more likely to die of the disease than those operated on in the summer, a US study suggests. A study of 456 patients found high levels of vitamin D - from sun exposure and food supplements - had a positive impact on the success of surgery. The Harvard University team said more research was needed and patients should not expect surgery in the summer. UK experts said it was interesting but warned sun exposure could be dangerous. Lead researcher Wei Zhou said: "This study in no way suggests that people should try to time their cancer surgeries for a particular season - that would obviously be impossible. Although vitamin D is made by our bodies in response to sunlight, we actually need relatively little exposure to maintain healthy levels Dr Kat Arney, of Cancer Research UK "But if validated it may mean that increasing a patient's use of vitamin D before such surgery could offer a survival benefit." Researchers studied the treatment of 456 lung cancer patients of which only 10% had had either radiation treatment of chemotherapy. Looking at the effect of the seasons, the team found patients who had operations in the winter were 40% more likely to die from their cancer than those who had the operation in the summer. When the joint effect of the season and vitamin D levels were taken into consideration, there was a three-fold better chance of survival, evidence presented to the American Association of Cancer Research showed. Lung cancer is responsible for 33,600 deaths a year in the UK - nearly a quarter of the total number of cancer mortalities. Evidence The reason for the effect of the vitamin was not clear either, the researchers said. Dr Kat Arney, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said more research was needed to see if increasing the levels of vitamin D before surgery would be beneficial. But she added: "There is no substantial evidence to suggest that excessive sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation can have a protective effect against cancer in healthy people. "Although vitamin D is made by our bodies in response to sunlight, we actually need relatively little exposure to maintain healthy levels. "Any extra vitamin D made in this way cannot be stored. Cancer Research UK advises everyone to be 'SunSmart', as prolonged sunbathing, sunbed use and especially sunburn in children can all increase the risk of skin cancer later in life." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-aids-lung-cancer-ops http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-in-mother-s-diet-protects-daughter-from-breast-cancer Omega-3 in mother’s diet protects daughter from breast cancerSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comMothers could reduce the chances of their female offspring developing breast cancer in later life by eating foods rich in omega-3 while pregnant and nursing, suggests research presented today at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.But those who consume more omega-6 fatty acids may be shortening the odds of their daughters developing the disease. Both omega-3 and omega-6 are essential to a healthy diet, but omega-6 occurs more commonly in typical Western diets in foods like meat, eggs, poultry, cereals, breads, baked goods, vegetable oils, and margarine. "Inadvertently, we may be setting up our daughters to develop breast cancer 50 years from now," said Dr Elaine Hardman, an assistant professor in the division of functional foods at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, who carried out the study. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, especially tuna, salmon and mackerel, and in canola and flaxseed oils, soybeans and nuts. Their protective effects may also continue when offspring are fed a diet rich in omega-3 after weaning and at least until puberty. Hardman carried out her research using mice, which allowed her to observe the effects of diet throughout a lifetime but condensed into a matter of months. The mice were bred to have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. The mothers were fed diets high in either omega-6 fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids during the gestation period and while breast-feeding their female young. After weaning, one group of female offspring was placed on a high-omega-6 diet and the other was fed mostly omega-3.Hardman found that all the young exposed only to omega-6 fatty acids at all three stages (in utero, in nursing and after weaning) showed mammary gland tumors by six months of age. However less than 60 percent of those that ate a high omega-3 diet either in utero or post-weaning had formed mammary tumors by the age of eight months. Just 13 percent of the mice fed omega-3 in utero and after weaning developed tumors by the age of eight months. The reason behind these results may be that omega-6 increases maternal levels of estrogen, which has been linked to increased incidence of breast cancer in female offspring, while omega-3 is thought to decrease it. The American Cancer Society estimates that 211,240 new cases of breast cancer will occur in the US this year, and 40,410 women will die from the disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-in-mother-s-diet-protects-daughter-from-breast-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stocked-kitchen-vitamin-d-children-of-diabetic-adults Stocked Kitchen, Vitamin D, Children of Diabetic AdultsSource: www.infozine.comy Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN - Q: How should I stock my kitchen so I can make healthy meals when time is limited? Q: Since our bodies use sunlight to make vitamin D, do we also need to get it from food? Q: When parents develop diabetes, are their children likely to develop it, too? Q: How should I stock my kitchen so I can make healthy meals when time is limited? A: Quick-cooking brown rice, whole-grain pasta and lowfat whole-grain crackers are versatile basics you should try to keep on hand. If you have room in the freezer for whole-wheat rolls and tortillas that you can pull out as needed, so much the better. To complement these nutritious grain products, always try to have a good supply of canned and frozen foods at home. Canned kidney beans and other legumes are easily rinsed and added to a variety of dishes. Reduced-sodium soups can be easily improved by adding frozen vegetables and canned legumes. Canned tuna is a multi-purpose staple for many dishes. Canned diced tomatoes are wonderful pantry items to use over whole-grain pasta, or for a quickly assembled soup or vegetarian chili. If you can cook and freeze chicken breasts, you have another healthy source of protein to pull out at the last moment. Lastly, keep a stash of herbs, spices, sauces and mustard to make your quick meals delicious.Q: Since our bodies use sunlight to make vitamin D, do we also need to get it from food? A: We do produce vitamin D in our skin in response to sunlight. However, studies show that many people today do not produce enough for optimum health. City smog can block some of the sun's rays, and northern locations limit the production of vitamin D. Greater amounts of pigment in the skin of African Americans can prevent them from producing enough of the vitamin. Lastly, production and activation of the vitamin decreases with age. Older adults need so much more vitamin D that it's extremely difficult for them to make enough. For adults age 50 and under, two eight-ounce glasses of milk (or fortified soymilk) a day is enough to meet their needs. Adults age 51 to 69 need four glasses a day, and those age 70 and above need six glasses. While yogurt and cheese can help meet a person's calcium needs, these products are generally insignificant sources of vitamin D. In addition, recent reports suggest that the elderly, those with darker skin and those who lack exposure to sunlight may need even more vitamin D than these recommended amounts - possibly 800 to 1,000 IU (International Units). If you're in one of these groups, check to see how much D is in any calcium supplements or other supplements you take. Then make up the difference with food or supplements. A lack of vitamin D is linked to osteoporosis and bone fractures.Q: When parents develop diabetes, are their children likely to develop it, too? A: People with a family history of diabetes have a greater chance of developing the disease, but several large studies show that a healthy lifestyle can cut a person's risk by 50 to 60 percent. One of the most important steps for preventing type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form, is to maintain a healthy weight. Daily physical activity helps control weight, but it also seems to directly improve the insulin function. Healthy food choices are important, too. Choose lean meats and lowfat dairy products, since too much saturated fat seems to raise the risk of developing diabetes. Eat at least three servings daily of whole-grain products, because this amount also correlates with lower risk. Exercising and eating well are proven to help prevent or reduce the risk of diabetes, and these steps will also lower your risk of cancer and heart disease. One other step that will lower your cancer risk and possibly protect you from diabetes is eating fish or other good sources of omega-3 fat at least twice a week. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stocked-kitchen-vitamin-d-children-of-diabetic-adults http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fragrant-herbal-tea Fragrant Herbal TeaSource: www.bellaonline.comMaking tea from freshly cut herbs from your own yard is an easy and rewarding task. Some of the most commonly used herbs are Peppermint and Spearmint. Both of these herbs are extremely easy to grow and usually provide more than enough leaves for making tea many times throughout the year. But just about any herb you grow can be brewed into a delicious tea.Some favorites are Sage leaf, Chamomile flower, Rosemary leaf, Lemon Balm leaf, and of course Peppermint leaf. Also, starting with one herb as your primary flavor and throwing in a little bit of another herb can create an interesting tasting tea. For example start with mostly Peppermint leaves and add a bit of Sage leaves or try adding the petals from a rose.Herb teas made from fresh herbs tend to be a bit weaker tasting than those made from dried herbs. Gather more herb than you think you’ll need and then actually use all of it - that way your tea will have the stronger flavor. I suggest gathering enough herb to make at least a pot of tea (about 4-6 cups). It helps if you can take the same pot you’re going to brew your tea in (or a bowl about the same size) out to the garden with you then cut enough herb to fill the pot about 3/4 full. If possible cut your herbs in the morning to ensure the best flavor.Easy steps for making your own Peppermint or Spearmint leaf tea:1.) Cut the stem off close to the ground leaving at least two sets of leaves on each stem so your plant will continue to grow or select only the tender new leaves at the top of the plant 2.) Avoid yellowish or spotted leaves 3.) Wash the herbs under cold water or dunk them into a sink of cold water and shake off excess water 4.) Remove the leaves from the stems for the best flavor and put them in a pot 5.) Pour boiling water over the herbs to just covering the herb 6.) Use a long spoon to carefully bruise the herb by pressing the spoon into the herb against the sides of the pot 7.) Place a lid on the pot and let steep for up to a half hour 8.) Strain the tea through a mesh strainer or colander 9.) Pour into a container of storage 9.) Chill and enjoyA pot of tea can be refrigerated for about five days.Herbs from the Garden and What They Do. Add a teaspoon of honey if you desire:Borage - this is a mild and refreshing tea that has a cucumber like flavor. A tea high in calcium and potassium and can be served both hot and iced.Mint - there are many different kinds of mint, and each make a soothing tea friendly to the stomach and the breath. This is a good tea hot or cold.Lovage - more like a broth than a tea, this has a celery flavor that can be seasoned with herb salts.Rosemary - adding Lavender flowers to this tea creates fragrant tea. Served hot and iced.Sage - this tea aids in the digestion and can be served hot or iced.Parsley - a parsley tea served hot can often help with a winter's cough, and will sweeten your breath. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fragrant-herbal-tea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-or-canola-pick-one-based-on-your-health-needs Olive or canola? Pick one based on your health needsSource: msnbc.msn.comMany different cooking and salad oils are available today. Fortunately, there are a number of healthful options, so you should pick one or several of these based on how you intend to use it and your particular health concerns.advertisement The newest cooking and salad oil, Enova oil, is made from soybean and canola oils. Its manufacturer claims it helps reduce body fat. While fats and oils normally have a chemical structure consisting of a “backbone” with three fatty acid arms on it, this oil is specially processed, so that most of the fat is composed of a backbone and two arms, also known as a diacylglycerol (DAG). This type of oil is digested and absorbed just like other fats, but the body handles it differently because of its unique structure. Instead of circulating through the body, DAGs seem to go directly to the liver to be burned for energy.While one brief study has shown that DAG oil increases fat burning, the rate of increase would make a difference of only three to four pounds a year. Based on the results of four- and six-month studies, substituting one to three tablespoons of Enova oil for the oil or margarine you now use might produce four to six pounds of weight loss per year. (Note that this possible weight loss depends on replacing your current oil with Enova, not adding it to what oils you currently eat.) If you substitute an average of only one teaspoon of this oil a day, weight loss for the year might be one pound. Because the possible weight loss is so slight, Enova is unlikely to influence weight management much, although it may help prevent the small yearly gains many adults experience. And, contrary to some sources that suggest DAG oil may lower blood triglycerides, studies do not consistently show that it has an effect on blood triglycerides or cholesterol. Results are not completely positive about its effect on blood sugar either.Different types of fat Like Enova oil, canola oil is exceptionally low in cholesterol-raising saturated fat. Canola oil contains more monounsaturated fat, however, while Enova oil has more polyunsaturated fat. Although both types of fat are heart-healthy, research suggests that polyunsaturated fats are less stable and can leave cells more vulnerable to damaging free radicals. Cell damage from free radicals can lead to cancer, age-related vision loss and other health problems. The predominantly monounsaturated fat in canola oil is more stable.Another advantage of canola oil is that about one-third of its polyunsaturated fat is omega-3 fat, the healthful fat found in salmon and other fatty fish. Experts say that increasing the proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fat (the other type of polyunsaturated fat) in your diet could help prevent heart disease, cancer and other health problems. Because Enova oil supplies less omega-3 fat, the omega-3 to omega-6 balance is more favorable in canola oil.Don't forget olive oil Olive oil is another healthy choice. Although its saturated fat content is slightly higher, it remains under two grams per tablespoon. And olive oil contains even more of the highly stable monounsaturated fat in canola oil. Although it has considerably less omega-3 fat than canola oil, olive oil offers natural phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids and lignans, which are powerful antioxidants that seem to inhibit the development of some cancers. Squalene, another phytochemical in olive oil, may inhibit cell changes and the activity of enzymes that can result in cancer. Research has yet to clearly show how many phytochemicals are in canola oil or if they remain in Enova oil after processing.Enova, canola and olive oils are all healthy choices, each with their own advantages. But remember to use them in moderation. Although we need the fatty acids they provide for good health, they all contain 120 calories per tablespoon. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-or-canola-pick-one-based-on-your-health-needs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hormone-replacement-therapy-increases-the-risk-of-endometrial-cancer Hormone Replacement Therapy increases the risk of endometrial cancerSource: www.medindia.netHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a common treatment procedure for postmenopausal women who want to get back to a normal life. Currently HRT had been under a lot of flak as time and again it has been associated to heath risks. The newest health risk of the treatment is the risk of endometrial cancer.Endomertial cancer is the cancer that forms in the endometrial lining of the uterus. This form of cancer is found mostly in postmenopausal women.The research came out in the current issue of The Lancet, as part of a greater study called Million Women Study. The researchers had studied more than 70,000 postmenopausal women in UK without previous cancer or previous hysterectomy. Of the 45% women who had used the HRT, the risk of having endometrial cancer was greater for women who had taken oestrogens and tibolone in their treatment. Hormone progestagens did counteract the unfavorable effect of oestrogens on the endometrium. However, the combined effects of oestrogen-progestagen HRT had increased the risk of breast cancer in women.When the combined risks of both breast cancer and endometrial cancer are taken together, the results show a greater incidence of cancer with the combination HRT, both in continuum and cyclic, than compared to other therapies. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hormone-replacement-therapy-increases-the-risk-of-endometrial-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnet-therapy-is-a-holistic-approach-that-seems-to-really-help Magnet therapy is a holistic approach that seems to really helpSource: Althealth NewsDear Dr. Fox: Recently, you asked about alternative medicine for pets. My dear, 15-year-old blue heeler dog, Whisky, has recently developed symptoms of stiffness in the back, inability to hold weight on her back legs (when she jumps up) and, of great concern to me, slipping down several steps when following me around the house. My vet was reticent to put an old pooch on medication so I looked for an alternative, and Nikken magnets seem to have done the trick. The theory of how they work is largely unexplained (though biomagnetic therapy is one of the alternative medicines currently under investigation in a multimillion dollar NIH study). However, it appears that blood vessels are dilated, reducing soreness and allowing blood and nutrients to flow more freely. C.B., Bethesda, Md. Dear C.B.: Many equine and holistic veterinarians use magnets for sprains and strains in horses, dogs and other animals. They also can help alleviate other conditions such as chronic arthritis, often in conjunction with acupuncture treatments, massage therapy and chiropracty. Dear Dr. Fox: I am inquiring as to an ear condition with our American foxhound dog. She seems, from time to time, to develop something that bothers her ears. We have sparingly applied peroxide, which seems to give her some relief. However, isn't there something simple that we can use that may be more effective? B.T., Tulare, Calif. Dear B.T.: Your dog has chronic otitis (inflammation of the ear canals) due to either ear mites, bacteria or fungi, or a combination of these, that results in excessive secretion of brown, waxy material. Left untreated, the lining of the ear canal thickens and corrugates with pockets of infection that are difficult to medicate. Middle-ear disease (a loss of balance), deafness, and constant scratching causing damage to the outer ear, which can then cause a hematoma or blood blister, are all common aftereffects of untreated otitis. So lay off the peroxide and have a veterinarian examine your dog's ears and get the problem resolved. Dear Dr. Fox: I'm writing to let you know about the problem/solution I've had with my 6-year-old male shorthaired cat, Phoenix. Off and on during the night, Phoenix would literally stomp around and knock things off dressers, TV sets, etc., until I got up and fed him. My very wise vet told me to try Feliway. I got this pheromone spray and diffuser and, to my amazement, it worked the very first night! K.S., Emmitsburg, Md. Dear K.S.: Many years ago, I helped bring ethology (the science of animal behavior) into the veterinary teaching curriculum and practice. One of the fruits of this advancement has been to test and apply research into animal scents (pheromones) in veterinary practice. My colleagues in France can take credit for developing Feliway, which can profoundly alter and improve the behavior of agitated, stressed and distressed cats. Dear Dr. Fox: I read in the paper about an alternative treatment for fleas. Rather than giving Frontline, it was suggested to give dogs garlic and yeast tablets. I have since used both garlic and yeast for my dogs, and have had no problems with fleas. Recently, I heard a doctor on television caution against giving dogs garlic because it could cause anemia. B.W., Woodbridge, Va. Dear B.W.: It's good to hear that you found garlic and yeast tablets to be helpful in keeping fleas off of your dogs. In addition, don't forget to flea-comb them daily and thoroughly vacuum all rooms, surfaces, sofas, etc., where the animals frequently visit (do this every six to seven days). Also, put sheets over areas they lie upon (carpets, sofas) for weekly cleaning. As for garlic, one clove a day for a 30-pound dog (given chopped-up with regular food) should cause no health problems. Cats are more prone to developing a blood disorder and stomach upset than dogs. Onions are more problematic and should not be given to dogs or cats. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnet-therapy-is-a-holistic-approach-that-seems-to-really-help http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nonsurgical-means-to-reduce-signs-of-ageing Nonsurgical means to reduce signs of ageingSource: www.mydna.comDermatologist Dr. Mary C. Massa of Rush University Medical Center says many people can benefit from "UN-extreme" measures that can make a big difference in how you look and feel about yourself. "Not everyone needs an extreme makeover or surgery to look their best. There are non-surgical treatments for enhancing appearance and reducing the signs of aging come with less risk than surgical procedures, and are a great option for patients who seek improvements without surgery."Massa says topical cream and lotions are the best option for people who want a modest change in their appearance. Vitamin A derivatives and glycolic acids can induce new collagen formation and change the way new skin cells grow. These topical agents can make skin smoother, more even in color and even soften fine lines.Microdermabrasion, done in the office by a physician, gently removes the dead top layers of the skin by using hard particle called aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide particles are skimmed across the skin's surface, removing the dead skin cells revealing newer, fresher skin. Usually a series of six to eight sessions every two to four weeks is recommended to see a significant difference in appearance. Patients can return to work immediately after treatment.Another office procedure, light chemical peels (often referred to as lunchtime peels), offer little-to-no recovery time and can be performed during a short time period like a lunch-break. "Light chemical peels remove the dead top layers of skin and induce new collagen formation, making skin smoother and more even in color. Chemical peels can also soften fine lines. A series of four to six peel sessions are generally recommended. Deeper chemical peels can be performed to achieve greater results faster, however these require a more significant recovery period," says Massa."Botox, a purified protein derived from Botulinum toxin, can be injected into facial muscles to weaken their motion and soften facial lines. The effects of Botox last about three months, but most patients find that after several treatments, the muscles become weakened and treatments are required less frequently. Botox is most often used to decrease the appearance of frown lines between the eyes, lines across the forehead, and lines around the eyes. The injections are relatively painless and take only a few minutes in the doctor's office," says Massa. Botox has been used in many different areas of medicine for many years and has an excellent record for safety.Collagen and hyaluronic acids are popular filler substances and are used to soften the signs of aging around the nose and the mouth. These fillers can also be used to enhance lip size. Most people return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. Filler materials such as collagen and hyaluronic acid generally last from three to six months.Another nonsurgical, office procedure uses laser light to decrease the overall redness in the face, decrease age spots, and to shrink or remove broken red blood vessels in the skin. There are many different types of lasers and each have a different recovery time based on the areas treated and the laser used.An excellent option for patients who desire skin tightening without surgery is Thermage, a procedure that causes collagen tightening in the skin. High intensity heat energy is placed under the skin's surface, which causes tightening of the forehead, cheeks and neck area. Though results are not as dramatic as a face, neck or brow-lift, Thermage offers patients results without surgery. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nonsurgical-means-to-reduce-signs-of-ageing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanuts-now-considered-healthy-if-eaten-in-moderation Peanuts now considered healthy if eaten in moderationSource: Althealth NewsAmericans ate nearly 1.7 billion pounds of peanuts last year, a major increase from the 1990s, when peanuts acquired a reputation for being too fatty. Doctors are now recommending peanuts as a part of a healthy diet because of their high nutrient content, including vitamin E, niacin and vitamin B6, their mineral content, including potassium, zinc and magnesium, and because they are a good source of fiber and protein. Be sure to read the related article, Food manufacturers hide dangerous ingredients in everyday foods by using confusing terms on the label. Going Nutty: Peanuts are rebounding from the fat-phobic 1990s; Americans ate nearly 1.7 billion pounds of the nuts last year. Doctor's Orders: Peanuts are being recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet because they contain nutrients such as vitamin E, niacin and vitamin B6, and minerals such as potassium, zinc and magnesium. They are a good source of fiber and protein. PEANUT-SIZED PORTIONS: Nuts are chock-full of calories, so portions should be small. One ounce contains 14 grams of fat and a handful of nuts can have up to 200 calories. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanuts-now-considered-healthy-if-eaten-in-moderation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-push-ups Natural Push UpsSource: Natural Push-Up NewsThe natural way to improve the look of your breasts The look of your bust seriously effects the way you see yourself as a woman. The more beautiful your bust the more feminine you feel and the better your clothes look. Many women have considered surgical implants, but with almost daily reports of horror stories, few of us are prepared to contemplate the risks, let alone the cost.“the secret of a beautiful bust can be found in this special food” Natural Push-Up is made from carefully selected hops, a plant that is a rich source of prenylflavanoids. Natural Push-Up tablets are 100% natural. They contain no chemicals, no animal products, no hormones and no genetically modified or artificial ingredients.Only DVE hops are used in NPU. DVE hops are specially selected varieties which are used in a patented process that protects the prenylflavanoids. Hops are now well known for their benefits to the health of the female body. Herbalists recommend them to fight IBS. They can improve skin, hair and nails. Hops can also help you to cope with stress and even help you sleep more soundly. The hops and mixed grains in NPU also provide a really healthy dietary contribution to women’s health. “Natural Push-Up feeds your beauty and your health” It took over 20 years to develop Natural Push-Up and hundreds of thousands of women all over the world have used this food supplement. What is new is that NPU ‘S’ quality is so much more effective than the earlier versions like. Now you only need to eat a maximum of 5 food tablets per day, so improving your bust is really not expensive. Order your first packet today and prove what NPU can do for you. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-push-ups http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/baby-boomers-its-time-to-tune-up Baby Boomers: It's Time To Tune UpSource: www.thenewmexicochannel.com10 Tips Help Middle-Age People Change With Their BodiesUPDATED: 11:31 am MDT May 3, 2005WASHINGTON -- Americans are living longer, but there are signs that people in their 40s and 50s need to make some changes if they want to be healthy during their golden years, reported WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.Sleeping regularly, exercising and eating right are a good a start. However, the Wall Street Journal used the latest medical research to create a list of 10 simple things all baby boomers should do to improve their long-term health. 1: Go green. Leafy green vegetables, like spinach, may ward off age-related diseases and help keep your brain sharp.2: Take a multivitamin daily to cover your nutritional shortcomings.A lack of vitamin B-12 may cause anemia or lead to neurological problems. And vitamin D is important for keeping bones strong.3: Modify your workout and add strength training to the mix."It helps with certain muscles that are your core muscle groups. Because, as we get older, we are all going to be at risk for hip fractures and osteoporosis, and this really fends off those diseases," said Dr. Therese O'Donnell, of Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.4: Take a walk. Not only is aerobic activity good for the heart, but studies show it's also good for the mind. Every little bit counts, so skip the elevator and take the stairs.5: Check your skin. Skin cancer rates soar during middle age.6: Pay attention to your teeth. Flossing every day can protect more than your choppers."Periodontal disease has now definitely been shown to be associated with strokes and cardiovascular disease," O'Donnell said.7: Middle age is also a time to analyze your sleep. Sleep apnea -- which is linked to heart problems, stroke and diabetes -- appears to be on the rise, and it's more common in people in their late 40s and early 50s."Physical and mental health are very closely intertwined," said Dr. Brian Doyle, a psychiatrist at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.8: Get screened for depression."If you're depressed and it's not treated, then you're more likely to get a heart attack or stroke, and that's really a new message," Doyle said.9: Try something new. Read something completely different, take up a new sport, or take a class. Staying active intellectually keeps the mind sharp.10: Recharge your relationships."Research shows that people who have intimate connections live better and live longer," Doyle said."It's the simple things over time. It's going to work. You'll be healthier for it," O'Donnell said.In addition, doctors say people over 50 should get routine screenings for everything from colon cancer to cholesterol. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/baby-boomers-its-time-to-tune-up http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reheating-vegetable-oil-releases-toxin Reheating Vegetable Oil Releases ToxinSource: paktribune.comHigh amounts of a toxin with known connections to heart disease and neurological disorders accumulate in vegetable-based cooking oils that are heated or reheated for hours at a time, new research shows. The fatty acid-derived toxin, called 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE), forms in especially high amounts in polyunsaturated oils that have linoleic acid, which include canola, corn, soybean and sunflower, researchers say. The compound does not arise in saturated oils sourced from animal fat. "There's a tremendous literature in biochemistry on HNE, a library of studies going back 20 years. It's a very toxic compound," said lead researcher A. Saari Csallany, a professor of food chemistry and nutritional biochemistry at the University of Minnesota. Based on the findings, American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Jeannie Moloo said that "if a person is concerned about the health aspects of HNE, then my recommendations would be to never heat any oil to the point of smoking and, as far as cooking at home goes, just use the oil one time. And avoid eating fried foods in restaurants." Donna Garren, a regulatory affairs executive with the National Restaurant Association, which represents more than 358,000 of the nation's eating establishments, said there are no industry-wide rules currently in place governing the choice and maintenance of cooking oils. But, she added, "if there is a risk, we'd be concerned about that and want to work with the appropriate federal agency to look at a thorough risk assessment." The findings were presented this week at the American Oil Chemists Society annual meeting, in Salt Lake City. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reheating-vegetable-oil-releases-toxin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rice-bran-oil-may-melt-away-cholesterol-fight-cancer-and-infection Rice bran oil may melt away cholesterol, fight cancer and infectionSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comA natural component of rice bran oil lowers cholesterol in rats, and ongoing research also shows it may have potential as an anti-cancer and anti-infection agent in humans, according to a University of Rochester scientist who has studied the antioxidant since 1996. The latest findings from Mohammad Minhajuddin, Ph.D., and colleagues, are reported in the May 2005 Food and Chemical Toxicology journal. They show that total cholesterol levels in animals dropped by 42 percent, and LDL or "bad cholesterol" levels dropped up to 62 percent, after their diets were supplemented with a concentrated form of Vitamin E called tocotrienol rich fraction or TRF isolated from rice bran oil. Vitamin E, which has been widely studied for its health benefits, consists of both tocopherols and tocotrienols. Much research has focused on the tocopherols derived from corn, wheat and soybean. But the tocotrienols (TRF) seem to have greater antioxidant properties and are becoming more noteworthy in scientific research, Minhajuddin says. TRF is derived from barley, oats, palm and rice bran. The best form of TRF comes from rice bran oil, which is contained in the outer grain hull of rice. Its properties inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. However, since taking any form of Vitamin E for a long time can be harmful, the purpose of Minhajuddin's latest reported research was to find the minimum dose of TRF that provided the maximum antioxidants and effectively lowered cholesterol. The results: The most effective dose in rats was 8 IU kg/day. Extrapolated to humans, a person with an average body weight of 154 pounds would get around 560 IU, which is close to the 400 IU of Vitamin E normally taken. (The upper tolerable intake of Vitamin E is 1500 IU). Researchers have been investigating natural ways (besides diet and exercise) to achieve lower cholesterol levels, despite the popularity and effectiveness of statin drugs. Although millions of Americans take statins and do well, they are expensive and they come with side effects. So far, scientists have not found any adverse effects of tocotrienols, says Minhajuddin, a research associate in the Department of Pediatrics. Minhajuddin, who is from India, also has preliminary, unpublished data from a study he conducted in that country, showing that TRF reduces cholesterol in humans as well as in animals. Five healthy volunteers with total cholesterol levels in the "normal" range of 170-230 mg/dL, who ingested TRF in capsule form at a dose of 8 IU kg/day for four weeks, saw their cholesterol levels drop by 10 percent with a 26-percent decline in LDL-cholesterol levels. A case study of a 5-year-old boy in India, who had a genetic defect (familial hypercholesterolemia) that caused his total cholesterol to climb to 440 mg/dL, resulted in a 20-percent decline after about two months of tocotrienol supplements. The boy's cholesterol did rise again, however, after 100 weeks of TRF supplements. In addition, Minhajuddin and colleagues previously showed in animals that TRF reacts with liver enzymes in such a way that it clears toxic substances from the organ, and reduces or stabilizes liver tumors. The group concluded that long-term use of tocotrienol might reduce overall cancer risk, according to published research last year in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. Currently, Minhajuddin's research group is using a scientific model to study infection and the immune system, and how to regulate the expression of a gene called ICAM-1 on the surface of endothelial cells. Much of Minhajuddin's research on TRF was carried out in India until he joined the UR faculty in 2003. A Research Fellowship from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, funded his work. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rice-bran-oil-may-melt-away-cholesterol-fight-cancer-and-infection http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-gaining-importance Vitamin D gaining importanceSource: www.sciencedaily.comVitamin D has so many healthy effects, U.S. researchers said people may not be getting enough to receive the full benefit. Related Headlines Rice bran a potent cholesterol fighter (May 13, 2005) -- Rice bran oil lowers cholesterol in rats and holds promise to fight both infection and cancer in humans, a University of Rochester scientist ... > full storyGenomics aids treatment of kidney disorder (May 5, 2005) -- U.S. researchers said they have used pharmacogenomics to enhance the treatment of a childhood kidney disorder that can lead to organ failure. The ... > full storyVitamin C offsets smoking during pregnancy (May 3, 2005) -- High doses of vitamin C may be able to counteract some of the negative impacts to unborn babies when their mothers smoke say Oregon ... > full storyCalcium, vitamin D do little for elderly (April 29, 2005) -- Two British studies find little evidence that giving the elderly a mix of calcium and vitamin D reduces their risk of broken limbs. In one trial, ... > full storyEU health food directive declared illegal (April 6, 2005) -- A European judge has declared illegal a directive controlling the sale of some vitamins and other food supplements. An advocate-general at the ... > full story The May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter said recent studies have found elderly women taking vitamin D had better leg strength and fewer falls, and 93 percent of patients ages 10-65 with musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient.Researchers are looking at the vitamin's role in disease, given that lower incidences of prostate, colon and breast cancers, multiple sclerosis, and type I diabetes are found in regions that receive higher amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year -- which exposes skin to thousands of international units of vitamin D. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends adults through age 50 take 200 IU of vitamin D daily. The recommendations go up for older adults to 400 IU for ages 51 to 70, and 600 IU for those over age 70.Mayo researchers suggested the best levels for overall health may be higher -- perhaps in the range of 800 to 1,000 IU a day. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-gaining-importance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/watch-your-kids-diet-parents-told Watch Your Kids' Diet: Parents ToldSource: www.brudirect.comHealth advocates called for parents to watch the diet of their offspring because an increasing number of children are overweight, a characteristic that will lead to health problems early in their life if no attempt is made to change their eating culture. Even though no figure is available to support the fact, generally a large number of members of the young generation are actually obese, brought about by better standards of living and higher than necessary nutritional intakes that include `junk' and fatty food. A World Health Organisation survey also pointed out that the world is experiencing a global rise in childhood obesity. Close to 1.1 billion people in the world including children are now considered to be overweight or obese. For a small country like Brunei, a high rate of child obesity minimises the nation's chances of producing top.class sportspersons and puts unnecessary strain on the free public healthcare system. "We are not talking about obesity in local women and men, which is also high, but something must be done to teach our children to eat the right food and to eat at certain times of the day," said one health advocate. "Unfortunately, our children have been taught to eat as much as they can from a very young age. To make things worse, junk food is easily and readily available." Advocates added that overweight and obesity at a young age could lead to increased risks of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breast, colon and prostate cancer. It would also contribute significantly to osteoarthritis, a major cause of disability in adults. They attributed the obesity problem among the children to the better standards of living enjoyed by Bruneians, among other factors. "People who get higher income and enhanced socioeconomic status usually buy and eat more food. They want to eat richer, fatty food, more red meat and more sugar, resulting in many health problems for themselves and their families," said some health advocates. "Measures need to be taken to tackle obesity among children, such as school nutrition programmes to educate the children on healthy eating and the correct choice of food." "Schoolchildren must be encouraged to take up sports and outing activities to beat the bulge and keep healthy. The sale of junk food at school canteens should be controlled if not banned," they added. Research shows that people who take up sports at an early age are more likely to be active in adulthood. "People don't have to outlaw any food like chocolate. If you watch your portions and calories, you can find room for any food. Depriving yourself could actually set you up for future bingeing," they said. They added by reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing activity through planned exercise, weight loss will, eventually come and stay for good. -- Courtesy of Borneo BulletinClick Here To Have Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/watch-your-kids-diet-parents-told http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/one-fish-tuna-fish One fish, tuna fishSource: www.myrtlebeachonline.comAt Eugene Platt's Seafood in Cherry Grove, assistant manager Randall Parker rattled off his top sellers:Blue crabs. Spots. Croackers. Shrimp. Scallops. Salmon. Tuna. Grouper. Flounder.Tuna's hanging in there, but it's toward the end of the list. "Between tuna and salmon, it's a close race, but salmon usually outsells it," he said. It's something usually golfers buy often, he said, but otherwise it's something that's a summer sell.Not five minutes pass after Parker rattled off his list before a couple walked in and ordered two pieces of the five tuna steaks cradled among layers of ice, grimaceed at the thought of a friend eating his tuna raw, and headed out with their catch, wrapped and iced.Between 1990 and 2000, tuna reigned supreme in top 10 seafoods, according to data by H.M. Johnson and Associates for the National Fisheries Institute. Although shrimp now leads the pack and canned tuna continues to be popular, tuna steaks have an opportunity for resurgence.H.M. Johnson also reported that tuna consumption rose to 3.4 pounds per person in 2003, which is 0.3 percentage points more than it was in 2002.Furthermore, noncanned tuna imports totaled 147 million pounds in 2003, the highest amount in more than a decade.And Carol Whitman, spokeswoman of Marriner Marketing Communications, plans to make certain you know all about it.As the company spearheading tuna - similar to how beef and milk are marketed - Marriner is on the tail end of planning a new campaign.Awaiting approval for finances, the campaign will be re-tweaked with the new USDA guidelines redefining eating and nutrition trends, Whitman said."So many things have happened, we'll be reassessing the campaign once we get approval," she said.Whitman said that although there are many changes occurring with the latest food trends, Marriner mostly has focused on health benefits.In addition to the high protein levels found in the fish, Omega-3, a fatty acid found in most seafoods but particularly high in cold-water fish such as tuna, is among the nutrients singled out in the new dietary guidelines released by the USDA earlier this year.The acid is sort of like the heart's equivalent of motor oil in an engine. It keeps platelets, the saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol lubricated so they don't stick sticking together.The guidelines received a new surge of attention when they were reiterated in the new food pyramid released last month.Although the Web site www.mypyramid.gov doesn't mention tuna among its discussion of Omega-3 - the honor goes to salmon - it's still a viable option for Omega-3 intake, Whitman said.Among other benefits is the speed at which tuna cooks, said Jeff Anderson, who's cooking and developing the menu for a restaurant in Verneen's Marina in Myrtle Beach. He said that makes it easy to prepare in and out of restaurants."Tuna's typically easier and faster to cook than [mahi-mahi] because it's not as fatty," Anderson said.Because tuna meat is not as fatty, keeping its center medium rare is important or the end result is an extremely dry piece of fish.Jordan Hanks, a manager of Southern Market, said the fish can complement a variety of marinades and flavors, especially Asian flavors such as ginger miso. The market sells sushi-grade tuna, meaning the bacteria usually killed during cooking is absent and can be eaten raw.Hanks said that in terms of sales, Southern Market's sushi-grade tuna accounts for about half of its raw-meat sales and that it doesn't lend itself to impulse buying - customers come to the market specifically for tuna.He agreed that the fish is in a strong position for wider recognition as health concerns and questions of diet continue to grow."The more people learn about it, the more popular it'll become." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/one-fish-tuna-fish http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-health-e-book-the-pain-of-pain-relievers-published Natural Health E-Book "The Pain of Pain Relievers" PublishedSource: www.emediawire.comHealth journalist Bill Sardi announces the launch of his new natural health e-book guide to pain relief, "The Pain of Pain Relievers: The Modern Guide to Natural Pain Relief." With the realization that there are no safe over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, many Americans are turning to natural remedies and may never return to aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or COX-2 inhibitors that hospitalize hundreds of thousands and cause thousands of needless deaths annually.One neurology professor reports 7 of 10 patients with chronic pain were able to completely abandon their use of prescription and non-prescription pain pills after taking a natural remedy. The newly published natural health e-book, "The Pain of Pain Relievers," sorts out which natural remedies are applicable to different types of pain, such as migraines, low back pain, nerve sheath pain (example: carpal tunnel, sciatica), and knee, hip, shoulder and TMJ jaw pain caused by rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Among other natural remedies that also appear to be safe and effective include glucosamine, SAMe, magnesium, bromelain, ginger root, B vitamins, and oral hyaluronic acid. "The Pain Of Pain Relievers: The Modern Guide to Natural Pain Relief," is a four-part e-book. Part one explains the problems and pitfalls of OTC pain relievers and part two asks, "Should you take an aspirin every day?" Part three features a guide to natural pain relievers and part four outlines a natural, non-narcotic pain remedy that is better than morphine. To learn more about natural health and pain relief, visit the website at www.naturalhealthlibrarian.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-health-e-book-the-pain-of-pain-relievers-published http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-omega-3-fatty-acids-improve-learning-behavioral-performance Fish Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Learning, Behavioral PerformanceSource: www.foodconsumer.orgDietary supplements of fish omega-3 fatty acids improve learning, spelling, and behavior in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), found a study conducted by researchers from Oxford University Laboratory of Physiology and published in Pediatrics, Vol. 115, No. 5, May 2005: 1360-1366What prompted the study were previous findings that lack of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids in a diet may be associated with certain neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study was to find the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on these disorders.The study involved 117 children with DCD aged 5 to 12. These children were judged to be normal but were labeled underachievers and believed to have dyslexia.The children were assigned either dietary supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo olive oil. After a 3-month session, then the placebo group was assigned the dietary supplements for a period of three months.No improvement in motor skills was found in the group receiving the fatty acid dietary supplement. However, the children receiving the fatty acid supplements advanced their reading and spelling skills and behavior over the 3-month treatment to such a degree that these children would otherwise require 10 to12 months to achieve such improvement. The placebo group after receiving the fatty acid supplements in the second 3-month session showed the same results.One third of the children participating in the study had enough problems to be diagnosed with ADHD, but supplementation of fatty acids such as omega-3 for 3 months, these children had no longer had the problems in the end of the study.Omega-3 is found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. Evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the development of the brain and behavioral performance in children. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-omega-3-fatty-acids-improve-learning-behavioral-performance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/positive-synvisc-data-published-by-cochrane-collaboration Positive Synvisc Data Published by Cochrane CollaborationSource: biz.yahoo.comResults Reaffirm Efficacy of Viscosupplementation and Synvisc CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ - News) announced today that a lengthy review examining the clinical benefits of Synvisc® (hylan G-F 20) and the class of viscosupplements to which it belongs has been published by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent, international organization that disseminates systematic reviews of healthcare interventions and clinical trials data. Synvisc is the leading viscosupplementation product for the treatment of pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee in the U.S. and Canada, and one of the top products in this category in Europe. Since it is delivered locally, Synvisc avoids many of the associated side-effects of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 agents. ADVERTISEMENT Using rigorous, objective methodology, the Cochrane Collaboration review concluded that the class of viscosupplements is superior to placebo and that several of the products have greater efficacy than steroid injections in treating pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Viscosupplements are injectable products delivered locally that are comprised of hyaluronan (HA) and hyaluronan derivatives. The review also showed that considerable, positive differences were reported for Synvisc versus placebo in a number of clinical trials, including statistically significant and clinically meaningful robust improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical functioning for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Moreover, the review found that the overall treatment effect of each key Synvisc clinical trial studied was more robust than for the class of viscosupplementation products as a whole.Richard Polisson, M.D., senior vice president of clinical research at Genzyme, states that the study findings are significant because the Cochrane review is the pre-eminent clinical research meta-analysis tool, a mainstay of the new evidence-based medicine approach to assessing new drugs and technologies. This type of analysis is essential for clinicians and managed care plans as they continue to utilize new treatments."The Cochrane uses high-quality statistical techniques and unbiased analysis, and we are thrilled that this independent review shows that Synvisc is highly effective in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee," said Polisson. "The analysis also showed that the treatment effect sizes for the Synvisc trials were somewhat larger than that for the entire class of viscosupplements in treating this disease. Clearly, these data show that Synvisc provides physicians with another treatment option, other than the traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including the COX-2 inhibitors, that offers significant pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee."Study FindingsThe review describes a meta-analysis of numerous clinical trials to determine the weighted mean difference between viscosupplementation and placebo. These studies were conducted in the United States, Europe and Canada. All patients enrolled had a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee.Eighteen randomized controlled clinical trials of Synvisc were included in the analyses. These trials enrolled several hundred patients. The Cochrane study found that Synvisc-treated patients achieved outcomes superior to placebo for multiple variables at several time periods, including weight- bearing pain, pain at night, function as measured by improvement in most painful knee movement, and patient overall evaluation of efficacy due to treatment.In an analysis of all randomized controlled trials of Synvisc compared to placebo, the weighted mean difference (WMD) from control in weight-bearing pain from 13-26 weeks after treatment was statistically significant vs. placebo at p=0.006. Measurement of effect on function via improvement in the most painful knee movement from 5-13 weeks post-therapy was also statistically significant vs. placebo at p Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/positive-synvisc-data-published-by-cochrane-collaboration http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-and-vitamin-a-enhance-liver-detox-enzymes- Beta-carotene and vitamin A enhance liver detox enzymes -Source: University of Debrecen, HungaryMany nutrients, such as the B vitamins, vitamin D, and selenium, are known to interact with our genes. Now researchers have reported that beta-carotene and vitamin A activate several genes that help the liver break down drugs and toxins.Researchers at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, studied liver cells grown with beta-carotene, vitamin A, or lycopene. Some vitamin A and carotenoids derivatives influence gene activation. When activated, genes begin programming the manufacture of specific proteins or enzymes.Beta-carotene and vitamin A, but not lycopene, were found to turn on the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a chemical that subsequently activates various genes and plays a key role in the the liver’s detoxification processes. Although alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and silymarin are known for their ability to increase detoxification, beta-carotene and vitamin A should enhance liver detoxification of drugs and other toxins. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-and-vitamin-a-enhance-liver-detox-enzymes- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-and-vitamin-b12-shown-to-reduce-risk-of-osteoporosis Folic acid and vitamin B12 shown to reduce risk of osteoporosisSource: Keio University School of Medicine, JapanFolic acid and vitamin B12 can reduce the risk of hip and other types of fracture among people who have suffered a stroke, according to a study by researchers at the Keio University School of Medicine, Japan.After a stroke, the risk of hip fraction increases by two to four times and hip fractures are associated with more deaths, disabilities, and medical costs than all other osteoporosis-related fractures combined. Researchers treated 628 patients, 65 years of age or older, with either a combination of 5 mg of folic acid and 15 mg of vitamin B12 or placebos daily for two years. All of the patients had experienced a stroke at least one year before the study and had residual hemiplegia, or paralysis on one side of the body.After two years, patients taking the vitamins had a 38% decrease in blood homocysteine levels, whereas those taking placebos had a 31% increase. Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.A statistical analysis found that patients taking the vitamins had an 80% reduction in the risk of fracture. Six of the patients taking vitamins had hip fractures, compared with 27 among those taking placebos. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-and-vitamin-b12-shown-to-reduce-risk-of-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-more-may-be-better Vitamin D - More May Be BetterSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comVitamin D has long been known to help keep your bones in good shape. The May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers new research that shows vitamin D may play a much bigger role in overall health. Several recent studies have considered the effects of low vitamin D on health aside from bones. In a controlled study of elderly women, those taking vitamin D and calcium had much better leg strength and fewer falls than the women taking only calcium. Another study, of patients ages 10 to 65 with musculoskeletal pain, found 93 percent were deficient in vitamin D. Researchers are looking at the role vitamin D may play in other diseases. Part of that interest is driven by the lower incidence of prostate, colon and breast cancers; multiple sclerosis; and Type I diabetes in regions that receive higher amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year. Skin exposed to sunlight can generate the equivalent of thousands of international units (IUs) of vitamin D. Now the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults through age 50 take 200 IU of vitamin D daily. The recommendations go up for older adults: 400 IU for ages 51 to 70, and 600 IU for those over age 70. These recommendations were set to prevent severe bone disease. Researchers are increasingly concerned that these standards are too low. The studies suggest that the best levels for overall health may be higher than those recommendations, perhaps in the range of 800 to 1,000 IU a day. If you're concerned about getting adequate vitamin D, talk to your doctor. The safest way to get vitamin D is from foods and dietary supplements. The notion of exposing yourself to sun to increase vitamin D remains extremely controversial because of increased skin cancer risk. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-more-may-be-better http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-stores-keep-pressure-on-blair Health stores keep pressure on BlairSource: Althealth NewsIndependent health store owners will lobby their MPs on the same day this month in a bid to pressure Prime Minister Tony Blair to keep his promise to help fight the EU supplement ban.The National Lobby day is one of three Consumers for Health Choice (CHS) events planned to jog Mr Blair’s memory now he is safely re-installed in No.10.Industry sources say the Prime Minister has privately promised to help protect nutritional supplements against EU legislation, but has so far failed to deliver.This month, independent store owners in every one of the 646 Parliamentary constituencies will stage a National Lobby of Parliament by asking for a visit from or a meeting with their new MPs to brief them on the issue and to demand action.One million copies of a new campaign leaflet will be going out through Holland and Barrett and NAHS member stores warning consumers that they need to write to their new MPs and to their MEPs. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-stores-keep-pressure-on-blair http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-back-on-political-agenda Supplements back on political agendaSource: Althealth NewsThe House of Commons has turned its attention back to the subject of the Food Supplements Directive on the first day of the New Session. The Queen opened the new Parliament on 17th May and immediately long-standing supplement supporter Austin Mitchell MP tabled a new Motion demanding ministerial level action to deliver a solution to the problems the industry has with the Directive.Industry lobbyist Chris Whitehouse, who drafted the Motion for Mr Mitchell in consultation with CHC and the HFMA, says: "We are determined that the issue will not be lost in the aftermath of the General Election and are going to keep up every possible pressure to bear on the Minister and the Food Standards Agency."The Motion highlights the recent ruling of the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice and points out that the UK takes the Presidency of the European Union in July."The final ruling of the Court is expected in July," added Whitehouse, "and having the UK as Presidency at that time creates a huge opportunity if the legislation needs to be re-written. The UK can and must insist that it is for the UK Government, not Europe, to regulate what is permitted onto its national market. What we need now is to see a strategy developed to achieve that outcome." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-back-on-political-agenda http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/veggie-food-sector-must-focus-more-on-healthy-products Veggie food sector must focus more on healthy productsSource: Althealth NewsA leading nutritionist last month told a gathering of the UK’s top meat-free and vegetarian manufacturers in London that the vegetarian food industry should focus on making their products healthier. Yvonne Bishop-Weston, who has previously worked for Cranks, Holland & Barrett and The Food Doctor, told delegates at a Food and Drink Federation, Vegetarian and Meat-Free Group seminar that “some manufactured vegetarian food is no healthier than food with meat”. Bishop-Weston pointed out that most vegetarian food is bought by non-vegetarians and meat reducers who think they are buying a healthier option. But with some meat substitute products still made with hydrogenated fat, and many dishes reliant on cheese for protein, this often isn’t the case. She added that if the industry didn’t respond it could find itself out of work: “Whilst vegetarians and vegans often eliminate meat for ethical reasons, for non-vegetarians ethics aren’t so high up on their shopping list. Unless manufacturers, caterers, retailers, vegetarian organisations and the vegetarians themselves do something to prove a plant based diets’ optimum healthy potential I think we are in for a big shock over the next ten years.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/veggie-food-sector-must-focus-more-on-healthy-products http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-ms-prevention- Vitamin D: MS Prevention?Source: www.msneighborhood.comA new report says while vitamin D provides a range of health benefits to people, many may not be getting enough to reap its rewards. Among the potential benefits of the vitamin is its ability to stave off the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.The report was released in the May issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.1But the vitamin is primarily being evaluated for people who haven't currently been diagnosed with MS, not for those who already have the disease. A Vital Vitamin Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in both food and made naturally in the body. It can also be derived naturally from exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. That's because the UV rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. The vitamin exists in several forms, the most active of which is known as calciferol (cal-SIH-fer-awl). Vitamin D's most active function in the body is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Boosting calcium levels helps keep bones strong. The vitamin also works in sync with other nutrients, minerals, hormones and the like to improve bone calcification. Certain foods contain good sources of vitamin D. Some of the best foods, which contain 90% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 3.5 ounces of cooked salmon, 3.5 ounces of cooked mackerel, and 3 ounces of tuna fish. Other sources include milk, margarine, pudding made with milk, and ready-to-eat cereals.2 MS Prevention? Additionally, scientists have been studying the benefits of vitamin D as a potential preventive approach for people at risk of developing multiple sclerosis.In a study by doctors at the University of Wisconsin,3 giving a group of mice supplements of vitamin D a day before inducing a disease similar to MS that's typically used in animal experiments known as experimental encephalomyelitis (EAE) "prevented the appearance of any disability whatsoever."Next, the investigators wanted to know if vitamin D supplementation halted EAE progression. After inducing the experimental disease in the animals, they were given injections of vitamin D more than a week later. For 40 days after the start of the study, the researchers found that the vitamin D treatment halted progression of the disease, and limited its severity. A second group of mice injected with a solution that did not contain vitamin D showed signs of much more severe EAE by the end of the study.Environmental Benefits In addition to animal studies, it's well known that the prevalence of MS is highest in parts of the world where the sun's supplies of vitamin D are limited, such as in the Northern Hemispheres of the world farther from the equator. Cases of the disease are lower in tropical zones, by contrast.4 Based on these findings, adequate vitamin D intake "throughout the year may be beneficial for patients with MS, both to obtain immune-mediated suppression of disease activity, and also to decrease disease-related complications, including increased bone resorption, fractures, and muscle weakness," wrote a team of doctors in the Netherlands in a 2004 review paper.5The theoretic protective effect of vitamin D against MS has also been studied in people. Last year,6 doctors assessed the risk of MS relative to dietary intake of the nutrient in more than 187,000 women who had previously taken part in two large, unrelated studies—the Nurses' Health Study and the Nurses' Health Study II, which took place collectively from 1980 to 2001. Of these women, 173 women developed multiple sclerosis during the follow-up study. The researchers discovered that the higher the consumption of vitamin D in the diet, the lower the risk of MS. The same held true for those women who had taken vitamin D supplements, the investigators reported. "These results support a protective effect of vitamin D intake on risk of developing MS," wrote the study authors in the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.This doesn't mean you should necessarily supplement your diet with large amounts of vitamin D to treat MS. Most studies have looked only at the vitamin as a preventive therapy. In addition, too much vitamin D can be toxic, experts warn. Since the vitamin is fat-soluble, your body doesn't immediately release it, and over time, it can build to potentially toxic levels. This doesn't happen as much from dietary consumption of the vitamin (unless large amounts of cod liver oil are consumed), but from supplements. The warning signs of vitamin D toxicity include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. It can also boost levels of calcium in the blood, causing cognitive or heart rhythm abnormalities.7The Institute of Medicine has established upper tolerable limits of vitamin D at 1,000 IU per day for infants up to 1 year of age, and 2,000 IU daily for children, adults, and pregnant and lactating women.7In the meantime, research in this area is still ongoing. The National MS Society says it has funded an Australian study being planned that will evaluate the link between ultraviolet radiation exposure and MS diagnosis or a single attack of MS symptoms. Additionally, doctors at the University of Wisconsin are studying why vitamin D apparently reverses or prevents EAE in mice.4 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-ms-prevention- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cardiovascular-health-diet-advice-should-be-first-line-treatment Cardiovascular health: diet advice should be first-line treatmentSource: www.pharmaceutical-business-review.comExperts at a major cardiology conference have rightly highlighted the role of diet in overall cardiovascular health. There is a need to increase awareness among physicians and patients of the efficacy of dietary changes in the prevention of heart disease, and these dietary changes must combine key food groups to maximize efficacy. Experts have met to discuss practical approaches to maintaining cardiovascular health at the Sixth International Congress of Preventive Cardiology. One of the key issues discussed was the fact that the impact of dietary changes to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is commonly underestimated by both patients and physicians despite the fact that studies have shown that following a "healthy" diet can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease by a quarter. Current guidelines recommend that diet and lifestyle changes be used as a first line of intervention for coronary heart disease. However, the perceived lack of efficacy of dietary strategies compared to lipid lowering medications such as statins means that their importance may not be adequately highlighted to patients. A number of studies have investigated whether dietary approaches combining cholesterol-lowering foods may offer an alternative to drug therapy. A study by Jenkins et al showed that dietary combinations may not differ in potency from first-generation statins in achieving current lipid goals for primary prevention. This suggests that while diets are unlikely to replace pharmacotherapy, they have an important part to play in the treatment of at-risk patients.It is also important that the efficacy of the dietary strategies put into place be maximized by using the correct combination of foods, with current research demonstrating the importance of plant sterols, viscose fibers, soy protein and nuts. Indeed, independent clinical trials show that adopting a healthy diet including around 2g of plant sterols per day gives average LDL cholesterol reductions of around 10-15% within three weeks. Importantly, a 10% reduction in blood cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 20%.It is vital that physicians place a greater emphasis on lifestyle modification therapy, taking the time to advise patients on diets and exercise routines that may help them to reduce their overall cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, as compliance with lifestyle changes is low, physicians and other healthcare professionals must provide these patients with an adequate support network. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cardiovascular-health-diet-advice-should-be-first-line-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meps-vote-on-nutrition-and-health-claims MEPs vote on nutrition and health claimsSource: www.eupolitix.comMEPs have voted to amend draft EU legislation governing health and nutrition claims made on foods.The controversial legislative resolution was adopted by 458 votes in favour and 116 against, with 15 abstentions. The legislation sets out precisely when health and nutrition claims on labels can and cannot be used.The European Parliament is of the opinion that foods bearing nutrition or health claims do not need to respect specific nutrient profiles. The majority of MEPs feel that compulsory labelling of nutrient profiles could discriminate against individual products.They also believe it is not so much the composition of the product that matters as the use of it and above all a person’s overall diet. The issue now goes back to the European Commission for revision and then to EU government ministers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meps-vote-on-nutrition-and-health-claims http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meps-debate-food-health-claims-vitamin-additives MEPs debate food health claims, vitamin additivesSource: www.foodproductiondaily.comMembers of the European Parliament are today debating and voting on proposals for two new controversial pieces of proposed legislation that will affect food processors — one to put restrictions on the health claims they make about their products, the other regulating vitamin and mineral additives, reports Ahmed ElAmin.The debate on the proposed health claims legislation, which began last night, has been acrimonious. In the main the debate pits the UK and Germany, the two EU members with the largest food processing industries in Europe, against the other members. For details on the proposals regulating vitamin and mineral additives see the separate story in today's issue of FoodProductionDaily.com).It has resulted in intense lobbying by the food processing industry, which wants as few restrictions as possible put on the health benefits they claim for their products, against consumer groups and doctors’ associations.So far the food processing industry seems to be winning the battle, unless a compromise is achieved today between a coalition of right-wing European People's Party (Christian Democrats), UK and Germany members of the European Parliament (MPP), and other MPPs.The conflict intensified last month when a parliamentary committee excised a key clause in the European Commission’s proposals that would have banned food processors from claiming health benefits for products containing a high content of sugar, salt or fat.Parliament’s environment, public health and food safety committee voted 29 to 24 to cut the controversial requirement, known as "Article 4". Now the European Commission and civic groups are lobbying to get it reinstated today. “The Commission believes such claims should be based on scientific fact and should only be used after they have been duly authorised,” the body stated in a press release yesterday.Any nutrition or health claims should be based on a specific nutrient profile of the product, the Commission stated. The administrative body says the profile should be established under the supervision of the European Food Safety Authority. Any nutritional claims must appear on the food label.Under the Commission proposals any food described as having “no fat” must have no more than 0.5 grammes of fat per 100 grammes or 100ml. If a food product is described as “rich in protein”, at least 12 per cent of its energy value must come from proteins.The Commission also wants to ban certain health claims explicitly, such as those relating to weight and appetite control and about the advice of health professionals.However MEP’s on the committee voted to allow food processors to make such claims if these are scientifically substantiated. They voted to keep the ban in place for claims targeted directly at children.MEPs in the committee also voted to explicitly exclude from the proposed legislation wine and publicity campaigns for agricultural products, which are already covered by other legislation, as well as brand names.“Although the names of some brands in themselves hint at a nutritional benefit, these would not be affected if they have been registered in accordance with existing legislation,” the Commission stated.The committee is also proposing an amendment tightening up data protection. If food producers have to reveal industrial secrets to comply with the scientific requirements, they will be protected by intellectual property law.In addition, to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses are not penalised by the new system, the MEPs in the committee are calling for them to be granted special aid to help in preparing the documentation. Last week the standing committee of European Doctors, a lobby group, criticised the committee for excising article four on health benefit claims for products containing a high content of sugar, salt or fat and called for its reinstatement.Meanwhile industry groups say the problems lie in the diet of individuals and not in the composition of any particular product. The proposed legislation is available as a Word document by clicking here. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meps-debate-food-health-claims-vitamin-additives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/next-generation-non-animal-based-stabilized-hyaluronic-acid-dermal-filler-manufactured-with-mentors-patented-dxl-technology Next Generation, Non-Animal-Based, Stabilized, Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Manufactured with Mentor's Patented DXL TechnologySource: home.businesswire.comMentor Corporation (NYSE:MNT), a leading supplier of medical products in the United States and internationally, today announced it had launched its PURAGEN(TM) dermal filler product in Europe. PURAGEN is the new brand name for Mentor's proprietary next generation non-animal-based, hyaluronic acid dermal filler, manufactured with the Company's patented double cross-linked (DXL(TM)) technology. "PURAGEN represents an important advancement for patients and gives a very smooth injection resulting in a uniform filling to the lips and lower face lines," commented Nicholas Lowe, M.D., a thought-leading dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon with practices in London, England, and Santa Monica, California. "My European patients are pleased with the results of the product thus far, which appears to provide a long duration of wrinkle correction." PURAGEN is a pure from of hyaluronic acid derived from bacterial fermentation and does not have the risks associated with other products derived from animal by-products. PURAGEN is uniquely stabilized through Mentor's patent-protected DXL technology, which introduces two discrete double cross-linking reactions to provide improved product stability relative to all other commercially available hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers on the market in Europe, Canada and the United States. "PURAGEN represents an advanced option for the correction of wrinkles utilizing hyaluronic acid-based products," commented Joshua H. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mentor Corporation. "We are committed to delivering leading products for the field of facial aesthetics based on advancements in science and technology that add value for physicians and the patients they serve." Mentor is currently conducting the pivotal clinical study of PURAGEN in the United States, which is anticipated to be completed before the end of calendar 2005. About Mentor Corporation Founded in 1969, Mentor Corporation is a leading supplier of medical products for the global healthcare market. The Company develops, manufactures and markets innovative, science-based products for the aesthetics, urologic specialties and clinical and consumer healthcare markets around the world. The Company's website is www.mentorcorp.com. Safe Harbor Statement All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by us. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "provide," "potential," "continue," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are based upon the information available to us at this time. Such information is subject to change, and we will not necessarily inform you of such changes. These statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. The Securities and Exchange Commission filings of Mentor, including, without limitation, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, discuss important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or otherwise affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Mentor undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/next-generation-non-animal-based-stabilized-hyaluronic-acid-dermal-filler-manufactured-with-mentors-patented-dxl-technology http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-links-brain-fatty-acid-levels-to-depression Study Links Brain Fatty Acid Levels To DepressionSource: www.sciencedaily.comA group of researchers from Israel has discovered that rats exhibiting the signs of depression have increased levels of the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, in their brains. The details of their findings appear in the June issue of the Journal of Lipid Research, an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology journal. During recent years, omega-3 fatty acids have enjoyed increased popularity as numerous studies have shown that supplementing diets with fish oil (a natural source of this polyunsaturated fatty acid) does everything from reducing the risk of heart disease to preventing arthritis. There is also evidence that depression may be associated with a dietary deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. This "phospholipid hypothesis" of depression has been supported by research showing that omega-3 fatty acid concentration in the blood of depressed patients is lower than that in control patients. "The "phospholipid hypothesis" of depression postulates that decreased omega-3 fatty acid intake, and hence, perhaps decreased brain omega-3 fatty acid content, could be responsible for the disease," explains Dr. Pnina Green of Tel Aviv University. "In humans, because of high dietary variability and the obvious inability to examine brain tissue, the theory is backed up mainly by indirect evidence. The availability of the Flinders Sensitive Line rat, an animal model of depression, overcomes both these obstacles." In the Journal of Lipid Research study, Dr. Green in collaboration with Dr Gal Yadid of Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, used the Flinders Sensitive Line rats to investigate the link between omega-3 fatty acids and depression. They examined the brains of the depressed rats and compared them with brains from normal rats. Surprisingly, they found that the main difference between the two types of rats was in omega-6 fatty acid levels and not omega-3 fatty acid levels. Specifically, they discovered that brains from rats with depression had higher concentrations of arachidonic acid, a long-chain unsaturated metabolite of omega-6 fatty acid. Arachidonic acid is found throughout the body and is essential for the proper functioning of almost every body organ, including the brain. It serves a wide variety of purposes, from being a purely structural element in phospholipids to being involved in signal transduction and being a substrate for a host of derivatives involved in second messenger function. "The finding that in the depressive rats the omega-3 fatty acid levels were not decreased, but arachidonic acid was substantially increased as compared to controls is somewhat unexpected," admits Dr. Green. "But the finding lends itself nicely to the theory that increased omega-3 fatty acid intake may shift the balance between the two fatty acid families in the brain, since it has been demonstrated in animal studies that increased omega-3 fatty acid intake may result in decreased brain arachidonic acid." Although far less attention has been paid to dietary requirements for omega-6 fatty acids, which can be found in most edible oils and meat, perhaps in the future depression may be controlled by increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake and decreasing omega-6 fatty acid intake. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-links-brain-fatty-acid-levels-to-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-shark-pills-reverse-the-misery-of-hair-loss- Can shark pills reverse the misery of hair loss?Source: www.dailymail.co.ukBucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker has successfully treated a problem that affects many women, but which very few speak about. The Eurovision Song Contest winner always suffered from having somewhat less-than-lush hair. But when what hair she had started coming out in clumps in her hands as she washed or brushed it, she decided she needed to take swift action. At first Cheryl thought that overthecounter products such as sprays, creams and mousses might work. But when her hair kept falling out, she turned to a supplement made from shark cartilage. "A friend suggested I needed to take a dietary supplement to prevent the hair loss,' she says. The pills, Nourkrin, were quite expensive - £50 a month - and when not much had happened after the first month, I wondered whether shelling out for another month's supply was a wise investment. "But I was told that it might take two to three months before I got a result and so I paid another £50 and prayed I would see an improvement. By the end of the second month, my hair had stopped coming out and was starting to grow again. Over the next few months it continued to grow and there was no more hair loss." 'Major issue' Hair loss for men is not as big an emotional problem as it is for women. Many men take it in their stride, but for women it can be a major issue, affecting their feeling of femininity. And while few women actually go bald, many find that hormonal changes can cause them to suffer from hair thinning and loss. Cheryl, 50, is not alone. Research shows that up to two-thirds of women experience hair loss at some stage of their lives. Women often experience it for the first time two or three months after giving birth. The massive production of oestrogen during pregnancy puts hair follicles into their 'growth phase'. After the birth, the hormonal balance is restored and the hair follicles go into their "loss phase", causing hair to fall out. Similar problems can occur during the menopause or through stress. The contraceptive pill can also cause problems. Cheryl says she now has her best head of hair ever: "Bucks Fizz are about to do a tour, and I was desperate to look my best. Taking the supplements has helped. People have noticed that my hair looks better and the improvement has boosted my confidence." Shark cartilage Cheryl took a supplement that contains a mixture of shark cartilage, the mineral silica and vitamin C. The most important ingredient in the pill is shark cartilage, which contains glucosamine, a naturally occurring supplement which stimulates the growth of new tissue. Trials have shown that it stimulates dormant hair follicles. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Research showed a 38 per cent increase in new hair growth in 95 per cent of patients taking Nourkrin over a six-month period. The pills' other ingredients - Vitamin C and silica - found in green vegetables - are thought to help stimulate hair growth. Professor Jan Wadstein, a hair expert at Sweden's Lund University, says there have been numerous studies on shark cartilage for hair loss: "There is no doubt it has a significant effect on hair growth. "You need to take it for six months and then you get a good, positive effect. After this, you continue to take a lower, maintenance dose to prevent further hair loss. "The results aren't 100 per cent; far from it. But I would say you get about a 50 per cent improvement when you take supplements with shark cartilage. "For a lot of patients, that is a difference they can see and feel when they run their hands through their hair." 'Hormonal' Cheryl lives in Sevenoaks, Kent, with her husband, Steve, a guitarist in Cliff Richard's backing group. She first suffered hair loss shortly after the birth of her twins ten years ago when she was 40. "I knew it was hormonal and didn't panic, even though my hair was coming out in my hands. "After a few weeks it stopped happening and my hair grew back, but it was still pretty thin. Then, when I started going through the menopause two years ago, my hair started falling out again. "Finding the supplement has been a blessing. I've spent my life trying to make my hair look more luxuriant but now, at last, it feels and looks as if it has real body. "Although I've finished the treatment, I still take a regular dose to keep my hair well supplied with nutrients." Surveys in Britain and the U.S. suggest that up to 4.8 million women suffer some degree of hair loss, which can be reversed with a change in diet, according to Harley Street hair specialist Dr Hugh Rushton. He maintains that some women's hair loss problems are due to low iron levels because of a drop in meat consumption. 'Devastates their lives' Almost 90 per cent of women eat less iron than recommended. But the most recent figures on the problem are six years old, so things are likely to have got worse since the BSE crisis. Iron levels in young women become depleted due to losing blood during menstruation, but this is aggravated by a diet containing little or no red meat. As well as iron, meat contains the amino acid Llysine, which helps the body absorb iron. Dr Rushton says hair loss drives some women to despair. "It devastates their lives because they know their hair is getting thinner. They can become clinically depressed. "It's so upsetting that many women are put on antidepressants or tranquillisers because of hair loss. Their self-esteem is dramatically affected, as is their quality of life, and they don't always know where to turn." However, Tony Chu, Consultant Dermatologist at Harmmersmith Hospital is not convinced. "Female hair loss can be down to iron deficieny or problems with the thyroid gland, and it is unlikely that any ingredients in the shark cartilage would help that," he says. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-shark-pills-reverse-the-misery-of-hair-loss- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-holds-promise-in-alzheimers-fight Fish Oil Holds Promise In Alzheimer's FightSource: www.sciencedaily.comEven our grandmothers told us fish was "brain food"--and now scientists have evidence to back the claim. Researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that a diet high in docosahexenoic acid, or DHA--an omega-3 fatty acid found in relatively high concentrations in cold-water fish--dramatically slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice. Specifically, DHA cut the harmful brain plaques that mark the disease. The results appear in the March 23 online edition of the Journal of Neuroscience.Senior author Greg M. Cole, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System and UCLA, said that unlike many studies with mice, this one points to the benefits of a therapy that is easily available and already touted for other medical conditions. DHA--either from food sources such as fish and soy, or in fish-oil supplements--is recommended by many cardiologists for heart health, based on scores of previous studies."The good news from this study is that we can buy the therapy at a supermarket or drug store," said Cole. "DHA has a tremendous safety profile--essentially no side effects--and clinical trial evidence supports giving DHA supplements to people at risk for cardiovascular disease."The new study involved older mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease. The researchers fed one group of the mice DHA-fortified chow. The control mice ate a normal or DHA-depleted diet.After three to five months--the equivalent of several years in human biology--the high-DHA group had 70-percent less buildup of amyloid protein in the brain. This sticky protein makes up the plaques, or patches, that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's.A similar study by Cole's group published in Neuron last fall showed that DHA protected against damage to the "synaptic" areas where brain cells communicate and enabled mice to perform better on memory tests.The studies, say the scientists, suggest that even people who are genetically predisposed to the disease may be able to delay it by boosting their DHA intake.Omega-3 fatty acids, typically deficient in the American diet, are essential for human health. DHA in particular is vital to proper brain function, as well as eye health and other body processes. In recent years epidemiologists have tied fish-rich diets to a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and homed in on DHA as the preventive factor. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are now being tested in clinical trials with early-stage Alzheimer's patients in the United States, Canada and Sweden to see if the therapy really slows the disease.Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel and sardines, as well as almonds, walnuts, soy, and DHA-enriched eggs. Concerns about mercury contamination in fish have helped popularize purified DHA supplements based on fish oil or algae. Last year, Cole's team identified another nutrient that appears to combat Alzheimer's plaques in mice: curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, one of the spices that make up curry powder. Researchers became interested in curcumin's potential to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease after noting the low prevalence of dementia among the elderly in India, where curry is a staple. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-holds-promise-in-alzheimers-fight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-absorption-depends-on-compound Calcium absorption depends on compoundSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comFortified food and drink makers should bear in mind the bioavailability of different forms of calcium, according to new research investigating the fortification systems used in orange juice brands.Orange juice is one of the most convenient fortified products, and companies have been quick to realize its potential for a range of health conditions with the launch of value-added products such as Minute Maid’s Heart Wise with cholesterol-lowering plant sterols, and Tropicana Pure Premium Calcium and Vitamin D. But in the case of calcium, there is not necessarily a correlation between content listed on the nutritional label and actual nutritional value, say researchers at Creighton University, as some forms of the mineral are better absorbed by the body than others. For their study, 25 healthy premenopausal women consumed one of two commercially marketed calcium-fortified orange juices in an amount providing 500mg of calcium. One of the juices was fortified with calcium citrate malate and the other with a combination of tricalcium phosphate and calcium lactate. The participants drank the juice at breakfast time following an overnight fast, and their serum calcium levels were measured over a nine-hour period. Overall, the women who drank the calcium citrate malate fortified product absorbed 48 percent more calcium than the tricalcium phosphate/calcium lactate group. Lead researcher Dr Robert Heaney has responded to detractors, who say that his findings show that fortified orange juice is inferior to natural sources of calcium. “While it's great for consumers to get calcium from natural sources like milk, dairy products and dark green vegetables, fortification has proven to be invaluable in supplementing the intake of calcium in the diet,” he said. Although the study used fortified orange juice, the conclusions could bear relevance to other types of fortified foods and supplements too. Heaney added that he is in favor of manufacturers evaluating absorption of their calcium-fortified products to ensure their effectiveness, and displaying this information on labels to prevent consumers from buying products that do not give them as much nutritional benefit as they think. This is not the first time that Heaney has carried out research that has questioned the quality of fortified beverages. In another study published in Nutrition Today in February, he concluded that the calcium actually available in some soy and rice drinks can be as much as 85 percent lower than the amount on the product label, owing to the mineral settling at the bottom of the pack.Calcium is known to help build healthy bones and teeth, and prevent osteoporosis, a brittle bone disease that can affect older women. It is also believed to play a role in the normal clotting of blood, the transmission of nerve impulses, enzyme regulation, insulin secretion and muscle function regulation. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1300mg for teenagers, between 1000 to 1200mg for adults and up to 1500mg for postmenopausal women, the group most at risk of osteoporosis. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-absorption-depends-on-compound http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dna-diet The DNA DietSource: cbs2chicago.comIn medicine tonight: the DNA Diet. It claims to be the ultimate in personalized weight loss because as medical editor Mary Ann Childers reports, it's a plan tailored for your individual genetic make-up.Ariel Leichter-Maroko has been dieting his whole life. Atkins, Weight Watchers, high-fat, low-carb, the 25-year-old law student has tried them all. Nothing worked for him. “These other diets that I have been on have pretty much been one-size-fits-all diets," he said.But over the past several months, Ariel has lost 20 pounds and six inches off his waist on a diet based on his DNA. This new kind of "ultimate designer diet" is also a choice for 23-year-old actress Elle Smith because of her family history."I have three older brothers and two wonderful parents, and they are all overweight," Smith said.The DNA Diet uses a home test kit. You fill out a lifestyle questionnaire, swab the inside of your cheek to collect the DNA sample, and mail it in."This is your own unique DNA Diet action plan," Carolyn Katzin, the diet's creator, says. The sample is analyzed for 19 gene pairs and 26 variations that relate to such areas as heart health, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. "This is the most important information for you at a cellular level… You can understand much better how you operate and how you work."You get back a diet plan tailor-made for you.Dr. Alan Heilpern said, "You're certainly going to have a better chance of being successful if you know what your genes need based on testing them than if you do it hit or miss, trying this particular fad or that particular fad."But not everyone's convinced.Northwestern University Medical Center geneticist Rex Chisholm said, “The idea that you would somehow genotype a few genes and dictate your diet based on that is a stretch."Dr. Chisholm says genes play a role in obesity, along with our environment, our activity level, and our choices. "There's a fair amount of skepticism whether we have enough basic scientific information for things like a DNA-based diet," he said.But Ariel isn't arguing with success. For the first time he's confident he'll reach his goal of losing 20 more pounds. "I know that it will work for me because I believe in the science."“If it works for me, I'll tell everybody,” Smith said. “I'll tell the world!"DNA diets are based on the emerging field of nutrigenomics, the study of how genes and food interact. The National Institutes of Health has committed more than $6 million to this research.As for the diet, recommendations are not radical. Ariel was told to eat lean meats, more veggies, and watch breads and pastas made with refined wheat. Nothing that will harm you except maybe the price: basic DNA Diet testing costs $600. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dna-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-procedure-cuts-through-knee-pain-without-a-knife New procedure cuts through knee pain without a knifeSource: www.goedwardsville.comAthletes aren't the only ones who have knee problems. Advertisement Osteoarthritis is the common malady that strikes nearly 5 million Americans per year and the knees are a prime target. Bad knees not only cause pain, they limit a person's activities and affect an individual's quality of life. According to medical experts, osteoarthritis is not just a disease that is linked to aging -- three out of five people who are affected are under the age of 50. With the Federal Drug Administration's removal of several popular drugs used to relieve osteoarthritis pain, patients and doctors are seeking new methods of treatment. Now, Dr. Fred Ginsberg, medical director of Associated Physicians Group, raises hope for the alleviation of chronic knee pain and offers sufferers a new method of relief without undergoing knee surgery. The goal of the medical doctors, chiropractor and therapists at APG is to help people to be pain free said Jay Taddei, the chief operating officer of the company. Its motto is "It just makes sense." According to Ginsberg, it makes sense to try something new before resorting to surgery or a total knee replacement because once the knee is replaced, you can't go back. An internist and anesthesiologist, Ginsberg now devotes himself to pain management and non-operative treatment of the knee. After studying the treatment of knee problems by the injection of hyaluronic acid, Ginsberg's research led to the work of Dr. David Waddell, professor of orthopedic surgery at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, La. Waddell was having success with fluoroscopy-guided injections of the hyaluronic acid into the knee joint using a contrasting dye for accuracy. Ginsberg takes it further by incorporating the Theraciser program as part of the treatment. Simplifying the description for the lay person, Ginsberg compares the joint to the metal parts in an automobile engine which must be lubricated to keep metal from grinding on metal. The motor oil must have a certain thickness or viscosity to be effective. The synovial joint fluid in the knee is comparable to the motor oil, but the knee also has cushions of cartilage which are lubricated and nourished by the synovial fluid. As the body ages, it produces less synovial fluid causing the cartilage to thin and break down until there is little or no cushion left between the ends of the thigh bone and the shin bone where they meet in the knee joint. Ah, there's the rub, well, grind, and thus the pain. Some symptoms of osteoarthritis include, morning stiffness, pain on going up or down stairs, cracking and popping, redness and swelling. Ginsberg said patients are rated for the severity of their problem on a gradient system that looks at four conditions with each condition rated 1 to 4, comparable to 1 being mild, 2 being mild to moderate, 3 being moderate to severe, and 4 being bone on bone. Ginsberg calls it the Rice Krispies sound. "Hardly anybody wants to treat a 4," he said. "The way our program is designed even a high 4 can have some degree of relief." Using Hyalgan, a purified form of the natural chemical hyaluronan that is found in the body, Ginsberg injects it into the very narrow space between the cartilage and the bone, guiding it with the aid of the fluoroscope. The next part of the treatment is what really makes it effective, he said. The patient is put into the Theraciser Rehab program where gentle but effective movement of the knee joint acts like a pump, increasing the effect of the Hyalgan injection. One effect is to make the synovial fluid more viscous and thus more effective at what it's supposed to do. Ginsberg said the result of the treatment is decreased pain, decreased inflammation, and perhaps most important, the stimulation of new cartilage growth. So far, the FDA has only approved this treatment for knee joints, but by July, Ginsberg said it will be approved for use in shoulder joints. He said the United States is always years behind other countries in approving new drugs and this treatment has been available in Japan and Europe where it is also used by dentists to treat TMJ syndrome and by ophthalmologists for certain types of ocular surgery. "We believe in pain-free rehabilitation," Taddei said. "If it hurts, you'll just increase the inflammation. If you rehab through pain, you'll get an inflammatory response. Very few physical therapy facilities do high-speed motion. Our method uses high speed motion to actually pump the fluid into the joint." Taddei emphasized that APG with offices in Glen Carbon, O'Fallon, Freeburg, and soon to be in Swansea, is an integrated medical practice with three medical doctors and a chiropractor on site. There are also three physical therapists, a nurse practitioner and physicians' assistants. "We don't do family practice," Taddei said. "We specialize in getting people out of pain. Anytime you can prevent surgery, it's a good thing." He said there are very few places in the country that are offering this type of treatment. Ginsberg said it is offered at Duke University and maybe in California. His patients travel many miles to get the treatment. One man came three times a week for two months and now he is able to take his wife dancing. The ones the APG team points to with satisfaction are the ones who couldn't walk without assisting devices before participating in the program and who are able to walk on their own now without discomfort. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-procedure-cuts-through-knee-pain-without-a-knife http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-sufferers-face-painful-movement-daily Arthritis sufferers face painful movement dailySource: www.thetimesonline.comWe used to think of it as an old person's complaint -- achy, swollen joints, stiffness upon rising and knees that can predict the weather. Today, osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, affects nearly 21 million people in the United States. It usually comes with age and most often affects the fingers, knees and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint.Anyone beyond the age of 45 can find themselves going through analgesics faster than they used to. OA typically manifests itself in men before they reach 55, however women quickly outpace the men in incidents of OA by the time they pass 55. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is the female's broader hip structure that puts additional stress on the knees.A joint effortPhysical therapists prescribe exercises, drugs for pain reliefArthritis sufferers were left looking for relief when two out of three of the newest osteoarthritis (OA) medications were recalled.In September, 2004 Vioxx was taken off the market. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration requested that Pfizer suspend sales of Bextra in the U.S. With FDA mandated side-effect warnings plastered on both prescription and over-the-counter medications, what's left to suppress the aches?COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex were developed because they were safer for the stomach, said Dr. Karen Kovalow-St. John, of the Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute."The one choice (of COX-2 inhibitor) is Celebrex because there have not been studies that indicate that it causes heart attacks," she said. "We have other alternatives." She has gone back to using older drugs and prescribing stomach protecting medications to counteract their gastrointestinal side effects.For knee osteoarthritis, Kovalow-St. John said a cortisone-like medication can be injected into the joint. The treatment, called vicosupplementation, involves a series of injections of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance found in the body that gives joint fluid its viscosity. It's a temporary fix, and only can be administered in the same joint three or four times a year. "I tell my patients, 'I'm not sending you back in to play football,'" she said. "Sometimes when it gets to be bone on bone, the only thing that will help is a new knee."For prevention as well as for mild OA cases, Kovalow-St. John suggests taking vitamin C, which is good for cartilage. Calcium and vitamin D also are important. "Glucosamine and Chrondroitin can help with pain," she said, adding that because they are not FDA regulated, you have to be careful, as the quality and constitution of these supplements varies.The next step in treatment for OE is Tylenol. "If you have osteoarthritis and have chronic pain, take Tylenol two or three times a day," she said. "Then go to nonsteroidal."NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and swelling and aid in pain relief. They are recommended for people who have moderate to severe pain and signs of inflammation associated with OA. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium and meloxicam. Kovalow-St. John reminds her patients that no medication is without side effects. "We always keep in mind the ups and downs (with each patient)," she said. "In terms of the cardiovascular risk, you have to be educated about your real risk and decide from there."When taking any medication, whether over-the-counter or prescription, it is important to make sure mixing them is not detrimental.Patients of Dr. Larry Brazley of Merrillville are asked to bring all of their medications in when they make an appointment. "We take the history and physical information to determine if the patient is at risk (for side effects of certain medications)," said Susan Fisher, RN. Fisher has worked alongside Brazley, who specializes in Adult Rheumatology, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, for the past 19 years."When they come to see us it's not just a matter of 'take this pill,'" she said. "It's a lifestyle change, an adjustment." Weight is a huge factor because excess weight puts more stress on the joints. Exercise is important because you need to have your muscles carry your weight, not your joints, Fisher said.Barbara Rohe, of Rohe Physical Therapy Services, said her patients range in age from adolescents to 80-year-olds. But whether they come in for OA or sports injuries, she said they all want to take their health into their own hands as much as possible. In some cases, she said, the loss of Vioxx and Bextra pushed patients toward physical therapy. "Some will have to continue taking medications but given recent events, they're looking to augment their arsenal," Rohe said. "The slack can be made up by strengthening the muscles."Rohe recommends water aerobics, preferably in a heated pool with stairs instead of a ladder, making it easier to get in and out of. She suggests having a dialogue with your doctor about exercise. "It's much easier to take a medication in the morning than to see a physical therapist and follow through on the exercises," she said. "I think most doctors would be open to prescribing physical therapy."For many OA patients, she said, it's not necessary to go to a therapist several times a week. It is common for a patient to see a therapist for an evaluation and be given exercises they can perform at home. "If the exercises start to get too easy or you get bored, sometimes it's a matter of upgrading or changing the activity," Rohe said. "The beauty of working with a physical therapist is that it's a very individualized program. We can determine mechanically where the trouble is."Another way in which physical therapy can be helpful is in guiding lifestyle changes. Karen Cagen, occupational therapist, certified hand therapist and owner of Northwest Indiana Hand & Physical Therapy, sends OA patients home with instructions. "We give them information about the right way and the wrong way to do daily living activities," she said. They add flexibility exercises and instruction in modality like when to use cold and when to use heat for pain relief.Therapy guided exercise requires motivation on the part of the patient. "I like to call physical therapy a participatory sport," Rohe said. "I think most doctors would love to see patients more actively managing their health in that way."Protect your jointsOsteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, with nearly 21 million Americans living with it today. No longer considered just a consequence of aging, researchers now have several candidates when looking for a cause: musculoskeletal defects, genetic defects, obesity or injury and overuse.While you may not be able to control a genetic trait or knock knees, there are some definite actions you can take to protect your joints and help prevent OA.* Maintain your ideal body weight. The more you weigh, the more stress you are putting on your joints, especially your hips, knees, back and feet.* Move your body. Exercise protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them. Strong muscles keep your joints from rubbing against one another, wearing down cartilage.* Stand up straight. Good posture protects the joints in your neck, back, hips and knees.* Use the big joints. When lifting or carrying, use largest and strongest joints and muscles. This will help you avoid injury and strain on your smaller joints.* Pace yourself. Alternate periods of heavy activity with periods of rest. Repetitive stress on joints for long periods of time can accelerate the wear and tear that causes OA.* Listen to your body. If you are in pain, don't ignore it. Pain after activity or exercise can be an indication that you have overstressed your joints.* Don't be static. Changing positions regularly will decrease the stiffness in your muscles and joints.* Forget the weekend warrior. Don't engage in activities for which your body isn't prepared. Start new activities slowly and safely until you know how your body will react to them. This will reduce the chance of injury.* Wear proper safety equipment. Don't leave helmets and wrist pads at home. Make sure you get safety gear that is comfortable and fits appropriately.* Ask for help. Don't try to do a job that is too big for you to handle. Get another pair of hands to help out.Source: The Arthritis Foundation Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-sufferers-face-painful-movement-daily http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-may-lead-to-skin-protection Vitamins May Lead To Skin ProtectionSource: www.ksdk.comLast weekend a study said some exposure to the sun may be beneficial because it naturally generates Vitamin D, a cancer fighter. But too much sun still can be deadly. Researchers are using vitamins in a new high tech way, to get skin repairing antioxidants below the surface of the skin and into cells.Soon skin saving vitamins may pick up where sunscreen leaves off. You slap on the hat, slather on the sunscreen, and you still get burned.Dermatologist Dr. Heidi Mmangelsdorf explains, "That is why it is important to have that antioxidant protection. It is sort of that second level of sun protection." Protection that is packed into or is rubbed on along with sunscreen to fight sun damage at the cellular level. Potions packed with anti-oxidants and plant extracts that neutralize skin damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. These aren't just any vitamins, but biologically active ingredients that can get into cells. One of the newest concoctions combines active Vitamin C and E with ferulic acid - a substance plants produce for sun protection. Dr. Mangelsdorf says, "That actually provides eight times the protection of not having anything on at all, and it lasts for three days. It's like having an SPF of 8 in your cells for three days." Other super skin saving antioxidants include olive leaf extract, which studies show helps detox cell damage, and idebenone, a cousin of co-q ten tested to treat Alzheimer's. Dr. Mangelsdorf adds, "I think it is still important to put on sunscreen, you don't want light to get to cells, but if you have an antioxidant product on, you can feel like your cells are very protected."Protection picks up where the SPF leaves off.The super anti-oxidant lotions aren't cheap and can run anywhere from $20 to $100. You have to do your homework, too. Products that claim to contain skin protecting vitamins may not have the active form that can get into the cell. You have to look for the "active" version of the vitamins which often have different names. For example, Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Many of these products are so new they are only sold in doctor's offices. Some of the ingredients have been used in skin creams and other anti-aging products. They are now being refined in higher potencies for sun repair.All the ingredients listed in the story are pharmaceutical grade and have been tested in clinical studies.For more information on the ingredients listed in the story: Idebenone is being marketed by allergan www.allergan.com The product name is Prevage. (Research presented at American Academy of Dermatology 2004 poster session) Grape Leaf extract products have been studied by the National Cancer Institute and is manufactured by IS Clinical www.isclinical.com 1-888-804-4447 (NCI and NIH survey studies) C-E Ferulic Acid is being marketed by Skinceuticals .(study by Duke presented at American Academy of Dermatology in Feb 2005) For more information, call 1-800-811-1660, or visit www.skinceuticals.com. To spot active vitamin C and E - look for Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and E (Alpha Tocopherol) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-may-lead-to-skin-protection http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-drink-may-sharpen-morning-mental-skills Protein drink may sharpen morning mental skillsSource: www.reuters.comAn evening milkshake spiked with the amino acid tryptophan may help clear the morning mental fog of the sleep-deprived, preliminary research suggests. In a study of 28 healthy young adults, researchers found that accompanying an evening meal with a milkshake containing a protein powder called alpha-lactalbumin -- which delivers a high concentration of tryptophan -- seemed to improve morning alertness among participants who had mild sleep problems. "Good" sleepers, on the other hand, showed no such benefit. The findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest that the supplement sharpened certain participants' mental acuity by improving their sleep. However, much more research is needed before tryptophan-laced milkshakes can be recommended as a sleep aid, according to lead study author Dr. C. Rob Markus of the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Alpha-lactalbumin, or A-LAC, is a protein derived from the whey component of milk. It contains a high concentration of the essential amino acid tryptophan, a protein building-block best known for its sleep-inducing effects. In the body, tryptophan serves as a precursor for the brain chemical serotonin, which, among other things, is thought to help regulate sleep. Tryptophan is found in foods such as beef, chicken, dairy products and, most famously, turkey -- which is often blamed for the near-coma that follows Thanksgiving dinner. In reality, however, the relatively low concentration of tryptophan in turkey and other foods is unlikely to affect the brain because it must compete with other amino acids and nutrients for absorption. In their study, Markus and his colleagues examined whether an A-LAC protein powder, with its high concentration of tryptophan, could increase the ratio of tryptophan to other amino acids in participants' blood -- and whether there would be any difference in their mental alertness the next morning. The protein powder, marketed as BioPure, was supplied by Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based Davisco Foods International. Fourteen men and women with mild sleep problems, and 14 others without sleep complaints took part in two experiments on separate evenings -- one in which they consumed a tryptophan-fortified milkshake with dinner and later for a snack, and one in which they had "placebo" milkshakes that did not contain the A-LAC supplement. The next morning, participants took a computerized test that measured their mental reaction times, while electrodes placed on their scalps recorded their brain activity. Markus and his colleagues found that participants' blood levels of tryptophan were more than twice as high on the night they dined on the supplemented milkshakes compared with the placebo milkshakes. More importantly, men and women who normally had sleep problems performed better on the mental-alertness test on the morning after having the tryptophan-containing milkshakes. On the other hand, tryptophan made no difference to the performance of the 14 participants with no sleep problems. It's likely, according to Markus and his colleagues, that improved sleep explains the better test performance. They found that people who were normally "poor sleepers" reported less morning grogginess the day after having the tryptophan-fortified milkshakes. However, it's too soon to start recommending the A-LAC supplement to the sleep-deprived, Markus told Reuters Health. "A lot of research needs to be conducted before making any claims," he said. Among the remaining questions is how the souped-up shakes might affect people with more-significant sleep problems. And in general, Markus noted, the precise role of tryptophan and serotonin in sleep is not fully understood. Though they appear to help regulate sleep-wake rhythms, he said, the magnitude of the influence is not clear. SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-drink-may-sharpen-morning-mental-skills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarian-diet-ideal-for-lactose-intolerant Vegetarian diet ideal for lactose-intolerantSource: www.hindu.comDon't settle for less than a century. Go vegan!" is the tagline for a campaign featuring Greg Chappell. The new Indian cricket coach has teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to create a new advertisement advocating vegetarianism, a diet free of meat, eggs and dairy products. Chappell recommends vegetarianism for everyone from athletes to businessmen, and credits his vegetarian diet for improving his own health. But what do people in Bangalore feel about turning vegetarian? "I support vegetarianism, but a vegetarian diet is just not practical," says Aparna, a housewife. "Without milk and eggs, you are losing out on nutrients," she says. But some of the world's nutritionists are now advocating a vegetarian diet. Doctors in the U.S. report that a vast majority of all cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other forms of degenerative illness can be prevented with a plant-based diet. Pratibha Sharan, a nutritionist in the Bangalore, feels that people who turn vegetarian are just following a fad. "A major drawback of dropping milk and eggs is the calcium and protein deficiency that follows. If you take adequate supplements to make up for the loss caused by dropping milk and eggs, then it is all right," she says. A vegetarian diet can be the solution for those who are lactose intolerant. A startling World Health Organisation statistic reveals that 40 per cent of all adults are lactose intolerant. When these people consume dairy products; they can suffer abdominal cramps, skin rashes, coughing, uneasiness and other problems. Dr. Pratibha agrees that vegetarianism is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant and even Greg Chappell discovered that the illnesses that had plagued him all his life disappeared when he turned vegetarian. As a dietary choice it may not be catching on too fast in Bangalore, but vegetarianism definitely has. Ann, another vegetarian, says, "I chose to turn away from meat because I have great compassion for animals. I am pro-life so there is no reason for me to live off the life of another." Health buffs also view vegetarianism as a healthier option. "Non-vegetarian diets are often high on calories and fat that will eventually cause serious cardiac problems," says a dietician. Ayesha, a student, feels that one's diet is a personal choice. "I personally don't think it is healthier to be vegetarian. Many vegetarians suffer from cardiac problems." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarian-diet-ideal-for-lactose-intolerant http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fatty-acids-may-have-autism-link Fatty acids 'may have autism link'Source: www.dailymail.co.ukChildhood autism may be linked to a deficiency of fatty acids, researchers said. The exact causes of autism remain unknown, although it is thought genetic factors or a variety of conditions affecting brain development may play a role. Now the results of a pilot study in Scotland have suggested that the behaviour of fatty acids in the blood of children diagnosed with autism may differ from that of other youngsters. Look here too...Skip gossip links to more articles Surgery begins on 'mermaid baby' War 'can improve soldiers' health' Atkins ad claim 'unsubstantiated' Hypnotherapy 'may relieve IBS' Alzheimer drugs 'heal brain cells' Millions aim for a beach body The researchers, from the universities of Stirling and Edinburgh, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, have been awarded £125,335 by the Chief Scientist Office to carry out further research to back up their findings. The study will measure the blood fatty acid levels of 50 children with autism and compare them to samples from non-autistic children. Fatty acids can be found in fish such as mackerel and salmon, and are also available as health supplements. But the researchers said they did not yet know whether taking such supplements could be beneficial in the battle with autism. Lead researcher Dr Gordon Bell, of the University of Stirling, said: "Fatty acids are required for the optimal function of cells and organs such as the brain and eyes as well as for fighting off infection. "Our preliminary research shows that levels of an enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism may be higher in children with autism and therefore these children may metabolise fatty acids quicker. However, it is too early to say whether fatty acid food supplements could help." Dr Anne O'Hare, of the University of Edinburgh, added: "The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically over the past 10 years, both in Scotland and in the developed world as a whole. "We hope that this new research will lead to the development of treatments for managing autism in children." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fatty-acids-may-have-autism-link http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-and-blood-clotting VITAMIN K AND BLOOD CLOTTINGSource: www.yobserver.comVitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K can be produced in the intestines and this function is improved with the presence of cultured milk, like yoghurt, in the diet. Vitamin K is found in nature in two forms - K1, also called phylloquinone, is found in plants and vitamin K2, also called menaquinone, the form of the vitamin present in animal foods and which can be synthesised by many bacteria. Vitamin K3, menadione, is a synthetic form of this vitamin which is manmade. These vitamins are absorbed from the diet and converted to an active form called dihydrovitamin K. Role of Vitamin K in blood clottingVitamin K is used in the body to control blood clotting and is essential for synthesising the liver protein that controls the clotting. It is involved in creating the important prothrombin, which is the precursor to thrombin - a very important factor in blood clotting. Without the vitamin, even a small cut would cause continuous bleeding in the body, and consequently death.Blood clotting is a process that begins automatically when any injury produces a tear in a blood vessel. The process of blood clotting involves a collection of molecules, which circulate continuously through the bloodstream. When an injury occurs, these molecules rapidly assemble and form the blood clot. The clotting factors are proteins, and include proteins called Factor II, Factor VII, Factor IX, and Factor X. Factor II is also called prothrombin. These proteins require vitamin K for their synthesis in the body. The blood-clotting process also requires a dozen other proteins that do not need vitamin K for their synthesis.Vitamin K is also involved in bone formation and repair. In the intestines it also assists in converting glucose to glycogen, this can then be stored in the liver. There are some indications that Vitamin K may decrease the incidence or severity of osteoporosis and slow bone loss.Deficiency of vitamin K Vitamin K deficiency exists when chronic failure to eat sufficient amounts of vitamin K results in a tendency for spontaneous bleeding or in prolonged and excessive bleeding with trauma or injury. A shortage of this vitamin may manifest itself in nosebleeds, internal haemorrhaging. Vitamin K deficiency occurs also in newborn infants, as well as in people treated with certain antibiotics. The protein in the body most affected by vitamin K deficiency is a blood-clotting protein called prothrombin.Causes and symptomsNewborns are especially prone to vitamin K deficiency. A nursing-mother's milk is low in the vitamin; breast milk can supply only about 20 percent of the infant's requirement. Infants are born with low levels of vitamin K in their body; they do not have any vitamin K-producing bacteria in their intestines. Their digestive tracts are sterile. As a result, a form of vitamin K deficiency, called haemorrhagic disease of the newborn, may develop. This disease involves spontaneous bleeding beneath the skin or elsewhere in the infant's body, and occurs in about 1 percent of all infants. In rare cases, it can cause death due to spontaneous bleeding in the brain.Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare. When it occurs, it is found in people with diseases that prevent the absorption of fat. These diseases include cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and cholestasis. Vitamin K deficiency can exist in adults treated with antibiotics that kill the bacteria that normally live in the digestive tract. As mentioned, the intestine-bacteria supply part of our daily requirement of vitamin K. Vitamin K deficiency can result in bleeding gums, and in skin that is easily bruised.DiagnosisVitamin K status is measured by the prothrombin time test. The normal prothrombin time is about 13 seconds. With vitamin K deficiency, the prothrombin time can be several minutes. The test involves taking a sample of blood, placing it in a machine called a fibrometer, and measuring the time it takes for blood-clot formation.A rare genetic disease called hemophilia can also cause blood-clotting problems. Hemophilia is not related to vitamin K deficiency. Once vitamin K deficiency is suspected, further tests must be used to distinguish it from possible hemophilia. Where a bleeding disorder can be corrected by vitamin K treatment, the diagnosis of vitamin K deficiency is proven to be correct.TreatmentVitamin K deficiency in newborn infants is treated and prevented with a single injection of phylloquinone (5 mg). Adults with vitamin K deficiency are treated with daily oral doses of 10mg phylloquinone for one week.PrognosisThe prognosis for correcting vitamin K deficiency, and associated blood-clotting problems, is excellent.PreventionAside from newborns and young infants, vitamin K deficiency is not a concern for the general population. Vitamin K deficiency can be prevented by assuring that the diet contains foods such as spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and eggs. Soybean oil, canola oil, and olive oil are good sources of the vitamin, while corn oil and peanut oil are very poor sources.RDA The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 micrograms per day for Males and 70 micrograms per day for Females.Toxicity and symptoms of high intakeToxicity does not easily occur with normal dietary intake of this vitamin, but can happen if synthetic compound vitamin K 3 is taken. High to toxic uptake in the synthetic form can cause flushing and sweating. Jaundice and anaemia may also develop.If you are taking anti-coagulant (to prevent blood clotting) medication, consult your medical practitioner before taking a Vitamin K supplement.Supplement best used withDietary fat is necessary for the absorption of this vitamin. Enemy of vitamin KWhen you are prone to bruising easily, or when pregnant you might be in need of more Vitamin K.But be careful not to take too much Vitamin K in the last stages of pregnancy, since it could be toxic for the baby. Food sources of vitamin KVitamin K is found in leafy vegetables, cheese and liver. It is also found in asparagus, coffee, bacon and green tea. Spinach, lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are good sources of vitamin K. Cow’s milk is also a good source of the vitamin.A portion of the body's vitamin K is supplied by bacteria living in the intestine rather than by dietary sources. Key TermsFat-soluble vitamin - Fat-soluble vitamins can be dissolved in oil or in melted fat.Haemorrhage - Bleeding that continues for an abnormally long period of time. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-and-blood-clotting http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-supplements-effective-in-combating-depression Vitamin B 12 Supplements Effective In Combating DepressionSource: Althealth NewsAn increasing amount of research is looking at the association between vitamin B and depression, but the specifics have not been understood. Researchers conducted a study to look at the relationship of vitamin B12 and the treatment of depression.The study included 115 patients who suffered from depression. Over a six-month period, researcher grouped them as to how well they responded to treatment including not at all, partially or fully. Investigators also measured the level of vitamin B12 in the patients' blood when they first came to the clinic and again at their six-month check up. Researchers then determined if the level of vitamin B12 played a role in the patients' outcomes.Researchers report the patients who responded fully to treatment had higher concentrations of vitamin B12 in their blood at the start and end of the study when compared to those who did not respond to treatment. The study also found the association between vitamin B12 and the response to treatment remained even after other factors were considered such as type of treatment received, smoking and drinking habits, and if other family members suffered from depression.Researchers say, there have been no previous studies that have suggested a positive relationship between vitamin B12 and the treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder who have normal or high vitamin B12 levels. However researchers say the new study supports previous research that showed patients responded better to treatment if they took vitamins B1, B2 and B6. These vitamins indirectly increase the level of vitamin B12 in these patients' blood. Therefore, they say it appears taking vitamin B supplements may help people respond positively to antidepressants. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-supplements-effective-in-combating-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-biomarker-to-predict-osteoarthritis A biomarker to predict osteoarthritisSource: archives.moneyplans.netStudy of large, ethnically diverse population shows strong association between high levels of hyaluronic acid and severe osteoarthritis of the knees and hips - A chronic degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and disability among older Americans. OA of the knee affects up to 6 percent of the older population, while OA of the hip affects about another 3 percent. While treatments vary, there is hope that early intervention - before joint destruction can be clearly seen and measured on an X-ray image-will improve outcomes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-biomarker-to-predict-osteoarthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-diet-and-atherosclerosis Good Diet and AtherosclerosisSource: archives.moneyplans.netAtherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty deposits in the walls of the arteries. When these deposits, or plaques, build up in the blood vessels of the heart, they cause coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack. When they build up in the blood vessels of the brain, they cause cerebral artery disease, which can lead to a stroke. Atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of heart disease. It progresses slowly and in some cases begins development from as early as childhood. Heart disease affects 60 million Americans and is the leading cause of death of adults in the United States. An estimated 1,100,000 new or recurrent heart attacks occur annually which translates into someone experiencing a heart attack every 20 seconds; one-third of these episodes will lead to death. Although genetic inheritance and family history plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis, lifestyle and healthy food choices are being found to have equal, if not greater, impact on arterial health. In fact, a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association in which a whole foods diet was compared head-to-head with treatment by statin drugs found the whole foods approach to be so effective that the Comment accompanying this JAMA article is entitled, "Diet first, then medication for hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-diet-and-atherosclerosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tibetan-herbal-formula-proven-to-improve-cardiovascular-and-vein-health Tibetan Herbal Formula Proven to Improve Cardiovascular and Vein HealthSource: archives.moneyplans.netTibetan herbal formula PADMA, exclusively distributed in the United States by EcoNugenics, Inc.®, has been proven to be effective in promoting circulation and aiding in treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive diseases (PAOD). Dr. Jörg Melzer from the University of Zurich, Department of Natural Medicine in Zurich, Switzerland has announced the promising results of his systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical data of PADMA. "The new data shows PADMA as an effective means of promoting circulation and increasing physical activity levels in PAOD patients," states Isaac Eliaz, M.D., L.Ac., chairman of EcoNugenics and medical director of Amitabha Medical Clinic and Healing Center. “The advantages of using a multi-compound formula such as PADMA, rather than a single compound, are evident in its 30 years of continued usage in Switzerland.” The six, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies consisted of the data of 444 patients (average age of 63; 64 percent males) diagnosed with stable PAOD Fontaine stage IIb. After four months patients treated with PADMA showed a marked increase in treadmill walking distance.[1] PADMA is a multi-compound Tibetan herbal formula that consists of 22 compounds: 20 herbal ingredients, camphor and calcium sulphate. Additional studies have suggested that the PADMA formula may be effective in supporting the immune system, promoting healthy circulation and supporting antioxidant activity. PADMA is sold as a drug and as a nutritional supplement in Europe. The same PADMA is sold in North America, distributed by EcoNugenics, as PADMA BASIC®. EcoNugenics was founded in 1995 with a commitment to offering premium dietary supplements and nutraceuticals based on the best of modern science integrated with the ancient wisdom of traditional and complementary therapies. They are committed to five basic principles, which include innovation in product formulation, thorough scientific research, ongoing clinical validation, customer education and empowerment and superior quality control. For more information on the PADMA product line contact EcoNugenics at 800.308.5518 or http://www.econugenics.com . For additional inquiries or to request a copy of the study contact Amanda Holty at amandah@imgbranding.com or 801.538.0777 ext. 106. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. [1] Melzer J, Brignoli R, Diehm C, Reichling J, Do Dai-Do, Saller R, A systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical data of, PADMA, a Tibetan herbal multi-compound formula, in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tibetan-herbal-formula-proven-to-improve-cardiovascular-and-vein-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/increased-vitamin-b-consumption-reduces-womens-risk-of-colorectal-cancer Increased Vitamin B consumption reduces women's risk of colorectal cancerSource: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)According to a study published in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Gastroenterology, women with a high dietary intake of vitamin B6 over several years have a decreased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Women who consume moderate to large amounts of alcohol in addition to vitamin B6 have more than a 70 percent reduced risk of developing CRC. "Consuming a diet high in vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women, more specifically those who consume alcohol," said Susanna Larsson, MSc, study author with the Karolinska Institutet. "Inadequate vitamin B6 status may lead to the development of cancerous polyps in the colon, so it is important for women to maintain a normal to high intake of vitamin B6." The second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it is estimated that more than 28,000 women with CRC will die in 2005. While increased vitamin B6 consumption decreases the risk of colorectal cancer, it does not eliminate the need for regular screening. Guidelines of multiple agencies and professional societies underscore the importance of colorectal cancer screening for all individuals 50 years of age and older. Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden and the Harvard School of Public Health used data from the Swedish Mammography Cohort to evaluate the association between long-term dietary vitamin B6 intake from food sources and colorectal cancer risk, and its modification by alcohol consumption. Nearly 67,000 women, aged 40 to 75 years, responded to a questionnaire that solicited data on diet, family history of CRC and use of dietary supplements. Researchers observed that alcohol consumption in women with low vitamin B6 intake resulted in higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and that increasing intake reduces this risk significantly. The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin B6 for non-pregnant women in the United States is 1.3 to 1.5 mg. Vitamin B6 is found in a wide variety of foods, including fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish, and some fruits and vegetables. It performs a wide variety of functions in the body, including helping to maintain normal blood glucose levels, fighting off infections and creating hemoglobin to ensure that oxygen gets to important organs and tissues. While the study shows that consuming high amounts of vitamin B6 reduces the risk of colorectal cancer in women who drink, researchers say findings need further confirmation in large prospective cohort or intervention studies. "These findings may have important implications for the prevention of colorectal cancer in women who consume alcohol because their vitamin B6 status can be easily improved through dietary modifications, vitamin supplementation and fortification," said Larsson. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/increased-vitamin-b-consumption-reduces-womens-risk-of-colorectal-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almond-flavonoids-keep-cholesterol-levels-down-animal-study Almond flavonoids keep cholesterol levels down, animal studySource: www.nutraingredients.comThe flavonoids in almond skins may be responsible for the nuts' positive effect on cholesterol levels, shows new research that tested their antioxidant capacity on animals. Numerous trials have demonstrated the benefits of almonds on the heart. Some years ago researchers at the University of Toronto found that people eating a handful of almonds a day as part of a healthy diet lifestyle lowered their LDL cholesterol by 3 per cent. Several studies later supported this impact on cholesterol levels. However it is not clear why almonds are so helpful. They are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, thought to be beneficial for the heart. But the new study shows that the flavonoids found predominantly in the nuts’ skin could be at least one of the key factors in cholesterol reduction. A team from the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in the US extracted almond skin flavonoids and used HPLC tests to identify their content of catechins and flavonols. Then they assessed the bioactivity of the antioxidants in vitro, testing their capacity to increase the resistance of human LDL to oxidation. The flavonoids increased the lag time to LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner, report the researchers in this month’s Journal of Nutrition (issue 135, pp1366-1373). Combining the extract with vitamin E or ascorbic acid extended the lag time considerably more and when these nutrients were tested in hamsters, the bioavailability of catechin, epicatechin, and flavonols was confirmed. The almond skin flavonoids enhanced the ex vivo resistance of hamster LDL to oxidation by 18 per cent, and the in vitro addition of 5.5 µmol/L vitamin E synergistically extended the lag time of the 60-min sample by 52.5 per cent, they report. “Almond skin flavonoids possess antioxidant capacity in vitro; they are bioavailable and act in synergy with vitamins C and E to protect LDL against oxidation in hamsters," conclude the researchers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almond-flavonoids-keep-cholesterol-levels-down-animal-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-has-anti-cancer-properties Vitamin D has anti-cancer propertiesSource: www.earthtimes.orgThere is growing evidence that Vitamin D may help ward off many types of cancer. The last three months alone have seen four separate studies claim that Vitamin D prevents lymphoma and cancers of the prostate, lung and the skin. So far the strongest evidence to link the "sunshine vitamin" to cancer protection comes from a study, which says that colon cancer is prevented by the vitamin.Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a Harvard University professor of medicine and nutrition who addressed a recent American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Anaheim, California had this to say in his keynote speech, "I would challenge anyone to find an area or nutrient or any factor that has such consistent anti-cancer benefits as vitamin D. The data are really quite remarkable." He has even claimed that the risk of death from cancer as a result of vitamin D deficiency may be thirty times greater than the risk of dying from skin cancer as a result of being in the sun.This challenge has had the desired effect on the American Cancer Society, which is reviewing its sun protection guidelines. Dr. Michael Thun, the society's chief epidemiologist says, "There is now intriguing evidence that vitamin D may have a role in the prevention as well as treatment of certain cancers." However, not everyone is a believer, Dr. Joseph Baler, head of dermatology at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, says that sunlight is harmful and that when you do venture out be sure to wear a sunblock or a hat, "If you have people do sun 15 to 20 minutes three times a week, you'll have some people getting an increased risk of skin cancer. As far as I'm concerned, you should be using sunscreen all the time, 12 months a year, even in the winter," he asserts. Doctors apparently are still divided, some claim that Vitamin D is the next super drug while others maintain that excessive sun exposure will invariably lead to skin cancer.Dr. Henry Lim, chairman of dermatology at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and an academy vice president, says, "The statement that 'no sun exposure is good' I don't think is correct anymore." He is one among a growing band of doctors who believe that vitamin D is a wonder vitamin. Vitamin D belongs to the fat-soluble group of vitamins, which includes Vitamins A, D, E and K. Chemically; vitamin D is cholecalciferol or activated 7-dehydrocholesterol. On exposure to sunlight 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to vitamin D.Other sources include salmon, tuna and oily fish. It is found in plenty in cod liver oil. The recommended daily allowance for the vitamin is 200 international units a day up to age 50, 400 IUs for ages 50 to 70, and 600 IUs for people older than 70. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and for the normal deposition of these minerals into bone.Recent research has suggested that the vitamin regulates genes involved in cell growth, differentiation and proliferation. By promoting differentiation and inhibiting proliferation, it has a potential role in cancer prevention and therapy. Since the primary source of this vitamin happens to be the sun, researchers are advocating three or four 15-minute sessions of sun per week. So the next time your kid ventures out into the sun do not give him a dressing down, he may just be building up protection for himself! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-has-anti-cancer-properties http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-hail-glycemic-index-diet Researchers hail Glycemic Index dietSource: Althealth NewsBritish researchers Friday hailed the latest weight-lowering fad -- the Glycemic Index diet -- as being good for people's hearts as well as their waistlines.Researchers at London's Hammersmith Hospitals National Health Service Trust said people who replace just one item per meal with something less sweet or starchy lowered their glucose levels for the entire day, the London Daily Mail reported.Researchers, who reported their study of nine patients in the British Journal of Nutrition, said the GI diet lowers the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes later in life. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-hail-glycemic-index-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/local-woman-drops-105-pounds-on-subway-diet Local woman drops 105 pounds on Subway dietSource: www.thestarpress.comMUNCIE - Friends call her Jared's sister, Jen.That's Jared Fogle, the former overweight Indiana University student made famous by his own diet plan - eat a Subway sandwich a day and watch the pounds melt away.And no, the two Hoosiers, Fogle of Indianapolis and Jennifer Cooper of Muncie aren't related, though they do have a diet plan in common.In February 2003 Cooper wore size 20 pants and weighed in at 255 pounds. A single mother of two boys, she struggled to keep up with her sons."They're getting older and more active," she said of Tayler, 10, and Dalton, 6.Now, Cooper is a size 10 and weighs 150 pounds. She carries a tattered and torn photograph of the "old Jennifer" in her purse.Friends of JaredEven though the sandwich-eating Fogle already was famous - he appeared in his first Subway commercial in January 2000, according to the company's Web site - Cooper didn't automatically go straight to the sandwich counter.First she went to her doctor for help, and she started a six-month prescription of Meridia, an appetite suppressant. It worked and helped her lose some weight - she adjusted her eating schedule to include one meal a day, plus snacks throughout the day - but Cooper decided it wasn't enough.So in August 2003 she joined Fogle on his quest for weight loss one sandwich at a time. Unknowingly, that made her one of the "Friends of Jared," at least that's how Subway refers to other dieters who are now following Fogle's lead.From August to April 2004, Cooper was a Subway-only gal. Monday through Friday the 29-year-old's lunches included a six-inch sandwich of roast beef, ham and turkey on wheat bread, plus baked potato chips or pretzels and a soda. Mayonnaise and cheese were the big no-nos, but there was no limit on vegetables.Minus the drinks - she never gave up her regular soda and couldn't bear the thought of drinking diet, "I've cut down, but not out," she said - Cooper kept every day's food fat count to less than 10 grams, just like Fogle did.For people who eat 2,000 calories a day, it's recommended 20 percent of those calories come from fat. That translates to 44.5 grams a day, which means Cooper's diet included only a quarter of what's normally recommended.Though she's expanded to more than just sandwiches in the past year, she still counts every gram of fat, and the 29-year-old Cooper has kept the weight off, all 105 pounds."I do eat more now, but I just limit it," she said. "Fat's what makes you fat."Feed the cravings, on a small plateSome of the tricks of the diet trade, little things she's heard about for years but never really believed until she tried them, are now her fail-free favorites.When she cooks dinner for her sons, she eats the same food but on a smaller plate - a saucer.When she craves something - whether it's a cookie or a Big Mac from McDonalds, she eats it."You cannot deprive yourself," she said with a laugh while talking about that Big Mac craving. She went through the drive-through, ordered the sandwich and then pulled one of the patties out of it and threw it out the window. She knew it packed lots of extra calories and fat, and all she really wanted was a taste of the hamburger, bun and sauce."It's all about portion control," Cooper said.Laura Dean, a registered dietitian at Ball Memorial Hospital, agrees that portions and food choices are key. She hasn't worked with patients specifically asking questions about the Subway diet, but Dean said most of her patients are cancer patients, so losing weight is rarely a focus for them.Still, it's a diet that can work, Dean said, and Cooper is evidence of that. The key is to make sure that a Subway dieter, just like any dieter, is combining healthy foods with exercise.That's one thing Cooper didn't do, and she regrets it now."I didn't do a whole lot of exercise, and now I'm not as toned," she said. "I'm trying."Even now, her exercise isn't an organized effort. It boils down to running after her sons, either in the park or on the football field. They also like to ride bikes together, she said. Eventually, she knows that toning her body, and specifically tightening her skin, will have to be a surgical procedure. It's just not in the budget right now.Despite the excess skin, Cooper admits she's proud of herself, even though she doesn't like to brag about her success."I don't like to brag about it. I needed to do it. I don't feel like I've done anything that someone else can't do," she said. "I knew I was unhealthy. I looked unhealthy. I felt unhealthy."Contact Henry and Randolph county reporter Joy Leiker at 213-5825.A dietitian's tipsLaura Dean, a registered dietitian at Ball Memorial Hospital, said there are good and bad sides to most of the diets that attain lots of acclaim and attention. The real trick is to incorporate healthy foods with an active lifestyle.Here are a few basic tips from Dean:Adapt your lifestyle. That means cut down on the sweets, candy and junk food and eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat smart, no matter where you are. Going out for dinner is still OK, but stay away from foods that are fried or breaded. When you do go to a sandwich shop, remember that piling on the veggies isn't enough. Cutting the mayonnaise, cheese and dressings will make the biggest difference. Exercise. Adjusting your eating habits is good, but it's not enough. Exercise is an important link. Subway's JaredThe sandwich chain, with 23,483 restaurants in 81 countries, latched on to Jared Fogle as its spokesman after reading about him in news stories. Fogle, who weighed 435 pounds while a student at IU, lost 245 pounds on a diet he invented - a six-inch turkey sandwich for lunch and a footlong vegetable sandwich for dinner.He appeared in his first commercial in January 2000, and is still a big part of Subway's advertising campaign. At www.subway.com, there's a section "All about Jared."The company has heard from thousands of dieters who were inspired by Fogle. According to the Subway Web site, those dieters have lost 160,000 pounds. Calculate your own diet figuresWhen you keep track of how many calories you eat and drink each day, it's easy to figure out how many of those calories are coming from fat. Nutritionists recommend that 20 percent of total calories be from fat.First step: Number of calories consumed multiplied by .20 (20 percent) = Calories from fatSecond step: Calories from fat divided by 9 (there are 9 calories in each gram of fat) = Grams of fat Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/local-woman-drops-105-pounds-on-subway-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/major-medical-breakthrough-arthritis-pill-without-side-effects Major Medical Breakthrough: Arthritis Pill Without Side EffectsSource: www.prnewswire.comIn a world without Vioxx and Celebrex, 40 million Americans who suffer arthritis pain now have a safe alternative. In a major research breakthrough, 25AGAIN (http://www.25again.com), a nonprescription natural daily supplement, relieves arthritis pain safely with no side effects, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Proven by extensive clinical research, including a landmark Stanford University study on lupus patients, the active ingredient in 25AGAIN has significant anti-inflammatory action that relieves joint pain quickly and effectively. 25AGAIN's active natural ingredient is DHEA, derived from the Mexican wild yam. DHEA, often called the anti-aging hormone, is the most plentiful circulating hormone in the body. Produced daily by the adrenal glands, DHEA levels decline dramatically after age 25, causing the onset of aging -- including arthritis, which generally occurs after age 40, when the body makes only half the normal level of DHEA. 25AGAIN naturally supplements the body's own production of DHEA back to normal youthful levels, relieving arthritis pain by reducing the inflammation of the synovial membranes, the tissues that line the joints. "25AGAIN worked so well, I bought the company," states Wayne Josephson, 55, president. "As an aging baby boomer, I began to get arthritis in my hands. None of the over-the-counter pain pills worked. Within days of taking 25AGAIN, the pain and stiffness disappeared and has not returned." About 25AGAIN.com: 25AGAIN.com is the exclusive internet marketer of the 25AGAIN Anti-Aging Pill, a nonprescription natural daily supplement. Its active ingredient DHEA has been proven safe and effective by over 2,000 clinical studies -- including Harvard, Stanford, the American Medical Association, and New York Academy of Sciences (see the Research page at http://www.25again.com). 25AGAIN relieves arthritis, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression and PMS, and improves energy, fat loss, lean muscle, bone density and skin moisture. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/major-medical-breakthrough-arthritis-pill-without-side-effects http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-more-vitamin-e-may-fight-parkinsons Eating More Vitamin E May Fight Parkinson'sSource: my.webmd.comEating a diet full of foods rich in vitamin E may reduce your risk of developing Parkinson's disease. But don't try taking a shortcut by taking vitamin E supplements instead. A new study shows that supplements simply don't provide the same protective effect as the real thing from natural sources, such as walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, spinach, and other dark, green leafy vegetables. Researchers reviewed current research on the effects of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene on the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and found that only vitamin E eaten in its natural form appears to have a significant impact in reducing the risk of Parkinson's. But before you reach for the walnuts, researchers say further study is needed to confirm vitamin E's potentially anti-Parkinson's effects before doctors can start recommending dietary changes in hopes of preventing the disease in people at risk. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disease that causes the loss of muscle control. Although the exact cause is unknown, Parkinson's disease is thought to be the result of a combination of risk factors, such as aging, a family history of the disease, and various environmental factors, including diet. Vitamin E May Protect Brain In the study, researchers reviewed studies on vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene and Parkinson's disease risk published between 1996 and March 2005. The results appear in the May 19 online edition of Lancet Neurology. Overall, seven studies showed that diets that contained a moderate amount of vitamin E reduced the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 19%. Moderate vitamin E diets were those that fell in the middle range of intake of the vitamin in each of the studies included. According to the federal government, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 milligrams of the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol is the form of the vitamin that the body uses. Although eating larger amounts of vitamin E appeared to further reduce Parkinson's risk, researchers say too few studies contained data on this to draw any firm conclusions. But seven studies on vitamin C and four on beta-carotene did not indicate that diets rich in these nutrients had a protective effect against Parkinson's disease. The American Dietetic Association gives the following examples of how much vitamin E is in a variety of foods: 24 almonds. About a handful has 7.4 milligrams Hazelnuts. 20 nuts has 4.3 grams Broccoli. 1 cup cooked has 2.9 milligrams Wheat germ. 1 tablespoon has 1.3 milligrams Avocado. 1 ounce has 0.4 milligrams Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-more-vitamin-e-may-fight-parkinsons http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/e-hyaluronicacid-com-reveals-the-key-benefits-of-hyaluronic-acid E-Hyaluronicacid.com Reveals the Key Benefits of Hyaluronic AcidSource: www.pressbox.co.ukE-Hyaluronicacid.com Reveals the Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Added : ( May 2005 ) E-Hyaluronicacid.com recently released an in-depth description of the uses and benefits of hyaluronic acid to answer the public’s questions about this extremely popular natural molecule. With so many applications for hyaluronic acid (also known as “HA”), it is helpful to have a grasp on exactly what HA is, what it does, and what uses and benefits HA provides. E-Hyaluronicacid.com recently released the following description of HA’s uses and benefits precisely for this reason. According to E-Hyaluronicacid.com , hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, helps to store water in the skin, providing essential moisture to body processes. HA helps control cell migration, which protect cells and also activates white cells in the blood. Because HA is an endogenous substance, it can be used to reduce the need for antibiotics by stimulating the immune system. HA helps reduce bacterial infections and has been found to inhibit the growth of a variety of strains of bacteria. It has also been concluded that HA even reduced the number of chronic bronchitis infections in patients. E-Hyaluronicacid.com explains that there are many different options for supplementing your natural supply of hyaluronic acid. Currently, the most popular uses of hyaluronic acid supplements and products are to combat signs of aging such as wrinkles and as therapy for certain joint ailments. Hyaluronic acid supplements also boast the ability to combat and help with everything from sexual dysfunction to sleep problems. E-Hyaluronicacid.com has announced that the benefits of using hyaluronic acid treatments and supplements include: increased mobility, softer skin, faster wound healing, fibromyalgia relief, retinal lubrication, and clearer vision. In addition, users of HA have been known to enjoy dry skin relief, improved sleep, stabilized emotions, reduced fine lines, hair growth, hair color restoration, tissue reconstruction, and improved bone density. Other HA benefits include increased mental alertness, improved muscle strength, increased sexual potency, and strengthening of internal organs. For more information on the uses and benefits of hyaluronic acid and their purported side effects, please visit http://www.E-hyaluronicacid.com - your hyaluronic acid information source. E-Hyaluronicacid.com Reveals the Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/e-hyaluronicacid-com-reveals-the-key-benefits-of-hyaluronic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-uses-and-benefits Hyaluronic Acid Uses and BenefitsSource: www.e-hyaluronicacid.comHyaluronic acid helps to hold water in the skin, providing essential moisture to body processes. HA helps control cell migration which protect cells and also activates the white cells. Since HA is an endogenous substance, it can be used to reduce the need for antibiotics by stimulating the immune system. HA helps reduce bacterial infections and has been found to inhibit the growth of a variety of strains of bacteria. It has also been concluded that HA even reduced the number of chronic bronchitis infections in patients.There are many different options for supplementing your natural supply of Hyaluronic Acid. Currently, the most popular uses of Hyaluronic acid supplements and products are to combat signs of aging such as wrinkles and as therapy for certain joint ailments. Hyaluronic acid supplements also boast the ability to combat and help with everything from sexual dysfunction to sleep problems.Some examples of reported Hyaluronic acid benefits:Increased Mobility Softer Skin Faster Wound Healing Fibromyalgia Relief Retinal Lubrication Clearer Vision Dry Skin Relief Dietary Benefits Improved Sleep Stabilized Emotions Improved Vitality Reduced Fine Lines Hair Growth Hair Color Restoration Tissue Reconstruction Improved Bone Density Increased Mental Alertness Improved Muscle Strength Increased Sexual Potency Strengthening of Internal Organs Anti-Aging Supplements and Creams As we age, Hyaluronic content in the skin changes due to two separate clinically proven factors, decrease in HA synthesis and shift from concentration from the epidermis to the dermis. These changes can leave the epidermis depleted in Hyaluronic acid resulting in thinning, aging, and decreased moisture in the skin. Nutritional supplement and beauty products such as Episilk ® contain ultra-high concentrations of Hyaluronic acid in order to provide intensive moisture for aged skin that suffers from the dryness and wrinkles. When applied to the skin, HA can penetrate the skin surface and replenish the natural levels already present. Like Hyaluronic acid produced in the body, Hyaluronic acid used in this form moisturizes from the dermis to the epidermis - from deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer. Nutritional Supplements Hyaluronic acid extracted from rooster combs cannot be absorbed by the intestinal tract. But, Japanese scientists have developed a proprietary enzyme-cleaving technique to lower the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid without altering its chemical nature. This allows hyaluronic acid to be taken orally as a nutritional supplement, many varieties of which are readily available for commercial use. Facial Injections Hyaluronic acid based gel injections are a new option for the on-spot treatment of facial wrinkles. These shots must be administered by a dermatologist and last up to 4 to 6 weeks. Medical TreatmentsProducts containing Hyaluronic acid are in use or are being researched to aid in the prevention and treatment of symptoms related to connective tissue disorders such as: Fractures Hernias Glaucoma Keratoconus Detached retinas Osteoarthritis (link) TMJ Prevents scarring Vocal cord insufficiency Wrinkled skin Cartilage damage Wound healing Ligament Healing Osteoarthritis TreatmentPhysicians have injected Hyaluronic acid directly into the synovial fluid in the knee as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee for the past 20 years. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to the efficacy of this treatment. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-uses-and-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-avert-parkinsons Vitamin E may avert Parkinson'sSource: www.courier-journal.comLeafy greens, whole grains, nuts and other foods rich in vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson's disease, according to a new review of eight studies.The researchers stressed that the finding needs to be verified in clinical trials before vitamin E could be recommended as a means of warding off the condition.Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive deterioration of motor control. The exact cause remains unknown.The study is published online in the June issue of the British journal The Lancet NeurologyOn the Web:www.sciencedirect.com /science/journal/14744422, Lancet Neurology journal www.ninds.nih.gov, for more on Parkinson's disease Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-avert-parkinsons http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-offers-hope-for-cancer-drugs Omega-3 offers hope for cancer drugsSource: www.drugresearcher.comNew anti-breast cancer drugs could be developed after latest research suggested that Omega-3, a fatty acid found in oily fish, could be combined with an anaesthetic to reduce the ability of breast cancer cells to develop into malignant tumours. In the journal Breast Cancer Research, scientists discovered that compounds of Omega-3 fatty acids and the anaesthetic, propofol, inhibited cancer cell migration by 50 per cent, significantly reducing metastatic activity. These new compounds could open up the possibility of being developed into a new family of anti-cancer drugs. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in oily fish such as tuna, salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel, are known to have many positive health benefits, commonly recommended for maintaining a healthy heart. The properties of Omega 3 are known to reduce cholesterol levels and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that Omega-3 may also protect against arthritis, lupus, and asthma and help people with biopolar disorder. Lead researcher Dr Rafat Siddiqui and colleagues, from the Methodist Research Institute and Indiana University in Indianapolis, studied the effects of two particular types of Omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA have a minimal effect on cancer cells when applied alone. However, when propofol - a potent anti-oxidant known to inhibit cancer cell migration by 5-10 per cent, was combined with DHA or EPA the conjugates inhibited cancer cell adhesion by 15 per cent and 30 per cent respectively, reducing cell migration by 50 per cent and increased apoptosis by 40 per cent. "These results suggest that the novel propofol-DHA and propofol-EPA conjugates reported here may be useful for the treatment of breast cancer," said Siddiqui and colleagues. Propofol (2,6 diisopropylphenol) is the most extensively used general anaesthetic sedative agent employed today and is non-toxic to humans even at high levels (3 to 8 µg/ml; 20 to 50 µM). The researchers mentioned that clinically relevant concentrations of propofol (3 to 8 µg/ml) were reported to decrease the metastatic potential of human cancer cells, including HeLa, HT1080, HOS and RPMI-7951 cells. Siddiqui and his colleagues postulated that DHA and EPA might have a unique effect on propofol. "It is possible that these conjugates provide a mechanism whereby propofol can be retained in cell membranes for a longer duration and therefore enhance its anticancer effects," they commented. Often a major obstacle to the successful use of a drug is its ability to be taken up and retained by cells. Either the drug must have its target on the outer membrane surface or it must cross the plasma membrane through either an existing transport system or by simple diffusion to affect intracellular targets. One approach to overcoming the problem of cell entry and retention has been to link water-soluble drugs to lipophilic carriers. Several attempts have been made in the past to synthesise novel compounds by conjugating fatty acids with drugs. Previous studies, in which chlorambucil-fatty acid conjugates (Chlfatty acid) were synthesised and tested on human lymphoma cell lines, found the conjugates (including those with DHA) selectively affected neoplastic lymphocytes, with minimal effect on quiescent lymphocytes. The cell toxicity observed with Chl-arachidonic acid and Chldocosahexaenoic acid against lymphoma cells was equal to or higher than the individual toxic potential of either chlorambucil or the fatty acids, whereas the Chl-oleic acid conjugate was much less toxic than Chl alone. The authors concluded that the coupling of chlorambucil with polyunsaturated fatty acids was selective against neoplastic versus quiescent lymphocytes. Indeed, the authors of this study said that it may be possible that propofol conjugated with arachidonic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, or with a saturated fatty acid might be just as effective Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-offers-hope-for-cancer-drugs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-deficiency-linked-to-heart-disease Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to heart diseaseSource: www.foodconsumer.orgA new study found that vitamin B12 deficiency was linked to risk factors for cardiovascular events such as carotid plague and homocysteine levels.High homocysteine levels can result from inadequate intake of folic acid and vitamin B12. Folic acid is not a problem because many foods are now fortified with folic acid. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a factor that may lead to higher levels of homocysteine and more carotid plague formation.The study involved 421 patients, 215 men and 206 women aged 37 to 90 years who sought help for their vascular disease. All patients were evaluated between January 1998 and January 2002. Most patients took medications for hypertension (67%) and dyslipidemia (62%) Carotid plague area was measured by ultrasound and homocysteine and serum vitamin B12 were determined in all patients. The study found that 73 patients or 17 percent of the patients had vitamin B12 deficiency, meaning their vitamin B12 level was below 253 pmol/L. The study found that the mean area of carotid plaque was significantly larger in the vitamin B12 deficiency group than those whose vitamin B12 levels were above the mean 253pmol/L.The study was conducted by Julie Robertson and colleagues from Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre in Ontario, Canada. The results were published in the June 7 issue of CMAJ. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-deficiency-linked-to-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sparring-over-pecking-order-for-arthritis-injection-therapy Sparring Over Pecking Order for Arthritis Injection TherapySource: www.medpagetoday.comTwo new analyses of a costly therapy for arthritic knees are turning up the heat on a scientific debate that has been simmering for years. The analyses looked at the scientific merit of injecting a viscous chicken-based compound into the joint, an approach that was controversial from the start. More specifically, the therapy is known as intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) or viscosupplementation, which involves the injection into patients' joints of a solution containing sodium hyaluronate, or its derivatives, made from rooster and chicken combs. The theory, still unproven, is that HA restores the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid by supplementing native or endogenous HA broken down by arthritic inflammation. The HA is administered in a series of three to five injections at a price of $100 to $200 each, not counting physician fees. HA injections have gained new currency as patients and physicians become increasingly concerned about the health risks associated with Cox-2 inhibitors and other analgesics long used to relieve the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. The outcome of the HA debate could determine a new pecking order for osteoarthritis therapies, a market worth billions. One of the new reviews, from the Cochrane Collaboration, says that injecting HA into arthritic knees relieves pain and improves joint function. The other review and meta-analysis, published eight days earlier in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), says HA confers little more benefit than placebo and may be less safe. The reports illuminate a hazy area of medicine, and show how difficult it can be to assess a therapy that is mired in deeply flawed medical literature. The sparring reviews also raise questions about the firewalls between research and industry. The generally glowing Cochrane review, by Australian Nicholas Bellamy, M.D., and associates, was funded by Genzyme Biosurgery (formerly Biomatrix) and Wyeth-Ayerst, companies that manufacture and distribute Hylan G-F 20, an HA product marketed under the name Synvisc. Dr. Bellamy has also disclosed consulting agreements with the companies. The more-skeptical CMAJ review, by Austrian researchers Jasmin Arrich and colleagues, received support from the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions. The authors disclosed no conflicts. David Felson, M.D., of Boston University, who has been a coauthor of a meta-analysis and other papers on HA, finds it troubling that the Cochrane review was underwritten by companies with a financial interest in its outcome. Dr. Felson characterized it as an industry-funded meta-analysis of largely industry-funded trials. The 445-page Cochrane review analyzed 63 randomized controlled trials, including 37 that compared HA with placebo. It incorporated previously unpublished data from at least 15 trials, some of them supplied by manufacturers of HA products. Although Cochrane reviews are famous for chastising the failures of an unruly scientific literature, the current critique of the HA literature is uncharacteristically mild. According to the reviewers: HA is "an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, with beneficial effects" on pain and function. Reductions in pain after HA injections vary widely. HA is comparable in efficacy to NSAIDs, with fewer systemic side effects but more local (injection site) reactions. HA is comparable in efficacy to steroid injections, but longer lasting. HA appears to be safe, but the data are inconclusive. The review by Dr. Arrich and associates examined 22 randomized controlled trials. Their review concluded: According to the available evidence, "intra-articular hyaluronic acid has not been proven clinically effective" for improving pain or function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. There is considerable variability, or heterogeneity, in trial results, with some trials showing near-spectacular results against placebo and some showing little or no benefit. Adverse events, mostly minor, occur more often in patients receiving HA. There is no evidence of publication bias in HA trials. Dr. Arrich and colleagues found that few trials stood up to the quality standards required of a modern clinical trial. Only four trials were of high methodologic quality. Lower-quality trials considerably overestimated the effect of HA on both function and pain. "Low quality trials, particularly those not reporting allocation concealment and those not reporting blinding, are known to favor interventions," they noted. "Our data are compatible with these findings." Neither review found persuasive evidence that high-molecular mass HA (i.e., Synvisc) is more effective than HA preparations of lower molecular mass. Previous reviews of the HA literature have also arrived at conflicting conclusions. For example, in a mostly favorable 2004 review, Chen T. Wang, M.D., and associates of National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, deemed HA to be effective, but cited problems with the data, including evidence of publication bias, and called for better studies "to resolve the continued uncertainty." Other reviews have expressed substantial misgivings about HA. In a 2003 meta-analysis published in JAMA, for example, Grace M. Lo, M.D., with Dr. Felson and colleagues of Boston University attributed most of the benefit of an HA injection to the placebo effect of the injection itself and not to the content of the injection. The poor quality of the trials undermined even this small effect, they said. They noted that the overwhelming majority of trials (at least 17 of 22) were sponsored by industry. In addition, they detected publication bias, suggesting that trials favoring HA were more likely to be published than trials showing no benefit. They also identified two relatively large Synvisc trials that showed that the benefits of HA exceeded those of a knee replacement. Dr. Lo and colleagues included these trials in their analysis, but explained that the trials were statistical outliers. Dr. Felson said that the conflicting reports on HA show there is more to a meta-analysis or systematic review than recapitulating and reanalyzing old data. Reviewers make choices that shape their reports, he said. "You have to create a story here, because the data don't give you all the information that you need," Dr. Felson said in an interview. "Stories can be created in a number of different ways. The story the Cochrane reviewers are telling is straightforward. 'Here are the facts: They show modest efficacy for HA. No further interpretation necessary.' I think that's probably not correct, but I can't necessarily prove it." Dr. Felson pointed out that the Cochrane reviewers included the two outlier Synvisc trials in their analysis without explaining that they were outliers that tilted the results of the review. The Cochrane reviewers also chose not to analyze industry sponsorship of trials. And they did not explore publication bias. There would appear to be some justification for Dr. Felson's concern about industry funding of the Cochrane review. According to an analysis by Paul Dieppe, M.D., and associates of the University of Bristol in England, drug-company-sponsored meta-analyses tend to show significantly greater benefits for knee osteoarthritis treatments than meta-analyses not sponsored by drug companies. A separate 2003 British Medical Journal systematic review found that studies sponsored by drug companies were four times more likely to favor the sponsor than non-industry-sponsored trials. Dr. Bellamy, the lead author of the Cochrane review, explained the rationale for the reviewers' choices. "The review presents a wealth of data and permits clinicians to form their own opinions. We have presented analyses that are positive as well as analyses that are negative, and attempted to explore the extent to which methodology might influence outcome… I think our review helps in part to assist in decision making," he stated in an email. "The independence of the reviews from industry influence has been of importance to us… The primary source of external support has been acknowledged. We do not believe that [the] review has been distorted by influences from industry," said Dr. Bellamy. A spokeswoman for the Cochrane Collaboration did not know whether the unrestricted educational grant from Genzyme Biosurgery and Wyeth-Ayerst violated the Cochrane policy on commercial sponsorship. The policy does not permit "direct sponsorship by a company that has a direct interest in the outcome" of the review, said Lisa Bero, Ph.D., of the University of California San Francisco, co-director of the San Francisco branch of the Cochrane Collaboration. She said that "if it's very clear that money was given to do the review," the grant would violate the policy. Disclosure of Dr. Bellamy's consultant services satisfies the Cochrane rules and is consistent with disclosure policies at most journals. Though this makes conflicts transparent, said Dr. Bero, "My personal viewpoint is that obviously doesn't eliminate the conflict." A funding arbiter panel is currently reviewing the entire Cochrane database to see whether any reviews violate the conflict-of-interest policy. "This is one that we'll look at sooner rather than later," said Dr. Bero. "These researchers will be asked by the Cochrane Collaboration to clarify this." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sparring-over-pecking-order-for-arthritis-injection-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gi-diet-wins-support-of-doctors-and-scientists GI diet wins support of doctors and scientistsSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukIn contrast to the Atkins diet, which drew criticism from doctors, the Glycaemic Index (GI) diet seems to be gaining support from medical professionals and scientists on both sides of the Atlantic, reports food-e-news.A team led by Gary Frost from Hammersmith Hospital in London has praised the GI diet for decreasing the risk of heart disease and controlling diabetes. The Hammersmith team found that the consumption of just one extra low GI item per meal for two weeks cut blood sugar levels in eight out of nine trial participants. High blood sugar levels increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, a precursor to heart disease and diabetes.In the US a team from the Children’s Hospital, Boston, found in a study of 23 obese young adults that the GI diet was more effective than a conventional energy-restricted diet for reducing cardiovascular risk. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gi-diet-wins-support-of-doctors-and-scientists http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-gi-diet-as-old-as-the-hills- The GI Diet - as old as the hills!Source: Althealth NewsNutritionists have long been recommending the GI (glycaemic index) diet, which encompasses wholefood eating. It seems somewhat strange that this diet has suddenly gained so much popularity, but we're not complaining! Health stores have tried to encourage people to eat complex carbohydrates, wholefoods and slow release products for decades. Now it seems that G.Ps in the UK are praising the diet for decreasing risk of heart disease and controlling diabetes, and scientists in the States have found that the GI diet is more effective than simply counting calories or fat intake, when it comes to cutting cardiovascular disease risk. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-gi-diet-as-old-as-the-hills- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/road-rage-get-smelling-minty- Road Rage? Get smelling minty!Source: Althealth NewsIf you’re prone to road rage, reach for peppermint and coffee, suggests research by Conrad King, a consultant psychologist from the RAC Foundation, UK. Steer clear of fast food scents, which may increase the potential for road rage. The smell of fast food wrappers, fresh bread or pastry can cause the driver to feel hungry leading to speeding and irritability. Some smells were found to improve driving ability, including peppermint and cinnamon, which improve concentration and make the driver less irritable. Lemon and coffee encourage clear thinking and high concentration levels.It was also found that the 'new car' smell tends to make people concentrate better and take more care with their driving. The research also found that drivers tend to become de-sensitised to the smell of their cars, making them less aware of its effect on their mood. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/road-rage-get-smelling-minty- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-for-osteoporosis-may-be-best-practice-doctors-told Supplements for osteoporosis may be ‘best practice’, doctors toldSource: Althealth NewsDoctors should ensure that women with osteoporosis are “calcium and vitamin D replete” before prescribing Biphosphonate – and that may mean recommending supplements. The advice comes from Dr Alun Cooper, BSc, MRCGP, a practising GP and member of the National Osteoporosis Society Scientific Advisory Board. “The bipshosphonate trials have involved patients who are either replete in Calcium and Vitamin D or have had supplements. Patients are often low in dietary Calcium and Vitamin D and it is difficult for GPs to measure these levels. Consequently to ensure optimal results it is probably best practice to co-prescribe Calcium and Vitamin D with bishosphonates", commented Dr Cooper. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-for-osteoporosis-may-be-best-practice-doctors-told http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-non-classical-homeopaths-fear-exclusion ‘Non-classical’ homeopaths fear exclusionSource: Althealth NewsHomeopaths are set to follow acupuncturists and herbalists, who become affected by Statutory Regulation from October. But while work on development of a Voluntary Register of Homeopaths continues, The Homoeotherapy Association says it is concerned that many homeopaths will be left out in the cold. The Association, which represents most of the combination remedy suppliers, together with the Society of Bioenergetic Practitioners, are recommending that homeopathic practitioners become proactive in the protection of their status. “The term or title ‘Homeopath’ is not exclusive to practitioners trained classically”, says the HA. “If you are not already a member we recommend you join the SBP. Both organisations have evaluated the education and training that is available and following that process have selected the Naturopathy Institute (NI) course as the most appropriate course for homeopaths who want to use all branches of homeopathy as their primary therapeutic modality.“ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-non-classical-homeopaths-fear-exclusion http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exposure-to-sunlight-may-decrease-risk-of-prostate-cancer Exposure to sunlight may decrease risk of prostate cancerSource: Althealth NewsIn the largest such study to date, a research team from three cancer centres measured sunlight exposure in men and found that increased exposure to sunlight may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.“We believe that sunlight helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer because the body manufactures the active form of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight," they said.Previous research had shown that the prostate uses vitamin D to promote the normal growth of prostate cells and to inhibit the invasiveness and spread of prostate cancer cells to other parts of the body. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exposure-to-sunlight-may-decrease-risk-of-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hoodia-gordonii-weight-loss-herb-is-for-real- Hoodia Gordonii Weight Loss Herb is for real.Source: Althealth NewsHoodia:The new diet pill that kills your appetite, elevates your mood, and increases your energy levels. Discover the reason for the excitement. When western drug companies learned the San people of South Africa have been using the hoodia plant to successfully stave off the worst hunger pangs imaginable for days at a time without unwanted side effects, the push was on to turn this remarkable plant into a prescription drug.[When asked in the recent 60 Minutes interview how Hoodia worked for her CBS News correspondent Lesley Stahl said, she had no after effects – no funny taste in her mouth, no queasy stomach, and no racing heart. She also wasn't hungry all day, even when she'd normally have a pang around mealtime. She also had no desire to eat or drink the entire day. "I'd have to say it did work," says Stahl."] It was the natural ingredient and not an artificial drug the San people used for generations to stop unbearable hunger, treat ailments and summon limitless energy.The Hoodia gordonii plant from which it is made contains a miracle molecule estimated by scientists to be 100,000 times more powerful than glucose in its ability to signal the brain that your stomach is full. It tackles your weight problem by the root simply by stopping your craving for food—and it does it with remarkable speed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hoodia-gordonii-weight-loss-herb-is-for-real- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/madonnas-therapy-to-boost-love-life- Madonna's therapy to boost love life!Source: www.hindustantimes.comPop diva Madonna reportedly wears crystals in her bra to improve her love life.According to Femalefirst, the pop queen has become a fan of the bizarre healing treatment, which involves keeping pink quartz stone in underwear to boost love and healing."Madonna is a big fan of crystal therapy. One of the techniques is having pink quartz crystals glided over your body to help you relax," a source said."Another is wearing the crystals inside your underwear they the stones are close to the heart to encourage love," he added.Earlier this year, it was reported that the 46-year-old star, who is a member of the mystical Jewish religion Kabbalah, turned to Indian medicine in a bid to conceive another child. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/madonnas-therapy-to-boost-love-life- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3s-in-walnuts-a-wise-choice-important-news-for-pregnant-and-post-partum-women Omega-3s in Walnuts a Wise Choice: Important News For Pregnant and Post-Partum WomenSource: home.businesswire.comWhether pregnant or not, if you are trying to consume essential omega-3 fatty acids, and you are concerned about the mercury content in some fish, plant food sources of omega-3s, such as walnuts, are an effective option. Just one ounce of walnuts -- a handful -- contains 2.5 grams of omega-3s, which more than satisfies the recommendation by the Food Nutrition Board of the National Academies' Institute of Medicine that women consume 1.1 grams per day of alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). According to experts, omega-3s are essential for the optimal development and function of every cell in our bodies. While the type of omega-3s found in walnuts, and other plant sources such as flaxseed and dark leafy field greens, are different from the type of omega-3s found in fish, leading researchers say the omega-3s from plants have many similar benefits to those found in fish. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times a week. However, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, most Americans consume only about one serving of fish per week. For more than a dozen years and counting, research by highly-respected scientific and clinical experts continues to reveal that just a handful of walnuts daily can play a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation and improving arterial function. A recent study conducted in Australia also shows that, for patients with type 2 diabetes, a diet including walnuts can reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol by as much as 10 percent while helping reduce insulin resistance. Since our bodies cannot produce these vital omega-3s, we have to get them from the foods we eat. A convenient, delicious and satisfying way to easily get your omega-3s from a whole food, walnuts also contain a host of other nutrients essential to your health, including vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. It's easy to add a handful a day. Snack on walnuts, or be creative by adding them to recipes ranging from breakfast cereals and salads to pasta, fruit or pesto. The following experts on Good Fats are resources. -- Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University -- Linda Tapsell, Ph.D., APD, Director, National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods, Smart Foods Centre, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia -- Andrew Weil, M.D., Founder and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona's Health Sciences Center in Tucson; author of Eating Well for Optimum Health -- Michael F. Roizen, M.D., Author, You The Owner's Manual (May 2005); Chair designate of the Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Comprehensive Pain Management at the Cleveland Clinic. Former dean of the SUNY College of Medicine in Syracuse, NY; Founded and directed the program for Executive Health at the University of Chicago -- Steven Pratt, M.D., Author of SuperFoods RX: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life; authority on the role of nutrition and lifestyle in the prevention of disease and optimizing health; senior staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California -- Anderson Morris, M.D., FACC, Medical Director, HealthSouth Heart College, Birmingham, AL -- cardiovascular specialist who works in preventative care -- Ritva Butrum, Ph.D., Senior Science Advisor, American Institute for Cancer Research -- Beverly Utt, M.S., M.P.H., R.D., Nutrition journalist; public health education expert -- Amy G. Myrdal, M.S. R.D., California Walnut Commission Editors' Note -- Available: -- Complete Walnuts Clinical Scientific Update & Study Reprints -- Photography, Graphics, B-roll Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3s-in-walnuts-a-wise-choice-important-news-for-pregnant-and-post-partum-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-away-at-arthritis Eating Away at ArthritisSource: www.emaxhealth.comArthritis Therapy For the millions of people struggling with the chronic pain, stiffness and joint swelling of Arthritis, recent warnings about heart risk associated with anti-inflammatory drugs have called into question some of the medical therapies to help manage Arthritis.With warnings attached to some drugs and others pulled from the pharmacy shelves entirely, many arthritis sufferers are turning to complementary medicine, taking a more holistic approach to their condition, as well as to general health and well-being.During the Arthritis Foundation's National Arthritis Month, UW Health's director of Integrative Medicine spoke with arthritis sufferers Wednesday about a host of ways to "stack the deck in favor of well-being.""It's much more complicated than just one pill or just one shot," said David Rakel, MD, adding that what works for one person might not work for another. "If we get too focused on just the pill... we're missing the boat."From social support to nutrition to spirituality, there are several factors that influence our well-being and healing, Dr. Rakel says. Adjusting one's diet can be particularly beneficial in reducing the inflammation that aggravates chronic conditions such as arthritis.The changing American dietOver the past century, the evolution of the American diet has actually promoted such inflammation through increased consumption of more animal products, including meat and dairy as well as oils rich in trans-fatty acids, says Dr. Rakel.In the 1950s, Americans became concerned that consumption of saturated fats from animal products was leading to clogged arteries and heart disease. So, with "good intentions," the food industry developed new oils and food preservation techniques that allowed for longer shelf lives for many baked products, Dr. Rakel said.But with these new oils - in the form of "trans-fatty" acids and partially hydrogenated oils, Americans began consuming high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. In general, omega-6 fatty acids lead to the production of more inflammatory chemicals in our bodies.In recent decades, the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to the healthier omega-3 fatty acids in the Western diet has soared to about 25:1. But to reduce inflammation in the body, that ratio needs to be reduced to 4:1, says Dr. Rakel.Dr. Rakel recommends several strategies to begin shifting to a diet targeted to reduce inflammation, including:Reduce saturated fatsMajor building blocks of inflammatory agents in the body come from arachidonic acid, which we consume in the form of animal foods. Studies of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis have shown that symptoms improve in people who eat small amounts of meat and dairy products, Dr. Rakel says."Arachidonic acid is the fuel to the fire of inflammation," he said. "We don't want a lot of it in our bodies because it actually fuels inflammation."However, not all animal products are culprits. Several types of cold-water fish have shown anti-inflammatory benefits, including salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring - due to their high content of the more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Reduce omega-6 fatty acidsThis includes reducing consumption of margarine and several types of oils, including partially hydrogenated corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, peanut, safflower, sesame, soybean and sunflower oils.To reduce omega-6 fatty acids in your cooking, use monounsaturated oils, such as olive or canola oil. When shopping, keep in mind that omega-6 fatty acids are often used in any products that have a long shelf life, such as crackers, pastries and potato chips.Do most of your shopping around the periphery of the supermarket and don't spend too much time at the red meat and dairy counters, Dr. Rakel advises. Increase omega-3 fatty acidsEating more cold-water fish is one way to boost omega-3s in your diet. But there are also several non-meat sources, including flax seeds or oil, walnuts and green, leafy vegetables. Flax and fish oilBecause flax spoils very quickly once it's ground up, Dr. Rakel suggests buying flax in seed form and grinding the seeds in a coffee grinder. The flax can then be used in a variety of ways, for example, you can take a tablespoon and sprinkle it on salads or mix it into smoothies.Several other plant sources can also help reduce inflammation in the body."All of those things that make you smell seem to be really good for us," Dr. Rakel joked, listing onions and garlic among the list of plant sources that can have a "positive effect on the inflammatory cascade." Others include apples, red pepper, ginger, rosemary and the spice turmeric, which can be purchased in supplement form.Fish oil is another way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acid, but Dr. Rakel warns that too much of it can do more harm than good."There's a therapeutic dose here," he says. "To prevent heart attack, one gram a day is a great dose. But if you have inflammatory arthritis, I don't recommend more than four grams a day."If you take any supplements, you should always inform your doctors, Dr. Rakel stressed. Supplements might interact with your prescription drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness.Exercise and arthritis From acupuncture to journaling, there are several other so-called "alternative" ways to help people cope with chronic diseases such as arthritis. Exercise can also help, by keeping joints moving and restoring and preserving strength and flexibility.It's a technique that 70-year-old Sandy Porter has been using for several years to help manage her osteoarthritis. Porter is an enthusiastic participant in arthritis classes held in the 92-degree warm water pool at the aquatic center at UW Health's Research Park Clinic."I've been doing it for years and I think it's absolutely saved my life," says Porter.The soothing warmth and buoyancy of warm water create a safer environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness and improving range of movement. The water supports joints while providing mild resistance to help build muscle strength.Porter also enjoys the social aspect of the warm water class, which allows her to interact with others going through the same types of aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis."It's really been like a support group - although sometimes we talk too much in class," Porter said with a laugh. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-away-at-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-reduce-muscle-soreness Vitamin E may reduce muscle sorenessSource: Althealth NewsIf a weekend workout has you hobbling around the office Monday, you might want to reach for the bottle -- one of vitamin E that is.Vitamin E may help ease muscle soreness from a rigorous workout, according to a 2002 study.The vitamin acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from free radicals generated during a workout. The chemical buildup may cause soreness in the muscles.There are two basic types of muscle soreness -- one is acute and usually happens during or immediately after exercise. The other is delayed and occurs about 12 hours after a workout.Acute soreness may be an expression of simple fatigue, probably the result of a buildup of chemical byproducts from exercise. Usually rest will help alleviate the initial discomfort.But for those folks who wait until the weekend to work out rigorously, they may experience what's called delayed soreness. It's a normal response to overexertion and part of a process that leads to greater strength once the muscles recover.In the study cited previously, vitamin E was shown to help reduce symptoms of muscle soreness, inflammation and muscle weakness. Participants used doses of 1,000 IU daily, but lower doses of about 200 to 400 IU may give exercisers the same benefits.The researchers said that the physically fit may not need vitamin E after exercise. But most participants who took vitamin E reported lesser symptoms of muscle soreness and inflammation, researchers found.The vitamin might be helpful for the "weekend warrior" types who don't always exercise on a regular basis.Further studies need to be done on muscle soreness and vitamin E in women. The benefits on sore muscles are hard to predict in women, the study's author said.One way to avoid muscle soreness is to make sure there's enough time to stretch before a workout and cool down properly afterward.Also, gradually increasing the intensity of a workout will help decrease muscle soreness.But consult a doctor if you still experience unusual pain over a longer period of time or if the pain persists. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-reduce-muscle-soreness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flax-is-a-seed-that-originated-in-asia-more-than-5-000-years-ago- Flax is a seed that originated in Asia more than 5,000 years ago.Source: Althealth NewsFlax is a seed that originated in Asia more than 5,000 years ago. Today it can be found everywhere, mainly used as a supplement in the form of seeds, oil or capsules. People take flax because it is thought to provide many health benefits from the omega-3 fatty acid (alpha linolenic acid) it contains. Omega-3’s in the diet have been shown to reduce heart disease risk and emerging research suggests it may aid in reducing depression, and inflammatory disorders -- eczema/psoriasis, arthritis, etc.Flaxseed also contains more plant lignins (a fiber and a phytoestrogen) than any other seed. The lignins in flax are thought to be protective against many cancers.The experts at the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board say there are not enough studies to prove flax is as beneficial as the more potent omega-3‘s found in fish, called DHA and EPA.The omega-3 fatty acid in flax is one that has to be converted to what are currently believed to be the most potent omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which means flax may be less potent than fish oil."One needs to be cautious, there is a lot of hype," says Alice Lichtenstein, PhD, senior scientist and director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Research Laboratory at Tufts University. "More research is needed," she added.Others agree that more research is needed, but are more positive about flax’s potential benefits."In my opinion, flaxseed is a grain that holds promise," says Beverly Clevidence, Director of USDA’s Phytonutrient Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. "A lot of science-based data needs to be collected and evaluated before its efficacy is proven, but the food, the alpha-linolenic acid and the phytoestrogens are of great scientific interest," says Clevidence. Some people eat flax for omega-3 fatty acids, others for its plant lignins, which contain beneficial phytoestrogens."Even if flax’s omega-3 fatty acids are less potent than fish oil, flax has value," says Allison Sarubin Fragakis, M.S., R.D., author of The Health Professional’s Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements, 2nd Edition (American Dietetic Association, 2003). The lignans in flax may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovary, endometrium), colon cancer, and diabetes. Nutrition Department Chairman of the Harvard School of Public Health, Walter Willett, says there’s no need to wait while the benefits are being sorted out by further studies."I think it is sensible to include sources of both fish oils and plant omega-3's, such as flax, in our diet. I often include flaxseed with my cooked breakfast cereal in the morning," says Willett. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flax-is-a-seed-that-originated-in-asia-more-than-5-000-years-ago- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/three-main-applications-of-hyaluronic-acid Three Main Applications of Hyaluronic AcidSource: Hyaluronic NewsHyaluronic acid has received much press lately as a natural source of health and beauty. In fact, there are so many uses and benefits of hyaluronic acid, it is instructive to clarify and organize them. For this reason, www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com recently explained the three main categories of uses for hyaluronic acid. They are: anti-aging treatments, nutritional supplements, and medical treatments. Anti-Aging Supplements and Creams As we age, hyaluronic content in the skin changes due to two separate clinically proven factors, decrease in HA synthesis and shift from concentration from the epidermis to the dermis. These changes can leave the epidermis depleted in hyaluronic acid resulting in thinning, aging, and decreased moisture in the skin. Nutritional supplement and beauty products such as Episilk ® contain ultra-high concentrations of hyaluronic acid in order to provide intensive moisture for aged skin that suffers from the dryness and wrinkles. When applied to the skin, HA can penetrate the skin surface and replenish the natural levels already present. Like hyaluronic acid produced in the body, hyaluronic acid used in this form moisturizes from the dermis to the epidermis - from deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer. Nutritional Supplements Hyaluronic acid extracted from rooster combs cannot be absorbed by the intestinal tract. But, Japanese scientists have developed a proprietary enzyme-cleaving technique to lower the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid without altering its chemical nature. This allows hyaluronic acid to be taken orally as a nutritional supplement, many varieties of which are readily available for commercial use. Facial Injections Hyaluronic acid based gel injections are a new option for the on-spot treatment of facial wrinkles. These shots must be administered by a dermatologist and last up to 4 to 6 weeks. Medical Treatments Products containing Hyaluronic acid are in use or are being researched to aid in the prevention and treatment of symptoms related to connective tissue disorders such as: fractures, hernias, glaucoma, keratinous, detached retinas, osteoarthritis, TMJ, prevention of scarring, vocal chord repair insufficiency, wrinkled skin, cartilage damage, and wound and ligament healing. Of these, osteoarthritis has recently become a particularly popular area for HA treatment. Physicians have injected hyaluronic acid directly into the synovial fluid in the knee as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee for the past 20 years. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to the efficacy of this treatment Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/three-main-applications-of-hyaluronic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-in-your-basket- What's in your basket?Source: observer.guardian.co.ukAs a copywriter, novelist Fay Weldon brought us 'Go to work on an egg'. Dr John Briffa goes to work on her diet Sunday June 12, 2005 The Observer I tend to eat breakfast standing up, or perched halfway on a chair, a throwback to the days when the children were small and life was a succession of emergencies. I could perfectly well sit down, though it feels old-fashioned, as if you belonged to a former age. These days breakfast is instant coffee because fresh coffee is so strong, and a bowl of porridge oats without sugar or milk but occasionally honey. (This bleakness may, of course, be why I don't linger.) If I am depressed I will eat toast and jam on the grounds that it will cheer me up but of course it does the opposite.In the early days of Atkins I ate bacon and egg but even that palls if you do it every day. For years it was cereal with milk until one day I read the ingredients on the packet. Sometimes at the weekend we have a cooked breakfast: I admit to preferring supermarket sausages to worthy ones from the farmers' market.If there's no time for breakfast because I have to catch a train I don't feel deprived. Writing is bad for the figure. You sit hunched over a computer and feel your waist disappearing. It seems a desperate matter of input-output. The more you put onto the page the more you feel you need to take in, to compensate.Even as I write this I think, well perhaps an oatcake with a little cheese and some chutney which we made ourselves would be rather nice. I resist. If only I smoked I could just take out a cigarette. Beryl Bainbridge complains she hasn't written a thing since she stopped smoking. I understand that. Output, input. Lunch? Hunger drives me away from the computer, and my husband Nick away from his. Perhaps the cheese and chutney I put off mid-morning? The new pear crop will be ripening before long: we're duty bound to get through last year's batch.We might have herring roe, which is rolled into tiny balls and dyed with squid ink (it tastes just like caviar) or oysters from the local fish stall - they're low in calories and amazingly filling. You could get four of those for £4 and that's lunch for two, except it would be a pity not to have thin buttered rye bread along with them.We aim to eat our main meal at 7.30, but usually end up at the table at about 9.30. Sometimes we start with a salad. Then fish - fresh prawns from the market - or chicken (a roast with fresh leeks). Cooking? I don't do that. I can feed children well enough but that's hardly cooking. Nick does it. A handful of this, a dash of that, I can't do that kind of inspirational thing. But I was interested in Nigella's recipe where she rolls her roast potatoes in semolina instead of flour. I might just try that one day.Herring RoeWith just a trace of carb in it, this food is ideal for a sometime Atkins devotee like Fay. Some salad alongside this will not disrupt her blood sugar insulin levels, and will add much from a nutritional perspective.LeeksNot much scientific work has focused specifically on leeks. However, its botanical brothers - garlic and onions - appear to help protect the body from both heart disease and certain forms of cancer.Cheese and chutneyDairy products like cheese are often recommended for their rich stash of calcium. However, studies show that the calcium derived from dairy products appears to have little or no bearing on risk of osteoporosis.Devilled prawnsPrawns are often ill-advised by dietary experts on the basis that they are rich in cholesterol. However, studies suggest that the amount of cholesterol in the diet has little or no bearing on cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.Porridge oats with waterThere are good reasons for avoiding the over-consumption of carbohydrate, specifically those that tend to give rapid and substantial rises of blood sugar. Oats tend to give a more tempered release of sugar. Roast chickenThis naturally high-protein food is a good option for anyone concerned about the effect of too much carbohydrate in the body.Roast potatoesThese have a relatively high glycaemic index. However, eaten in moderation with slower-releasing foods such as meat and green vegetables, they are unlikely to create too much imbalance. Instant coffeeCoffee consumption has been linked with a reduced risk of diabetes - rates of which are predicted to double over the next 10 years. Too much caffeine, however, may precipitate problems such as insomnia and anxiety. SaladSalad leaves are rich in a range of nutrients including fibre, folate and so-called carotenoids such as alphacarotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Adding vinaigrette will improve its nutritional value. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-in-your-basket- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-meat-fats-fight-heart-disease Some meat fats 'fight heart disease'Source: Althealth NewsAnimal fat, once considered the surest way to a heart attack, can actually reduce bad cholesterol and help people lose weight, Perth research has found.A study of human liver and intestinal cells at Curtin University has found that, far from being dangerous, some fat in red meats such as beef, lamb, mutton and kangaroo can protect against heart disease, obesity and diabetes.The fat, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found at highest levels in meat, and in lesser amounts in dairy products and other foods.Dr Sebely Pal, from Curtin's school of public health, said the study was the first to try to find out how CLA reduced cholesterol and body fat."We're talking about the invisible or marbled fat in meat, not the fat that surrounds a piece of a steak which you cut off," she said. "This is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that many people would not associate with animal fat but may actually be much better than those found in vegetables.We found that CLA can stop a package of fats known as VLDL from being produced and released from the liver into the bloodstream. This VLDL would otherwise have become a precursor to...bad cholesterol." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-meat-fats-fight-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-beauty-of-berries The beauty of berriesSource: Althealth NewsThis is the right time of year for fresh, ripe and juicy berries. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are the shining stars of any produce section in any market, and locally, signs are beginning to pop up to pick you own berries and pay by weight. Strawberries are undoubtedly the king of all berries. Their bright red color and large size stands them apart from most other fruits and they are the most used berries we have. Shortcakes, garnishes on dishes, shakes, and dipped in chocolate are just a few of the ways that we utilize the red beauties. I like to keep them on hand for a quick pretty-up to a main meal or hurried dessert. In the culinary world, a strawberry can make or break a presentation, or provide a refreshing after-dinner treat. The American Indians were already eating strawberries when the Colonists arrived. An old Indian recipe was to crush the berries and mix them with cornmeal to make strawberry bread. From there, the colonists developed their own version, which brings us to the strawberry shortcake we all know today. Another old tidbit, the strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the goddess of love because of its heart shape and red color. The ancient Romans believed the berry was a cure for melancholy, fainting, all inflammations, fever, throat infections, kidney stones, attacks of gout and blood diseases.The strawberry is a member of the rose family, and is unique in that it is the only fruit with the seeds on the outside of the skin. Strawberries are grown in every state in the country and also every province of Canada, which factors into its popularity. It is also estimated that if all the strawberries produced just in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they could possibly go around the world 15 times.When you are purchasing the berries, a rule of thumb is one and a half pounds equal one quart, and that yields about four cups of sliced strawberries. Use them as soon as possible after either picking them or purchasing them in the store. Berries should be refrigerated when you get them home. Do not wash them until you are ready to use them as that disrupts the vitamins they hold. The best way to wash them is in a colander under cold, running water, do not allow them to sit in the water as they will fade in color and flavor. Only after you wash them should you remove the green leafy cap with a plastic utensil taking care not to remove any of the fruit. When you remove the cap and you tear the cells of the berry, and it begins a rapid destruction of vitamin C.Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit around. A one-cup serving size contains 50 calories, so even if you are watching your intake, a cup of fresh strawberries will be a nice treat for you after a walk or work-out. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-beauty-of-berries http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/captique-and-countour-threads-the-two-latest-advancements-in-cosmetic-surgery-arrive-in-denver Captique and Countour Threads, the Two Latest Advancements in Cosmetic Surgery, Arrive in DenverSource: www.prweb.comThe two latest advancements in cosmetic surgery arrive in Denver. Nicolette Picerno, MD brings innovative Contour Threads facelift procedure and natural looking Captique wrinkle filler to the marketDenver, CO (PRWEB) June 29, 2005 -- Looking younger seems to be getting easier and the recent FDA approval and release of two new products, Captique and Contour Threads, are the latest developments in the search for a youthful appearance. Dr. Nicolette Picerno, a Denver-based double board certified facial plastic surgeon, is among the first in the city to offer these minimally invasive, cutting edge procedures. Captique is the newest hyaluronic acid entry into the U.S. dermal filler marketplace. It is indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and can take years off the skin in a matter of minutes. Contour Threads are product used in a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure that elevates the midface and brow. Contour Threads achieve natural looking results without the complications of a full facelift. Both new products are offered locally at Faces First, Dr. Picerno’s Denver and Lone Tree-based practices. A safe and effective alternative in the fight against aging, Captique is administered in the doctor’s office and takes less than 15 minutes. Results may last up to twelve months and can take years of aging off the face. The non-animal derived acid filler is injected directly into the skin and is intended to add volume to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. It is best suited for patients 30-60 years old. Contour Threads are the most recent minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure on the market. Contour Threads are a new product approved by the FDA to elevate the midface and brow. The procedure is a safe, conservative and effective one that offers subtle, natural looking results. Contour Threads are specially designed sutures made of clear polypropylene , a very trusted material that has been safely used in other medical procedures for a number of years. The procedure gently shifts sagging tissues in an upward direction. The procedure allows Dr. Picerno to create a relaxed, fresh appearance while preserving and enhancing the face’s natural contours. Best suited for women and men in their thirties through sixties, the Contour Thread procedure does not replace a conventional facelift; rather it offers patients an innovative, minimally invasive approach to facial rejuvenation. Both Captique and Contour Threads are creating a buzz nationwide. The latest in the numerous facial rejuvenation options, Captique and Contour Threads address the needs of those wanting to turn back the clock without a major overhaul or serious downtime. Patients can learn more by visiting www.nicolettepicernomd.com. To arrange a media interview or an on-camera broadcast of either procedure, please contact Betsy Martin at 303 680 7004. About Dr. Nicolette Picerno, MD Dr. Nicolette Picerno is a member of Faces First Center for Cosmetic Surgery. As one of only three female facial cosmetic surgeons in Colorado to be double-board certified, Dr. Picerno offers surgical procedures and non-invasive beauty treatments from the neck up. Dr. Picerno is certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She has practices in Lone Tree and at the Centura-Porter Adventist Campus. For more information please visit www.nicolettepicernomd.com or call 303 744 2300. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/captique-and-countour-threads-the-two-latest-advancements-in-cosmetic-surgery-arrive-in-denver http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-to-enrich-mothers-milk Fish oil to enrich mother's milkSource: www.nst.com.myA LACTATING mother asked me last week how she can ensure that her breast milk contains the right nutrients for her baby's brain development. Medical and nutritional evidence show that adequate omega-3 and 6 fats are essential both during pregnancy and in early infancy for normal development of the brain and nerve function and retina for vision. A deficiency of these vital fatty acids in both mother and infant can result in improper growth of the child's nervous and immune system that can cause a lifetime of unexplained emotional, learning and immune disorders. The deficit of essential fatty acids in early life has also been linked to a higher vulnerability in heart disease and high blood pressure to develop in adult life. Brain tissue has a very high concentration of fats that are predominantly arachidonic acid (AA) from the omega-6 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the omega-3 fatty acids. In order to ensure an adequate fatty acid intake for the mother and child it is necessary to understand the changing requirements for these fatty acids before pregnancy, during pregnancy as well as after birth. After birth, the mother's supply of fatty acids is channelled to her breast milk, so that the baby can continue to obtain the nourishment he needs to support the critical brain development of the first 12 months of life. Breast milk may have five times more arachidonic acid and 30 times more DHA compared to baby's milk formula. Unfortunately we are seeing a decline in the DHA content of breast milk and that of the American mother is among the lowest in the world. American mothers produce milk that often has only one-fifth to one-tenth of the omega-3 content of the milk compared to that of well-nourished, nut-eating Nigerian mothers' milk. In order to enrich mother's milk with essential fatty acids, a lactating mother should ensure that her diet is rich in seed and nut oils, fish oils, flaxseed oil and pumpkin seeds. A recent published study by Harvard University concludes that pregnant women can boost their baby's intelligence by eating fish at least twice a week. Fish, in particular oily fish, is high in the omega-3 fatty acids. While fish provides the natural goodness for health, the dilemma is that they can do more harm than good as certain varieties may contain large amount of mercury which is a nerve poison. The Harvard study quantifies and compares risks and benefits of a fish diet. While pregnant women who eat fish have babies who are likely to score higher on intelligence tests, the study also shows that the benefits disappear and the babies' intelligence scores drop substantially if the fish contains high levels of mercury. Nearly all seafood contains traces of mercury, but large marine fish such as swordfish, shark and albacore tuna accumulate the highest levels. Farmed salmon are also rich in omega-3 fats but the concern is the colour additives that make the flesh pink. Sardines and anchovies are considered excellent omega-3 sources that have very low mercury content. Shrimps, crabs, scallops, oysters and clams are low in mercury but are rather poor sources of omega-3 fats. Fish oil supplements may be an alternative in ensuring adequate supply of omega-3 fats as they do not present the same levels of contaminants. It has been found on average that babies only get 12 milligrams of DHA per kilogram of infant weight per day, which is half of the recommended levels by WHO. Studies have shown that daily supplementation with 200mg of DHA can increase DHA levels in mother's milk to meet the recommended amount. This is equivalent to two capsules of fish oil 1000mg or one capsule of enriched or double-strength fish oil. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-to-enrich-mothers-milk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/intrinsic-factor-vitamin-b12-and-pernicious-anemia Intrinsic factor, Vitamin B12 and Pernicious AnemiaSource: Althealth NewsDEAR DR. DONOHUE: What causes the stomach to lose its intrinsic factor? My husband developed pernicious anemia and was told it came from loss of intrinsic factor. Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated. -- J.M.ANSWER: Vitamin B-12, found only in meat and dairy products, has many important functions. One is keeping the cells lining the digestive tract healthy. One sign of a B-12 deficiency is a beefy-red, sore tongue, an indication that the digestive tract lining is deteriorating. A second B-12 role is preserving the insulating material around nerves and around nerve cells in the spinal cord. Without that insulation, nerve transmission falters. People complain of numbness or unpleasant, even painful sensation. They wobble because balance is affected. Thinking often becomes foggy.The third and perhaps most important B-12 function is maintaining the production of red blood cells. B-12 lack leads to a severe anemia with all its signs and symptoms -- tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath. This is pernicious anemia, and often the digestive tract problems and nerve disturbances accompany the drop in red blood cell numbers.The absorption of B-12 from the digestive tract into the blood is unique among vitamins. B-12 requires intrinsic factor, a protein produced by stomach cells, to pass through the digestive tract lining and reach the circulation. Elderly people experience a drop-off in intrinsic factor as a consequence of aging. More troublesome, however, is an attack by the immune system on the stomach cells producing intrinsic factor. Evidence of the immune attack is found in antibodies directed against those stomach cells. Antibodies are the immune system's ammunition.One bright spot to the pernicious anemia story is that restoration of body B-12 stores can be obtained by injecting the vitamin into muscles. Injections bypass the need for intrinsic factor, and results are usually gratifying.DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I would like to know how long the cold germ lives after leaving an infected person's body. For example, if a person coughs into his hands and then touches a doorknob, how long does the germ live on the doorknob? -- J.B.ANSWER: More than one virus can cause a cold, but the chief troublemaker is the rhinovirus, so I'll use it as the model.Rhinoviruses can live on inanimate surfaces, like doorknobs, for several hours. However, touching a doorknob coated with rhinovirus seldom, if ever, is the way colds are passed from one person to the next.Hand transmission accounts for most passage of colds. People who are infected with the rhinovirus invariably have some virus on their fingers and hands. When an infected person's hand touches another person's hand, the second person acquires the virus. Then that person inadvertently touches the nose or the eye, and the virus penetrates the nasal lining or the eye covering and establishes a new home for itself. A cold is born. This is the reason why hand-washing is such an important preventive measure in controlling the spread of colds.Rhinoviruses can also be sprayed into the air from a cough or a sneeze -- another route of transmission, but not as important as the hand route.DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have just tested positive for the AIDS virus. I feel quite well, but I have asked my doctor to begin treatment. He says it's not done that way. Why not? Why should I wait until I become sick to take medicine? Wouldn't early treatment stop me from becoming sick? -- R.S.ANSWER: There is no convincing data that supports early treatment. And treatment is not withheld until a person becomes sick. It's started when there is a drop in the CD4 lymphocyte count. CD4 lymphocytes are one kind of white blood cell, the ones attacked by the AIDS virus. Well after their numbers drop, a person becomes ill. Another indication for treatment is a high blood level of the AIDS virus.Treatment is delayed because the AIDS medicines can have serious side effects.All of this is subject to change if evidence is ever obtained that treatment is beneficial when the AIDS test first turns positive. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/intrinsic-factor-vitamin-b12-and-pernicious-anemia http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/largest-vitamin-e-trial-shows-reduced-risk-of-cardiovascular-death-in-women Largest vitamin E trial shows reduced risk of cardiovascular death in womenSource: www.foodnavigator.comVitamin E is unlikely to prevent heart disease or cancer but it could lower the risk of heart attacks and stroke in older women as well as cardiovascular deaths, writes Dominique Patton.Results from the largest ever trial on vitamin E supplementation - almost 40,000 American women participated - appear to confirm previous research showing that the vitamin does not prevent heart disease or cancer. But those women taking the high dose natural alpha-tocopherol supplements did have a significantly lower risk of death and also a much lower risk of heart attack and stroke if they were over the age of 65, according to the major trial out today. Researchers on the study, published in the 6 July issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (vol 294, no1), say these findings should be investigated further. Industry will also welcome the lack of adverse effects reported during the 10-year study, the longest trial period for vitamin E supplements to date. The Harvard Medical School team writes that there were no differences between reported adverse effects among women taking vitamin E or placebo, apart from a small increase in the risk of epistaxis (nosebleeds). This finding contrasts with a recent meta-analysis that reviewed studies of people already ill with cancer, heart disease or other serious medical conditions who appeared to be at a much higher risk of death when taking vitamin E supplements. However the authors of the Women’s Health Study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that also looked at the effects of low-dose aspirin, noted that many previous trials on vitamin E "have been conducted primarily among participants with cardiovascular risk factors and/or CVD or at high risk of cancer”.Many were also limited to five years. Their trial was designed to investigate a potential benefit from vitamin E over a longer time period and in healthy people. Dr Andrew Shao, vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the US trade association Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), welcomed the data from a healthy population, noting that previous studies of vitamin E had examined unhealthy populations and then incorrectly used the results to reach conclusions about the safety of vitamin E in healthy individuals. “The WHS should help dispel some of the dubious myths surrounding vitamin E. We hope these results will inspire other researchers to continue to study vitamin E and its potentially beneficial effects,” he said. However Rita Redberg, writing in an editorial in the same journal, noted that most of the women in this trial were at very low risk of heart disease, and this could therefore have eliminated any benefit from the vitamin in overall prevention of heart disease. Nevertheless the new findings could be important if they are confirmed in further work. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in all European countries, and in men in all of Europe apart from France. It causes nearly half (49 per cent) of all deaths in Europe, or 4.35 million each year, according to the European Heart Network. The study found a 24 per cent reduction in cardiovascular deaths among the nearly 20,000 women who took vitamin E supplements compared with the nearly 20,000 women taking placebo. For women 65 and over, taking vitamin E supplements had an even greater positive effect, reducing cardiovascular death by 49 per cent compared to placebo and heart attack by 34 per cent. While the authors said it was possible that the decreased cardiovascular deaths, not observed in other studies, could be “due to chance,” they acknowledged that this finding “should be explored further”. They also noted that few previous trials of vitamin E have reported findings by age. Professor Maret Traber, a principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University and a leading expert on vitamin E, said: “Vitamin E has clear value in helping to reduce the risk of heart and other serious degenerative diseases. This is especially important for people who smoke, have high blood pressure, or who don’t eat properly, habits which can leave them with inadequate levels of this essential vitamin.”Results from a long-term study investigating the benefits of vitamin E in men - the Physician's Health Study - are not due until 2008 but they will offer further data to clarify today's results. The Women's Health study also showed that 100mg of aspirin on alternate days reduced the risk of stroke overall in the women studied and the risk of both stroke and heart attack in those aged 65 and older. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/largest-vitamin-e-trial-shows-reduced-risk-of-cardiovascular-death-in-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-golden-stitch-in-time-saves-nine-years-of-ageing A golden stitch in time saves nine years of ageingSource: mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jpGrowing numbers of Japanese women are getting cheeky boasting about the glittering results of the latest beauty treatment to have struck gold in this country, according to Friday (7/15).The women are mimicking a treatment first developed thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt and sewing threads of pure gold into their cheeks.Golden strings laced into the face are said to have made Cleopatra look at the time of her death at age 39 as though she had the skin of a 15-year-old.And now Japanese women are flocking to get a glimmer in their mugs."When I first heard about it, I didn't believe it. When I heard how I worked, I finally understood," Kiyotaka Uchiyama, head of the Belle Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Tokyo, tells Friday. "When the gold thread is inserted into the epidermis, the body naturally creates large quantities of collagen around the gold. This doesn't just improve the state of wrinkles and sagging, but makes wrinkles smaller and whitens the skin so that it doesn't appear so dull. And the effects work for 10 to 15 years."Bodies recognize gold yarn inserted under the skin as being foreign objects and the immune system comes into play. Capillaries extend to carry cells to fight off the gold, while collagen and hyaluronic acid are also produced to heal the damage caused by the immune system in its fight with the invader.About 400 Japanese women have filled their countenances with gold since the cosmetic surgery was first offered in April 2004. Among them was model Nanako Kashiwaya, who recently underwent the procedure."A friend of mine had the gold thread put into her face and she came out looking really young," the 21-year-old catwalker tells Friday. "I was looking forward to it, but a bit scared."A surgeon injected anesthetic into Kashiwaya's face then, when it had taken effect, used a huge needle to thread a grid of golden thread across her face. Inserting about 3 meters of golden thread took around 1 hour and set back the model some 800,000 yen.But she was delighted by the results."Right after the surgery I had a look in the mirror and was shocked by how swollen my face had become, but within three days I felt good enough to go back to work again," she tells Friday. "Now, I love staring at mirror morning and night just to see how much my face has changed." (By Ryann Connell) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-golden-stitch-in-time-saves-nine-years-of-ageing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soya-milk-prevents-bone-loss Soya milk prevents bone lossSource: Althealth NewsDrinking Two glasses of soya milk per day could protect postmenopausal women against bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis, the European Journal of Nutrition recently reported. Research indicates that both soya and Progesterone have bone-protecting properties. The new study compared the effects of soya milk with that of a progesterone skin cream on bone density measurements in 107 postmenopausal women with either established osteoporosis or risk factors for the disease. Divided into four groups over two years participants were given one of the following: soya milk, progesterone skin cream, combined soya milk and progesterone, or placebo. All the participants were given a dietary supplement ensuring the total daily calcium intake was around 1,500mg in all groups.Women in the soya milk and progesterone groups did not lose bone mass, unlike both the placebo, and combined soya milk and progesterone groups. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soya-milk-prevents-bone-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-intake-of-lycopene-and-other-carotenoids-protect-against-prostate-cancer High intake of lycopene and other carotenoids protect against prostate cancerSource: Althealth NewsStudies of Europeans and Americans have found that the antioxidant lycopene and lycopene-rich foods can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Now a team of Australian and Chinese researchers have found the same to be true with Asians.Researchers at the Curtain University of Technology, Perth, Australia, studied the dietary habits of 130 Chinese men with prostate cancer and 274 hospitalized men without the disease.They found that men with the highest intake of lycopene had an 88% lower risk of prostate cancer. High intake of beta-carotene was associated with a 57% lower risk, alpha-carotene with a 66% lower risk, and cryptoxanthin with an 85% lower risk.Overall, men with prostate cancer ate about one-third fewer fruits and vegetables. High intake of tomatoes, pumpkin, spinach, watermelon, and citrus fruits also appeared to be beneficial.Jian L, Du CJ, Lee AH, et al. Do dietary lycopene and other carotenoids protect against prostate cancer? International Journal of Cancer, 2005;113:1010-1014. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-intake-of-lycopene-and-other-carotenoids-protect-against-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-good-reason-to-eat-fish-and-veg-they-make-a-powerful-anti-inflammatory A good reason to eat fish and veg: they make a powerful anti-InflammatorySource: Althealth NewsColdwater fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are rich sources of omega-3 fats, which have long been recognised for their anti-inflammatory properties. But recently, researchers at the Harvard Medical School identified a byproduct of the omega-3s with especially powerful anti-inflammatory properties.The tiny molecule, known as resolvin E1, is made from dietary eicosapentaenoic (EPA), one of the principal omega-3 fats found in fish. Researchers led by Charles N. Serhan, PhD, had previously identified resolvin E1 in the blood of mice. In his latest study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, Serhan found resolvin E1 in the blood of healthy people and then synthesized the molecule in the laboratory, to conduct more detailed experiments with resolvin E1.Serhan found that very small amounts of resolvin E1 inhibited the movement of human inflammatory immune cells and also blocked the activation of immune cells, changes that would reduce inflammation. It also reduced skin inflammation in rabbits and, in unpublished data, reversed periodontal disease in laboratory mice.Resolvin E1 appeared to work in part by turning off “nuclear factor kappa beta,” a transcription factor known to activate pro-inflammatory genes and cytokines.Serhan also found that aspirin increased the body’s production of resolvin E1. But while many people take a daily baby aspirin to ward off heart disease, there may be a more natural alternative. Culinary herbs, fruits, and vegetables are rich sources of salicylic acid, the core molecule of aspirin. Research has found that people who eat a lot of vegetables have higher blood levels of salicylic acid, compared with those who don’t.Serhan reported one other intriguing finding: the often-maligned Cox-2 enzyme is responsible for converting EPA to resolvin E1. When people take Cox-2 inhibitor drugs, such as Vioxx and Celebrex, they reduce resolvin E1 production – which may be one of the reasons why these drugs increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. A diet rich in coldwater fish (or omega-3 fish oil supplements) and high-fiber nonstarchy would help the body make resolvin E1.References: Arita M, Bianchini F, Aliberti J, et al. Stereochemical assignment, anti-inflammatory properties, and receptor for the omega-3 lipid mediator resolvin E1. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2005;201:713-722. Paterson JR, Lawrence JR. Saliylic acid: a link between aspirin, diet and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Quarterly Journal of Medicine, 2001;94:445-448. q Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-good-reason-to-eat-fish-and-veg-they-make-a-powerful-anti-inflammatory http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more2life-savoury-rice More2Life: Savoury RiceSource: www.sundaylife.co.ukEIGHTIES superwoman Anneka Rice will be donning one of her famous jumpsuits again next weekend to take part in the massive Live8 fundraising concert in London's Hyde Park.The former Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka frontwoman will take to the skies once more in her famous chopper to pick up lucky ticket winners and whisk them to the gig.The energetic 46-year-old revealed her involvement during a flying visit to the province, last week, and told Sunday Life that although she hasn't been a TV regular for more than a decade, she's been a very busy girl indeed, not least behind the scenes developing an American version of Challenge Anneka with none other than Erin Brockovich, the legal assistant made famous by Julia Roberts in the Oscar-winning film."That was very exciting. Erin is a fantastic woman and we had such a laugh. She's so positive and feisty. We have done a pilot show, and I'm just waiting to see what happens."With Challenge being such a huge success (and a regular visitor to these shores) and Anneka firmly established as one of the most popular presenters on television, why on earth did she drop out of the spotlight?"We had done more than 60 projects, and it really was a very full-on programme," she told Sunday Life."Some weeks we'd be building a school in Croatia or refurbishing an orphanage. We were taking on projects that would normally take three or four months - and we had four days - and would work round the clock, using hundreds of volunteers."It was a really big workload and we felt that we should quit while we were ahead, before someone got killed or hurt. So many wonderful people volunteered, and I personally felt such a sense of responsibility."I decided to take a sabbatical and went to Chelsea College of Art for three years to study fine art."It was great. I would go home in the afternoon and my kids would come home from school, and we would all compare our paintings. It was a very lovely peaceful time, compared to the mad life I had been living, so I made a conscious decision to just take projects when they came up, and not commit to a long series."Being a mum to three boys, aged 16, 15 and seven, also dictates the Rice work schedule these days."I like to be very involved with my children. Like any working mum, there's a lot of organising that needs to be done before I go to work, but although two of my boys are teenagers, I've been lucky that adolescent rebellion doesn't seem to have kicked in yet - my boys are very housetrained," she laughs.Although she doesn't say it, the very public break up of her marriage to millionaire theatre producer Nick Allott, in 1993, with whom she has two sons Thomas (16), and Joshua, now 15, must have played a part in her decision to step out of the spotlight.The pair were very much one of the 'it' couples of the time, and their separation announcement came after many months of lurid Press speculation, so it's not surprising that she is cagey when pressed about her new love life, despite being happily in love with a new partner and a third son."I'm happily not going to talk about that," she replies, albeit in a good humoured way."The whole point about my new life is that because it's so nice, and because of the kids, I want to keep a degree of privacy."Past heartbreaks may make some women cynical about the opposite sex, but not Anneka."I really enjoy men's bodies. But, I'm talking about painting them!"They're much more interesting than females, but it's hard persuading men to strip off."Sadly she hasn't painted anyone famous… yet, though Ainsley Harriott did offer."We discussed it and came to the conclusion that I wouldn't have enough paint!" she laughs.Her children are very influential in the work she chooses, having turned down every reality TV show under the sun to spare their blushes."Up till now my kids would have been mortified. It's not just me I have to think about. I've got three boys who are at school.""But, the one I really wanted to do was The Games, I thought that was fantastic, but unfortunately I broke my shoulder skiing, so I couldn't do it."Looking back now, I can't believe what I was thinking. I can't even get my legs over a hurdle. Everyone is about 25 with legs up to their armpits. It was the opportunity to train with all those Olympic athletes that tempted me."The funniest one I was asked to do was Celebrity Bowls, but I haven't seen that on screen yet, funnily enough. I almost wanted to do that for my dad, who plays bowls - I could have done it in his honour."Anneka was in the province to lend her support to Gordon's Chemists, the largest independent chemists in Northern Ireland.The shops will be exclusive stockists of Nourella, a new skincare regime that claims to turn back the clock.In the flesh, the tall blonde looks a lot younger than her 46 years, and although she doesn't smoke, she's not too strict with herself."I'm certainly not rigid about wine, but I am quite careful about what I eat. I just don't like the taste of junk food. My real weakness is cakes, I love a good cake."And, as for keeping in shape (she won UK Rear of the Year in 1986): "I'm slightly addicted to sport. Being energetic is part of my make-up, it's not something I have to force myself to do."It's a good job too, because as well as family life, studying and working on TV projects she also keeps in touch with many of the people she met during her Challenge Anneka days."I'm still connected with loads of the projects and a lot of the people became really good friends. Marion Bennett who was involved in the challenge of building a jetty, on the Scilly Isles, become my son's godmother."You build up the most remarkable bonds doing that programme. I made friends for life all over the world."The one with the most impact however was the Romanian orphanage, because so many people literally left their husbands and went out there to work, or wrote books or adopted children. A lot of people's lives were changed."The poor schoolteacher, who innocently wrote in to challenge us to do something about it, is still out there. It became her life and she's been in Romania ever since doing wonderful work."And, as if that's not enough, the last three years have seen Anneka undertaking her first drama role in BBC drama, Absolute Power and treading the boards in controversial play, The Vagina Monologues. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more2life-savoury-rice http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/unproved-herbal-products-need-separate-regulation-uk Unproved herbal products need separate regulation, UKSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comThe UK needs a separate regulatory body to distinguish unproved herbal products from more rational treatments, say experts in this week's BMJ. There are some herbal medicines of demonstrable efficacy, write Drs Robin Ferner and Keith Beard. For example, a recent study found a standard extract of St John's wort was as effective as the antidepressant drug paroxetine. For most herbal treatments, however, good trials of efficacy are lacking, and conducting them would be expensive. Without evidence of efficacy, it is hard to judge the safety of herbal medicines. Quality of manufacture is also a serious problem, as the concentrations of compounds in unstandardised herbal products can vary several hundredfold. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regards herbal medicines as dietary supplements, which must not bear claims that cannot be backed up by scientific evidence. In contrast, the European Union is introducing a simple registration procedure for herbal products that have been used for many years, while the UK is considering a Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee to advise ministers directly on the regulation of herbal medicines. This raises concern over why products that make medicinal claims should be judged on plausible traditions rather than scientific analysis. “Herbal products for which there are reliable data could be granted standard marketing authorisations. If the rest were judged by a separate body, and by different criteria, we could certainly distinguish rational therapies based on good evidence of efficacy and safety from products that lack those attributes,” say the authors. “Advocates of the use of unproved herbal products would then be able to take separate and full responsibility for them.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/unproved-herbal-products-need-separate-regulation-uk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milk-thistle-could-fight-prostate-cancer Milk Thistle Could Fight Prostate CancerSource: www.nbc4i.comResearchers Hope To Tap Into Herb's PowersPOSTED: 3:14 pm EDT July 7, 2005Scientists have uncovered a compound from milk that could treat common cancers in men.The herb known as "the liver cleanser" has made its mark in cancer treatment, according to a NBC report.Researchers said the power of milk thistle, an herb medicinally used in the past for liver and gallbladder ailments, provides power against prostate cancer.The discovery arose during a search for cancer-fighting compounds in natural products, such as green tea and soy."We stumbled upon the fact that milk thistle, an antioxidant supplement, seemed to have unusually good activity against human prostate cancer in rodent models," said Dr. David Kroll, an herbal researcher.They said milk thistle even packs a powerful punch against aggressive forms of the disease. In the latest development, Kroll isolated a compound he believes gives the herb its prostate cancer-fighting power. Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milk-thistle-could-fight-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mistletoe-extract-may-treat-bladder-cancer Mistletoe extract may treat bladder cancerSource: today.reuters.co.ukAfter surgery for superficial bladder cancer, treatment with a mistletoe extract appears to be effective at reducing tumor recurrence, German researchers report.Mistletoe extract could be a potential alternative postoperative therapy for treating patients with superficial bladder cancer successfully, "without the typical side effects induced by other therapies," Dr. Ursula Elsaesser-Beile from the University of Freiburg, told Reuters Health.Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has been shown to decrease tumor recurrence significantly after surgery for bladder cancer. However, serious side effects and even deaths have prompted a search for alternatives. So far, none has been equally effective.Mistletoe extracts have been shown to act favorably on proteins that affect cancer and have been widely used for many years as alternative therapy in patients with malignancies.In the current study, 30 patients with superficial bladder carcinoma received six weekly instillations of a standardized water-based mistletoe extract beginning about 4 weeks after surgeryThe treatment was well tolerated at all concentrations and there were no reports of side effects.At 12 months, nine tumors had recurred. In the 24 patients with so-called pTa G2 and pT1 G2 tumors, the recurrence rate was 33 percent, comparable to the recurrence rate in similar historical controls treated with BCG, the investigators point out.While further studies are needed to define the best dosage, Elsaesser-Beile said the current findings indicate "a new approach for a broad clinical application of mistletoe extract in urological oncology."SOURCE: Journal of Urology July 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mistletoe-extract-may-treat-bladder-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/freedom-of-choice-oh-no-you-dont-ec-tells-uk Freedom of choice? Oh no you don't, EC tells UKSource: Althealth NewsThe battle has been lost, but the war goes on. The brave legal challenge to the EC Food Supplements Directive by the HFMA and NAHS has been thrown out.The European Court of Justice has ‘upheld’ the FSD despite a preliminary recommendation by the Advocate General that the unpopular Directive should be annulled.“We are distraught,“ said Sue Croft, director of Consumers for Health Choice. “We have been so upbeat and now we find ourselves fighting tooth and nail all over again.“But the message is that we are not dead yet. We still have an opportunity to achieve national derogation for the UK and we have to push the Government to have the political will to do this. With Britain holding the EC presidency we have a good chance of pulling something out of the fire.”Now that the FSD has been upheld, only ingredients on the ‘positive’ list can be used in supplements from August 1. Those suppliers that have not already reformulated now face huge hurdles in bringing thousands of supplements to health store shelves. Research and innovation will be stifled. However, the derogation process has so far provided a temporary stay of execution for 14 popular nutrients including Boron, Silicon and Ester-C allowing them to remain on sale until December 2009. On a more positive note, the new health minister, Caroline Flint, is said to be far more sympathetic than her predecessor, Melanie Johnson. Recent meetings with her have indicated she is ‘on the ball’, said Sue Croft.The above is taken from the August issue of Health Food Business magazine.The National Association of Health Stores expressed its anger today as the European Court of Justice upheld the food supplements directive.John McKee, NAHS Chairman, said, “It is patently obvious to anyone, with any brain, that the directive offends principles of subsidiarity, proportionality, and personal freedom. That the most senior court in Europe has chosen not to see this is frankly mind-bending.”“That said, the industry must not descend into depression and must very quickly regroup. We should all push the Prime Minister to deliver on his commitment to protect consumer choice. The new minister, Caroline Flint MP, made some promising signals last week that the UK may use other tactics to ensure the UK market is protected.”“The HFMA and the NAHS have now been granted derogations for virtually all of the 270 missing ingredients. The dossiers are of variable quality and it is likely that not all derogations will extend to 2009. However, the ingredients which are used most often will be safe for a few years at least.”“Retailers are now very scared about the impact on their businesses from 1st August but they must bear in mind the following. Derogations will allow most products to be sold up to 2009. Trading standards have already indicated that they regard this as low priority and will be using a light touch for probably a couple of years. High strength products are at risk but are also a couple of years from being restricted.”“We must now fight as we have never fought before in order to protect our products. Get your MP on the phone this week. Let him know how worried you are.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/freedom-of-choice-oh-no-you-dont-ec-tells-uk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beauty-style-annekas-tonic-for-anti-ageing Beauty & Style: Anneka's tonic for anti-ageingSource: www.sundaylife.co.ukSHE is one 40-something broadcaster, who does not need the magic of a modern camera lens to soften her complexion.Sitting across the table from Anneka Rice, in Belfast, this week, it was impossible not to be struck by her completely flawless, youthful complexion.The reason the gorgeous TV presenter was the subject of such close scrutiny, was because she was in the city to endorse a new anti-ageing product, which claims to make you look 10 years younger, in just three months!The programme comprises food supplement tablets, which are taken daily and work from the "inside out", plus a patented, clinically proven, deep action, anti-ageing cream, which works from the "outside in".Anneka has been on the Nourella Programme for three months, and told More2Life she cannot believe the difference it has made.Her skin elasticity, thickness and moisture were measured using an ultrasound scanner both before and after she used Nourella. The results showed an improvement in elasticity on her facial skin of 48pc and on her arm by 42pc.Said Anneka: "The dual-action routine of Delay Tactics intrigued me, but it was the very impressive laboratory results that convinced me to try it for myself." Gordons are selling the product with a special introductory offer - buy one box of tablets at £29.95, get the cream at half price (normally the cream retails at £29.95 also). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beauty-style-annekas-tonic-for-anti-ageing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbs-saved-me-from-cancer Herbs saved me from cancerSource: Althealth NewsA WOMAN who was diagnosed with terminal cancer as a child has told how she beat the killer disease - using herbal remedies.Samantha Wilson's parents tried the alternative treatments on their daughter as a last resort when she was given three weeks to live at the age of eight.Doctors at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury told the family Samantha's chances of survival were zero after months of chemotherapy had no effect.For six years, the family put their faith in herbalists Abbotts of Leigh.Samantha took herbal mixtures and ate a special diet of fresh fruit, vegetables and pulses. She also had lotions rubbed into her body and regular blood tests, and was finally given the all-clear at the age of 14.Samantha, now 35, of Grassington Drive, Bury, said: "I was given absolutely no chance to live. People should know that there is hope.Remedies"Then, alternative treatment wasn't the done thing but I am living proof that it works. My parents were told they were kidding themselves, but the doctors were wrong because I am here today."After surviving for 27 years, Samantha is now writing her life story to share her experience with her son Ryan, 12, and give hope to others."The herbal remedies saved my life," she said."I got the quality of life back that the disease had robbed. "The hospital said it was a one-in-a-billion chance and I had been very lucky. The herbs healed my body and my blood. It is as simple as that."A spokesman for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital said the consultants who treated Samantha had since left the hospital and that no comment could be made on her recovery. Eve Martin, care manager at the Leukaemia Care Society, said: "Most children are put on treatment for anything between two to three years. We would advocate what the NHS do, but we would also support the patient's right to a holistic approach." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbs-saved-me-from-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-treasure-trove-of-tidbits-for-health-and-beauty A TREASURE TROVE OF TIDBITS FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTYSource: www.bellaonline.comYou might call some of this information 'New Age' - but whatever you choose to call it, it is meant to help you both in body, mind and spirit. Some of it may be a bit off-beat for your tastes, but I bring things to you that you may not find otherwise - which could possibly benefit you or someone you love. After all, knowledge is power.The sounds of Didgeridoo - are said to bring your mind to a deeply meditative state where the sounds of this instrument can 'unlock' the code of our chakras, and thus bring about communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Shamanism and shamanic sounds have been an ongoing interest of mine in the last couple of years. Some people say these sounds put you into such a deep meditative state that it can unlock the code of the chakras for rebalancing and reconnecting. I am still reading up on this subject and hope to glean more understanding of just how this works in the near future. Synthrovial 7 - Hyraulonic AcidI stumbled on this site quite by chance - and what it has to say amazes me (http://www.hyalogic.com). I was watching an episode of Doctor 90210 the other evening; one of the plastic surgeons featured on that show went to France to see his mentor, who is a famous plastic surgeon in that country. That French doctor did some topical work on the American doctor - and he explained that what he was applying topically to 'Dr. 90210' was 'hyaluronic' acid. He injected it into the American doctor's face. I started researching this subject matter and it sounds nothing short of amazing. It does much more than enhance your appearance. You might want to check out the website. There are numerous testimonials on the product and what it appears it can do.ElectrolytesDid you know - by drinking electrolytes thirty minutes before each meal it moistens and re-charges soft tissues lining the digestive tract? Electrolytes supply the pancreas new ions to make more digestive enzymes. Electrolytes are critical to nerves. They are the key to unlock energy flow in a cell. (This information was taken from www.remineralize-the-earth.org). Lifesavers:: Cayenne pepper - can be given to people immediately upon symptoms of a heart attackChew Cilantro for food poisoningAdd some coconut to drinks, food or cooking to kill various bacteria, viruses and pathogens*Cansema Cream for cancerous growths - http://www.altcancer.com, http://www.bloodrootproducts.com, risingsunhealth.com Dr. Nicholas Perricone (nvperriconemd.com), anti-aging expert and author of The New York Times' bestseller, The Wrinkle Cure, and The Perricone Promise, has devised a '3 day nutritional face-lift', which consists of eating salmon twice a day; the salmon contains essential fatty acids and DMAE, which will 'increase radiance, glow and firmness to the skin'. Wild Alaskan Salmon is much preferred to farm raised salmon. It also 'aids in the elimination of puffiness, increases contours, firms jaw line', to quote Dr. Perricone. But, he stresses you must eat the salmon twice a day for the ideal effects.Super Antioxidant JuicesAcai Noni mangosteenThe No. 1 super food that you can take, according to Dr. Perricone, is Acai fruit. Dr. Perricone claims this little berry is one of the 'most nutritious and powerful foods in the world' that you can eat. You can find it in juice form in health food stores and gourmet shops. He also claims that garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots can all help the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens. (Check out http://www.oprah.com/health/beauty/health_beauty_superfood.jhtml) for more information on "10 Superfoods for Age-Defying Beauty").Removing Toxins from the System - The healing properties of ClayThe following was taken directly from http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to speak with Shirley personally over the telephone. She is dedicated to providing natural health information; she operates a wonderful wellness site which is chockful of great products for our health and well-being. I intend to try the following myself:TERRABATHE clay - Strongest ionic charge (pulling power) available (toxins stick to the clay particles) to assist in removing:Mercury….Lead….Pesticides Aluminum….Arsenic….Nicotine Copper….Radiation….Chemicals Bacteria…..Environmental pollutants ….and many other pollutants and poisonsIt is WELL KNOWN known that clay absorbs radiation - In Russia, before putting on their radiation suits, scientists who work with nuclear material will coat their entire bodies with a clay magma.Because of its excellent drawing effect,TerraBathe has the power to pull positively charged toxins out of the body, safely, effectively and inexpensively, through the pores of the skin.TerraBathe can also be used effectively for a Total Body Masque, by making a clay mixture with water and applying to skin on the body; allowing to dry; and showering off. **Edible Terramin clay will provide internal detoxification** Other links/ interesting websites:www.humanmiracles.com www.tnrdlib.bc.ca/rr/sl-all.html -- Some very interesting comments on various 'new age' booksIf any of my readers have tried the clay baths for detoxification, please drop me a line and let me know how they worked for you. If you have some other health products that you know of that made a distinct difference in your life, please drop me a line about them as well. Here's to your good health! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-treasure-trove-of-tidbits-for-health-and-beauty http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/indigestion-how-not-to-make-a-meal-of-it Indigestion: How not to make a meal of itSource: www.dailymail.co.ukMore than six million people in the UK are affected every day by indigestion: it accounts for almost one in 20 visits to the GP. Also known as dyspepsia, it is a discomfort or burning feeling in the upper abdomen which can be accompanied by bloating, wind and nausea. It can be caused by eating too much too quickly, eating fatty foods or eating while stressed. It may also indicate an underlying medical condition such as gallstones, ulcers or irritable bowel. For some, the pain is so bad they feel like they are having a heart attack. Heartburn, which is also called acid reflux, is a common form of indigestion which occurs when acid and digestive juices flow back up from the stomach to the gullet. There are hundreds of remedies for indigestion, but which are the best? EAT MORE OFTEN Smaller, more frequent meals will help prevent indigestion. The condition is often caused when acid needed in the digestion of food builds up in the stomach, causing inflammation and pain. The build-up can occur because of long gaps between meals, so try eating smaller meals more often. Be careful about what you eat, too. Low-fat foods are thought to be beneficial, because fats in general are the most difficult part of the diet to digest. STOP SMOKING Research based on more than 70,000 people shows that smoking is strongly linked to indigestion and acid reflux, when stomach acids flow back into the oesophagus. Those who smoked daily for 20 years were 70 per cent more likely to have acid reflux. It is thought that smoking reduces the strength of the valve which stops stomach acids flowing into the oesophagus. Smoking may also cause greater movement of bile salts from the intestine to the stomach, making the stomach acids more harmful. HERBS Many different herbs are used for treating the condition, but there is little research on most of them. However, doctors at the University of Dresden Hospital tested a combination of extracts of bitter candy tuft, matricaria flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, liquorice root and lemon balm on patients with indigestion and found that symptoms in those who had the treatment improved significantly over four weeks compared with those who had a dummy preparation. Artichoke leaf extract in capsule form is available in the UK and is also used widely in Germany. Research on 247 patients at the University of Essen showed that it not only reduced symptoms, but also improved quality of life. It is thought to speed up the flow of bile, which hastens the passage of food through the digestive system. CHEWING GUM The physical act of chewing raises saliva levels of bicarbonate, a naturally occurring antacid that may act against acids in the digestive system. "The alkaline saliva can neutralise acid that remains in the oesophagus after swallowing," say researchers at Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. ANTACIDS The most widely used overthe-counter medication, they come in liquids, drinks, powder or tablet form, and often contain chalky compounds designed to neutralise acid. Some contain magnesium or aluminium. Aluminium salts dissolve slowly in the stomach and start to work gradually to provide long-lasting relief, while magnesium salts act fast and neutralise acids effectively. However, according to a report in Chemist & Druggist, magnesium salts can cause diarrhoea, while aluminium salts can cause constipation. Calcium salts are also quick acting. SODIUM BICARBONATE One of the cheapest ways to tackle indigestion, baking soda - or sodium bicarbonate - neutralises acid quickly. Stomachs naturally contain hydrochloric acid and too much of it leads to indigestion. The so-called 'baking soda burp' is a sign that this antacid is working. The burp is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas - a natural byproduct when sodium bicarbonate reacts with the acid in the stomach. ALGINATES Some antacids contain alginates, a range of purposemade compounds called rafting agents designed to sit on top of the acid like a foam raft and prevent it escaping into the oesophagus. Taken at meals and bedtime, it creates a barrier to prevent the stomach contents splashing back up into the gullet. Sodium alginate and magnesium alginate are among the compounds to look out for in antacid ingredients. H2 BLOCKERS If antacids don't work, these may. They work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach and are available on prescription or lower doses can be bought at pharmacies. They can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach by as much as 85 per cent and are available as both prescription and non-prescription medications. On prescription they are available as tablets, capsules, liquid and injections. They can also be bought in pharmacies in lower doses for short-term relief. BISMUTH Bismuth subsalicylate is a non-prescription drug that works by coating the stomach lining to protect it against the acid attack, as well as neutralising toxins and reducing inflammation. It stimulates the passage of fluid across the wall of the intestinal tract, and neutralises some bacteria. It is also thought to increase the activity of intestinal muscles and lining. Research on 48 patients in Germany shows that those who had half-hourly doses of bismuth had much reduced symptoms. "It provided greater and faster relief than placebo for nausea, sense of fullness, heartburn, feeling of abdominal distention, and flatulence," say the researchers. Bismuth is available as bismuth salts. PILLOWS People who suffer from indigestion and heartburn can get some relief by raising the sleeping position of the head. Gravity helps ensure reflux is less likely. Research shows that night-time symptoms can be reduced by raising the head of the bed on blocks by 6 in. SURGERY When all else fails, surgery for hiatus hernia and heartburn are possibilities. Hiatus hernia is when part of the stomach slides through the diaphragm, the muscular sheet of tissue that separates the lungs and chest from the abdomen below. This causes pain and heartburn. An operation called a fundoplication involves replacing the stomach back to its original position under the diaphragm. The surgeons then wrap the upper few centimetres of the stomach around the oesophagus to make a new valve. This prevents acid reflux and heartburn recurring. Permanent stitches are used to keep the stomach in place. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/indigestion-how-not-to-make-a-meal-of-it http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mp-s-bill-aims-to-disapply-vitamins-directive MP’s Bill aims to ‘disapply’ vitamins directiveSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukA new Bill designed to keep up the political pressure on the Government in the wake of the European Court’s upholding of the Food Supplements Directive (FSD) is being introduced into Parliament by the Conservative MP, Bill Cash. The Bill (The Food Supplements — European Communities Act 1972 Disapplication) has cross-party support and is evidence of the determination of MPs to keep up momentum up on the FSD. On July 13 the prime minister faced two separate questions from MPs on the subject of the Directive. In answer to a question from the Labour MP Dr Brian Iddon, Tony Blair said: “ … It is important that any control regime is extremely light touch, and we are doing our level best to make sure that this is the case. In addition, there is the issue of maximum dosages, which it is also important for us to handle in a way that accords with common sense rather than a somewhat exaggerated view of the dangers.”Responding to a question from the Conservative MP Christopher Chope, the prime minister reiterated his comments and added: “ … it is important to ensure that we do not end up with a situation in which the action taken is wholly disproportionate. That is what we will be working towards.”Commenting on the latest political developments, Consumers for Health Choice director, Sue Croft, said: “We have been much encouraged by the prime minister’s comments. They show he understands the depth of feeling on this issue by British consumers. Two years ago, over one million supplement users signed a petition asking that their favourite safe and effective health products remain available. Their plea was ignored at the time, but perhaps the tide has now turned.” Bill Cash MP added: "The British Parliament has the power and the right to legislate inconsistently with European legislation under well established constitutional law, provided the new legislation is clear and unambiguous".He further added: "My Bill would disapply the European Directive and the European Court judgement, and provide for the regulation of food supplements on our own terms at Westminster". Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mp-s-bill-aims-to-disapply-vitamins-directive http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ground-breaking-weight-loss-herbal-supplement-hemagsim-launched-by-united-states-company Ground Breaking Weight Loss Herbal Supplement HEMAGSIM Launched by United States CompanySource: Althealth NewsWe are delighted that we have created this powerful and innovative weight loss supplement in the United States," said Arturo Villar, President of Jevits INC. "Emagrece Brazilian herbal supplements have long been known to allow people all over the world to shed weight quickly. We have taken the best of a variation of EMAGRECESIM and added Korean Ginseng." Villar added, "The Korean Ginsing is a natural stimulant and a great source of energy. This improved formula allows individuals to achieve weight loss goals rapidly through a safe and comprehensive regime." HEMAGSIM includes revolutionary complex blends of seven plants from the Brazilian Rain forest and can be taken by both men and women of all ages.Ingrediants of HEMAGSIM are Passiflora, also known as Passion flower; Carqueja; Cantella Asiatica, which has been known for thousands of years as the most powerful rejuvenating herbs; Frangula and Kawa Kawa which is known to reduce anxiety and sleeplessness; Cascara, used for centuries for its natural cleansing properties; Tribulus Terrestris, known as the MIRACLE HERB and regularly used as a natural nutritional supplement; Uva Ursi and Korean Ginseng. HEMAGSIM is an all natural herbal supplement and contains no additives or fillers and is Ephedra free. As with any nutritional supplement, people with special medical conditions are encouraged to consult with their physician before use. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ground-breaking-weight-loss-herbal-supplement-hemagsim-launched-by-united-states-company http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-supplements-ease-arthritis-pain Fish oil supplements ease arthritis painSource: www.newstarget.comNutritional supplements can help ease arthritis pain, according to The Lancet medical journal, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis can especially benefit from adding fish oil supplements to their diets. If you find this article interesting, be sure to also read 'Revealed: which fruit and vegetable juices alleviate arthritis pain without drugs or surgery.'See more articles like this one at www.ArthritisFactor.orgOriginal news summary: (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/BodySoul/20050711163759/Article/indexb_html) Everyone with arthritis can benefit from eating a healthy, well balanced diet. For example, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis seem to respond to an increased dietary intake of fish oil, while gout benefits from avoidance of alcohol and offal meats such as liver. Dr Gail Darlington of the Epsom General Hospital in Britain, and Dr Trevor Stone of the University of Glasgow have released a major paper reviewing the diet and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. About two to three per cent of the world's population suffer from it and the disease is three times more prevalent among women than among men by a 3:1 margin. The main symptoms are swelling of the affected joints, morning stiffness, fatigue and general malaise (feeling of discomfort). There is considerable evidence now that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by oxidative stress and involves an excessive production of pro-inflammatory compounds. Research has shown that supplementation with fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) can markedly reduce pro-inflammatory compounds production, resulting in significantly less morning stiffness and painful joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an abnormal fatty acid profile and a significant deficiency in certain essential fatty acids. The level of DHA tended to be lower in synovial (joint) fluids of rheumatoid arthritis patients, but not in their blood plasma. Studies on the effect of fish oil supplementation on eight measures of arthritis severity including the number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, extent of morning stiffness, grip strength, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and overall global assessment of disease severity has shown improvement. Long-term supplementation with fish oils was found to be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients and may lessen their need for other rheumatoid arthritis medications. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-supplements-ease-arthritis-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scientists-discover-what-causes-heart-failure- Scientists discover what causes heart failure:-Source: news.webindia123.comResearchers at the University of Alberta have found that during the early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; and then, later on, the heart doesn't use enough fat. The team led by Dr. Gary Lopaschuk have determined how metabolic pathways differ between healthy and failing hearts. Normally, a heart derives its energy from a balance of fatty acids and carbohydrates, specifically glucose. "Many forms of heart diseases have many pharmacological therapeutic approaches to treat it. But heart failure is a difficult one. If you're diagnosed with heart failure, your five-year prognosis isn't that good. There's a high likelihood of mortality. So there's a major push to find new approaches to treat heart failure. Heart failure is not a situation where the heart completely fails, it is a condition in which the heart fails to provide even itself with enough blood under certain conditions," Lopaschuk added. "The heart has a huge need for energy. Everyone talks about the brain having a high energy demand, which it does, but the main energy user is the heart itself. Even though it pumps blood and oxygen around the rest of the body, the heart itself also consumes a huge amount of the oxygen that it takes in. And it's not unreasonable-it beats 24 hours a day," he concluded. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scientists-discover-what-causes-heart-failure- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-ban-the-plot-thickens Vitamin ban: the plot thickensSource: Althealth NewsThe EU Directive is in force, but not for much longer if Consumers for Health Choice have anything to do with it. They are behind the publication of a new Parliamentary move to “disapply” the EU Directive. Bill Cash MP (Conservative, Stone) has cross-party support for the new Bill he has just published. "The British Parliament has the power and the right to legislate inconsistently with European legislation under well established constitutional law, provided the new legislation is clear and unambiguous”. he says."My Bill would disapply the European Directive and the European Court judgement, and provide for the regulation of food supplements on our own terms at Westminster".CHC have come down firmly on the “We lost” side of the fence (see CAM News reports, August issue)., and says the EU Directive “is set to decimate the UK vitamins, and minerals market and deny 21 million consumers the opportunity to take care of their health through the use of specialist supplements. A legal challenge to the Directive by UK industry bodies recently failed in the European Courts of Justice, but campaigners have vowed to continue to fight by putting pressure on the Government to find an acceptable political solution. The new Bill could provide just that.”Prime Minister Tony Blair has said, on the record, that Europe "often seems to want to regulate too heavily without sufficient cause" and quoted the Food Supplements Directive as an example. Sue Croft, Director of Consumers for Health Choice said, "We have been much encouraged by the Prime Minister's recent comments. They show he understands the depth of feeling on this issue by British consumers. Two years ago, over one million supplement users signed a petition asking for their favourite safe and effective health products to remain available. Their plea was ignored at that time, but perhaps the tide has now turned". Croft continued, "If the legal challenge had succeeded, it would have made life much easier all round. However, Britain holds the European Presidency from now until December and this provides a perfect opportunity to invoke the principle of subsidiarity, confirming the UK is more effectively able to regulate its own territory on matters of health than the European Union. This Bill can only be helpful in that regard". Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-ban-the-plot-thickens http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fern-rises-from-dead Fern 'rises from dead'Source: www.sunherald.comMany plants get our attention because of their beautiful blooms, exotic appearance or magnificent size and structure. However, one plant, the resurrection fern, is intriguing for other reasons - primarily its ability to virtually "rise from the dead." Its otherwise green, lush leaves dry and wither in hot, dry conditions but flourish once again when moist conditions return.The resurrection fern, Polypodium polypodioides, is an epiphyte or "air plant." Epiphytes are usually found growing on other plants but make their own food the same way other green plants do. Nutrients and moisture are obtained from the air or where they may collect on the surface of a host plant. Some other well-known epiphytes include orchids, bromeliads and Spanish moss.Resurrection fern is very often seen growing on pecan and Live oak trees, where it creates a mossy green blanket of foliage on tree trunks and branches. Its rhizomes easily attach to the deep cracks and fissures of tree bark, where a firm hold is easily obtained and moisture is readily available during rainy spells. Leaves vary slightly but are generally about 3 to 4 inches long, 1 inch wide and deeply incised. One would think the mass of foliage created by resurrection fern would be detrimental to the host plant but, contrary to what might be expected, it causes no harm.The most dramatic quality of resurrection fern is its ability to dry down to a gray, gnarled, crispy appearance during dry, hot weather. This defense against heat and drought is actually a means of survival. However, within hours of rainfall the resurrection fern springs back to life with its green color and turgid look restored.If desired, resurrection fern may be introduced to trees and dry, rocky settings. Rhizomes are the stem-like part of the plant that lies against the tree and from which the leaves arise. Gather 6 inches or so of the rhizomes and place them securely into bark ridges of the new host tree.For an interesting experiment, find a tree with dried resurrection fern close enough to the ground so that it can be easily reached. Select a patch of dry fern and water only half the patch once per hour for about four hours. A mist bottle of water will work best but the fern will also respond to a cupful of water poured on the bark at each watering. Early signs of resurrection can be seen in about an hour. Take advantage of one of creation's simple mysteries and try this fun experiment with your kids or grandkids. Happy gardening! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fern-rises-from-dead http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/addictive-drugs-not-the-only-source-of-relief-for-pms Addictive Drugs Not The Only Source Of Relief For PMSSource: Althealth NewsRecent research from Dr. Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst suggests that women with diets rich in Vitamin D and Calcium are 30%-40% less likely to suffer from PMS symptoms. For some women, symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome can be a horrible daily battle. According to new research by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) about 85% of women experience PMS symptoms. There are over 150 symptoms that numerous women deal with on a day to day basis. Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but most complain of debilitating pain from cramps, depression and anger, pain from headaches and muscles, sleep disturbances, nausea and diarrhea, weight gain and bloating, and acne and oily skin. Those who are lucky only suffer for about 1 week, but many are faced with these problems for most of the month. Many women are desperately seeking relief, searching for any treatment option they can find. Currently, one of the most prevalent ways to treat PMS is with powerful antidepressants or anti-anxiety prescriptions. Some of those most commonly prescribed include alprazolam (Zanax) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These prescription medications work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may have become unbalanced. A handful of women experience some relief from these medications, but most discontinue the use of the drug because the side effects can be worse than the original symptoms. Side effects from these drugs create a long list of multiple problems, but range anywhere from an allergic reaction like a rash or vomiting to decreased sex drive, hallucinations, nightmares, weight gain, headaches and depression. Also, for women who are prescribed alprazolam, they, in particular, must be continuously monitored because the drug is very addictive. It may surprise you, but synthetic drugs with numerous side effects aren't the only effective treatment for symptoms of PMS. In a clinical double-blind study of 500 women, Uterol™, an herbal supplement made by Selmedica Healthcare, was found effective in relieving several PMS symptoms, such as cramps, nausea, irritability, mild depression and headaches in 87% of test subjects. The ingredients in Uterol™ help improve your menstrual symptoms by working on your mental health, physical health, digestive health, and hormones. This product contains no soy and has reportedly had no adverse side effects of any kind. In fact, the side effects of Uterol™ have only proven to be beneficial. A one month supply of Uterol which includes a 60ct. bottle is only $67. In addition, Selmedica Healthcare takes a substantial risk by offering to refund 100% of the purchase price if a customer is not satisfied. Their guarantee extends for 12 months from the purchase date. What pharmacy or drug company offers that kind of confidence in their product? So before you decide that drugging yourself to cope with the symptoms that can plague you on a regular basis is your only hope, consider that a more natural approach which addresses the cause of those symptoms may be more economically and physically beneficial, especially in the long run. To visit Uterol, you can go to http://www.uterol.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/addictive-drugs-not-the-only-source-of-relief-for-pms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flax-seeds-are-a-nutritional-powerhouse Flax seeds are a nutritional powerhouseSource: www.seacoastonline.comHave you started including flax seeds in your diet? If, not, you should. Imagine, a tiny little package with multiple health benefits. Flax seeds contain a number of important nutrients - protein, essential fatty acids (including omega 3 fatty acids), both soluble and insoluble fiber, and an assortment of vitamins and minerals. They are also a source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen (plant estrogen), which have some of the same benefits as soy in reducing the risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, and some cancers. Flax seeds are low in saturated fat and contain a moderate amount of monounsaturated fat. They are especially high in the essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid - a form of omega 3 fatty acid. A lot of research suggests that we should be consuming more omega 3s for their health benefits. In the area of heart disease risk, omega 3s can help improve triglycerides and blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and are anti-inflammatory. Fiber is lacking in many American diets. The recommended intake is 25-30 grams per day. Flax seeds contain a high percentage of fiber - both insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber, what we often call roughage, is the part of foods that we can not digest but it creates bulk in the intestinal tract. This bulky fiber exercises the muscles in the lining of the intestines and speeds transit time - improving bowel movements and reducing the risk of conditions like diverticulitis. For many intestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome and general constipation, fiber is recommended. Soluble fiber is the type that absorbs moisture, so keeps bowel movements easier to pass. It also helps improve blood lipids (like cholesterol), blood pressure, and blood glucose control. Because of the lignans and alpha linolenic acid, flax seeds may also help to improve the immune system. These same components plus fiber can benefit people with diabetes. Their anti-inflammatory properties may also help persons with auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and psoriasis. The benefits of flax seeds are found in two forms - the seed and the oil. The oil contains the helpful monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids, but does not contain the fiber and other vitamins/minerals present in the seed. Since the seed has a very hard coating, it is necessary to grind the seed (in a coffee grinder) before using to maximize its nutritional value. Some of the nutrients are sensitive to heat and exposure to oxygen, so the seeds should be ground right before using. If not used immediately, they can be frozen or refrigerated for a short period of time in an airtight container. Also, because of the sensitivity to heat, to get the most nutritional value, they should be used in foods that are not heated. If you do cook with them, you still get all the great fiber, minerals, protein, and the more stable vitamins. One-quarter cup of the ground seed has about the same amount of oil as a tablespoon of the oil alone, about 4-5 grams of protein, and about 9 grams of fiber. Flax seeds also contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E. Flax seeds have a pleasant nutty taste. Most grain foods are delicious with added ground flax seed. This would include muffins or quick breads, coffee cakes, cookies, biscuits, waffles or pancakes, breads, and cooked cereals. Some prepared foods in the grocery store also contain flax seed. Look for it in some frozen waffles, pasta (Barilla), dry cereals, and crackers. You can add the ground seed to your favorite yogurt or yogurt and fruit smoothie. You can also sprinkle some of the ground seed over other cereals. Flax seed oil can be used in place of some of the other oils you would use in cooking/baking. Because of its fat content, you can even use just the ground flax seed in place of oil in a recipe (three tablespoons of ground flaxseed can replace one tablespoon shortening, butter, margarine, or cooking oil). Note that items made with ground flaxseed brown more quickly than those made with oil. Some people prefer to take the oil daily as a supplement. The liquid oil can be stirred into fruit juice. Being healthy means including numerous nutritious foods in your diet. More variety, means a wider range of nutrients. Flax seeds can be part of that goal. Pamela Stuppy, MS, RD, LD, is a registered, licensed dietitian with nutrition counseling offices in York, Maine, and at Whole Life Health Care in Newington. She is also the nutritionist for Phillips Exeter Academy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flax-seeds-are-a-nutritional-powerhouse http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetic-nerve-therapy-shows-striking-results Diabetic nerve therapy shows 'striking' resultsSource: i-newswire.comThe treatment might also reduce the number of amputations of toes and feet if early effects on nerve protection and regeneration are borne out long-term. Nerve disease in diabetes is the major cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in Europe and North America. Scientists at The University of Manchester, working with colleagues at American biotech firm Sangamo BioSciences Inc, have discovered a way of stimulating genes that prevent nerve damage caused by the disease. Professor David Tomlinson, who is leading the research in Manchester, says the study has massive potential for the management of diabetic neuropathies or nerve disorders. "Diabetic neuropathy is a major problem in insulin-dependent diabetes, particularly in patients who have had the disease for a period of time," said Professor Tomlinson, who is based in the University's Faculty of Life Sciences. "This approach to gene therapy is quite different to previous attempts at treatment as we do not inject a gene that produces a 'foreign' copy of a therapeutic protein. This is the normal approach and has problems from immunological side-effects. "Instead, we turn on the patient's own gene to produce a natural version of this therapeutically beneficial protein. The most significant advantage of this is that the protein is made as if the patient's body had made it naturally. "Our study has shown that a single treatment with a DNA-binding protein protected against nerve damage that in humans can lead to limb loss." The results of the pre-clinical studies were recently presented to the American Diabetes Association in California and the first phase of clinical trials has now begun. An estimated 50 per cent of patients with long-term diabetes develop some form of neuropathy that can cause numbness and sometimes pain and weakness in the hands, arms, feet and legs. Currently, patients are treated with painkillers and antidepressants that do not treat the underlying nerve damage. Progression to amputation is not inevitable but is always a threat. Problems may also occur in other organs, including the heart, kidneys, sex organs, eyes and digestive tract. The incidence of diabetes, a condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high, is increasing dramatically, with the World Health Organisation estimating that some 300 million people worldwide could be affected by 2025. The causes of diabetic neuropathy are not fully understood but researchers investigating the effect of glucose on nerves believe it is likely to be a combination of factors. Sangamo's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dale Ando, said: "We have been greatly encouraged by Professor Tomlinson's data and have moved the programme into the clinic. "The first phase of human trials will assess safety and examine the effects of a single treatment in one leg compared with a placebo treatment in the other leg." The Diabetes and Glandular Disease Clinic in San Antonio, Texas, is involved in the clinical trials. Dr Mark Kipnes, a clinical investigator for Sangamo and endocrinologist at the clinic, said: "Currently, there are no effective therapies available to treat this debilitating and frequent complication of diabetes and patients are generally prescribed painkillers to alleviate symptoms. "We are excited to be involved in testing this novel approach that may potentially have a dramatic therapeutic effect in populations of patients already suffering from neuropathy and those that are at risk of developing it." The University of Manchester, created from the merger of The Victoria University of Manchester and UMIST in October 2004, is the UK's largest university with 9,000 staff and 28,802 full-time-equivalent students and an income of £490.5m. For further information visit the University's website at http://www.manchester.ac.ukFor further information contact: Aeron Haworth Press Office The University of Manchester Tel: +44 ( 0 )161 275 8383 Email: aeron.haworth@manchester.ac.uk Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetic-nerve-therapy-shows-striking-results http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-carrots-turn-you-yellow-is-eating-less-salt-bad-for-you-and-whatll-put-extra-miles-into-weary-legs- Can carrots turn you yellow? Is eating less salt bad for you? And what'll put extra miles into weary legs?Source: observer.guardian.co.ukDr John Briffa has the answers Sunday July 24, 2005 The Observer I get a very mixed bag of mail and regard the dispensing of advice as quite a privilege, something that I take seriously and always endeavour to do responsibly. Nevertheless, from time to time I get correspondence taking exception to a view I have aired or advice I have given. Such challenges and the exchanges that follow are useful in that they serve as a constant reminder of the need for accuracy and clarity. I do get my fair share of positive feedback as well, welcome reports of benefits brought about by approaches that I have recommended. A new dad, for instance, recently sent me a photo of his baby boy, who he believed would not have been conceived without advice I had given regarding the boosting of male fertility. Obviously, I find such positive feedback a real fillip, but also fuel for focus when it comes to giving the very best advice I can. Your questionsQ I am 30 and have suffered from pre-menstrual syndrome for most of my adult life. My main symptoms are bloating, severe breast tenderness, irritability and anxiety. I took an antidepressant for about a year, but this did not do anything for me. Is there something else that might help? K, North WalesA The sort of pre-menstrual symptoms you describe are commonly believed by natural-health practitioners to be related to 'oestrogen dominance' - essentially a situation where levels of the hormone oestrogen are high relative to the other major female sex hormone, progesterone. One remedy that I find very useful for just your sort of symptoms is agnus castus. This herb is believed to help enhance progesterone production in the female body and in so doing may combat a relative surfeit of oestrogen. This herb is usually taken in tincture (alcoholic extract) form, at a dose of 40 drops in water each morning. You may find that taking this will bring you significant relief from PMS within two or three cycles, although it can take several months for you to see full benefit.Q I love eating carrots, especially in the summer when they are most sweet and crisp. My carrot habit can cause my skin to develop a yellow tinge. I know this is due to the betacarotene in carrots, but have read that this can convert to vitamin A in the body, which has toxic potential. Could I be harming myself in any way? Tess WrightA Carrots are indeed rich in betacarotene, which can convert into vitamin A, excesses of which may have a variety of toxic effects in the body including nausea, bone pain and fatigue. However, it is generally believed that the body converts betacarotene to vitamin A as it needs to, and that vitamin A levels cannot build up to toxic levels through this route. Betacarotene derived from the diet does not seem to be toxic in any dose. While it may tinge your skin yellow, the evidence suggests that your carrot habit is not harming your body in any way.Q I had a heart attack eight years ago, but am fit and healthy. I enjoy hill walking and wondered what would be the best foods for sustaining me on long trips. MikeA The aim of the game for you is to pack relatively calorie-dense but nutritious foods. Dried fruit is a good option, as this is rich in carbohydrate that will help to ensure that you do not run low on fuel (glycogen) stores in your liver and muscles. Another food that you might also find quite sustaining on your trips is nuts. These are calorie-packed, and do seem to keep hunger at bay in a way that dried fruit alone is unlikely to.As an added benefit, nut consumption is strongly linked with a reduced risk of heart disease, which has particular relevance to you in the long term, bearing in mind your past medical history.Q I recently read a report which suggested that eating less salt might actually increase the risk of heart disease. I know you have been anti-salt in the past, and wondered what you thought of this research. Gordon, North LondonA Thanks for this, because I hadn't spotted this report in my regular trawl through health-related news from around the world. The report you refer to was presented recently at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Washington DC. While it is possible that low-salt diets promote heart disease, this finding is not in keeping with a good deal of evidence which suggests that eating less salt can reduce blood pressure, and that lower blood pressure is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. One possible explanation for the recent anomalous findings is that those individuals most affected by high blood pressure (or other risk factors for heart disease) are the ones most likely to attempt to reduce their salt intake. In this way, those at the greatest risk of heart disease may tend to eat the lowest amounts of salt.Q I am 37 and have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, which I feel may be causing me undue fatigue. Is there anything nutritional that may help this condition? Joanne PA The mitral valve sits between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. In health, the valve ensures that blood is pumped out of the heart towards the body's tissues, and not in the other direction. In mitral valve prolapse (MVP), the mitral valve is slightly deformed, and this may eventually lead to some leakiness of the valve. If the condition is severe enough, it may give rise to symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue and breathlessness. There is evidence that sufferers of MVP are often deficient in the mineral magnesium. Also, at least one study has found that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced symptoms of MVP. I suggest that you take 300mg of magnesium per day. It can take some time for magnesium levels to build up in the body, which means you may not feel the full benefit of additional magnesium for some weeks or months. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-carrots-turn-you-yellow-is-eating-less-salt-bad-for-you-and-whatll-put-extra-miles-into-weary-legs- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-could-fight-autoimmune-disorders Green tea could fight autoimmune disordersSource: Althealth NewsPolyphenols Found in green tea may help protect the body from autoimmune disorders, according to research published by the Medical School of Georgia's school of dentistry. The study was carried out to find a suspected link between green tea and autoimmunity after it was noted that dry mouth (xerostamina), an autoimmune disorder only occurs in 1-2% of Chinese people compared to 30% of elderly Americans in the same age group. By studying cells in salivary glands and skin tissue, it was noted that cells exposed to green tea showed RNA and protein levels indicating autoantigen levels were suppressed in normal cells, but not in tumours, reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-could-fight-autoimmune-disorders http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-of-co-enzyme-q10-reduce-frequency-and-severity-of-migraine-headaches Supplements of Co-enzyme Q10 reduce frequency and severity of migraine headachesSource: Althealth NewsA study has confirmed that supplements of co-enzyme Q10 can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches. Rese-archers at University Hospital, Zurcich, Switzerland, treated 42 patients who had a history of migraine headaches. About half the patients received 100 mg of coQ10 three times daily, and the other patients received placebos. By the end of the third month of treatment almost 48% of patients taking coQ10 improved, compared with only about 14% of those taking placebos. On average, patients taking coQ10 had a decrease from four migraine attacks to three per month.In addition, the length of the migraines decreased significantly, as did the number of days with headaches or headache related nausea.CoQ10 plays a key role in cellular oxygen metabolism and the researchers suggest that impaired oxygen metabolism in the brain might play a key role in migraine head-aches. That would also explain why vitamin B2, which aids oxygen metabolism, is also helpful in preventing migraine headaches.Neurology; 2005;64:713-715 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-of-co-enzyme-q10-reduce-frequency-and-severity-of-migraine-headaches http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-improve-cognitive-function-in-elderly Vitamin supplements improve cognitive function in elderlySource: Althealth NewsFrail elderly subjects who took a low dose liquid supplement of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants daily sharpened their thinking processes after six months. Wendeline Wouters-Wessling, PhD and her colleagues tracked 67 people who either took the vitamin supplement or placebos. The subjects underwent cognitive tests at the beginning and end of the study. People taking the vitamin supplement were better able to remember words, and name a large number of animals or professions. Blood levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, decreased by about one third among the supplement takers. Journal of Gerontology 2005; 60A:265-270 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-improve-cognitive-function-in-elderly http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-d-among-medical-residents Low vitamin D among medical residentsSource: Althealth NewsYou don’t have to look at sick patients in hospitals to find vitamin deficiencies. A study of 35 medical residents recently found vitamin D deficiencies, which can reduce bone density and immune function, to be embarrassingly common.Elizabeth E. Haney, md at Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, tracked vitamin D levels in residents (medical school graduates working in hospitals) between fall and spring. In northern latitudes, blood levels of vitamin D typically decline during this time because of reduced exposure to sunlight.About two-thirds of the residents did not consume the recommended daily amounts of either vitamin D or calcium.Haney reported that 74% of the subjects had low vitamin D in the spring compared with the preceding fall. Almost the same number had increased levels of parathyroid hormone, which reduces bone density.26% had serious vitamin D deficiencies in the fall, but that number grew to 47% by springtime. 20% had low vitamin D levels in both the fall and spring, and 51% were deficient at some point during the study. Optimal levels are 45-50 ng/ml.Calcified Tissue International, 2005; 76:11-16. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-d-among-medical-residents http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/common-vitamin-may-help-prevent-alzheimers Common Vitamin May Help Prevent Alzheimer'sSource: cbs2chicago.comPreventing Alzheimer’s may be as simple as changing your diet. New research from the University of California Irvine reveals that eating foods rich in the B-vitamin folate may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 55 percent. Bananas, oranges, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, beans, peas and liver are all good sources of that vitamin.The bad news is most people do not eat enough in their diet to get the 400 micrograms needed to reap the rewards. However, most supplements do contain that much. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/common-vitamin-may-help-prevent-alzheimers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-fish-oil-keep-alzheimers-at-bay- Can fish oil keep Alzheimer's at bay?Source: Althealth NewsLORD WINSTON of Hammersmith first achieved fame as a gynaecologist with a special interest in the Fallopian tubes and fertility — but his renown has spread beyond the medical profession. He is now regarded as a polymath, with enthusiasms for subjects as diverse as politics, anthropology, archaeology and comparative religion. He has voted for four different parties over the years, but now sits as a Labour peer. In medicine, his interests range from his own subject of obstetrics and gynaecology, to neurophysiology and infant development. His TV series and books have made him a household name. Lord Winston started his medical career at the London Hospital. While he was a bright, young houseman at the hospital, I was working in the VD clinic. Robert Winston lived in the lodgings above the clinic. One night he gave a bibulous, and unofficial, party in his room that overlooked the glass roof of the VD laboratory. Just as the party was in full swing, and spirits were high, Winston heard authoritative footsteps in the corridor. His guests fled over the laboratory glass roof. A second-row forward, who had enjoyed Lord Winston’s hospitality, miscalculated the strength of the glass and disappeared through it on to the microscopes and specimens on the bench below. He was rescued, but despite official displeasure, Winston’s rise continued unabated. Lord Winston’s latest enthusiasm stems from his interest in child development. He has been studying the influence of omega-3, the essential fatty acid found in fish oil, nuts — including walnuts — pumpkin seeds, soya, flax and rapeseed. There is an increasing mass of research-based evidence that the traditional nanny’s cry that fish is good for children’s brains is based on fact as well as anecdote. Recently, researchers have shown that omega-3 may also provide a helpful boost to the flagging intellect of people old enough to be parents and grandparents. Lord Winston considers that further research is needed before it is possible to be as definite about the benefits of omega-3 for older age groups as for children. On the other hand, he is persuaded by the data on the usefulness of essential fatty acids and fish oil in the prevention of cardiovascular disease — and this could account for its beneficial effect on an ageing brain. Keeping the blood supply flowing to the brain is a possible way of dealing with the loss of cognitive ability. The role of the omega-6 fatty acids — mainly derived from vegetable sources, and of omega-3 fatty acids principally obtained from fish oil — in neurophysiology is a complex one. As well as improving the blood supply to the brain, the acids affect the structure of the neural-cell membranes, and help to regulate brain functions such as cell-signalling and neural blood flow. They also reduce the liability of the blood in the brain to clot and thereby reduce the incidence of strokes. For the two essential fatty acids to interact to best advantage, the proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 should be about five to one. Most families who need to increase their intake of fish oil are not always in a position to be able to eat all the mackerel, herring, salmon and tuna needed. Many find it difficult to have the two recommended fish meals a week. How to take fish oil without suffering nausea and a troublesome after-taste is a longstanding problem. A fish-oil ice-cream has been tried, but even flavouring the mixture with vanilla or orange didn’t increase its treat rating. Recently, St Ivel has begun to market fresh milk enriched with omega-3. It may well prove a useful addition to the diet of small children — and their mothers before the child is born — and to grown-ups. The scientific evidence that it improves the learning, concentration and co-ordination of normal children, and even those who are overactive and tend to be disruptive, is overwhelming. Lord Winston, scientists and doctors working with the use of omega-3 in children — as well as the nannies and countless mothers and fathers who have been advocating fish oil for years — are delighted by the way that the evidence of its benefits is accumulating. It is not only their children who may prosper; their grandparents have hopes that it may contribute to keeping Alzheimer’s at bay. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-fish-oil-keep-alzheimers-at-bay- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-clover-investigated-for-effect-on-menopause-pms-symptoms Red clover investigated for effect on menopause, PMS symptomsSource: Althealth NewsUK doctors, struggling to give advice to women on alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are launching a study to find out how effective red clover is at preventing the hot flushes experienced during menopause.The study will also look into any benefits the herbal may have on PMS, or the pain and other side effects of menstruation. Dr Chun Ng, leading the study at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital's menopause and PMS centre, said: “It is a bit difficult at the moment to know what to give patients looking for an alternative to HRT. The majority of women that come to the clinic that aren’t using HRT seem to be taking some sort of herbal remedy.” But he told NutraIngredients.com that many of the studies done on red clover extract are “not very strict”, and some are not double-blind trials. Despite this, red clover is widely used by women during menopause as it contains chemicals called isoflavones, which mimic the effects of the female sex hormone oestrogen. It is therefore seeing increasing interest as women look for alternatives to HRT following reports that it can raise the risk of stroke and breast cancer. Leading red clover supplier Novogen said this year that its sales in Europe had risen 18 per cent during 2004, also boosted by increased marketing activity. For the new study, the 70 subjects aged between 40-55 will also include those in the ‘peri-menopausal’ stage, or prior to menopause who may still be experiencing PMS. “We have a hypothesis that the extract will work on PMS symptoms too as it is supposed to stabilize hormone levels,” said Dr Ng. The study is thought to be the first to investigate red clover’s effect on PMS. After a run-in period of two months to identify those patients with problems, the women will be randomized to receive either 40mg a day of red clover extract or a placebo for six months. At this point they will be given an option to carry on treatment for a further six months. The researchers will look particularly at the effect on hot flushes, a symptom that affects around three quarters of all women during menopause. However Dr Ng noted that HRT will always have a more powerful effect on menopause symptoms as it is much stronger than the herbal doses commonly used. Red clover is also used as a remedy for respiratory problems, particularly whooping cough, and for chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-clover-investigated-for-effect-on-menopause-pms-symptoms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-a-boon-to-the-problem-of-premature-infants Hyaluronic Acid – A Boon To The Problem Of Premature InfantsSource: Hyaluronic NewsThe complexity of the brain and its function has always left man dazzled for generations. In a key to solving this puzzle, some key factors have been identified that could answer the question regarding what prevents brain damage repair in premature babies and hence help treat prematurity.Identification of some of the key factors that also prevent brain damage repair in neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis has also ben made possible. A link was established between damage to white matter in the brain associated with premature birth, and damage to immature cells in the brain and spinal cord, called oligodendrocyte progenitors. These cells normally mature to become oligodendrocytes that make myelin (the insulating sheath surrounding nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord) throughout life. In some cases, these cells fail to mature and cannot repair damage to the white matter of the brain. The white matter is made up of long nerve fibres wrapped in myelin. Different kinds of white matter injury cause cerebral palsy and learning problems in children born prematurely and multiple sclerosis in older children and adults. It has been reported that hyaluronic acid (HA) prevents immature oligodendrocytes from maturing and coating nerve fibres with new myelin. Astrocytes, the first-responders to nerve damage in the brain, produce HA, which accumulates on nerve fibres where myelin is missing. This finding could have valuable implications on improving the lives of thousands of premature infants who often die or suffer lifelong from cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, blindness and hearing loss by invention of new ways to prevent brain damage and improve the overall function. Source: Indo-Asian News Service Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-a-boon-to-the-problem-of-premature-infants http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mushrooms-could-contain-remedy-for-disease Mushrooms Could Contain Remedy For DiseaseSource: Althealth NewsSomething you eat may actually be helping to prevent an outbreak, according to Good Health reporter Lila Lazarus.Mushrooms may hold the key to tackling the deadly smallpox disease, and they're gaining the respect of medical researchers. SMALLPOX VACCINE Vaccine Risks Will You Get One? Who Should Be Vaccinated? Smallpox FAQ Vaccine FAQ Government Smallpox Info. CDC Hot Line: (888) 246-2675 "Our main goal is to see if a crude extract of the mushroom can affect a virus," said Dr. Nick Oberlies, who specializes in natural products research.The cancer-fighting drug Taxol was discovered from a tree in a laboratory, and now scientists have moved on to mushrooms."Mushrooms synthesize some sort of compound that allow them to fight off other things invading for its space," said Oberlies. "We're trying to unlock those and use them for some sort of human use."Scientists have been foraging through the fungi for possible cancer treatments, and they recently received a government grant to search for smallpox remedies."We still think nature has secrets," said Oberlies.Over the next five years, researchers will analyze more than 16,000 mushroom samples collected across the United States. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mushrooms-could-contain-remedy-for-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dragon-fruit-proves-a-big-hit-with-locals Dragon fruit proves a big hit with localsSource: Althealth NewsDragon fruit, once hailed as fit for emperors, is now commercially cultivated here. Kluang district is said to be the biggest producer of the fruit in the country.The pinkish fruit with white or red flesh and a myriad of tiny, black, edible seeds, has gained greatly in popularity in recent years.Experts say the fruit is rich in Vitamin C and albumin, which helps detoxify the body.The tropical fruit is also sought by the weight-conscious, as its water-soluble dietary fibre helps the slimming process, lowers blood sugar and is said to prevent colon cancer.Easily available at night markets, supermarkets and fruit stalls, the fruit, whose weight ranges from 400g to 600g, is sold for RM2 to RM2.50 each.Jalan Kluang-Kahang is dotted with dragon fruit farms, popular stopovers for tourists who come to buy the fruit and its wine, juice and jam.Fuyit Sdn Bhd managing director Ling Lit Yain, who began planting the fruit six years ago, said there were about 15 farms in the area."The fruit is so popular that the combined harvest is not sufficient to meet the increasing demand locally and in Singapore."The trees usually fruit a year after cultivation and each bears about 20 fruits a year, or one fruit every two to three weeks. On average, each farm of about 0.4 hectares can produce up to 1.5 tonnes of fruit a month.Ling said it is easy to plant dragon fruit as it is a desert plant which does not need too much watering. No insecticides are required as it is not prone to attack by insects."Moreover, the fruit could last for two weeks without refrigeration and up to a month with refrigeration." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dragon-fruit-proves-a-big-hit-with-locals http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-makes-an-impact-on-adhd Diet makes an impact on ADHDSource: Althealth NewsOne child in 20 has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Medications including Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall, Dexedrine, and Cylert are used to treat the disorder, but side effects can occur. "A lot of parents just aren't comfortable with the medications that are available, so they really want other options. They want to find alternatives or complimentary therapy that can lessen the side effects of the medication," Wendy Weber, a naturopathic doctor at Bastyr University, said. She said although Ritalin works for between 60 percent and 70 percent of kids treated with it, there are still many children who are unresponsive or have side effects that are too severe to handle the medication. Weber said certain foods aggravate ADD, or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). The difficult part is the fact that different foods aggravate different children. Thus, identifying food sensitivities is highly individualized. However, there are frequent offenders. The top five are wheat, diary, citrus, eggs, and corn. WATCH THE VIDEO Natural remedyCertain foods can aggravate Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. In the 1970s, researchers found between five percent and 10 percent of kids in a study had sensitivities to certain food additives and salicylates. The Feingold diet is a plan free of foods with food coloring, food additives, and foods high in salicylates, such as apples, apple peels, almonds, and raisins. Kids often manifest physical signs of food sensitivities, such as appearing tired or having dark circles under their eyes. They also may have tendencies toward developing problems like eczema or asthma. Behaviorally, the foods may make the child hyperactive or unable to concentrate. The bottom line is the foods affect each person a little differently.At Bastyr, doctors have adopted a hands-on approach to working with the entire family. "To change the diet is a pretty dramatic thing for most families to do, especially when we're talking about maybe taking wheat or dairy out of the diet. If you look at what we eat on a regular basis, almost everything we eat has wheat or dairy in it, so it takes some time and communicating with the family and making sure that what we're doing, they're ready to do and that the child isn't hungry. We're not trying to decrease their calories, just change what they're eating," Weber said. Doctors make sure the child gets all the nutrients he needs with "a good multi-vitamin." They also often add essential fatty acids, either in the form of flax oil or fish oils -- ones not contaminated with mercury or other chemicals. Fatty acid deficiencies can cause ADHD-like symptoms. "In addition to that, there's herbs and nutrients, and we really just take those on a case-by-case basis with each family to determine what else we want to add in," Weber said.Although, according to Weber, between 10 percent and 15 percent of kids do not respond to natural treatments, most children do experience improvement in their symptoms. Natural changes take longer to take effect than medications. So far, there are not studies to document the results, but Weber hopes to begin studying what works and doesn't work for kids with ADHD. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-makes-an-impact-on-adhd http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-benefits-of-herbal-teas Health benefits of herbal teasThe Health benefits of herbal teasThere are a variety of alternatives to everyday tea and coffee. Many people are now turning to these alternatives to avoid the ingredient caffeine. Although caffeine in moderate amounts is not harmful, excessive consumption has been linked to health conditions that include heart disorders, cystic breast disease and high blood pressure. Spice Girls Herb teas are made from leaves, flowers, roots, bark and seeds; singularly or in different combinations. Spices are sometimes added for extra zing and medicinal value. Healtheries herbal teas and introducing Rooibus Teas Healtheries tea bags have an attached jiggler for easy use. Each serving is naturally dried and wrapped in teabag paper prepared in a dioxin-free oxygen process. Thread.co.nz’s tips for tea: Put Healtheries Chamomile tea bags when cold after use, on the eyelids when you’re doing a face mask, for a soothing herbal treat. Add a teaspoon of flavoured honey to plain Rooibus tea- my fave is cinnamon honey from the Honey Shop on Auckland’s highway to Warkworth. Also, Rooibus teas come in honey and vanilla flavours. Serve vanilla tea cold in a glass with ice blocks for a refreshing drink. Even better tasting than it sounds, Mmmm. Are you putting the kettle on? I’d love a cup, thanks! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-benefits-of-herbal-teas http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-news Nutrition newsSource: Althealth NewsHeart attacks and strokes are usually caused by a blocking off of one or more arteries supplying blood to the heart and brain, respectively. Arteries are not rigid structures and can expand (dilate) and contract in response to changes in blood flow and blood pressure. Relatively elastic arteries are thought to be a sign of healthy functioning in the circulatory system and are something that is believed to be associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, scientists fed subjects with dark chocolate to see the effect on arterial elasticity. Dark-chocolate consumption led to a significant increase in the dilation of blood vessels in response to an increase in blood flow, and also reduced stiffness in the aorta (the body's main artery). Quite how chocolate has these beneficial effects on the blood vessels is not known, though it has been theorised that chocolate may increase the levels of blood- vessel-dilating substances, such as nitric oxide and prostacyclins. The results of this study suggest that the regular consumption of dark chocolate may well have benefits for our arteries and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in the long term. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-news http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-ways-to-cut-your-risk-of-cancer 10 WAYS TO CUT YOUR RISK OF CANCERSource: www.mirror.co.ukBy Victoria Kennedy SPRINKLED with salt and vinegar, smothered in ketchup, or dipped in mayo - the British love their chips. But too many deep-fried spuds can cause breast cancer, a new survey has revealed this week. With around 42,000 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, we need to reduce our risk of getting the disease. Dr Mike Dixon, specialist breast surgeon at the Edinburgh Breast Unit, says: "We can make lifestyle changes like exercising and not drinking too much alcohol to cut our risk." Take these 10 steps to help protect yourself. EAT FEWER CHIPS A NEW study published this week showed that giving under-fives one portion of chips a week increases their risk of breast cancer in later life by 27 per cent. AdvertisementResearchers found that the preparation of French fries - frying them in oil high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids - may cause the chips to be packed with the cancer-inducing chemical acrylamide. What you can do: Eat mashed or boiled potatoes instead. LOSE 10lbs YOUNG women at high risk of breast cancer can dramatically reduce their chances of getting the disease by making sure they're a healthy weight as they enter their 30s. Research discovered losing 10lbs between the ages of 18 and 30 reduced risk by 65 per cent in cancer-susceptible women. What you can do: Start exercising in your 20s - and reap the benefits when you're older. But at any age it will help. LESS BOOZE WOMEN who drink more than three glasses of alcohol a day are 41 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer than tee-totalers, according to a study. But it's not just heavy drinkers who are in danger. Experts say for every alcoholic drink you have each day, you increase your risk by seven per cent. What you can do: Limit your drinking to weekends or big nights out. DRINK SOYA MILK THE incidence of breast cancer in Asian countries like Japan is much lower than in Britain. It's thought one of the reasons for this is because they eat loads more soya than we do. Soya milk contains plant compounds which mimic our body's hormone oestrogen. This means you are less exposed to real oestrogen, inhibiting the development of breast cancer. What you can do: Introduce soya milk or soya mince into your diet. Try chocolate or strawberry soya milk or yoghurt from your supermarket or health food store. EAT BRAZIL NUTS BRAZILnuts have been linked with a reduced risk of breast cancer in some women by scientists at the University of Illinois. The nuts contain a a powerful antioxidant called selenium which "mops up" free-radical chemicals in the blood which may damage cells and cause growths, protecting against the disease. What you can do: Eat eight to 10 Brazil nuts a day to get the full benefit. DRINK WATERWOMEN can reduce their risk by as much as 79 per cent by drinking five or more glasses of water a day. It's thought dehydration affects enzymes in cells which clear toxins. What you can do: Try to have a glass of water every time you eat, that way you're more likely to remember to drink the amount you need. EAT CARROTS WOMEN who eat carrots at least twice a week are said to have a 50 per cent lower risk of breast cancer. Carrots are rich in carotenoids which are linked with a decrease in post-menopausal breast cancer. What you can do: Eat them raw as a snack, as well as part of your meal. GET WALKING BRISK walking for just one or two hours a week can cut your breast cancer risk by 20 per cent, say researchers. Scientists found that women who had the disease decreased their risk of dying by exercising for one hour or more a week. Exercise helps lower levels of ovarian hormones, which may explain the link between walking and breast cancer. SWAP TO OLIVE OIL NOT only does it have a tastier flavour than normal oil but it's also better for you. A study discovered oleic acid, the main monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, can reduce the aggressive growth of breast tumours. What you can do: Add olive oil to your daily diet. Don't just cook with it - you can also dip bread in it instead of using fattening butter. GET MORE SLEEP THERE are plenty of health reasons for making sure you get a decent amount of sleep. And top of the list is the fact it can help fight cancer. As we sleep we release the hormones cortisol and melatonin which destroy cell-damaging free radicals. One study showed that night nurses were 10 times more likely to develop breast cancer, because of their lack of sleep. What you can do: Try and get seven to eight hours' sleep each night. BUT THE JURY'S STILL OUT ON THESE.. 1. Dangerous deodorant NEARLY all of us have heard the that deodorant can increase our risk of breast cancer. It was reported that chemicals in some deodorants were found in 18 out of the 20 breast tumour samples analysed. But there's still no proof. 2. Eat an apple a day A STUDY in America claimed that eating an apple a day could cut the risk of developing cancer by 17 per cent. But the research was only carried out on rats. 3. Using hair dye CHEMICALS found in hair dyes can trigger cancer - bladder cancer rates in those who dye their hair are twice that of natural women. 4. Drinking milk AN expert has claimed that women who drink cow's milk run a greater risk of contracting breast cancer than those who don't. This has since been dismissed by scientists and it's been shown that milk can offer some protection. 5. Using plastic containers SCIENTISTS found that chemicals in plastic food containers may cause cancer. But the study was carried out on mice - we don't know if they have the same affect on humans. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-ways-to-cut-your-risk-of-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/so-where-have-all-the-flowers-gone- So where have all the flowers gone . . .Source: www.timesonline.co.ukby Frances Ive . . . We’ve used them up in remedies. Herbal medicine needs to be sustainable It is one of those days we’ve had a lot of this summer, bursts of sunshine punctuated by downpours. When the sun comes out the colours of the herbs come into their own — the brilliant orange of marigolds, bright red poppies and beautiful lavender flowers laced with the wonderfully aromatic scents of sage, rosemary and thyme. Above all there is an overwhelming sense of tranquillity punctuated only by the sounds of birds, bees and the sight of the odd rabbit hopping around. The scene is Weleda UK’s 15-acre (6-hectare) plot of herbs near Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, where the company, which produces natural- health products, grows more than 300 species for use in herbal and homoeopathic remedies, toothpastes, shampoos, lotions and potions. Growing its own ensures freshness, availability and sustainability. The Derbyshire rabbits aren’t too popular with Weleda’s head gardener, Michael Bate, because they dig up whole plants to get their food. But rabbits aren’t the biggest threat to the planet’s herbs — we are. A report last year by Plantlife International, the wild plant conservation charity, claimed that the £11 billion global herbal medicine industry is causing 4,000 to 10,000 herbs worldwide to become endangered. Unfortunately, the majority of the herbal medicine industry are not doing their bit to ensure survival and Weleda is one of just a few natural-health products companies growing its own and buying from sustainable sources. An astonishing 80 per cent of the world’s population relies on herbal medicine as their primary healthcare. Often the cost of drugs is far beyond the reach of many in the Third World but also, in many cases, local cultures have a long tradition of using herbal medicines that have served them well over the years. In the UK we spent £87 million on herbal remedies in 2004, according to the market research group Mintel, which was an increase of more than 56 per cent on 1999 — with no let-up in annual growth. And all kinds of herbs traditionally used by medicine men, native tribes and Indian and Chinese doctors are now commonly available on the shelves of our local health-food store. While many of us may applaud ourselves for embracing a natural lifestyle, the Plant- life report also claims that two thirds of the 50,000 medicinal plants used in the herbal industry are harvested from the wild, and herbalists talk of varieties that are no longer available at all. It is almost impossible to police the harvesting of herbs around the world unless communities choose to do it themselves or herbal companies set up sustainability projects. The Sioux Indians of South Dakota have used echinacea for hundreds of years to fight infection and to heal wounds and snake bites. When they collect the plants, to prevent the extinction of the species, they never pick the first one they see in case it is the only one of its kind left. Unfortunately, not everyone has such high ideals and echinacea is being illegally harvested even in protected areas in the United States. Duncan Ross of Poyntzfield Nurseries, on the Black Isle, north of Inverness, is a biodynamic horticulturist who grows several endangered species there. “Anyone with a sense of sustainability will pick only a small proportion of the seeds they find with the landowner’s permission,” he says. “But people who are simply in it for a quick buck do a lot of damage.” Endangered herbs cited in the Plantlife report include arnica, popularly used in homoeopathic remedies for bruising; goldenseal, prescribed for digestive problems and wound healing; American ginseng, traditionally an aphrodisiac but now more usually dispensed to boost energy levels; and liquorice, often used in herbal and conventional medicines for stomach ulcers. The commonly known kitchen herbs, oregano and thyme, are also being overharvested in some areas for their medicinal properties. It is often the type of harvesting that can cause problems. In the case of bearberry, or Uva ursi, a herb used to treat bladder conditions, only the leaves are required but the whole plant is uprooted for expedience. This happens commonly and as Ross explains: “If you pick the whole plant it doesn’t seed again or regenerate.” Most herbs grow easily in different climates and echinacea thrives even in the UK, but some of the most endangered species require considerable expertise, perfect soil conditions and the right climate. And many of them take several years of nurturing before they are ready to harvest. Poyntzfield grows arnica on the highest point of the Black Isle to supply Weleda and medical herbalists. “It needs time and patience, and requires a sunny site with well drained soil, but because it is an alpine plant the snow and frost suit it well,” says Ross. “Goldenseal is harvested illegally in the Appalachian mountains for its golden root. We grow it here but it takes seven years to yield a crop.” The report by Plantlife was critical of UK herbal manufacturers because most of them buy from unsustainable sources. It also claims that whenever there is a shortage of a particular herb, some companies buy plants on the open market that have invariably been picked in the wild without concern for sustainability, often because poor communities depend on selling them for their livelihood. The kind of project environmentalists are keen to see is that adopted by the Swiss herbal manufacturer Bioforce, which grows most of its own herbs in Switzerland and claims to simply run out of stocks rather than buy on the open market. Bioforce used to buy devil’s claw on the open market but it recognised that random harvesting would soon cause extinction — since 15 million plants are being pulled up out of the Kalahari Desert every year. The clamour is all for the plant’s tuber, which is traditionally used by local tribes to treat digestive problems but is now much valued in the West as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis and other joint and muscle pain. Jen Tan, Bioforce UK’s medical director, says: “Because the local tribes are poor and exploited by merchants, they try to get as much as possible from the plants which are hard to dig out of the desert. Devil’s claw takes four years or more to mature, so it is extremely difficult for local growers to cultivate it without some injection of outside investment. “After several years of research and the cultivation of devil’s claw on an experimental farm in the desert, we have set up a local farmer with land, finance and housing to grow it for us on a sustainable farm on the South African border with Namibia,” says Ten. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is already drawing up guidelines for its 700 members advising that they use only herbs from sustainable sources. The institute also favours wildcrafting — picking from the wild only where it is known that herbs are not endangered. There are encouraging signs that the industry is getting its act together slowly and in the past few years the UK company Viridian has launched its own range of 20 organic herbal tinctures, home-grown in Herefordshire, including echinacea, ginkgo and motherwort. Cheryl Thallon, of Viridian, says: “We always want to check the full provenance of the herbs we stock and, ideally, to watch the seeds growing in the ground.” To find a herbalist, contact the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, 01392 426022, www.nimh.org.uk You can visit Poyntzfield Nurseries on the Black Isle: one-hour tours run once a month in June, July, August, call 01381 610352, or visit www.poyntzfieldherbs.co.uk Herbal rules The EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive will come into effect on October 31. To register their products, manufacturers have until 2011 to produce a dossier that proves the efficacy of the remedies or they will no longer be able to sell them in the EU. This is good news for consumers. Some herbal remedies can be dangerous if taken in unregulated quantities or with other medication. But it may not be such good news for small companies. “It is very expensive to produce these dossiers,” says David Belshaw of Bioforce UK. “Larger companies like us are all right, but for some smaller companies the future is bleak.”Top selling herbsSt John’s wort — for skin wounds and depression. Echinacea — for infections, colds, flu and snake bites. Gingko biloba — for circulation and memory. Ginger root — for travel sickness and nausea. Black cohosh — for menopausal symptoms. Ginseng — for energy and as a libido booster. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/so-where-have-all-the-flowers-gone- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protection-from-the-sun-without-sunscreen- Protection from the sun--without sunscreen?Source: www.tampabays10.comBy:De Anna Sheffield Pinellas County, Florida - She loves the sun, but the days of baking in it are over for Vanessa Loveday. And wearing sunscreen is a must.Vanessa Loveday, wears sunscreen "I've got very fair skin, we all have, my two children have it, too. I lost my mother to skin cancer. Twenty years ago, skin cancer wasn't advertised, but now it's more obvious."But Dr. James Spencer, a dermatologist based at St. Anthony's Carillon Outpatient Center and co-chair of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, says the message isn't getting across like it should.Dr. James Spencer, dermatologist "The amazing thing is, I see more and more young people, in their 20's with skin cancer. When I started my career 12 years ago, it was something that senior citizens had, but not a week goes by we don't see a young person."Now a company called Ivax makes an herbal supplement called Heliocare that claims to give protection from the sun.Dr. James Spencer "It's in your system and it goes to the skin. What it's shown scientifically is that sunscreens just prevent the ultra-violet light from getting to your skin, it makes a barrier but it's not a block. With the polypodium (the active ingredient in Heliocare) it's not a sunscreen, the ultra violet light still gets into your skin, but this seems to prevent the damage that the ultra violet rays do. It prevents DNA damage..that's thought to lead to cancer."Reportedly, Heliocare will be on the market in the next two months, and sold at pharmacies, although a prescription is not needed. A spokesperson says it's recommended that someone take it at least once a day, or before heading into the sun, but it's not clear how long they should continue to take it to get extended protection. A set price is not known for a 60-day supply of the pills. Dr. James Spencer "It's another tool we have, it's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction. And what I'm advising people is people use sunscreen with the pill." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protection-from-the-sun-without-sunscreen- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-facial-injections-increase-visibility-with-supermodel-spokesperson Hyaluronic Acid Facial Injections Increase Visibility with Supermodel SpokespersonSource: Hyaluronic NewsHyaluronic acid products are poised to continue their fast growth, particularly in the form of hyaluronic acid injections, according to E-Hyaluronicacid.com. The latest reason behind this growth is Medicis’ recent announcement that it has appointed supermodel, Frederique van der Wal to be the new face of Restylane. Frederique, one of modeling’s most recognizing stars, has appeared on nine Cosmopolitan and in several other publications including Victoria’s Secret, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue. E-HyaluronicAcid.com reveals that Frederique’s image will appear on the company’s website and on its information brochures. Van der Wal will additionally serve as the product’s spokeswoman for the firm’s public relation campaign. Frederique’s visibility, along with her personal endorsement of the product, is sure to increase the growing popularity of Restylane. Restylane which is primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, is already the number one dermal filler on the US market, and many plastic surgeons predict that it will eventually surpass collagen and botox © as the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment. In accepting her new position, Frederique stated, “Restylane is a product in which I truly believe…Maintaining a youthful appearance is vital to my career, so I was excited to find a natural, non-invasive treatment that can safely erase some of the fine lines I’ve recently started to notice.” Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis responded with, ""[Frederique’s] enthusiasm for the product coupled with her immense success in the modeling and entertainment industries and great personality make her a natural choice for us."" According to E-HyaluronicAcid.com, the hyaluronic acid product Restylane is the first and only dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid). Restylane uses a dual mechanism of action to correct wrinkles and folds. Upon being injected beneath the skin's surface, the NASHA gel adds natural volume and lift to smooth wrinkles and folds. The NASHA gel integrates into dermal tissue, then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume. Restylane is gradually degraded by the body's own mechanism and disappears without any residue. In addition, Restylane is the only FDA approved filler with clinical data supporting its efficacy for as long as six months. Hyaluronic Acid promotes an understanding of hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase related products. Hyaluronic Acid is the sister site of HGH Web. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-facial-injections-increase-visibility-with-supermodel-spokesperson http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pumping-protein Pumping ProteinSource: www.richmond.comFor decades, Americans have strived for the so-called "perfect body," whether it be through jazzercise, aerobics, pilates or the Atkins diet.But as the obesity crisis continues to garner national attention, so do the different ways people attempt to get in shape or lose weight. In recent years, protein supplements have become a much sought-after product for people trying to boost muscle and reduce fat. "More young to middle-aged males are [using supplements] because they're more into the look of it, the cosmetic of it," said T.J. Cannon, store manager for Vitamin World at Short Pump Town Center. "They want to use it to beef up or get leaner."Cannon said protein supplements can basically be broken up into two categories. First, there are low-calorie powders which can serve as a snack in between meals. The second kind of supplement is a higher calorie meal replacement, which can actually serve as a substitute for a meal."It's a good way to monitor caloric intake," Cannon explained. "You can't read a nutrition label when you're eating fast food."Supplements are a way to ensure you eat a nutritious meal, he added, because users can control the exact number of calories they consume. Depending on what an individual is looking for, he or she can find a powder that's high in carbohydrates, low in sugar or even one that includes a fat burner. The powders, which are most often used to make shakes, also come in different flavors ranging from the standard vanilla and chocolate to orange cream and cappuccino. New supplement users should start by doing their research, Cannon said."Just go to a store and look at some of the things and see what piques your interest," he said. "Look through magazines geared towards the [fitness] industry. Our store's return policy lets people bring back a product they don't like and swap it out. You don't have anything to lose."While Shaynee Duncan, chief clinical dietician at CJW Medical Center, said she's seen an increase in supplement use among athletes and weightlifters, she said supplements should be used in moderation only."A little bit's not going to hurt anybody," Duncan said. "A couple times a week, if you have a shake at the food bar in your health club, that's absolutely fine."But, she continued, people who routinely take protein supplements two to three times a day are in danger of harming their bodies, which will run out of fat to burn and begin breaking down muscle and protein."Then the size of your internal organs will shrink," Duncan said. "That's what happens with a lot of anorexics."While she said no one under the age of 22 should use supplements, Duncan acknowledged that many high school athletes, especially men, feel pressure to take performance enhancers."It's encouraged," she said. "And they especially want to be the strongest, the most athletic, the one's with the biggest muscles . . . Those things are pushed on them. It's a quick fix, so they try it."Instead, Duncan advises young athletes to incorporate protein into their diets by adjusting the amount of protein in their food."A balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and fat is still the best way to maintain lean body fat and mass, especially if you're athletic," she said. "Bump up protein, bump down fat and you're still getting the carbohydrates you need for energy."Cannon also recommends a balanced diet and eating five small meals a day to boost metabolism rates. While some people use supplements to achieve a certain weight, he said many also use them to maintain a healthy diet. For questions about how supplements will affect your body or if you should start a supplement program, Cannon advises meeting with a professional first. "Talk to a fitness trainer or nutritionist." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pumping-protein http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-extract-palm-oils-secrets Researchers extract palm oil's secretsSource: www.capeargus.co.zaThe healthy or not oil debate has taken a new turn - local research has turned up a tropical oil that appears to not only protect against the consequences of a heart attack, but is also a natural source of vitamin A.Red palm oil started to intrigue University of Stellenbosch researcher Dr Jacques van Rooyen five years ago when the SA Medical Research Council used it in a school feeding scheme in KwaZulu-Natal and saw improvements in the children's vitamin A levels and general health.In five years of work, Van Rooyen, together with PhD student Johan Esterhuyse and colleague Dr Joss du Toit, found that red palm oil, used in the industrial baking fat form, had a positive effect in rats, protecting against the consequences of heart attacks.Van Rooyen is set to make his second presentation of his findings to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's International Palm Oil Congress in Malaysia next month.Red palm oil is the only oil which contains tocotrienols (a strong anti-oxidant), with high amounts of vitamin A. This is important for South Africa where vitamin A deficiency is a common characteristic among black children.In its natural form, 100g of red palm oil has 15 times more vitamin A than the equivalent amount of carrots and 300 times more than tomatoes.Red palm oil, Van Rooyen says, is composed, in an almost 50/50 split, of saturated and unsaturated fats. Of the saturated fats, half are palmitic fatty acids which research has shown to have a neutral effect on cholesterol.Of the unsaturated fats, 40% is oleic acid, similar to olive oil.Even among the saturated, or so-called bad fats, Van Rooyen points out that the effects of these fatty acids are determined by whether they are at position one, two or three on the triglyceride molecular "backbone". Effectively, the position determines how much is absorbed into the blood - and it is usually fatty acids from position number two that are mostly absorbed. "The palmitic acid found in red palm oil is either position number one or three on that backbone, which means it is a fatty acid that doesn't get absorbed, but lends a lot of stability," he says.Oleic acid is situated in position number two.Getting a little less scientific, Van Rooyen says they saw a protective effect in their first research project in rats, but their main aim now is to try to elucidate the protective mechanisms involved when this oil is added to the rats' diet.There are two different so-called signalling pathways that may be involved in the protection. Van Rooyen will present these findings at the Malaysia congress next month - and now they're moving on determining whether adding this oil as a functional food can help protect against heart attacks.Obviously humans are a long way down the line of research, but now Van Rooyen has won funding for the next two years to do further work on the red palm oil proper, rather than the industrial baking fat version he has been using in his research."Now we need to try to unravel the mechanisms of how the palm oil actually works," he says.Van Rooyen, who says he is using red palm oil liberally in his own home already, says people need to responsibly consume both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.Campaigns against tropical oils like palm oil since the 1980s had turned people off them, considering them to be extremely bad for the health."Here we have a totally natural product that is high in vitamin E, with the strong antioxidant tocotrienol, and the added benefit of vitamin A."I believe that natural products with a balanced nutritional composition should be the guideline for our daily dietary intake," he says. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-extract-palm-oils-secrets http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/plant-cures Plant curesSource: Althealth NewsThe search for medicines from plants is nothing new. For years, pharmaceutical investigators have searched forests and swamps around the world looking for a cure for cancer or heart disease. Aspirin came from the willow tree, and the cancer drug taxol was found in the Pacific yew tree.But the search is now being conducted among the 1,600 species of plants native to the UK. At Kew's Jodrell laboratory, scientists carry out molecular tests, looking for the active compounds in different plants to see whether there is any kind of scientific basis for the claims made by herbalists about particular plants. One of the first to show promise is figwort, a dark-leaved plant found in Northern Ireland and Norfolk, where it grows in shady woods and meadows.Nicholas Culpeper, the famous apothecary described it in his famous book, Herbal, of 1628. 'The decoction of the herb, taken inwardly, and the bruised herb applied outwardly, dissolves clotted and congealed blood within the body, comping by any wounds, bruis or fall (sic).' He added that a distilled water made from the whole plant would dry up 'hollow or corroding ulcers'.Professor Monique Simmonds, chief plant scientist at Kew, explained that records show that down the ages this has been used for treating leg wounds. 'We think that it might be particularly promising for diabetes. Many of these patients suffer from leg ulcers, and sadly these sometimes result in an amputation because there is not that much which works by way of treatment.'The names of plants often give away their uses. The herb lovage, for example, won its name because of its reputation as an aphrodisiac. 'Sage is a herb that has been connected with wisdom down the ages, and now for the first time we can see whether it really helps with cognitive ability, or memory,' said Simmonds.Around the world, it is used by many communities to help the memory. Researchers at King's College London and Newcastle University have worked with Kew to identify that it does affect receptors in the brain, and work is still continuing into exactly what it does. One discovery was that people taking sage oil extract showed a marked improvement in their memory.Plants of the same species can produce chemicals of very different potency, so it is important that scientists distinguish between the varieties. Another problem is that a freshly picked plant can act very differently from one which has dried out over a few days, as key components may decompose in that time.After the introduction of the NHS in 1948, plant-based remedies fell into neglect, as herbal remedies became discouraged by the medical community and the knowledge of plants was lost. Some sections of the medical profession are still sceptical about the use of herbal remedies, but they are increasingly popular with the public. If scientists can use the recent advances in molecular biology and chemistry to investigate the active compounds of plants, then they may end up playing a bigger role in our health.'We decided to look at the biodiversity within our own country, and we began to realise that very, very little was known about our own British plants,' said Simmonds.In order to find out more about such remedies, some records have already been collected by Kew. They set up a 'field hospital' in their gardens two years ago in which visitors were encouraged to write down their recollections of popular remedies. They collected more than 1,000 remedies from that event.'We were able to identify the most frequently used plants, and then we pulled together a number of plants whose properties we couldn't really explain by the chemistry we knew about. For figwort we knew that people would make a fresh poultice for these leg wounds.'The team started to break down the different compounds found in figwort and another plant, goosegrass, and worked with King's College London to see if their compounds would 'kick-start' a healing process in cell cultures. It worked, but only if the plant was fresh. Simmonds now hopes that a clinical trial involving patients with leg ulcers may be given the go-ahead in Oxford.She is optimistic about the future, although funding for the research is tight. 'As we understand more about the molecular processes involved in diseases we can understand how the compounds derived from plants can work,' she said. 'It's a question of old traditional knowledge and new technology coming together and giving us new answers.'Other plants with medicinal powersSweet Flag (Acorus calamus). Used to treat fevers and malaria.Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus). Used to treat colds, toothache and sores in the mouth.Black Bryony (Tamus communis). For gout and chilblains.Lovage (Ligusticum scoticum). As the name suggests, an aphrodisiac.Mistletoe (Viscum album). Used to treat many conditions - hysteria, heart palpitations, fevers, etc - as it has a calming action on the nervous system.Marsh mallow, or althaea officinalis Herbalists have used it for centuries to cure inflammations and irritations of the bowel.Figwort, or scrophularia Grows in shady woods and is described by Culpeper as useful for healing wounds, piles and ulcers.Goosegrass, or gallium aparine Also known as Grip Grass, Catchweed, Cleavers or Bedstraw, is seen by herbalists as one of the best tonics available for the lymphatic system.Sage, or salvia There are many varieties of sage, some of them toxic, but it is a highly common garden herb. Culpeper said three teaspoons of it with sugar would help patients with tuberculosis. Now being investigated by UK researchers for its memory-boosting powers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/plant-cures http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-diet Cholesterol dietSource: Althealth NewsKeep fat intake between 25 percent and 35 percent of calories per day. Avoid trans and saturated fats (less than 7 percent of calories), which may increase LDL (bad) levels. Also, fats, sugar, alcohol and carbohydrates may increase triglyceride levels. Take Control is not to be used for baking, or frying, but it makes a great spread. • Polyunsaturated fats such as corn and soybean oils, mayonnaise and sunflower seeds may decrease HDL (good) levels, but when substituted for saturated fats, they may lower total cholesterol. Also, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce triglyceride levels and maintain or may raise HDL. • Monounsaturated fats in oils such as olive, canola and peanut and in nuts including peanuts, almonds and pecans maintain or may increase HDL (good) levels. When substituted for saturated fats, they may lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) levels. Now, what to eat • Omega-3's: The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fish a week for its omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce triglycerides. A serving is 3 ounces of mackerel, blue fish, lake trout, sardines, salmon or tuna. Consume an additional 1,800 milligrams of omega-3's - about 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal - a day. • Fiber: Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol and removes it from the body. Consume 10-25 grams of soluble fiber as part of a diet that includes 20-30 grams of total dietary fiber. Studies show 5-10 grams a day can reduce LDL by about 5 percent. • Plant stanol/sterol esters: These compounds occur naturally in plant sources such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, but you'd have to eat more than a reasonable quantity to lower LDL levels. Manufacturers have fortified products such as butter-flavored spreads. Consume 2 grams per day. Two to 3 grams daily can reduce LDL by 6 percent to 15 percent. • Soy protein: Consuming 25 grams per day from foods and drinks such as tofu, soy milk and edamame may decrease LDL by about 5 percent. Sources: Sharon Smalling, Emily Wolkowski, Shirley Chambers, National Cholesterol Education Plan, American Heart Association Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dieting-hope-for-monastic-elixir Dieting hope for monastic elixirSource: news.bbc.co.ukA herbal remedy developed by Scottish medieval monks could be turned into a new dieting pill. The monks of Soutra Aisle, just south of Edinburgh, used the bitter vetch plant as a means of suppressing hunger. Samples of the plant have been sent to Highland Natural Products at Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, for investigation as a possible slimming pill. But pharmacists say slimming pills really only work in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Archaeologists at the 12th Century monastery at Soutra Aisle have discovered that the Augustinian monks chewed the bitter vetch plant to stave off hunger. They feel no need to eat and drink and this last for weeks, sometimes into months Brian Moffat Archaeologist The area's hospital, set up in about 1160, was one of the most important medical centres in Scotland. Dr Brian Moffat, the director of the Soutra Aisle dig, said there was evidence that the monks were cutting up the tubers of the plant, lathyrus linifolius, to make a potion. It is believed this was used to help their patients lose weight or cope with the effects of a failed harvest. Dr Moffat said: "These tiny tubers are eaten two or three at a time. Chewed, they taste of leathery liquorice. Centuries of medical care took place at Soutra Aisle "Quite simply, according to all the reports we've compiled, around 300, people forget to eat and drink. "They feel no need to eat and drink and this lasts for weeks, sometimes into months." He said there was also evidence that the monks treated cryptosporidium food poisoning with blaeberries, could induce women in difficult childbirth and used hemlock as an anaesthetic in more difficult operations Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dieting-hope-for-monastic-elixir http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-helps-stem-cells-morph-into-heart-cells Vitamin C helps stem cells morph into heart cellsSource: paktribune.comIn a finding that could aid the development of new heart failure treatments, scientists have observed that vitamin C prompts mouse embryonic stem cells to transform into beating heart muscle cells. A big hope is that doctors will one day have an ample supply of healthy human heart cells to transplant into failing hearts, potentially offering an alternative to patients whose only option is the transplantation of an entire donor heart. Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It results from damage to the heart muscle, often caused by heart attack. "Once the heart muscle is dead, we don't have a lot of tools for that," said study author Dr. Richard T. Lee, an associate professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts. Stem cells are so-called master cells that can develop into various tissues in the body. To date, the available method for coaxing embryonic stem cells into heart cells has proved slow and labor-intensive, according to Lee. "It's not a very efficient process," he says. But in the new study, published in the rapid track issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, Lee and colleagues reported that vitamin C treatment readily coaxed embryonic stem cells to convert into heart cells. "Out of 880 compounds tested, only one of them actually worked and it surprised us," Lee said. The stem cells had been genetically altered to produce a bright green color if they converted to heart cells. Not only did they turn green, they also began rhythmically beating, results showed. It's not known how vitamin C achieves this effect or whether it would work with human embryonic stem cells. Research involving human embryonic stem cells is highly controversial and restricted by the U.S. government. Researchers also have been experimenting with transplanting adult stem cells taken from thigh muscle or bone marrow into damaged human hearts. But Lee said embryonic stem cells may hold the greatest promise because they are the most versatile. In a statement, Dr. Robert O. Bonow, president of the American Heart Association, said that "although the findings of this study are very preliminary with respect to their impact on human lives, this line of research has enormous implications for the future care of thousands of patients who develop heart failure each year. "Identifying mechanisms to transform stem cells into differentiated heart muscle cells is an important step toward clinical reality," Bonow said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-helps-stem-cells-morph-into-heart-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-improve-smokers-blood-circulation Vitamin C May Improve Smokers' Blood CirculationSource: www.paktribune.comA dose of vitamin C may give a quick boost to the poorer-than-average blood circulation seen in healthy young smokers, a Japanese study suggests. The study of 25 healthy men found that although smokers initially showed poorer results on a test of blood flow to the heart, that changed after they took a large dose -- 2 grams -- of vitamin C. Shortly after taking the vitamin, the 13 smokers showed blood circulation on par with that of the 12 non-smokers, according to findings published in the American Heart Journal. However, lest smokers think they can undo heart damage by chasing a cigarette with a vitamin C pill, the researchers say their findings underline the dangers of smoking. Study co-author Issei Komuro told that the "clear" message from the results is that smokers need to quit. Komuro and colleagues at Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine report the findings in the American Heart Journal. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, a substance that helps clear the body of cell-damaging molecules called oxygen free radicals. Because of this, it's thought that the vitamin may counter the "oxidative stress" that smoking puts on the lining of the blood vessels -- a mechanism by which smoking leads to artery disease. The new study looked at the effect of oral vitamin C on coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), a measure of how well blood flow speeds up to help the heart when it's under high demands. Past research has shown that smokers show poorer blood-vessel dilation in response to blood flow, and have a diminished CFVR. Komuro's team used a non-invasive ultrasound technique to measure CFVR in smokers and non-smokers, before and after they took vitamin C. They found that before taking the vitamin, smokers had a lower CFVR than non-smokers did. Two and four hours after the dose of vitamin C, however, smokers' average CFVR was "restored" to a more-normal level. Though the men in the study were given a large dose of vitamin C, Komuro pointed out that it's probably useless to take doses beyond 200 milligrams, because the body will excrete the excess. Moreover, it's not clear that loading up on vitamin C can benefit smokers. Some trials have found that taking C supplements does not improve smokers' blood vessel function, at least in the short term. Komuro said further, large-scale trials should look at whether daily vitamin C supplements cut smokers' long-term risk of coronary artery disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-improve-smokers-blood-circulation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/autism-boy-dies-after-alternative-therapy Autism boy dies after alternative therapySource: www.telegraph.co.ukA five-year-old boy with autism has died in America after flying from Britain for a controversial medical treatment for the neurological and developmental disorder. Abubakar Tariq Nadama, whose father is a doctor, died on Tuesday after receiving his third round of chelation therapy, an intravenous treatment designed to remove heavy metals from the body. The county coroner's office said the boy went into cardiac arrest at the Advanced Integrative Medicine Centre in Portersville, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A police inquiry has begun.Abubakar had moved with his mother, sister aged 11, and grandparents in the spring to have treatment while his father remained at work in England. Marwa Nadama, the boy's mother, said she did not blame the therapy for her son's death but was awaiting the results of the autopsy. Speaking yesterday from Monroeville, where she had been staying, she said it was "not a good time" to speak.The boy's father, Dr Rufai Nadama, a specialist registrar in respiratory medicine who works for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, travelled to America, colleagues said.Neighbours of the family in the Somerset village of Batheaston said the boy's parents, who are believed to be from Nigeria, had been determined to find treatment for their son. "Carers came in three times a day to look after him," said Brenda Drewett, 69, an auxiliary nurse. "The boy's mother was very concerned that he should get some treatment. They found out that treatment was available in America and within no time they were gone."Norman Myers, a retired marine salesman, said: "The boy was their life and soul. Everything in their house they made environmentally friendly, including stripped wood and the paintwork. "Evidently this was important, as was his diet." He said that Abubakar had been "an active child and a beautiful one to look at. He was vigorous and always running about the garden."Chelation therapy involves an intravenous injection of a synthetic amino acid called ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) that latches on to heavy metals in the body and then is passed out through the urine.EDTA has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the body that approves medicines for public use in the United States, but for treatment of only acute heavy-metal poisoning diagnosed with blood tests. Some parents of autistic children, however, believe the therapy can help by purging toxic metals, thought by some to be a cause of the disorder.Reports of significant improvements in children following the treatment have led to a large increase in those seeking the therapy."There are those in the alternative medical field who feel that mercury and other toxic elements contribute to autistic disorder, and that their removal would be a pathway to reducing autism," said Dr Jonathan Collin, from Washington State, who specialises in alternative medicine and has written on chelation therapy. But critics say there is insufficient evidence to link autism to metal toxicity and call the procedure risky.Howard Carpenter, of the Advisory Board on Autism-Related Disorders, said: "Parents of children with autism are desperate. Some are willing to try anything."Stephen Barrett, a retired psychiatrist and founder of the Quackwatch website, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Many doctors who treat children for autism claim they are suffering from mercury or lead toxicity. There is not sufficient evidence that autism is caused by mercury or lead toxicity."Larry Barr, Butler County's deputy coroner, said that when Abubakar went into cardiac arrest, Dr Roy Kerry, who was treating him, and his staff attempted resuscitation.He was then transferred to the Butler Memorial Hospital, near Pittsburgh, where he died. An autopsy has been conducted but the results will not be known for several weeks. "From my conversation with them [the doctor's staff] he had some kind of lead in his system, and they also said his system contained mercury," Mr Barr said. Dr Kerry was not available for comment.If linked to chelation therapy, Abubakar's death would be the first associated with the procedure since the 1950s, said Dr Ralph Miranda, former president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, which sets standards for such therapies. He said it was unusual to give young children intravenous treatments. Autism groups warned parents to be aware of the risks of some treatments. Cindy Waeltermann, director of the Pittsburgh-based national advocacy group Autismlink, said in a statement to members: "Some of these therapies are quite dangerous."Generation Rescue, a parent-founded group that believes disorders such as autism and Asperger's are "misdiagnoses for mercury poisoning", estimates that the number of autistic children treated with chelation has risen from about a dozen in 2000 to more than 10,000 today. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/autism-boy-dies-after-alternative-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-based-cream-may-ward-off-skin-cancer Vitamin-based cream may ward off skin cancerSource: www.macleans.caCanadian doctor's product reduces the development of precancerous growths and basal cell carcinoma A Canadian dermatologist believes he has found a way to reduce the risk of cancer and the signs of aging in people with sun-damaged skin. Dr. Gordon Telford, a consultant dermatologist at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, has devised a protective cream based on the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. He has already tested a formulation on 50 of his own skin cancer patients and found it was associated with a 70 per cent reduction in the development of precancerous growths called actinic keratoses and in the development of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. "Using the cream dramatically reduces the frequency with which these high-risk patients get skin cancers," Telford says. But it could take years of further study to test whether the cream reduces the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In 400 other patients not suffering from skin cancer, the effects of daily use of the cream were reductions in wrinkles, folds and other symptoms of the "California raisin look." "My impression clinically is that it is highly effective," Telford says. "And patients love it because they look good when they use it." Patients use the cream three times a week for up to five years on areas of maximum sun damage, such as the face, neck, chest and back of the hands. Telford says he believes the cream prevents sun-induced suppression of the immune system, the underlying reason why some individuals develop certain skin cancers while others do not. He is now submitting his findings for publication in a medical journal and is considering patenting the formulation so the cream can be sold over the counter. Dr. Gilles Lauzon, director of the division of dermatology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, says he has some reservations about an over-the-counter cream. "I would worry about an OTC product that might give people a false sense of security. They might then not be followed up properly." He also says the data on the cream are not as strong as he would like to see before he would consider endorsing the treatment. Telford acknowledges his findings are anecdotal but says they are strong enough to warrant further research. With files from The Medical Post. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-based-cream-may-ward-off-skin-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/five-simple-nutrition-rules-for-people-with-diabetes Five Simple Nutrition Rules for People With DiabetesSource: www.emaxhealth.comDiabetes Control and Nutrition Book by University of Pittsburgh nutritionist for people who want to lose weight and improve diabetes controlFive simple rules can help people with diabetes lower their blood sugar, lose weight and live a healthier life, according to a recently published book called ChangeOne for Diabetes.Using lessons learned from a study of overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes, nutritionist Pat Harper, M.S., R.D., presents a sensible and realistic program for people who want to lose weight and improve diabetes control.Based on a successful one-year study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the book focuses on small, steady changes in eating, activity and lifestyle habits that resulted in an 8 to10 percent reduction in body weight and an average of 25 percent reduction in blood sugar for those in the study."Although the book's focus is on how to improve the eating habits of people with diabetes, these weight loss tips can work for everyone," said Ms. Harper, a registered dietitian and coordinator of nutrition weight loss studies at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine. "Slowly but surely, small changes add up to a healthier lifestyle."Published by Reader's Digest (Jan. 2005), ChangeOne for Diabetes is grounded in just a few simple rules according to Ms. Harper.Eat every 4 to 5 hours throughout the day;Eat balanced meals that include a protein food, a starch, a vegetable and/or fruit;Choose lower fat foods;Eat smaller portions of everything but veggies;Become more active. Ms. Harper was the lead nutritionist in the Pittsburgh study, called the Diabetes Obesity Intervention Trial, which involved 52 overweight adults with non insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes. A year after the start of the study participants had a mean weight loss of more than 8 percent and of those who were on diabetes medication at the beginning of the study, 77 percent were able to go off of their meds by the end of one year."During the study there was no structured diet, no carb counting, no specific fat or carb goals and no banned foods," she said. "People just followed the 'Rules' outlined in the book and they lost weight. As they lost weight their blood sugar went down, and they improved their overall health."The book also features 100 delicious recipes, 200 photos, a walking plan, a unique approach to portion control, diagrams, demonstrations, checklists and handy tips that include:A "master the plate" approach... by mentally dividing the plate into left and right halves. Then split the right half into two equal parts. Fill the left half with veggies. The top right is reserved for starches such as rice, potatoes or pasta on the bottom right leaves room for meat."Master your disaster" foods... by learning secrets of healthy recipe makeovers for such foods as French fries, apple pie, fried chicken, Buffalo wings and even cheesecake.Additional, simple-to-follow steps cover the importance of timing meals, controlling portions, exercising and easing stress.Ms. Harper received her M.S. degree in nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh, a B.S. in foods and nutrition from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, MO, and her dietetic internship from Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.Her background includes clinical nutritionist at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and chief dietitian at the Children's Hospital of Buffalo. She previously worked at the University of Pittsburgh as a research nutritionist for the MRFIT National Heart Attack Prevention Study, for the Food Additive and Hyperkinesis Study, and several weight loss studies in the department of medicine, including the Diabetes Obesity Intervention Trial (DO IT study), the Multidisciplinary Intensive Treatment for Obesity (MITO) study, and the Optifast Study. She previously was a Nutrition Instructor at Penn State University. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/five-simple-nutrition-rules-for-people-with-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberry-nutrition Blueberry nutritionSource: www.southernillinoisan.comThe blueberry, it turns out, is a true powerhouse of nutrition. The Eat 5 to 9 a Day campaign encourages consumers to eat more ``blues and purples.'' The deep, rich color indicates the presence of antioxidants that help reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and even Alzheimer's. Phytochemical research is one of the hottest areas of research in the nutrition world. New studies show blueberries may actually slow down the aging process by helping to prevent and reverse memory loss. Animal studies conducted at Tufts University show rats fed blueberry extract had improved neural, cognitive and motor function. To add to the blueberry's considerable cachet, another study on rats by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that blueberries may lower cholesterol, acting as effectively as commercial drugs on the market. So just what is it that makes blueberries tick? Scientists have found they have an especially high ORAC number, a measure of their oxygen radical absorbance. Fresh blueberries have an ORAC of 2,400. Blackberries come in second place at 2,030, while other berries - including cranberries, strawberries and raspberries - rate above 1,000, according to last month's Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberry-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-soda-surprise-may-not-be-so-slimming Diet Soda Surprise May Not Be So SlimmingSource: cbs2chicago.comGuzzling down diet drinks should take the guilt out of splurging now and then, right? As CBS 2 Medical Editor Mary Ann Childers reports, new research suggests that if you sip on diet sodas to stay slim, you may be in for a big surprise.Americans are drinking billions of dollars worth of diet soda every year. If the trend continues, diet soft drinks may soon outsell regular ones. Twenty-three-year-old Katy Camp personifies this passion for all things diet. She devours up to 12 cans of diet soda a day."Oh, I'm completely addicted, completely. I have no qualms about even admitting that,” Camp said.But what Camp doesn't realize is that the calorie-free soda she's drinking may actually cause weight gain. "What we found was that people who were drinking diet soft drinks two or more per day had a 57 percent chance of becoming overweight by a seven- to eight-year follow-up, which was significantly higher than the people who are drinking regular soft drinks," said Sharon Fowler at the University of Texas’ Health Science Center.The University of Texas study found even half a can of soda increased the chance of weight gain by more than a third. One cause may be a false sense of calorie security. "So they think I can get the candy bar to go with the diet soft drink and just a little candy bar, I'm OK," Fowler said. Experts are also exploring a more direct relationship."One of the possibilities that has been suggested is that there's something about the diet soft drinks that increases the sense of hunger or appetite in the people who consume them," Fowler said.A study from Purdue University last year found that artificial sweeteners may disrupt the body's ability to count calories -- sort of tricking the brain with a sweet taste but no calorie kick. Experts say no matter what type of soda you drink, the key to maintaining a healthy weight is to exercise and eat in moderation. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-soda-surprise-may-not-be-so-slimming http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/india-asks-eu-to-exempt-ayurvedic-drugs-from-curbs India asks EU to exempt ayurvedic drugs from curbsSource: www.financialexpress.comIndia has requested the European Union (EU) to exclude ayurvedic products from the proposed directive on traditional herbal medicinal products (THMPD). The directive, when implemented, would result in acceptance of only those medication which have been in use in Europe for at least 15 years. In a letter to EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson India’s commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath said that this directive would become a barrier to trade since it straightaway removes ayurvedic medicines from consideration, which have been in use in India for centuries but which may not have found a place in Europe 15 years ago. The directive is to be implemented from October. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/india-asks-eu-to-exempt-ayurvedic-drugs-from-curbs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-pills-may-not-stop-heart-attacks Vitamin B Pills May Not Stop Heart AttacksSource: www.newsday.comSTOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Folic acid and vitamin B pills do not ward off heart attacks or strokes and may even be harmful when combined, new research suggests. Studies showing that the vitamins lower levels of a substance in the blood suspected of playing a role in the development of heart disease have prompted hundreds of thousands of heart patients in the developed world to take them. However, the first large study of the question, presented Monday at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology, found that although the supplements dramatically lowered the levels of homocysteine, they offered no heart protection. "The message is clear here: Don't take folate or B-6 in the hope that it will stop you having a heart attack or stroke. If there was a real major effect, they would have seen it," said Dr. Peter Weissberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, which was not connected with the study. The findings are expected to stir the debate over whether homocysteine has any role at all in the development of heart disease. But they are unlikely to be the last word on the issue. Eleven other studies testing the heart benefits of B vitamins in a total of nearly 50,000 people are under way. The aim is to build enough evidence to determine not only whether it would help if people took the supplements, but also whether it would be a good idea to fortify flour around the world with folic acid to boost heart health in developing countries and in other populations unlikely to supplement their diets. At least one of those, which will follow 12,000 people for seven years, is expected to offer more definitive results about 18 months from now, experts said. In the latest study, led by Dr. Kaare Harald Bonaa, a professor of cardiology at the University of Tromso in Norway, 4,749 heart attack survivors were divided into four groups. In addition to standard heart medicines, one group took high-dose vitamin B pills every day for three years. Another took high-dose folic acid. A third group took both pills every day and the fourth group took fake pills. There was no difference in the groups taking fake pills, vitamin B or folic acid when it came to new heart attacks or strokes. However, there were 20 percent more heart attacks and strokes among the group that took both pills. Those who fared worst were patients who also had kidney problems, and those who reported they also take other vitamin supplements, the study found. "This is the latest in a series of things that when tested in a scientific way don't actually pan out the way people expected," said Dr. Ray Gibbons, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic who was not connected with the research. Homocysteine levels in the blood are often higher in people with heart disease. Some scientists therefore believe that lowering the substance might help prevent heart trouble. However, no study has ever shown that reducing concentrations improve heart conditions or prevent heart disease. For that reason, the role of homocysteine in the development of heart disease is hotly debated. The latest findings are a setback to proponents of the homocysteine theory. Folates, such as folic acid and vitamin B, are known to reduce the levels of homocysteine in the blood. That's why hundreds of thousands of people take them, sometimes on the advice of their doctors. "These things are very attractive to patients because they are perceived as natural, inexpensive and they are widely advertised," said Gibbons, president-elect of the American Heart Association. "Many people have the perception that they are equivalent" to heavily researched pharmaceuticals. "Taking something that has no beneficial effect is a bad idea, for several reasons," Gibbons said. It's a waste of money, he said. Also, it's hard enough for heart patients to take the fistful of pills that are proven to help them and there's a limit to how many they can tolerate taking. Adding another one only makes it less likely that they will take their real medication properly, Gibbons said. "I'm going to purposely educate everybody I see that the folic acid they are taking has just been tested and the single large study to test it didn't find any benefit at all," he said. "I'm going to ask them if they are taking B-6 or a multivitamin that contains B-6 -- and many of them are -- and I'm going to point out that this study showed that this combination is harmful." Other vitamins found to be either useless or potentially harmful are vitamin E and beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-pills-may-not-stop-heart-attacks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-boosts-nsaid-cancer-fighting-power Vitamin D boosts NSAID cancer-fighting powerSource: www.borsa-italia.netLow doses of the active form of vitamin D and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs act as a powerful combination to halt the growth of prostate cancer cells, say US scientistsLow doses of the active form of vitamin D and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs act as a powerful combination to halt the growth of prostate cancer cells, say US scientists. Writing in Cancer Research, a team from Stanford University says it discovered that the amount of both activated vitamin D, or calcitriol, and NSAIDs could be reduced by half to one-tenth the dosage to thwart prostate cancer cell growth in cell lines and primary tissue cultures. If work in animal models and human trials confirm the findings, the combination may help to keep the NSAID family of drugs among the pharmaceutical choices for the prevention and treatment of cancer, it said... Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-boosts-nsaid-cancer-fighting-power http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/overview-of-hyaluronic-acid-products Overview of Hyaluronic Acid ProductsSource: www.pressbox.co.ukHyaluronic acid liquid supplements are absorbed faster into the body than capsules, providing you with all the benefits associated with HA use. An example of a hyaluronic acid liquid supplements is Synthovial 7 (Hyaluronic Acid) by Hyalogic - 1oz. Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections Although study results are not definitive, data do exist suggesting long-term efficacy of Hyaluronic acid knee injections in a significant number of patients. Future indications may expand to other joints and other forms of arthritis. The treatment is very expensive, the wholesale cost for the Hyaluronic acid treatment series is about $620, plus the cost of the outpatient facility and the physician. Hyaluronic Acid Filler Facial Injections Recently approved by the FDA as a skin filler, when injected into the skin in gel form, Hyaluronic acid binds to water and provides volume to easily fill in larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. Patients notice an immediate plumping of the skin in the treated areas. Treatments last for about four to six weeks and can be immediately administered by a dermatologist without a skin check (there is no chance of the transmission of animal borne sickness.) These treatments can cost up to $700 per shot. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/overview-of-hyaluronic-acid-products http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mushrooms-source-for-anti-cancer-vitamin-study-says Mushrooms source for anti-cancer vitamin, study saysSource: pittsburghlive.comMushrooms are the best-known source for an antioxidant thought to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to a study by researchers at Penn State University. White button mushrooms, the type most commonly consumed in the U.S., have about four times more of the antioxidant ergothioneine than chicken liver, which was previously considered the best source for the vitamin, according to the study to be presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington. "This is another good reason to eat mushrooms," said Joy Dubost, the Penn State researcher who led the study. "It's a good antioxidant to have in your diet." Ergothioneine helps the body eliminate so-called free radicals, which are chemicals that can start chain reactions harmful to a body's cells, Dubost said. White button mushrooms have about 12 times more ergothioneine than wheat germ, also a good source of the nutrient, the study said. Exotic mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster and maitake mushrooms have about 40 times more of the antioxidant than wheat germ, the study said. A 3-ounce serving of button mushrooms, about the amount that would be served on a hamburger, has as much as 5 milligrams of ergothioneine, the study said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mushrooms-source-for-anti-cancer-vitamin-study-says http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-6-fatty-acids-cause-prostate-tumor-cell-growth-in-culture Omega-6 fatty acids cause prostate tumor cell growth in cultureSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comA study conducted at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) has demonstrated that omega-6 fatty acids such as the fat found in corn oil promote the growth of prostate tumor cells in the laboratory. The study also identifies a potential new molecular target for anti-tumor drugs: an enzyme known as cPLA2, which plays a key role in the chain leading from omega-6 fatty acids to prostate tumor cell growth. The study was led by Millie Hughes-Fulford, PhD, director of the Laboratory of Cell Growth at SFVAMC and scientific advisor to the U.S. Undersecretary of Health for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is being published in the September 2005 issue of Carcinogenesis, and is currently available online. Working with human prostate cancer cells in tissue culture, Hughes-Fulford and her fellow researchers identified for the first time a direct chain of causation: When introduced into prostate tumor cells in culture, omega-6 fatty acid causes the production of cPLA2, which then causes the production of the enzyme COX2. In turn, COX2 stimulates the release of PGE2, a hormone-like molecule that promotes cell growth. "What's important about this is that omega-6 fatty acids are found in corn oil and most of the oils used in bakery goods," says Hughes-Fulford, who is also an adjunct professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "Which means that if you're eating a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids, it's possible that you're turning on this cancer cascade, which has been shown to be a common denominator in the growth of prostate, colorectal, and some breast cancers." The study points out that 60 years ago in the United States, the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, a beneficial fatty acid, was 1 to 2. Today, the ratio is 25 to 1. Over that same 60 years, the incidence of prostate cancer in the U.S. has increased steadily. Hughes-Fulford also found that flurbiprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly prescribed for arthritis, blocked the production of cPLA2 and broke the chain leading to cell growth. This means, she says, that new drugs might be developed that could specifically target cPLA2 and prevent COX2 from being released. "COX2 has been implicated in the growth of many types of tumors," she notes. "So if you can find a way to block that cascade in the tumor, starting with cPLA2, you might have a new way of modifying or slowing tumor growth." Hughes-Fulford points out that cPLA2 inhibitors would avoid the problems inherent in the class of drugs known as COX2 inhibitors. These drugs have been shown to be effective against tumor growth as well as in treating the pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, but have been implicated in increased risk of cardiovascular problems in people who take them regularly. "COX2 inhibitors also inhibit prostacyclins, which are enzymes that are beneficial to the heart, and cPLA2 inhibitors would not affect those," she explains. In future research, Hughes-Fulford will be looking at the overall effect of different types of fatty acids on different tumor types in cell lines as well as human biopsies. She plans a study that will correlate type of fatty acid with tumor stage and grade in order to obtain a clearer picture of specific effects of different fats on tumor progression. Co-authors of the study were Raymond R. Tjandrawinata, PhD, of UCSF, Chai-Fei Li, BA, of SFVAMC, and Sina Sayyah, BA, of SFVAMC and UCSF. The research was funded by awards from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and in part by grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Funding was administered by the Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-6-fatty-acids-cause-prostate-tumor-cell-growth-in-culture http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-reduce-atherosclerosis-risk Vitamin Supplements Reduce Atherosclerosis RiskSource: www.foodconsumer.orgSupplementation of B vitamins can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up on the blood vessel walls), according to a new study published in the July 2005 issue of Atherosclerosis.It is known that vitamin supplementation can lower homocysteine in the blood. The current study was intended to investigate the effect of vitamin supplements on atherosclerosis.Researchers used carotid-media thickness (IMT) as a marker of atherosclerosis changes. 50 patients in their 50's and 60's with an IMT more than one millimeter participated in the study. In a double blind, randomized trial, participants received 0.5 mg vitamin B12, 2.5 mg folic acid, and 25 mg vitamin B6 or placebo daily for a year.The researchers found that homocysteine in the participants who received vitamin supplements decreased from 10.50 to 6.56 units, while homocysteine in the untreated group did not change. As for IMT, 5 percent decrease was observed in the treated group and 8 percent increase in the untreated group. The results also indicated that the effect of vitamin supplements on atherosclerosis was independent of homocysteine concentration. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-reduce-atherosclerosis-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-you-swallow-this-miracle- Will You Swallow this Miracle?Source: www.inversionuk.com Inversion Femme Daily Mail 2nd June 2005 Claudia Connell, "My skin took on a youthful glow ... One friend even accused me of having Botox. ... However, the most noticeable change has been in my nails, which appear to have become diamond hard and unbreakable."Lowri Turner, "my complexion has improved. It seems smoother and more even-toned."Diana Appleyard, "within two weeks my nails were noticeably stronger. The white patches had disappeared, and they were less inclined to break. My hair, always rather straw-like, appeared to be more glossy and thick. My skin seems less dry and the lines under my eyes definitely less pronounced." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-you-swallow-this-miracle- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/an-old-herb-still-working An old herb still workingSource: www.news24.comI RECENTLY came into contact with two women from a township in Cape Town who work predominantly with herbal teas in their health consultancy.I personally tested camomile tea for digestive ailments and found amazing results.In Europe camomile is widely known as herbal tea, but not as well known for its importance as a skin and digestive remedy.To put camomile extract on a wound probably sounds as uncool to the uninformed, as camomile intrinsically means "mother of the gut".Yet the use of camomile as a herb has been proved in wound healing. It is a most effective hydrocortisone to support skin health - in creams, lotions and in bath water.The herb has proven itself for wound healing in an open randomised trial (compared to 5 % dexpanthenol cream) in healing of episiotomy wounds.Another trial compared several procedures for treating heamorrhoids and found that those who received an application of camomile ointment in conjunction with surgical procedures experienced best healing.Camomile has anti-inflammatory potency and possesses calming action on the nervous system. It is an excellent sleeping aid. Put one tablespoon in a litre of boiled water, let stand for 10 minutes, strain and add to your natural supplement when struggling with asthmatic, arthritis and chronic bladder problems.Its calminative effect is helpful in the case of digestive peristalsis, peptic ulcers, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach aches.Camomile oil (chamazulene) contains a phytochemical (bisabolol) that has been shown in studies to be effective against diarrhea. Infusions may be used in enemas to clean the bowel and to douche where there is infection.Drinking the teas may even have a positive effect on prostaglandin (hormonal) release - against pain.Herbal eye packs may be given in cases of inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct and sac - and natural blonds can wash their hair with the tea to improve their light shading.Add a third teaspoon of honey to a cup of tea and you could add camomile to your child's natural ADHD programme against hyperactivity.In fact use of camomile seems to be great - just don't have this tea if you are allergic to the daisy family.* The author, who is a medical scientist, can be contacted on the tele-phone number 021 975 3777. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/an-old-herb-still-working http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-helps-attention-deficit-in-children Fish oil helps attention deficit in childrenSource: www.innovations-report.deResearchers in Adelaide, Australia have found that a commercially available dietary supplement can improve the attention and behaviour of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)."The parents of children who spent 15 weeks on a course of capsules containing a combination of fish oil and primrose oil reported increased attention and reduced hyperactivity, restlessness and impulsivity," says Natalie Sinn from the University of South Australia and CSIRO Nutrition.The same improvements were not reported from children who took a placebo.Natalie is one of thirteen early-career researchers who have presented their work to the public and media for the first time as part of Fresh Science, a national program. One of the Fresh Scientists will win a trip to the UK courtesy of the British Council to present their work to the Royal Institution.The work involved about 145 children with ADHD-related problems. A parallel study in the UK using the same supplement has shown similar results.In addition, in the Australian trial, children taking the fish oil supplement also did better on tests of attention, and improved their vocabulary.“Fish oil is believed to work via effects on brain function,” Sinn says. “Sixty per cent of the brain is composed of fats, the most important being polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats must be obtained through diet, such as dark leafy vegetables, walnuts, linseeds, and oily fish."“There is now a growing body of research to suggest that some children with developmental problems, including ADHD and dyslexia, can benefit from taking omega-3 supplements. And no adverse effects have been reported to date.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-helps-attention-deficit-in-children http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/5-foods-to-add-to-your-diet 5 Foods To Add To Your DietSource: www.thewmurchannel.comSo many diet programs are about what you can't have, but what about focusing on things you can add to your diet? What a concept! More food instead of less?Well, of course there's a catch.Just adding more of these foods to a bad diet won't cause a drastic overnight weight loss. But adding them -- even to a bad diet -- will improve your health in some significant ways. And the good news is that if you begin to replacesome of the foods that keep you fat with the foods on this list, you may well begin to see benefits not only in the health department but on the scale as well.1. Blueberries.High in fiber, low in sugar and calories, and delicious right out of the box. (I don't even mind if you add a spoonful of fresh cream, especially if the combination replaces a dessert). Some studies suggest that regular consumption of blueberries protects the memory. Hairstylist2. Oatmeal.Use the regular, slow-cooking kind instead of the sweetened, overprocessed "instant" variety. Oatmeal is the second-best source of the essential fatty acid GLA in the world. It contains fiber and protein as well.3. Cabbage.This lowly vegetable may elicit bad memories for many people, but it's time to get past that and try it again. Cabbage contains a cancer-fighting phytochemical called indole-3-carbinole. One cup of cooked cabbage delivers about 100 mg of this powerful ingredient, not to mention fiber, other beneficial phytochemicals and vitamin C.4. Kale.This green leafy vegetable is loaded with antioxidants. It's particularly delicious with lemon, garlic (another amazing food) and butter.5. Sardines.Sardines are like a health food store in a can. They're cheap, they're widely available, they're convenient, and you can take them with you anywhere. And sardines are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. All that and a superb source of protein and calcium (if you eat the bones). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/5-foods-to-add-to-your-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-vegetable-diet-linked-to-protection-against-pancreatic-cancer High-vegetable Diet Linked To Protection Against Pancreatic CancerSource: www.sciencedaily.comIn one of the largest studies of its kind, UCSF researchers have found that eating lots of fruits and vegetables -- particularly vegetables -- is associated with about a 50 percent reduction in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and remains largely untreatable. It kills about 30,000 people in the U.S. each year and has a five-year survival under four percent.The vegetables most strongly associated with increased protection were onions, garlic, beans, yellow vegetables (such as carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, corn and yellow squash), dark leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables. Light-green vegetables, tomatoes and tomato products showed weaker protective benefits.Fruits were found to be protective but significantly less so than vegetables, with citrus fruits and citrus juices most protective.The 50 percent reduced risk was associated with eating at last five servings per day of the protective vegetables or vegetables and fruit, compared to those who ate two servings a day or less. And eating nine servings per day of vegetables and fruit combined also was associated with about a 50 percent reduced pancreatic cancer risk compared with eating less than five servings per day. A serving is considered to be about a half cup of cooked vegetables, two cups of leafy salad or one medium-sized piece of fruit.The study was based on in-person interviews of 2,233 San Francisco Bay Area residents: 532 pancreatic cancer patients and more than 1,700 randomly selected "controls." Control group participants did not have pancreatic cancer but were of a similar age distribution and similar male to female ratio as the pancreatic cancer patients. Participants were asked about their fruit and vegetable consumption for the one-year period prior to the interview, as well as other questions about diet, smoking, occupation and other factors.The study findings regarding fruit and vegetable consumption are being published in the September issue of the journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. "Pancreatic cancer is not nearly as common as breast or lung cancer, but its diagnosis and treatment are particularly difficult," said Elizabeth A. Holly, PhD, UCSF professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and senior author of the study. "Finding strong confirmation that simple life choices can provide significant protection from pancreatic cancer may be one of the most practical ways to reduce the incidence of this dreadful disease."The results are considered particularly meaningful because of the study's size, the quantitative nature of the food questionnaire and the statistical significance of the findings, according to the study team. The likelihood that chance alone accounts for the discovered correlations between diet and cancer is less than one in a thousand for many vegetable categories, and well within the limits considered statistically significant for most of the vegetables studied, the scientists reported.The findings don't necessarily mean that all fruits and vegetables -- or any specific ones -- are potentially helpful or harmful, the authors point out. For example, they found evidence that the way foods are prepared may play a role: raw vegetables appear to be somewhat more protective than cooked vegetables, and fried potatoes appear to be more harmful than those prepared other ways. In addition, a specific food could be a "proxy" for another food that is often eaten with it, such as meat eaten with fried potatoes, for a hypothetical example. California physicians are required by law to report all cancer cases to a statewide records center, which allowed the researchers to identify all pancreatic cancer patients treated within a five-year period in six Bay Areas counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.The research approach used by the UCSF team is called a "case-control" study because it involves a comparison of pancreatic cancer cases with a control group without pancreatic cancer. The main limitation of this approach is that many of the cancer patients identified at the outset die before they can be interviewed, as was the case with the UCSF study, the researchers reported.Still, the alternative research approach -- a "prospective" study that inquires about diet and then follows people long enough to determine which of them contracts the disease -- is less feasible because it requires a very large sample size and a very long follow-up period, since pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, Holly said.The authors note that a few prospective cohort studies have published results looking at fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to pancreatic cancer risk, and have observed no association or possibly a slight suggestion of benefit. This may be due, in part, to the reduced number of cancer cases available in such a study design, Holly suggested."With more follow-up, such studies will be able to examine this question more rigorously," said June M. Chan, ScD, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF and lead author of the paper. "In the meantime, results from case-control studies like this one provide support for the hypothesis that vegetables and fruit provide some benefit in protecting against the development of pancreatic cancer."The researchers previously reported on other findings from this in-person interview-based study, namely: allergies, obesity, clinical symptoms of pancreatic cancer and environmental factors in relation to pancreatic cancer; also, genetic factors in relation to pancreatic cancer and cigarette use. Other factors still to be examined in this study are the relationship between pancreatic cancer an alcohol, detailed analyses on cigarette use, diet, other diseases and conditions.###Co-author on the paper with Holly and Chan is Furong Wang, MD, senior statistician in epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF.The research was supported by the National Cancer Institute. This paper was partially supported by the Rombauer Pancreatic Research Fund. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-vegetable-diet-linked-to-protection-against-pancreatic-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-hyaluronic-acid-the-beauty-wave-of-the-future- Is Hyaluronic Acid the Beauty Wave of the Future?Source: www.pressbox.co.ukIn our continuing search for the fountain of youth, there is a new weapon. Hyaluronic acid (HA), is a key component of human tissue that aids in the body’s flexibility, mobility and moisture retention. And, Hyaluronic acid is emerging both as a key ingredient in many anti-aging beauty products and as a viable alternative to collagen and related substances in injection procedures. As we age, the Hyaluronic acid levels in our body decrease, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dryness in the skin. Hyaluronic acid beauty products and injections can decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles by replenishing the body’s natural supply of Hyaluronic acid and/or by stimulating the body to rejuvenate its own supply of HA. It is for these reasons that many believe that HA represents the beauty wave of the future.E-HyaluronicAcid.com explains that among the exciting new developments in the world of Hyaluronic acid products is the recent FDA approval of Restylane and Hylaform, facial injections containing Hyaluronic acid. These injections can be administered quickly and with little chance of side effect. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more people than ever are choosing to forgo invasive plastic surgery for less painful, less time consuming procedures. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) predicts that in 2005, Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Hylaform) will surpass collagen as the most popular soft tissue filler for lines and wrinkles. The Society also predicts that additional Hyaluronic acid products developed specifically for facial volume enhancement and for improvement of depressed scars will be introduced.According to E-HyaluronicAcid.com, Hyaluronic acid injections are most commonly used around the mouth and on forehead wrinkles and smile lines and to enlarge, moisturize and “plump” lips. The entire injection process takes less than an hour, and requires repeat treatments every four months to a year. Hyaluronic acid treatments are more expensive than those using collagen (a syringe of Restylane or another Hyaluronic acid product might cost up to $500 as compared to around $373 for collagen) but HA injections last longer because they help the skin retain natural moisture. When injected, the filler plumps up the skin by allowing it to attract and hold water. Side effects are much less likely with Hyaluronic acid than with collagen contributing to its attractiveness as an alternative treatment.The possibilities seem endless for uses of Hyaluronic acid. In Japan, Daikin Industries is even offering an air conditioner that emits Hyaluronic acid from the filter to moisturize skin. There are sure to be even more innovations and future ways to take advantage of Hyaluronic acid’s many health and beauty benefits. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-hyaluronic-acid-the-beauty-wave-of-the-future- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/company-says-compounds-soothe-joints-smooth-skin Company says compounds soothe joints, smooth skinSource: www.mcall.comIt's in your joints and behind your eyeballs, and Calcigen produces it at its lab in Bethlehem.Not many people will know the substance is called hyaluronic acid, or that it is harvested from both the combs of roosters and from bacteria. It also occurs naturally in the body. But consumers, especially aging baby boomers, will be interested to learn Calcigen is producing a refined formula of it that is designed to ease inflammation and pain in joints, and in a separate application, smooth out wrinkles in skin.The four-person startup company, which resides in the Ben Franklin Technology Partners business incubator, hopes to eventually market the solution as a way to deliver cancer drugs.''It's an almost mythical material used in a wide variety of applications,'' said Calcigen President Harlan Hemple.Like collagen, hyaluronic acid restores elasticity to the skin. The most widely-known hyaluronic acid product on the market is Restylane, which is used to smooth over wrinkles.Calcigen is developing two products that target distinct markets: wrinkles and osteoarthritis. The skin-smoother and joint-fluid products are based on the same compound — hyaluronic acid — but differ in molecular weight, viscosity and other aspects.While the market for products that smooth wrinkles is large, the demand for osteoarthritis treatment also represents a sizeable sales opportunity. More than 20 million Americans have osteoarthritis, and the number is expected to grow significantly as the population ages. Osteoarthritis breaks down the surface layer of cartilage, which, when healthy, allows bones to glide over one another and absorbs the shock of movements.Calcigen's product is designed to supplement fluids in the knee and to stave off joint replacement surgery.''With osteoarthritis, the fluid in the joints has broken down,'' Hemple said. ''You are using hyaluronic acid to replace diseased fluid in the knee. Everyone wants to avoid knee or joint replacement for as long as possible.''Hemple said that until now, products designed to treat osteoarthritis have been injected solely into knees. Researchers are looking into using the products to treat joints in shoulders and hips.Rivals on marketCalcigen receives hyaluronic acid in a powder form. In the lab, Hemple mixed the white powder with water and, almost instantly, a clear, sticky substance formed that resembled hair gel. The acid can absorb 1,000 times its weight in water. For use, it is placed in a syringe and injected directly into the skin.There are a handful of similar products on the market, including Synvisc. But Hemple says his product is safer, more effective and has fewer negative side effects.Calcigen employs a purification process to hyaluronic acid that removes a higher number of toxins, he said, and renders the substance more viscous. That's a key characteristic. Researchers believe hyaluronic acid could eventually be used for cancer treatment because the substance binds quickly to cancer cells. That means drugmakers could attach cancer medicine to hyaluronic acid to more effectively target the affected cells.Calcigen is not selling either of its two products yet. The company is negotiating a licensing and distribution deal with one company for the injectable wrinkle-smoothing product. It is in talks with several companies to distribute the joint-fluid supplement product. Calcigen is also discussing licensing its solution to a major company for use in the treatment of cataracts.Hemple would not disclose names of the companies because the deals are not finalized.Venture fundingHemple is not a biologist but a former poultry industry worker who learned about the potential of hyaluronic acid in rooster combs while on the job. He formed Calcigen in 2000 at a home office in Philadelphia. The company's three other employees include Mike Bernbaum, chief science officer.In 2002, Hemple moved his company into the Ben Franklin business incubator at Lehigh University. Ben Franklin provides low-interest loans and cheap office and lab space to promising startup companies. It also assists existing companies.Since its founding, Calcigen has raised almost $1 million in investment. That includes about $400,000 from Ben Franklin and $100,000 from the Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania. The company is eager to raise more. Hemple hit the venture capital circuit last week with a presentation at Bio-Life-Tech in Baltimore. The conference showcased early stage companies to venture capitalists looking for the next big investment. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/company-says-compounds-soothe-joints-smooth-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-conclusions-drawn-about-vitamin-b-acetaminophen-effects-on-cardiovascular New conclusions drawn about vitamin B, acetaminophen effects on cardiovascularSource: www.bocaratonnews.comA recent study released in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) says that medical community radar is missing older Americans. The study specifically reports “abysmally low rates of blood pressure control among Americans, especially older women.”“Yes, and no,” says Boca Raton Community Hospital Chief of Cardiology Dr. Jonathan Seckler about the accuracy and relevance of the study.Separately, women taking daily amounts of non-aspirin painkillers are more likely to develop high blood pressure than those who don’t, another study reports.“That’s likely to be the case,” Seckler agreed.A third study in Norway says that treating heart attack patients with high doses of B vitamins does not lower the risk of getting another heart attack or stroke. Contrary to expectations, the study says B vitamins may do more harm than good.Aspirin best While many popular over-the-counter painkillers have been linked before to high blood pressure, acetaminophen, sold as Tylenol, has generally been considered relatively free of such risk.Acetaminophen is the only painkiller that is not a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a medication that the federal government now requires to be sold with warning labels because of the risk for heart-related problems. These include naproxen (sold as Aleve), and ibuprofen (sold as Advil and Motrin) Many have chosen those NSAID painkillers following reported problems with prescription drugs, such as Vioxx.The study found that women taking Tylenol were about twice as likely to develop blood pressure problems. Risk also rose for women taking NSAIDS other than aspirin. The study involved 5,123 women participating in the Nurses Health Study at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. None had had high blood pressure when the study began. The study found that women ages 51-77 that took an average daily dose of more than 500 milligrams of acetaminophen had about double the risk of developing high blood pressure within three years.The research found that aspirin remains the safest overall pain relief medication, in addition to being known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.Under Radar? Dr. Seckler, MD FACC and a chief partner in the interventional cardiology medical practice of Bartzokis, Seckler and Rubenstein in Boca Raton, suggested that the AMA report about doctors missing high blood pressure problems in elderly women is more a matter that “women survive,” he said.Both in sheer numbers, and then in those who outlive men, “there are simply more women,” he said, “and that skews the statistics.”And while the higher blood pressure reported for women taking non-aspirin pain relievers is another question, Dr. Seckler said that study, too, needed to be interpreted in light of the current reality that medicine, in general, “is under tremendous scrutiny.”All medicines have “intentional and secondary effects,” he said, “some of which may be counter productive.”And because of the increased scrutiny about the outcome of a drug’s use, the use of acetaminophen —- and in cases where a woman is pre-disposed to high blood pressure —- “may accelerate the pre-disposition to high blood pressure.”Dr. Seckler, whose practice handles 5,000-8,000 patient contacts a year, said that overall, the elderly should be treated “the same” as other patients, except that in both overall care, and in medicine dosage amounts, “just more gently.”Vitamin B A total of 3,749 patients were recruited from 35 Norwegian hospitals in the vitamin B study. The patients were assigned to take B vitamins or placebo for more than three years in addition to standard treatments after a heart attack. Earlier studies had indicated that folic acid and vitamin B-6 could prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the blood level of an amino acid called “homocysteine.” It was thought that high levels of homocysteine might damage the lining of arteries and increase blood clotting, in turn leading to fatal blockages of arteries in the heart and brain.Homocysteine levels did indeed drop by 30 percent in the study group, researchers said, but “this did not lower the patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease”, said Dr. Kaare Harald Bønaa, the study’s chief investigator.The results “are important because they tell doctors that prescribing high doses of B vitamins will not prevent heart disease or stroke,” Dr. Bønaa said. “B vitamins should be prescribed only to patients who have B vitamin deficiency diseases.”More importantly, according to Dr. Bønaa, is the study showed that B vitamins increased the risk of reblocking coronary arteries that had been opened by non-invasive procedures like angioplasty. Angioplasty is where a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) with a deflated balloon at the tip is maneuvered into a narrow artery and inflated to open a blocked artery and allow more blood to reach the heart muscle.A Canadian study earlier this year found similar disappointing results for the use of Vitamin E. During a 7-year period, elderly persons getting Vitamin E were 19 percent more likely to be admitted to a hospital for heart failure than those taking a placebo. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-conclusions-drawn-about-vitamin-b-acetaminophen-effects-on-cardiovascular http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dieters-warned-to-avoid-chinese-slimming-aids Dieters warned to avoid Chinese slimming aidsSource: www.telegraph.co.ukDieters were warned yesterday to avoid traditional Chinese slimming aids after one - Shuabo Slimming Capsules - caused a case of irreversible liver failure.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that a number of illegal slimming remedies had come on to the market. Some contain sibutramine, a prescription-only medicine that should only be used under medical supervision as it can raise blood pressure.Other products have been found to contain a stimulant called methlphenidate which can also lead to high blood pressure and affect the power of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs.The MHRA also said that Aristolochia, a banned substance often used in traditional Chinese medicines and which is linked with kidney failure and cancer, had been found in herbal products.Some of the slimming aids that are of concern include Qing zhisan tain shou, Li Da Dai Dai Hua, Meiztang, Xiao Pang Mei or New Reducing Medicine, Shubaojianfeijiaolang and Jingzhi Kesou Tanchuan. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dieters-warned-to-avoid-chinese-slimming-aids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegan-diet-effective-for-weight-loss Vegan diet effective for weight lossSource: www.mydna.comAn article in the American Journal of Medicine, proclaims that a vegetarian diet with carbohydrates and low-fat food, is as effective as traditional nonvegetarian diets, in helping women losing weight. The president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), Neal D Barnard, and his colleagues at Georgetown University Hospital and George Washington University studied 59 overweight, postmenopausal women.The participants followed one of two diets; one being a vegetarian diet and the other a control diet based on National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. The vegetarian diet excluded women from eating meat, cheese, milk or heavily oily foods such as chips. The women who were assigned to the vegan diet group, lost about a pound a week, where women following the more traditional approach to dieting lost only 8 pounds in the 14 week period.According to Dr. Barnard, "The study participants following the vegan diet enjoyed unlimited servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthful foods that enabled them to lose weight without feeling hungry."He continues, "As the participants started to see the positive effects of the diet, weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, the women became more inclined to follow the vegan diet." On a global scale, populations that follow vegetarian diets experience lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other life-threatening diseases. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegan-diet-effective-for-weight-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aussie-total-wellbeing-diet-latest-weight-loss-craze Aussie 'Total Wellbeing Diet' Latest Weight-Loss CrazeSource: health.dailynewscentral.comIt is the diet phenomenon that's sweeping Australia. Combining the speedy results of Atkins with the health benefits of GI (Glycemic Index), it specifically targets your tummy.This Aussie diet promises a weight loss of 2 stones (about 28 pounds) in 12 weeks, but doesn't involve cutting out entire food groups.Thousands have already reaped the benefit in Australia, where the book is so popular that it's even outselling the latest Harry Potter. Now you, too, can join in.It might sound too good to be true, but according to the doctors behind the Total Wellbeing Diet, this latest weight-loss sensation really is possible.High Protein, Low FatProduced by the Australian Government's clinical research body (the CSIRO), following studies commissioned in the wake of the Atkins diet hysteria, it involves eating more protein, less carbohydrates and less fat.In a 12-week study, 100 overweight and obese women were divided into two groups. Both groups were restricted to 1,340 calories a day, but one group was placed on a high-protein, low-fat diet and one on a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.The doctor leading the research, and joint author of the diet book, Dr. Manny Noakes, originally thought that if the calorie intake for each diet was the same then there shouldn't be any difference in the amount of weight they lost. a d v e r t i s e m e n tBut in fact the women on the higher protein diet lost more weight, particularly around their waists, and also reduced their levels of insulin, blood glucose and blood triglycerides, the blood fats that are related to health problems such as heart disease and Syndrome X, the precursor to Type II diabetes.Perhaps equally importantly, there was a far lower dropout rate on the high protein diet, which came as a surprise to researchers, who expected women to prefer starchy foods. Armed with their findings, the CSIRO devised its diet.Plenty of Fruit and VegetablesIt might be high protein but unlike Atkins, it contains plenty of fruit and vegetables and even allows you a sandwich -- if you want one -- for lunch.According to Dr. Peter Clifton, the director of the CSIRO nutrition clinic, co-author of the diet, the high intake of fruit and vegetables maintains levels of folates which are thought to be important for helping to ward off heart disease.There are also none of the other unpleasant side-effects associated with more extreme highprotein diets -- such as constipation, bad breath, headaches or kidney stones.As Dr. Noakes explains, the upside of eating a diet high in protein is that the amino acids in the food tell your brain that you are full. "One of the most intriguing areas is how protein can affect appetite regulation in the brain," she says. a d v e r t i s e m e n t"Three hours after a meal, you will feel far less hungry after eating a lot of protein than if you ate the same number of calories from carbohydrate."The carbohydrate element of the diet is actually based on GI principles -- you eat slow-release carbohydrates essential for energy and for keeping blood sugars even. But there are none of the complicated tables you need for GI and you can eat all sorts of fruit and vegetables without worrying about their GI score.You just have to remember to avoid potatoes. And cakes.Flatter StomachEvery day starts with a high fiber cereal, such asWeetabix, with skimmed milk. At lunchtime, you can have a sandwich or jacket potato or a small amount of rice or pasta with 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of protein -- such as salmon, tuna, chicken, ham, beef, lamb or turkey -- and as much salad or vegetables as you want.Then for dinner you can have 200 grams (about 7 ounces) of lean beef, lamb or veal with lots of vegetables. Twice a week you can have fish, and you can have chicken once.In addition to your main meals, you can also have two pieces of fruit, a low-fat yogurt, a cup of low-calorie soup, a small amount of oil and plenty of herbs, spices and Vegemite (a paste made from brewers' yeast extract) every day and, somewhat depressingly, just two glasses of wine a week.After 12 weeks, if you reach your target weight, you can progress to a less rigid maintenance plan in which further amounts of carbohydrate are introduced.So it's not magic -- of course you are going to lose weight on a 1,340-calorie-a-day diet -- but it's great to know that the science behind it means you'll lose as much weight as possible and get a flatter stomach into the bargain.Even better, you'll be healthier and you won't be too hungry.You've got to hand it to those Aussies. It's a beaut of a diet. DAILY ALLOWANCESLEAN PROTEIN FOODS -- 3 servings a day 1 serving equals: 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) raw weight of any protein food -- beef, lamb, veal, chicken, pork, ham, beef, lamb, turkey, fish.For dinner, eat 2 servings of lean red meat (beef, lamb, veal) four times a week, 2 servings of fish twice a week and two servings of fat-trimmed, skinless chicken once a week.For lunch, eat 1 serving a day of any lean protein source or, if you prefer, replace one lean protein unit with either two eggs or an extra serving from the dairy group.You MUST eat your protein allowance each day.HIGH-FIBER CEREAL -- 1 serving a day 1 equals: 40 grams (about 1.4 ounces) high-fiber cereal (e.g., Sultana Bran), 1 Weetabix plus 1/4 cup All-Bran, 1 slice wholemeal toast.DAIRY -- 2 servings a day 1 equals: 250 milliliters (about 8.5 ounces) low-fat milk, 200 grams (about 7 ounces) low-fat or diet yogurt, 200 grams low-fat custard or dairy dessert, 25 grams (about .9 ounces) cheddar cheese or other full-fat cheese, 50 grams (about 1.8 ounces) reduced-fat cheese.FRUIT -- 2 servings a day 1 equals: 150 grams (about 5 ounces) fruit or 150 milliliters (about 5 ounces) unsweetened juice.VEGETABLES -- at least 21/2 a day a d v e r t i s e m e n t1 equals: 1 cup cooked vegetables.See free list below.Aim to eat 1/2 a cup of salad and 2 servings of cooked vegetables.FATS AND OILS -- 3 a day 1 equals: 1 teaspoon oil, such as olive or sunflower oil, 1 tsp soft margarine, 2 tsp light margarine, 1 tsp curry paste, 20 grams avocado (about .7 ounces), 6.5 grams (about .2 ounces) nuts or seeds.WHOLEGRAIN BREAD -- 2 x 35-gram (about 1.2 ounces) slices a day You can replace one slice with: 2 crispbread, such as Ryvita, or 1 medium potato (about 150 grams or 5.3 ounces), or 1/3 cup cooked rice/ noodles, or 1/2 cup cooked pasta, 1/3 cup baked beans, or cooked lentils, kidney beans or other legumesWINE -- 300 ml (about 10 ounces) a week.THE FREE LIST: These contain minimal calories.Artichokes, asparagus, beansprouts, beetroot, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chilli, chives, corn, courgettes, cucumber, fennel, green beans, lettuce, marrow, mushrooms, onion, parsnips, peas, peppers, pumpkin, radishes, spinach, swedes, tomatoes, turnip.Bovril, cocoa, coffee, diet cordial, diet soft drinks, herbal tea, tea, unflavored mineral water, water.Artificial sweeteners, barbecue sauce, chilli sauce, clear soup, curry powder or paste, diet jelly, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, herbs, hoisin sauce, horseradish, lemon, Marmite, mint sauce, mustard, oil-free salad dressing, parsley, pickles, soy sauce, spices, stock cubes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, wasabi. 7-DAY MEAL PLANMondayBREAKFAST 1 piece fresh fruit 200g (7 oz) low-fat yogurtLUNCH Ham cheese sandwich -- 2 slices wholegrain bread with 2 tsp light margarine, 100g (3.5 oz) ham 50g (1.8 oz) lowfat cheese; 1 cup of salad with oil-free salad dressingDINNER Beef shiitake mushroom sugar snap stir-fry; 1/3 cup cooked rice; 1 piece fresh fruit[Stir Fry: In a cup, mix 2 tsp of corn flour with half a cup of beef stock, 2 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of sesame oil. Mix 800g of finely sliced sirloin with 1 tbsp of sesame oil, a finely chopped clove of garlic and a 2 cm (.8 in) piece of ginger that has been grated. Stir-fry the beef in a wok over a high heat until browned. Set aside and stir-fry 150g (5.3 oz) of shiitake mushrooms for two minutes and then add 4 chopped spring onions and 100g (3.5 oz) of sugar snaps or mange tout. Stir the cornflour mixture, then pour into wok and stir over high heat until sauce has thickened. Return beef to wok to heat through. Serves 4.]TuesdayBREAKFAST 3/4 cup high-fiber breakfast cereal with 250ml (8.4 oz) low-fat milk 1 sliced bananaLUNCH Turkey salad sandwich (2 slices wholegrain bread with 100g (3.5 oz) turkey, cranberry sauce 1/2 cup salad leaves) 50g (1.8 oz) low-fat cheese a d v e r t i s e m e n tDINNER Chicken, Tomato Rosemary Hotpot; 1 cup salad with oil-free salad dressing; 150g (5.3 oz) drained tinned fruit[Hotpot: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large saucepan over a high heat. In batches, add 800g (1.8 lbs.) of skinless chicken thigh fillets cut into 4cm (1.6 in) cubes, stir occasionally for five minutes or until browned. Remove from pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium then add two sliced leeks and cook for eight minutes or until soft. Add two finely chopped carrots, two sticks of celery and two cloves of crushed garlic, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add a cup of chicken stock, half a cup of white wine and a 400g (14 oz) tin of chopped tomatoes and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, return chicken to pan and simmer for 35 minutes. Add rosemary and parsley and season to taste. Serves 4.]WednesdayBREAKFAST 2 slices wholegrain toast with 2 tsp light margarine, Marmite, 50g (1.8 oz) low-fat cheeseLUNCH Egg salad sandwich (2 slices wholegrain bread with 2 hardboiled eggs, slices of spring onions 1/2 cup salad leaves); 1 piece fresh fruitDINNER a d v e r t i s e m e n tLight Vegetable Soup (Boil 1 liter, or 1 quart, of vegetable stock with 2 sliced carrots, 2 chopped sticks of celery, 1 chopped onion, a tin of tomatoes and some chopped parsley. Simmer for 30 minutes and season with basil and rosemary); Cajun Fish Fillets; 1 cup steamed broccoli carrot; 150g (5.3 oz) drained tinned fruit[Cajun Fish: Preheat oven to 200 degrees C and line a baking tray with grease-proof paper. In one bowl mix 1 tbsp of paprika, 2 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of turmeric and 1 tsp of chili powder. In a separate bowl put one cup of skimmed milk. One filet at a time, dip 800g (1.8 lbs.) of white fish fillets (whiting, snapper, cod etc) in the milk and then roll in the mixed spices. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan over a high heat. Rapidly fry the fish in batches for two minutes, or until golden. Place all filets on the baking tray and bake for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and a sauce made from 400g (14 oz) of low-fat natural yogurt and 1 small, finely diced cucumber. Serves 4.]ThursdayBREAKFAST 1 Weetabix 1/2 cup All-Bran with 250ml (8.4 oz) low-fat milk; 1 sliced bananaLUNCH Tuna with Cannellini Bean Basil Salad (A 100g, or 3.5 oz, tuna steak sprayed with oil spray, pan fried for two minutes each side and served with a salad of toasted pine nuts, cannellini beans, basil, spring onions, garlic, lemon juice and 1 tbsp of olive oil) a d v e r t i s e m e n tDINNER Roast Beef with Beetroot, Pumpkin Carrot; 1 cup steamed courgette snow peas; 1 piece fresh fruit; 200g (7 oz) low-fat yogurt[Roast Beef: Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Coat an 800g (1.8 lbs) piece of sirloin with most of the fat removed with 2 tsp of olive oil and sear all sides in a heavy-based frying pan over high heat. Transfer to a baking dish, fat-side up. Cook in oven for 30 minutes for medium-rare, or until done to your liking. Meanwhile, chop 4 carrots, 4 beetroots and 200g (7 oz) of butternut squash and place in a separate baking dish with 12 cloves of garlic (skin on). Coat with two tsp of olive oil, sprinkle with 2 sprigs of rosemary and roast for 35 minutes. Remove meat from oven, cover loosely with foil, allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables. Serves 4.]FridayBREAKFAST 2 slices of French Toast (wholegrain bread coated in mixture of egg cooked in a pan sprayed with oil)LUNCH Beef Vegetable Soup (to vegetable soup, add 400g, or .9 lbs., diced beef); 1 slice wholegrain bread; 50g (1.8 oz) low-fat cheeseDINNER Baked Snapper with Basil, Capers, Tomato; 1 cup salad, Stewed rhubarb a d v e r t i s e m e n t[Baked Snapper: Heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add 1 clove of crushed garlic, a finely chopped red chili and three finely sliced spring onions. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until garlic is golden. Reduce heat, add basil, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp of capers, dash of wine and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 4 chopped tomatoes. Brush 4 200g (7 oz) snapper filets with1 tbsp of oil and sear. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, spoon over sauce. Serves 4.]SaturdayBREAKFAST 3/4 cup high-fiber breakfast cereal with 125 ml (4.2 oz) low-fat milk and 200g (7 oz) low-fat yogurt 1 piece fresh fruitLUNCH Green salad served with 250g (8.8 oz) of grilled butternut squash and 50g (1.8 oz) cooked, chopped bacon; 1 slice wholegrain breadDINNER Indian Lamb Spinach Curry; 1/3 cup cooked rice 150g (5.3 oz) drained tinned fruit[Lamb Curry: Heat 2 tbsp of oil, add 2 finely sliced onion and 2 crushed cloves of garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp cardamom seeds, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp garam masala, 2 tsp turmeric and 800g (1.8 lbs) of lamb leg cut into cubes. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Add 1/2 cup low-fat natural yogurt and a tin of chopped tomatoes. Add 250g (8.8 oz) frozen spinach and a cup of water, reduce heat and cook for 40 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp mint and 1/2 cup of coriander. Serves 4.]SundayBREAKFAST 1 egg (poached or boiled), with 2 tomato, mushrooms, panfried in 1 tsp oil; 1 slice wholegrain toastLUNCH 2 slices wholegrain bread with 50g (1.8 oz) low-fat cream cheese 25g (.9 oz) smoked salmon; 1 cup salad, oil-free dressing; 1 piece fresh fruitDINNER Seeded-mustard Rack of Veal with Roasted Vegetables; 150g (5.3 oz) drained tinned fruit with 200g (7 oz) low-fat dairy dessert[Rack of Veal: Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Place 500g (1.1 lbs) of chopped pumpkin, 2 carrots, 2 courgettes and 4 small halved onions in a large, shallow baking dish, then add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 4 finely chopped spring onions, 1 tsp of finely grated orange zest, 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tbsp of olive oil in a bowl. Place a 1.4kg (3 lbs) rack of veal on a rack over vegetables and coat with mixture. Roast, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Remove meat from oven, cover loosely with foil and set aside to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roast vegetables. Serves 4.] Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aussie-total-wellbeing-diet-latest-weight-loss-craze http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-vegan-diet-may-spur-weight-loss Low-fat vegan diet may spur weight lossSource: abcnews.go.comNEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A diet free of animal products and low in fat may help trim the waistline without the task of strict calorie watching, a new study suggests. Researchers found that of 64 postmenopausal, overweight women, those assigned to follow a low-fat vegan diet for 14 weeks lost an average of 13 pounds, compared with a weight loss Would You Go to a 'Quickie Clinic?' Some Patients See Short Cut to a New Heart Conn. Enacts Law on Infertility Treatment of about 8 pounds among women who followed a standard low-cholesterol diet. The weight loss came despite the fact that the women were given no limits on their portion sizes or daily calories — and despite the fact that the vegan diet boosted their carbohydrate intake. "People imagine carbohydrates to be fattening, but they are not," said lead study author Dr. Neal D. Barnard, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He is also president of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit group that advocates vegetarianism as part of preventive medicine. The greater weight loss among women on the vegan diet may stem from specific metabolic effects, Barnard told Reuters Health. He pointed out that the diet improved the women's sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that ushers sugar from the blood and into cells to be used for energy. This was also accompanied by an increase in what's known as the thermic effect of food — the amount of calories the body expends to process and store food. The vegan diet improved women's insulin sensitivity to a greater a degree than the comparison diet did — though the difference was not statistically significant, meaning the finding could be due to chance. Barnard and his colleagues at George Washington and Georgetown universities report the findings in the American Journal of Medicine. Vegan diets eschew all animal products, including dairy and eggs, in favor of fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts and beans. Although high-protein weight-loss regimens have painted carbohydrates as the enemy, a number of studies have found that Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-vegan-diet-may-spur-weight-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-b12-raises-risk-of-birth-defect Low Vitamin B12 Raises Risk of Birth DefectSource: www.onlinenews.com.pkMothers with low levels of vitamin B12 in their blood are at increased risk of having an infant with spina bifida -- a birth defect in which the spinal cord fails to form properly, Dutch researchers report. Based on previous research, pregnancy guidelines recommend that women consume enough folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida and related problems. The new findings suggest that these guidelines should also include recommendations about vitamin B12. Dr. Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, of University Medical Center Nijmegen, and colleagues report the findings in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The researchers measured vitamin B12 levels in blood samples from 45 mothers and their children with spina bifida and from 83 mothers and their healthy children. Mothers of children with spina bifida had vitamin B12 levels that were 21 percent lower than those of other mothers. With the lowest levels, the risk of spina bifida was increased more than threefold. "This study suggests that mothers with low vitamin B12 concentrations may benefit from the use of a...multivitamin supplement" around the time of conception, the researchers note. "However, this should be proved in future research." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-b12-raises-risk-of-birth-defect http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/optimizing-nutrition-fruits-vegetables Optimizing nutrition fruits & vegetablesSource: www.cybernoon.comEat five servings a day to take charge of your health.. --Select--NewsSportsDiaryEditorialsIn MumbaiOpinionsSpecial ReportLakme Fashion WeekThe Uppercrust ShowSpecial SectionBooksHealth CheckBusiness ExtraWoman's ExtraBombay FirstShow BuzzCelebrity InterviewsGuest ColumnStray ThoughtsRound and AboutBooksEating OutPoliticsInternet HumourTarotscopeAsit ChandmalDr.Shirin WadiaMehraboon Irani for : It has been established that eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. And we all know that striving to get at least five servings of vegetables and four servings of fruit a day is one way to take To do that, keep these two important things in mind:1. Whenever possible, try to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. Much of the produce in the supermarket has traveled many miles to its destination, and the nutrients can break down during transit. The moment produce is picked, its nutritional composition begins to change through exposure to air and light. 2. The most important thing to do to retain nutrients in the fruits and vegetables you buy is to prepare them properly at home. Cooking vegetables in water by boiling them significantly decreases their nutritional value because vitamins and minerals leach out into the water. Straining the vegetables allows the nutrients to go down the drain with the water. If you do cook vegetables in water, even if you steam them, keep the water to use in soup stock. Here are some positive steps you can take to make sure you get all the nutrients you can out of your fruits and veggies. Steam or stir-fry vegetables when possible. Do most of your vegetable chopping after cooking, so the area exposed to cooking is minimized. Cook in covered pans to shorten cooking time. Cook with a minimum amount of water-just enough to prevent scorching. Cook vegetables only until tender and crisp. Refrain from overcooking. When you can, use leftover cooking water for soups and sauces Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/optimizing-nutrition-fruits-vegetables http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mineral-oil-exposure-increases-risk-of-rheumatoid-arthritis Mineral Oil exposure increases risk of Rheumatoid ArthritisSource: www.medindia.netOccupational exposure to certain chemicals has been known to be associated with health hazards like acute bronchitis, cancer etc. from time immemorial. But it is known not until recently that rheumatoid arthritis risk is increased following occupational exposure to mineraloil. The exact causative factor rheumatiod factor remains unestablished. However, a number of genetic, hormonal factors and environmental fcators have been help responsible to a certain degree. It is an autoimmune disorder, characterised by malfunctioning of the immune system resulting in inflammation of the bones and joints. There is a severe disablity, accompanied by joint swelling and pain. There is no satisfactory treatment currently available for the disease. The patient can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication or surgery. A recent study that aims at improving our existing knowledge regarding the disease development and treatment options has discovered that mineral oil is associated with an increased susceptiblity of developing disease. It is unclear how mineral oil is responsible for the observed efect. Significant exposure to oil was only reported by men. Those who reported exposure to hydraulic or motor oil at the workplace had a 30-percent higher risk of developing a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis called rheumatoid factor positive compared to men who had not worked around oil products. The exposed men also were 60-percent more likely to develop another form of the disease called anti-citrulline positive rheumatoid arthritis. Research insights into whether other agents, such as occupational chemicals, bacteria or viruses, play a role in triggering arthritis, seems a practical and promising approach towards effective treatment Medindia on Rheumatoid Arthritis:Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints .It has several special features that make it different from other kinds of arthritis. Being is a systemic disease; hence it tends to affect other organs in the body as well. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mineral-oil-exposure-increases-risk-of-rheumatoid-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-brightens-smiles 'Sunshine vitamin' brightens smilesSource: www.mydna.comIn 2007, daylight savings time will be extended by almost a month. Experts say this additional amount of daylight may also help extend the life and health of teeth and bones.That's because vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," is made by the body through casual, minimal sun exposure. And, vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones. according to the September issue of the Journal of Periodontology."Both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone resorption," said Dr. Charles Hildebolt, Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO."Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well recognized symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal diseases."Research shows that the best means of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D to keep teeth healthy, and bones strong, is from sunshine.According to the National Institutes of Health, season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog and sunscreen affect ultraviolet ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. Ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands or back is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. People who live in an area with limited sun exposure may want to eat foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, sardines and tuna fish."We are not encouraging people to forego their sun protection, nor to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun" said Vincent J. Iacono, D.M.D., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. "According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no such thing as a total UV block. Even the most effective sunscreens currently on the market let through enough UV to allow for adequate vitamin D formation."Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that, if left untreated, may cause damage to the bone and even tooth loss. A number of infectious diseases have been linked with low levels of vitamin D, and it has been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress proinflammatory cytokine production. (Proinflammatory cytokines are molecules that have destructive effects throughout the body.)"Periodontal disease increases the production of cytokines, but it has been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress cytokine production, and possibly decrease the risk of periodontal disease," explains Hildebolt."Further research is needed to define the health risks associated with inadequate levels of vitamin D and calcium intake and how they affect periodontal diseases," said Iacono. "Until we have further information, it is prudent for patients to talk to their healthcare providers about the possibility of taking vitamin D and calcium supplements."myDNA.com Comment:"In the south, sufficient sun exposure for adequate vitamin D synthesis is seldom a problem, but in some northern climates, where there is less sunshine - particularly in traditionally rainy areas - the problem does exist. Increased sunshine, due to the extended daylight savings time, could help some improve their health through increased vitamin D production," says Dr. Kavin Kelp, D.D.S., a myDNA Medical Advisory Board Member. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-brightens-smiles http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apple-cider-vinegar-alternative-medicine-miracle Apple Cider Vinegar: Alternative Medicine MiracleSource: www.slccglobelink.comResults show that drinking apple cider vinegar (ACV) and honey everyday keeps you healthy. The detoxifying elements found in apple cider vinegar have been proven to heal and cleanse. Apple cider vinegar detoxifies the body of pollutants caused from the air we breathe, unnatural food consumed, and anything else unnatural that can be absorbed through the skin. Apple cider vinegar contains over forty vitamins and minerals. ACV releases toxins from the liver and has helped arthritis patients, people with high blood pressure, and skin conditions. Other ailments helped by consuming apple cider vinegar high cholesterol, insomnia and fatigue, liver and kidney problems, asthma, weight loss and more. Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years starting out with the Egyptians. ACV was a prime medicine before prescription drugs came out onto the market. After pharmaceuticals entered the world, people forgot about alternative healing methods that can cure aches and pains that we spend thousands of dollars on each year. "I originally started drinking ACV for body detoxification," Mandy Brown said. "I found a decrease in cravings for junk food and sugar and an increase in energy." Brown has had a success with the natural cleaning drink since she began to drink ACV over two years ago. "It doesn't taste that great at first, but I started to enjoy the taste after a couple of weeks," Brown added. The process takes a couple of minutes and results take from three days to one week. Put two to three tablespoons of ACV into a glass and dilute with water. You can add as much or as little water you prefer. It is recommended diluting with water so the acids in the vinegar do not hurt your teeth. Adding honey to the vinegar can bring more results. Honey helps digestion and also contains vitamins and enzymes. Although honey adds to the healing, it is not necessary because ACV has its own healing properties. Laurie Balcom has experienced her own miracles drinking apple cider vinegar and honey. Balcom experienced severe breakouts of eczema like symptoms on her feet for eleven years. She expressed how painful it was to walk and to even put on a pair of shoes with her condition. As her condition got worse she saw several doctors from disease doctors to dermatologists. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apple-cider-vinegar-alternative-medicine-miracle http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-important-for-vision-growth-of-cells-in-body Vitamin A: Important for vision, growth of cells in bodySource: www.theithacajournal.comQuestion: What is Vitamin A and what does it do? Also, what kinds of elements are in Vitamin A?Answer: Vitamin A is the name given to a group of related compounds (retinol, retinal and retinoic acid) that have certain actions in the body. Vitamin A, like other vitamins, is required in small amounts by our bodies to function and develop properly. Because we cannot synthesize vitamin A, we must obtain it through our diets.Vitamin A was discovered in 1913 when scientists showed that butter and egg yolk contained a substance that was necessary for healthy growth in rats. They called this substance “fat soluble A.” The structure of vitamin A was determined in 1930. Vitamin A is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and one or more oxygen atoms. The 20 carbon atoms in a molecule of vitamin A are arranged in the form of a ring and a long side chain that ends with either an alcohol (retinol), aldehyde (retinal), or acid (retinoic acid) group.Vitamin A is found in foods from animal sources such as milk, eggs, and liver, and in fortified foods such as margarine and cereals. Vitamin A is added to fortified foods as fatty acid esters of retinol such as retinyl palmitate. Although plants do not contain vitamin A, they do contain pro-vitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, that can be converted to vitamin A by our bodies. Provitamin A carotenoids are present in darkly colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and spinach.Vitamin A has a number of important actions in our bodies. Our eyes use vitamin A (11-cis-retinal) in association with a protein called rhodopsin in the visual cycle. Absorption of light energy (a photon) by 11-cis-retinal triggers a chain of events that results in a nerve impulse that is transmitted to the brain, permitting the perception of light. Other forms of vitamin A (all-trans-retinal and retinoic acid) act as hormones or ligands for certain DNA-binding proteins that regulate the synthesis of particular proteins. Vitamin A has a profound effect on the differentiation and growth of cells. In this context, vitamin A is vital for the formation of healthy epithelial cells that cover the internal and external surfaces of the body, including the skin, cornea of the eye, and lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Maintenance of these epithelial cells provides the body with a barrier to invading microorganisms. Vitamin A also stimulates and enhances many immune functions and helps ensure that fetal development takes place normally.Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, it is common in many countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. Night blindness, the inability to see in dim light, is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency due to a lack of visual pigment. Prolonged deficiency of vitamin A leads to dryness and damage of the cornea that results in blindness, a diminished ability to fight infections, and a significant increase in the risk of severe illness and death from common childhood infections such as measles. On a world-wide basis, over 100 million children are classified as vitamin A deficient. Over 250,000 malnourished children go blind each year from a deficiency of vitamin A, with half of these dying within a year after becoming blind.Toxicity is also an important concern for vitamin A and related compounds. Excess vitamin A is toxic and can cause birth defects, liver abnormalities, reduced bone mineral density, and central nervous system disorders. Retinoids are compounds that are chemically similar to vitamin A. A synthetic retinoid called isotretinoin is frequently used for treatment of severe forms of acne. It can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-important-for-vision-growth-of-cells-in-body http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soya-may-cure-fatty-liver Soya may cure fatty liverSource: www.hindustantimes.comA diet rich in soy protein may alleviate fatty liver, a disease that often accompanies diabetes, says a study.Nimbe Torres, a medical researcher affiliated with the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion in Mexico, investigated the effects of a diet high in soy protein on the development of fatty liver associated with diabetes.She fed diabetic fatty rats that develop hyperinsulinemia and hepatic steatosis a diet of soy protein for 160 days.She found that the consumption of soy protein prevented the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver despite the development of obesity and hyperinsulinemia in the rats, reports the science portal "Eurek Alert"."We also observed that the effects of soy protein were due to a low expression of genes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides in the liver," explained Torres."These changes were due to a reduction in the transcription factors that control the expression of genes involved in lipid production."In addition, levels of a transcription factor, which controls genes involved in fatty acid breakdown as well as its target genes, were increased in rats that were fed soy protein.Thus, feeding rats a soy-rich diet reduced the amount of fatty acid in their liver by not only reducing lipid production but also by increasing its breakdown.The high levels of insulin and insulin-resistance that accompany diabetes are often associated with fatty liver or hepatic steatosis, an untreatable condition that can lead to chronic liver disease and death.In this condition, large lipid-filled compartments accumulate in the cells of the liver due to an increase in production of fatty acids in it. The result is an enlarged liver.Although further research is needed, Torres believes that consuming soy protein could very well reduce insulin resistance, renal damage and fat production. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soya-may-cure-fatty-liver http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-and-healthy-diet-slow-memory-loss Exercise and healthy diet slow memory lossSource: today.reuters.co.ukAn active lifestyle and a healthy, fish-rich diet are not only good for your heart, they may also help tackle the memory loss associated with old age, two leading neuroscientists said on Wednesday.As people live longer, finding ways of halting the decline in mental agility is becoming increasingly important, said Professor Ian Robertson, director of the Institute of Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin."The biggest threat to being able to function well and properly is our brains," he told journalists at the British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Dublin."There is very strong evidence, particularly in the over-50s, that the degree to which you maintain your mental faculties depends on a handful of quite simple environmental factors," he said, having identified seven key areas.Those who remained physically fit, avoided high stress levels and enjoyed a rich and varied social life are better equipped to stay alert as they age. Mental stimulation, learning new things and simply thinking young also help.A new survey compiled for the University of Kent and the charity Age Concern showed ageism was rife in Britain where people, on average, see youth as ending at 49 and old age beginning at 65.But Robertson said such attitudes were not helpful given the number of 80-year-olds who remain "sharp as pins.""If you start to think of yourself as old when you are 60, which is no longer justified, you will behave old," he said. GOOD FOR YOUR BRAINSResearch conducted by his Trinity College colleague Professor Marina Lynch showed healthy eating was another key requirement for staying on the ball, according to Robertson.Lynch said new research showed fish oils may reduce the cell inflammation that triggers a decline in memory."Studies have identified the anti-inflammatory properties as well as the restorative qualities of omega-3," she said of the essential fatty acid found in supplements like cod liver oil and fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna.Already believed to protect the brain against the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease, omega-3 has also been linked with maintaining healthy hearts and joints.Lynch said the biggest surprise of the latest discovery was that omega-3 appeared not only to replace anti-inflammatories that dwindle with age but also to stem a corresponding rise in chemicals that cause the cell inflammation in the first place."These effects seem to cobble together to restore the ability of people to maintain memory as they grow older," she said, pointing to a study by the University of Aberdeen showing a diet rich in fatty fish slowed the brain's aging process. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-and-healthy-diet-slow-memory-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-drug-combo-checks-prostate-cancer- Vitamin D-drug combo checks prostate cancer :-Source: news.webindia123.comA low dose of Vitamin D with non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs may prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells, says a study. David Feldman and other researchers at Stanford University studied the effects of using calcitrol, a form of Vitamin D, combined with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug on prostate cancer cultured cells, reports the online edition of Ivanhoe Broadcast News.The researchers saw a 25 percent reduction in prostate cell growth using only calcitrol. They noticed approximately the same reduction using only ibuprofen or naproxen. But the prostate cell growth came down by 70 percent when they combined calcitrol with ibuprofen or naproxen."Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) have their own risks," says Feldman. "So, we have to be careful even with lower doses and we still need to watch them closely if we intend to keep them on these drugs for extended periods of time. But we are aiming to find doses that are less toxic and far more tolerable for the patient." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-drug-combo-checks-prostate-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-pressure-diet-guidelines High Blood Pressure Diet GuidelinesSource: toronto.fashion-monitor.comIt is a well-known fact that heart diseases and body weight go hand in hand. Obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, lack of activity are the main factors causing high blood pressure. Excess body fat leads to an increased risk of health problems by clogging blood vessels with cholesterol. That is why successful treatment of high blood pressure starts with high blood pressure diet.If you already have high blood pressure, you cannot reverse it to low permanently. Instead, you can control your high blood pressure by taking prescribed medication and amending your diet. Research has shown that high blood pressure diet can effectively prevent blood pressure from raising above normal.Today, most of our meals still contain more fat than the government recommends, and most of vending machines and fast-food options do not have to meet the nutritional standards set by the U.S. government. With snacks available at every corner, it's often hard and time-consuming to switch to a healthy diet. High blood pressure diet is designed to decrease sodium, increase potassium, watch their calories, and help you maintain a reasonable weight. This diet consists of foods that are tasty and low in fat. Here are some simple tips to help you you follow your high blood pressure diet guidelines:1. Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast. Eating prior to going to work or school will increase your energy and will help you avoid snacks before lunch. A quick breakfast can be as easy as a bowl of cereal, a whole-wheat toast, even a cereal bar or a fresh fruit. 2. When following your high blood pressure diet, your daily food intake must include foods from five food groups: • Protein: Eat meats lower in fat, such as chicken, turkey, tuna, or low-fat luncheon meats. Make salads with low fat meat or vegetables and light salad dressing.• Grains: Try whole wheat pita bread, lahvash for wraps, breadsticks, rice cakes, crackers or tortillas. • Vegetables: Eat tomato, peppers, baby carrots and other colorful vegetables as many as you like. The brighter the vegetable, the more vitamin A it contains.• Fruits: Fruits should be eaten fresh. Fruit has fiber and fills up, so that you want to eat less during the day. Juice, however, has lots of calories, so it's better to serve it in the morning, along with a cereal breakfast.• Dairy: Try low-fat or non-fat milk, non-fat chocolate milk, low-fat cheese, any type of cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit.If you want to avoid facing complicated and often life-threatening consequences of high blood pressure, you may want to ensure that you and your family eat healthy meals that don’t pack on the pounds. Emphasizing healthy food choices can help you enjoy your meals without excessive fat, sugar, and calories. Healthy food choices can be a carry-over from healthy menu and meal planning at home while managing your high blood pressure with diet.Switching to diet without excessive fat and salt and staying fit will will help you loose weight and eventually prevent or at least delay heart-related problems. Awith monitoring and medication treatment high blood pressure diet can help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke, kidney and heart failure and heart attack. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-pressure-diet-guidelines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/most-older-women-deficient-in-vitamin-d Most older women deficient in vitamin DSource: www.nutraingredients.comAlmost two thirds of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are deficient in vitamin D, said researchers this week. Their results, based on a study conducted in 18 countries and during two seasons, underline the need for further communication by health officials and doctors of the need for this vitamin. "Results suggest that vitamin D inadequacy is widespread among women with osteoporosis across all continents,” noted the international team, led by Paul Lips from the Vrije Universiteit Medical Center in Amsterdam. “In this cross-sectional sample, the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy is high regardless of latitude or season.” The findings were presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Both Denmark and the UK have recently launched campaigns to encourage women to take vitamin D supplements. The vitamin is known to be crucial to strong bones but it is difficult to get enough from the diet. In the study, researchers recruited 2589 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis living in 18 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific region. Of the group, 37 per cent reported taking at least 400 IU daily of vitamin D supplements, and 60 per cent reported taking prescription medication for osteoporosis. The researchers obtained the women's serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels and also measured the parathyroid hormone. They asked the subjects to complete questionnaires on factors that could influence vitamin D status. The overall prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was 64 per cent, or 59 per cent for those women recruited during summer and 69 per cent for those recruited during winter. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as less than 30 ng/mL. “The results underscore a need to improve physician and patient awareness of the importance of adequate vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis,” concluded the authors' abstract. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/most-older-women-deficient-in-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chromium-supplements-may-aid-some-with-depression Chromium supplements may aid some with depressionSource: today.reuters.co.ukSupplements containing the mineral chromium may be useful in treating some cases of depression -- particularly when carbohydrate craving is a prominent symptom, a new study suggests.The study, of 113 people with a disorder known as atypical depression, found that although chromium picolinate supplements were no more effective than an inactive pill in relieving depression overall, they did appear to aid certain, mainly appetite-related, symptoms.Moreover, a subgroup of patients -- those who said they had "irrepressible cravings" for sweets and starches -- did show a general improvement in depression symptoms after taking the supplement.Exactly why chromium supplements seemed to aid these patients is not completely clear. However, the study authors speculate the improvements in the body's use of insulin, the key hormonal regulator of blood sugar, may be the reason."While these findings require replication in a prospective trial, they suggest that chromium picolinate may be beneficial for patients with atypical depression who are also high carbohydrate cravers," Dr. John P. Docherty and his colleagues report in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice.Docherty is an adjunct professor of psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York, and head of Comprehensive Neurosciences, Inc., which contracts with drug and supplement makers to conduct clinical trials of their products. Nutrition 21, Inc., which markets the Chromax supplement used in the study, funded the research.Chromium, a mineral that the body needs in trace amounts, is found naturally in meat, whole grains and certain vegetables and fruits like broccoli, potatoes and apples. The mineral enhances the action of insulin and helps break down carbohydrates, fat and protein. Because of this, chromium supplements are being studied for the treatment and prevention of diabetes, in which the cells of the body lose their sensitivity to insulin.Researchers have long noted associations between depression, diabetes and heart disease, Docherty and his colleagues point out. For example, people with major depression have been found to have higher rates of insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.There has been speculation that insulin resistance might be behind the symptoms of overeating, carbohydrate craving and weight gain seen in some people with depression.These symptoms characterize atypical depression, in particular -- which, despite its name, is a common form of depression that, besides overeating and weight gain, may involve excessive sleeping and a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs. People with this form of depression also show "mood reactivity," which means they brighten in response to positive happenings in their lives.In the new study, patients were randomly assigned to take either chromium supplements or a placebo everyday for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, the rate of improvement in overall depression symptoms was similar in both groups.However, the chromium group did show greater improvement in hunger, overeating, carb craving and daily mood changes. And nearly two-thirds of the 41 patients with significant carb cravings saw improvements in their depression symptoms in general -- compared with one-third of those who took a placebo.Further studies, the researchers conclude, are needed to see whether chromium specifically helps depression patients who tend to overeat and crave sugars and starch-and whether higher doses of the mineral might also aid their overall depression symptoms.SOURCE: Journal of Psychiatric Practice, September 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chromium-supplements-may-aid-some-with-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-complementary-medicine-talk Prince: complementary medicine talkSource: www.dailymail.co.ukThe Prince of Wales is to address a new doctors' group aimed at bringing together GPs who believe in the benefits of complementary therapies. Charles will talk about the important role they can play in offering alternative treatments to patients in local surgeries, alongside conventional medicine. Devised by the Prince of Wales's Foundation for Integrated Heath, the Foundation's GP Associates wants to unite like-minded doctors interested in using both orthodox and complementary medicine. Look here too... Skip gossip links to more articles Nurse charged with four murders New lead in breast cancer battle Therapist 'discovers new anxiety' Reproductive 'health gap' denounced Charlotte case to be reviewed Swansea is 'Britain's fittest city' More than 120 GPs from across the UK will gather at St James's Palace, London, to support the launch of new integrated health body. Last week, a study commissioned by the Prince, called for complementary therapies to be more widely available on the NHS and suggested this could lead to widespread benefits for the nation's health and the wider economy. The report found that following a pilot where patients were treated with complementary and alternative medicines there was a 30% drop in the number of consultations with GPs and a saving in prescription drugs bills of 50%. According to the Foundation, 50% of GPs now make complementary treatments available to their patients. Charles will also reopen the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in Great Ormond Street, London. The site had undergone a £20 million redevelopment. Founded 150 years ago, it is Europe's largest public sector hospital offering alternative medicine alongside conventional medicine. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prince-complementary-medicine-talk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-keeps-skin-fresh-young-and-oh-so-radiant Vitamin E keeps skin fresh, young and oh so radiantSource: www.excal.on.caAlthough scientists have long argued over the effects of vitamin E, in the nutrition world, it is known as one of the most powerful vitamins existing today.Unlike most common minerals, vitamin E is measured by international units (IU). IU represents the nutrient's biological activity. In this vitamin, one IU is equal to one mg.If you have ever studied chemistry or biology, you know there are naturally-occurring unstable molecules that can damage healthy molecules by stealing electrons. Although this is a natural chemical process, it can be damaging to some cells in the human body. Vitamin E can neutralize these free radicals and stop mutilations from occurring. Additionally, vitamin E is composed of compounds called tocopherols. These are alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta and theta. Of the eight that exist, alpha is known to be the most effective.Vitamin E is also a strong antioxidant. It helps prevent oxidation of fat compounds, vitamin A, selenium, two sulphur amino acids and some vitamin C. It also enhances the effects of vitamin A.When a supplement includes 25mcg of selenium, it makes the vitamin E more powerful. This is important because just like vitamin C, vitamin E is not stored in the body for very long.Only 30-40 per cent of daily value is absorbed by the human body as a whopping 60-70 per cent is excreted through the feces.Although the daily recommended dose is very low, it is safe to increase this even up to 1,500 IU, especially since very little of each amount taken is absorbed by the body. There are no negative consequences of taking "too much". The only side effects include better health!BenefitsIn addition to the numerous benefits mentioned above, vitamin E also prevents other health problems.Numerous studies have concluded that vitamin E fights heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Similar to vitamin C, taking vitamin E can prevent cancer and some of the damaging effects of diabetes (such as loss of eyesight). In addition, it alleviates respiratory problems, eases symptoms of Alzheimer's and boosts the immune system's ability to fight off infectious disease.When taken with vitamin A, it can protect the lungs against air pollution and other respiratory problems. It supplies the body with oxygen leading to higher endurance and it reduces fatigue, lowers blood pressure and helps prevent miscarriages.When taken internally, it accelerates the curing of cuts and burns. It also slows down cellular aging, helping you look and remain young. To aid healing and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, vitamin E can be applied externally, directly onto the affected area.When to increase your dosageAs always, pregnant or lactating women or those on birth control need to increase their dosage as their body uses up more nutrients.Drinking chlorinated water or eating foods high in polyunsaturated oils also calls for a higher dosage vitamin E.Different forms of supplementsVitamin E is an oil. Health stores carry it in two forms: Bottles with droppers or in gelatine capsules. The capsules are relatively small, but if you are unable to take it, pure oil is probably best for you.If you need to apply it directly onto your skin, you can easily break a capsule or use the dropper from the bottle of oil. Apply as needed.If you are taking any blood thinners, vitamin E supplements should not be taken internally - use natural food sources to get the necessary daily value. Too much vitamin E in cooperation with a blood thinner can prevent normal blood clotting. To aid in absorption, drink vitamin E with a meal containing some fat. Similar to most nutrients, vitamin E loses its potency when exposed to air, heat and light. Ensure that your supplement is in a dark bottle and always store it in a cool place.Once again, there are no fatal side effects of supplementing, but contact a nutritional consultant, naturopath or your family doctor to ensure that it does not interfere with other medicine. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-keeps-skin-fresh-young-and-oh-so-radiant http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/smoking-lowers-vitamin-b-6-levels Smoking Lowers Vitamin B-6 LevelsSource: www.onlinenews.com.pkToo few people get enough vitamin B-6 and smokers are even more likely to have low levels of the vitamin, which is believed to offer protection against the DNA damage that can lead to cancers. Washington State University researchers presented those findings April 14 at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego. The study included six smokers and six nonsmokers. During the first 28 days, they were given carefully controlled diets that contained only marginal amounts of vitamin B-6. At the end of that time, all the study participants had lower levels of vitamin B-6 and higher numbers of DNA strand breaks. During the second month, all the study participants ate a carefully controlled diet that included 1.4 milligrams of vitamin B-6. Some of that came from food and some from supplements. In the third month, the vitamin B-6 intake was increased to 2.2 milligrams a day. For the final month, the study participants were allowed to eat whatever they wanted. However, they had to take 10.3 milligrams of vitamin B-6 supplement each day. That's more than seven times the recommended daily allowance. The study found that as the amount of vitamin B-6 in the diet and bodies increased, the number of DNA strand breaks decreased. That pattern was seen as early as the first month of vitamin B-6 supplementation. While the smokers' levels of vitamin B-6 did increase, they never matched the vitamin B-6 levels in the nonsmokers. Foods high in vitamin B-6 include cereals, beef, chicken, fish, legumes, soy products and bananas Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/smoking-lowers-vitamin-b-6-levels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/traditional-winter-tonic-makes-a-comeback-hot-sarsaparilla Traditional Winter tonic makes a comeback - hot sarsaparillaSource: www.responsesource.comA CLASSIC winter warmer made famous in the Temperance Bars of the last century is making a comeback this year. Mawson’s Sarsaparilla is the perfect hot drink to spice up the coming winter months. The herbal drink contains pure liquorice extract and ginger and is an ideal winter drink best served piping hot in mugs. Sarsaparilla was traditionally drunk as a tonic in Temperance Bars during the last century. People regularly drank tonics for their reputed medical effects to protect themselves from a range of common minor ailments such as colds, coughs and sore throats. Mawson’s Traditional Drinks, which is an 80-year-old family business, also makes other classic drinks including dandelion and burdock and cream soda. Nigel Mawson, managing director of Mawson’s Traditional Drinks, said: “Lots of people are buying our drinks for nostalgic reasons to give them a taste of their childhood. But we are also hearing anecdotal evidence of their health benefits.” Mawsons has a special online Christmas gift selection of sarsaparilla in an old-fashioned crock bottle, a 500ml bottle of cream soda cordial and 500ml of dandelion and burdock cordial priced at £20 including delivery – just for website customers. The range is also available at Selfridges, Waitrose and Harrods and can be bought online at www.mawsonstraditionaldrinks.com and in delis and farm shops nationally. Mawson’s long and colourful history includes running Lancashire temperance bars for 50 years, alternative non-alcoholic drinking bars geared towards the family. All the new drinks are made from Grandpa Joe Mawson’s secret recipe book dating back to the founding of the company in 1933. Mawson’s factory is situated in the Lancashire town of Bacup. Each product contains natural herbals and fruit extracts and is free from artificial colours, flavourings and sweeteners. · The range can also be ordered online at www.mawsonstraditionaldrinks.com or by calling 01706 874448. MAWSONS FACTS · The Mawson’s story began in 1933 when milkman Joe Mawson moved to Oldham and bought a herbalist’s shop. He was soon brewing 40 gallons a day of non-alcoholic beer in his cellar and serving it to locals in a back room; · Joe and one of his sons, Joe jnr, devised many different cocktails including one dubbed the “Zombie” – a mixture of raspberry, lime, cream soda and other closely guarded flavours; · The biggest seller was Sarsaparilla, which was diluted with water, herb beer or, in later years, with soda water – earning the nickname Sass ‘n’ Soda; · In 1998, the company marked its 65th anniversary by bringing back the herb beer and Sarsaparilla. Five thousand bottles of Sarsaparilla sold out in just eight weeks leading to the nationwide re-launch of the drink; · Ingredients for Mawson’s drinks are sourced from around the world, including ginger from China, liquorice from Italy and Sarsaparilla from the West Indies; · Tonic drinks often contain liquorice - which is reputed to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and good for coughs, colds and arthritis – and ginger for its warming properties. · Temperance Bars sprung up in the 19th Century, partly to provide a non-alcoholic social scene for families and partly to combat the huge drinking problem associated with the poorly educated working classes; · The company is presently owned and managed by Nigel Mawson, the grandson of the Mawson’s founder Joe. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/traditional-winter-tonic-makes-a-comeback-hot-sarsaparilla http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/enjoy-soft-dewy-skin-during-the-harsh-winter-months- Enjoy soft, dewy skin during the harsh winter months.Source: www.delawareonline.comWith the onset of fall and winter, we bid a fond farewell to summer. The bathing suits are packed away. The beach chairs stowed over the loft in the garage. The bikes and tennis racquets put aside. Interests change. Hobbies shift. But one thing that should not be forgotten is caring for your skin. Just because it is no longer summer doesn't mean you can ease up on your skin care. It's more important than ever to make sure your skin is cared for properly."During the winter, the environment is constantly challenging the skin's ability to maintain its moisture and stay soft," comments Tiffany Chalk, representative, Arbonne International, Pure Swiss Skin Care Company."Plus, between cold weather and heat temperatures from heating our homes, your skin needs just as much attention in the winter months as summer or you could end up with dry, flaky skin," adds Donna Davenport, Advanced Skin Care Center & Med Spa.All skin care experts tout that the wintertime is the perfect time to rejuvenate the skin.It is the ideal season to pamper your skin because you are not exposed to the sun as much. During the winter months, people tend to be indoors more. The sun can be harmful to the skin. "There are even products that when combined with the sun, cause age spots, burns and more, " comments Rosalie Brett, skin care manager, Sara Picone Beauty Inc. But don't be misled, you need to protect your skin from the sun in the winter months too.Sunscreen All Year is a MustAll the skin care experts strongly advise that you wear sunscreen all year long. "Statistics say that less than 20 percent of Americans wear sunscreen all year round," comments Chalk. It's hard for people to think about applying sunscreen when it's snowing and 25 degrees outside. However, it is a fact that the sun shines 12 months of the year. "Damaging UV rays are present year round despite the season, altitude or time of day," points out Chalk. "Plus, keep in mind, that if there is any snow on the ground, it reflects right up into your face," adds Davenport.Protect your skin by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF 15. "Choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone," comments Debbie Frazier, aesthetics program coordinator, Dawn Training Center Inc. Keep in mind, sunscreen is the number one anti-aging preventative.ExfoliateSkin has an important rule for winter: you need to exfoliate every few days with a loofah or body scrub. It's important to get rid of the skin of dead dry skin cells and this can be done through exfoliation."Salt and sugar scrubs for the body smooth away rough spots. Gentle cream defoliants and non abrasive scrubs containing natural exfoliating properties are great for the face," offers Chalk. For dry rough winter skin it's important to use a mild exfoliant. "Be careful not to scrub too hard, this will irritate the skin and may cause inflammation," cautions Frazier. Frazier adds that another perk that comes from using exfoliants is that they will help fine lines to be less noticeable and make up will glide on easier The result is a soft, smooth appearance.There is another alternative to using scrubs and it is just as effective. You can also use an enzyme mask, which digests dead skin cells. As mentioned earlier, scrubs are great for some skin types but can cause broken capillaries. You do need to be careful."Enzyme masks are effective and do have not negative side effects assuming that the individual doesn't have a rare allergic reaction," comments Brett.The result of using an exfoliant is that once the dead cells have been removed, products will penetrate the skin better.For Dry Winter Skin, Moisturize!Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. With the dry environment inside and the cold air outside your skin needs lots of moisture.Depending on your skin type, there are many moisturizers on the market that will work for you. There is a water-in-oil emulsion that works very well since the product contains more oil than water. "This type of product will give lipid support and form a protective shield to help seal in your own natural moisture," comments Frazier."Or you can use moisturizers with natural oils such as jojoba, sweet almond and wheat germ which have moisturizers and conditioning properties, not occlusive properties that can create barriers and clog the pores," adds Chalk.You need to use ingredients that hydrate the skin. For best results, after stepping out of the shower, while still damp, apply a good moisturizer. "Products with petrolatum, glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid that are occlusive will help trap water in the upper layer of the skin and decrease dryness and itching," comments Davenport.Chalk adds that body butters are great thick rich creams that absorb quickly and combat dry winter skin.Water Weighs in as a Winner in WinterWater is important for your skin. Even though, during the winter months you don't feel as thirsty your body still needs an ample supply of water. You need to make sure you drink plenty of water."It's very important that you hydrate on the inside as well as the outside. This will provide your skin with that healthy glow," comments Frazier. Plus, water will assist your system to detoxify toxins."Another tip is to avoid taking long hot showers because those can dry out your skin," adds Chalk.Other Tips for Keeping Your Skin in ShapeReview your daily skin-care program. Just a note, bar soaps are barred from skin care use. In other words bar soaps are a definite no-no. "Soaps tend to strip the natural oils from the skin," explains Frazier. Also bar soaps tend to change the skin's natural PH. "When this occurs, the skin actually produces more oil to restore its normal acidity to 5.5 this is important to prevent bacteria from thriving on the skin," comments Brett. For less irritation, use a gently creamy cleanser and rinse with tepid water. "A creamy cleanser will aid in keeping your natural oil barrier and tepid water will leave the skin clean," adds Frazier. Davenport adds to make sure you use a good cleanser for your skin type whether it is for dry, oily or sensitive skin.Tanning beds are another no-no. "They age the skin more quickly than the sun and may clear up breakouts initially but will actually increase future breakouts," comments Brett.Another tip is to supply your skin with plenty of antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, green tea and grape seed extract). "These antioxidants help to fight off all the free radicals of the environment that attack your skin everyday," says Chalk.Get your beauty sleep. Your body needs to relax and be stress free. "Resting aids in the skin cells oxygen process for cell regeneration. Plus, proper rest is the key to help combat aging," comments Frazier.Don't forget about your lips. Chapped lips can be painful and annoying. "Use a moisturizing balm that is made with shea butter or olive oil that enhances protection without any wax," says Frazier. She also adds that your hands are important too and natural oils can quickly evaporate with the blustery winds. Apply hand cream daily to prevent dry, cracked, aging hands.With the winter months almost upon us, arm yourself with a good skin care regimen, good skin care products and a good positive mental attitude and you're on your way to soft, healthy, and glowing skin. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/enjoy-soft-dewy-skin-during-the-harsh-winter-months- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-care-should-include-vitamins-and-herbs-myvitaminguide-com-tells-diabetics- Diabetes Care Should Include Vitamins and Herbs, MyVitaminGuide.com Tells Diabetics.Source: i-newswire.comMy Vitamin Guide (MVG) has enhanced the diabetes section of its website. It includes in-depth articles on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ten supplements received MVG's highest 3-star rating, showing substantial health benefits with type 2 diabetes. (I-Newswire) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Barbara Keddy Be Great! Marketing, LLC 703-759-7529 BKeddy_at_BeGreatMarketing_dot_com Diabetes Care Should Include Vitamins and Herbs, MyVitaminGuide.com Tells Diabetics10 Vitamins and Herbs Show Substantial Health Benefit, Receiving Website’s Highest 3-Star Rating Virginia Beach, VA – October 7, 2005 – My Vitamin Guide ( MVG ), an online review of vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies and alternative medicine, announced today it has added an enhanced diabetes section to its website. Found online at www.MyVitaminGuide.com , MVG provides consumers free information on vitamins and supplements as well as resources, news, advice, and content from medical professionals on more than 650 health concerns and illnesses.MVG reports that ten nutritional supplements and herbs received its highest 3-star rating after a review of scientific tests showed a substantial health benefit for people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, six of these ten supplements and herbs received the same 3-star rating for use with type 1 diabetes. These ten supplements, listed on the website at www.MyVitaminGuide.com/public/641.cfm , include:• Alpha Lipoic Acid • Brewer’s yeast • Chromium • Evening primrose oil • Fiber • Glucomannan • Magnesium • Cayenne ( topical for neuropathy ) • Fenugreek ( seeds ) • Psyllium“We’re pleased to offer diabetics, including those with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, credible information about natural treatments they can incorporate into their care,” said MVG CEO Sam Knoll. “Our information comes from experts in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, naturopathic, and public health, and from over 500 prominent medical journals, and is consistent with advice offered by the American Diabetes Association,” he said.My Vitamin Guide’s diabetes section recommends that people who are experiencing diabetes symptoms should focus on self-care, including these first steps:• Eat high-fiber foods - Stabilize your blood sugar by eating fiber from whole grains, beans ( legumes ), vegetables, and fruit, and consider using a fiber supplement such as glucomannan or psyllium • Slim down - If you are overweight, lose weight with a long-term program of exercise and healthier eating to improve your insulin sensitivity • Check out chromium - Taking 200 to 500 mcg a day may improve glucose tolerance • Improve and protect with alpha lipoic acid - Take 600 to 1,200 mg a day to improve insulin sensitivity and help protect against diabetic complications such as nerve damage • Use capsaicin ointment - An ointment containing 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin four times a day might help control nerve pain MVG’s extensive coverage of diabetes mellitus, diabetes symptoms, and recommended diabetes treatment and diabetes care include a complete diabetes “health center” found at www.MyVitaminGuide.com/public/394.cfm , in addition to comprehensive articles on type 1 diabetes found at www.MyVitaminGuide.com/public/640.cfm , and type 2 diabetes found at www.MyVitaminGuide.com/public/641.cfm . These articles include information on medical options, recommended dietary and lifestyle changes, vitamins, herbs, and holistic options.About MyVitaminGuide.com ( MVG ) MVG provides articles and reviews on vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, and alternative health therapies. MVG was founded by Sam Knoll, a vitamin industry veteran and author of the e-book, How to Buy Vitamins. All information is available to the public at www.MyVitaminGuide.comIf you have questions regarding information in this press release contact the company listed below. I-Newswire.com is a press release service and not the author of this press release. The information that is on or available through this site is for informational purposes only and speaks only as of the particular date or dates of that information. As some companies / PR Agencies submit their press releases once per week/month or quarter, make sure check the official company website for accurate release dates as our site displays the I-Newswire.com distribution date only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on or available through this site, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in that information or for actions taken in reliance on that information. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-care-should-include-vitamins-and-herbs-myvitaminguide-com-tells-diabetics- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-can-reduce-triglyceride-levels-in-hiv-patients Fish oil can reduce triglyceride levels in HIV patientsSource: www.aidsmap.comFish oil can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in HIV-positive people taking antiretroviral therapy, according to a small US study published in the November 15th edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases. An accompanying editorial calls the study “important” and states, “fish oil therapy looks like it is as good as other possible therapies.” However, the investigators did find that as triglyceride levels fell in patients taking fish oil, their LDL cholesterol increased. “Hypertriglyceridaemia is the hallmark of HIV-associated dyslipidaemia”, write the investigators and although antiretroviral therapy has brought a longer, healthier life to many HIV-positive individuals, lowering lipids and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease are becoming “a common component of the management of HIV disease.” Omega-3 fatty acids (usually called fish oil) have been shown to lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-negative individuals. However, its effectiveness and safety in HIV-positive people taking antiretroviral therapy has not been assessed. Therefore investigators in North Carolina designed an open-label, randomised controlled trial involving 52 HIV-positive patients taking antiretroviral therapy who had fasting triglyceride levels above 200mg/dl. Patients were randomised into one of two study arms. Both arms received counselling about diet and exercise to control triglycerides. In addition to the counselling, the fish oil arm received a 16 week course of omega-3 fatty supplementation consisting of 1750mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1150mg of docosahexaemoic acid daily (about ten times the level found in a normal cod liver oil tablet). The daily pill burden was not specified. Triglyceride levels were monitored at weeks four and 16, as were changes in total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein A. After four weeks, there was a statistically significant decrease in fasting triglyceride levels in the fish oil arm (mean reduction, 25%), compared to a mean increase in triglyceride levels of 3% in the counselling only arm. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.007) and remained so after controlling for baseline levels. Absolute levels of triglycerides were also lower at week four in the fish oil arm (mean 306mg/dl) than the counselling only arm (mean 503mg/dl) at week four and the percentage of patients achieving a triglyceride level below 200mg/dl was 40% in the fish oil arm compared to only 10% in the counselling arm, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). At week 16, the mean reduction in triglyceride levels for patients in the fish oil arm was 20% compared to a mean reduction of 6% for the counselling only arm. The difference between the two study arms was not statistically significant. There was a trend for patients taking fish oil to have lower mean triglyceride levels (304mg/dl) compared to patients who did not take the supplement (mean 503mg/dl, difference p = 0.09). Although a higher proportion of patients taking fish oil achieved a triglyceride level below 200mg/dl (32%) compared to patients who only received counselling (22%), the difference was not statistically significant. No changes were noted in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or lipoprotein A throughout the study. However, the investigators did observe a significant increase in the level of LDL cholesterol in the fish oil arm (16% increase from baseline by week four and 22% increase by week 16), but not in the counselling only arm. One patient withdrew from the fish oil arm because of the taste of fish oil and one because of nausea and vomiting. “Among HIV-infected patients with elevated triglyceride levels who were receiving antiretroviral therapy, administration of omega-3 fatty acids in conjunction with a diet and exercise program…led to significant decreases from baseline in fasting triglyceride levels”, write the investigators. They add, “it is notable that fish oil supplementation was able to produce durable reductions in fasting triglyceride levels despite ongoing treatment with antiretroviral therapy.” Regarding the increase in levels of LDL cholesterol observed in patients taking fish oil, the investigators comment “fibrates may also increase LDL cholesterol level in hypertriglyceridemic HIV-infected patients.” The accompanying editorial comments on the “nice reductions” in triglyceride levels which fish oil treatment achieved and calls for further studies double blinded studies into the efficacy of the treatment. Reference Wohl DA et al. Randomized study of the safety and efficacy of fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acid) supplementation with dietary and exercise counseling for the treatment of antiretroviral therapy-associated hypertriglyceridemia. Clin Infect Dis 41 (online edition), 2005. Grunfled C. Fish oil treatment for hypertriglyceridemia in HIV infection: fish or foul. Clin Infect Dis (online edition), 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-can-reduce-triglyceride-levels-in-hiv-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-be-associated-with-improved-survival-of-early-stage-lung-cancer Vitamin D May Be Associated With Improved Survival of Early Stage Lung CancerSource: professional.cancerconsultants.comResearchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have reported improved survivals of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had a high intake of vitamin D and were operated on in the summer when compared to similar patients who had a low intake of vitamin D and were operated on in the winter. The details of this study appeared in the October 2005 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention .Epidemiological data suggest that low Vitamin D levels may play a role in the etiology of several cancers. Calcitriol, the therapeutic form of vitamin D, has anti-proliferative agent activity in a variety of tumors in vitro. There is also some evidence to suggest that adding calcitriol to chemotherapy improves responses to taxane chemotherapy in prostate cancer.The current study was undertaken to determine if dietary vitamin D and vitamin D increased by sunlight plays a role in the outcome of patients treated for early stage NSCLC. These authors looked at the outcomes of 456 patients with early stage NSCL cancer. The average follow-up was 71 months at which time there were 161 recurrences and 231 deaths.Researchers found that patients who had surgery in the summer had a 5-year relapse-free survival rate of 53% compared to 40% for those treated in the winter. They had dietary information on 321 of these 456 patients and found a similar seasonal association in this cohort. For the entire group of 321 patients dietary intake of vitamin D had no association with relapse-free survival. However, they found that patients who had surgery in the summer and the highest intake of vitamin D had a 5 year relapse-free survival of 56% compared to 23% for those who had surgery during the winter and the lowest vitamin D intake.Comments: This study shows an association between vitamin D and outcome of surgery for early stage NSCLC. It would be of interest to add high doses of vitamin D to patients treated in the winter and see if there is an effect on outcome. It would also be reasonable to add calcitriol to chemotherapy for patients with more advanced NSCLC since adding calcitriol to taxanes appears to improve responses in hormone refractory prostate cancer.Reference: Zhou W, Suk R, Liu G, et al. Vitamin D is associated with improved survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention . 2005;14:2303-2309. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-be-associated-with-improved-survival-of-early-stage-lung-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnut-wonders Walnut wondersSource: news.cincypost.comIsn't it fun to make a little food guilt go away?Take nuts, for example. And avocados, olives, deviled eggs, even red wine.Ever since the first bathroom scales were invented, before the cholesterol ruckus and bad-fat fears caused egg consumption to plummet and hamburgers to be nudged out of buns by black-bean burgers, there was guilt about all these foods.But nutrition is still a new science, ever-evolving, and research on all the antioxidant powers of certain foods and new insights into the workings of "good fats" have reintroduced all of these delicious foods into our diets - in moderation. That's the key word, of course, because even foods with antioxidants, good fatty acid content and omega-3s still have calories. And calories do count.This week, because autumn celebrations are in full swing, walnuts are the spotlight snack food and all-around good ingredient. What a wonderful autumn snack walnuts-in-the-shell are. They can be roasted in a moderate oven at least 10 minutes, then piled in a basket with those inexpensive pliers-style nutcrackers for all. With a little wine and cheese, walnuts are a crunchin' good accompaniment to conversation among family and friends. Remember this come Thanksgiving Day afternoon, especially if there's a hearth and an extra basket to collect the walnut shells.It's sad to think how many people held back on walnut, almond and pecan consumption (peanuts, too) because they'd been scared away by all the LOW-FAT warnings. Well, walnuts, for one, contain heart-healthy oils. But you might already know that.Now there is additional research to suggest that walnuts include a protective component for people with type 2 diabetes. A new study done in Australia shows that eating a handful of walnuts every day can help patients with type 2 diabetes achieve recommended intakes for polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-3s), critical to protecting the heart.Findings of this study were published in the July 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA), under the title, "Structured Dietary Advice Incorporating Walnuts Achieves Optimal Fat and Energy Balance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus."According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. There are more than 18 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes. Unfortunately, only about 13 million have been diagnosed and are aware they have the disease. The most common type of diabetes is type 2, which is often linked with obesity.A previous study published late last year in the international journal Diabetes Care had highlighted the importance of eating a handful of walnuts a day. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats, omega oils and vitamins.The Australian study indicated that walnuts and oily fish, such as salmon, help diabetics achieve a beneficial fat profile - better than those consuming a larger quantity of oily fish or those following standard "low-fat" advice.New research funded by the California Walnut Industry, just published in Nutrition, was conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center. It showed that walnuts increase blood levels of melatonin, a molecule associated with the prevention of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It is not known how many walnuts a person would have to eat in a day to benefit in terms of their melatonin content, which can be demonstrated to stave off free-radical damage as we age.Gorgonzola and Walnut Stuffed ShellsFilling: 5 ounces gorgonzola cheese 5 ounces ricotta cheese 1 egg yolk 3/4 cup (3 ounces) finely chopped, toasted walnuts Sauce: 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained (half of a 15-oz. jar) 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 3/4 cups milk, heated 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt or none at all 1/4 teaspoon pepper 20-22 large pasta shells (6 oz. total), about 2 inches long 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, additional Yield: 4 servingsFor filling, combine the gorgonzola, ricotta and egg yolk in a food processor bowl fitted with the steel blade. Add the walnuts and pulse-process until smooth. Add the walnuts and pulse to blend. Scrape into a large bowl. Without a food processor, use a hand-held mixer. Set filling aside. For sauce, puree red peppers in a food processor. Set aside. In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, melt butter. Add the flour and garlic and cook about 1 minute, stirring. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently, then blend in the wine and red pepper puree. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the Parmesan, then season to taste, bearing in mind that the cheese is very salty. Set aside. Drop pasta shells into a large pot of boiling, salted water and cook until the shells are barely tender, firm enough to hold their shape, about 9 minutes. Drain well in a colander, rinse them with cold water, then place them, open side down, on paper towels to drain until you fill them. Heat the oven to 350. Get out a baking dish just large enough to hold the stuffed shells in a single layer, such as a 9x12-inch oval or an 11x7-inch rectangular pan. Coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread about half the red pepper sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the filling into each pasta shell and place, filled side up, in the baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce over the filled shells and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake about 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. — Recipes from the Walnut Marketing Board Nutrients per serving: 770 calories, 33 g protein, 50 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 1,312 mg sodium (with 1/2 teaspoon salt), 151 mg cholesterol, 49 g total fat (23 g saturated fat)Broccoli Walnut Noodles10 oz. extra-wide curly “no-yolk” noodles 2 pounds broccoli, steamed or blanched (florets and peeled stems cut in 1/2-inch slices) 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon olive oil Grated zest of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1/2 orange 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper or hot sauce Yield: 4 servingsCook noodles al dente, about 5 minutes in a large amount of boiling, salted water. Drain immediately. Meanwhile, steam or blanch the chopped broccoli, 3 to 5 minutes, depending on size of the cuts. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and saute the onion and walnuts. Saute for nearly 2 minutes, stirring often. Combine drained noodles and broccoli cuts in a large serving bowl. Add the walnut-onion-oil mixture and the lemon zest, lemon and orange juices and the pepper or hot sauce. Toss well. Optional: Add up to 1 cupful of smoked turkey strips, reduced-fat sausage slices or seasoned tofu. Nutrients per serving: 510 calories, 21 g protein, 78 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 15.7g total fat (1.9 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101 mg sodiumHoney Walnut Spread2 cups (8 oz.) walnuts 3/4 cup honey 3/4 cup (about 4 oz.) dried pears, cut in 1/4-inch dice 2 teaspoons mixed Italian herbs 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt 12 slices baguette-type French bread (16 oz.), cut diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick 4 oz. (1/2 cup) plain goat cheese Yield: Serves 12 Preheat the broiler. Chop 1 cup walnuts coarsely. Chop the remaining cupful finely. Place all the nuts in a large bowl and add the honey, pears, herbs, coriander, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice and salt. Beat vigorously until completely mixed. Set aside. Slice the baguette on the diagonal into about 12 slices. Place on a baking sheet. Cut the goat cheese into pieces and divide among the bread slices. Broil about 4 inches from the oven coil just to warm the bread and soften the cheese, just for a moment. Spread the cheese evenly on each slice. Top each baguette slice with a spoonful of the Honey Walnut Spread and serve immediately. Nutrients per serving: 313 calories, 7 g protein, 42 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 234 mg sodium, 4 mg cholesterol, 15 g total fat (3 g saturated fat) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnut-wonders http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-women-wanting-to-boost-their-babies-cognitive-development Fish Oil - Women wanting to boost their babies’ cognitive developmentSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comWomen wanting to boost their babies’ cognitive development need to tread a fine line in fish consumption to avoid excess mercury, suggests a new study on the risks posed by mercury and the benefits of omega-3.A raft of studies has indicated that omega-3 has an important role to play in brain development, as well as the prevention of heart disease and certain cancers and promotion of bone health. This has driven rapid expansion in functional foods containing omega-3: according to ProductScan, 150 new products containing omega-3 were launched in the USA and Canada in 2004, and 109 were launched in the first five months of 2005. But just as consumers are becoming more aware of omega-3 and its benefits, a note of caution has issued from the FDA on organic mercury levels in fish, one of the best natural sources of the fatty acid. Certain fish contain higher levels of mercury, which is believed to affect the development of a baby or young child's nervous system. The FDA therefore recommends that women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, and nursing mothers eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) of fish that are low in mercury each week, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock and catfish. Since albacore or white tuna contains more mercury than light tuna, it should be restricted to one 6 ounce serving per week. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, which contain high levels of mercury, should be avoided altogether. As for young children, the advice on fish types is the same, but the portion sizes should be smaller. However there are concerns that women may err on the side of caution and avoid fish altogether during pregnancy – an approach that researchers from the Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention at Harvard Medical School believe may also be detrimental to fetal brain development. Indeed, in a presentation at IFT in New Orleans in July, George Gray of Harvard Business School said that fish consumption by women fell by 17 percent following the FDA advice, issued in March 2004. The researchers, led by Emily Oken, set out to study whether women's fish consumption when pregnant harms or benefits fetal brain development. The study group consisted of 135 mother and infant pairs who were involved in Project Viva, a prospective pregnancy and child cohort study. The mothers recorded their consumption of canned tuna, shellfish, dark meat fish and other types of fish in a food frequency questionnaire throughout the second trimester. On average, they ate 1.2 servings of fish. Samples of their hair were taken when they gave birth, and analyzed for mercury content. At six months, the infants' cognitive ability was assessed using visual recognition memory (VRM) testing. The average VRM score was 59.8, and the average maternal hair mercury was 0.55ppm. In ten percent of the women, hair mercury ppm was over 1.2. Oaken and her team found that higher fish intake was associated with higher infant cognition. After adjustment for hair mercury level, for each additional weekly fish serving the VRM score was 4 points higher. However, in increase of 1ppm of mercury resulted in a 7.5 drop in VRM score. Oken determined infants whose mothers consumed more than two servings of fish per week but had mercury levels of 1.2ppm or lower had the highest VRM scores. “Women should continue to eat fish during pregnancy but choose varieties with lower mercury contamination,” wrote the researchers in the October issue of Environmental Health Perspectives. In a white paper issued in July, the Council for Responsible Nutrition advised the general population to increase its intake of oily fish or take supplements to obtain protective intake levels of about 0.5g of omega-3 per day. Although dietary supplements were outside the scope of the Harvard study, they may prove beneficial for people who are concerned about the detrimental effects of mercury levels or who have some other aversion to fish. A survey conducted earlier this year by Environmental Defense into measures taken by supplement makers to ensure their fish oil products were contaminant-free concluded that the majority adhere to the strictest standards. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-women-wanting-to-boost-their-babies-cognitive-development http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-hottest-health-remedy-fad-or-fact- Pomegranate Hottest Health Remedy: Fad or Fact?Source: www.seniorjournal.comSo what’s with this surge of pomegranate hype. This fruit is being touted as a miracle drug for aging, Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, arthritis and even protecting unborn babies from brain injuries. It cures about anything that can ail an aging senior citizen. It has become a popular ingredient for mixed drinks, ice cream and even bottled water. It’s now a popular decoration for table displays. President Bush even brought it up in his meeting in May with Afghanistan President Karzai, suggesting they grow these trees rather than poppies. The Centers for Disease Control honored it by naming it the fruit of the month.Pomegranate is now a color, there’s a band named Pomegranate and even a blog called Pomegranate afternoon.“Is there anything that pomegranates don't do,” asks writer Chloe Rhodes in the London Telegraph. “As well as being achingly fashionable - pomegranate martinis were served at the Oscars and Jo Malone's new fragrance is called Pomegranate Noir - the fruit has achieved "superfood" status.” Related Stories Centers for Disease Control Names Pomegranate Fruit of MonthHow to prepare it, recipes, more - click here Maybe this all got started in 2001, when the San Jose Museum of Art presented a monumental installation entitled Pomegranate Wall as the centerpiece and highlight of a photo exhibit by noted artist Catherine Wagner. The wall, an 8 x 40 foot curved arc dramatically displayed a series of interior images of a pomegranate. No one really knows how this fad got started, but certainly it has been pushed along by Pom Wonderful and their marketing team. “Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice is the closest thing to a miracle in a bottle we've found yet,” wrote Reader's Digest in May of this year.“The deep purple juice is loaded with antioxidants, and doctors at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, have found even more to love about it,” continues the magazine.“Their study was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in March. Heart disease patients on cholesterol-lowering drugs were randomly assigned to drink eight ounces of Pom a day for three months or a placebo beverage. The Pom drinkers had improved blood flow to the heart; heart disease worsened for those who drank the placebo. Statins can help many, but the may not always be enough. There's no substitute for diet and exercise, says researcher Dr. Dean Ornish. And now it looks like pomegranate juice is a good start,” concludes the digest. Pom Wonderful has cocktail recipes on their site - click Pom Wonderful, which describes itself at “The Antioxidant Superpower,” has squeezed the juice out of the pomegranate and squirted it into about everything.VitaZest Vitamin and Fruit Enriched Water, has no sugar, no carbs, no calories, and no caffeine; and comes in eight refreshing fruit flavors including pomegranate.But they have not gone as far as SheerBliss, an ultra super premium gourmet ice cream. They offer seven flavors: California Pomegranate, Vanilla with Pomegranate Swirl, Pomegranate with Dark Chocolate Chips, Freedom (Vanilla, Pomegranate and Blueberry), Mediterranean Coffee, Chocolate, and Vanilla; and a Pomegranate Bar (Pomegranate ice cream coated in rich, dark chocolate). They note an exclusive agreement with POM Wonderful for creating their pomegranate-based ice cream flavors. History & Legend of the Pomegranate From www.pomwonderful.comThe pomegranate is one of the earliest cultivated fruits. Historical evidence suggests that man first began planting pomegranate trees sometime between 4000 B.C.E and 3000 B.C.E.Although Pomegranates grew in the wild before the dawn of agriculture, they were one of the first five domesticated crops along with olives, grapes, figs and dates. Believed to be first domesticated somewhere in northern Iran or Turkey, pomegranates still occur in the wild. However, the first archeological evidence of domesticated pomegranates isn’t until around 3000 B.C. at Jericho. Soon after their appearance at Jericho, they turned up in Mesopotamia and Egypt.Throughout history, this richly-colored and delicious fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility, and rebirth. Some cultures also believed it held profound and mystical healing powers. Still others chose to use it in more practical ways, as a dye or decoration.The pomegranate’s irresistible appeal and legendary medicinal properties have also made it the subject of countless myths, epics and works of art, from Raphael and Cezanne to Homer and Shakespeare.Many scholars now suggest that it was a pomegranate, not an apple, depicted in the biblical Garden of Eden; a theory that is given further support throughout ancient and medieval times. In the mythical tale of the unicorn, pomegranate seeds "bleeding" from its horn symbolized Christ. The pomegranate tree, to which it was bound, represented eternal life.From the EncyclopediaThe Pomegranate is a handsome deciduous and somewhat thorny large shrub or small tree (Punica granatum) belonging to the family Punicaceae, native to semitropical Asia and naturalized in the Mediterranean region in very early times. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental and for its edible fruit. The fruit, about the size of an apple, bears many seeds, each within a fleshy crimson seed coating, enclosed in a tough yellowish to deep red rind. Pomegranates are either eaten fresh or used for grenadine syrup, in which the juice of the acid fruit pulp is the chief ingredient. Grenadine syrup, sometimes made from red currants, is a flavoring for wines, cocktails, carbonated beverages, preserves, and confectionery. The astringent properties of the rind and bark have been valued medicinally for several thousand years, especially as a vermifuge. The pomegranate is now cultivated in most warm climates, to a greater extent in the Old World than in America; in North America it is grown commercially chiefly from California and Arizona south into the tropics. The fruit has long been a religious and artistic symbol. It is described in the most ancient of Asian literature. In the Old Testament, Solomon sang of an "orchard of pomegranates." Because of its role in the Greek legend of Persephone, the pomegranate came to symbolize fertility, death, and eternity and was an emblem of the Eleusinian Mysteries. In Christian art, it is a symbol of hope. Pomegranates are classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Myrtales, family Punicaceae. There’s a lot of hype here, but clearly a lot of substance, too.Pom Wonderful says research has shown that just “about everyone may benefit from drinking an 8 oz. glass of POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice daily.” With the highest levels of polyphenol antioxidants, “pomegranate juice is showing promising benefits for the heart: it’s 60% better than other juices at preventing the formation of plaque-forming oxidized LDL in the arteries… and has been shown to reduce build-up of plaque by up to 30% in a pilot study of 19 elderly patients with atherosclerosis.”“In fact,” the say, “research indicates that the high level of antioxidants found in pomegranate juice is effective in combating free radicals that may cause a number of afflictions, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, premature aging, Alzheimer’s disease…even cancer.”And, there is research to back up their claims, and then some. “Pomegranates have beneficial effects on heart disease, haemorrhoids, fertility and blood pressure - among other things - and this week, scientists have discovered their usefulness in treating prostate cancer and osteoarthritis,” notes Rhodes in the Telegraph. “A single pomegranate,” she reports “provides 40 per cent of an adult's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, and is a rich source of folic acid and vitamins A and E. One pomegranate also contains three times the antioxidant properties of red wine or green tea.”She observes that there is evidence to support the healing and protective benefits in these diseases:“Cancer: pomegranates contain high levels of flavenoids - a type of antioxidant - which are exceptionally effective at neutralising cancer-causing free radicals. Research published this year suggests that the fruit may be effective at fighting both breast and skin cancer, and this week American scientists found that pomegranate juice slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice injected with the human form of the disease.“Heart disease: new research has found that one glass of pomegranate juice a day could improve blood flow to the heart by more than a third. The fruit's antioxidant properties prevent bad cholesterol from forming, which keeps the arteries clear and reduces the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. A separate study found that drinking pomegranate juice regularly can also dramatically reduce the size of atherosclerotic lesions, which narrow the arteries and cause heart failure. “Osteoarthritis: the most recent revelation about the pomegranate's health benefits suggests that extracts of the fruit could prevent the onset of osteoarthritis. Scientists in America treated samples of human cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis with the extract and found that it inhibited the production of the enzyme responsible for causing the damage. Further research is needed to establish whether consuming the extract could protect cartilage as effectively.”But that is only a partial list. Pomegranate has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of diseases. And here may be a key - a bonus with the native Persian fruit is that its antioxidant constituents are rapidly absorbed by the body and are non-toxic, researchers say. And here are more success stories.Unborn babies: Expectant mothers at risk of premature birth may want to consider drinking pomegranate juice to help their babies resist brain injuries from low oxygen and reduced blood flow, a mouse study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests last June.Skin Cancer: According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, one promising agent against skin cancer may have been found in the extract of the pomegranate fruit. "For the first time, we have clear evidence that pomegranate extract possesses anti-skin-tumor-promoting effects," said Dr. Farrukh Afaq, lead investigator of the study.What is clear from all this research is that it is the antioxidant qualities in pomegranates that are effective in fighting disease. An antioxidant is substance that prevents or slows the breakdown of another substance by oxygen. In the body, nutrients such as beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have been found to act as antioxidants. They act by scavenging free radicals, molecules with one or more unpaired electrons, which rapidly react with other molecules, starting chain reactions in a process called oxidation. Free radicals are a normal product of metabolism; the body produces its own antioxidants (e.g., the enzyme superoxide dismutase) to keep them in balance. However, stress, aging, and environmental sources such as polluted air and cigarette smoke can add to the number of free radicals in the body, creating an imbalance. The highly reactive free radicals can damage healthy DNA and have been linked to changes that accompany aging (such as age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older people) and with disease processes that lead to cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Studies show that the antioxidants that occur naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables have a protective effect. For example, vitamin E and beta-carotene appear to protect cell membranes; vitamin C removes free radicals from inside the cell. Antioxidants do come in the form of dietary supplements but there is concern by many that regular consumption of such supplements interferes with the body's own production of antioxidants. The American Heart Association, for example, says, “the scientific evidence supports a diet high in food sources of antioxidants and other heart-protecting nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts instead of antioxidant supplements to reduce risk of CVD.So, it sounds like things are going the way of the under-recognized pomegranate and we are sure to hear more - much more - in the years ahead.Most of the pomegranates sold in the U.S. are produced in California. You have to wonder if there will soon be a “Tour of the Pomegranate Country” available there to compete with the highly successful wine country tours.And, this time President Bush may be right - Afghanistan may find this an even more profitable crop than poppies.Read the complete story by Chloe Rhodes in the London Telegraph - click hereVisit the Website of Pom Wonderful - click here Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-hottest-health-remedy-fad-or-fact- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-truth-about-diet-pop The Truth About Diet PopSource: www.clickondetroit.comDid you know the average person drinks 52 gallons of soda a year?If you drink diet because you think it will help cut calories, think again.It's amazing how quickly it adds up. If you're choosing diet soda to help you lose weight, you may be in for a shock because it turns out, calorie-free may not be so free after all.Diet pop drinker Kris Bruttell said she couldn't get through the day without it."I start the second I get up in the morning," said Bruttell. "I have one in my hand all day long and drink it until right before I go to bed."Diet pop may have zero calories, but experts said all that soda can still add up on the scale.When researchers followed 1,500 pop drinkers for eight years, those who drank diet pop were actually 10 percent more likely to become overweight than those who drank regular soda.Researchers said people who prefer diet pop also tend to overeat."When you're drinking diet pop, you think you're doing really well and you're cutting back on calories and you're going to lose weight from it, but the reality is, we tend to drink diet pop with a hamburger and fries," said Beaumont dietititan Silvia Veri.Veri said switching from regular pop to diet would help you cut calories, but the pseudo sweetness could create a real craving."Patients have told me that when they do drink diet pop, it has that false taste of sweetness, so they tend to crave sweets later on in the day," she said.Some experts believe artificial sweeteners like aspartame can also cause headaches, rashes, and even seizures. So far, no large-scale studies have shown a definitive link to health problems, but not everyone is convinced.And there's no question what diet pop does to your teeth.Like regular pop, diet gets its tangy taste from phosphoric acid.Dr. Susan Luft-Marcotte, a Farmington Hills dentist, said sipping soda all day leads to decay."You're bathing your teeth in this acid all day long," she said. "Phosphoric acid essentially gets into the mouth and starts to erode the enamel and starts to dish out the teeth so that you get a very funny appearance to the teeth." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-truth-about-diet-pop http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/old-fashioned-listerine-has-new-uses Old-fashioned Listerine has new usesSource: www.chron.comThe smell and taste of original Listerine are so distinctive that, once experienced, they can never be forgotten. Gargling with this mouthwash can't be described as pleasant. The taste is bitter. It puckers the mouth and makes the tongue tingle. The aftertaste lingers.ADVERTISEMENT For a product whose taste has been described as "terrible," it is astonishing that Listerine has remained so popular for so long. It was originally developed in 1879, not as a mouthwash, but as an antiseptic for physicians to use prior to surgery. Its inventor, Jordan Lambert, named it Listerine in honor of Dr. Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery.In 1895 the product was marketed to dentists to kill bacteria in the mouth. By 1914, Lambert and his son Gerald began offering Listerine to the public as a mouthwash, and one of America's most enduring personal-care products was launched.Listerine has maintained its popularity in part because it tastes so distinctive. Although the company has come up with new flavors and colors, the old-fashioned amber liquid still has devotees. And we keep hearing from readers about new uses for this old patent medicine:"More than 20 years ago, I was hiking with my nephews, and one of them asked me to break a branch lying on the ground so he could use it as a walking stick. I did so, and the next day both my palms and arms were covered with a rash that itched terribly."A dermatologist said it was probably poison sumac. He put me on prednisone and gave me a cortisone shot. The rash spread up my arms, and I suffered for about three weeks."Every summer thereafter, I'd break out several times during the summer months, even though I hadn't touched any sumac. He told me I could get it from the pollen, even from a mile away."Then I read in your column about a woman who used Listerine for her shingles. I thought, what the heck, give it a try. Imagine my surprise when the itching stopped. Within a few days the rash was gone."I now keep a large bottle of Listerine on hand, and each time I work in the garden, I slosh it on any exposed skin and then shower. If I forget, I start itching, but I use it immediately. Even if I'm starting to break out, the rash clears up in a day or two instead of the usual three weeks."For $4.99 I have a year's supply that works instantly versus the $80 (plus doctor's visit), three weeks of constant itching, blisters and slow healing that I used to go through three or four times a summer."Readers praise Listerine for relieving a wide variety of other skin conditions. Some tell us that full-strength Listerine massaged into the scalp can ease itchy dandruff or even psoriasis.The combination of thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate and menthol in an alcohol base may have antifungal activity. That could explain why others report that original-formula Listerine works against nail fungus, athlete's foot, jock itch and "trucker's bottom" (whatever that is).It's hard to imagine how a product that has been around for so long continues to generate such loyalty and excitement. Even though the Food and Drug Administration has not given its blessing for these unusual uses, many people still find Listerine beneficial, despite the memorable aroma. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The People's Pharmacy Q&A Q: How dangerous is it to drink wine if you are at risk of breast cancer? My mother died of breast cancer, so I know I am at higher-than-average risk. I have heard that moderate drinking may not be a problem, and I hope that's true. My husband and I drink a glass of wine with dinner most nights, but I rarely have more than one.A: Women who drink three glasses of wine daily increase their risk of breast cancer by more than 40 percent (British Journal of Cancer, Nov. 18, 2002). Women who drink alcohol and get little folic acid in their diet (200 micrograms or less) may double their chance of developing this disease.New research suggests that women who consume ample folic acid (more than 400 micrograms daily) have no increased risk of breast cancer, even if they drink a couple of alcoholic beverages daily (British Medical Journal, Oct. 8, 2005).Q: My father has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He takes atenolol, Zocor, aspirin, Norvasc and lisinopril.He used to be healthy, happy and energetic. Now his pulse is very slow, and he has almost no energy. He complains of dizziness and seems depressed much of the time. He gets short of breath just walking up the driveway.I worry that he might be taking too much medicine, but now his doctor wants to prescribe even more — Zoloft for depression and albuterol for asthma. Could all these pills be contributing to his symptoms?A: Beta blockers like atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol can all slow the pulse. Some people also develop fatigue, depression and asthma on such medicine. A new review of atenolol and similar drugs (The Lancet, Oct. 18, 2005) suggests that they might not be as helpful as different blood pressure medicine.Before adding more drugs, the doctor needs to determine whether your father's blood pressure pills are causing his dizziness and other symptoms.We are sending you our Guides to Blood Pressure Treatment and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs, with much more information on the medicines your dad is taking. Anyone who would like copies, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. BL-677, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.Q: I have suffered with sleep problems for years. Although I usually fall asleep without too much trouble, I frequently wake up at 1 or 2 a.m. and have a terrible time getting back to sleep. I hate to wake my spouse, so I usually lie there trying not to toss and turn. I get up exhausted. What can I do?A: You may wish to discuss the drug Sonata with your physician. Although this short-acting prescription sleeping pill can help people fall asleep, it is especially beneficial against early-morning wakefulness. If you have at least four hours before rising, Sonata should allow you to get additional sleep without morning grogginess.Q: I've had a terrible cough for weeks. The over-the-counter cough remedies my doctor suggested have not worked. Is there anything you can recommend?A: Some people report success from rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the bottoms of their feet. (Socks keep it from soiling the sheets.)A more standard approach is codeine-containing cough medicine (Cheracol Cough Syrup, Guiatuss AC Syrup, Romilar AC Liquid, Tussi-Organidin NR). Many states require a prescription before codeine can be dispensed.Q: I suffer with type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed Glucotrol for my blood sugar. It helped to a degree, but I have found that by adding apple cider vinegar and cinnamon to a careful diet, I can control my blood sugar even better. I know I haven't made this up, but is there any data showing that these natural remedies work?A: There is. High-carbohydrate meals containing white bread or rice can raise blood sugar. We would not have imagined that vinegar could counteract this effect, but there is growing evidence to support your experience.Scientists in Sweden report that vinegar given with white bread reduces blood sugar and insulin. It also helps people feel fuller up to two hours later (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2005).Japanese researchers have found that vinegar can counteract the effect of white rice on blood sugar. And investigators at Arizona State University report that 2 tablespoons of vinegar before a starchy meal can significantly reduce the rise in blood glucose (Diabetes Care, January 2004).There is also research showing that 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels (Diabetes Care, December 2003).Q: Do you know of any vitamins or supplements for gum irritation? When I brush vigorously or floss, my gums bleed.A: Check with your dentist to rule out a serious gum condition. If there is none, you may want to get more vitamin D. A study of more than 6,000 Americans showed that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream had gums that were 20 percent less likely to bleed when probed (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2005). The investigators hypothesize that vitamin D helps fight inflammation.During the winter months, many people don't get enough sunshine to make adequate amounts of vitamin D. Experts recommend at least 400 IU daily, and some believe that recommendation is too low, especially for older people.Q: I am a substitute teacher. With all the colds the kids pass around, I am constantly fighting off a sore throat or sniffles. Too often it turns into bronchitis.I am already on my third cold of the season, and it's a doozy. I used to take echinacea, but I read that it's not very effective. What can you tell me about zinc or other natural remedies? I steer clear of over-the-counter cold remedies because I have heard they make things worse.A: Results from echinacea studies have been disappointing. Several recent double-blind trials have found that this herb has no advantage over placebo for treating colds.You're justified in doubting the value of some over-the-counter cold remedies. Common ingredients such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may actually impair the body's ability to fight off a cold.A Chinese herb called Andrographis paniculata has fared better than echinacea in scientific studies. Other options include astragalus (another Chinese botanical), zinc, ginger and garlic. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/old-fashioned-listerine-has-new-uses http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/modified-egg-as-dietary-supplement-for-diabetics Modified egg as dietary supplement for diabeticsSource: www.manoramaonline.comA product related to a poultry egg that serves as a dietary supplement for diabetics has been filed by Punjab University for patenting on its own name. This patent is based on the invention of Professor S.K. Taneja of the Department of Zoology of the University. It took him nearly six years of research on nutritional aspect of poultry birds and metaboli-x syndrome individuals to develop this egg, says the Professor. This modified egg reduces the absorption rate of nutrients and restores the mineral composition of the cells in the body of diabetic consumers and reduce the severity of the disease in them, he claims. In 2002, he developed a low cholesterol egg enriched with vitamin E and omega- 3 fatty acids. The large scale production and marketing rights of this egg were transferred to M/s Jaya Health Care, Panchkula under MoU with Punjab University, a University spokesman said. This company is marketing these eggs under the brand name "Smart Eggs". Its patent application has been filed with Patent Office Branch in New Delhi with technical and financial support of Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), Union Department of Science and Technology, through Patent Information Centre, Punjab state Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/modified-egg-as-dietary-supplement-for-diabetics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-helpful-in-gum-disease-as-well Vitamin D Helpful In Gum Disease As WellSource: www.medindia.netPeople with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood may be less likely to develop gum disease, according to a new study. The study only finds an inverse correlation between blood levels of vitamin D and gum disease. It does not mean vitamin D definitely helps prevent gum disease.In the study, Dr. Thomas Dietrich from Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine analyzed data from a U.S. nationwide health survey involving 6,700 Americans between 1988 and 1994.Researchers found those in the quintile with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood were 20 percent less likely to have gingivitis than those in the quintile with the lowest levels.Gingivitis is a milder gum disease that causes gums to swell and bleed.Vitamin D is well known for its role in calcium absorption and bone health. Recent studies have also suggested vitamin D may help the immune system to fight inflammation. Researchers do not know whether or not vitamin D has a preventive effect on gum disease. But there is a possibility that vitamin D may benefit the gum health through its anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies are needed to confirm vitamin D as a marker or a cause for the lower risk of gum disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-helpful-in-gum-disease-as-well http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/decoding-the-cosmetics-box Decoding the cosmetics boxSource: news.inq7.netBAFFLED BY THE LONG LIST of archaic-sounding terms in just about every box of face cream, powder or lotion out there? We decode five commonly found ingredients to give you a head start on your next beauty-shopping trip. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxideThese two are mostly found in anti-acne and oil-control products like spot treatment gels, face soaps and drying sprays. Both have dehydrating and disinfecting properties suited for infected bumps and blemishes.Benzoyl peroxide slowly releases oxygen, which has an antibacterial effect. Salicylic acid, meanwhile, helps break down blackheads and whiteheads by slowing down the shedding of cells inside the follicles, preventing clogging of pores.Avoid if... you experience irritation, stinging and other adverse skin reactions. While it is normal to experience a little Print this story Send this story Write the editor Reprint this article View other stories dryness and slight peeling, too much redness around the treated area may be a sign of an allergy, or the result of too much sun exposure. Discontinue use and see a dermatologist.All boxed in: Panoxyl Gel, Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel, Benzac AC Gel, Awake Acne Clear Spots GlycerinGlycerin is a humectant, a substance that attracts moisture to the skin. It also absorbs water from the air (which explains the miniscule beads and bubbles found in glycerin-based soaps when left in the bathroom sink for extended periods). Because of its moisture-attracting characteristic, this ingredient softens and goes on gentle even on the most sensitive complexions.Avoid if... you are extremely prone to allergies. Otherwise, Glycerol (the pure chemical product) is proven to be gentle and safe on your skin.All boxed in: Celeteque Facial Wash, Neutrogena Facial Bar, most lotions and face creamsAlpha hydroxy acidsThese are derived from fruit and milk sugars (like glycolic, lactic and citric acids) which loosen and hasten the shedding of dead skin cells—mostly caused by sun damage—and encourage collagen and elastin regeneration, over prolonged use.“AHA preparations are recommended for those whose skin is showing signs of aging. Fine lines, brown marks and dry spots can improve with regular applications or peels. Glycolic acid may also prove helpful for those prone to acne,” according to findings by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated (dermnetnz.org).Avoid if... you plan to go under the sun for an extended period. AHAs are extremely photosensitive. They can trigger skin darkening and irritation when exposed to heat and sunlight. If you must, apply AHA-based creams at night, and make sure to slather on sunscreen liberally when heading out.All boxed in: BeautiControl Extreme Repair Hand Therapy, Avon Anew, Estée Lauder FruitionPeptides (di-, tri-,hexa- and penta-)Of the recent slew of anti-wrinkle creams launched in the market, a handful contain a group of amino acids called peptides, which are said to have skin-renewing and firming properties by encouraging collagen production to “melt away” fine lines and wrinkles—without having to go through invasive surgery.Avoid if... you’re in your teens and 20s. Your top priority at this stage is to develop proper skincare habits of cleansing, toning, moisturizing, undereye hydration and sun protection.Unless ingested in high doses, peptides have no known serious side effects. But as with any topical preparation, discontinue use if your skin experiences an adverse reaction.All boxed in: Lancôme Rénergie Microlift Active Redefining Treatment, Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+, Philosophy Makeup Optional Skincare System Hyaluronic acidWhile hyaluronic acid is present in every tissue of the body, it depletes in time, resulting in moisture loss and the thinning and aging of skin. Cosmetics companies have found that incorporating hyaluronic acid in facial-care products improves elasticity and helps fight wrinkles by helping skin retain more water.It can also be injected to temporarily fill in facial lines and furrows, with results lasting from 3-9 months.Avoid if... you have existing connective tissue disorders, special nutritional needs, or are undergoing medical treatment. Consult with your doctor if you plan to take hyaluronic acid supplements or use face creams enhanced with this ingredient (a medical expert would know how much of it you would need to treat a particular tissue condition, and in what form to administer it).You may want to double up on face-saving products if you smoke, as cigarette smoke degrades the hyaluronic acid present in your skin. The smarter option would be to avoid smoking altogether to improve your overall health.All boxed in... (topical) Shiseido Benefiance Light Daytime Protective Emulsion and Energizing Essence, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Eye Cream and Night Cream, and (injectible) Restylane and Perlane. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/decoding-the-cosmetics-box http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-cancer-patients-may-benefit-by-taking-vitamin-d Breast cancer patients may benefit by taking vitamin DSource: www.billingsgazette.comWhat role does vitamin D play in breast cancer? - Billings area patient This is an excellent question. Due to recent research, we are rethinking our definitions, views and recommendations concerning vitamin D. Most of us are familiar with the correlation between vitamin D and bone health. What you may not know is that these receptors have also been found in the brain, breast, prostate and on lymphocytes (an important part of our immune system). The implications here are far-reaching, because research indicates higher levels of vitamin D in our system help protect from breast and colon cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and depression. Research may be proving that vitamin D is not a vitamin at all, but a hormone. The definition of a vitamin is an organic substance other than a protein, carbohydrate, fat or organic salt essential to the body for normal metabolism. Vitamins are not formed in the body but are obtained from an animal or plant source. A hormone, on the other hand, is a substance originating in an organ gland or body part conveyed through the blood to another body part, stimulating it to increase or decrease a functional activity. It has been suggested that vitamin D(3) is an effective chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer. The research is so promising the National Cancer Institute stated there is general agreement among experts that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher prevalence of cancer and several other diseases. Recent research may have identified one of the pathways that vitamin D uses to effect breast cancer cells by causing cell death, or apoptosis. This is not a typical action expected from a vitamin and is exciting news. Another possible mechanism that has been studied is the fact that calcitriol (a metabolite of vitamin D) sensitizes breast cancer cells to reactive oxygen species dependant cell death. What this means is breast cancer cells are easier to destroy by our own internal mechanisms when exposed to calcitriol. You may wonder, "What does this mean to me and how do I produce vitamin D?" Each morning we wake to the sun. When sun rays come in contact with skin, the process of creating vitamin D begins. We start with cholecalciferol, which journeys to the liver, interacts with 25-hydroxylase enzyme to become calcidiol, proceeds to the kidney, finds the 1OHase enzyme to become calcitriol, the most active form. Calcitriol is responsible for beneficial actions produced in our body. It is has been shown that 15 minutes of full body exposure to the sun on a clear day at equatorial latitudes can provide the equivalent of 4,000-20,000IU of vitamin D in a lightly pigmented person, while 30 minutes is the equivalent of 50,000IU. Vitamin D is responsible for essential functions in the body including calcium metabolism, cell proliferation, cardiovascular, immune/inflammatory balance, neurological function and genetic expression. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-cancer-patients-may-benefit-by-taking-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-tocotrienol-shows-brain-protection-promise Vitamin E tocotrienol shows brain protection promiseSource: www.foodproductiondaily.comThe natural vitamin E alpha-tocotrienol (TCT) may protect the brain against stroke- and glutamate-induced degeneration, according to researchers in a new animal study.Researchers from Ohio State University Medical Center decided to carry out a rat study following the successful results of an earlier trial, in which lead investigator Professor Chandan Sen demonstrated that unlike alpha-tocopherol (TCP), a better-known form of vitamin E, TCT blocks glutamate-induced cell death. Glutamate-induced toxicity is understood to contribute to pathological cell death in the nervous system. In the new study, published in the October issue of the American Heart Association journal Stroke, Sen and his team studied the effects of low-dose TCT supplementation (Tocomin supplied by Carotech) on the brain tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats after they experienced stroke. Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for stroke. The supplemented rats were less susceptible to stroke-induced brain damage than unsupplemented control rats. The same low dose of TCP had no effect. Vitamin E is a generic term for both tocopherol and tocotrienol derivatives. There are significant differences in their chemical structures which make them act very differently in humans. Of the two, tocopherol is the most commonly used, yet the antioxidant powers of tocotrienol have been proven to be much stronger than tocopherol.The results were attributed to the suppression of c-Src, a molecular checkpoint associated with stroke. 12-Lox deficient mice were also seen to be more resistant to stroke-induced injury than wild-type controls, which led the researchers to believe that 12-lipoygenase is another TCT-sensitive checkpoint critical to neuron deaths. “The natural vitamin E, TCT, acts on key molecular checkpoints to protect against glutamate- and stroke-induced neurodegeneration,” they concluded. “Eighty-three years after the discovery of vitamin E in 1922, it is long overdue to closely examine all naturally occurring forms of vitamin E side by side,” said Professor Sen. Sen was positive that the results of the new study and his previous investigations could prove useful in protecting against the debilitating effects of stroke, if TCT has the same protective effect on human brains: “Attention to the naturally occurring tocotrienols, especially to their neuroprotective properties, could well provide us with a powerful tool to combat neurodegeneration especially stroke, by safe dietary means,” he said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-tocotrienol-shows-brain-protection-promise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-cooking-spice-becomes-key-player-in-bird-flu-battle Chinese cooking spice becomes key player in bird flu battleSource: Althealth NewsWith the spread of bird flu prompting fears of an epidemic or even pandemic that could kill humans by the million, a Chinese spice hitherto associated with the pleasures of aperitifs has suddenly assumed key medical significance. . For the fruit known as star anise has an ingredient vital to a drug to fight the strain of avian flu that has already killed more than 60 people in Asia. . Harvested in China and Vietnam and used as a spice, it provides flavouring for candies, pastis drinks and tobacco. . But it also has a key pharmaceutical asset - shikimic acid, described by experts as the world's only weapon against bird flu. . Star anise, the dried, star-shaped multiple fruit of a small oriental tree which is a member of the magnolia family, is a traditional ingredient of oriental cuisine with its pungent, liquorice-like flavour. . It also serves as the main flavouring of the liqueurs Pernod and Anisette. . But its medical significance had already been noted before bird flu arrived, including potential cancer-fighting properties. . Now it has sprung to new prominence as a chief source of shikimic acid, a vital ingredient of Tamiflu, one of the rare anti-viral drugs that has proved effective against the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu which has infected 118 people in Asia since late 2003 and killed more than 60 people. . "From this one plant you can make both a drink -- pastis -- and a pharmaceutical product, Tamiflu," said Albert Elgrissy, communications director for the pastis maker Ricard in Marseille. . "To make pastis, Pernod Ricard adds anethol -- an essential oil extracted from star anise -- in a ratio of two to one thousand to liquorice, sage, lavender and other herbs of Provence." . "Meanwhile the Swiss Roche laboratories extract shikimic acid from the plant's woody part. This acid is a molecule needed to produce Tamiflu." . "Thirteen grams (0.46 ounces) of star anise are required to produce 10 Tamiflu capsules prescribed to treat a person contaminated with avian flu," Elgrissy explained. . But shikimic acid does not come cheap. The price varies between 200 and 250 dollars (166-207 euros) per kilogram, the equivalent of between 90 and 113 dollars per pound. . But for extra pure quality, the price soars to as high as 50 dollars a gram, the equivalent of 1,555 dollars an ounce, according to the website of Yusuf Hamied, head of Cipla, an Indian generic drugs manufacturer. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-cooking-spice-becomes-key-player-in-bird-flu-battle http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-skin-care-acne-treatment-acne-products-and-acne-medication-are-the-focus-of-myvitaminguide-c Acne Skin Care, Acne Treatment, Acne Products and Acne Medication Are the Focus of MyVitaminGuide.cSource: www.clickpress.comEnhanced Acne Section of My Vitamin Guide Advises on Medical Options, Dietary Changes, Vitamins, Herbs and Holistic Approaches for Acne Prevention and Treatment[ClickPress, Sun Nov 06 2005] Virginia Beach, VA – My Vitamin Guide (MVG), an online reference guide for vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies and alternative medicine, has continued to expand its website information on acne. Found online at www.MyVitaminGuide.com, MVG provides consumers free information on vitamins and supplements as well as resources, news, advice, and content from medical professionals on more than 650 health concerns and illnesses. “Teenagers aren’t the only age group concerned about acne. Adult acne is also a significant problem, and even baby acne is an issue for some families. We find people of many ages searching for information about acne skin care, acne treatment, acne medication, acne products, acne prevention, and acne solutions.” We’re pleased to offer information that includes natural acne treatments as well as conventional, medicinal approaches,” said MVG CEO Sam Knoll. “By providing information in a clear and easy-to-use way, we are helping teens and adults make informed decisions about how to treat their acne effectively.” The MVG acne section, found at http://www.myvitaminguide.com/public/603.cfm , offers a checklist that rates the effectiveness of natural treatments for acne, including nutritional supplements and herbs, as well as helpful dietary and lifestyle changes, and several recommended alternative health treatments. Natural products that have demonstrated effectiveness include topical applications of niacinamide gel, oral zinc supplements, and topical use of tea tree oil. Other vitamins and herbal products are also reported on in the MVG article, but most of these have yet to demonstrate sufficiently conclusive results necessary to earn the MVG “three star” rating. My Vitamin Guide’s acne section also recommends that teens and adults with acne should: -Keep skin clean with the help of astringent lotions, oil-removing pads, and medicated soaps -Use acne-fighting lotions that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide gel (4%), or tea tree oil (5%) -Take 60 to 90 mg of zinc each day to improve acne -If taking extra zinc, add 1 to 2 mg each day of copper to avoid a copper deficiency -Prevent new breakouts and treat existing cysts with products containing tea tree oil or salicylic acid For those wanting further information, MVG includes links to many other resources. For example, the acne page at http://www.myvitaminguide.com/public/603.cfm contains more than 25 references to scientific articles dealing with acne-related research. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-skin-care-acne-treatment-acne-products-and-acne-medication-are-the-focus-of-myvitaminguide-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lutein-supplements-for-your-eyes Lutein Supplements For Your EyesSource: www.bellaonline.comLutein supplements (pronounced LOO-teen) are in the news! This carotenoid antioxidant has been linked to helping maintain healthy eye cells and tissues. It’s also been shown to decrease the risk of, and even reverse, age related macular degeneration (ARMD). ARMD is a blinding disease that gradually destroys the thin membrane (macula) at the back of the eye, resulting in loss of sharp, clear, straight ahead vision and making such daily activities as reading and driving very difficult, if not impossible. But, here’s something you may not know. Lutein is not effective when taken alone or even with zeaxanthin, another carotenoid found in the retina and lens of the eye. Carotenoids, in nature, are always found as a family. Lutein and zeaxanthin, for example, are found in high levels in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale and broccoli. But, they’re never found in an isolated form separate from other carotenoids, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene.The studies that were done suggesting a link between lutein and eye health examined food consumption trends in different populations. No high quality study has ever been done on lutein or zeaxanthin in an isolated supplemental form, without the benefits of the rest of the carotenoid family. Carotenoids work together like a well-oiled machine. One without the other family members is either ineffective or often even detrimental. Megadoses of beta-carotene, for example, have actually been shown to significantly inhibit your body’s ability to use other carotenoids. This causes deficiencies that can lead to illness. As a family, carotenoids have been proven over and over again to protect human cells from oxidative free-radical damage. And, many experts believe it’s never too early or too late to fortify your diet with carotenoid supplements. In a National Institutes of Health study carotenoid supplements were shown to slow down macular degeneration. However, if you’re concerned about macular degeneration, it’s important to supplement your diet with a natural, full spectrum, human-food sourced carotenoid supplement. Most supplements on the market are isolated lutein (FloraGLO) from marigolds, which is not a natural food for humans. My recommended carotenoid supplement is found at www.carotenoids.net. This is the only full spectrum carotenoid all from human-food sources. (The lutein comes from spinach). It’s also the only carotenoid supplement proven effective by the U.S.D.A and CDC (research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lutein-supplements-for-your-eyes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fat-busting-tea-secret-behind-poshs-perfect-figure- Fat busting tea secret behind Posh's perfect figure!Source: www.hindustantimes.comDo you know Victoria Beckham's latest slimming secret? The former Spice Girl is reportedly drinking fat busting tea loved by the Spanish A- List to maintain her figure.'We advised Victoria to drink Pu-erh Imperial tea three times a day for three months and watch the weight drop off. After three months, it is possible to maintain the desired weight by drinking one cup per way,' femalefirst quoted a spokesman at Bormec store in Madrid as saying to Now magazine.The spokesperson also revealed that the Beckhams had been their customers for several months and were also fans of another tea called Tokyo T which purifies the complexion and helps prove circulation and water retention. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fat-busting-tea-secret-behind-poshs-perfect-figure- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-quest-to-find-a-health-food-that-tastes-good The quest to find a health food that tastes goodSource: news.ft.comSome people cannot say no to a drink or a cigarette. Others find it difficult to resist chocolate cake or a plate of chips. Me? I cannot pass a health food shop without going in, browsing the shelves and, usually, purchasing at least two products I haven’t previously tried. I have a “delicate digestion”, the legacy of a gastric infection that went undiagnosed for many years, and in my constant quest to find foods that are soothing on the stomach I have developed a keen interest in – some would say obsession with – health food. On the advice of professionals both conventional and complementary, I have tried every imaginable dietary modification and I see health shops as havens of possibility in my tireless search for foods that will leave me feeling well. Perhaps inevitably, one of the first pieces of advice I received was to stop eating wheat, which opened up the vast arena of wheat-free breads. None tastes as good as a trusty baguette or fresh-baked wholemeal; indeed most are off-puttingly hard – or simply odd. I particularly disliked corn lupin bread, the ingredients of which include lupin and pea flour. Rather than resembling bread, it was more a greasy and indigestible mix of seeds that disintegrated at the slightest touch – toasting it was out of the question. I also experimented with wheat-free cereals, including “Millet Puffs”, which looked enticingly like Rice Krispies but had the consistency and taste of cardboard. Wheat-free pastas were similarly problematic. Aside from rice noodles, which taste of nothing, all those I tried (made of corn, quinoa and obscure grains such as amaranth, kamut and spelt) squelched down to formless mulch when cooked. The closest I got to a “normal” pasta meal was some buckwheat tagliatelle, since discontinued. Miraculously, this somehow slightly resembled the pasta I remember from those gloriously heady days before my illness, when I could (and regularly did) scoff huge mounds of tagliatelle with creamy mushroom sauce at a local restaurant. Having been diagnosed as lactose intolerant, and advised by a herbalist that I was probably also sensitive to soya, I tried almond milk, which although quite pleasantly sweet, was thin and bland. Eventually, I ignored the herbalist’s advice and tried chocolate soya milkshake – a delicious, creamy revelation. My lactose intolerance then sent me searching for milk-free soups, virtually impossible to find in supermarkets. Some surprisingly disgusting discoveries included a pea soup that was cement-like in both taste and consistency. Having been advised by one practitioner to cut out tomatoes, I also tried “no-mato” soup – ingredients included carrots, soya milk and beetroot juice. Despite its aim being to mimic the taste of tomato soup, it did nothing of the kind. More successful finds included a black bean and vegetable soup, as well as a spicy lentil variety – both are still favourites. I replaced chocolate with carob, which has the strange capacity to be either delicious or revolting. One particular bar tasted like burnt rubber but another, with added mint flavour, was beautifully sweet and melted on the tongue exactly like chocolate. Herbal teas replaced tea and coffee but not for me the limited repertoire of peppermint and camomile. I tried all kinds of amalgams. One in particular, the appropriately named “stomach-ease tea”, contained all manner of allegedly soothing herbs – cardamom, liquorice, barley malt, black pepper, cloves and coriander – but unfortunately did not particularly ease my stomach. It almost goes without saying that these kinds of foods are not commonly available in restaurants and that my digestive problems have caused considerable difficulties in my social life, particularly since I love eating out. I went through a phase of telephoning restaurants to inquire in detail about menus but eventually gave up, angry at being wrongly assured that certain dishes would be available. I now usually order soup (if it is milk-free, which the staff do not always know) with side orders of vegetables or salad. This is not particularly inspiring gastronomically, but I have accepted it and at least it means that I can eat virtually anywhere. Restaurant staff often clearly think I’m strange but I am so used to this that I scarcely notice it. Fortunately, I do not often find myself envying other people’s food when I eat out – it helps that I dislike meat. One exception is pasta, a former favourite, and I do therefore avoid Italian restaurants if possible. A problem sometimes arises if there is a long gap between ordering and being served – bread is easy to forgo at home, simply because it is never in the house; in a restaurant, the bread basket becomes very hard to resist. I have sometimes considered trying to “cure” myself of my obsession with health foods – it can become irritating expending such a lot of mental energy deciding what to eat. However, I cannot get away from my conviction that, somewhere out there there must be a selection of delicious foods that I can eat with impunity. So far, some experiments have been successful, others less so. However, my quest has been, and continues to be interesting, and, for the most part, quite fun.PASS THE MILLET PUFFS: CONFESSIONS OF A HEALTH FOOD ADDICT Best foods■ Suma Organic spicy lentil soup ■ Amy’s black bean and vegetable soup■ Siesta carob bars with mint or orange flavour■ Alpro chocolate soya milkshake■ Sojasun soya yoghurtWorst foods■ No-mato soup ■ Suma pea soup■ Big Oz Organic millet puffs■ EcoMil almond milk■ Biona corn lupin bread■ Just So carob barsWhere I shop■ Fresh and Wild – (various branches including at Lavender Hill, SW11, Brewer St, W1)■ Planet Organic – (Westbourne Grove, W2■ Torrington Place, WC1)■ Balham Wholefood and Health Store – Bedford Hill, SW12 (small but stocks my favourites)Where I don’t shop■ Holland and Barrett Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-quest-to-find-a-health-food-that-tastes-good http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-a-diet-rich-in-vitamin-a Eat a diet rich in vitamin ASource: www.excal.on.caIn the past few weeks, it may seem as if I have been encouraging you to "pop pills." Well, not exactly. I have been suggesting that if you lead a hectic lifestyle or if you do not eat well, it is probably best to start taking a multivitamin supplement. I have good news for you. First of all, vitamin A is readily found in foods that most people already have in their diet. Secondly, the body stores it so there is no need to supplement everyday (unless you know you are ill or have deficiencies). There are two kinds of vitamin A. "preformed" vitamin A (also known as retinol) can be provided by foods from animals (i.e. beef, pork, chicken and fish). "Pro-vitamin A" (also known as carotene) can be provided by foods from both plants and animal sources. Vitamin A is vital to the immune system. Without it, the body becomes vulnerable to infections such as measles and AIDS. A deficiency can also lead to macular degeneration, a form of blindness. Although most vitamins and minerals are naturally occurring and are usually safe in high amounts, this one is more unique. Unfortunately, although it is imperative for good health, too much of it (especially if taken from the wrong source) can be a bad thing. Benefits Because vitamin A is essential for good eyesight, having enough can help fix night blindness, weak eyesight and can help cure many (but not all) eye disorders. It lowers the risk of contracting infections and shortens the duration of certain diseases. Vitamin A also keeps the outer layers of tissues and organs healthy. And for those of you who suffer from severe skin infections, when applied externally (right onto the infected area), vitamin A is known to effectively treat acne, boils, carbuncles, impetigo and open ulcers. When to increase your dosage Although most people receive enough vitamin A through the foods they eat, there are many people who need to take supplements. It is especially important for those who suffer from cancer, chronic nephritis, digestive problems (affecting fat absorption such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis), pneumonia, prostate disease, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections. It is recommended that pregnant women add an additional 1,000 IU to their diets. Always make sure that it does not exceed 10,000 IU, as over-supplementing vitamin A has been linked to some birth deficiencies (although more research is yet to be done to prove this). Furthermore, nursing mothers need to take an additional 2,000 IU. And for the first time, you do not need to take a vitamin A supplement if you are on any birth control. Different forms of supplements Although vitamin A is essential for the body to function its best, if supplementing is necessary, do not drink any vitamin A tablet in their pure form. Drinking vitamin A in its pure form is dangerous. The best way to receive sufficient amounts of this vitamin is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. If you notice that you need a higher dosage, there are two good sources that will help rid your body of the deficiency: Natural fish liver oil or beta carotene. If you are supplementing, make sure you do not overdose. Although it is not lethal, there may be undesirable effects. Too much vitamin A can cause bone pain, blurred vision, hair loss, headaches, irritability, joint pain, stiffness, vomiting and weakness. Do not take vitamin A pills, as it contains potent amounts, which is toxic. It can cause severe problems such as anemia and can enlarged the liver or spleen. The best source of vitamin A is in the foods you eat. Only supplement when it is necessary and make sure that supplements are not pure vitamin A. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-a-diet-rich-in-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/headache-remedy-without-the-pills Headache remedy without the pillsSource: www.myrtlebeachonline.comTired of popping a pill to still the throb of a migraine or other terrible headache?You may want to join the 58 percent of headache suffers who, according to the National Headache Foundation, have tried an alternative therapy.Medication-alternative therapies include massage, exercise and other manipulation. These work to alleviate pain rather than eliminate the headache's cause. Your neurologist may recommend seeing a physical therapist to learn these and other pain-management techniques.You will need no fancy equipment to try these three low-tech techniques that are simple enough to be done at home.Suzanne Simons, executive director of the National Headache Foundation, says any complementary treatment should be undertaken only after patients consult with their health care provider.Internist and headache specialist Dr. Merle Diamond of Chicago said the techniques described below can be useful and safe to try at home."If you are considering massage or learning other techniques, the biggest thing to consider is to put yourself in skilled hands. Work with a therapist who has worked with someone with headaches before," he said.ExercisesOpen your linen closet and pull out three towels: one hand towel and two bath or beach towels.The techniques shown in the photos are taught by Liesel Barker, rehabilitation therapist at HealthSouth in Myrtle Beach.Barker, who often works with headache patients referred by local physicians, said, "These exercises are all right for 90 percent of the folks out there. If they feel good, continue to do them. If any of these exercises hurt, simply stop. It is not the right therapy for you."Headache snagSit in a straight-back chair with head up and spine straight. Unfold a hand towel. Hold it behind your head with the edge of the towel over the C2, the first bone at the base of the skull."Snag" the towel - that is, apply gentle pressure to it over the C-2 bone in the spinal column. Pull the ends of the towel forward and upward, along the line of your cheekbone. The pressure should bring some pain relief.Hold for 10 seconds, relax and repeat 10 times.Headache rollRoll up a hand towel tightly. Lie flat on your back on your bed or the floor and place the rolled towel under the base of your skull.Adjust the position of the towel until it feels right, close your eyes, and relax. Stay on the roll for five to 10 minutes."You should feel a bit of pressure/traction on the upper part of the neck - what we call a distraction in therapy," Barker said.Thoracic spine stretchRoll each of two beach towels tightly into a long sausage shape.Set the rolled towels down end to end on the floor.Put a pillow under your head and lie down on top of them so that your spine is on top of the towels.Keep your chin tucked in.Bend your knees up (or place a pillow under your knees; do not lie with legs completely extended).Lie like this for five to 10 minutes.This position causes the front of your chest and the muscles to relax, opening up the thoracic cavity, which also allows more oxygen to reach the lungs and brain to help modulate the headache pain.Many headache sufferers find relief by using one or more of these simple therapies. The next time you feel the dawn of migraine pain, perhaps you can find some pill-free relief by opening up your linen closet. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/headache-remedy-without-the-pills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-olive-a-health-giving-plant The olive: A health-giving plantSource: yementimes.comOne of the foods to which attention is drawn in the Qur’an is the olive. Research in recent years has revealed that the olive is not just a delicious food but also represents an important source of good health. In addition to the olive itself, olive oil is also an important source of nutrition. Attention is drawn to the oil of the olive tree in these terms in the Qur’an: Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind and Allah has knowledge of all things. (Qur’an, 24:35)The expression “mubarakatin zaytoonatin” in the above verse describes the olive as being “plentiful, sacred, auspicious, providing countless blessings.” Olive oil, referred to in the term “zaytuha,” is known as one of the most highly recommended types of oil by all experts, especially for coronary and arterial health. Its health benefits may be summarised as follows:• Benefits for Coronary and Arterial Health:Most of the fatty acids in olives and olive oil are mono-unsaturated. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids do not contain cholesterol. Therefore, olive oil does not raise cholesterol levels but instead keeps them under control. Olive oil also contains omega-6 linoleic acid (EFA: essential fatty acid), which is essential for the human body. Due to this feature, health-related bodies (such as The World Health Organization) recommend that at least 30% of the fatty acid consumed in societies in which hardened artery and diabetes levels are high should consist of omega-6. This increases the importance of the olive still further.1 Studies in this area have revealed much lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and higher antioxidant levels in people who consume 25 millilitres (about two dessertspoonfuls) of natural olive oil a day for one week.2 Antioxidants are important as they neutralise the harmful substances in the body known as free radicals and prevent cell damage. It has also been established in a great many studies that the consumption of olive oil reduces cholesterol levels and prevents heart disease.3 Olive oil is also recommended for patients with heart and artery disease since it reduces the level of harmful cholesterol (LDL) in the bloodstream and raises that of useful cholesterol (HDL).4 In countries with high occurrences of heart and artery diseases, saturated fats with high cholesterol content are generally consumed.In addition, olive oil does not disrupt the proportion of omega-6 to that of omega-3. It is very important that omega-3 and omega-6 be present in the body at specific levels because any imbalance in these proportions can lead to progression in many diseases, especially those of the heart and immune system and cancer.5 For all these reasons, many people enjoy good health thanks to olive oil. The American Heart Association suggests that in order to reduce the risk of heart disease high mono-unsaturated fats can be an alternative to a 30% reduced fat diet.6 • Cancer PreventionOne study, published by The Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that women who consume high levels of mono-unsaturated fat have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.7 Another study by scientists at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York demonstrated that b-sitosterol, a fat found in vegetable oils such as olive oil, helps prevent the formation of prostate cancer cells. The researchers concluded that b-sitosterol strengthens the internal communication system of the cell that issues the command for the cells to divide and that cancer can thus be prevented before cell division reaches an uncontrollable level. A recent study by doctors at the University of Oxford has shown that olive oil has a protective effect against intestinal cancer. The doctors discovered that olive oil enters into a reaction with stomach acid in order to prevent intestinal cancer from beginning. At the same time, the University of Oxford researchers also established that olive oil reduces the level of bile and raises that of DAO (the enzyme diamine oxidase), thus protecting against abnormal cell growth and cancer.8 • Prevention of ArthritisAccording to researchers’ reports, people who consume large quantities of olive oil and cooked vegetables can have a reduced risk of rheumatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. • Olive Oil Assists Bone DevelopmentThe vitamins E, A, D and K contained in olive oil are particularly important from the point of view of assisting bone development in adults and children, and in strengthening the bones by fixing calcium. It is also recommended for the elderly as it is easily digested and through its minerals, it assists with the use of vitamins in the body. It also prevents calcium loss by stimulating bone mineralisation.9 Bones are the organism’s mineral structure storehouses and an absence of mineral accumulation in the bones can lead to serious complications such as bone softening. Olive oil has a most beneficial effect on the skeleton in this regard.• Prevention of AgingSince the vitamins contained in olive oil have a cell renewing effect they are also employed in the treatment of the elderly, as well as nourishing and protecting the skin. As foodstuffs are transformed into energy in our bodies, certain substances known as oxidants are formed. With the high levels of anti-oxidants it contains, olive oil prevents damage by harmful substances, renews our cells and delays aging in the tissues and organs. Olive oil is also rich in vitamin E, which suppresses the free radicals that destroy the cells in our bodies and cause aging. • Contribution to Child DevelopmentDue to the linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) contained in olives and olive oil, these are a most healthy food for newborn babies and growing children. A deficiency in linoleic acid leads to the emergence of a retardation of development in babyhood and various skin disorders.Olive oil contains anti-oxidant elements that prevent the destructive effects of harmful substances in our bodies, and fatty acids of great importance to human health. These support the hormones and assist in cell membrane formation. Olive oil possesses a balanced polyunsaturated compound at a similar level to that in human milk. Olive oil is a sufficient source of these fatty acids, which cannot be obtained from the human body but which are of the most essential importance to it. These factors make olive oil very important for new-born babies. Since it contributes to the natural development of the baby’s brain and nervous system before and after birth, olive oil is the only oil recommended for mothers by experts. As well as containing similar levels of linoleic acid to those of mother’s milk, when olive oil is added to fatless cow’s milk, it becomes as natural a food source as mother’s milk itself. • Blood Pressure ReductionOne study published in the 27 March 2000 edition of Archives of Internal Medicine once more stressed the beneficial effect of olive oil on high blood pressure. Medicines to reduce high blood pressure are also made from olive leaves.• Benefits for the Internal OrgansWhether consumed hot or cold, olive oil protects the stomach against diseases such as gastritis and ulcers by reducing gastric acid levels.10 In addition to this, by activating the bile, it makes it perfect. It regulates the discharge of the gall bladder and reduces the risk of bile stone formation.11 Moreover, thanks to the chloride it contains, it also assists the functioning of the liver and thus helps the body eliminate waste products. In addition, it also has a beneficial effect on the brain arteries.12 A great many scientists today think that an olive oil-based diet constitutes the ideal nutritional model. It is stated that on account of these properties, olives and olive oil should be the fundamental constituents of every meal in one’s daily nutrition programme. The benefits of the olive plant, emphasised by Allah in many verses of the Qur’an, have been discovered in parallel to the advances made by medical science. It is He Who sends down water from the sky. From it you drink and from it come the shrubs among which you graze your herds. And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect. (Qur’an, 16:10-11)To purchase the works of Harun Yahya, please visit www.bookglobal.net1 Scientific Encyclopedia, 207.2 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2002, 56: 114-120.3 Archives of Internal Medicine 1998; 158: 1181-1187.4 Keys A, Menotti A, Karvonen MJ et al., “The diet and 15-year death rate in the Seven Countries Study,” Am J Epidemiol 124: 903-915 (1986); Willett WC, “Diet and coronary heart disease,” Monographs in Epidemiology and Biostatistics 15: 341-379 (1990); World Health Organization, “Diet, nutrition, and the prevention of chronic diseases,” Report of a WHO Study Group. WHO Technical Report Series 797, Geneva 1990.5www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids= 12442909&dopt=Abstract.6 Journal of the American Heart Association, September 1999.7 Archives of Internal Medicine 1998; 158: 41-45.8 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1999; 70: 1077-1082.9 Ibid.10 Muammer Kayahan, “Saglikli Yasam ve Zeytinyagi,” (Healthy Life and Olive Oil) Bilim Teknik Dergisi (Journal of Science and Technology), April 1995, 48.11 Ibid.12 Ibid. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-olive-a-health-giving-plant http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-colon-rectal-breast-and-prostate-cancers-and-recurrent-colon-polyps Calcium and Colon/Rectal, Breast, and Prostate Cancers and Recurrent Colon PolypsSource: www.foodconsumer.orgQualified Health Claims: Letter Regarding Calcium and Colon/Rectal, Breast, and Prostate Cancers and Recurrent Colon Polyps (Docket No. 2004Q-0097)Jonathan W. Emord, Esq. 1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 200 Reston, Virginia 20191RE: Health Claim Petition - Calcium and colon/rectal, breast, and prostate cancers and recurrent colon polyps (Docket No. 2004Q-0097)Dear Mr. Emord:This letter responds to the health claim petition dated October 9, 2003, submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the agency), on behalf of Marine Bio USA, Inc. pursuant to Section 403(r)(5)(D) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) (21 U.S.C. § 343(r)(5)(D)). The petition requested that the agency authorize several health claims characterizing the relationship between the consumption of calcium and a reduced risk of various cancers and/or health-related conditions.The petition proposed as model health claims for dietary supplements the following claims:1. Calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. 2. Calcium may reduce the risk of colon cancer. 3. Calcium may reduce the risk of rectal cancer. 4. Calcium may reduce the risk of breast cancer. 5. Calcium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 6. Calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal, colon, rectal, breast, and prostate cancers. 7. Calcium may reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers. 8. Calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal, colon, and rectal cancers. 9. Calcium may have anticarcinogenic effects in the colon, breast and prostate. 10. Calcium may reduce the risk of recurrent colon polyps.FDA informed you, on October 24, 2003, that FDA was not able to acknowledge receipt of the petition and begin its preliminary review of the petition because the petition was not complete. In response, you supplied the needed information in supplemental submissions received by FDA on November 25 and December 4, 2003. FDA acknowledged the petition in a letter dated December 9, 2003, which initiated FDA's preliminary review of the petition. In that letter, FDA also informed you that the date by which FDA would either file or deny the petition was March 4, 2004.Based on a preliminary review, FDA determined that the scientific evidence supporting the proposed health claims does not meet the "significant scientific agreement" standard in 21 CFR 101.14(c) which is applicable to dietary supplements. FDA notified you of this decision and you submitted a letter dated March 2, 2004, stating that your client, Marine Bio USA, Inc., chose to seek FDA review of the petition as a qualified health claim. Accordingly, FDA filed the petition on March 16, 2004, as a qualified health claim petition and posted the petition on the FDA website for a 60-day comment period, consistent with the agency's guidance for procedures on qualified health claims[1]. In a letter dated June 16, 2004, you notified FDA that Marine Bio Co. Ltd. is now the petitioner of record for this petition, originally submitted by its wholly owned subsidiary, Marine Bio USA, Inc. The initial deadline for FDA's response on the petition was October 27, 2004. After mutual agreement, the deadline for the agency's response was last extended to October 12, 2005.The agency received a total of two comments on this petition, one from industry (Wyeth Consumer Healthcare) and one from academia (Harvard Medical School). The comment from industry concerned the claims for calcium and colorectal cancer and recurrent colon polyps and supported a claim similar to one found in the petition (i.e., "Calcium may reduce the risk of colon polyps"). This comment also requested that FDA allow the following modified version of the claim: "Calcium may reduce the risk of recurrent colon polyps, a major risk factor for colon cancer." The comment from academia concerned the claims for calcium and prostate cancer and stated that the evidence presented to support a benefit of calcium on prostate cancer risk was mischaracterized and that, far from making the case for a protective effect of calcium on prostate cancer risk, the evidence strongly suggests that calcium increases the risk of prostate cancer. For example, of the 29 studies reviewed in the comment, 17 found that calcium or milk significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer, 4 found a trend that calcium or milk is associated with prostate cancer, and only one study found that calcium reduced the risk of prostate cancer. The comment concluded that it is premature to conclude that there is a causal association between calcium and prostate cancer, and, if anything, the data suggest the need for careful further study of the potential downside of increased calcium intake in men instead of encouraging greater calcium intake. FDA considered the relevant comments in its evaluation of the petition.This letter sets forth the results of FDA's scientific review of the evidence for the proposed claims related to consumption of calcium and reduced risk of certain cancers, including the basis of FDA's determination that the current scientific evidence for the proposed health claims is appropriate for consideration of qualified health claims for calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer and colon/rectal polyps. This letter also provides the factors that FDA intends to consider in the exercise of its enforcement discretion for qualified health claims for dietary supplements with respect to consumption of calcium and a reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer and colon/rectal polyps.Finally, the letter sets forth the basis for FDA's determination that there is no credible scientific evidence to support qualified health claims for calcium and reduced risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. I. Overview of Data and Eligibility for a Qualified Health ClaimA health claim characterizes the relationship between a substance and a disease or health-related condition (21 CFR 101.14(a)(1)). The substance must be associated with a disease or health-related condition for which the general U.S. population, or an identified U.S. population subgroup is at risk (21 CFR 101.14(b)(1)). Health claims characterize the relationship between the substance and a reduction in risk of contracting a particular disease.[2] In a review of a qualified health claim, the agency first identifies the substance and disease or health-related condition that is the subject of the proposed claim and the population to which the claim is targeted.[3] FDA considers the data and information provided in the petition, in addition to other written data and information available to the agency, to determine whether the data and information could support a relationship between the substance and the disease or health-related condition.[4]The agency then separates individual reports of human studies from other types of data and information. FDA focuses its review on reports of human intervention and observational studies.[5]In addition to individual reports of human studies, the agency also considers other types of data and information in its review, such as meta-analyses,[6] review articles,[7] and animal and in vitro studies. These other types of data and information may be useful to assist the agency in understanding the scientific issues about the substance, the disease or health-related condition, or both, but can not by themselves support a health claim relationship. Reports that discuss a number of different studies, such as meta-analyses and review articles, do not provide sufficient information on the individual studies reviewed for FDA to determine critical elements such as the study population characteristics and the composition of the products used. Similarly, the lack of detailed information on studies summarized in review articles and meta-analyses prevents FDA from determining whether the studies are flawed in critical elements such as design, conduct of studies, and data analysis. FDA must be able to review the critical elements of a study to determine whether any scientific conclusions can be drawn from it. Therefore, FDA uses meta-analyses, review articles, and similar publications[8] to identify reports of additional studies that may be useful to the health claim review and as background about the substance-disease relationship. If additional studies are identified, the agency evaluates them individually.FDA uses animal and in vitro studies as background information regarding mechanisms of action that might be involved in any relationship between the substance and the disease. The physiology of animals is different than that of humans. In vitro studies are conducted in an artificial environment and cannot account for a multitude of normal physiological processes such as digestion, absorption, distribution, and metabolism that affect how humans respond to the consumption of foods and dietary substances (Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Science, 2005). Animal and in vitro studies can be used to generate hypotheses or to explore a mechanism of action but cannot adequately support a relationship between the substance and the disease.FDA evaluates the individual reports of human studies to determine whether any scientific conclusions can be drawn from each study. The absence of critical factors such as a control group or a statistical analysis means that scientific conclusions cannot be drawn from the study (Spilker et al., 1991, Federal Judicial Center, 2000). Studies from which FDA cannot draw any scientific conclusions do not support the health claim relationship, and these are eliminated from further review.Because health claims involve reducing the risk of a disease in people who do not already have the disease that is the subject of the claim, FDA considers evidence from studies in individuals diagnosed with the disease that is the subject of the health claim only if it is scientifically appropriate to extrapolate to individuals who do not have the disease. That is, the available scientific evidence must demonstrate that: (1) the mechanism(s) for the mitigation or treatment effects measured in the diseased populations are the same as the mechanism(s) for risk reduction effects in non-diseased populations; and (2) the substance affects these mechanisms in the same way in both diseased people and healthy people. If such evidence is not available, the agency cannot draw any scientific conclusions from studies that use diseased subjects to evaluate the substance-disease relationship.Next, FDA rates the remaining human intervention and observational studies for methodological quality. This quality rating is based on several criteria related to study design (e.g., use of a placebo control versus a non-placebo controlled group), data collection (e.g., type of dietary assessment method), the quality of the statistical analysis, the type of outcome measured (e.g., disease incidence versus validated surrogate endpoint), and study population characteristics other than relevance to the U.S. population (e.g., selection bias and whether important information about the study subjects --e.g., age, smoker vs. non-smoker was gathered and reported). For example, if the scientific study adequately addressed all or most of the above criteria, it would receive a high methodological quality rating. Moderate or low quality ratings would be given based on the extent of the deficiencies or uncertainties in the quality criteria. Studies that are so deficient that scientific conclusions cannot be drawn from them cannot be used to support the health claim relationship, and these are eliminated from further review.Finally, FDA evaluates the results of the remaining studies. The agency then rates the strength of the total body of publicly available evidence.[9] The agency conducts this rating evaluation by considering the study type (e.g., intervention, prospective cohort, case-control, cross-sectional), the methodological quality rating previously assigned, the quantity of evidence (number of the various types of studies and sample sizes), whether the body of scientific evidence supports a health claim relationship for the U.S. population or target subgroup, whether study results supporting the proposed claim have been replicated[10], and the overall consistency[11] of the total body of evidence.[12] Based on the totality of the scientific evidence, FDA determines whether such evidence is credible to support the substance/disease relationship, and, if so, determines the ranking that reflects the level of comfort among qualified scientists that such a relationship is scientifically valid. A. SubstanceA health claim characterizes the relationship between a substance and a disease or health-related condition (21 CFR 101.14(a)(1)). A substance means a specific food or component of food, regardless of whether the food is in conventional food form or a dietary supplement (21 CFR 101.14(a)(2)). The petition identified calcium as the substance for the proposed claims. Calcium, one of the essential nutrients for humans, is a component of milk and milk products (approximately 300 mg per serving) and other food sources (e.g., Chinese cabbage, kale, and broccoli) (Institutes of Medicine, 1997). Thus, the agency concludes that the substance, calcium, is a component of food and meets the definition of substance in the health claim regulation (21 CFR 101.14(a)(2)). B. Disease or Health-Related ConditionA disease or health-related condition means damage to an organ, part, structure, or system of the body such that it does not function properly or a state of health leading to such dysfunctioning (21 CFR 101.14(a)(5)). The petition has identified colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon/rectal polyps as the diseases or health-related conditions for the proposed claims.Cancer is a constellation of more than 100 different diseases, each of which is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells (American Cancer Society, 2004). Cancers at different organ sites have different risk factors, treatment modalities, and mortality risk (American Cancer Society, 2004). Both genetic and environmental risk factors may affect the risk of different types of cancers. Risk factors may include a family history of a specific type of cancer, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight and obesity, exposure to ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, and dietary factors. The etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment for each type of cancer are unique.[13] The agency concludes that colorectal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer are diseases and that colon/rectal polyps are health-related condition and thus, the petitioner has satisfied the requirement in 21 CFR 101.14(a)(5). C. Safety ReviewUnder 21 CFR 101.14(b)(3)(ii), if the substance is to be consumed at other than decreased dietary levels, the substance must be a food or a food ingredient or a component of a food ingredient whose use at levels necessary to justify a claim has been demonstrated by the proponent of the claim, to FDA's satisfaction, to be safe and lawful under the applicable food safety provisions of the Act.FDA evaluates whether the substance is "safe and lawful" under the applicable food safety provisions of the Act. For dietary supplements, the applicable safety provisions require, among other things, that the dietary ingredient not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury under conditions of use recommended or suggested in labeling or, if no conditions of use are suggested or recommended in the labeling, under ordinary conditions of use (section 402(f)(1)(A) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 342(f)(1)(A))). Further, a dietary supplement must not contain a poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the supplement injurious to health under the conditions of use recommended or suggested in the labeling (section 402(f)(1)(D) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 342(f)(1)(D))).The petition stated that calcium is an essential mineral that has a multitude of vital biological roles and also asserted that there is an absolute lack of any reports of clinically significant adverse reactions attributed to dietary calcium. Further, the petition stated that the final rule authorizing the health claim about calcium and osteoporosis concluded that calcium complies with the requirements of 21 CFR 101.14(b)(3)(ii). The petition stated that FDA has determined that ten calcium compounds have been demonstrated to be safe and lawful for use in dietary supplement. 58 FR at 2670 citing 56 FR at 60691. The petition also stated that calcium has prior sanctioned status as safe and lawful under the Act. Further, the petition noted that the North American Menopause Society, in its 2001 Consensus Opinion, stated that the side effect profile from recommended levels of calcium intake is insignificant and that no serious side effects are associated with those levels, and that the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) reported that calcium supplements are generally well tolerated.In the final rule for the authorized health claim about calcium and osteoporosis (21 CFR 101.72) (58 FR 2665 at 2670; January 6, 1993), FDA identified ten specific calcium compounds[14] that are deemed to be safe and lawful for use in dietary supplements or as nutrient supplement (i.e., added to food) that may bear the calcium/osteoporosis health claim. These calcium compounds were either approved as food additives (21 CFR 172), generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances (21 CFR 182), or affirmed as GRAS substances (21 CFR 184). All ten were approved, recognized, or affirmed as safe for use in a dietary supplement or as a nutrient supplement. Although the petition asserted that calcium has prior-sanctioned status as safe and lawful under the Act, there are no food ingredients that have prior-sanctioned status for nutrition supplement purposes (21 CFR 181).At the time FDA published the final rule authorizing the health claim about calcium and osteoporosis (January 6, 1993), ingredients used in dietary supplements were subject to the premarket safety evaluations required for new food ingredients and for new uses of food ingredients. That is, such ingredients were required to be approved as food additives, determined as GRAS substances, or affirmed as GRAS substances before they could be used in food, including dietary supplements. With passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act in 1994 (DSHEA) (Pub. L. 103-417), Congress amended the Act to provide that ingredients for dietary supplements are exempt from premarket safety evaluations for food additives or GRAS substances. Instead, Congress provided that dietary ingredients are subject to the adulteration provisions in section 402 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 342) (excluding the food additive adulteration provision), and, if applicable, the new dietary ingredient provisions in section 413 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 350b), which pertain to dietary ingredients that were not marketed in the United States before October 15, 1994.Although calcium is known to be an essential nutrient, it can also cause adverse effects. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences (Institute of Medicine, 1997) noted that the adverse effects of excess calcium intake in humans concerns calcium intake from "nutrient supplements" and that the most widely studied and biologically important possible adverse effects of excessive calcium intake are kidney stone formation, the syndrome of hypercalcemia and renal insufficiency (milk alkali syndrome), and the interaction of calcium with the absorption of other essential minerals. Using milk alkali syndrome as the clinically defined critical endpoint, the IOM identified the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of calcium intake in the range of 4,000 to 5,000 mg/day. The IOM established 2,500 mg of calcium as the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for individuals over 12 months old by dividing a LOAEL of 5,000 mg by an uncertainty factor of 2 to take into account the relatively high prevalence of renal stones in the U.S. population (12 percent) and potential increased risk of hypercalciuria and depletion of other minerals among susceptible individuals. The IOM defined the UL as the highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risks of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population (Institute of Medicine, 1997).Calcium is often contained in multiple vitamin and mineral dietary supplement products. Most of these products contain about 100 to 200 mg of calcium per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) and recommend consumption of the dietary supplement once per day. Alternatively, calcium is also often contained in calcium only or calcium and vitamin D dietary supplement products to the exclusion of other dietary ingredients. These types of dietary supplements contain larger amounts of calcium than the multiple vitamin and mineral supplements, about 500 to 800 mg of calcium per RACC. The RACC for dietary supplements is the maximum amount recommended, as appropriate, on the label for consumption per eating occasion, or in the absence of recommendations, one unit, e.g., one tablet, capsule, packet, teaspoonful, etc. (see Table 2 of 21 CFR 101.12(b)). The maximum daily intake level of calcium from calcium only or calcium and vitamin D dietary supplements suggested in these products generally varies between 1,000 and 1,600 mg/day. The most recent nationally representative data, 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found the median calcium intake from foods, excluding dietary supplements, to be 735 mg/day for all individuals, excluding nursing infants and children (Ervin, 2004). Therefore, FDA believes that the combined amount of calcium from diet and dietary supplements would likely be kept within 2,500 mg/day.FDA concludes at this time, under the preliminary requirements of 21 CFR 101.14(b)(3)(ii), that the use of calcium in dietary supplements at levels necessary to justify the qualified health claims described in section IV is safe and lawful under the applicable provisions of the Act. II. The Agency's Consideration of a Qualified Health ClaimFDA has identified the following markers to use in identifying risk reduction for purposes of a health claim evaluation involving cancer: incident cases of the particular cancer being studied (i.e., colon/rectal, breast, or prostate), and recurrent colon/rectal polyps for colon/rectal cancer. Colon/rectal polyp recurrence has been used as a surrogate marker for colon/rectal cancer and has been used by the National Cancer Institute as a surrogate marker for colon cancer prevention (Schatzkin et al., 1994). To evaluate the potential effects of calcium consumption on cancer risk, FDA considered these markers as indicators or predictors of disease.The petition cited 542 publications as evidence to substantiate the relationship for this claim. These publications consisted of: 36 articles on the bioavailability, transport, or absorption of calcium; 113 review articles; 6 reports from Federal Register, Institute of Medicine, or the National Cancer Society; 2 chapters from text books; 1 abstract; 50 in vitro articles; 111 animal articles; 1 article that was not sufficiently translated; 75 research articles that did not address a relationship between calcium and cancer; 50 intervention studies on colon/rectal cancer and calcium; 76 epidemiological studies on colon/rectal cancer and calcium intake; 13 epidemiological studies for prostate cancer and calcium intake; and 8 epidemiological studies on breast cancer and calcium intake.In addition to the studies included in the petition, FDA found two additional articles from a literature search that evaluated calcium and colorectal cancer (Flood et al., 2005) and prostate cancer (Baron et al., 2005).Below, FDA evaluated all of the available scientific information identified in relation to the proposed claims. A. Assessment of Review Articles, Meta-Analyses, Book Chapters and AbstractsAlthough useful for background information, the review articles, meta-analysis, book chapters, and abstracts do not contain sufficient information on the individual studies which they reviewed and, therefore, FDA could not draw any scientific conclusions from this information. FDA could not determine factors such as the study population characteristics or the composition of the products used (e.g., food, dietary supplement). Similarly, the lack of detailed information on studies summarized in review articles, book chapters, and meta-analyses prevents FDA from determining whether the studies are flawed in critical elements such as design, conduct of studies, and data analysis. FDA must be able to review the critical elements of a study to determine whether any scientific conclusions can be drawn from it. As a result, the review articles, book chapters, and abstract supplied by the petitioner do not provide information from which scientific conclusions can be drawn regarding the substance-disease relationships claimed by the petitioner. B. Assessment of Animal and In Vitro StudiesFDA uses animal and in vitro studies as background information regarding mechanisms of action that might be involved in any relationship between the substance and the disease, and they can also be used to generate hypotheses or to explore a mechanism of action, but they cannot adequately support a relationship between the substance and the disease in humans. FDA did not consider the animal or in vitro studies submitted with the petition as providing any supportive information about the substance/disease relationship because such studies cannot mimic the normal human physiology that may be involved in the risk reduction of any type of cancer, nor can the studies mimic the human body's response to the consumption of calcium. Therefore, FDA cannot draw any scientific conclusions from the animal or in vitro studies regarding calcium and the reduction of risk of any type of cancer. C. Assessment of Intervention Studies Colon/Rectal Cancer or PolypsThe majority of published research did not differentiate between colon and rectal cancers, therefore the agency evaluated colon and rectal cancer together in this review. FDA identified a total of 50 intervention studies for its evaluation of a relationship between calcium intake and colon/rectal cancer. Of these 50 intervention studies, 48 did not provide information from which scientific conclusions could be drawn regarding the substance/disease relationship for one or more of the following reasons discussed below (see Appendix 1).In two studies, the subjects had already been diagnosed with colon/rectal cancer. Because the subjects were already diagnosed with colon/rectal cancer, it was not possible to determine whether calcium consumption reduced the risk of developing the cancer. Health claims characterize the relationship between a substance and a reduction in risk of contracting a particular disease.[15] Accordingly, these claims are necessarily about reducing the risk of a disease in people who do not already have the disease that is the subject of the claim. As a result, FDA considers evidence from studies in individuals already diagnosed with colon/rectal cancer only if it is scientifically appropriate to extrapolate to individuals who do not have the disease. That is, the available scientific evidence must demonstrate that: (1) the mechanism(s) for the mitigation or treatment effects measured in the diseased populations are the same as the mechanism(s) for risk reduction effects in non-diseased populations; and (2) the substance affects these mechanisms in the same way in both diseased people and healthy people. Given that such evidence is not available, the agency cannot draw any scientific conclusions from these two studies about consumption of calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer.Thirty eight studies did not measure a validated surrogate endpoint of cancer (i.e. colon/rectal cancer incidence or colon/rectal polyp recurrence). Instead, the studies measured factors such as the fatty acid, bile acid or water content of feces, ornithine decarboxylase activity, or colon/rectal cell proliferation, which are not validated surrogate endpoints of colon/rectal cancer. Because these studies did not measure a validated surrogate endpoint, scientific conclusions about the relationship between calcium intake and a reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer could not be drawn from these studies.Seven intervention studies provided supplemental calcium in combination with other vitamins that may affect colon/rectal polyp recurrence (selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and β-carotene) or the studies used dairy products as the intervention substance, and were not controlled. Unless the test diet is controlled, intervention studies that evaluate nutrient intake from foods or multi-nutrient supplements must estimate the levels of the nutrient consumed based on the amount and type of food consumed or multi-nutrients taken during the study. However, the nutrient content of foods can vary (e.g., due to demographics (soil composition), food processing/cooking procedures, or storage (duration, temperature)). The nutrient content of the multi-nutrient supplements may also vary. Thus, if the test diet is not controlled for the type and amount of foods consumed or the type and amount of multi-nutrients taken, the amount of the nutrient consumed based on reports of dietary consumption or multi-nutrient supplements taken may not be accurately ascertained. These studies were not controlled for these factors. Therefore, no scientific conclusions can be drawn from them about the relationship between calcium supplements and colon/rectal polyp recurrence or colon/rectal cancer.In addition, foods and multi-nutrient dietary supplements contain not only calcium, but also other nutrients that may be associated with the metabolism of calcium or the pathogenesis of cancer, colon/rectal polyp recurrence or colon/rectal cancer. Because foods consist of many nutrients and substances, it is difficult to study the nutrient or food components in isolation (Sempos et al., 1999). (See Willett, 1990; Willett, 1998; Sempos et. al, 1999 regarding the complexity of identifying the relationship between a specific nutrient within a food and a disease). Similar consideration would apply to multi-nutrient supplements. For intervention studies on foods or multi-nutrient supplements, it is not possible to accurately determine whether any observed effects of calcium on colon/rectal cancer or polyp risk are due to: 1) calcium alone; 2) interactions between calcium and other nutrients; 3) other nutrients acting alone or together; or, 4) for foods, decreased consumption of other nutrients or substances contained in foods displaced from the diet by the increased intake of calcium-rich foods unless the studies are controlled so that it can be determined that the effects are from calcium alone, and it is known that there are no confounders. These studies were not controlled. Therefore, scientific conclusions cannot be drawn from these studies about the relationship between calcium supplements and colon/rectal cancer or polyp risk.Three studies were a republication or reanalysis of a study already being used in evaluating the proposed claim, thus the studies provided no new scientific data to evaluate the proposed health claim.The Duris et al. (1996) study did not conduct statistical analysis between the control and intervention group for colon/rectal polyp recurrence. Statistical analysis of the relationship is a critical factor because it provides the comparison between subjects consuming calcium supplements and those not consuming calcium supplements to determine whether there is a reduction in cancer risk. When statistics are not performed on the specific substance/disease relationship, it cannot be determined whether there is a difference between the two groups. As a result, because this study provided no information about whether calcium reduces the risk of colon/rectal cancer or colon/rectal polyp recurrence, no scientific conclusions could be drawn from it.Lastly, two high quality intervention studies evaluated the relationship between calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer (Baron et al., 1999; Bonithon-Kopp et al., 2000). Baron et al. (1999) was a randomized double-blind intervention trial on 930 subjects with a recent history (previous three months) of colon/rectal polyps. The mean age of the subjects was 61 ± 9 years and 70% of the subjects were men. Of the 930 subjects that underwent randomization, 832 completed the study follow-up of two colonoscopies, at one and four years after enrollment. After a three month placebo run-in period, the subjects were randomized to receive 3 g/day of calcium carbonate (1.2 g/day of elemental calcium) or placebo until the completion of the study. The relative risk for developing a polyp between the first and second endoscopy was 0.81 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.99.[16] This study reported that calcium supplementation significantly reduced the risk of polyp recurrence in the colon and rectum.Boniton-Kopp et al. (1999) was a randomized double-blind intervention trial on 665 subjects with a recent history of colon/rectal polyps. There were three groups in the study, 218 subjects received calcium gluconolactate and carbonate daily (2 g/day elemental calcium), 226 received 3.5 g of fiber per day, and 221 received a placebo. Approximately 60% of the subjects were males and the average age for the intervention groups was approximately 59 years. Both the calcium and placebo groups had a similar number of subjects complete the study, 176 for calcium and 178 for placebo. The adjusted relative risk for calcium supplementation and polyp recurrence in this study was 0.66 with a 95% CI of 0.38-1.17. Calcium supplementation did not significantly affect colon/rectal polyp recurrence in this study. Breast CancerNo intervention studies were submitted by the petitioner relating calcium and breast cancer risk reduction. The agency could not identify any additional relevant studies from a literature search. Prostate CancerOne intervention study was found by the agency relating to calcium and prostate cancer risk (Baron et al., 2005). The report was designed to specifically evaluate the effect of calcium on colon/rectal polyp recurrence. Prostate cancer incidence was a secondary endpoint of the study. Significantly, the study did not screen for prevalent cases of prostate cancer at the beginning of the study. Consequently, the results may be biased due to an uneven distribution of prevalent cases in the treatment versus the placebo group. Because uneven distribution of important patient or disease characteristics between groups may lead to mistaken interpretation (Spilker et al., 1991), scientific conclusions could not be drawn from this study about the relationship between calcium and reduced risk of prostate cancer. D. Assessment of Observational StudiesSeveral observational studies specifically evaluated supplemental calcium intake and colon/rectal cancer or polyp risk reduction. However, many observational studies calculated calcium intake from the diet or water.The proposed claim is for a relationship between calcium dietary supplements and a reduced risk of colon/rectal, breast and prostate cancer, and recurrent colon/rectal polyps. In observational studies that calculate nutrient intake from conventional food, measures of calcium intake are based on recorded dietary intake methods such as food frequency questionnaires, diet recalls, or diet records, in which the type and amount of foods consumed are estimated. A common weakness of observational studies is the limited ability to ascertain the actual food or nutrient intake for the population studied. Furthermore, the nutrient content of foods can vary (e.g., due to demographics (soil composition), food processing/cooking procedures, or storage (duration, temperature)). Thus, it is difficult to ascertain an accurate amount of the nutrient consumed based on reports of dietary intake of foods.In addition, conventional foods contain not only calcium, but also other nutrients that may be associated with the metabolism of calcium or the pathogenesis of colon/rectal, breast, or prostate cancer, and recurrent colon/rectal polyps. Because foods consist of many nutrients and substances, it is difficult to study the nutrient or food components in isolation (Sempos et al., 1999). For instance, vitamin D regulates calcium absorption and metabolism and sodium and protein increases the urinary excretion of calcium (Institute of Medicine, 1997). See Sempos et. al. (1999), Willett (1990), and Willett (1998) regarding the complexity of identifying the relationship between a specific nutrient within a food and a disease). For studies based on recorded dietary intake of such foods, it is not possible to accurately determine whether any observed effects of calcium on kidney stone risk were due to: 1) calcium alone; 2) interactions between calcium and other nutrients; 3) other nutrients acting alone or together; or, 4) decreased consumption of other nutrients or substances contained in foods displaced from the diet by the increased intake of calcium-rich foods.In fact, evidence demonstrates that in a number of instances, epidemiological studies based on the recorded dietary intake of conventional foods may indicate a benefit for a particular nutrient with respect to a disease but it is subsequently demonstrated in an intervention study that the nutrient-containing dietary supplement does not confer a benefit or actually increases risk of the disease (Lichtenstein and Russell, 2005). For example, previous epidemiological studies reported an association between fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene and a reduced risk of lung cancer (Peto et al., 1981). However, subsequent intervention studies, the Alpha-Tocopherol and Beta Carotene Prevention Study (ATBC) and the Carotene and Retinol Efficiency Trial (CARET), demonstrated that beta-carotene supplements increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and asbestos-exposed workers, respectively (The Alpha-Tocopherol and Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group, 1994; Omenn et al., 1996). These studies illustrate that the effect of a nutrient provided as a dietary supplement exhibits different health effects compared to when it is consumed among many other food components. Furthermore, these studies demonstrate the potential public health risk of relying on results from epidemiological studies, in which the effect of a nutrient is based on recorded dietary intake of conventional foods as the sole source for concluding that a relationship exists between a specific nutrient and disease risk; the effect could actually be harmful.In Pearson v. Shalala, the D.C. Circuit noted that FDA had "logically determined" that the consumption of a dietary supplement containing antioxidants could not be scientifically proven to reduce the risk of cancer where the existing research had examined only foods containing antioxidants as the effect of those foods on reducing the risk of cancer may have resulted from other substances in those foods. 164 F.3d 650, 658 (D.C. Cir 1999). The D.C. Circuit, however, concluded that FDA's concern with granting antioxidant vitamins a qualified health claim could be accommodated by simply adding a prominent disclaimer noting that the evidence for such a claim was inconclusive given that the studies supporting the claim were based on foods containing other substances that might actually be responsible for reducing the risk of cancer. Id. The court noted that FDA did not assert that the dietary supplements at issue would "threaten consumer's health and safety." Id. at 656. There is, however, a more fundamental problem with allowing qualified health claims for nutrients in dietary supplements based solely on studies of foods containing those nutrients than the problem the D.C. Circuit held could be cured with a disclaimer. As noted above, even if the effect of the specific component of the food constituting the dietary supplement could be determined with certainty, recent scientific studies have shown that nutrients in food do not necessarily have the same beneficial effect when taken in the form of a dietary supplement. See Lichtenstein and Russell (2005). Indeed, not only have studies on single nutrient supplements established that the benefits associated with the dietary intake of certain nutrients do not materialize when the nutrients are taken as a supplement, but some of these studies have actually indicated an increased risk for the very disease the nutrients were predicted to prevent. Id. Thus, an observational study based on food provides no information from which scientific conclusions may be drawn for the single nutrient supplement.Therefore, observational studies in foods do not provide any credible evidence for a claim for risk reduction for a single nutrient supplement because, in fact, the nutrient in supplement form may decrease, have no effect, or actually increase risk of the disease or health related condition. For the reasons set forth in Section V we have concluded that neither a disclaimer nor qualifying language would suffice to prevent consumer deception in these instances because observational studies in food do not provide credible evidence of risk reduction for a single nutrient supplement. Colon and Rectal CancerOf the 77 observational studies on colon/rectal cancer/polyps, 66 studies estimated calcium intake from either estimated dietary or water intake (see Appendix 1). Scientific conclusions could not be drawn from these studies regarding supplemental calcium and colon/rectal cancer risk because, for the reasons discussed above, food observational studies provide no information from which scientific conclusions can be drawn about a single nutrient supplement and a reduced risk of a disease.Six prospective cohort studies[17] evaluated the relationship between supplemental calcium and risk of colon/rectal cancer (Flood et al., 2005; Sellers et al., 1991; McCullough et al., 2003; Wu et al., 2002; Martinez et al., 2002; Hyman et al., 1998). All six studies were considered to be of high methodological quality.The Flood et al. (2005) study followed a cohort of 45,354 women from the U.S. for approximately 8.5 years, identifying 482 cases of colon/rectal cancer during the follow-up. Calcium supplement consumption (>800mg/day) was associated with a decreased risk of colon/rectal cancer (relative risk of 0.76 and 95% CI of 0.56-0.98) (Flood et al., 2005). The Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition cohort consisted of approximately 126,000 males and females from the U.S. who completed a detailed questionnaire regarding different lifestyle and dietary habits in 1992-1993 (McCullough et al., 2003). After four to five years of follow-up, 683 cases of colorectal cancer were identified in the cohort. Calcium supplement use was associated with a reduced risk of developing colon/rectal cancer with a relative risk of 0.69 and 95% CI of 0.49-0.96. However, when the cohort was stratified by gender, calcium supplementation had no significant effect on colon/rectal cancer incidence.The Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up study (87,988 females and 47,344 males, respectively) evaluated calcium intake and colon/rectal cancer risk over 10-16 years of follow-up, identifying 1,025 colon/rectal cancer cases (Wu et al., 2002). Current calcium supplement use was associated with a decreased risk of distal colon cancer incidence in a combined cohort analysis (relative risk of 0.69 and 95% CI of 0.51-0.94 compared to non-supplement users). When the cohorts were stratified by gender, calcium supplementation had no significant effect on distal colon cancer incidence. Calcium supplementation was not specifically evaluated in proximal colon cancer; however, total calcium intake (supplemental and dietary calcium combined) did not demonstrate any reduction in risk.A cohort of 35,216 women from Iowa assessed calcium intake and colon cancer risk (Sellers et al., 1998). The women completed a questionnaire regarding dietary and supplemental sources of calcium in 1986 and were followed for 9 years with 241 colon cancer cases identified. Supplemental calcium use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of colon cancer incidence (relative risk of 0.6 and a 95% CI of 0.4-0.9) in women without a family history of colon cancer. There was no beneficial relationship between calcium supplementation and colon/rectal cancer in women with a family history of colon cancer.Two prospective studies evaluated the association between calcium supplementation and polyp recurrence (Martinez et al., 2002; Hyman et al., 1998). Martinez et al. (2002) was a secondary analysis of an intervention study initially designed to evaluate fiber intake and polyp recurrence. The primary intervention had no effect on polyp recurrence. The study followed 1,304 males and females for three years. Calcium supplement use had no association with polyp recurrence (relative risk of 0.94 and 95% CI of 0.67-1.33). Hyman et al. (1998) performed a secondary analysis of an intervention trial designed to evaluate different anti-oxidant compounds (b-carotene, Vitamins C and E) and polyp recurrence. The intervention had no effect on polyp recurrence. The study followed 864 subjects for four years. Calcium supplement use had no association with polyp recurrence (relative risk of 0.76 and 95% CI of 0.42-1.38).Five case-control studies[18] of moderate methodological quality evaluated the relationship between calcium supplement use and colon/rectal cancer risk (Marcus et al., 1998; White et al., 1997; Neugut et al., 1996; Whelan et al., 1999; Peleg et al., 1996). Marcus et al. (1998) conducted a case-control study in 678 controls and 512 female colon/rectal cancer cases from the United States. Supplemental calcium intake had no significant association with colon or rectal cancer risk (odds ratio of 1.0[19] and a 95% CI of 0.7-1.6 and odds ratio 0.8 with 95% CI of 0.5-1.6, respectively). White et al. (1997) found no significant association between calcium supplement use and colon cancer risk in 444 cases and 427 controls from the United States. Neugut et al. (1996) performed two different case-control studies in one publication; the first study compared 297 subjects newly diagnosed with polyps to 505 controls. There was no association between calcium supplement use and polyp occurrence (odds ratio of 0.9 and 95% CI of 0.2-4.0). The second case-control study contained 297 subjects with recurrent polyps and 347 controls (without recurrent polyps; but have a history of polyps). Calcium supplement use had no association with polyp recurrence (odds ratio of 2.9 and 95% CI of 0.6-9.5). Whelan et al. (1999) conducted a case-control study in 183 subjects diagnosed with recurrent colon/rectal polyp and 265 subjects without a recurrent colon/rectal polyps. Supplemental calcium intake was associated with a decreased risk of polyp recurrence (odds ratio of 0.51 and 95% CI of 0.27-0.96). Peleg et al. (1996) found no relationship between prescribed calcium supplement use and colon/rectal cancer risk in 93 colorectal carcinoma cases, 113 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases and 186 or 226 controls from the United States (odds ratio of 1.93 and 0.68 and 95% CI of 0.81-4.62 and 0.24-1.89). Breast CancerFDA identified eight observational studies on dietary calcium and risk of breast cancer, consisting of two prospective cohort studies (Shin et al., 2002; Kneckt et al., 1996) and six case-control studies (Negri et al., 1996; Zaridze et al., 1991; Boyapati et al., 2003; Katsouyanni et al., 1988; Van ‘T Veer et al, 1991; Graham et al, 1991). Seven studies measured calcium intake from estimated intake of foods (Kneckt et al.,1996; Zaridze et al., 1991; Boyapati et al., 2003; Katsouyanni et al., 1988; Van T' Veer et al., 1991; Negri et al., 1996; Graham et al., 1991; Kneckt et al., 1996). Scientific conclusions could not be drawn from these 7 studies about the relationship between supplemental calcium and breast cancer risk because, for the reasons discussed at the beginning of this section, food observational studies provide no information from which scientific conclusions can be drawn about a single nutrient and a reduced risk of a disease.One study evaluated the relationship between calcium and breast cancer (Shin et al., 2002). This was a cohort study of high methodological quality that evaluated calcium supplement intake and breast cancer risk in 88,691 pre- and post-menopausal female nurses, with 3,482 cases identified during follow-up. Calcium supplement use was not significantly associated with breast cancer incidence in either group of nurses. Pre-menopausal women consuming greater than 900 mg/day of supplemental calcium had a relative risk of 1.10 and 95% confidence interval of 0.81-1.50 for developing breast cancer compared to women not consuming supplements. Postmenopausal women consuming greater than 900 mg/day of supplemental calcium had a relative risk of 0.93 and 95% CI of 0.81-1.08 for developing breast cancer compared to women not consuming calcium supplements. When supplemental calcium intake was stratified by dietary calcium intake, no significant association between supplemental calcium intake and breast cancer was found. Prostate CancerFDA identified 13 observational studies on the relationship between calcium intake and prostate cancer. Ten studies estimated dietary calcium intake from food or water consumption (Chan et al., 2001; Chan et al., 2000; Schuurman et al., 1999; Berndt et al., 2002; Ohno et al., 1988; Hayes et al., 1999; Vlajinac et al., 1997; Chan et al., 1998; Tavini et al., 1999; Tzonou et al., 1999). Therefore, scientific conclusions could not be drawn from these ten studies about the relationship between supplemental calcium and prostate cancer risk because, for the reasons discussed at the beginning of this section, food observational studies provide no information from which scientific conclusions can be drawn about a single nutrient supplement and a reduced risk of a disease.One prospective cohort study evaluated the relationship between calcium and prostate cancer and was of high methodological quality (Giovannucci et al., 1998). This study evaluated the effect of supplemental calcium use in a stratified analysis with dietary calcium intake. The cohort contained 47,781 males that were followed for eight years and 1,792 cases were identified. This study reported that the group consuming the least amount of dietary calcium (900 mg/day) was associated with a significant increase in the risk of metastatic prostate cancer (relative risk of 3.6 and 95% CI of 1.5-8.8). No stratified analysis of supplemental and dietary calcium use for total prostate cancer (metastatic and non metastatic prostate cancer) was evaluated. However, total calcium intake (supplemental and dietary combined) at the highest intake level (greater than 2 g/day) was significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.In addition, two case-control studies of high methodological quality evaluated the relationship between supplemental calcium and prostate cancer risk (Kristal et al., 1999; Kristal et al., 2002). Kristal et al. (1999) was a case-control study that included 697 incident prostate cancer cases and 666 controls from the Seattle, Washington area. Calcium supplement use had no significant association with prostate cancer risk, even at the highest quartile of intake (odds ratio of 1.25 and 95% of 0.73-2.17). Kristal et al. (2002) was a case control study with 605 cases of cancer and 592 controls that evaluated calcium intake from supplements in a stratified analysis with dietary calcium intake. Calcium intake from supplements did not significantly affect prostate cancer risk. Recurrent Colon/Rectal PolypsColon and rectal polyps were used in the above analysis of colon/rectal cancer since they are considered a surrogate endpoint for colon/rectal cancer. Because colon/rectal polyps are a health-related condition, independent from being a surrogate endpoint for colon/rectal cancer, they have been evaluated separately from colon/rectal cancer. Studies that measured the incidence of colon/rectal cancer are not relevant to the recurrence of colon/rectal polyps because colon/rectal polyps occur before the progression to colon/rectal cancer.FDA identified 13 observational studies on calcium intake and colon/rectal polyps recurrence, consisting of two prospective cohort studies and 11 case-control studies. Nine case-control studies evaluated dietary calcium and colon/rectal polyp relationship (Benito et al., 1991; Boutron et al., 1996; Katschinski et al., 2001; Levine et al., 2001; Macquart-Moulin et al., 1987; Martinez et al., 1996; Martinez et al., 1997; Morimoto et al., 2002; Tseng et al., 1996). For the reasons discussed at the beginning of this section, scientific conclusions could not be drawn from these nine studies about the relationship between supplemental calcium and colon/rectal polyps.Two prospective cohorts evaluated the relationship between supplemental calcium and breast cancer (Martinez et al., 2002; Hyman et al., 1998). Both cohort studies were of high methodological quality. Martinez et al. (2002) was a secondary analysis of intervention studies initially designed to evaluate fiber intake and polyp recurrence. The primary intervention with fiber had no effect on polyp recurrence. The study followed 1,304 males and females for three years. Calcium supplement use had no association with polyp recurrence (relative risk of 0.94 and 95% CI of 0.67-1.33). Hyman et al. (1998) performed a secondary analysis of an intervention trial designed to evaluate different anti-oxidant compounds (β-carotene, Vitamins C and E) and polyp recurrence. The intervention had no effect on polyp recurrence. The study followed 864 subjects for four years. Calcium supplement use had no association with polyp recurrence (relative risk of 0.76 and 95% CI of 0.42-1.38).Two case-control studies of moderate methodological quality evaluated the relationship between calcium supplement use and colon/rectal polyp risk (Neugut et al., 1996; Whelan et al., 1999). Neugut et al. (1996) performed two different case-control studies in one publication; the first study compared 297 subjects newly diagnosed with polyps to 505 controls. There was no association between calcium supplement use and polyp occurrence (odds ratio of 0.9 and 95% CI of 0.2-4.0). The second case-control study contained 297 subjects with recurrent polyps and 347 controls (without recurrent polyps, but have a history of polyps). Calcium supplement use had no association with polyp recurrence (odds ratio of 2.9 and 95% CI of 0.6-9.5). Whelan et al. (1999) conducted a case-control study in 183 subjects diagnosed with recurrent colon/rectal polyp and 265 subjects without a recurrent colon/rectal polyps. Supplemental calcium intake was associated with a decreased risk of polyp recurrence (odds ratio of 0.51 and 95% of 0.27-0.96). III. Strength of the Scientific EvidenceBelow, the agency rates the strength of the total body of publicly available evidence. The agency conducts this rating evaluation by considering the study type (e.g., intervention, prospective cohort, case-control, cross-sectional), the methodological quality rating previously assigned, the quantity of evidence (number of the various types of studies and sample sizes), whether the body of scientific evidence supports a health claim relationship for the U.S. population or target subgroup, whether study results supporting the proposed claim have been replicated[20], and the overall consistency[21] of the total body of evidence. Based on the totality of the scientific evidence, FDA determines whether such evidence is credible to support the substance/disease relationship, and, if so, determines the ranking that reflects the level of comfort among qualified scientists that such a relationship is scientifically valid. Colon and Rectal CancerAs discussed in Section II of this letter, there were two intervention studies and six prospective observational studies that provided information about the relationship between supplemental calcium intake calcium and colon/rectal cancer risk reduction. One intervention study reported a significant reduction in recurrent colon/rectal polyps after supplementation with 1.2 g/day of calcium (Baron et al., 1999). In contrast, the intervention study by Bonithon-Kopp et al. (2000) reported no significant benefit of calcium supplementation. The Baron et al. (1999) study included more subjects and had a longer follow-up time than Bonithon-Kopp et al. (2000) which may have provided the study with more power (e.g., ability to detect a difference) to find a significant beneficial effect of supplemental calcium on colon/rectal cancer risk. Of the six prospectively designed observational studies, four reported some type of significant association for calcium supplements and the risk reduction of colon/rectal cancer (Flood et al., 2005; Wu et al., 2002; Sellers et al., 1998; McCullough et al., 2003), while two studies reported no association (Martinez et al., 2002; Hyman et al., 1998). The studies that reported a protective association for supplemental calcium were the cohorts that represented the largest number of subjects, contained both genders, and a broad age range of subjects. The effect of calcium on decreased colon/rectal cancer risk was modest and the effect did not seem to increase after a threshold of calcium intake was achieved (Wu et al., 2002) thereby suggesting that larger study populations are needed to find a modest reduction in risk. Of the four case-control studies, three studies reported no association between calcium intake and colon/rectal cancer (Marcas et al., 1998; Neugut et al., 1996; White et al., 1997) and one study reported a protective association between calcium and colon/rectal cancer risk (Whelan et al., 1999). Based on the above evidence, FDA concludes that there is a low level of comfort that a relationship exists between supplemental calcium intake and colon/rectal cancer.[22] Breast CancerAs discussed in Section II of this letter, there were no intervention studies on calcium intake and risk of breast cancer. There was one prospective cohort study that evaluated supplemental calcium intake and breast cancer risk and this study reported no association (Shin et al., 2002). Based on the above, FDA concludes that there is no credible evidence supporting a relationship between supplemental calcium intake and breast cancer. Prostate CancerAs discussed in section II of this letter, one prospective cohort l study evaluated the relationship between supplemental calcium intake and risk of prostate cancer (Giovannucci et al., 1998). This study reported that high consumption of calcium supplements and a low intake of dietary calcium increased the risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer. In addition, two case control studies (Kristal et al., 1999; Kristal et al., 2002) reported no significant association between supplemental calcium and reduced risk of prostate cancer. Based on the above, FDA concludes that there is no credible evidence supporting a relationship between supplemental calcium intake and prostate cancer. Recurrent Colon/Rectal PolypsAs discussed in Section II of this letter, one intervention study reported a significant reduction in recurrent colon/rectal polyps after supplementation with 1.2 g/day of calcium (Baron et al., 1999). Another intervention study showed no significant benefit with calcium supplementation (Bonithon-Kopp et al., 2000). Baron et al. (1999) included more subjects and had a longer follow-up time which provided the study with more power (e.g., ability to detect a difference) to find a significant effect of calcium supplementation. Neither of the two prospective cohorts reported an association between supplemental calcium and colon/rectal polyp recurrence (Martinez et al., 2002; Hyman et al., 1998). One case-control study reported no association between calcium supplements and polyp occurrence (Neugut et al., 1996), whereas another case-control study reported that supplemental calcium intake was associated with a reduced risk of polyp recurrence (Whelan et al., 1999). Based on the above, FDA concludes that there is a very low level of comfort that a relationship exists between supplemental calcium intake and recurrent colon/rectal polyps.[23] IV. Other Enforcement Discretion FactorsDietary supplements bearing the qualified health claim about calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer or colon/rectal polyps for which FDA intends to consider the exercise of its enforcement discretion must meet all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements under the Act, with the exception of the requirement that a health claim meet the significant scientific agreement standard and the requirement that the claim be made in accordance with an authorizing regulation. For example, such supplements must be labeled consistent with 21 CFR 101.36(b)(3). Dietary supplements also must not pose an unreasonable risk of illness or injury to the consumer or contain substances that may render the product injurious to health, or be otherwise adulterated or misbranded. In addition, FDA intends to consider the following factors in its exercise of enforcement discretion for qualified health claims about calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer or calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal polyps. A. Qualifying Level of CalciumThe general requirements for health claims provide that, if the claim is about the effects of consuming the substance at other than decreased dietary levels, the level of the substance must be sufficiently high and in an appropriate form to justify the claim. Where no definition for "high" has been established, the claim must specify the daily dietary intake necessary to achieve the claimed effect (see 21 CFR 101.14(d)(2)(vii)).A "high" definition is established for calcium; therefore, FDA intends to consider in the exercise of its enforcement discretion for dietary supplements bearing a qualified health claim about calcium and reduced risk of colon/rectal cancer or colon/rectal polyps described in Section VI when the dietary supplement contains calcium at a level that meets or exceeds the requirement for a "high" level of calcium as defined in 21 CFR 101.54(b) (i.e., 200 mg or more per RACC under the current regulation). B. Assimilability of Calcium, Disintegration and Dissolution of Dietary SupplementsFDA intends to consider, as a factor in the exercise of its enforcement discretion for dietary supplements bearing a qualified health claim about calcium and colon/rectal cancer or colon/rectal polyps that the calcium content of dietary supplements is assimilable (i.e., bioavailable) (21 CFR 101.72(c)(ii)(B). Also, FDA intends to consider, as a factor in the exercise of its enforcement discretion that dietary supplements bearing such qualified health claims meet the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) standards for disintegration and dissolution applicable to their component calcium salts. For dietary supplements for which no U.S.P. standards exist, FDA intends to consider, as a factor in the exercise of its enforcement discretion, that the dietary supplements exhibit appropriate assimilability under the conditions of use stated on the product label (21 CFR 101.72(c)(ii)(C). V. Agency's Consideration of Disclaimers or Qualifying LanguageWe considered but rejected use of a disclaimer or qualifying language to accompany the proposed claims for calcium and a reduced risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. We concluded that neither a disclaimer nor qualifying language would suffice to prevent consumer deception in these instances, where there is no credible evidence to support the claims. Adding a disclaimer or incorporat Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-colon-rectal-breast-and-prostate-cancers-and-recurrent-colon-polyps http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stars-aim-to-change-childrens-diet Stars aim to change children's dietSource: www.dailymail.co.ukGory images of burger rolls filled with gristle and bones are appearing across the UK in a bid to get children to think about the food they eat. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has created posters showing the common ingredients in many burgers, hot dogs and chicken nuggets in the hope of shocking youngsters into improving their diet. The images of gristle, bone and connective tissue are partly covered by a censored stamp - but the full ingredients can be seen on the charity's website www.bhf.org.uk/food. Look here too... Skip gossip links to more articles 'Bird flu' drug production increased Human 'mad cow' deaths 'peaked' Pupils try out pedometers Sex advice 'must stay confidential' Foundation status scheme extended Doctor fined for taking drugs The Food4Thought campaign wants to get children, particularly those aged 11-12, thinking about what is in their food so they can make healthier choices. The BHF is also enlisting the help of ITV sports presenter and mother Gabby Logan to deliver their "Policy Pizza" to 10 Downing Street with a list of actions the charity wants the Government to take to boost child health. It came as a BHF survey found that 36% of youngsters aged eight to 14 could not correctly identify the main ingredient of chips as potato. Nearly one in 10 (9%) of the children questioned thought chips were made of oil, with others suggesting eggs, flour and apples. More than a third of children (37%) also failed to identify that cheese was mostly made of milk. It is estimated that an additional 440,000 UK children will become overweight or obese in the next two years, with a quarter predicted to be obese by 2020. The Policy Pizza being delivered to Tony Blair includes calls for the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children to be stopped and for the Government to make sure nutritious food is affordable and accessible. The BHF also wants children to be given opportunities to learn practical cooking skills. It is sending out 600,000 action packs, designed as giant crisp packets, to youngsters including celebrity posters, stickers and a magazine. Celebrities including cricket star Andrew Flintoff, girl bands the Sugababes and Girls Aloud and actress Fay Ripley are also backing the campaign. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stars-aim-to-change-childrens-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplement-inhibits-prostate-cancer-cells-in-lab Herbal supplement inhibits prostate cancer cells in labSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comAn herbal extract developed by New Chapter suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells and induces prostate cancer cells to self-destruct, according to new research.The data, published in the October edition of Nutrition and Cancer (vol 52, issue 2, pp202-12), showed that Zyflamend reduces prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro by as much as 78 percent.The supplement contains extracts of rosemary, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, green tea, hu zhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, oregano, and Baikal skullcap.“These results were particularly surprising and show great promise in the fight against prostate cancer,” said researcher Dr Debra Bemis of Columbia University's Department of Urology.The positive results have prompted the Columbia researchers to launch a larger clinical trial to further investigate the initial findings.The Phase 1 human trial will test Zyflamend's ability to prevent prostate cancer in patients with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a clinical precursor for the disease. Without intervention, men diagnosed with PIN have a 50 to 70 percent likelihood of developing prostate cancer.The laboratory research suggests that although Zyflamend has COX-1 and COX-2 anti-inflammatory effects, shown in other substances to inhibit cancers, the herbal's anti-cancer effects were independent of COX-2 inhibition. It is thought that some prostate cancer cells are not affected by COX-2 inflammation.Dr Bemis added: “Zyflamend is derived from natural herbal sources and is readily available in health food and nutritional supplement stores. Given the impressive data we're reporting, Zyflamend is a potentially more convenient and desirable means to target the enormous population that is susceptible to prostate cancer.”Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the non-profit American Botanical Council, commented: “With so many people using herbal supplements for their health, new research documenting their safety and benefits is encouraged and welcomed.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplement-inhibits-prostate-cancer-cells-in-lab http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carrots-prevent-cancer Carrots Prevent CancerSource: www.50connect.co.ukNow there's another reason to eat carrots. A compound found in the popular root vegetable has an effect on the development of cancer. More... Chiropractic & Exercise: A scientific study reinforces the effectiveness of spinal manipulation.The Vitality Show 2005: Pick up some expert health and beauty tips at this year's Vitality Show.Veggie Diet Reduces Hypertension: New study reveals treatment for 'silent killer' using diet, not drugs. Although experts have recommended that people eat carrots for their anti-cancer properties, it has not been known exactly what component of the vegetable has this effect. Now, a team of researchers, from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England and Denmark, have discovered that a natural pesticide, called falcarinol found in carrots reduced the development of cancer in rats by one third. The study, published today in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, explains how falcarinol protects carrots from fungal diseases, such as liquorice rot that causes black spots on the roots during storage. The scientists investigated the compound after a previous published study suggested it could prevent the development of cancer. The research team carried out tests on twenty-four rats with pre-cancerous tumours in laboratory conditions. They divided them into three groups and fed them different diets. The team found that after 18 weeks, rats who ate carrots (the popular orange variety) along with their ordinary feed and the group which consumed falcarinol with their feed - in a quantity equal to that conained in the carrots - were one third less likely to develop full-scale tumours than the rats in the control group. The researchers will now take the results a step further by finding out how much falcarinol is needed to prevent the development of cancer and if certain types of carrot are better than others. The experiment was conducted using raw carrots so researchers do not yet know if eating boiled carrots or drinking carrot juice, for example, would have the same effect. Falcarinol is toxic in large amounts but to obtain a lethal dose you would have to eat 400 kilograms of carrots at once. Researchers suspect it is effective because it stimulates mechanisms in the body that fight cancer, although they have yet to carry out a detailed analysis in this respect. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carrots-prevent-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/next-vitamin-craze- Next vitamin craze?Source: www.dailybreeze.comIs folate the new vitamin E?Remember E? In the 1970s and 1980s, this fat-soluble vitamin was breathlessly touted by some as a kind of natural, miraculous protection against heart disease, cancer, cataracts, even aging. Just rubbing a bit on sore muscles or open sores was supposed to promote rapid recovery. And to some extent, these claims were -- are -- true, since all antioxidant compounds including E have the ability to limit or restrict the effects of free radicals, highly reactive molecules that cause cellular damage.But vitamin E hasn't lived up to its early hype. Indeed, a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that vitamin E was statistically no more effective at preventing cancer, heart attack or stroke than a placebo.Exit E, begin B.Folate -- B-9 -- now seems to have taken up the mantle of seeming "cure in a capsule." Certainly increased consumption of folate (in the form of supplements) has been associated with fighting or fending off an array of fearsome diseases:• A University of California, Irvine study has found that older people who take higher-than-recommended allowances of folate appear less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life.• An Australian study suggests folate consumption in women counters the risk of breast cancer related to alcohol consumption.• The massive Nurses' Health Study reports that women who took more than twice the recommended daily allowance of folic acid -- the synthetic version of folate -- almost halved their risk of high blood pressure compared with women who took less than half that amount.• An English study claims that mothers-to-be with low folate levels in early pregnancy were more likely to have babies with low birth weights -- a marker for immediate and future health problems.• And two studies by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have concluded that a decline in certain kinds of birth defects is probably attributable to a 1998 federal mandate requiring that cereals, flour and other grain products be folate-enriched.So consuming folate, which is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, eggs, citrus fruits and juices, beans, peas, broccoli, asparagus and liver, is a good thing, right? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends adults get at least 400 micrograms daily, more if you're pregnant. The average American diet contains 200 micrograms of naturally occurring folate, which is not as readily used by the body as folic acid.But here's the catch: There's also evidence to suggest that folic acid supplementation that doubles or triples the recommended daily allowance (RDA) might actually do more harm than good in some cases. While the UC Irvine study showed a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease due to folic acid consumption, another study concluded that high folic acid levels might actually cause cognitive decline.Similarly, a Norwegian investigation of heart attack survivors who took folic acid and vitamin B pills to ward off future attacks or strokes found those who took both suffered second heart attacks or strokes 20 percent more often than those who took only folic acid, only vitamin B, or a placebo.There's no doubt folate is an essential micronutrient. It's used by the body to create red blood cells. It promotes cell growth and division and aids in the formation of genetic material, most notably during pregnancy and fetal development. Folate deficiency has long been linked to a pair of severe congenital birth defects known as neural tube defects: spina bifida, when the developing spinal cord doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy, and anencephaly, in which portions of the newborn's brain are abnormally small, or missing altogether.Spina bifida (which occurs seven times per 10,000 live births in the United States) can result in paralysis and lifelong medical treatment. Anencephaly (one in 1,000 pregnancies) is untreatable. The life expectancy of infants born with anencephaly is hours to days.Seven years ago, in an effort to boost low folate consumption among would-be mothers and thus reduce birth defect rates, the FDA mandated 140 micrograms of folic acid be added to every 100 grams of "enriched" grain and flour.By 2001, the CDC said U.S. rates of spina bifida and anencephaly had declined almost 20 percent. In a study published in September in the journal Pediatrics, the CDC looked at 11 million births in 20 states between 1995 and 2002. It found that rates for these birth defects had decreased 34 percent among whites; 36 percent among Latinos. There was no significant effect among black babies, who already are at a lower genetic risk.Such findings have prompted some scientists and health advocates to urge an increase in current fortification levels to further reduce birth defect rates. Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, has called for the FDA to substantially boost folic acid fortification levels for "maximum prevention."While no one disputes what folic acid fortification has done to reduce spina bifida and anencephaly, some scientists caution that substantially increasing folic acid levels in food may create unexpected problems since virtually everybody would be affected.For example, the Institute of Medicine says the risk of overdosing on folic acid appears to be low, but an overabundance of the vitamin in the body can mask symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency, an affliction common in the elderly that can lead to progressive, permanent neurological problems."I don't think it's wise to increase fortification levels at the moment," said Barry Shane, a professor of nutrition at University of California, Berkeley. "What's happened in recent years is that fortification has greatly increased folate intake, essentially doubling it in the U.S. population."There are concerns that too much folate might turn out to be not such a great thing," he said. "Some of these concerns are theoretical, like the idea that we are being weaned on a higher-than-necessary intake. Others are more practical: the masking of B-12 deficiencies. And nobody knows for certain how much folate is needed for 'maximum prevention.' "Shane urged restraint, as did Marie Caudill, a professor of nutrition at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, who conducts research in folate's role in heart disease and cancer. "The big question in increasing folate fortification is how does it modify the risk for certain diseases in the general population? The positives may outweigh the negatives, but I don't think we really know yet." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/next-vitamin-craze- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prevention-methods-for-disease-vary Prevention methods for disease varySource: www.dailybulletin.comWithout latex skin coverings and a level-five biohazard mask, there's little that ordinary people can do to keep microscopic assassins from sneaking into their vulnerable bodies. Nuclear Vitamin C, silver and echinacea tablets don't help. Neither does loading up on fruits and vegetables or getting plenty of exercise.While these are all great immune boosters and healthy habits, they can't keep a darn thing out.Even the famous flu vaccine often in limited supply can't keep the germs out.Just about the only thing that can keep the flu bug, common cold or any other airborne contaminant out is a good-old hand washing, said Harold Newton, director of pharmacy at Community Hospital in San Bernardino."It's the No.1 recommendation to keep germs away by using the alcohol-based hand gels," he said.But, while most can't get this dirt-cheap, simple prevention method down (and many never will), there are ways to live with and survive the flu and common cold. It just depends on what you believe in.Carolina Barrera, 61, and Robert Saavedra, 31, believe in the body naturally healing itself; that through exercise and a healthful diet, you can keep the doctor away."I don't get the flu vaccine," Saavedra said one afternoon as he walked along a path during his lunch break. "I believe in the body's natural ability to heal itself. I take a lot of vitamin C and bee pollen, and I exercise and try to eat healthier foods."Saavedra, who works at Wells Fargo Bank in San Bernardino near Cal State San Bernardino, said whenever he doesn't exercise, he notices his immune system tends to be a little bit weaker."I get sick," he said.Barrera, city clerk of Colton, goes a step further. She has turned to holistic medicine.Weekly, Barrera visits the Riverside home of healing arts practitioner Sharon Seitz for therapy involving scented oils, massages and light music.Holistic medicine is a system of health care that emphasizes the need to look at the whole person instead of just the disease or ailment.Seitz says it's a way to keep the physical body and mind relaxed so that they can work on getting rid of toxins or prepare the body for them.For example, whenever Barrera feels the onset of cold or flu symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, headache or fever, she uses a scented oil called Harmony. With a Q-tip, she swabs a little in her nose. She may rub a small amount on her chest and feet and near the ears."Within minutes I get relief. I've tried it with my granddaughter and my husband and it has worked for them as well," Barrera said. "If I feel anything coming on, I turn to this process. I've been using Harmony for years. It's good for me."Seitz said people often turn to the controversial holistic medicine because they want to get away from substances that are injectable.It's controversial because some have taken to its use as an alternative for allopathic care or invasive or pharmaceutical techniques.Seitz, who is also director of the Holistic Renewal Center in Beaumont, said it shouldn't be used that way. It should be a complement."Some people in my business disagree with me, but that's not how I see it," she said.Seitz uses three healing techniques, all of which are meant to prevent disease: energy healing, raindrop therapy and candling for the ears.Even though there are alternative ways to suppress flu and cold symptoms, the health experts say washing hands frequently and getting yearly flu vaccines are proven ways to stay alive.Estella Cervantes, a 43-year-old mother of four, believes in both.After pushing a shopping cart to her car in a supermarket parking lot, Cervantes said "germs are everywhere.""I just pushed that shopping cart. What do you think are on my hands?" she said. "I work in a mental hospital. We get keys every day. There are germs on them."Cervantes says she washes her hands whenever she thinks about it and carries the alcohol-based gel.At work, she wipes things before she touches them and, as for those keys, she cleans them with soap."I think it is laziness on our part if we can't wash our hands," she said as her son and granddaughter were playing in the car.Cervantes said she and her children get flu vaccines each year.Though the doctors recommend the flu vaccine, Kyle said there are over-the-counter medications that work as well as prescription drugs that fight and prevent flu symptoms something to think about for those who are afraid of needles or being injected.Tamiflu, which is a prescription drug and likely will be out of stock soon, is a good one, said Dr. James Kyle, dean of the school of public health at Loma Linda University.Amantadine, rimantadine and zanamivir are other prescription drugs for the flu."These just suppress symptoms and reduce morbidity. They can't keep you from getting the flu," he said.For the common cold, plenty of bed rest, fluids and Vitamin C.Tylenol also works for the pain, Kyle said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prevention-methods-for-disease-vary http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/results-of-breakthrough-research-trial-support-effectiveness-of-glucosamine-chondroitin-in-treating-pain-from-osteoarthritis Results of Breakthrough Research Trial Support Effectiveness of Glucosamine, Chondroitin in Treating Pain From OsteoarthritisSource: www.prnewswire.comThe natural supplements industry received significant news today when the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the results of its highly anticipated Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) involving the use of the nutrients glucosamine and/or chondroitin by individuals experiencing pain from osteoarthritis. Presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, the study demonstrates strong support for the use of a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin by osteoarthritis patients to relieve moderate to severe pain. "As a pioneer in the glucosamine/chondroitin category, we are thrilled with the results of this large-scale study," said Dr. Luke R. Bucci, vice president of research at Schiff Nutrition International. "The findings further support the growing scientific literature demonstrating the benefits of natural supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin in promoting joint health -- and that's great news for those who suffer from osteoarthritis." The five-year study, sponsored by the NIH, assessed the effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin -- either used alone or combined. The study concluded that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin was proven to be even more effective than prescription pain medication in treating moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis. These findings were mirrored by the results from a second study, the European-based Glucosamine Unum in Die Efficacy (GUIDE) Trial, which was also presented at the ACR's Annual Scientific Meeting. The results of the GUIDE Trial concluded that glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg/day) was more effective than acetaminophen (3,000 mg/day) on various pain and mobility indices of osteoarthritis. Healthy cartilage -- the smooth, elastic padding that covers the ends of bones -- absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement, and allows bones to glide over one another. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage wears away due to natural aging, sports injuries or repetitive motion -- allowing bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion in the joint. Osteoarthritis affects more than 21 million Americans. The glucosamine/chondroitin blend in Schiff's Move Free(R) products -- the same nutrients used by the NIH in its trial -- is designed to support joint cartilage and maintain healthy joint function. Glucosamine, a natural amino sugar produced by the body, plays an important role in providing the stimulus for building healthy cartilage. Chondroitin, a naturally occurring nutrient in the connective tissue, attracts water to the area, and it makes the cartilage more elastic and better able to absorb shock. In addition, Move Free products also contain Joint Fluid (hyaluronic acid), a component of synovial fluid -- the natural lubrication that allows joints to glide easily and smoothly over one another. Importantly, a recent independent study showed that a blend of glucosamine/chondroitin with the addition of Joint Fluid was more effective in providing joint comfort than glucosamine/chondroitin alone. The best selling Move Free joint care line includes Move Free(R) Double Strength, Move Free(R) Triple Strength and Move Free(R) Plus MSM. Move Free products are available at club stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, pharmacies, health food and drug stores nationwide. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/results-of-breakthrough-research-trial-support-effectiveness-of-glucosamine-chondroitin-in-treating-pain-from-osteoarthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-changes-medications-help-students-with-adhd Diet changes, medications help students with ADHDSource: wildcat.arizona.eduStudents concerned about the side effects of their attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medications may want to explore alternative treatments like changing their diets, a pediatrician said Thursday. Dr. Sandy Newmark, a pediatric integrative medicine specialist, presented information about alternative methods to dealing with ADHD as part of the SALT Center Speaker Series. Newmark said there is a lot of "hysteria" surrounding the use and misuse of ADHD medications, including Ritalin. "They're not as good or as bad as people say," Newmark said. Although ADHD medications may cause a decrease in appetite, they are not damaging to the liver, kidneys or brain as some may claim, and they are not addictive, Newmark said. Complaints about ADHD medications causing a loss in creativity or a change in a patient's attitude are worrisome, Newmark said, and therefore such drugs should not be the first and only treatment for attention-deficit patients. Other treatments include removing food coloring, preservatives, processed sugars and flour from the diet and replacing them with more protein, Newmark said. These methods, along with adding omega-3, an essential fatty acid, and zinc to the diet, have had a profound impact on reducing ADHD symptoms, Newmark said. Patty Zeigler, a systems and industrial engineering business manager at the UA, said she decided to remove all preservatives, food coloring and processed foods from her son's diet when he was diagnosed as "hyperactive" about 30 years ago. Zeigler said her son's kindergarten teacher recommended he take medication but she decided to try changing his diet first. "Three months later the teacher raved about what a difference the medication made," Zeigler said. "I didn't tell her he wasn't on it." Homeopathy, which is based on taking smaller doses of a drug rather than the suggested amount, and cranio-sacral therapy, which uses touch to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, are other alternative methods for treating ADHD, Newmark said. Ashley Klein, a learning specialist at the SALT Center, said she wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until she was a sophomore in college. ADHD medications have helped Klein, but she believes that her diet and exercise habits still have an effect on her symptoms. "Something that works for one person, may not work for others," said Klein, who works with students with ADHD and learning disabilities. "I do recommend that they try different approaches, but they should also talk to their doctor." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-changes-medications-help-students-with-adhd http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-helps-reduce-hunger Protein helps reduce hungerSource: www.mydna.comScientists believe they have discovered why a diet rich in protein can inhibit the effects of hunger on the body, as the amino acid's macronutrients generate glucose production that convinces the brain that the stomach is full.Though previous research uncovered that protein-laden diets (such as Atkins) wholly satisfied the appetites of dieters, the impetus of such a phenomenon was not yet known.But a study published in November issue of Cell Metabolism sheds light on this experience, as researchers examine the protein's nutritional effect on mice subjects. When the mice were given heavy amounts of protein, glucose levels spiked, which resulted in the liver sending a signal to the brain to repress appetite. The fluctuation of glucose levels subsequently caused a mixed message in the brain, fooling the body into being full when it was not.Yet certain nutritional scientists remain skeptical, as they contend that the glucose production in the study was not sparked by the increased amounts of protein consumption, but rather by the lack of carbohydrates present in the body.Gilles Mithieux, lead researcher of the study, believes the findings allow for unique interpretations for eating disorders, as doctors can now focus on glucose production within the small intestine as an unique stimulus for appetite suppression."Our data also bring to light a novel concept of control of food intake, involving the small intestine glucose metabolism as a key relay from the macronutrient composition of the diet to the amount of food ingested." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-helps-reduce-hunger http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-may-have-real-benefits Herbal remedies may have real benefitsSource: www.dailymail.co.ukHerbal remedies may have real benefits to patients with serious illnesses, researchers claim. They say the curry-leaf tree, a traditional medicine in India, could help diabetes, while other plants used in Thailand and China could treat cancer. Researchers at King's College London claim that the curry-leaf tree, which is used in traditional Indian medicine and is found in many curry dishes, could aid people with diabetes. Diabetics do not produce enough insulin to cope with rapid rises in blood glucose levels, but extracts from the curry-leaf tree were found to slow the rate of starch breakdown, leading to a more even trickle of glucose into the bloodstream. Professor Peter Houghton, head of the research team, said: "The curry-leaf is used to control diabetes in traditional Indian medicine. "It is not an uncommon ingredient in some curries and it is quite possible that people who take this regularly as part of their diet could control diabetes. "Any food which has this curry-leaf in could be helpful to people with diabetes." The curry-leaf tree is thought to be one of a number of traditional remedies from around the world to have "real benefits" to patients. 'Promising activity' Others include cancer treatments used in the Far East and Ghanaian wound-healing agents. Plants used in Thai traditional medicine and in Chinese traditional medicine for treatment of cancer "do appear to have anti-cancer activity", said Prof Houghton. Laboratory tests found that extracts from the Thai plant Ammannia baccifera and the Chinese plant Illicium verum inhibited the growth of cancer cells. Prof Houghton said: "Some promising activity was seen against lung cancer cells." Research also found that plants used by one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana, the Ashantis, helped wound-healing. An extract of Commelina diffusa, or climbing dayflower, was shown to have both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Prof Houghton said: "This activity indicates that the plant is useful in helping wounds to heal and stopping them getting infected." He told the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester that there was "scientific justification" for the use of such treatments, but said that full clinical tests would have to be carried out. He added: "There are people who have been using these plants for centuries and that is an indication that they could have an effect." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-may-have-real-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginkgo-biloba-may-help-lower-the-risk-of-developing-ovarian-cancer- Ginkgo biloba may help lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.Source: today.reuters.co.ukStudies conducted in women and in the laboratory strongly suggest that the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba may help lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women and the second most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer.Herbal supplements such as Ginkgo have generated interest for their potential preventive effects, but there is a "lack of scientific evidence" to support their use for this purpose, Dr. Bin Ye from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston told a gathering of reporters at a cancer prevention conference held in Baltimore this month.In a population-based study involving more than 600 women with ovarian cancer and 640 healthy control women, Ye and colleagues found that the most commonly used herbals were ginkgo, Echinacea, St. John's Wort, ginseng, and chondroitin.But only ginkgo appeared to ward off ovarian cancer. According to the data, women who took ginkgo supplements had a 60 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer.Specifically, according to Ye, "4.2 percent of ovarian cancer-free women reported taking ginkgo regularly for at least six months before diagnosis, but only 1.6 percent of women with ovarian cancer reported taking ginkgo. This suggests that women who are using ginkgo may be less likely to develop ovarian cancer."Studies conducted in the laboratory provide evidence that ginkgolide A and B -- key components of ginkgo biloba -- are largely responsible for this protective effect.In the laboratory study, Ye and colleagues treated ovarian cancer cells with a low dose of ginkgolide for 72 hours. This led to up to an 80 percent reduction in the growth of the ovarian cancer cells."To conclude, Ginkgo biloba may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer in the general population," Ye said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginkgo-biloba-may-help-lower-the-risk-of-developing-ovarian-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/b-vitamins-to-lower-homocysteine-may-prevent-strokes B vitamins to lower homocysteine may prevent strokesSource: www.nutraingredients.comTaking high doses of B vitamins may help reduce the risk of a second stroke and heart attacks, according to a new analysis. The B vitamin group, including folic acid, B6, and B12, reduce the amount of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. High levels of this substance have been linked to heart disease. But a previous study by the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) group based in Canada and the US suggested that taking a combination of B9, B6 and B12 did not reduce recurrent stroke and cardiac events. However work carried out since then suggested to the team that their initial trial included patients who were not likely to benefit from the treatment. In a new analysis they excluded patients with low and very high B12 levels at baseline. These were likely to have B12 malabsorption or to be taking B12 supplements outside the study. Patients with significant renal impairment were also excluded as they were unlikely to respond to vitamin therapy. In the remaining 2155 patients, high-dose vitamin supplements reduced recurrent stroke, death and heart disease by 21 per cent compared with those taking low-dose vitamins, they report in the 1 November issue of Stroke Stroke (vol 36, p2404). When they subdivided patients by baseline levels of vitamin B12, thus identifying those with difficulties absorbing the vitamin, the differences between the low-dose and high-dose groups became greater. The authors suggest that given the fortification of flour with folate, the response to vitamin therapy for lowering homocysteine largely depends on B12 levels of heart patients. Higher doses of B12 could be required to reduce homocysteine, and thus to reduce stroke and heart attack. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/b-vitamins-to-lower-homocysteine-may-prevent-strokes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oral-hyaluronic-acid-products Oral Hyaluronic Acid ProductsSource: www.spa20-20.comWhile injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) is the industry standard, many spa-goers recently have noticed HA is readily available in an oral form in health food stores and pharmacies. Some publications in the dietary supplement industry now have placed oral HA in the top 20 in supplement sales.The history of HA in an oral form is relatively short. It is believed to have first been used by a veterinarian working to improve the flexibility of his horse’s joints. Oral HA is widely used today by trainers, veterinarians and humans alike. It is now finding a home not only as an oral product for human joint health but also as an anti-aging and “beauty from within” product.Oral HA is available in two forms on the market: lower molecular weight (LMW), mainly from ground chicken comb, and higher molecular weight (HMW), usually from a bacterial fermentation process. Because the body’s articulating joints and skin use HMW HA for lubrication, the two sources deliver this in similar, but different ways. Per much debated theory, the body more readily digests and absorbs LMW HA, as it is the smaller building block of HMW HA.Yet all things being equal, the body should put the absorbed LMW HA pieces together to assemble sufficient amounts of HMW HA for the body to use. Therefore, the challenge is not with absorption but with assembly. In the case of HMW HA, which is in the form the body uses, the only challenge would be in its initial passage through the absorption sites, due to its molecular size. Amazingly, the shape of HMW HA helps make up for its drawback in size, as its long-chain molecular configuration allows it to pass its large mass through the intestinal wall. Once HMW HA becomes available to the body, it then is distributed to locations including the joints, skin, hair and eyes.What’s In A Label?HA labels may be confusing to read, with regard to HA content. Suppliers of collagen and LMW HA tend to either calculate collagen and chicken comb content as equal to HA, or use a mathematical equation to calculate how much of their delivered LMW HA particles should metabolize into HMW HA after digestion. This equation tends to result in very high milligram amounts, such as 40 mg or 125 mg.There is some confusion and lagging consensus in the industry on what really is the standard equation and whether the calculation is uniform, accurate or consistent from supplier to supplier. While the label and bioavailability claims for LMW HA products can be hindering, this is the slightly cheaper of the two HA weights.Conversely, there is no calculation for HMW HA products, as they simply deliver an exact amount of HMW HA that is stated on the label. Unlike on LMW HA labels, the HMW labels tend to feature lower delivery levels such as 2 mg or 3 mg. Despite their differences, both HA product types readily sell in the market and boast beneficial results within one to two weeks. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oral-hyaluronic-acid-products http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-vitamin-c-treatment-works How vitamin C treatment worksSource: www.kbsd6.comA Texas teenager involved in a legal battle over her cancer treatment gets alternative help in Wichita. Most people use chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer. Katie Wernecke already went through chemo. She's now using intravenous vitamin C as treatment. We wanted to know how vitamin C affects cancer cells.Inside the Bright Spot for Health, cancer patients get a different kind of treatment. Patients get high doses of vitamin C through an IV. Dr. Ron Hunninghake says the cancer mistakes vitamin C for glucose, creating a chemical reaction that kills the cancer. "You can't eat enough or take enough by mouth to have this effect," Dr. Hunninghake said.Here's how it works. The vitamin C goes into your bloodstream and is taken in by cancer cells. The vitamin C and cancer react, creating hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide helps kill off cancer cells. "If you build up enough peroxide inside the cancer cell, it will use up its defenses and pretty soon kill the cancer cell from the inside out," he said. Eyewitness News asked if there are any negative side effects. "No you'll feel thirsty because of the sodium, but there are no real side effects except you'll feel better," Dr. Hunninghake said.The doctor says Katie Wernecke is already feeling better after 2 vitamin C treatments. She's using it along with tradition chemo to fight her Hodgkin’s disease. "We're not promoting it as a stand alone. It's to be used in conjunction with other cancer treatment," the doctor said. He hopes the combination improves survival rates for cancer patients.The Bright Spot for Health started research on vitamin C treatment ten years ago. It's treated around 400 cancer patients since then, less than 5% of them teenagers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-vitamin-c-treatment-works http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/adults-with-add-turn-to-non-drug-treatments-to-help Adults with ADD turn to non-drug treatments to helpSource: www.chicagotribune.comWhen Charles Ryder was finally diagnosed with adult attention-deficit disorder at age 25, his doctor immediately started him on the medication Strattera. For the first time since childhood, Ryder's focus partially improved .But Ryder didn't feel like himself when he took the drug. He also hated putting a chemical into his body, especially one that now comes with federal warnings about increased suicide risk in younger populations.In his quest for a holistic alternative, Ryder tapped into the burgeoning market on the Internet of largely unproven non-drug treatments for ADD, therapies that range from special diets and supplements to biofeedback and spending time in nature. Now, every six weeks, the father of two girls drives seven hours from his home in Traverse City, Mich., to a Dore Achievement Center in Schaumburg, where he learns simple balance and coordination exercises designed to stimulate part of his brain."I definitely notice a difference," said Ryder, who sees too much of himself in his easily distracted 4-year-old daughter and will likely start her on the Dore program. "I used to feel like I was always in my own world. My mind was always in so many other places. I didn't know if I was stupid or what the problem was, because I could excel in other things."Untreated, ADD's hallmark symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention can have serious consequences. Studies have shown it doubles the chances of being arrested, divorced and to have held six jobs or more in any 10-year span. Untreated ADD also has been shown to affect self-image and hurt on-the-job performance.Psychostimulant medications, in conjunction with behavioral therapy, are considered the most effective way to treat ADHD, largely because drug companies have the money to fund clinical trials. However, not only are the long-term effects of medication unknown, but the most common one, methylphenidate (Ritalin), is in the same class as cocaine, morphine and amphetamines, all drugs that carry the potential for abuse.But now there's no shortage of complimentary or alternative treatment methods that can be used either in conjunction with drugs or on their own.Most alternative ADD therapies offer only anecdotal, rather than scientific, evidence of success. But experts say a good rule of thumb is if it's safe, you believe in it and it's good for you anyway, it's worth exploring."Just because it hasn't been in a [rigorously controlled] study doesn't mean it's worthless," said Edward Hallowell, who discusses alternative treatments for adults in "Delivered From Distraction" (Ballantine Books, $25.95). "On the other hand, you have to watch out for inflated claims. People have turned ADD into a little industry."Enduring controversies such as the effect of sugar on behavior in children, the use of electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback and the efficacy of eliminating artificial food additives, colors and/or preservatives have been well studied. But they lack support as effective sole treatments for ADD, according to a published study by researchers Neal Rojas and Eugenia Chan at Children's Hospital in Boston.But the researchers also found that early evidence for therapies such as essential fatty acid supplementation, yoga, massage, homeopathy and green outdoor spaces "suggests potential benefits as part of an overall ADHD treatment plan."Chicago social worker Laurie Walsh believes the best core treatment is "individual and group support, diet, exercise, medication and counseling. If one falls down you have four other areas to hold you up," she said.- - -Think you might have ADD?Everyone fidgets, lacks concentration and has impulsive outbursts at some point in life. So how do you know whether you're suffering from a case of modern life or attention-deficit disorder? There is no definitive test. But the Adult Self-Report Scale, or ASRS, is a screening tool that was developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization. Experts have found that 80 percent of the people who score positive on the ASRS will have ADD when a full evaluation is done.These six questions will not tell you whether you have ADD, and beware of any written test that prom-ises a diagnosis. But if you find yourself answering "sometimes" or "often" to at least four questions, it's a sign to consult your health-care provider.1. How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final detail of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?2. How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?3. How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?4. When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?5. How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands and feet when you have to sit down for a long time?6. How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, as if you were driven by a motor?Some treatments offer benefits that are doubtfulAccording to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following treatments for ADD have no proof to support them as viable options:- Optometric vision training (asserts that faulty eye movement and sensitivities cause behavior problems) .- Megavitamins and mineral supplements.- Anti-motion-sickness medication (to treat the inner ear).- Treatment for candida yeast infection.- EEG biofeedback (training to increase brain-wave activity).- Applied kinesiology (realigning bones in the skull). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/adults-with-add-turn-to-non-drug-treatments-to-help http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-hangover-cures-immunity-boosters-and-tips-on-sustaining-a-calm-and-relaxed-atmosphere-when-tensions-run-high- Natural hangover cures, immunity boosters and tips on sustaining a calm and relaxed atmosphere when tensions run high.Source: 50connect.co.uk’s that time of year again; decorations everywhere and diaries brimming with party dates. Your social life may be healthy, but the associated over-indulgences can leave your body in an entirely different state which is why we bring you the low-down of the alternative health remedies to keep you rockin' around the Christmas tree well into dawn. All-Round Energy & Health BoosterHow: Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae that is nature’s richest whole food source of complete protein. Low in sodium, spirulina contains 18 of the known 22 amino acids, including all eight essential amino acids, in addition to vitamins E, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, plus 14 minerals including iron, selenium, copper, manganese and zinc. All these vitamins and minerals are bonded to the amino acids, making them far easier for the body to assimilate.Why: It's a Christmas essential that will improve gastrointestinal and digestive health, in addition to regulating blood sugar and preventing sweet food cravings. The amino acids also improve the condition of skin, hair and nails, and better still, reduce hangovers by cleansing the liver.Where: Look out for a top quality Spirulina strain such as MicrOrganics’ Hawaiian Spirulina which is grown without herbicides or pesticides and is 100% natural. Take the tablets with or after meals, swallowing them with water or fruit juice. Six tablets will give you the minimum daily dose of 3g. MicrOrganics UK’s Hawaiian Spirulina is available in powder and tablet form from independent health food stores, online at www.microrganics.co.uk or by calling 020 8840 9442. The powder costs from £11.95 for 110 grams and the half-gram tablets cost from £8.95 for 110: post and packaging are free on all size orders to UK addresses. Boost Immunity & Keep Colds At Bay How: Silver has been prized for its therapeutic and medicinal qualities for over a hundred years. In the American pioneering days, new settlers travelling to the West would put silver dollars in their milk to delay spoiling. Sovereign Silver is comprised of electronically charged ions and has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which play a role in immune system defence. It works by stimulating the immune system, helping it attack toxins and prevent disease. Why: When ingested, (or applied directly to an infected area), the charged ions bind with a toxin’s DNA, stop it replicating and spreading and efficiently help the immune system to destroy it. Sovereign Silver is as effective at inhibiting bacteria and toxin production as antibiotics and is far more beneficial to health. Whilst antibiotics destroy most bacteria in the body, including the essential ‘good’ bacteria generally found in the gut, Sovereign Silver only targets harmful viruses and bacteria and supports the body’s natural immune defences. Where: Sovereign Silver is available from Fresh & Wild independent health stockists and online at www.savant-health.com and costs £12.84 for 60ml dropper top. Sovereign Silver should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to silver or anyone with a diagnosed liver deficiency. Pregnant women should seek advice from a Doctor before using. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle at all times. Beat Indigestion How: Peppermint oil capsules are a digestive aid, with a calming effect on the digestive tract. Why: They encourage the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, which aids the digestion of fats, so keep on hand when you have over indulged. Where: Peppermint capsules are available form Healthfood Shops, Holland & Barrett and costs £5.49 for 60 capsules. Natural Hangover Cures How: Cynara artichoke tablets or milk thistle tablets will reduce the effects of a hangover if taken before you start drinking, prior to going to bed and in the morning. Sound too good to be true? Trust us when we say we have thoroughly researched this and found they really do reduce the morning after effects! Why: Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant which supports the liver by promoting the regeneration of healthy new cells, which replace old damaged ones. Artichoke tablets contain a unique active natural ingredient called Cynarin,which aids digestion by stimulating the liver in the production of bile and breaking down and eliminating fatty foods from the body.Where: Healthfood Shops, Holland & Barrett and other chemists. Cynara Artichoke costs £9.95 for 30 capsules and £14.99 for 60 capsules. Milk thistle capsules cost Good ‘n’ Natural Milk Thistle costs £10.99 for 100 capsules.Sustaining A Calm & Relaxed AtmosphereHow: A sweet-lemony, woody and warm, rich aroma, which smells wonderful if burned in an oil burner, Frankincense essential oil is an indispensible tool for all families this season.Why: It will relax and support the nervous system during times of anxiety, stress and nervous tension, so everyone can feel at ease with the in-laws! Where: Frankincense essential oil is available from Holland & Barrett, priced £9.99 for 10ml. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-hangover-cures-immunity-boosters-and-tips-on-sustaining-a-calm-and-relaxed-atmosphere-when-tensions-run-high- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-the-alternative- What's the alternative?Source: www.timesonline.co.ukQ In the evenings, my legs feel tired, achy and heavy, causing quite a bit of discomfort. I often have to put my legs up all evening. I sit at a desk all day. Is there anything I can do? MA Milne, London A This is a common problem — 50% of women over 40 complain of tired, aching, heavy legs, and more than 70% of sufferers say it affects them more than the menopause. The cause is insufficient muscle movement. As you sit all day at your desk, blood accumulates in the veins of the legs. This leads to congestion, pressure on the capillaries and increased fluid in the muscle tissues, resulting in the aching, heavy feeling you describe. Your discomfort can be relieved by exercises. When standing, raise yourself onto your tiptoes, then lower back down; or, when seated at your desk, revolve your ankles at frequent intervals to get the blood pumping in the veins. Avoid crossing your legs, as this can constrict the capillaries and cause fluid and blood to accumulate. Try Boehringer Ingelheim’s Antistax Leg Vein Health Capsules, a clinically proven food supplement containing extract of red vine leaf. These are a source of flavonoids, plant chemicals that have been proven to stabilise the walls of the capillaries and maintain normal capillary fluid outflow. Take 1-2 capsules daily; results should be noticeable after four weeks. Antistax costs £7.99 for 50 capsules and is available from Boots and leading pharmacies nationwide. Q My 11-year-old son has suffered from warts for the past two years. I have used various lotions to calm them after he has picked them, as well as orthodox preparations, but nothing gets rid of them. Any ideas? S Walker, Blackpool A I am afraid that children are rather susceptible to warts, which are simply harmless growths caused by different strains of the human papilloma virus. The good news is that natural remedies work particularly well. For the best results, the virus should be treated both internally and externally, through topical treatment. In my clinic, I have used edible oil of oregano (not the pure essential oil) on both children and adults with a great degree of success. The external application allows the oil to penetrate the warts down to the root, thus assisting in their destruction. Furthermore, taken as a supplement, the oil exhibits direct antiviral activities and helps the immune system to destroy the virus. I would suggest oregano gel caps for your son, as these are small and easy to swallow; in addition, he won’t taste the oregano. Apply the oil topically twice a day and give one gel cap daily. Through Tigon (0116 235 5020), a dropper bottle of regular oil of oregano costs £21.15 for 13.5ml (inc p&p), and 60 gelcaps cost £21.15 (inc p&p). Another fantastic, age-old remedy is the fresh, milky sap from the base of a dandelion stalk or leaf. The sap is said to have a corrosive effect. Apply directly to the wart twice daily and allow to dry. And, it’s free of charge, thanks to mother nature. Q I am 58, and have had constipation for years now. I have tried several commercial brands, but would like to try something more natural. Is there anything I can take that will help me? D Morris, Cardiff A It’s all too easy sometimes to forget the healthcare basics. Drinking lots of water is often a simple solution to the problem of irregular bowels. You should also increase your fibre intake: eat plenty of fresh vegetables and soft, fibrous foods such as wholegrain rice and oats, which bulk out the stool. Psyllium husks are a classic way to treat constipation; they swell with water, forming a wallpaper-like solution, and are unsurpassed at loosening stubborn stools. The cheapest option is to buy loose psyllium-seed husks, available from health shops, and mix 1 tsp with 8oz of water. Drink swiftly, otherwise the mixture will congeal. Alternatively, as you have been constipated for some time, I would suggest gently cleansing your colon. One of my favourite cleansing formulas, which I use in my clinic, is Nutrigold’s Colon Support Formula. As well as psyllium, it contains bentonite clay, which helps remove old faecal matter from your colon, and many excellent traditional cleansing herbs, including barberry and Oregon grape root, which possess mild laxative properties. The inclusion of warming spices such as ginger and cayenne makes this formula easier to tolerate than some of the others I have tested in clinic. Take 2 capsules with a large glass of room-temperature water at about 3pm. Slowly build up to 4 capsules. Colon Support Formula costs £16.95 for 120 capsules, plus £1.95 p&p; order it on 01884 251777. Solgar’s psyllium-seed husks cost £10 for 10oz and are available nationwide. Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician. For more information, visit www.naturalrescue.com Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-the-alternative- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/for-a-clear-memory-take-vitamin-b12 For a clear memory take vitamin B12Source: www.excal.on.caListen up, all you biology and psychology students out there. If you are taking any of these courses, as I am, you should be familiar with what is called the myelin sheath. For the rest of you, this is the fatty covering that surrounds and protects nerve fibres. It also ensures that electrical impulses move through the body normally. An essential part to the production of the myelin sheath is cobalamin, or what is commonly referred to as vitamin B12. As an introductory psychology student, I have learned the importance of electrical impulses in the brain. If anything is awry, it can significantly affect its performance.When a deficiency in B12 disrupts the creation of the myelin sheath, it can cause confusion, decreased reflexes, delusions, fatigue, impaired pain perception, impaired touch perception, loss of balance, memory loss and tingling in the arms and legs. These are only some of vitamin B12's important roles in protecting the brain. Benefits Researchers have been able to prove that when an individual is deficient in this vitamin, it causes an overproduction of a substance called homocysteine. Homocysteine is dangerous to brain cells. In high amounts, it can kill them off which leads many doctors to believe that it may be one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease. A lack of vitamin B12 is also believed to cause additional blood clotting, leading to heart attacks. Some criticize homocysteine as causing blood cells to become more adhesive, allowing them to cling to arterial walls. A shortage of folate and B6 may also produce the same results. Another important function of B12 is in the production of red blood cells. Ensuring that the proper amount of B12 is received can prevent diseases such as anemia. Generally, B12 is known to increase energy. It helps maintain a healthy nervous system. It relieves irritability and improves concentration, memory and balance. For children, B12 is said to help increase appetite. When to increase your dosage Firstly, unlike most other vitamins, B12 is measured in micrograms (mcg). Secondly, as noticed in the "Some food sources" section above, vitamin B12, comes from many animals and animal by-products. If you are a vegetarian who also excludes eggs and dairy products from your diet, it is important to have a B12 supplement. As mentioned in last week's article, a complete vitamin-B complex is every woman's best friend. It helps relieve symptoms of PMS, especially menstrual cramps, when taken during, before and even after your period. If you are a heavy alcohol drinker, vitamin B12 is important to have. If taken the next day, it can also ease the pain of hangovers. With the help of folic acid, vitamin B12 can help perk you right up, when you are in need of that extra burst of energy. People who are on a high protein diet should not only drink B12, but also the complete B-complex, as well as vitamins A, E and C. Additional information As mentioned last week, the best supplement for any type of vitamin B is a complete B-complex, such as B 50, B 100 or a high potency B-complex. Each contains a variety of vitamin B with the recommended daily doses. They are also combined with other minerals that not only compliment each other but are also essential and beneficial in other ways. Sometimes, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can take up to five years to appear. Check with a doctor to see if you need to start supplementing. It is better to be safe, than to be sorry. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/for-a-clear-memory-take-vitamin-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/autism AutismSource: www.newsletter.co.ukIf you have an autistic child you may never have heard of methylocobalamin B12. The following story is one that a Belfast mother wants told because this vitamin, she believes, is bringing her autistic son out of his twilight world and it could help others. To protect her son's privacy she wants to remain anonymous.FEW medical conditions evoke as much controversy as autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder which presents in early childhood. The condition is thought to be influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Many parents blame the MMR vaccine for triggering the condition in their child. Autism causes regression in children who were otherwise developing normally.Doctors in this country are sceptical of 'new' treatments for autism. And one of the those treatments is the use of the vitamin MB12 - methylocobalamin. Yet there is some evidence of its success.Children with autism, according to one expert in America, have an impaired metabolic imbalance which damages cell growth through oxidation. This can be treated with MB12.Dr James Neubrander runs a private clinic in New Jersey and he was at a medical conference in the UK last month discussing his use of MB12 since 2002. He told the conference he has given more than 75,000 injections of methycobalamin B12 with 94 per cent of the children showing improvement. The treatment is available privately in Northern Ireland and this Belfast mother describes her experience with it.A mother's story ...My son was fine until he was about a year old. By the time he was 16 months he had lost all the words he had learned. I watched in despair as he regressed. The classic red flag signs appeared when I realised he had stopped pointing and wasn't using language. He was also pacing up and down the room constantly. I knew instinctively it was autism. I kept saying to people that my son had autism just to prove what I was seeing. They kept saying to me that he couldn't have. But I knew I was correct. Incidentally my son didn't have the MMR vaccine.My doctor told me he would grow out of it but I persisted. And when he was two years old I finally got the diagnosis. My son was autistic. I walked out of that doctor's office with little or no help. I had no-one to turn to.I looked up everything I could about the subject on the Internet and there was lots of it, including the work of Dr James Neubrander of New Jersey involving MB12. He was claiming 94 per cent success with it.I tried my best to find a doctor who would prescribe it for my son but none would touch it at all. It's the attitude of medical people in this country that autism is genetic and there is nothing you can do about it and you are being stupid in trying to prove otherwise.I soon learned that the medical profession is rife with politics and ego. Then I heard of Dr Finbar Magee in Belfast who practises in environmental medicine and who has a private clinic. I approached him about getting MB12 for my son.He had also heard of Dr Neubrander's work and he explained to me the science behind the vitamin.There was a lot of information about it on the Internet anyway; lots of case histories.I already had an NHS metabolic profile on my son and when I showed that to Dr Magee he detected a high toxic metal overload in the results. I think many of us are full of toxins and it is possible we are passing them on to our children. On November 4 this year my son got his first injection of MB12 in his buttock to enable slow release. If it goes into the arm it is used up too quickly. Three days later he was due for his second injection. On that day he appeared to be agitated and this I believe is a side effect which shows that the MB12 is working. Then I noticed he had starting pointing at things, something he hadn't been doing. He was watching CBB television and he uttered the letter B. Later that day he went up to the television and said monkey because there was a monkey on screen. I also noticed an improvement in his eye contact.I knew that if I took him to my GP he would attribute this improvement to the Applied Behavioural Analysis programme I had my son on.He had his second injection three days after the first and by Friday last week he was sitting looking at a picture book, something he hadn't been able to do before. He sat for 20 minutes with this book and his focus was good. To me this is miraculous. I would have been happy with any improvement. I certainly wasn't looking for a miracle. I have always believed that intervention at an early age in this condition is the key but that's not what the medical profession in the UK appears to believe. I'm 'talking' to other parents on the Internet and that's their view too as they see progress with MB12. My son will have to have injections of MB12 every three days for the next 18-24 months. Many parents wouldn't want that but then if their child was diabetic they would have to accept it.As far as I'm concerned this treatment is creating my child's life. In fact, I fully intend to recover my child from the autism that has been imposed on him. I'm more convinced that the toxins in our environment are causing this condition. By the time people get to my age - I'm in my thirties - we have a lot of toxins in our system and I probably have passed those on to my son.MB12 has been in existence for a long time. Some doctors who have tried to use it in the UK have been shut down. Why is this? There is a lot of evidence that it is helping autistic children. I certainly don't want to wait 20 years to help my son. Over 25,000 families in the United States are using this treatment with good results. And I feel every autistic child should be given the opportunity to have it.I think though it cannot be used in isolation. It needs to be used alongside language therapy. These early years in a child are vital. They cannot be 'lost' to this condition. I want every parent with an autistic children to be aware of this information. It could be vital for their child's health.'For more information contact Dr Magee on 028 9070 9300 or The National Autistic Society on 020 7833 2299 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/autism http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-joy-of-herbal-teas- The Joy of Herbal Teas.Source: www.christianpost.comAs the cold winter months approach, we tend to crave warming foods and liquids. Unfortunately, as a nation, we tend to satisfy those cravings on a habitual basis with the consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, green, black and red tea. Although green, black and red teas are wonderful for health and contain cancer-fighting antioxidants called polyphenols, there is another group of teas, herbal teas, which also contain enormous health benefits. Unlike green, red or black teas that are made from the leaf of an evergreen known as Camellia sinesis, herbal tea is derived from infusions of herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of plants. Herbal teas hold different health benefits in comparison to the antioxidant qualities of green, red or black teas, but they can also be equally beneficial for health. Although there are numerous types and combinations of herbal teas, the top five include:Peppermint Tea – Peppermint tea is wonderful for digestion and nausea. It is also a strong muscle relaxant and is useful to drink after a meal. If you find the taste of peppermint tea too strong, simply steep the tea for longer than 30 seconds. Chamomile Tea – Chamomile tea is also known to soothe digestion and relax the gastro-intestinal tract. This tea also helps to relax and soothe an anxious mood and is a good stress-relieving tea to drink prior to bedtime. Chamomile also contains several flavonoids, plant chemicals, that have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from ragweed allergies, it is best to avoid chamomile tea. Licorice Tea – Licorice tea is excellent for soothing and healing the lining of the stomach and intestines. Many healthcare practitioners use licorice tea as part of their treatment approach for ulcers. Licorice tea has a very sweet and distinctive taste that is wonderful to drink on its own to curb sugar cravings. Licorice tea is also very beneficial for sore throats and coughs. For winter coughs and congestion, drink one cup of licorice tea three times a day. Ginger Tea – In Asia, ginger and ginger tea is highly used for its healing abilities. Ginger tea has a wonderful aromatic taste that is sweet and warming. This type of tea is beneficial for stomach upset, indigestion and nausea. Ginger has also been shown to block the effect of prostaglandins, inflammatory chemicals, produced in the body. This effect makes ginger tea excellent for helping with migraines or arthritis aches and pains. Ginger tea is available in tea bags, however, grating ginger or using a garlic press and adding it to boiling water will give you the best effect. Berry Teas – Lemon, raspberry, blueberry and strawberry teas are a wonderful way to help lose weight and to kick carbohydrate cravings. These sweet teas are excellent to drink at nighttime when temptations for cookies, candies and comfort foods kick in. They are also hydrating and cleansing to the system which can help decrease bloating and optimize digestion. Remember, when making herbal, tea it is important to use a glass, porcelain or glazed earth ware pot as the metals can react with some of the herbs. In the summer months, herbal iced teas can be made by steeping the tea in hot water for five minutes and then chilling the tea for 30 minutes over a glass of ice. Although berry herbal teas are naturally sweet, honey or a little brown sugar can be added to the tea for additional sweetness. In a nutshell, herbal teas are wonderful for digestion and overall health. This winter, stock your kitchen with five to six selections of your favorite blends and drink up! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-joy-of-herbal-teas- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/seaweeding-wrinkles-away Seaweeding wrinkles awaySource: www.business-standard.comInternational skincare brand H20 is enthused by its Indian experience and wants to grow. It’s boom time for natural products. Anything that smacks of ayurveda or herbal remedies is lapped up by consumers, probably according to the logic that if Madonna is into it, it can’t be that bad. One would imagine that the sky is the limit for Indian herbal cosmetics or natural personal care products to market themselves abroad. It seems ironic, then, that while we have not heard of indigenous Indian brands doing well abroad, there is a Chicago-based natural skincare brand, H2O Plus, that’s doing well here. H2O Plus, which uses seawater as a base for most of its products, was founded in 1989, and is now a $100 million company, with over 350 points of sale all over the world. H2O Plus came to India in March of this year, with two stores in Delhi and seven counters jointly in Delhi and Mumbai. It seems to have fared better than expected, for it is planning six new stores by next month, and 15 more counters in cities like Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Chennai. Consuelo Martìnez, senior international account manager, H2O Plus, was in New Delhi last week, and had a very clear idea about why the brand is so successful. “It’s a range of factors,” she says. “It’s a natural brand. This is a huge selling point, especially in India, where the consumer is more sophisticated about natural products. Then, we’ve luckily positioned ourself here as one of the only premium skincare products that is available in organised retail.” It’s true that retail in India, and not just for skincare, is disorganised. While you will find the odd Body Shop or Clinique product here, they are more the result of a lazy or unprincipled customs officer than an initiative on the part of these companies to reach out to the Indian consumer. H2O Plus, on the other hand, has tied up with Sports Station India, which has experience retailing brands like Levis, Dockers, Nike and Aigner, for distribution and retail. The price point for H2O Plus ranges from Rs 900 (for a mask or a scrub, for instance), to Rs 4,000 for an entire regime in its skincare line. It has spa and bath & body lines at Rs 450-2,000. “We are priced below premium brands such as Christian Dior,” says Garima Makkar, product manager at H2O, “but above mid-market brands such as L’Oreal. So we’re occupying a unique spot in the market — like accessible luxury.” H2O Plus still needs to beef up awareness about its brand, though. While the Indian consumer may be “sophisticated” when it comes to natural products, “water-based, sea-derived” products are relatively new here, and we still have an inherent suspicion of seaweed. H2O Plus is planning, according to Makkar, a series of events to raise awareness, and this should give the brand enough of a headstart for when the retail sector finally manages to organise itself. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/seaweeding-wrinkles-away http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/genetic-link-found-to-b12-vitamin-interference Genetic Link Found to B12 Vitamin InterferenceCanadian researchers have identified a mutant gene that impairs the body's ability to handle vitamin B12, producing diseases that are accompanied by an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia. The team reported this week in the journal Nature Genetics that a defective form of a gene called MMACHC interferes with the vitamin's ability to help synthesize red blood cells and maintain the nervous system. The identification will allow early diagnosis of such diseases as methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/genetic-link-found-to-b12-vitamin-interference http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/as-hiv-aids-bite-herbal-medicine-takes-centre-stage As HIV/Aids bite herbal medicine takes centre stageSource: www.timesnews.co.keSolutions of various colours and shades in containers of varied shapes and sizes line the wooden shelves in a downtown clinic in Nyeri. Baked leaves, crushed roots, ground barks wrapped in transparent polythene are arranged in yet another counter. Plastic bottles line the other shelf. Outside, a huge board declares: ‘Licenced Herbs’. If he wore spectacles, and was clad in a white dust-coat with a stethoscope over his wide shoulders, Benson Kiunjuri would easily pass for a medical doctor. But he is not. Or is he? Benson Kiunjuri is not your daktari in the ordinary sense of the word. He is an expert in roots, tree barks and leaves from which he and makes a host of other concortions that are avidly consumed by hundreds of HIV positive residents of this town on the shoulders of Mount Kenya. Over at Kambi Mawe in Makueni, a woman healer sucks blood out of a cut on a shoulder of a ‘bewitched’ client. She spits out chicken bones, blood and pus. Then she rubs some dust mixed with herbs onto the wound. Making circles in the air with a snake shaped stick, (kamuti,) the herbalist chants a curse on the witch and blesses the patient. Operation complete. Traditional medicine and herbs are rapidly becoming the preferred source of relief from illnesses associated with a rise in HIV cases in Africa. Once spurned as ‘backward’ and ‘primitive’ by Western religions and cultures, traditional medicines have found their way into private chemists’ shops and government hospitals since the advent of Aids nearly twenty years ago. As the fight against Aids intensified over the years, so have barriers between traditional herbalists and their western-trained doctors lessened. Gerald Rukunga, a medical officer attached to the African Medical and Research Foundation (Amref) in Makueni, says his project often involves the services of herbalists in the management of cases like epilepsy and malaria, which are rampant in the area. In recent years, the fight against diseases has taken desperate proportions. Herbal medicines and traditional healers have been brought on board. But nowhere else is this collaboration more evident than at the Centre for Complementary Medicine and Biotechnology at Kenyatta University. According to Prof. Alloys Orago, the director of the centre, the university has been at the forefront in spearheading research into traditional herbs and other forms of healthcare in a bid to help the country fight the scourge of Aids. Two years ago, the university invited herbalists from East Africa to a brainstorming workshop, under the auspices of then vice chancellor, Prof. George Eshiwani. Kiunjuri was among the first beneficiaries of the course. “The response was overwhelming,” recalls Prof. Orago. After thorough scrutiny, we decided to choose the best representatives from various geographical regions. We then gave them an induction course in formal medicine, while they briefed our western-trained doctors in their therapy. The result was a bridge between semi-illiterate village-based herbalists and urban doctors.” Today, the centre has links with over 20 herbalists and traditional healers who offer consultancy services at the university while running their own clinics across the country. The herbalists meet regularly to update each other on the progress of their clients and the efficacy of their medicines. “This way we are able to keep track of the effectiveness of medicines and drugs developed by the centre and those developed by the herbalists themselves,” explains Orago. Once seen as ill trained and unprofessional, traditional herbalists were for a long time frowned upon by their counterparts and the public on account of poor hygiene and unscrupulous professional practices. Besides, since they were not graduates of government colleges and universities they could not gain government certification. Orago says this need not be the case today, where “traditional herbalists have rapidly becoming a major force in the health industry.” Orago’s department currently offers a tailor made certificate, diploma, degree, post graduate diploma and masters courses in the control and management of HIV Aids. Traditional Herbalists intending to join are required to attain at least a secondary education and a minimum of two years experience in laboratory science, control and management of HIV Aids, Nutrition, or food science. Where they are of below secondary education, they are allowed to sit a university qualifying examination. After the certificate course, the herbalists are encouraged to proceed to higher levels. According to Francis Olum, who runs a downtown herbal clinic near the Nairobi railway station, traditional medicines are used by at least 80 per cent of the population for primary health care. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/as-hiv-aids-bite-herbal-medicine-takes-centre-stage http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-linked-to-dha-status Folate linked to DHA statusSource: www.nutraingredients.comFolate levels are directly related to levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, suggests new research, and may help explain why both nutrients tend to be low in people with hostility.Researchers from the National Institutes of Health in the US report that animal studies have already shown that dietary folate can increase tissue concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fat thought to protect against heart disease and also depression and mental disorders. But no human studies have examined the possibility that folate status may affect plasma DHA concentrations. The team carried out a retrospective study on 15 normal and 22 hostile and aggressive subjects, with a mean age of 38 years. Concentrations of plasma polyunsaturated essential fatty acids and red blood cell folate were obtained prior to 1996, before American flour was enriched with folate. Folate was significantly correlated with plasma DHA in the aggressive group, they report in an advance online issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602321). Age, smoking and alcohol consumption did not alter the results. No other essential fatty acids were significantly associated with RBC folate in either group. "The positive relationship between plasma DHA and RBC folate concentrations suggests that these two nutrients should be examined together in order to make the most accurate inferences about their relative contributions to disease pathogenesis," concluded the researchers. "Our findings present one explanation why some conditions associated with hostility and low DHA status, such as cardiovascular disease and emotional disorders, are also associated with low folate status," they added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-linked-to-dha-status http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/make-your-own-herbal-soaps- Make Your Own Herbal Soaps.Source: www.organicgardening.comAdapted from Heirloom Country Gardens, (Rodale Press, 2000). You can easily make fragrant, pretty herbal soaps by using castile soap and adding fragrant herbs and a few drops of essential oils. Castile soap is a pure soap made from vegetable oils, without any added colorings or perfumes. Materials ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons dried fragrant herbs, finely ground Saucepan and enamelware or glass container to use as a double boiler 2 bars of castile soap, grated (approximately 2 cups) essential oils waxed paper 1. Bring water to a boil. Add ground herbs, and steep for 15 minutes. 2. Pour the steeped liquid into the enamelware or glass container, set over a saucepan of water, and reheat. Add the soap and a few drops of essential oil. Stir on low heat unitl the soap mixture is the consistency of softened butter. 3. Knead the soap mixture together and shape into plum-size balls. Dry on waxed paper for two to five days, and then store in plastic bags. Project pointers: Avoid using metal containers or spoons when you are making herbal soaps because the metal can react with herbal ingredients. Although natural, some essential oils may irritate sensitive skin. Test the essential oil by putting a drop or two on the pad of an adhesive bandage strip and placing the strip on your inner arm between the wrist and the elbow. Leave the strip on for 24 hours, then check your skin for any redness or irritation. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/make-your-own-herbal-soaps- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-rich-food-better-than-calcium-supplements Calcium-rich food better than calcium supplementsSource: www.foodconsumer.orgCalcium from food may be more effective than calcium supplements in making stronger bone mass. Also, the body may have a limit of absorbing calcium. More calcium does not always mean more bone mass, according to a recent Finnish study.The study, published in the Nov. issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found young girls going through puberty get more bone mass through use of calcium-rich food than calcium supplements. It also found children who received sufficient amounts of calcium from their diets would no longer benefit from any form of extra calcium.Dr. Sulin Cheng and colleagues from the University of Jyvskyl in Finland studied 195 healthy girls aged 10 to 12, whose calcium intake was less than 900 mg a day. The subjects were randomly assigned 1,000 mg calcium tablets, 1000 mg calcium plus 200 IU vitamin D tablets, or low-fat cheese with 1000 mg of calcium or placebo tablets. "Increasing calcium intake by consuming cheese appears to be more beneficial for cortical bone mass accrual than the consumption of tablets containing a similar amount of calcium," the authors wrote in their article.However, when individual growth speed was considered, none of the supplements, calcium tablets or calcium-rich cheese helped bones, indicating that when dietary calcium intake exceeded a certain level, the body could not absorb the extra. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-rich-food-better-than-calcium-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beauty-secrets-from-the-dead-sea Beauty secrets from the Dead SeaSource: abclocal.go.comPeople travel from all over the world to slather themselves in nutrient-rich mud from Israel's Dead Sea. Legend says it was the Queen of Sheba who first believed in the mystical healing powers of the Dead Sea. Then Cleopatra traveled from Egypt to build the world's first spa there. Today Hollywood royalty, such as Julianne Moore and Susan Sarandon, use products from the salty sea. "The Dead Sea water contains 35 percent of minerals per liter of water," said Ziva Gilaad, chief cosmetics director for Ahava, a major packager of Dead Sea skin products. Gilaad says that heavy mineral concentration of over 21 different minerals is believed to help with skin problems, like eczema and psoriasis, plus aching joints and even fluid retention. The sea contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, bromide, potassium and sulfate. "The Dead Sea is the biggest, widest natural spa on earth," Gilaad said. Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a clinical professor of dermatology at University of Miami, agreed that the Dead Sea contains lots of helpful minerals and nutrients. "My only caution to women is do not shave your legs before you go into the Dead Sea or you will be agony," she said. The salt would be very irritating. Even if you can't travel all the way there, you can still get beauty benefits of biblical proportions at a store near you. "The Dead Sea waters naturally contain clay and minerals which absorb into the skin, so the Dead Sea products are like the old fashioned  but still good  clay masks that so many of us love to put on," Ciraldo said. To experience the sea's healing qualities, you can try the Ahava Dead Sea product line. The modern take on the Dead Sea clay mask is "the more technologically advanced cream containing aluminum crystals," Ciraldo said. "These aluminum oxide crystals will not dissolve in water, so you massage them in," she said. "The process is similar to an in-office micro-dermabrasion." There are several products on the market, including a micro-dermabrasion cream from L'Oreal. In addition to using the Dead Sea to treat her skin, Cleopatra also liked to take milk baths. The milk's lactic acid exfoliated and rejuvenated her skin. Instead of using milk, skin care queens can choose products containing hydroxy acids  which include glycolic, salicyclic and other fruity acids. Products containing retinol will also work well. Hydroxy acids help your skin make new hyaluronic acid, which is found in the deeper dermal layers of the skin, and will plump up the skin. It has a similar effect to anti-wrinkle injectibles such as Restylane. Ciraldo recommends creams with hydroxy acids if "you want to fill out your wrinkles and maybe are just a little to cautious to jump into the injectibles." You don't need a royal budget to try these skin care tactics. "I tell people they can get them anywhere from the drugstore to the high-end skin boutiques. You should just buy the brand that you feel comfortable with," Ciraldo said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beauty-secrets-from-the-dead-sea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/news-about-vitamin-d-and-dry-skin News About Vitamin D And Dry SkinSource: www.13wham.comChristine Webb - 12/13/05 - Vitamin D is important for building better bones but there is more and more evidence that this easy to find vitamin can help our keep lungs healthy as well. A good source of Vitamin D is in milk. In a new study, researchers found that people who have a higher Vitamin D level in their blood tended to have higher lung function. This association was especially strong in those over 60 years old and in smokers. Previous studies have shown health benefits of Vitamin D in such areas as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Dry Skin Tips As the weather gets colder, many people suffer from dry skin. Dermatologists say during the winter months it's important to treat your skin differently. Your skin changes as the seasons change, and dry skin can become a serious problem if not taken care of. Dermatologist Elizabeth Arthur said people can get eczema and even secondary infections during cold weather. So, be generous with the moisturizer. Change your soap if need be, and increase the humidity in your environment. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/news-about-vitamin-d-and-dry-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-key-to-better-lungs Vitamin D key to better lungsSource: news.australiandoctor.com.auHigher amounts of vitamin D could help make it easier to breathe, according to findings that offer possible good news for smokers, asthmatics and other people with respiratory problems, the Daily Telegraph reported. Researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand found people with higher vitamin D levels had better lung function than those with lower levels. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-key-to-better-lungs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplement-may-help-asthma Vitamin Supplement may Help AsthmaSource: www.ivanhoe.comAsthma patients who don't respond to steroids may have a new option. A recent study from King's College London and Imperial College finds vitamin D3 could significantly improve their response to steroid treatment.The results imply steroid treatment works partly by inducing the T-cells of the immune system to produce a molecule called IL-10, which can block the immune responses that cause the symptoms of allergies and asthma. Unlike patients who respond to steroids, T-cells in steroid-resistant patients do not produce IL-10. Researchers found adding vitamin D3, however, can reverse the defect, making the previously steroid-resistant cells respond to the treatment by producing just as much IL-10 as T-cells in steroid-responsive patients."The hope is that this work will lead to new ways to treat people who don't respond to steroid treatment as it currently stands, and it could also help those people who are on heavy doses of steroids to reduce the amount of medication they are taking," says Catherine Hawrylowicz, M.D., Ph.D., who led the King's research team.Dr. Hawrylowicz also says the research is preliminary and future studies need to be done to confirm the findings.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2005;10:1172-1182 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplement-may-help-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-diet-may-help-those-with-high-insulin-secretion Low Glycemic Diet May Help Those with High Insulin SecretionSource: www.newsinferno.comWhile most diets restrict calories, the type of calories consumed may be very important for people who have high insulin levels and are trying to lose weight.A new study out of Tufts University says that a diet’s “glycemic load” may be an important determinant of weight loss, but only for some people.“A food’s glycemic load is a relative measure of how much carbohydrate is in the diet and how quickly that food is converted in the body to blood sugar,” said senior author Susan Roberts, Ph.D., director of the Energy Metabolism Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. “Glycemic load may not be the ‘be-all, end-all’ of weight-loss diets for everyone, but it significantly enhanced weight loss in our high-insulin-secreting subjects.”The small study looked at 32 healthy overweight individuals. The participants were placed on a low-calorie diet for six months. Half of the subjects were randomly assigned to a low glycemic load diet, and the other half followed a diet with a high glycemic load.“In our study,” said author Anastassios Pittas, MD, assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, “everyone lost some weight as a result of restricting calories, but people who had high levels of insulin secretion and ate a diet with a low glycemic load lost the most weight.”The authors say that their findings may lead to individualizing weight-loss diets. The results of the study appear in the December 2005 issue of the journal Diabetes Care. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-diet-may-help-those-with-high-insulin-secretion http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/solgar-the-multi-award-winning-provider-of-a-comprehensive-range-of-nutritional-supplements Solgar, the multi-award winning provider of a comprehensive range of nutritional supplementsSource: i-newswire.comSolgar, the multi-award winning provider of a comprehensive range of nutritional supplements, and Boots Herbal Stores, announce the launch of a powerful new marine-based antioxidant, available for the first time in the UK and available on the web at httP://www.solgar.co.uk The health-supportive role of antioxidants has been well documented but we are only just realising the benefits of one of the most potent yet - astaxanthin. Hailed an ‘advanced antioxidant’ in the US, astaxanthin is thought to help support the eyes and skin - and the good news is that it is about to become widely available in the UK. Considered to be 80 times more potent than vitamin E and ten times more potent than beta-carotene as an antioxidant, astaxanthin is showing great potential in helping to support the health of both the eyes and skin against.Because astaxanthin is both fat- and water-soluble and thought to be extremely well tolerated by the body ( there is no evidence of toxicity ), it also has potential benefits elsewhere within the body as a free radical scavenger. Already cited in more than 300 publications and patents , it has been positively associated with cardiovascular health, immunity and the central nervous system.While most other well-known carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene, are derived from plant sources, astaxanthin comes from marine sources – primarily from micro-algae. In fact, its distinctive pinkish-red pigment is responsible for the colouration of salmon and flamingos. There has even been a theory that this pink pigmentation is nature’s way of protecting flamingoes from predators by camouflaging them at sunrise and sunset – their most vulnerable eating times.Now astaxanthin derived from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis, which is one of the richest sources and is grown off the coast of Hawaii, is available in the UK as part of the Solgar range of natural supplements distributed by Boots Herbal Stores at http://www.solgar.co.uk . Astaxanthin Complex 4mg Softgels from Solgar will have a RRP of £12.99- Ends -About Solgar Founded in 1947, Solgar Vitamin and Herb is a leading authority in nutritional science, technology and education, operating in 45 different countries. From its state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility in Leonia, New Jersey, Solgar’s team of R&D specialists and research partners adhere to the highest global standards in the research and manufacture of quality nutritional supplements. More information can be found at http://www.solgar.co.ukAbout Boots Herbal Stores Founded in 1939 Boots Herbal Stores have a history of bringing new and innovative products to the UK health food sector and now more and more of its distribution is coming via the World Wide Web If you have questions regarding information in this press release contact the company listed below. I-Newswire.com is a press release service and not the author of this press release. The information that is on or available through this site is for informational purposes only and speaks only as of the particular date or dates of that information. As some companies / PR Agencies submit their press releases once per week/month or quarter, make sure check the official company website for accurate release dates as our site displays the I-Newswire.com distribution date only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on or available through this site, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in that information or for actions taken in reliance on that information. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/solgar-the-multi-award-winning-provider-of-a-comprehensive-range-of-nutritional-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cold-remedy-control-has-pharmacies-on-hot-seat Cold remedy control has pharmacies on hot seatSource: www.jsonline.comLaw limiting access to some medications leaves congested consumers complainingA new state law making many cold medications controlled substances is causing congestion at some pharmacies now that the cold season is in full swing. "The complaints started about a month ago," said Luigi Miceli, a registered pharmacist at Lakeview Pharmacy in Racine. The full effect of the law, which makes cold remedies with pseudoephedrine a controlled substance, hit Oct. 1 - just as children started sharing germs in school and bringing the sniffles home to mom and dad. Oct. 1 was the deadline for grocers to remove the products from their shelves. Common cold remedies, such as some versions of Sudafed and numerous other brand name and generic products, now can be sold in Wisconsin only under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. That means many grocers, convenience stores and other retail outlets that once carried the cold medicines can't sell them at all. Stores with pharmacies continue to sell the products from the pharmacy counter, but only when the pharmacy is open. The Wisconsin law, like similar measures in other states, was passed in an effort to stem the illegal manufacture and use of methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine is an ingredient of methamphetamine, which can easily be made in home laboratories. The drug is highly addictive, and its production causes serious environmental threats. Proponents of the state law, which was approved in June, predicted that it would pose only a minor inconvenience to law-abiding consumers. A Waukesha woman arriving at the Walgreens store on E. Sunset Drive on Sunday evening found that the level of inconvenience is in the stuffed-up nose of the beholder.On the rack where she used to find pseudoephedrine tablets, she found cards with photos of the products and prices. Customers must choose a card and then take it to the pharmacy and exchange it for the product. Unfortunately, the pharmacy was closed."Can't someone else just go back there and get it for me?" she asked the clerks. No, they can't.State law allows a pharmacy assistant to fetch pseudoephedrine products after the buyer shows photo identification. But a licensed pharmacist must sign the log to record the transaction. "If customers haven't bought any of these products for a while, they're probably surprised at first that they have to go through that," acknowledged Michael Polzin, spokesman for Walgreen Co. in Deerfield, Ill. "When we explain, for the most part, they understand."The law has forced Roundy's Supermarkets Inc. to remove pseudoephedrine products covered by the new law from stores that do not have pharmacies, spokeswoman Lynn Guyer said. In the five-county Milwaukee metropolitan area, 30 of the 50 Pick 'n Save stores have pharmacies.The stores with pharmacies now display pseudoephedrine products on shelves in the pharmacy visible to customers, who can then ask for the medicine, Guyer said. Lines at the pharmacy window are quite common, she said. "It's a lot more time-consuming and more expensive," Brandon Scholz, president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, said of the new process for buying pseudoephedrine cold remedies.The rule forces buyers of non-prescription pseudoephedrine products to stand in line along with people who are getting prescriptions filled, adding to the workload of the druggists who are often the highest-paid employees in the store. The trade group supported the effort to stem the spread of the illegal methamphetamine labs but argued to make the law regulating pseudoephedrine less restrictive. "What we said to the Legislature is that 99.9 percent of consumers buy this product because somebody's sick," Scholz said.The WGA had asked that retailers be allowed to sell the products from behind the service counter without involving a pharmacist. "Now they've got to troop over to the pharmacy," he said. "They're not happy about it."For people in major metropolitan areas with 24-hour pharmacies, the inconvenience isn't as bad as it is in small towns that might not have many options, Scholz added. New remedies being made The pharmaceutical industry is responding to the situation by making new cold remedies that do not contain pseudoephedrine, but some question the effectiveness of the medications. In addition, the Wisconsin law does not regulate pseudoephedrine products in liquid or gel form. "I have heard from customers that they don't work as well," said Polzin, the Walgreens spokesman. Miceli, the pharmacist in Racine, said the non-pseudoephedrine products could work just as well, adding that some contain ingredients also used in prescription drugs. For independent pharmacies such as the one where Miceli works, there is a silver lining to the new pseudoephedrine law. It brings in people who can't get their cold medication at the corner convenience store."It gives us a little niche," he said, adding that it doesn't take all that much time for the druggist to sign the purchase log for pseudoephedrine sales. But even so, there are customers who aren't happy with the wait. "Everybody wants things rush, rush," he said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cold-remedy-control-has-pharmacies-on-hot-seat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pot-of-gold Pot of goldSource: www.theage.com.auI FOUND happiness in a white china teapot.The pot itself wasn't anything special. The tea it contained was delightful.But someone cared enough to serve it in the pot, with a tiny white teacup on a saucer; and a strainer beside it, with its own drip tray.That's a lot of paraphernalia for a single $3.50 cup of tea. But the tea, a delicate genmai cha, deserved it. Genmai cha is a Japanese green tea blended with fire-toasted rice. It's nutty, toasty, refreshing - and easily spoilt.Too often, beautiful imported teas are served in cafeteria-style stainless-steel pots. Sure, they are practical and inexpensive, they don't smash in the dishwasher and there are probably other justifications.But the flavour of the delicate tea is lost, as is a bit of the romance, in a pot with a hinged lid that clangs shut with a dull metallic thud.Out-of-the-ordinary teas deserve some reverence, a little bit of ceremony. The Green Grocer in North Fitzroy delivered my contentment. Twice.The second time it came in the form of an oolong imperial tea, served in a glass plunger pot. (No concession to the dishwasher here. I've lost count of how many I've smashed in my machine.)The menu said the tea's "stout, crinkled brown leaves slowly turn green, then red around the edges". No red on my watch, but it was fascinating to observe the leaves unfurl and change from a dull brown to an earthy green.The tea was described as "highly aromatic with hints of chestnut and honey flavours". I also tasted notes of liquorice and a light breath of sage, too. Would they have been lost amid "essence of stainless steel"?For almost eight years the Green Grocer has given North Fitzroy a dedicated and determined approach to organic food. It claims to have one of the most extensive ranges in Melbourne and I don't think anyone would dispute that.The house-baked muffins with such ingredients as vanilla and pear, and raspberry and rhubarb, are good, fresh and obviously use wholesome ingredients. The coffee here is Jasper Coffee's "O" blend (O for organic, of course).Owner Mary Eckhardt says that although the teas on her menu, most of them from local importer Tea Corporation, are not certified organic, they are of the highest possible quality."Most of them are single-estate teas. They are grown fairly cleanly in traditional peasant farming areas where they don't use pesticides because they can't afford them," she says. "They are too darn good not to use."There are 18 teas on offer here - from English breakfast to orange pekoe, Russian caravan to jasmine pearl, chamomile and peppermint. In its "teas for connoisseurs" section, the store offers oolong imperial, jasmin litchi, desert flower and midnight lily."I've thought about using those lovely, clear glass pots for the flower teas," says Eckhardt, "but I cringe at the thought of them being smashed." So she went for the next best thing with the glass plunger. It's a good compromise.Tea merchant David Thompson of Larsen & Thompson says Australians are in the early stages of a love affair with teas - but that many consumers are intimidated by lack of knowledge. They don't know what to ask for when ordering tea, so they either don't order it, or revert to ordering English breakfast tea."People are very sophisticated diners in this country and I think that tea is the last bastion on the menu that has not been oversold, because there is no knowledge," he says."Here you have got a product that naturally offers you an enormous variety of flavours and complexity and it goes so well with food."Thompson says he and fellow tea importers are striving to bring in high-quality products that will help to raise the benchmark. He believes the market is becoming more sophisticated, and as with coffee, will be lead by consumer demand.Going on the response we received to our first two Bean There columns, our readers are deeply passionate about coffee. They generously shared information about their favourite coffee haunts, baristas and brews. But none mentioned tea.There must be other places that serve fantastic teas in beautiful pots. Any suggestions?ltolra@theage.com.au Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pot-of-gold http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetics-often-use-alternative-and-normal-therapy Diabetics often use alternative and normal therapySource: today.reuters.comResults of a new study do not support the notion that people who use complementary or alternative medicine (a.k.a., CAM) are less apt to use conventional "evidence-based" medical and preventive care services. On the contrary, it seems they are more apt to use conventional medical services.In a survey of 2,474 adult diabetics, Drs. Donald Garrow and Leonard E. Egede from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston found that nearly half (48 percent) reported using some form of CAM therapy such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, dietary or herbal therapy, or massage and relaxation therapy.Given that there were roughly 15 million US adults with diabetes at the time of the survey, that means that roughly 7 million were using CAM therapies, the authors note in the journal Diabetes Care.There has been "a dramatic increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine among individuals with diabetes in recent years," Egede told Reuters Health.Somewhat to Egede's and Garrow's surprise, CAM use was independently associated with an increased likelihood of getting a pneumonia vaccination and of visiting the emergency room or a primary care doctor.This suggests that CAM use in adults with diabetes may not be a barrier to use of preventive care services or use of conventional medical services."It appears," Egede said, "that those who use alternative therapies want more autonomy in making health care decisions and are willing to try alternative therapies as adjunct to conventional medicines."CAM users in the study were typically younger, employed, more educated, and had higher incomes than non-CAM users and therefore may be more likely to afford alternative therapies in addition to their conventional medical treatments, the researchers note.SOURCE: Diabetes Care, January 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetics-often-use-alternative-and-normal-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lower-vitamin-a-dose-prevents-child-mortality-morbidity Lower Vitamin A Dose Prevents Child Mortality, MorbiditySource: www.naturalproductsinsider.comHalf the recommended dose of vitamin A as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) was more effective than the full dose at preventing mortality and morbidity in children with polio, according to a study published in BMJ (British Medical Journal) (331, 7,530:1,428-32, 2005). Researchers from Statens Serum Institut and Projecto de Saúde de Bandim in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, conducted a combined oral polio vaccine and vitamin A supplementation campaign on 4,983 children aged 6 months to 5 years. Test subjects were given either half the recommended dose or the full dose of vitamin A, and oral polio vaccine, and were monitored for mortality and morbidity at six and nine months of treatment. Mortality was lower in children who took half the recommended dose of vitamin A compared with the full dose at both six months and nine months. These results appeared to be gender-linked, with the lower dose of vitamin A being associated with significantly reduced mortality in girls but not in boys. Paradoxically, the low dose was associated with slightly higher morbidity in children aged 6 to18 months. The researchers concluded half the dose of vitamin A currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) may provide equally good or better protection against mortality but not against morbidity. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lower-vitamin-a-dose-prevents-child-mortality-morbidity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-rich-diet-may-help-vision Vitamin-rich diet may help visionSource: www.latimes.comA vitamin-rich diet appears to lower the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among the elderly in developed countries. In an eight-year study, researchers found that older people whose diets included more than the median levels of vitamins C and E, beta carotene and zinc had a 35% lower risk of developing macular degeneration, compared with those whose diets provided a below-median level of any of the four nutrients. ADVERTISEMENT In macular degeneration, abnormal blood cells grow in the eye and leak blood and fluid that damage the center of the retina and blur central vision. Sufferers are often unable to read, recognize faces or drive, and the condition worsens with age. It affects more than one in 10 white adults older than 80, and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans 60 and older. The study involving more than 4,000 older residents of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, was published in the Dec. 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Assn. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-rich-diet-may-help-vision http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herbal-aphrodisiacs Chinese Herbal AphrodisiacsSource: www.healthywealthynwise.comFor centuries the Chinese have associated vibrant healthand longevity with both abundant kidney Qi and strong libido. In Chinese medicine your kidney Qi and Essence direct your sexual development and keep your libido healthy; improving the healthof your kidneys often means increasing the health of your libido. Some of the most expensive and sought-after kidney-supportive Chinese herbal formulas have become known as aphrodisiacs; they enhance sex drive and performance because they build kidney yin, kidney yang, and kidney Essence. Many also enhance immunity, energy, and stamina, giving them a profound impact on your overall health and longevity. According to Anne Marie Colbin, author of Food and Healing, “An aphrodisiac is a substance that will expand and relax someone who is sexually too tight, or contract and strengthen someone who is too spacey and scattered.”(14) A number of Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs have both of these properties; they contain compounds that can stimulate as well as sedate your nervous system. This may sound surprising, but because of their dual actions Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs are legendary. The Chinese have invested a few thousand years of research in perfecting herbal formulas for preserving sexual vitality. However, it is sometimes difficult for Westerners to understand that these formulas are meant to be used within the context of boosting every aspect of your health. In the age of Viagra, it cannot be emphasized enough that taking a single drug or herbal formula does not make you sexually potent. Great health and vitality are what give you sexual vigor. The health of your libido is not measured by just how much and how often you want to engage in sexual activity; it is much more than that. A women’s libido requires having energy and vitality, but also feeling relaxed and loving. Men tend to take herbal aphrodisiacs to build kidney yang energy for short bursts of sexual satisfaction, but women need to take them over a long period of time to build both kidney yin and kidney yang energy. Building only your kidney yang energy will ultimately exhaust your kidney yin and kidney Essence. By strengthening your kidney yin, kidney yang, and kidney Essence, herbal aphrodisiacs can fortify your sexual vitality by gently strengthening the health of your entire body. The following are some of the best Chinese herbs with aphrodisiac properties. You can find them in many Chinese herbal formulas traditionally given to enhance libido and sexual performance, and in those prescribed for women who are infertile or menopausal. (Chinese herbal formulas are mixtures of herbs that have specific effects when combined together.) Here, these herbs are recommended primarily for their ability to enhance your kidney Qi and kidney Essence. Taking increased amounts of these herbs is not always beneficial; too much may have the opposite effect. For instance, if you take an excessive amount of an herb that strengthens your kidney yang when you are lacking kidney yin can create an imbalance in your Qi and result in a lack of libido. For best results, consult with your practitioner of Chinese medicine. Chinese ginseng is a powerful herb for strengthening your Qi and helping your body adapt to stress. It is used as a sexual tonic because of its modulating effects on your nervous system. If you are lethargic it can give you sexual energy, and if you are tense it can help you relax. Chinese ginseng contains compounds that may have effects on your body resembling those of certain sex and adrenal hormones. It does not act as an immediate sexual stimulant, but when taken long-term it can enhance your sexual vitality. It is usually used in combination with other herbal aphrodisiacs to increase sexual potency, kidney yang, and kidney Essence. In postmenopausal women ginseng can prevent atrophy of the vulvar and vaginal tissues. As a single herb, the recommended dose of ginseng is 200 milligrams taken two to three times a day. Chinese ginseng should not be taken by women with a deficiency of kidney yin because it can be too warming. Rehmannia is superb for nourishing your kidney yin and kidney Essence. In Chinese medicine, this herb is said to be “food for your kidneys,” very rejuvenating, and with the potential to increase your longevity. Rehmannia is usually used in combination with other herbs to build Blood, and strengthen yin and Qi. As a women’s herb, it can enhance your sexuality and draw Qi and energy into your reproductive organs. You will benefit most from the prepared form of rehmannia that has been soaked in wine, steamed, and sun-dried (this form of rehmannia should not be used if you have diarrhea). Rehmannia is seldom prescribed as a single herb. One of the most popular Chinese herbal formulas containing rehmannia, along with other herbs for building kidney yin and kidney Essence, is Six Flavor Rehmannia Pills; the usual dose is eight pellets three times a day, depending on the type of product purchased. Epimedium is considered to be the most powerful vegetarian sexual tonic in Chinese medicine, although surprisingly little is known of it in the West. For women, it is best used in combination with herbs like rehmannia, which strengthen or tonify yin, because epimedium has strong kidney yang-building effects. It may possess male hormone-like actions and is believed to work by stimulating your nervous system, especially the nerves in your genitalia. This herb has also been found to decrease high blood pressure, but it will not affect blood pressure that is too low. In addition, epimedium has powerful immunity-boosting and immunity-regulating effects. In Chinese medicine, it is also used for promoting heath and longevity. Epimedium should not be used regularly by women who have an overactive sex drive, a high fever, or symptoms of kidney yin deficiency such as hot flashes, insomnia, or anxiety. It is best used in a Chinese herbal formula. Cordyceps is one of the shining stars among Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs. It builds your sexual energy over time by enhancing your kidney yang and replenishing your kidney yin. Because of its dual nature, expansive yet contractive, cordyceps is a perfect sexual tonic for women. It also has immunity-enhancing properties. In China, cordyceps is highly valued. Fortunately, it has become more readily available as a result of modern cultivation techniques. The recommended dose of cordyceps as a single herb is 500 milligrams two to three times a day. Refrain from using cordyceps if you have a fever. Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the Hawaii best-selling book Natural Choices for Women’s Health; How the Secrets of Natural and Chinese Medicine Can Create a Lifetime of Wellness. You can reach her at www.drsteelsmith.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herbal-aphrodisiacs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-grapefruit-helps-fight-gum-disease Eating grapefruit helps fight gum diseaseSource: www.foodconsumer.orgEating two grapefruits per day can help gum disease, suggests a study appearing in the Aug. 27 issue of British Dental Journal.Previous studies found deficiency of vitamin C in blood is linked with increased risk of periodontal disease. In many studies, vitamin C as a supplement is effective in reducing the inflammation and infection of periodontal disease, and in promoting the regeneration of gum tissue.The current study found eating grapefruit daily increases the serum vitamin C level and relieves periodontitis.In the study titled "Grapefruit consumption improves vitamin C status in periodontitis patients," H. Staudte et al. assigned 58 patients with chronic periodontitis into two groups. The test group consisted of 21 non-smokers and 17 smokers and a control group of 11 non-smokers and 9 smokers. The test group consumed two grapefruits per day during the two-week study.The grapefruits consumed in the study were obtained from a supermarket,and each weighed approximately 300g. Each grapefruit contained nearly 90 mg of vitamin C.In the study, 22 healthy subjects were recruited to compare plasma vitamin C levels between the healthy subjects and the patients.Clinical evaluation including plaque index (PI), sulcus-bleeding index(SBI), probing pocket depths (PPD) and plasma vitamin C levels were determined before and at the end of the two-week study.The smokers had 29 percent lower levels of vitamin C than non-smokers. Vitamin C in the periodontitis patients was below the normal level.Grapefruit consumption raised the plasma vitamin C level from 0.39 to 0.74 mg/dl in the smoker patients and from 0.56 to 0.87 mg/dl in the non-smoker patients with periodontitis.SBI was reduced in the test group while PI and PPD were not improved.The researchers said that longer-term studies are needed to determine whether other periodontal outcomes improve with grapefruit consumption.A Borutta, director of the WHO Collaboration Centre, Prevention of oral disease said in a commentary accompanying the article that frequently eating grapefruit and other citric fruits may lead to dental erosion. If vitamin C is beneficial to gum disease, other sources of vitamin C such as other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C may be used instead of grapefruit.Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables include oranges, grapefruit,tomatoes, pineapple, broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, asparagus, and strawberries.The researchers suggested those consuming acidic fruits including citric fruits such as grapefruit should not brush their teeth immediately after consuming the grapefruit because acidic citrus juice can weaken tooth enamel making it susceptible to erosion. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-grapefruit-helps-fight-gum-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/florida-physician-finds-possible-influenza-treatment-from-elderberries Florida Physician Finds Possible Influenza Treatment From ElderberriesSource: Dr. Glenn Knox, a Clinical Professor at the University of Florida, theorizes that elderberries are effective against the flu due to a specific substance present in the elderberry plant.(PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 2, 2006 -- Elderberries have long been known as a folk remedy for upper respiratory infections. Researchers have previously noted that elderberry extracts are effective against the flu.Dr. Glenn Knox, a Clinical Professor at the University of Florida, theorizes that elderberries are effective due to a specific substance present in the elderberry plant. This substance, termed SNA-I, is a protein that has been shown to bind to the influenza virus. SNA-I binds to a specific site on the influenza virus which is termed neuraminidase. Dr. Knox theorizes that when SNA-I binds to the neuraminidase, the influenza virus is unable to infect cells in the body. Dr. Knox has patented this protein in the form of a nasal/throat spray. Knox notes, "further research on the properties of SNA-I is needed to determine how useful it is in the treatment of influenza. The possibility that SNA-I may offer a therapy for influenza is very exciting."According to Knox, "Herbal medicine is entering a new era, where scientists are actually determining the mechanism of action of these plants, some of which have been used for centuries."For more information, please contact Knox at 904-292-9777. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/florida-physician-finds-possible-influenza-treatment-from-elderberries http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-aha-says-soy-has-no-significant-effect-on-cholesterol DIET: AHA says soy has no significant effect on cholesterolSource: www.eyewitnessnewstv.comUNDATED New research casts doubt on the claim that consuming veggie burgers, tofu and other soy products helps prevent heart disease.Companies selling such products are currently allowed to tout this benefit on labels. But the Food and Drug Administration might re-evaluate that in light of new findings.Those come from an American Heart Association committee's review of studies on soy done over the last decade.The panel, led by a professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, concluded that soy-containing foods and supplements did not significantly lower cholesterol.The panel found neither soy component isoflavones don't help prevent breast, uterine or prostate cancer.But nutrition experts say soy-based foods still are good because they often are eaten in place of less healthy fare like burgers and hot dogs. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-aha-says-soy-has-no-significant-effect-on-cholesterol http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-for-lung-cancer- Vitamin A for lung cancer?Source: www.mydna.comCould vitamin A potentially prevent lung cancer?A group of U.S. scientists has discovered that a new type of vitamin A called bexarotene possesses a potent anti-cancer property against lung cancer, according to a study scheduled to appear in an upcoming issue of Oncogene, an oncology journal.The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda. Md., and affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The research focused on treated mice that had been genetically altered and were susceptible to lung cancer. After they developed benign tumors, the mice were injected with bexarotene for 12 weeks.The researchers found that bexarotene reduced the total tumor burden by 50 percent in the mice, and it lowered the risk of the benign tumors developing into malignant tumors by 50 percent.This is a staggering figure when taken into consideration for human therapies.In previous studies, bexarotene showed some promise in extending survival in cancer patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer, and had a five-year survival rate of less than 5 percent when it was diagnosed at the advanced stage.Researchers said the vitamin A analogs, called retinoids, have been studied for several years as potential chemotherapeutic agents because they help regulate cell division, growth, differentiation and proliferation. One of drawbacks, however, is that retinoids have side effects that prevent them from being widely used.The bexarotene compound belongs to another class of vitamin A analogs known as rexinoids, which historically have much lower toxic levels than retinoids and cause far fewer adverse effects. One of those side-effects is the rise in serum lipid levels. The ideal substance to prevent cancer would block tumor growth without causing unpleasant or dangerous side effects, and bexarotene needs to be used along with another drug that suppresses the rising of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, according to the researchers.They plan to test the new compound, and say if it turns out to be effective, the compound will become a candidate for clinical trials in patients with precancerous nodules or bronchial dysplasia.Prevention is considered vital to lowering the impact of lung cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta report that almost 200,000 Americans were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002, while 150,000 died.The majority of lung cancer patients are not diagnosed until their cancer has reached an advanced stage, and current treatment regimens do not substantially improve the outcome for most of these patients. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-for-lung-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-eating-fish-high-in-omega-3-fatty-acid-makes-babies-smarter Can Eating Fish high in Omega-3 Fatty Acid makes Babies SmarterSource: www.bestsyndication.comA recent study reported by BBC News said that intelligence in a baby improves with mothers eating Omega-3 rich food during their pregnancy.The study conducted in Avon, UK, looked at 9,000 mothers and children and found that those who had eaten less of Omega-3, an essential fatty acid, had lower IQs. Institutes of Health in the US researched and calculated the data gathered in the Avon study and came up with the following statistics. The mothers with the lowest intake of Omega-3 in their diet had children who on average were six points lower on verbal IQThe children at age 3 ½ years old who ate the most fish and food with Omega-3 had the best fine-motor skills. When the children had lower amounts of Omega-3 fatty acid in their diets they was more of a tendency to have problems with social interactions such as making friends. This was the case 14% of the time in 17 year olds whose mother did not eat much Omega-3 during pregnancy compared to 8% that had mothers that had the highest intake of the essential fatty acid. The researchers strongly believe that the lack of Omega-3 fatty acid in a mother’s diet during pregnancy is extremely important in the developing baby’s brain. The brain is made up of 60% of fat, of which 30% is made up of Omega-3. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-eating-fish-high-in-omega-3-fatty-acid-makes-babies-smarter http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-market-for-vegetarian-supplements The market for vegetarian supplementsSource: www.nutraingredients.comSupplement marketers seem to be taking notice of the growing trend towards vegetarianism, bringing more products to market that do not contain animal-derived ingredients.Although the precise definition of vegetarianism is open to debate, the number of people choosing to exclude meat from their diets seems to have followed a steady upward curve over the past decade. A 2002 Datamonitor report estimated that there are around 12 million vegetarians in Europe, and a Time/CNN poll of 10,000 American adults the same year found 4 percent of the population (more than 11 million people) to be self proclaimed vegetarians. Data from Datamonitor's ProductScan Online database suggests that launches of supplements mentioning the word 'vegetarian' in their marketing may have followed a similar curve. In the US, Datamonitor identified 147 stock keeping units (skus) in the US in 2005, compared to 85 the previous year. The top year, however was 2003, when 172 skus were identified. In 1999, just 52 were identified. In Europe, it identified 24 skus in 2005 compared to 15 the previous year and just five in 2003. However the 2003 figure represents a major dip from the 2002 figure of 21. In 1999 seven skus showed up. Tom Vierhile, director of Productscan Online, explained the gulf between the figures for the two markets by ProductScan's more in-depth coverage of the US market. NutraIngredients.com has identified more and more vegetarian supplement ingredients being offered by major suppliers. Lukas Christian, global product manager for beta-carotene at DSM Nutritional Products (which has a portfolio of non-animal alternatives to popular ingredients) said he believes the demand stems not so much from growing numbers of traditional vegetarians, but from people who are concerned about diseases in certain animal species. He expects vegetarian ingredients to become more than a niche over the next five to 10 years, representing 30 to 50 percent of all ingredients. Since 1999 there have been a number of animal health scares that have made headline news, such as foot and mouth disease in 2001, avian ‘flu in 2005. BSE has been a concern since the mid 1990s, but fears heightened in the US in 2004 following diagnosis of the disease in a small number of cattle there. But Chris Olivant of the Vegetarian Society offered another explanation of the increasing numbers of vegetarian supplements coming to market. He told NutraIngredients.com that companies have been looking for more ways to differentiate themselves as the vitamin market has become more mature. The viewpoint is certainly backed up by market research, which shows that supplement-makers have reformulated their products to meet the requirements of certain age demographics, such as the over-50s or young women, or to help protect against particular ailments like high cholesterol, osteoporosis or sight loss. In this climate and with their numbers increasing - for whatever reason - vegetarians represents a slice of the population worth marketing to. As to the kinds of supplements coming to market, Vierhile said: “Pretty much every type of vitamin or supplement was represented in the results.” However he added that herbal supplements appeared to be well represented. According to Olivant, the most useful supplements for the vegetarians contain nutrients that may be limited in their diet, such as omega-3. He expects that supplements derived from microalgae, which are relatively new to the market, will prove popular. He also has high hopes for vegetarian glucosamine. The usual source of the joint health ingredient is shrimp, but Cargill has brought to market vegetarian glucosamine hydrocholoride, derived from fungus. For vegans, it is important that they supplement their diet with vitamin B12, which is found only in animal derivatives. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-market-for-vegetarian-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-inhibits-atherosclerosis-study Fish Oil Inhibits Atherosclerosis StudySource: www.naturalproductsinsider.comA diet including omega-3-rich fish oil had anti-atherosclerotic effects in low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR) mice, according to a study in Atherosclerosis (184, 1:78-85, 2006). Researchers from Skejby University Hospital and the Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research in Denmark, and “G. d’Annunzio” University and the CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) Institute of Clinical Physiology in Italy administered a 1-percent fish oil diet (high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) or a 1-percent corn oil diet (high in omega-6 fatty acids) to 63 LDLR mice and 69 mice deficient in apolipoprotein (apoE). Although neither corn oil nor fish oil had any significant impact on plasma lipids or atherosclerosis in apoE mice, both groups had lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as less atherosclerosis in the aortic root and in the entire aorta. Atherosclerosis was significantly reduced in the fish oil group compared with the corn oil group when evaluated en face (staining method) in the aortic arch (top portion of aortia). The researchers concluded omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation retarded the development of atherosclerosis in LDLR mice, with a stronger effect seen with omega-3 PUFA. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-inhibits-atherosclerosis-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-wise-family-history-broccoli-sprouts-apple-juice-for-toddlers Nutrition Wise: Family History, Broccoli Sprouts, Apple Juice for ToddlersSource: www.infozine.comQ: I have a family history of diabetes and cancer. Is it possible for me to reduce my risk for both diseases at the same time? Q: Are broccoli sprouts more nutritious than broccoli? Q: Is apple juice the best drink for toddlers? Washington, D.C. - American Institute for Cancer Research - infoZine - Q: I have a family history of diabetes and cancer. Is it possible for me to reduce my risk for both diseases at the same time? A: Yes. For people with a family history of these chronic diseases, a healthy lifestyle is especially important and can make a big difference. Risk of the three most common chronic diseases in the U.S. - heart disease, cancer and diabetes - is all linked to the same lifestyle choices. To adopt the healthiest, least-risk lifestyle, first, look at your weight and how it's distributed. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is high, extra weight is concentrated around your waist, or you've gained more than 11 pounds during adulthood, work toward a healthier weight by reducing your calorie consumption and increasing your activity level. Even if you're not overweight, however, you should aim to be physically active an hour each day. Second, by limiting the amount of saturated fat from high-fat meats and dairy products and the amount of trans fats from commercial bakery and deep-fried foods, you will definitely lower your risk of heart disease and probably reduce your risk of diabetes and possibly cancer, too. Third, if you consume two to three servings of fish weekly or find other sources of omega-3 fat, you may also fight all three problems at once. Fourth, aim to eat three-and-a-half to five cups of vegetables and fruits and at least three to four servings of whole grains daily. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans contain antioxidants that fight inflammation linked to these diseases. They also provide fiber and nutrients like magnesium that may be protective. Q: Are broccoli sprouts more nutritious than broccoli? A: Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower and bok choy, provide a natural phytochemical called sulforaphane. This phytochemical can stimulate enzymes in the body that detoxify carcinogens before they damage cells and begin the development of cancer. Broccoli sprouts, which are tiny shoots from germinated broccoli seeds a few days old, are more than twenty times as concentrated in sulforaphane as mature broccoli. The sprouts are also excellent sources of selenium. However, mature broccoli is higher in fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Although sulforaphane is a powerful beneficial substance, it is only one of the many substances in vegetables and fruits that work together to lower our risk of cancer. Variety is the key to protecting yourself through a mostly plant-based diet. You shouldn't lock yourself into one choice.Q: Is apple juice the best drink for toddlers? A: Apple juice can supply some of the health-promoting phytochemicals found in apples, but there's no reason to use it as a toddler's main beverage. For a juice with high nutritional value, you can choose one that's a good source of vitamin C. This choice could be orange juice, apple juice fortified with vitamin C, or a 100 percent juice blend that supplies vitamin C. Regardless of what juice your toddler drinks, childhood nutrition experts warn against giving your toddler multiple glasses of juice between meals for several reasons. First, too much juice can leave a toddler too full to get adequate nutrition at meals. Second, the calories from excessive amounts of juice between meals can cause undesirable fast weight gain. Third, frequent juice drinking may teach children to turn to flavored beverages to satisfy their thirst, when they should learn the healthy long-term habit of relying on water. At meals, toddlers should drink milk, or a calcium-fortified alternative. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-wise-family-history-broccoli-sprouts-apple-juice-for-toddlers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eucalyptus-a-natural-remedy-for-dental-and-respiratory-problems Eucalyptus: a Natural Remedy for Dental And Respiratory ProblemsSource: allafrica.comHow great it is to have healthy teeth and gums, free from dental caries and toothaches! A fresh breath is essential for social comfort and health.Conventional toothpaste has for long promised to meet such demands but all in vain. The ever-increasing complaints about toothache, bleeding gums and offensive smell of the oral cavity are enough to scorn commercial tooth paste.In his speech during an oral health planning conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 2004, James Apple Yard said dental problems are the major reason for attending outpatients at a regional hospital in Kabale district.Yard said incidences of oral cancer had increased in Denmark and central eastern Europe, where cigarette-smoking is most common.Dental pain is amongst the most severe aches. It can last for years and interfere with eating, sleeping and has a reciprocal effect with overall body health.According to Karla Purkh Singhkhalsa of the Council of the American Herbalist Guild, the common bacteria that builds on our teeth can trigger blood clots, obstruct arteries and cause heart problems.Eucalyptus remedyTraditionally, many people have used natural toothbrushes made from healing plants.In her 1992 book, The Herbs of Life, herbalist Lesley Tierra said plant twigs from trees like bay, eucalyptus, oak, fir and funniper contain volatile oils which stimulate blood circulation and tanmis that tighten and cleanse gum tissues. The trees also have other essential substances such as Vitamin C which maintain healthy gums.The eucalyptus tree, commonly known as Kalittunsi, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. There are over 500 different species in Uganda and all have blue-green, narrow long and tough leaves. Flowers are creamy-white and the bark is papery and peels off on the sides of the trunk.Medicinal propertiesEucalyptus Globulus, also known as the Australian Blue Gum tree, is the most important of the medicinal species. Its leaves emit a smell of camphor when crushed. It has traditionally been used to treat cough, asthma, bronchitis and dental problems. It is also used as an insect repellent. In the US, eucalyptus Globulus, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a cold and flu remedy.The essential oil distilled from its leaves is used in making drugs. Many cough and cold remedies feature small amounts of eucalyptol (the main ingredient of eucalyptus oil) as do countless chest robs and pain-relieving lotions.Britannia Allied Industries Limited Uganda, uses eucalyptus oil as an ingredient in the making of sweet pepsi, which is consumed by people as a deodourant.Wonder drugMany therapeutic uses of eucalyptus have been tested over the years.One study found out that a blend of eucalyptus peppermint and ethanol oils could relieve headache related to muscle tension when rubbed into the forehead and temples. Other research indicate that eucalyptus oil may clear nasal congestion associated with colds, flu, asthma, simisitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.Eucalyptus works as an expectorant, loosening sticky mucus and making it easier to cough up and out of the chest. It is also a powerful antiseptic, hence used in treating wounds and septisemia. In addition, astringent substances in the oil, called tannis strengthens teeth in gum sockets, soothes mucous membranes inflammation in the mouth, nose and throat. Lozenges containing eucalyptus increase saliva production prompting more frequent swallowing and thus, reducing the impulse to cough.The antibacterial properties in eucalyptus may reduce the risk of a secondary respiratory infection against tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The oil is also beneficial for ear ache, arthritis, rheumatism and muscle cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.Eucalyptus helps to fight gum diseases because it inhibits the formation of the sticky film on teeth and gum known as plaque which, if allowed to build up, can turn into a hard mineral shell called tar that wears away gum tissue.Make your own toothpasteRelevant Links East Africa Health and Medicine Uganda In their book, Natural Medicine in the Tropics, Dr Martin Hirt and Bindanda give a recipe for making eucalyptus tooth powder: Harvest eucalyptus leaves from a clean environment, wash and dry them in moderate sunlight, pound the leaves in a mortar. Heat table salt strongly in a saucepan and mix one unit of the pounded leaves with 0.5 unit of salt when still hot. Sieve the powder and store it in air-tight containers. Put a little on your toothbrush daily. The powder should have a fairly salty taste and not sweet. It should not foam like the commercial toothpaste. The powder is also much more effective than the commercial tooth paste in combating dental problems. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eucalyptus-a-natural-remedy-for-dental-and-respiratory-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beat-the-winter-blahs Beat the winter blahsSource: www.delawareonline.comIt's winter in Delaware, which means it's cold and gray and gross. But don't let the weather get you down, spring is only 61 days away. And until then, we'll tell you how to keep your skin in tip-top shape, keep your lips kissably soft, keep the frumpy winter fashion at bay and keep your social calendar full as you count down the days until spring.WINTER SKINDry skin is the bane of winter existence. It gets dry, flakes, cracks and hurts. Not to mention the lovely pasty color it becomes. Most winter skin problems can be attributed to the cold, dry air esthetician Melissa Yarrusso from Perry Anthony Salon said. But people make it even worse by not drinking enough water.Once you've upped your water consumption, Melissa said, you have to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Moisturizing is the most important of your daily routine in the winter. It's not just for your face, it's for all of your skin. Melissa suggests a normal moisturizer in the morning and a super-hydrating one at night. For a night-time moisturizer look for one with hyaluronic acid in it."Hyaluronic acid is an incredible hydrator," Melissa said. "It holds 100 times its weight in water."Here are some other winter skin tips from Melissa:DO use a gel or cream-based maskDON'T stop exfoliating, just cut back a bit, like every other dayDO cut back on the cleansing -- once a day will doDON'T use anything with alcohol to clean your faceDO apply moisturizer every time you clean your faceDON'T skip sunscreenDO moisturize every time you wash your handsDO exfoliate and moisturize your lips. When applying lotion to your face, rub it over your lips. Moderately dry or chapped lips? Exfoliate with a soft dry toothbrush, then apply lip balm that's vitamin E-based -- they work better than a wax-based lip balm.AVOID THE FRUMPIt's cold outside. Freezing really. But that's no excuse to stay huddled inside in sweats under a blanket on the couch. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to look like you're hibernating. We got Michael Dodson, co-founder of the Fashion Alliance of Delaware, to give us the rundown on everything you need to stay warm and look good this winter -- from head to toe.THE BOTTOMFashionable winter footwear is problematic. Mike's "instant favorite" winter footwear fashion for ladies involves their summer shoes.Take those strappy metallic sandals you loved so much last summer and make them work for you in the winter. Get some cool, wooly argyle knee-socks and wear them under your strappy metallic sandals. If it's really cold outside wear a pair of heavy hose under the socks.This look (which Mike refers to as "pumps and hose") works best when paired with dark denim jeans or an above-the-knee skirt. It also only works when it's dry outside. No one wants soggy socks.If it's precipitating, women should look for a boot that pairs function and fashion, like a wedge heel boot with a good gripper surface on the bottom."You need to have some traction," Mike said. "Forget kitten heels or anything where you're teetering and tottering. I am still loving the zip-on stretchy boots. They're like a leg warmer and keep your calves warm all day."Mike also said a FAD member who just returned from Paris spotted lots of women wearing the above-the-knee boot, which will keep the whole leg warm.Guys should avoid the rubber toe shoes at all costs, no matter how snowy or wet it is outside. Mike suggests trying to find some techie shoes that are dressy-looking but also weather repellent.THE MIDDLELayers can be functional and fashionable. They'll keep you warm, but if you layer correctly you'll still look fashion forward. Layering T-shirts with different necklines to create different shapes is a great way to work the layered look. (As Mike said, "peel to reveal.") This way you'll be nice and warm, but if you're out and get hot you can easily remove the layers. Never layer more than three shirts, and make sure only one is an accent color. Two of the three should be monochromatic or neutral, Mike said. "Think subtle, not Flashdance."Look for the high-tech long underwear (like Under Armour) that works great as a layering piece for men and women, especially if you get it in the black turtleneck version. Turtlenecks are acceptable, even for men (much to my surprise). Men with a strong jawline can pull it off with ease. Those with a weaker jawline must pull the turtleneck up higher to deemphasize a weak jawline.Make sure you have a good scarf to carry you through the winter, for men and women. Guys can look like a movie star when they pair a scarf and gloves with a sports jacket without an overcoat. (Now obviously that's not good for walking long distances outside, but it's great for dashing from the car to the bar and you will also avoid checking a coat.)Also, don't be afraid to incorporate color into your winter wardrobe. Just because it's gray outside doesn't mean your outfits have to be.THE TOPWhat you choose to cap your coiffure depends on what type of hair you have. People with straight, sleek hair can safely wear a tight-fitting hat without worrying about spending an entire day with hat hair. (I've found that pulling the front of your hair back before you put a hat on can also help keep hat hair at bay.)Those of you with curly hair should opt for a warm, fuzzy headband that will keep your ears and forehead warm instead of a hat. A hat will crush your curls and flatten out the top of your hair, there's just no good way around it. And if the headband is nice and tight you'll get an instant brow lift and forehead wrinkle reduction.The piece of headwear to avoid is the babushka head wrap. Man, woman, child -- everyone should avoid this. Always. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beat-the-winter-blahs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-questions-advice-on-vitamin-b-12-intake Study questions advice on vitamin B-12 intakeSource: today.reuters.co.ukThe recommended daily intake for vitamin B-12 should be more than doubled from the current level, researchers argue in a new report.In a study of 98 middle-aged and older women, the researchers found that 6 micrograms of B-12 per day seemed to be enough to prevent signs of mild B-12 deficiency. That compares with the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 2.4 micrograms per day.The findings, along with those from several past studies, "strongly suggest" that the RDA should be raised, the researchers report in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.Dr. Mustafa Vakur Bor at the University Hospital of Aarhus in Denmark led the study.Vitamin B-12 is essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells; a deficiency in the vitamin can cause symptoms ranging from the subtle -- including fatigue and mild dizziness -- to more severe complications like nerve damage, anemia and even dementia.Though the typical Western diet provides people with far more than the current RDA for B-12, certain individuals are at risk for a deficiency.Unlike most vitamins, B-12 occurs naturally only in animal products, including meat, poultry, fish and, in lesser amounts, eggs and dairy. So vegetarians and vegans -- who avoid all animal products, including dairy -- may have low stores of the vitamin.The same is true of adults older than 50, as many have a thinning in the stomach lining that prevents the proper release of digestive acids. Stomach acids are essential for "shaking loose" vitamin B-12 from its food source, allowing it to be absorbed. So older adults are advised to get their B-12 from pills and fortified foods like cereal; the synthetic version of the vitamin is more readily absorbed than the natural form.But there has been debate as to whether the RDA of 2.4 micrograms is too low, Vakur Bor and his colleagues note in their report.That RDA is what experts believe is the minimum B-12 needed to prevent anemia, nerve damage and mental dysfunction. But it's not clear that it's enough to prevent subtler effects, according to the researchers.In their study, they looked at the relationship between vitamin B-12 intake and certain blood markers of mild B-12 deficiency in 98 postmenopausal women.Based on diet records the women kept for one week, Vakur Bor and his colleagues separated them into groups according to B-12 intake. They found that overall, 6 micrograms of B-12 per day appeared to be enough to normalize the various blood markers of B-12 status.This suggests, the researchers conclude, "that this dose might be more adequate for the general population than the current RDA of 2.4 micrograms."SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-questions-advice-on-vitamin-b-12-intake http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tony-tantillo-broccoli Tony Tantillo: BroccoliSource: wcbstv.comThis week’s tip is going to be with the staple of staples when it comes to vegetables. Available all year—prices different from year to year depending on the growing area, mostly from California, prices good right now—BROCCOLI.Broccoli’s been around so long and for a good reason. The nutritional value is great and it tastes absolutely fantastic. I could spend this whole segment talking about the nutritional value of broccoli. For example, 240% of the vitamin C needed for the day, phytochemicals, and so much more. Phytochemicals are great for you, but you need to select and store broccoli properly. When you buy your broccoli, you want to make sure that the green here is nice and green all the way around. A little purple is OK, but no yellowing whatsoever. Now the stalks of the broccoli this time of year can be a little bit large, but if you shave off the top layer of the stalk, you can make “broccoli slaw” instead of cole slaw with cabbage. Use broccoli stalks and it’ll taste great, or add them to that dish you’re making with the broccoli. There are smaller stalks out there, but don’t throw this out; you can use it. When you bring it home, put it in the refrigerator right away. Open up that bag because it can decay rather quickly burning off all that nutritional value, especially that vitamin C; enjoy it within 2 or 3 days. Broccoli in the market—great prices and great for you—and always remember to “Eat Fresh & Stay Healthy.” Broccoli SouffléUnlike normal soufflés that have a cream sauce base with egg yolks, this soufflé uses only egg whites. Serves 41 large bunch broccoli, about 1½ pounds Kosher salt Butter-flavored cooking spray 3 tablespoons plain bread crumbs 1/2 red bell pepper, roasted, seeded, peeled, and diced 1 clove garlic, minced 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese Freshly ground black pepper to taste 7 egg whites1. Peel broccoli stems and coarsely chop as close to the bud of the florets as possible. Break florets into pieces as small as possible.2. Put just enough water in a large skillet to cover broccoli. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook, covered, 7 minutes or until tender. Drain and refresh in a colander under cold water. Drain well and purée in a food processor.3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 2-quart soufflé dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. Dust with breadcrumbs.4. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bell pepper, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper. Put egg whites into the bowl of an electric mixer with a pinch of salt and beat until stiff but not dry.5. Stir ¼ of the egg whites into the broccoli mixture. Then fold in the rest in three stages. Do not over mix. Spoon into the soufflé dish and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the soufflé has risen and is nicely browned. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tony-tantillo-broccoli http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-secret-life-of-algae The secret life of algaeSource: www.eurekalert.orgA fundamental process that has puzzled researchers for many years has been explained by UK scientists. Some simple plants that are crucial in maintaining the balance of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere require vitamin B12 to grow properly but it has been a mystery to scientists why some types needed external sources and others did not. Now researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Kent have discovered that half of all algae have a dependent but beneficial relationship with bacteria that make the vitamin for them. The researchers, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), found that no algae have the necessary genes to produce vitamin B12. Those that do not require a supply are like higher plants; they have an alternative metabolic process that does not need the vitamin. However, algae that need vitamin B12 cannot make it themselves and must get it from somewhere else. The scientists realised that the amount of vitamin B12 required to grow the types of algae that do need the vitamin in the laboratory is much higher than natural levels in the seas and rivers. They discovered that in the natural environment were bacteria that could supply the necessary vitamin B12 the algae needed. However, the relationship between the bacteria and algae was not one-way. The scientists found that the algae supported the bacteria by providing them with carbon from their own photosynthesis. Dr Alison Smith, one of the research leaders at the University of Cambridge, said, "What these observations demonstrate is that, although algae live by harvesting the sun's energy through photosynthesis, many of them are like animals in that they need another organism to supply them with a vital nutrient. This has implications for how we consider the ecosystems in the world's oceans." Professor Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC Chief Executive, said, "Algae fix around half of the world's carbon so it is vital that we can understand what affects their growth and wellbeing. Research into fundamental relationships and microscopic bacteria may not seem important at first but it is only by improving our understanding at this level that we can discover how to maintain the health of ecosystems at a global level." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-secret-life-of-algae http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/day-spa-magazine-s-top-chain-spa-of-2005-gene-juarez-is-to-be-the-exclusive-retailer-of-hydropeptide-in-the-greater-seattle-area Day Spa Magazine’s Top Chain Spa of 2005, Gene Juarez is to be the Exclusive Retailer of HydroPeptide in the Greater Seattle AreaSource: www.prweb.comWith Botox® and baby-boomers on the rise, it is no shock to see Gene Juarez Spas offering HydroPeptide™ Intensive Concentrate Anti-Aging Crème as an effective alternative. Both the spa chain and the product line are high-tech, high-end, and high powered.Seattle, WA (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- What do you get when you have a chain of top spas retailing the first treatment to combine 3 high-tech, high-end, high-powered crèmes in 1 formula? Success, block-buster sales, and really happy customers. Azure Cosmeceuticals, the leaders in anti-aging peptide treatments, have just announced there agreement with Gene Juarez to be the exclusive retail location in the Greater Seattle area to carry HydroPeptide™ Intensive Concentrate Anti-Aging Corrective Crème. Steve Peck, President of Azure Cosmeceuticals, says “It’s not just about the baby-boomers any more. Everyone is beginning to understand their need for highly effective anti-aging products and what they want is effective yet simple to use. HydroPeptide™ is just the crème. It takes the best of everything and does everything; repairs, reduces, and protects. It’s a miracle that it can do so much for damaged skin. We know that the Gene Juarez spa chain has the greatest potential to reach this ever-growing demand. We’re excited to have them onboard.” Gene Juarez has a tradition of excellence. Since 1971, Gene Juarez Salons and Spas have been the definitive authority on hair, beauty and wellness in the Pacific Northwest. The name itself stands for talent, inspiration and excellence; elements that have made Gene Juarez one of the most successful and award-winning salon owners in the nation. Gene Juarez has created eight full-service salons and spas, two cosmetology schools and the Gene Juarez Advanced Training Salon and employs over 1,200 talented individuals. There commitment to quality, training and guest service has earned them numerous honors including: America's Salon of the Year (Modern Salon Magazine), Top Day Spas Award (Self Magazine), Top Spas in the United States (InStyle Magazine), Best Hair Salon & Spa Escape (King 5 Evening Magazine), Best of Seattle Reader's Choice (Seattle Weekly). They offer a complete range of award-winning salon services and exclusive spa treatments essential to maintaining your personal image, health and well-being. They offer the highest level of expertise in hair with design and color customized to the individual. Their spas are the ultimate retreat, where aromatic essences, soothing sounds of water, and luxurious surroundings create an escape to replenish and feel beautiful.So what was it about this “miracle crème” that pushed Gene Juarez to carry HydroPeptide™? HydroPeptide™ Intensive Concentrate Anti-Aging Corrective Crème represents all the most recent breakthroughs in skin care technology and focuses not only on restoring past-damaged skin through TGF Beta-1 (transforming growth factor), but also reducing present wrinkles by immediately retexturing the skin with essential oils and nutrients, and protecting future damage with a synergistic combination of over 10 different antioxidants. This combination proves its ability to act as a cellular mediator by signaling certain activities that are necessary for maintaining young-appearing healthy skin. Medical studies indicate that transforming growth factor (TGF Beta-1) via peptide stimulation is unparalleled in enhancing the factors that are critical to healing, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin production. This Botox® alternative and post-operative treatment makes a great retail product because it is the ultimate 3-in-1 crème. It’s a superb moisturizer containing advanced supplemental agents such as hyaluronic acid, and incorporated a newly pioneered liposome delivery system which helps active absorb quickly within the skin, leaving a silky and refined texture. With HydroPeptide™, users will experience immediate benefits as well as long-term measurable changes. Plus, HydroPeptide™ can be used in combination with glycolic acids, Retin-A™, other topical medications, SPF moisturizers and makeup. You may even see it offered at Gene Juarez in conjunction with your facial peels or microdermabrasion sessions. If you live in the greater Seattle area, visit your nearest Gene Juarez location for more information about HydroPeptide™. Currently, Azure Cosmeceuticals is seeking other highly-successful spa chains in other regions through-out the country to carry the HydroPeptide™ brand. For more additional information about HydroPeptide™, please contact: Azure Cosmeceuticals P.O. Box 7015, Bellevue, WA 98008 Phone: (800) 932-9873 (WE-AZURE) Fax: (425) 484-5222 www.hydropeptide.comAbout Azure Cosmeceuticals, Inc. Azure Cosmeceuticals, Inc. is fully focused on bringing state-of-the-art, anti-aging innovations through premier skin care products that deliver results. Azure utilizes the latest proven developments in cosmeceutical skin care technology and offers credible and safe alternatives to cosmetic procedures. They are dedicated to continued research and advancement in the skin care industry. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/day-spa-magazine-s-top-chain-spa-of-2005-gene-juarez-is-to-be-the-exclusive-retailer-of-hydropeptide-in-the-greater-seattle-area http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetable-rich-diet-may-help-cut-blood-pressure Vegetable Rich Diet May Help Cut Blood PressureSource: www.medindia.netA vegetable rich diet has been found to reduce the risk of hypertension, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart attack or strokes, according to a recent diet study. Researchers led by Professor Paul Elliott at the Imperial College London studied 4,680 people aged 40-59. They recommend that a diet high in vegetable products be part of a healthy lifestyle for prevention of high blood pressure and related chronic diseases, reported the online edition of BBC News. Belinda Linden, medical spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation, said previous research had also shown that blood pressure was better controlled with a vegetarian diet. Although the researchers did not find any strong evidence that high meat consumption is linked to high blood pressure, Linden said: "Vegetables contain less salt and more antioxidant vitamins, are low in calories, high on fibre and also help to control diabetes. "Having proteins found in vegetables rather than those derived from animals may offer a number of natural benefits for people who are at a high risk of coronary heart disease, stroke or diabetes." Linden added: "Understanding more about these vegetarian proteins could guide us in preventing or treating heart and circulatory disease and will allow us to lead an appropriate healthy lifestyle." Medindia on Hypertension: High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body.For More InformationGeneral Info about Hypertension Rich Diet Of Fruits & Vegetables Helps To Protect Against Lung Cancer Fruits And Vegetables Contribute To Memory Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetable-rich-diet-may-help-cut-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/detox-with-water-and-a-good-nights-sleep Detox with water and a good night's sleepSource: ichuddersfield.icnetwork.co.ukA GLASS of tap water and an early night are the best remedies for festive over-indulgence, according to a group of scientists who have been looking at the detox industry.According to Sense About Science, the human body has its own highly-effective "detox" mechanisms and we simply don't need to spend money on special products.The group's director Tracey Brown goes as far as saying that: "They waste money and sow confusion about how our bodies, nutrition and chemistry actually work."The first few weeks of the New Year are traditionally a time when many of us take a closer look at our health and lifestyle. It is the prime time for giving up smoking; taking up exercise and joining a slimming club.Detoxing has also become a popular New Year habit, helped along in recent years by the queen of the detox Carol Vorderman and her many diets and nutrition plans. Detox aficionados say that festive excesses can cause a build-up of toxins in the body, leading to weight gain and a general feeling of sluggishness and ill-health. Numerous products, many based on herbal remedies, are sold with claims that they help the body to get rid of toxins and restore normal functioning of organs that have been under stress. However, Sense About Science point out that drinking plenty of water and getting good quality sleep can achieve an effective "detox". "When harmful chemicals do enter the body, the liver acts as an extraordinary chemical faactory, usually combining them with its own chemicals to make a water-soluble compound that can be excreted by the kidneys. "The body thus detoxifies itself. The body is rehydrated with ordinary tap water. It is refreshed with a good night's sleep. "These processes do not occur more effectively as a result of taking "detox" tablets, wearing "detox" socks, or using any of the other products and rituals that are promoted," added Mrs Brown. The group has based its advice following research by a number of leading scientists into the role of detox solutions. Dr John Emsley, chemical scientist and science writer, says: "Our bodies are very good at eliminating all the nasties that we might ingest over the festive season. "There is a popular notion that we can speed up the elimination process by drinking fancy bottled water or sipping herbals teas, but this is just nonsense. "In fact, many of the detox diets and supplements really aren't that good for you, nor have these been properly tested." He believes that the principles behind detoxing have become an urban myth. Adrian Midgeley, who runs one of Huddersfield's best-known health stores, Half Moon Wholefoods, notices an annual seasonal interest in herbal remedies and detox supplements in the first weeks of the New Year. And while he agrees that drinking water and getting enough sleep are vital for good health he firmly believes that herbal remedies can help to restore optimal health after a period of overindulgence. "It's also important to get fresh air and exercise. Exercise gets the lymphatic system working, which helps the elimination of toxins and waste products," he explained. "We sell herbal products, such as dandelion and milk thistle, that will help give your liver some extra support to remove toxins if you have been eating and drinking too much over Christmas. "At this time of year there are a lot of colds and flu around because people's immune systems tend to be lower after Christmas. Eating excess sugar and drinking can affect your immune system so something like echinacea might be useful," added Adrian. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/detox-with-water-and-a-good-nights-sleep http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/compounds-in-liquorice-root-may-help-fight-tooth-decay Compounds in liquorice root may help fight tooth decaySource: www.confectionerynews.comCompounds isolated from liquorice root used for confectionery products may help fight tooth decay, according to researchers at UCLA.According to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, compounds isolated from liquorice root used for confectionery products contains at least two compoutnds that appear to be potent inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria associated with the dental caries. The study is due to appear in its entirity in the February edition of Journal of Natural, published monthly by the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Pharmacognosy.Its findings could prove to be a major boost to makers of oral care products - including moutwashes, toothpaste and even chewing gum - looking to up the efficacy of their products through the use of natural, well-known ingredients. The scientists involved in the project say that more research is needed before it can categorically be proven that the compounds effectively fight human cavities. However, Qing-Yi Lu, a chemist at UCLA's School of Medicine, and Wenyuan Shi, Ph.D, a microbiologist at UCLA's School of Dentistry state that if further studies show promise, the licorice compounds could eventually be used as cavity-fighting components in mouthwash or toothpaste.According to the soon-to-be published article, licorice has been an important herb in Chinese medicine for many years and is now being ‘rediscovered' by Western medicine as a rich source of potentially beneficial compounds. In addition to being used as flavoring and sweetening agents in candy, tobaccos and beverages, compounds derived from liquorice root have been shown to help fight inflammation, viruses, ulcers and even cancer, according to the researchers. Currently liquorice extract can be found in a number of Ayurvedic oral care remedies, having been long-discovered by Indian Ayurvedic practitioners to have positive effects on oral health.A leading manufacturer of liquorice toothpaste is Indian personal care player Auromere, which distributes its product lines both in India and in the US. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/compounds-in-liquorice-root-may-help-fight-tooth-decay http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jane-seymour-and-her-hrt-dilemma Jane Seymour and her HRT dilemmaSource: www.dailymail.co.ukAs the body clock ticks on it is a dilemma most women will face. Should you take hormone replacement therapy to ease the symptoms of the menopause - despite increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke - or try to get by through diet and alternative therapies? Early last year, British actress Jane Seymour took what she thought might just be her last dose of hormone replace ment therapy (HRT). The 54-year-old star of Dr Quinn Medicine Woman had been taking artificial hormones since she began the menopause at the age of 47. But after seven years of treatment, the mother of four felt it was time to give the drugs a rest and try a nat ural approach to managing her menopausal symptoms. Instead, Jane chose a combination of complementary and holistic medicine which she hoped would control the natural side-effects of the menopause; the mood swings, irritability, dry skin and hot flushes caused when the body's levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen plummet. But now, just a few months later, after her 'grouchy' moods and flushes returned with a vengeance, Jane has admitted defeat She is back on HRT. "In the end I had to weigh up the pros and cons," she says. "I knew about the risks, but quality of life was important, too I clearly needed regular medical help." Cancer controversy Jane stopped taking HRT purely because of the controversy surrounding the issue An American study published in 2002 linked the drug to increased risks for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke causing widespread alarm. Although subsequent studies have shown that, conversely, HRT can protect against some other forms of cancer and osteoporosis, most doctors advise against long-term use without close monitoring. "I had taken it for seven years and, while wanted a good quality of life, I was aware that HRT increases the risk of certain med ical conditions such as blood clots, stroke and breast cancer. So I went to see my doctor and then for a second opinion. "One doctor said she didn't want me to continue taking it, the other said to continue for quality of life. When I asked them why, they kept handing me books to read. I realised it was up to me to make up my own mind." Jane began the menopause just two years after the traumatic birth of her twin boys, Kristopher and John, now aged ten. They were born after several cycles of IVF and two miscarriages. Jane even developed pre-eclampsia - a condition that causes blood pressure to soar and can be lifethreatening - when she was carrying the twins. Eventually they were born six weeks prematurely and were on heart monitors for the first four months. Support: Jane with husband James Keach Today Jane, married to her fourth husband and father of her twins, actor and director James Keach, admits that her hormones had still not recovered from that trauma when she began to experience the start of the menopause, a time that most women dread. "When I had my twins at 45, I put my system through the wringer," she says. "On top of that, my early 40s had been especially traumatic. I lost my father to cancer and my husband (David Flynn) to another woman. 'Lost faith in being happy' "I lost faith in ever being happy again. When the menopause took hold I had the typical symptoms of hot flushes and feeling grouchy. I did try to use mind over matter to control them - but I realised that I needed a back-up plan. "So I tried HRT. And once I started taking it, I found that those symptoms disappeared and I could stop worrying and get on with my everyday life." During this time she starred in several films such as Wedding Crashers, and was voted one of the world's sexiest women in her 50s, second only to Joanna Lumley. Her looks remained so youthful that she was accused of having a fake passport by an incredulous immigration officer who was insistent she was 34 - not 54. But then, like many woman who have taken HRT for several years, Jane began to worry about what she might be doing to her long-term wellbeing. On the face of it Jane was an ideal candidate to take a natural approach. A doctor's daughter, she has always maintained a healthy scepticism about some of Hollywood's wackier crazes, while making sure she and her brood of four children and two stepchildren maintained a balanced diet. The British-born actress keeps her larder stocked with produce from her large organic garden, which overlooks the ocean in Malibu, California. "We have every citrus tree known to man," she says. "And we grow an astonishing variety of soft fruit and vegetables." As well as eating healthily, Jane has been a long-term advocate of yoga. To keep fit, she plays golf and skis. She also knows her complementary medicine. As a member of the American National Foundation for Alternative Medicine, Jane has spoken before the US Congress about the benefits of alternative medicines. So once she had made the decision to give up HRT, Jane made sure that she followed a diet high in natural phytoestrogens - substances found in plants that mimic the action of oestrogen - including soya products, chickpeas and legumes, and flax oil, and took supplements including red clover and alfalfa, which are also high in phytoestrogens. She also took - and still does take - a multivitamin and omega-3 fatty/acids supplements. But despite her best efforts, all too quickly the symptoms which had plagued her returned. 'I couldn't handle it' "Some people can deal with menopause symptoms through diet, nutrition, vitamins and exercise. But I couldn't handle it," she says, with admirable honesty. At first it was hard for Jane to accept that her famous mental toughness couldn't get her through her difficulties. "When I worked on Dr Quinn. I would do a regular 16-18 hour day and I was the only person on set who never got sick," she says. "I am a firm believer that many things - including laughter and happiness - help to boost the immune system as well as diet, exercise and supplements. But although I was knowledgeable about those things, I found I just wasn't able to do enough. "I did manage to handle the symptoms to a degree, but was it pleasurable? No. I experienced all the uncomfortable symptoms I had avoided when I took HRT, and in the end I decided to go back on the drugs again. Quality of life won out." In fact, in the end Jane has managed to find a compromise between alternative and conventional medicine that suits both her lifestyle and her beliefs. She has continued her healthy diet, high in phytoestrogens and she takes her HRT via a patch rather than in tablet form. When the body is able to absorb medicine directly into the bloodstream via the skin, rather than the digestive system, there are usually fewer side-effects. She has also halved the dose she was on, and finds that her symptoms are just as well controlled. Finally, she also has her hormone levels checked several times a year. "Everyone was telling me different things, but I realised that each woman has to create her own way of dealing with the menopause, one that she is comfortable with and one that works for her. "My way was to use a combination of Western and alternative medicine - and, incidentally, I would do the same if I had cancer. "I weighed up the risks and benefits and concluded that because I was not at high risk of any of the diseases associated with HRT, I decided to take it - but on my terms." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jane-seymour-and-her-hrt-dilemma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ten-tips-for-a-natural-immune-system-boost Ten Tips For A Natural Immune System BoostSource: mathaba.netCold and flu season is upon us. The first line of defense is to wash your hands often, and keep your work area clean by wiping it down with an alcohol solution.In addition, now is a great time to start boosting your immune system. A weakened immune system leaves your body susceptible to every cold and flu virus, especially during the holiday season when you are in close contact with others, often moving between time zones and changing climates. So, how exactly do you go about boosting your immune system? There are a number of great methods. Below are ten recommendations that will boost your body’s immune system naturally. Vitamin C: You are probably already aware of this reliable supplement. Your body cannot store vitamin C so it is dependent on your dietary intake. To make sure you are getting enough it is recommended to take 1,000 mg a day to fight off infection. Goldenseal : You will find this remedy very effective in not only preventing infection but also reducing inflammation after you have a cough or flu symptoms. Turmeric: This herb is a member of the Ginger family and also known as Curcuma. We have a good article on the UHR site on Turmeric along with a chicken recipe that uses this exotic spice. Animal research has shown this herb to be beneficial as an immune stimulant. Recommended dosage is 200 mg per day to support immune health. Maitake: These mushrooms enhance immunity, and are especially effective in helping the body to inhibit cancer growth. Maitake appears to activate the immune response by stimulating the T- cells that are the body’s defense against viruses and cancer cells. Recommended dosage is 3-7 g per day. Aloe Vera: Supplementation with Aloe Vera has been shown to be extremely effective in bolstering and balancing the immune system. Recommended dosage is a quarter glass of juice each morning. Take twice a day when you feel a cold or flu coming on. L-Arginine: Is a non-essential amino acid that promotes wound healing and improves the immune response against bacteria, viruses and tumor cells. Levels of L-Arginine drop during periods of increased stress. Recommended dosage is 3-6 g per day. Astragalus: Used for nearly 4000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. Early Chinese writings refer to it as "the superior tonic". Astragalus is a favorite immune system builder among the natural health community. It is good for colds, immune- deficiency- related disorders, including AIDS, cancer, and tumors. Black Tea: You may be able to boost your fight against the flu with black tea. In a recent study, people who gargled with a black tea extract solution twice per day showed a higher immunity to flu virus compared to the people who did not gargle with black tea. Black tea represents probably the single biggest source of flavonoids--a natural class of antioxidants that are found in many natural plant- derived foods. Olive leaf: Olive leaf extract is a powerful tool in the fight to kill viruses such as the cold, herpes, and Epstein-Barr. Its power also extends to helping wipe out sinusitis and bronchitis, as well as reducing hypertension and cholesterol levels. The most important element in olive leaf extract is a compound called oleuropein. When purchasing this supplement, look for capsules standardized to 6 percent oleurpein. The recommended dose is 500 mg daily to fight an existing bacterial or viral infection. Liquorice: Scientific studies have shown that liquorice stimulates immunity. Its ability to fight flu viruses and bacteria allows using it not only for treatment, but also for flu prevention during epidemics. Liquorice root should not be used in cases of high blood pressure, water retention, pregnancy or if on medication. It is best to start thinking about immune health before you become ill with the cold or flu virus. Now is a great time to start improving your diet, learning to cope with stress and taking an inventory of the gaps in your diet to help decide which supplements will be of most benefit to you. Here’s to your health! About the Author: Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ten-tips-for-a-natural-immune-system-boost http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-may-reduce-risk-of-alcohol-dependence Vitamin K May Reduce Risk of Alcohol DependenceSource: www.jointogether.orgVitamin K helps prevent brain injury in newborns. If alcohol dependence is associated with brain development in infancy, giving babies vitamin K might reduce their future risk of dependence. To explore this possibility, researchers studied a 30-year prospective cohort of male infants in Denmark. Of 238 men, 18% had received 1 mg of vitamin K intramuscularly at birth, 16% had alcohol dependence (assessed at age 30), and 68% had fathers with alcohol dependence. Receipt of vitamin K was not significantly associated with gestational age, birth weight, birth complications, or signs of neurological impairment at birth.Only 5% of men who had received vitamin K at birth had alcohol dependence compared with 18% of men who had not received the vitamin. In an analysis adjusted for birth weight and having a father with alcohol dependence, men who had received vitamin K had significantly fewer symptoms of alcohol dependence. Comments by Richard Saitz, MD, MPH:The results of this analysis suggest that perinatal brain injury (e.g., hemorrhage, which is now much less common due to universal administration of vitamin K to neonates) increases the risk of alcohol dependence. These results also imply that preventive interventions that reduce neurological trauma early in life may lower vulnerability to dependence later. Reference:Manzardo AM, Penick EC, Knop J, et al. Neonatal vitamin K might reduce vulnerability to alcohol dependence in Danish men. J Stud Alcohol. 2005;66:586-592. Reprinted with permission from Alcohol and Health: Current Evidence. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-may-reduce-risk-of-alcohol-dependence http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-may-affect-eyesight Diet may affect eyesightSource: www.mydna.comHave you noticed that simple activities like reading, watching television, driving or even recognizing people's faces are becoming more difficult everyday? Don't be so quick to blame it on aging.These problems may actually be due to a condition known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is no cure for the disease at this time, but there may be good news on the horizon. Various studies have shown that a regular diet with essential nutrients may provide valuable benefits for this condition. If you have AMD, you are not alone. It's the leading cause of blindness in men and women older than 60. According to the Massachusetts-based American Macular Degeneration Foundation, AMD affects more than 10 million people - that's more than who suffer from cataracts and glaucoma combined. AMD attacks the macula, the retina's center, which is responsible for providing the eyes' central vision and fine detail. The condition is unpredictable, as vision loss may develop slowly or quickly and may target one or both eyes. And while it's painless, it does worsen with age. Research suggests that once one eye is affected, the other will usually be affected over time. The appearance of AMD is often first detected during a regular eye exam, as you or your eye doctor notice that your vision is declining. The good news is that early detection may actually delay or even reduce this condition's severity.Aside from advancing age, such risk factors as gender, race and family may contribute to AMD's formation and severity. Women are more susceptible to this condition. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., has also found that AMD affects whites more than African-Americans, Asian-Americans and American Indians. Those with a family history of the disease may have a higher risk of developing it, too. Other risk factors are obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure) and arteriosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries). And studies show that very bright light like sunlight may actually worsen AMD.Smoking is considered to be a leading AMD risk factor. A pair of studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that the likelihood of developing AMD can be doubled by smoking a pack or more a day. Why? Researchers suspect that smoking may speed up damage, as it exposes the macula to harmful chemical compounds. Smoking may also limit the bloodstream's delivery of blood, oxygen and other protective nutrients to the eyes.A sweet tooth may also be a risk factor for AMD. Foods such as potato chips, chocolate, cookies and cake are high in unhealthful, highly-processed vegetable, mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. But research shows that a low-fat diet with fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables may help AMD. These fruits and vegetables have been found to delay or reduce the condition's severity.A groundbreaking eight-year Dutch study recently published in JAMA found that a diet high in beta-carotene, zinc and vitamins C and E may effectively lower risks of developing AMD. These benefits are likely due to the antioxidant benefits of these nutrients. In the study, those who regularly consumed higher-than-average levels of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc had a 35-percent lower risk of developing AMD. Meanwhile, those who regularly consumed lower-than-average levels had a 20 percent higher risk. "This study suggests that the risk of age-related macular degeneration can be modified by diet; in particular, by dietary vitamin E and zinc," said the study's lead author, Redmer van Leeuwen, M.D. Ph.D., of Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam. "Foods high in these nutrients appear to be more important than nutritional supplements." This supplementation, however, must be consumed before symptoms appear. Therefore, those at risk for AMD should begin a strict nutritional regimen as quickly as possible. But don't worry, these four nutrients are found in many of the foods we eat. For example, citrus fruits and juices, potatoes, broccoli and green peppers are rich in vitamin C, while vitamin E is found in eggs, nuts, whole grains and vegetable oil. Carrots and spinach offer beta-carotene, and zinc is found in meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and whole grains.Aside from early detection, a proper diet rich in essential nutrients may provide valuable benefits for those afflicted with AMD. While there is no cure at this time, this combination may offer the best protection against this condition. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-may-affect-eyesight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-good-for-teeth Liquorice 'good for teeth'Source: www.thesun.co.ukChemicals found in liquorice root — used to make the sweets — destroy bacteria that cause tooth cavities.Experts say the discovery could revolutionise the toothpaste industry. Dr Qing-Yi Lu, of the University of California, said liquorice used in the Bertie Bassett sweets appeared to be “at least as powerful at fighting cavities as some dental products”. It could become “a potent ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste,” he added.But dentist Alex Turner, of Portsmouth, said Allsorts are full of sugar and should not be used as a substitute for fluoride toothpaste. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-good-for-teeth http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/companies-wishing-to-enter-the-field-of-rheumatoid-arthritis-diagnostics Companies Wishing to Enter the Field of Rheumatoid Arthritis DiagnosticsSource: www.genengnews.comCompanies Wishing to Enter the Field of Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostics should Aim to Develop a Tool with Both Strong Diagnostic Performance and High Prognostic Value 1/26/2006 9:10:00 AM ESTResearch and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c31661) has announced the addition of Improved Diagnostic and Prognostic Tools for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unmet Needs in a Changing Market to their offering According to recent clinical studies, the key to achieving optimal outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to diagnose and treat it as early as possible. The need to develop more-sensitive and more-specific markers for early-stage disease is urgent. While developments in disease-modifying drugs and biologic agents have revolutionized the treatment of RA, enabling physicians to slow disease progression and prevent some joint destruction, diagnostics has lagged behind. Therefore, the challenge in this area of medicine lies almost exclusively in the diagnosis of early-stage RA, which can be accomplished only with novel serological tests, imaging techniques, or RA biomarkers. This report profiles the efforts under way by a variety of companies in this area of great unmet need. Business Implications The key to avoiding irreversible joint damage and achieving optimal outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is early treatment, which necessitates early diagnosis. Although the treatment of RA has been revolutionized in recent years by the introduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors and more-aggressive treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), the current array of diagnostic options falls short in all areas: for detecting early cases, reaching differential diagnosis, and predicting disease severity. Rheumatoid factor (RF) traditionally has been the standard serological test, but its poor specificity and sensitivity limit its usefulness. In fact, if a highly specific test were developed, it could replace RF altogether. Researchers are seeking to develop serological tests that are specific for RA in response to the well-recognized unmet need for improving the diagnostic paradigm. Emerging tests include anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), anti-RA33 antibodies, antifilaggrin antibodies (AFAs), anticalpastatin antibodies, and hyaluronic acid (HA). Companies and institutions that wish to enter the field of RA diagnostics should aim to develop a tool with both strong diagnostic performance (including high specificity, high sensitivity, and a marker that is present in early disease) and high prognostic value. A tool with these capabilities would become indispensable throughout the duration of the disease: from providing a diagnosis at initial presentation to monitoring patient response to treatment in established RA. Companies mentioned: - SurroMed - Merck - Millennium - Roche Diagnostics - deCode Genetics For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c31661 Source: Decision Resources Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/companies-wishing-to-enter-the-field-of-rheumatoid-arthritis-diagnostics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-role-of-vitamin-a-in-dry-skin-prevention-and-treatment The Role of Vitamin A in Dry Skin Prevention and TreatmentSource: www.theopenpress.comAlthough most dry skin is caused by exposure to harsh weather, chemicals and pollutants, it can also be a symptom of several more serious disorders – diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid problems are among the most prevalent. Dry skin should always be investigated to ensure that these disorders are not present. Nutritional deficiencies can also be the cause, and should also be investigated, especially a deficiency in Vitamin A.Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cellular function, and the prevention and treatment of infection. It regulates the immune system, which produces white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. It contributes to the health of surface linings of the eyes, and the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. When those linings break down, it becomes easier for bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. And it helps maintain the integrity of the mucous membranes and the skin, which also act as barriers to bacteria and viruses.Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include reduced night vision or night blindness, dry eyes, inflammation of the eyes or cornea, rough skin, dry skin, vulnerability to respiratory or urinary infections, loss of smell and appetite, fatigue, and growth retardation in children.A healthy person who is able to digest and assimilate nutrients from their food is not at high risk for Vitamin A deficiency as long as they eat a good diet. Those who do not eat well or live on fast foods are more susceptible. The foods most rich in Vitamin A are meats, liver, dairy products, eggs, fruit, carrots, and green leafy vegetables.Changing your diet, or supplementing it with Vitamin A, can be effective for dry skin care and treatment. Additionally, you should protect your skin from environmental damage with a good shielding lotion that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-role-of-vitamin-a-in-dry-skin-prevention-and-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-decisions Nutrition DecisionsSource: www.wowt.comMultivitamins are a good idea for some people. They provide the nutrients you don't always get in your regular diet but not all vitamins deliver as promised.Multivitamins can help bolster nutrition, especially if you're on a restrictive diet or you're over 50. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know which one to buy and how much you should pay. Consumer Reports just tested 18 brands of multivitamins from discount and dollar stores and CR's Jamie Kopf says, "What we found was that nearly half of the tested brands failed to contain their labeled level of at least one nutrient." Two of the vitamins failed to dissolve properly. That means your body won't absorb the nutrients. Consumer Reports says steer clear of dollar stores when shopping for multivitamins. Inconsistent quality means you don't know what you're getting.Instead, you should opt for big-name brands, like Centrum and One-A-Day, or major store brands. These have done well in Consumer Reports' tests. Another tip: stick with a basic multivitamin. Kopf says, "There's really no need to pay extra for fancy add-ons such as herbs like ginkgo and ginseng, or phytochemicals such as lutein or lycopene." And Consumer Reports says avoid mega-doses. In particular, too much Vitamin C can cause gastrointestinal distress; excess iron can mask internal bleeding and high levels of Vitamin A increase the risk of liver damage and birth defects.Most vitamins will keep for more than a year, so consider stocking up when they go on sale. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-decisions http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/schiff-r-introduces-the-next-generation-of-joint-care Schiff(R) Introduces the Next Generation of Joint CareSource: www.prnewswire.comSchiff Nutrition International, Inc., a pioneer and leader in the natural supplement category and creator of the best-selling Move Free(R) brand of joint care products, is introducing the latest breakthrough in joint health care, new Move Free(R) Advanced. Building on the well-studied ingredient combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, the Move Free(R) Advanced formulation adds Uniflex(TM) and Joint Fluid which make the product two times more effective in relieving joint pain compared to triple strength glucosamine and chondroitin alone. "A preliminary, independent, randomized, parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in Miami in 2004 for eight weeks comparing glucosamine, Uniflex(TM) and Joint Fluid in the new formula to glucosamine and chondroitin. Adding Uniflex(TM) and Joint Fluid to glucosamine created a potent combination of nutrients that is two times more effective in helping joint discomfort versus glucosamine and chondroitin alone, as measured by the medical standard WOMAC pain score. Move Free Advanced also contains chondroitin sulfate to promote even more comfort and mobility. Move Free(R) Advanced works in as little as seven to 14 days, versus four to eight weeks for products containing glucosamine and chondroitin alone," said Luke Bucci, Ph.D., vice president of research for Schiff. Ingredients in Move Free(R) Advanced include: * Uniflex(TM), a dual bioflavonoid antioxidant system, protects joints from radical oxidants that accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and joint tissues, and it helps to keep joints working better and feeling younger. It is comprised of a patent pending, proprietary plant-based extract having potent joint comforting properties without serious effects on stomach linings. * Joint Fluid is Hyaluronic Acid, a compound found naturally in synovial (joint) fluid. Joint Fluid sends signals to the body to repair joints and manufacture more Hyaluronic Acid, thus helping to lubricate joints. Joint Fluid has been clinically shown to be absorbed directly into joints when orally ingested. * Glucosamine, a natural amino sugar produced by the body, plays an important role in providing the building blocks for healthy cartilage. Glucosamine promotes healthy joint function by feeding, cushioning and nourishing cartilage. As calcium helps build strong bones, glucosamine helps strengthen joints. * Chondroitin, a naturally occurring nutrient in the connective tissue, attracts water to joints, making the cartilage more elastic and better able to absorb shocks. According to a recent independent survey of more than 225 primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists, nine out of 10 doctors preferred the Move Free(R) Advanced formula over glucosamine and chondroitin alone. Move Free(R) Advanced is available in two formulas -- Move Free(R) Advanced and Move Free(R) Advanced Plus MSM -- and can be found at club stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, pharmacies, health food and drug stores nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.movefreeadvanced.com. About Schiff Schiff Nutrition International, Inc. (NYSE: WNI), a leader in the dietary supplement industry since its beginnings 65 years ago, is one of the most trusted and respected brands due to its focus on research, innovations and delivery of high quality supplements. A pioneer in the glucosamine/chondroitin category, Schiff is the maker of the best selling Move Free(R) joint care supplements. Schiff emphasizes the use of the finest natural ingredients to ensure that its products meet strict standards for labeled potency, purity and stability. Based in Salt Lake City, Schiff develops, manufactures, markets and sells branded and private label vitamins and nutritional supplements in the United States and throughout the world. For more information, consumers may call 1-800-526-6251 or visit http://www.SchiffVitamins.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/schiff-r-introduces-the-next-generation-of-joint-care http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/step-by-step-skincare-that-works Step-by-step skincare that worksSource: news.inq7.netSINCE I started my “controversial” Obagi regimen, I’ve been convinced that step-by-step skincare systems may, in fact, work better to a degree because each product (cleanser, toner, etc.) is designed to work in conjunction with the rest.The ingredients found in the products within a “set” work in synergy and, therefore, lessen the risk of bad reactions that incompatible ingredients may bring about.Depending on your own skin concerns, from acne-busting to exfoliating to whitening, the many promising skincare systems available in the market today will definitely do your complexion good. And because they come to suit every budget, you can bet there is one that’s perfect for you.Murad Acne Complex. Don’t get startled if your dermatologist prescribes this brand the next time you come whining about our need for an effective anti-acne regimen. Most skincare professionals have this tried-and-tested brand on top of their commercially sold product list.The potent sulfur-salicylic Print this story Send this story Write the editor Reprint this article View other stories acid tandem is bound to kill off the major causes of zit attacks, resulting in clearer skin—fast. And because of the controlled amount of medication found in this system, the risk of allergies and side effects is practically nonexistent.I especially like the Perfecting Lotion, which I recommend you use even on clear days to prevent new breakouts from forming and to keep skin smooth and free of discoloration.The Body Shop Vitamin E. If you’re more on the dry, flaky side of the skin type spectrum, go for a nourishing (not oily!) system instead of loading up on your mom’s rich night creams. The Body Shop’s Vitamin E system lends a comfortable softness to skin without causing a grease overload. My favorite from this system is the Gel Toner, which is all I need for a smoother makeup application on days when I don’t feel like slapping on moisturizer.Ponds White Beauty. Skincare classic Ponds once again has consumers lining for its new whitening line, now buffed up with a whitening toner that doesn’t leave skin painfully parched and peeling.Without the use of risky bleaching agents, Ponds promotes whiter and fresher skin with a micro-exfoliating mechanism that rid your complexion of dulling dead cells and debris, but without the ugly, visible peeling. Murad Energizing Complex. Another all-time fave from Dr. Howard Murad, this pomegranate-based skin system promotes a quicker, more effective cell turnover, thus keeping skin at its freshest and youngest.The system literally “wakes up” your skin with fruit acids and energizes with enzymes while simultaneously protecting the new cells from damage. It’s a multitasking regimen perfect for relatively good skin that needs an extra health boost. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/step-by-step-skincare-that-works http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-ginseng-benefits-type-ii-diabetics- Can Ginseng Benefits Type II Diabetics?Source: www.naturalproductsinsider.comGinseng extract (GE) improves glycemia in Type II diabetics by reducing free fatty acid (FFA) availability and improving insulin sensitivity (J Nutr, 136:337-42, 2006). These benefits may be attributable to the botanical's ability to inhibit lipolysis (the breakdown of fat stored in fat cells) within the body. Researchers from Ohio State University and Abbott Laboratories isolated rat adipocytes (fat cells) by collagenase digestion and assessed the ability of GE to inhibit lipolysis by measuring glycerol and FFA release into the incubation medium. GE was found to inhibit lipolysis by 49 percent from baseline, possibly through a signaling pathway different from that of insulin. The researchers concluded the ability of GE to inhibit lipolysis may be mediated in part by the activation of PDE4 (phosphodiesterase 4, an enzyme involved in cell messaging) in rat adipocytes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-ginseng-benefits-type-ii-diabetics- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fight-diabetes- Fight diabetes?Source: www.expresspharmapulse.comEdwin E, Sheeja E, Gupta VB and Jain DC give an insight into herbal remedies which can be used to fight diabetes.Edwin E The diabetic population has reached the 100 million mark. Decreased physical activity, increasing obesity, stress, and changes in food consumption are responsible for the increasing prevalence in the past two decades. As the incidence continues to grow, diabetes is being projected to be the world's primary killer in the next 25 years. Diabetes and insulin Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to transport glucose from blood to the body cells. If pancreas do not produce enough insulin or the produced insulin does not work properly, glucose cannot enter the body cells. Hence, glucose stays in the blood cells, which makes the blood sugar level high causing diabetes. It is initially characterised by a loss of glucose homeostasis. Blood glucose levels of a healthy man are 80mg/dl on fasting and up to 160mg/dl in the post-prandial state. According to National Diabetes Data Group 1979, Non Insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is diagnosed when a patient has random blood sugar level >200mg/dl on two occasions and has a fasting plasma glucose concentration>200mg/dl after an oral glucose load of 75gm at two hours and one other between 0-2 hours. Types of DiabetesType I—Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus (IDDM): Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is characterised by auto-immune, cell mediated, selective destruction of insulin-secreting cells of pancreatic islets in genetically predisposed individuals. Genetic factors are believed to be a major component for the development of IDDM. As a result, patients are completely reliant upon exogenous insulin to prevent ketosis and thereby preserve life. This is common in children and in adults less than 30 years old, but may occur at any stage of life. Type II—Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus (NIDDM): Non-insulin depe-ndent diabetes is caused by the loss of functional cells within islets of langerhans in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency and thereby producing hyperglycemia. This high-level blood glucose for longer periods causes many complications to different systems of the body. Approximately 90 percent of diabetics suffer from Type II diabetes. This type is usually diagnosed in adults who are more than 30 years old, but may occur at any stage of life. Gestational diabetes mellitus: Diabetes diagnosed in pregnancy, includes pre-existing diabetes and diabetes which develops during pregnancy. This condition occurs in approximately two to four percent of pregnant women, generally during the second or third trimester. In majority of cases, glucose regulation returns to normal post-pregnancy. It increases future risk for developing Type II diabetes.Other specific forms: It is a broad term used to classify patients who have unusual causes of diabetes eg genetic defects in cell function, genetic defects in insulin action, diseases of the exocrine pancreas, secondary to endocrinopathies, drugs or chemical induced. Need and scope of alternative remedyRegardless of the type of diabetes, patients are required to control their blood glucose with medications and/or by adhering to an exercise program and a dietary plan. Insulin therapy by injection is given to those with Type I DM and to some patients with Type II DM. Due to modernisation of lifestyle, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus is becoming a major health problem in developing countries. Even in the developed countries the rate of mortality due to diabetes is more alarming. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the USA. In India every fourth man is susceptible to diabetes. Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus drastically reduces life expectancy in developing countries where its prevalence is increasing due to change in lifestyle. Patients with Type II diabetes are usually placed on a restricted diet and are instructed to exercise, the purpose of which is primarily to control weight. If diet and exercise fail to control blood glucose at the desired level, oral anti-diabetic medication is prescribed. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary. Oral anti-diabetic agents exert their effects by various mechanisms: stimulation of beta cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin (sulfonylureas and meglitinides) increasing the sensitivity of muscles and other tissues to insulin (thiazolidinediones) decreasing gluconeogenesis by the liver (biguanides) delaying the absorption of carbohydrates from the gastrointestinal tract (alpha-glucosidase) These treatments are associated with side effects, and some may produce toxic effects (e.g. thiazolidinediones may cause liver toxicity). With increasing incidence of diabetes in rural population, there is a clear need for development of indigenous, inexpensive botanical sources for anti-diabetic crude or purified drugs. Even though different types of oral hypoglycemic agents are available along with insulin, there is an increased demand from patients to use natural products with anti-diabetic activity. Herbal remediesAs per Ayurveda and Hindu literatures like Charka Samhita, Madhav Nidan and Astang Sanghra, there are about 600 plants, which are supposed to have anti-diabetic property As per Ayurveda and Hindu literatures like Charka Samhita, Madhav Nidan and Astang Sanghra, there are about 600 plants, which are supposed to have anti-diabetic property. Since times immemorial, medicinal plants have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine. Ayurvedic anti-diabetic herbs improve digestive power, increasing one of the rasas (gastric secretions) laghu and ruksha, decreases output of overall body fluids eg urine, sweat. Food items which are 'madhumehaghna' ie antidote is an important underlying principle of therapy for the prameha (diabetes) patient. Foods exhibiting rasa, katu, laghu, medaghna properties try to correct the metabolic imbalance by their action.The foods which come under this category are roasted cereal, barley, jowar, ragi, mung dal, horsegram, tur dal, drumstick leaves, bittergourd, jamun, amla, fig, raw papaya, milk and meat of animals which live in dry region. Indigenous diet, all by itself, may not be useful in lowering the blood sugar to the same extent as insulin and other hypoglycaemic agents. But, it has some other properties, which may be useful for the management of the disease and its complications.Developing countries have observed the increasing use of traditional medicines and medicinal plants. Furthermore, increasing reliance on the use of medicinal plants in industrialised societies have been traced to the extraction and development of several drugs and chemotherapeutics from these plants as well as from traditionally used herbal remedies. Among the 600 traditional plants used for diabetes, only a small number of these have received scientific and medical evaluation.Of the small number, Gymmema sylvestre, Trigonella foenumgraecum, Pterocarpus marmipium, Aloe vera, Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica, Panax sps, Syzigium cumini, Allium sps, Phyllanthus emblica, Coccinia cordifolia, Coccinia indica, Salacia oblonga and Cassia auri-culata are the important ones.The way herbal anti-diabetics workThere are several mechanisms through which these herbs act to control the glucose level. They are more or less similar actions to the synthetic drugs. The mechanism of action of herbal anti-diabetics could be grouped as:Stimulation of insulin secretion (Teucrium polium, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Panax ginseng) Inhibition in renal glucose reabsorption (Fraxinus excelsior) Stimulation of glycogenesis and hepatic glycolysis (Momordica charantia) Protective effect on the destruction of the beta-cells (Thea sinensis) Improvement of digestion and reduction of blood sugar and urea (Aegle marmelos) Prevents pathological conversion of starch to glucose (Eugenia jambolina and Pterocarpus marsupium) Inhibits b-galactocidase and a-glucocidase (Clitoria ternata) increasing the use of glucose by tissues and effect on adrenergic receptors (Panax ginseng, Allium sativum, Allium cepa) Potentiates the action of exogenously injected insulin cortisol lowering activities (Inula racemosa, Boerhaavia diffusa and Ocimum sanctum) Wide range of plant constituents could have different site of action within the body and herbs exert similar mechanism of action like synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs. Many of these herbs may have a direct or an indirect impact on blood glucose levels, thus interfering with the clinical management of diabetic patients.The above mentioned plants have been considered for possible hypoglycaemic actions and some preliminary investigations have been carried out by the researchers. Scientific studies available on a good number of medicinal plants indicate that promising phytochemicals can be developed for diabetes too. However, there are numerous other plants which are mentioned in the indigenous systems of health care but still await scientific inquiry. There are many grey areas, which need substantial amount of work in the case of herbal antidiabetics. For a given dose of herbal medicine, its physiological effect will be governed by the effective tissue concentration of the remedy, which in turn is determined by pharmacokinetic parameters, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of its various components. Only knowledge of herbal pharmacokinetics can provide valuable information to practitioners in prescribing herbs safely and effectively. Modern professionals in this equipped with proper standardisation will accept these drugs. Much more work should be done in this direction to make the herbs useful. A holistic approach to the problem of diabetes is necessary, which should evenly proportionated by the combination of modern scientific knowledge and traditional folk knowledge to abolish the disease diabetes.(The writers are the faculty of BR Nahata College of Pharmacy & Research Center, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fight-diabetes- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-shows-israeli-elderberry-extract-effective-against-avian-flu Study shows Israeli Elderberry extract effective against avian fluSource: www.israel21c.orgAt first glance, world-renowned Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu does not seem like the sort of person you expect to come up with what could turn out to be a cure for one of humanity's biggest threats today - the avian flu.She seems comfortable and grandmotherly, not the type you usually associate with the frontline of research into a potential pandemic. On the other hand, however, Mumcuoglu is clearly a very determined woman who has turned a lifetime of research into the health benefits of elderberry, an old folk remedy for influenza, into a clinically proven treatment for regular flu. Now, new in-vitro tests have proved that her remedy, the elderberry-based Sambucol, also appears to be effective against avian flu.Last week, Retroscreen Virology, a leading British medical research institute associated to Queen Mary College, University of London, announced that Sambucol was at least 99% effective against the avian flu virus, H5N1, and in cell cultures significantly neutralized the infectivity of the virus."I think that Sambucol has a great role to play - it really can save lives," Mumcuoglu told ISRAEL21c. "To my knowledge, it's the only product that can cut the flu in half, before complications have a chance of setting in. If we do have a cure for chicken flu, this is a really positive thing for Israel."Mumcuoglu (pronounced mum-shu-glu) was born in Algeria and immigrated to Israel in 1974. She holds a Doctorate in Virology, and studied bird flu during her Ph.D. In the 1980s, Mumcuoglu began studying the natural healing elements of the elderberry from the black elder tree (Sambucus nigra). Her interest in the plant was piqued because it had been used in medicine for many centuries. It was first referred to as a healer in the 5th century BC and received mentions in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscurides and Plinius.Elderberry wine was traditionally used for influenza and the ill effects of the chills, and the juice of the black elderberry has historically been an invaluable remedy. The elder has often been called the 'medicine chest" of the country people.During Mumcuoglu's research she discovered the key active ingredient in elderberry and when she tested it against the flu virus, she found it effective. On her arrival in Israel, Mumcuoglu joined the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, and continued her research.The result was Sambucol, a patented natural formula which contains a potent antiviral compound, AntiVirin, isolated from the black elderberry, and three flavonoids - naturally occurring plant antioxidants. In 1992, Mumcuoglu decided to commercialize her elderberry supplement, and founded Razei Bar Industries to do so.Mumcuoglu, who is president of Razei Bar, first tested her research on patients in the Southern Israel flu epidemic of 1992/3. The results were extremely encouraging. Within 24 hours, 20% of those patients taking Sambucol had dramatic improvements in symptoms like fever, muscle aches and pains and coughing. By the second day, 73% were improved and by day three, 90%. In the untreated group, only 16% felt better after two days. The majority of that group took almost a week to begin feeling better.In 1995, laboratory studies were carried out at Hadassah, which showed that Sambucol was effective against human, swine and avian influenza strains.Shortly afterwards, a further randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in Norway, where Sambucol was shown to significantly reduce the duration of flu by approximately four days. The use of rescue medication (pain relievers, etc.) was significantly less in the group receiving Sambucol than in the placebo group. The study concluded that Sambucol stimulates the healthy immune system by increasing production of inflammatory cytokines.Today Razei Bar sells a number of different liquid anti-viral treatments including Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract, Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup, Sambucol Immune System, and Sambucol for Kids. The company also has a number of elderberry flu remedies designed for diabetics.At the end of last year, Retroscreen Virology in London began laboratory tests on Sambucol to discover whether the natural remedy could also be used to combat the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in dog kidney cells. And their findings last week are an encouraging sign.While it is too soon to know if Sambucol can cure avian flu in humans, the Retroscreen Virology trial does hold out hope that it may be a possible solution if more studies support the findings. Mumcuoglu admits that clinical research into H5N1 is impossible at this stage, because there have only been 140 or so cases around the world, and the mortality rate is over 50%. Instead, the company is preparing to begin in vivo studies to look at the effect of Sambucol against the disease caused by the avian influenza virus.If Sambucol does prove effective against H5N1, it will be a major breakthrough. Unlike many of the other remedies being touted as possible treatments to bird flu, this is a tried and tested product, already on sale in 17 countries around the world, including the US, Canada, Britain, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Israel, South Korea, and Singapore.In the US, Sambucol has been well received and now controls about 80% of the elderberry remedy market. The liquid food supplement is distributed by Nature's Way Products and sold in most health food stores across the country.A SPINS survey revealed that in the US three of Sambucol's products are among the top 10 out of 662 herbal formulas available for adults, while the children's remedy, Sambucol for Kids, is at the top of the list as the number one formula for kids out of 192 products in different categories.Another advantage of Sambucol, says Mumcuoglu is that unlike the anti-viral drug Tamiflu, which is the only treatment for bird flu now available that is thought to reduce the length and severity of flu symptoms, Sambucol has no side effects. It can also be given safely to children. Tamiflu, in contrast, cannot be given to children under 12.Recently there has also been doubt cast on the effectiveness of Tamiflu as two Vietnamese patients, including a 13-year-old girl, developed resistance to the anti-viral drug and died. A report on this was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Commenting on the report in the journal, Prof. Anne Moscona of Cornell University in New York said Tamiflu-resistant H5N1 "is now a reality"."This frightening report should inspire us to device pandemic strategies that do not favor the development of Tamiflu-resistant strains."The US, like many nations around the world, has stockpiled supplies of Tamiflu.Another advantage of Sambucol is that it can treat every type of flu virus."Our research has shown that the antiviral effect of Sambucol is not strain-specific," says Mumcuoglu. "It was effective against all influenza viruses tested. The original formulation of Sambucol is the product we have tested in all cases - both in the laboratory and in clinical studies for the common flu. It is what was also used in the recent experiments in London against avian influenza virus thus any Sambucol already on the shelves is the same as any we would produce now."Traditional vaccines given to prevent flu from developing are often created through guesswork, with scientists simply speculating which strain of flu is likely to hit that year. The three most likely strains are combined into a vaccine, but by the time the flu season arrives, these strains may have undergone changes, or new strains may have emerged. Despite this, Mamcuoglu insists that those at risk continue to take their flu jabs.Mamcuoglu insists that use of Sambucol against traditional flu viruses will help reduce the annual death rate. "If you stop the flu virus at the beginning then you stop it going to the lungs, or from creating the additional complications that are normally the cause of death," she explains.Currently about 30,000 people die of regular flu every year in the US, a figure that could rise alarmingly if avian flu becomes the pandemic experts are predicting. If Sambucol proves effective against bird flu, however, Mamcuoglu believes that figure will be much lower.The next round of trials into Sambucol's efficacy as a treatment for bird flu are likely to be completed during the year. Mumcuoglu is ready for any upsurge in sales that are likely if the results are positive. "We have additional production facilities on standby," she says.The company also has another interesting product in the pipeline, called ArteryCare 40 Plus. This is an antioxidant formula containing strong antioxidants from the elderberry, the pomegranate and the persimmon. It helps avoid the formation of plaque in the arteries by preventing the oxidation of LDL (the bad cholesterol), and is thought to also have anti-aging properties. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-shows-israeli-elderberry-extract-effective-against-avian-flu http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tears-it-up-in-vegas-gakic-dominates-the-2005-mr-olympia-expo- Tears it up in Vegas! GAKIC dominates the 2005 Mr. Olympia Expo!Source: www.findarticles.com The Mr. Olympia contest is the PREMIER event in the bodybuilding industry. It's all about the biggest competitors, the most hardcore fans, and the newest supplement breakthroughs. Each year bodybuilders wait to see what will be unveiled ...The Biggest Supplements at Bodybuilding's Biggest ShowAs usual, Team MuscleTech dominated the Mr. Olympia expo. But what made this year different was GAKIC[R]--the BIGGEST bodybuilding breakthrough ever. The promise of a 10.5 percent strength increase and 28 percent increase in fatigue resistance sent expo-goers running to the Team MuscleTech booth for their supply. In fact, GAKIC was SO popular that Team MuscleTech had to recruit more manpower to handle the demand! Those who had tried GAKIC before wanted more, and those who hadn't tried it wanted to know exactly what it was and how it worked. Team MuscleTech's Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Doctor Marvin Heuer was on hand to answer some of the many questions that poured in about GAKIC. Meanwhile, Dr. Bruce Stevens, creator of the GAKIC formula, was available to explain GAKIC studies and function. As the expo continued, more and more people were talking about GAKIC. The excitement about GAKIC continued to build throughout the expo weekend.The GAKIC Challenge Continue article AdvertisementThe Olympia is always a show full of extremes. So, where better to put GAKIC to the ultimate test than with bodybuilding's most-talked-about power movement--the bench press. The GAKIC Bench Press Challenge gave bodybuilders the unique opportunity to put GAKIC to the test in front of truly hardcore fans of the sport. These larger-than-life competitors were Team MuscleTech athletes Sebastian Zona, Jeramy Freeman, and Justin Brooks versus Team Weider athletes Phil Heath, Nasser El Sonbaty, and Garrett Downing. Every athlete gave it their all, but when the dust settled Team MuscleTech came out on top, with a message that was loud and clear--GAKIC IS FOR REAL! Most notable was Jeramy "The Mountain" Freeman pressing 225 pounds for 54 repetitions after taking GAKIC[R]!Team MuscleTech's Conquest Continues ...Team MuscleTech's presence was felt EVERYWHERE at the Olympia. If you weren't in the booth, you were carrying a MuscleTech bag, looking at a banner, wearing a T-shirt, sitting in on one of the GAKIC[R] training seminars, or were trying some of our new products. There is no question that Team MuscleTech has the best athletes who are all taking the best supplements. And at the 2005 Mr. Olympia expo, we proved why we are the best in the world at what we do.Team MuscleTech's Saturday BestWhen it comes time to talk about Team MuscleTech's athletes, we can't say enough. They have made us a very proud company. Jay Cutler, Gustavo Badell, David Henry, Branch Warren, Darrem Charles, and Johnnie Jackson have all helped Team MuscleTech dominate the Mr. Olympia. This year marks the most successful year for Team MuscleTech athletes who continue to defeat more competition than ever before.How Mr. Olympia Was Beaten!At this year's Mr. Olympia contest on October 15th, 2005 Gustavo Badell did something that seemed impossible--he beat Mr. Olympia!As part of the new challenge round, the top five Olympia competitors took turns challenging one another with their best poses. To shake things up a little this year, the challenge round was judged and scored by past Mr. Olympias--each with their own standard of conditioning. For the most part things went as predicted. But when Gustavo Badell challenged Mr. Olympia to a pose on stage, history was made. When the votes were counted, Gustavo arose victorious. And even though Gustavo would eventually finish 3rd in the Olympia standings, Gustavo Badell's status as a threat for the Olympia title was a reality!A Weekend to RememberThis year was one of many successful Olympias for Team MuscleTech. We had the MOST athletes in the top 10, the number ONE product at the expo, the TOP bench pressers, and the best booth at the show! We came to Las Vegas to conquer the Olympia and we did. And in case you thought this was the best we can do, we're only going to get better for the 2006 Olympia!Wild FridayIf you've never heard of David Henry, you certainly know who he is now! On Friday he took the Wild Card spot to enter the Olympia the next day. Crazy striations, full muscle bellies, and paper-thin skin are the weapons he used to slay his opponents. And as one of the newest members of Team MuscleTech, he's a top contender at any contest. The sky is the limit for this incredible athlete. For more Olympia details, go to MuscleTech.comThe GAKIC trademark is owned by its trademark owner and is used with permission. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tears-it-up-in-vegas-gakic-dominates-the-2005-mr-olympia-expo- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnetic-therapy-may-help-control-major-depression Magnetic therapy may help control major depressionSource: today.reuters.co.ukRepetitive magnetic stimulation of the brain may be an effective and safe long-term maintenance therapy for some patients with major depressive disorder, results of a small study suggest."There is growing evidence to support the short-term antidepressant effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), but few published data pertain to the maintenance treatment of patients with DSM-IV diagnosed major depressive disorder," write Dr. John P. O'Reardon and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.The researchers examined the long-term efficacy of rTMS in 10 patients, average age of 50 years, with major depressive disorder over periods ranging from 6 months to 6 years. All of the patients had responded to short-term rTMS.rTMS was applied over the left prefrontal cortex and session frequency averaged 1 to 2 per week, depending on clinical response. A total of 1,831 rTMS sessions were documented over the study period.The physician-rated scores on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale were used to assess the effectiveness of rTMS maintenance. These ratings were cross-checked with the patients' self-rated impressions of symptom improvement.Of the 10 subjects, five experienced marked benefit from rTMS therapy, according to the report published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. These patients underwent an average of 257 rTMS sessions at a session frequency of 2.1 per week. Three of the patients did not require any concurrent antidepressant medication.Another two patients experienced a moderate benefit. These subjects received an average of 125 rTMS sessions at a session frequency of 1.8 per week. Both experienced a recurrence of major depressive disorder."Three patients experienced only minimal benefit from rTMS and received (an average) of 98 sessions (1.7 per week) each," O'Reardon's team notes. "Two of the three patients experienced recurrences of depression, and none maintained a sustained improvement during maintenance therapy despite the addition of antidepressant medication," they write. "In these patients, rTMS was ultimately discontinued due to inadequate results."The investigators point out that the patients who responded most strongly to initial short-term treatment tended to benefit most from maintenance rTMS, but more research is needed to identify patients who are likely to benefit from long-term therapy.SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, December 2005. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnetic-therapy-may-help-control-major-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-study-confusion-will-not-change-habits-analysts Diet study confusion will not change habits-analystsSource: today.reuters.comNew studies indicating a low-fat diet does not reduce the risk of cancer and calcium supplements do little to prevent broken bones are unlikely to change consumers' habits and may only add to confusion about the link between diet and health.In the last year, researchers have released a series of medical studies that fly in the face of conventional wisdom, which holds that weight loss, nutritional supplements and diets low in fat and calories help fight disease and prolong life.But three studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association published earlier this month showed that women who ate less fat and more fruits and vegetables did not reduce their risk of cancer or heart disease. And Wednesday's New England Journal of Medicine found that calcium and vitamin D supplements were unlikely to prevent broken bones in women as they age.The research comes on the heels of statistics published last year that questioned the U.S. government's assertion that obesity causes nearly as many deaths as smoking.The studies prompted headlines suggesting consumers would take the news as carte blanche to eat as they please, but experts said that was unlikely."Consumers are used to the fact that there are often multiple medical studies coming out that often have conflicting findings," said Michael Allenson, a principal at food industry consulting firm Technomic. "Until they see a greater consistency ... they are likely not to make a change."Consistency, however, appears to be a long way off as theories about diet and health are constantly changing. In the last two decades, fats and carbohydrates have alternately been praised and demonized by health experts. Most recently, fear of carbohydrates like pasta and bread led to a boom in low-carb, high-protein diets in 2004 that quickly vanished.The headline-grabbing studies against a background of diet trends like low-carb, low-sugar and low-fat forces consumers to sift through masses of conflicting as well as confusing information and ultimately draw their own conclusions."The public gets information in little, fragmented pieces through the news," said Dr. Walter Willett, a nutrition professor at Harvard University's School of Public Health. "If that's really all they are getting, it is extraordinarily difficult to make some sense out of what's there."Adding to the confusion, according to some, is that while some consumers take their long-term health into consideration when eating, those concerns are typically outweighed by a preoccupation with saving time and money."The real problem with health is that there is no immediate payback," said Harry Balzer, vice president with The NPD Group, which tracks consumer eating trends. "If I have low-fat milk today, what do I get? Did it save me time, did it save me money? The feedback is going to get to you 40 years from now."In addition, Allenson said, consumers usually go on diets so they can lose weight, not so they can prevent disease."That's not the only reason why people go on diets or eat low-fat foods," Allenson said. "A lot of people are looking to lose weight because they do feel better about themselves".In the meantime, while researchers duke it out over the long-term benefits of diet and exercise, experts said consumers can rest assured that the conventional wisdom about maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet is more likely to help than hurt."What we know about diets hasn't changed. It still makes sense to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, balance calories from other foods, and keep calories under control," said Marion Nestle, a nutrition professor at New York University. "That, however, does not make front-page news." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-study-confusion-will-not-change-habits-analysts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/easing-angina-pain Easing angina painSource: www.mydna.comThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Ranexa (ranolazine) to treat chronic angina. It's the first drug the agency has approved to treat this condition in more than 10 yearsExperts aren't exactly sure how ranolazine works. They believe it involves a decrease in fatty acid oxidation, ultimately leading to a shift in energy production from fatty acid oxidation to glucose oxidation in the heart wall.Apparently, oxidation of glucose requires significantly less oxygen than the oxidation of fatty acids, and ranolazine can help maintain heart function in times of insufficient blood supply also called ischemia.Due to Ranexa's effect on electric impulses flowing through the heart, it should only be taken by patients who are resistant to other drugs used to treat chronic angina, such as long-acting nitrates, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers.Chronic angina is characterized by uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that can radiate to the neck, jaw, back, shoulders or arms.The pain can be triggered by exercise, strong emotions or extreme temperatures, and is due to inadequate blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.The underlying cause of these painful symptoms is most often heart disease. Arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood become partially or fully blocked with fatty deposits called plaques.According to the American Heart Association (AHA), angina is a sign that someone is at increased risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death.The group also estimates that approximately 6.8 million Americans are diagnosed with angina every year.Many of the people with angina are successfully managing their problem with treatments that are already available. But some live with the pain despite the treatments.The most common medication used for treatments of acute attacks of angina is nitroglycerin, which is placed under the tongue. Treatments for chronic angina are given to increase the amount of exercise a person can tolerate before chest pain occurs.Ranexa is an alternative for people who continue to suffer chest pain and haven't responded well to other anti-angina drugs.Promising ResultsIn the Combination Assessment of Ranolazine In Stable Angina (CARISA) study done by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 823 patients taking either a calcium channel blocker or beta-blocker (atenolol) were randomly chosen to use Ranexa. The participants were followed for 12 weeks and given exercise treadmill tests.Patients on Ranexa could exercise as well as those using other anti-angina treatments. Taking the pills twice a day increased their capacity for exercise and relieved their symptoms without any adverse consequences.In another trial called ERICA (Efficacy of Ranolazine in Chronic Angina), more than 500 patients who were experiencing bouts of angina about five times a week and taking a full dose of calcium-channel blockers were given Ranexa for a six-week period.Individuals who received the new drug had a significant reduction in angina attacks (an average of 4.5 attacks per week to only one) compared with those who did not receive Ranexa.Ranexa appeared to be less effective in women than in men in clinical trials. The most common side effects associated with the drug are dizziness, headache, constipation and nausea.Fainting was another problem. Maria Bain, Pharm.D., M.B.A., co-chair of the Medications Channel for Revolution Health Group's Medical Advisory Board said that patients who fainted while taking the medicine needed to start treatment with the lowest possible does and then increase dosage as the patient could tolerate it."Clinicians have to keep in mind that some potentially serious drug interactions are possible. We have to be cautious when initiating the therapy and as we prescribe other medications to people taking Ranexa," Bain said.Related LinksOverview of AnginaCardiac gene therapy helps Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/easing-angina-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anika-gets-eu-ok-to-sell-wrinkle-filler Anika gets EU OK to sell wrinkle fillerSource: www.masshightech.comThe European Union has given Woburn-based Anika Therapeutics Inc. CE Mark approval to market its cosmetic tissue augmentation product, Redefyne, in the EU.Redefyne is an injectable soft tissue filler for facial wrinkles, scar remediation and lip augmentation, based on Anika’s chemically modified hyaluronic acid (HA) proprietary technology and incorporates lidocaine, a local anesthetic.According to Charles H. Sherwood, Anika’s president and chief executive officer, the company filed a pre-market approval application (PMA) for Redefyne in September 2005, which is currently under review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Anika is also actively seeking a partner to commercialize Redefyne worldwide, Sherwood said.Anika Therapeutics stock was trading at midmorning for $12.78, up 69 cents from its close yesterday afternoon. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anika-gets-eu-ok-to-sell-wrinkle-filler http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-super-slimming-power-of-vinegar The Super Slimming Power of VinegarSource: openpr.comArizona State University’s Carol S. Johnston Ph.D. and a team of scientist accidentally stumbled across the weight loss power of vinegar while conducting a study to determine whether vinegar would help lower cholesterol levels -- it did not -- but they did discover that study participants lost on average half a pound a week, even without dieting. The participants were simply downing two tablespoons of vinegar before lunch and dinner. Johnston believes vinegar aids weight loss for two primary reasons. It blocks calories and carbohydrates, while controlling hunger.There is evidence that acetic acid in vinegar may reduce the activity of intestinal enzymes used for carbohydrate digestion, so fewer calories from the starches enter the system. Vinegar also suppresses feelings of hunger. The less the blood-sugar levels fluctuates, the less hungry we feel. Arizona State University tests have shown that a dose of vinegar before meals can reduce post-meal, blood-sugar spikes by a whopping 36%-81%. This accounts for the appetite-suppressant effects of vinegar.The best vinegar to use to aid weight loss is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar tends to contain more acetic acid. This ingredient makes vinegar so potent. However, any vinegar with 5% acetic acid should work just as well.Scientists at a major university have discovered that vinegar promotes weight loss even in non-dieters. Even when eating patterns aren’t altered, taking two tablespoons of vinegar before lunch and dinner has proven to help some individuals lose on average ½ pound a week. This very simple and easy change to one's diet allows even the most faint heartened and weak willed to lose weight without interrupting one's life. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-super-slimming-power-of-vinegar http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/expert-recommends-herbal-cures-to-asthma-patients Expert recommends herbal cures to asthma patientsSource: www.newstarget.comHighlight: Open Public Relations speaks with Liam Anderson, owner of www.newasthmatreatments.org, a site devoted to natural treatments and herbal blends that benefit asthma patients.Summary: * New website uncovers new asthma treatments, and provide help to people suffering form this condition. * ILLINOIS, Our immune system is our main fighter against anything foreign in our bodies. * It protects us from diseases by recognizing and eliminating and removing that foreign material from our bodies. * "Introduction to a variety of chemicals can affect our system badly and put us at risk for illness and disease." * Says Liam Anderson, owner of "Natural Asthma Treatments" www.newasthmatreatments.org a new website specialized in new asthma treatments. * "Allergies are caused by an over sensitive immune system which leads to a misdirected immune response. * When the body has an allergic reaction it's our bodies immune system reacting to some substance or allergy which is generally harmless to most people and will not cause an immune response." * Allergies (including asthma) however are abnormal inflammatory responses of the immune system to dust, pollen, a food or some other substance. * Most medication for treating asthma seeks to reduce the inflammation by using anti-inflammatory medications, or use pharmaceutical inhalants to temporarily dilate the passageway. * Pharmaceutical medications have long term affects and usually only offer a temporary relief. * Many asthma medications contain steroids which can have long term affects on a person. * Natural asthma treatments have herbs that contain antioxidants, and Black cumin seed, rosemary and thyme are known to inhibit the contractions of tracheal smooth muscle that is stimulated by histamine and acetylcholine. * In Asia one natural asthma cure is a blend known as Saiboku-To is used clinically for asthma treatment and contains 10 herbs like ginger, Korean ginseng, magnolia, Baikal and licorice. * In Japan, 40 asthma patients were treated with Saiboku-To for six to 24 months, and all were able to greatly reduce their steroidal asthma medications.20 Saiboku-To have also been shown to inhibit lipoxygenase. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/expert-recommends-herbal-cures-to-asthma-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kiss-your-wrinkles-goodbye Kiss your wrinkles goodbyeSource: www.longislandpress.comThere are a lot of easy, quick and safe ways to have the beautiful lips and wrinkle-free skin of fashion models and actresses. Because the mouth can be far more suggestive than the eyes, now might be the ideal time to consider a natural beauty lift for the area around your lips. Years of simple daily expressions like talking and even kissing take their toll. With age, lips become thinner and fine lines form around the borders. Deep grooves around the lips are a real giveaway for smokers.Yet just one simple treatment with a filler such as Restylane® can give you the dramatic result of restoring fullness to soften the lines and folds around the mouth, without any downtime. Restylane is made of NASHA, a non-animal derived hyaluronic acid in a crystal-clear gel. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that attracts water to add supple volume to the skin.For best results, don't wait until the last minute. I recommend that you come in two to three weeks before a special day. Treatment can be administered without delay for allergy testing, because there are no animal or human ingredients in Restylane. (You can learn about the non-animal source of Restylane and find complete product information at www.restylaneusa.com.)As with any injection, the most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days. Your comfort during and after treatment is our priority.Restylane is also excellent for lines in the lower half of your face that generally come with age. For the forehead, crow's feet and frown lines between the eyebrows, I recommend Botox Cosmetic. Botox is a quick and simple procedure that relaxes your expression and thereby may even prevent wrinkles from returning. Botox has been used to treat many medical conditions for years. To learn more about Botox Cosmetic, you can visit their website at www.botox.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kiss-your-wrinkles-goodbye http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-combat-age-related-blindness Vitamins Combat Age-Related BlindnessSource: paktribune.comHundreds of thousands of people could benefit from vitamin supplements shown to help prevent macular degeneration, a condition that is the leading cause of blindness from age 65, a study said on Monday.In 2001, researchers reported they had found a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration and vision loss for test subjects who had been given high-dose antioxidant supplements -- vitamins C, E and beta carotene -- as well as zinc or zinc oxide.In Monday’s report, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore tried to estimate how many people in the United States alone would benefit from increasing supplement use. They concluded there are 8 million Americans at least 55 years old thought to be at high risk for the problem. If all the people at risk took the supplements used in the earlier study, more than 300,000 of them would avoid advanced macular degeneration and any associated vision loss during the next five years, the study said."If even half of the individuals at high risk for (the condition) were identified and compliant with the recommended supplement, it is likely that more than 150,000 individuals would avoid vision loss for some time," said the study published in the November issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology."These data suggest that the recommendation of such a supplement for these individuals should have a major impact on them as well as on the public health," the authors concluded.In an editorial commenting on the study published in the same journal, Lee Jampol, a physician at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, said the supplements should be used "only in patients with intermediate or advanced age-related macular degeneration.""What about patients who have a strong family history of macular degeneration or who for other reasons believe that they are at risk for the disease and wish to take the (supplement) formulation prior to the development" of intermediate or advances cases of the problem, he asked."It appears appropriate to eat a diet rich in fruits and (especially green) vegetables, to supplement with a multivitamin and to undergo periodic ophthalmic examinations for the development of" the condition, he added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-combat-age-related-blindness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dangers-of-herbal-remedies The Dangers Of Herbal RemediesSource: blogcritics.orgI've long been an advocate of what I call complementary medicine, that is, using techniques not normally utilized by your family physician to complement the work he or she is doing. I refuse to use the word "alternative" to refer to things like acupuncture, herbal remedies, or massage therapy because that creates a connotation both unsafe and untrue.The word alternative implies that these treatments can be used instead of, or isolated from, the ways in which traditional medicine does things. While it's true I might make a cough medicine out of a couple of plant leaves that I know will help as much as any over the counter stuff, I'm still going to go see an orthopaedic surgeon when I break my leg.Somehow or other the word alternative has come to be mean harmless when it is used with regard to medicinal use. People have gotten mighty confused over the meanings of the words natural and organic. The perception is that just because it wasn't made in a lab, it won't hurt you. Tell that to Socrates and the bowl of hemlock tea he had to drink.Herbals are not some newfangled remedy. They were used long before we had pharmaceuticals, and have gone in and out of style with genteel society over the generations. Victorian era society women would have a tisane to help calm their nerves and men would take tonics to restore their "vigour".It wasn't really until after World War I that people began experimenting with ways of synthesising remedies in a lab. Synthetic versions were thought to have the advantages of being easier to mass-produce, and allowed for the standardization of doses.Herbals do have the disadvantage that from plant to plant a variety of factors can affect their potency. Soil conditions, rainfall, and exposure to sun can all come into play. The other advantage of man-made medicines was the assurance of a constant supply.All plants have a very specific growing season and harvesting schedule. Some plants, like dandelion, can only be picked before June in order to have medicinal value, while others can only be picked in the fall. The other consideration is that in some instances the root of the plant is called for, and not only could it take years for the root to develop in size, but once used, the plant has been destroyed.So, while some people may still have been using herbals, during the post World War II years the use of pharmaceuticals took off. They were convenient to take, and produced quick results, two things that were of major importance in our new faster paced world. People wanted not to be bothered by being sick and needed to get back to work fast. They couldn't afford to take the time it took to heal using herbals.It wasn't until it became apparent that there were problems with some of the prescription drugs in terms of side effects that people began to rethink that attitude. When women who had been taking the anti-nausea drug Thalidomide for morning sickness during pregnancy started to give birth to children with birth defects, it was the first sign that these drugs might not be as safe as was previously thought.As more and more cracks started to develop in the corporate drug world, and as the sixties progressed, people began to "discover" other methods of dealing with illnesses. Unfortunately, too many people had come to expect the quick fix provided by the synthetic drugs as the standard for treatment, and demanded similar results from herbals.This has resulted in a willingness to overlook the potential for abuse that exists in herbals as much as it does with any drug. One of the best examples is the way in which Echinacea angustifolia has been misused. The root of this flower had long been known for it's antimicrobial properties, and works well to fight off low level infections such as fevers brought on by colds and flu.But it is a remedy, not a preventative. Somehow or other, people started to believe it was some sort of miracle drug that they could take to prevent themselves from getting colds or the flu. Would you take an antibiotic before you got sick? No, because it would be dangerous to your health.But that's exactly what people are doing when they take echinacea when they have nothing wrong with them. What's even worse is that the demand for the root of this flower has been so high that it has now become an endangered species in the wild. It takes four or five years for an echinacea plant to become fully developed and it was not given sufficient time to replenish.Open any decent herbal book and not only will it tell you all the properties of the plants -- what ailments it should be used to treat, what part of the plant is used, when to pick it, and how to best utilize it (tea, tincture, or compress) -- it will also tell you it's contraindications -- what medical conditions make what herbs unsafe (if you have high blood pressure don't use any liquorice root in a tea for instance), and they always say consult your doctor to see what long-term effects this medicine could have upon any other medications you are taking.It's been a number of years now since herbals have caught the public's attention again and have risen in popularity, so much so that you can buy them everywhere now. But even after the idiocy of using an asthma drug in diet pills (ephedra) caused people to have strokes, people don't seem to be learning the lesson that these are potentially dangerous.It depresses me to see that Health Canada still feels the need to hold conferences on the dangers of mixing herbal remedies and prescription drugs. That they still have to spell out for people that natural does not mean it can't be harmful after all these years of them being on the markets is a sign that the people who are prescribing herbals, and the companies manufacturing them, are failing the people they are supposed to be serving.It's because of the abuse and misuse of herbal remedies and medicinal plants in general that we've already seen some of the more effective treatments become harder and harder to obtain. When it was shown that ephedra and it's derivatives were causing strokes when used in diet pills, it became a proscribed drug. In every herbal book, that I've ever made use of, it explicitly states that people with high blood pressure should never use it, and it's sole purpose is for the opening of bronchial tubes to help relieve asthma attacks. Why companies started to put in into diet products is beyond me.Herbal remedies have been used for centuries as medicines. Until they were saddled with the label "alternative" they were treated like we would treat any drug prescribed to us from a doctor. But now, all of a sudden, they have become safe compared to what our doctors offer us.If those of us who make use of these medicines aren't able to change that perception soon, we are gong to find governments moving in to ban the sale of loose herbs, and only allowing pre-packaged pills and doses to be sold. That would be a shame, because part of the pleasure of working with herbs is having the ability to circumvent buying a product and making your own remedies.In a world where we have so little control over so many things, being able to have a say in the medicine I take, even if only in a small way, is a privilege. I would hate to have to give that up. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dangers-of-herbal-remedies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-fruits-in-diet Importance Of Fruits In DietSource: www.dailyindia.comFruits, fresh or dried have been a natural staple diet of human beings since ancient times. Replete with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, they are easily digestible. Fruits are not only good sources of food, they also serve as medicines and can treat ailments.Fruits, eaten raw or consumed as fresh juice, are excellent ways to retain and balance the moisture level in the body. The low level of sodium in fruits plays an important role for people who would like to avail of a salt-free diet. So pregnant ladies eat 2-3 helpings of fresh fruits in a day.Dry fruits like apricots, raisins and dates are storehouses of calciumand iron, essential for the strengthening of bones and maintaining good blood, respectively. Custard apple too is an excellent calcium source. If you are unwell, consume fruits in the form of fresh juice only. One or two fruits a day cleans the digestive tract and aids easy bowel action.Guavas, custard apples, lemons and oranges are effective sources of vitamin C. When eaten fresh and raw, they provide all the vitamins. Papaya is an excellent source of Vitamin C and carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body.Consume fruits in raw and ripe form. Avoid cooking -- as there is loss of nutrient salts and carbohydrates. It is ideal to eat one kind of fruit at a time. Many prefer to take fruits in breakfast with milk. It is advisable to avoid a combination of fruits and vegetables. In case you need to combine fruits with vegetables, opt for larger portions of fruits.Fruits like apple, lemon, orange and pomegranate aid in the proper functioning of the heart. Nutrients in apples, dates and mangoes sharpen memory, prevent exhaustion, hysteria, insomnia and mental tension.All forms of berries are rich in iron, phosphorus and sodium that are beneficial for blood building and nerve strengthening. Lemons are good for liver ailments, indigestion and rheumatism. Watermelons are good kidney cleansers. Pineapple and pomegranates help in soothing inflammation of nose, throat, hay fever and other chronic or bronchial ailments. Grapefruit juice is an effective aid for common cold. Fresh and ripe fruits like grapes, apples, bananas and figs are good for all brain deficiencies. Even the kernel of walnut is a helpful remedy for weakness of the brain.Eating liberal amount of fruits daily ensures a healthy energetic life and active life lifetime.Sharon Hopkins manages websites on nutrition, diet and health such as http://www.diethealthclub.com.Nutritious diet ensures well being, helps to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), reduces the risk of several debilitating diseases like cancer, diabetes, stroke,etc. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-fruits-in-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-and-e-may-lower-cancer-risk-in-smokers Vitamin C and E may lower cancer risk in smokersSource: www.foodconsumer.org Vitamin C supplements may help reduce cancer risk in smokers by maintaining the levels of vitamin E, suggests a new Oregon State University study appearing in the Feb 15 issue of Free Radical Biology and Medicine.Vitamin E, serving as the first line of defense in human lung tissue against cancer by neutralizing excessive loads of free radicals, is known to be depleted by oxidants such as cigarette smoke. If the body has adequate levels of vitamin E, this protective antioxidant can interact with the peroxyl radicals created by cigarette smoke and prevent the destruction of lung membranes.In the placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study, a small number of smokers and non-smokers were asked to eat a diet low in fruits and vegetables for three months so they had low levels of vitamin C. Afterwards, some participants were given 1000 milligrams of vitamin C supplements, and others a placebo for two weeks.Smokers who got vitamin C supplements had a plasma vitamin E disappearance rate about the same as non-smokers. But smokers who were still deficient in vitamin C lost alpha vitamin E about 25 percent faster than non-smokers, and gamma vitamin E about 45 percent faster.Vitamin C supplements helped protect the function and plasma levels of vitamin E, helping smokers maintain the same level of antioxidant protection as non-smokers, according to the study."A lot of nutrition research in the past has been done by studying one nutrient or another in isolation, sometimes with conflicting results," said Maret Traber, a professor of nutrition at OSU and lead researcher in the Linus Pauling Institute."What this and other studies like it are showing is that the protection we get from proper diet or supplements often comes from combinations of nutrients working together. This has implications not only for smokers but also for many other people."Vitamin E as an antioxidant becomes a destructive oxidant when it reacts with free radicals. Researchers say that adequate levels of vitamin C help the vitamin E return to non-radical form and continue its protective role. But in the absence of adequate vitamin C, vitamin E levels can’t be maintained.In the general population, research has shown that only 8 percent of men and 2.4 percent of women have adequate dietary intake of vitamin E. Lack of adequate levels of vitamin E may be more common in smokers because oftentimes smokers use a diet with lots of meat, but low amounts of vitamin E-containing fruits and vegetables."What this clearly shows is that to perform their vital roles, vitamins C and E work together," Traber said."They have a synergistic effect that will not be gained just by intake of one or the other, and adequate levels of these nutrients are especially important for people who smoke."Vitamin E in humans mainly functions as an antioxidant helping get rid of free radicals formed primarily in the body during normal metabolism and also upon exposure to environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke.Vitamin C has many biological functions, one of which is to protect proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C.A recent study, published Tuesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that vitamin E supplements seems to be able to lower the risk of prostate cancer in smokers, but not in non-smokers. Editor's note: To lower cancer risk, quit smok ing! Although the study shows vitamin C helps maintain vitamin E levels in the body, it remains unknown whether vitamin C and E can actually reduce cancer risk. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-and-e-may-lower-cancer-risk-in-smokers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/science-class-experiment-reveals-vitamin-b12-secret Science Class Experiment Reveals Vitamin B12 SecretSource: www.hhmi.orgUnder ultraviolet light in a Petri dish containing laundry whitener, symbiotic bacteria with a mutant bluB gene (lower right) fluoresce brightly, while the same bacteria with no mutation only glow slightly (top right), and bacteria with another mutation (in the exoY gene) are completely dark.For decades, scientists have wondered how living organisms manufacture the essential vitamin B12. Now, using laundry whitener and dirt-dwelling bacteria—the everyday ingredients of an undergraduate science experiment—researchers may have found the major clue they need to solve the mystery.Researchers led by Graham Walker, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) professor and American Cancer Society research professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have discovered the first known mutant bacteria with a specific defect in a gene involved in the least-understood part of B12 synthesis. They report their findings in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, published February 20, 2006. HHMI professors are leading research scientists who received $1 million grants from the Institute to find ways to bring the excitement of the research lab into undergraduate science classrooms. “That is what is so great about basic research. It finds answers to things you cannot get at in a direct way.” Graham C. WalkerIn the ancient world, B12 was probably catalyzing reactions before cells even existed. Now, all animals need B12 to help make the building blocks of DNA, and children need enough of the vitamin to help their brain develop normally. Most people consume enough B12 through animal products or fortified foods in their diet. On the other hand, animals that do not eat other animal products acquire the nutrient from bacteria in their guts or from bacteria-infected dirt on their plant food. An estimated one-quarter of people older than 60 in this country have trouble absorbing B12. B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage, anemia, and forgetfulness.Walker's team's genetic discovery was made possible by a gimmick Walker designed to capture the attention of undergraduate biology students in the early 1980s. When he added a laundry whitener to a lab dish, the symbiotic bacteria he studied glowed in ultraviolet light, just as the additive makes clothes look brighter in the sun.The teaching trick soon became a popular tool in Walker's lab for research that had nothing to do with vitamin B12. There, researchers have been focusing on how symbiotic bacteria form and invade the nodules in alfalfa roots that provide the plant with nitrogen and the bacteria with food. The scientists noticed that some of the bacteria on the glowing lab dishes did not light up. These stubborn dark spots revealed bacteria missing key genes needed to construct and enter the nodules in plant roots, they discovered. By analyzing various mutations, the researchers were able to track the molecular details of how the bacteria provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow.Several years ago, Walker's graduate student Gordon Campbell decided to look for symbiosis defects in bacterial mutants that, instead of being dark spots on the glowing lab dish, were even brighter than their normal counterparts. His findings enabled Campbell and his co-authors to answer a question being asked by many researchers studying B12 synthesis.“That is what is so great about basic research,” Walker said. “It finds answers to things you cannot get at in a direct way.”Campbell isolated the brightest mutants and put them onto the roots of alfalfa seedlings. Healthy symbiotic partnerships show up on the plant roots as long pink nodules stuffed with bacteria. In contrast, seedlings sharing a dish with the most obviously defective bacteria were stunted and their roots had small white nubs with barely any bacteria inside. For one of these bright mutants, it turned out that the root of the problem was the mutant bacteria's inability to produce B12.Adopting nomenclature traditional in their field, the researchers named the mutated gene bluB, after a similar gene found in another kind of bacteria.“The important clue came when we noticed bluB was grouped with other genes important for making vitamin B12 in the other bacterium,” Walker said. “That's not something we are expert in.” So the researchers contacted co-author John Roth, a professor of molecular biology at University of California, Davis, who has studied in detail the intricate series of steps required to assemble B12, the largest known natural compound that is not made out of repeating units.“Out of our conversations came the idea that bluB might be required for an unknown part of the pathway,” Walker said. “B12 is a big, complicated molecule. Researchers have been unable to crack the problem of how to make the lower ligand,” a segment of the molecule known as DMB.It was a simple experiment, said Michiko Taga, a postdoctoral fellow and co-first author of the paper. Taga took over the research when Campbell graduated. “If the mutant was broken because it could not make DMB,” she said, “then if we added DMB back it should be okay. So we added DMB, and the bacteria went back to acting like ordinary [symbiotic] bacteria. That was the defining experiment.”When the researchers provided DMB so that the bacteria did not have to manufacture it themselves, the bacteria's extraordinary brilliance subsided to a more uniform fluorescence on the lab dish with the laundry whitener. And in the lab dish with the seedlings, the restored bacteria produced a bigger, healthier plant. Chemist and co-author Kavita Mistry followed up with biochemical experiments to prove that the bluB mutant could not make B12 without added DMB.“Our findings just mean bluB is necessary for the reaction,” Taga said. "We are currently doing experiments to show that it directly catalyzes the reaction.”But Roth said the discovery gives him hope for finding all the steps in the pathway for synthesizing B12. “This is the part that has resisted genetics and chemistry,” he explained. “We've tried it. Others have tried it. This appears to be the first enzyme dedicated to synthesizing the part.”Other bacteria, such as the Salmonella that Roth studies, appear to substitute other molecules in place of DMB, stymieing genetic approaches. But the form of B12 that people need contains DMB.The discovery of the bluB mutant may overturn a theory that DMB spontaneously forms without enzymes to speed up the reaction, Roth said. Before the bluB mutant was identified, that theory made sense because the reactions that make B12 do not require energy, in contrast to most biosynthetic reactions.Taga and Walker are following up to figure out how the bluB mutation affects the symbiotic relationship between the bacteria and the plant. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/science-class-experiment-reveals-vitamin-b12-secret http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-finds-chinese-herb-protects-eyes Study Finds Chinese Herb Protects EyesSource: www.thehawaiichannel.comGoji Berries Contain Property To Help Prevent Macular DegenerationPOSTED: 9:31 am HST February 20, 2006 UPDATED: 11:00 am HST February 20, 2006HONOLULU -- Western medicine has discovered that an ancient Chinese herbal remedy can help prevent macular degeneration. Berries that are popular in China can protect your eyes, according to one Hawaii doctor.Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in in the United States. About half of people over 80 will experience some form of the disease.Honolulu ophthalmologist Dr. Malcolm Ing is one of a growing number of mainstream western doctors who are now promoting an ancient Chinese herbal remedy as a way to prevent macular degeneration.Chinese goji berries contain concentrated amounts of a caratenoid that protects your eyes."The primary one we're talking about is zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is concentrated in your macula. Researchers have found now that's the primary caratenoid that protects the macula," Ing said.Chinese goji berries are the No. 1 source of zeaxanthin in the world.You can find the berries in Chinatown. KITV's Dick Allgire visited Viet Hoa, a Chinese herbal medicine shop. The store sells premium goji berries by the pound.The Chinese have used goji berries for about 3,000 years. Now, western medicine has clinical studies that show goji berries do protect the eye from light damage."If you want to eat everything possible to improve your chances of delaying or preventing macular degeneration, then you should include goji berries," Ing said.Ing advises his patients to soak a tablespoon or two of the berries in water or put some in a smoothie or even in soup. There is no evidence the berries will cure macular degeneration, but the studies indicate goji berries, along with leafy green vegetables and no smoking can help prevent it. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-finds-chinese-herb-protects-eyes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chocolate-part-of-a-healthy-diet Chocolate 'part of a healthy diet'Source: news.scotsman.comThe makers of Cadbury's and Mars chocolate have teamed up to explain the role of "treats" in a balanced diet.Both confectionery giants will use new product labels which they claim will keep shoppers better informed.It is part of the "Be Treatwise" campaign launched by the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Association (BCCCA).Chocolate bars such as Cadbury's, Twix, Mars and Galaxy will display a logo saying: "Be treatwise, get to know your GDA (guideline daily amount)".A "healthy lifestyle" message such as "Be active for 30 minutes" will also appear on product labels.A website supporting the campaign includes tips such as: "Treats and snacks can be part of healthy balanced diet" and: "Being active doesn't have to mean sweating at the gym".BCCCA director general Penny Hawley said the scheme would highlight the need for regular activity to stay healthy."People understand that chocolate and sweets are treats which can and should be enjoyed in the context of everything people eat and do," she said.The Be Treatwise logo will appear on millions of confectionery and chocolate packs, the BCCCA said.Cadbury Schweppes and Masterfoods are the first companies to sign up. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chocolate-part-of-a-healthy-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/trout-a-recipe-for-good-health Trout: A Recipe For Good HealthSource: 50connect.co.ukPack in those vital Omega 3 fatty acids with these two trout recipes. MoreThree Walnut RecipesThree Herby MarinadesEgg Myths RevealedThe biggest diet-related risk to UK health is heart disease and oily fish contain fatty acids that help prevent it. Oily fish is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids which influence a range of functions, including blood clotting, circulation, reproduction and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Omega 3 is know to strengthen hair, bones and teeth, to lower blood pressure and to help the brain, vascular and central nervous systems to develop and work at their optimum. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are the richest source of DHA, a fatty acid which is an essential building block of nerve cell membranes in the brain.Seared Trout with Leek Mash>The leek mash complements the trout with a homemade tartare sauce.IngredientsServes 4 Time to prepare: 20 mins Time to cook: 25 mins Calories per portion: 378900g / 2lb potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 450 / 1lb leeks, washed and trimmed 4 tbsp. reduced fat creme fraiche 2 tbsp. reduced fat spread 4 x 90-115g / 3-4 oz trout fillets 2 tbsp plain flour 1 tbsp. olive oil sea salt and black pepperFor the sauce: 4 tbsp. reduced fat mayonnaise 1 tbsp. capers, finely chopped 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. chopped dillTo serve: Lemon wedgesMethod1) Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water for 20 minutes or until soft. Meanwhile, finely shred the leeks and steam for 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash with the creme fraiche and reduced fat spread. Season well and stir in two thirds of the leeks. Cover and keep hot. Season and flour and dust the fish on both sides, patting off any excess. Drizzle a little oil in a non-stick frying pan and sear the fish for 3-5 minutes, turning once.2) Meanwhile, in a bowl mix together the mayonnaise, capers, lemon juice and dill. Spoon the mash onto plates, with the reserved shredded leeks, and top with the fish. Serve with a little tartar sauce and garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of dill.Chef's tip: Sear the fish skin side uppermost, then turn over and crisp up the skin. The fish will cook through more evenly if you sear it in this order._______________________________________Blackened Trout With Herbed Couscous (Pictured Above)IngredientsServes 4 Preparation times: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes marinating) Cooking time: 6-8 minutes For the spice-coated trout: 4 whole trout, gutted 1 tbsp dried thyme 1 tbsp dried rosemary 1 tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp saltFor the herbed couscous: 250g/8oz couscous 450 ml/3/4 pint hot vegetable stock 6 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced 2 tbsp lemon juice Salt and pepper (Vegetable oil for frying) Vegetable oil for fryingMethod1) Wash and dry the trout and using a large knife cut several slashes into each side. Combine all the remaining ingredients and rub alll over and inside the fish. Set aside for the flavours to develop for 30 minutes or so.2) Meanwhile, put the couscous into a bowl and pour over the hot stock; leave to soak until the grains are softened and the liquid is absorbed. Combine the remaining ingredients and stir into the couscous, season to taste and set aside until required.3) Ideally, place the individual trout in fish irons, if you have them. Otherwise place directly onto barbecue rack (making sure to grease the rack well beforehand!)4) To cook inside, heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the trout for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper and rest for five minutes and serve with the couscous.Chef's Tips: When marinating fish, only allow it to marinate for 30 minutes.To fillet a cooked trout remove the head, then use a spoon and run it along the backbone of the flesh of the fish - this should loosen the fillets. Carefully lift off the top fillet, using your fork to lead you and your spoon following to support the loosened fillet as you lift it. If the fish is cooked to perfection then it will come away quite easily. If you find this a daunting task - use trout fillets to barbecue instead. Or, you can remove the head of the fish, scrape away the skin revealing the flesh, lift the fillet from the bone and place it onto a clean plate, then with the help of your (clean!) fingers, lift away the bone, leaving you with a boneless bottom fillet. >Next down is the slightly pricier, but at these levels an extra quid here or there gets you a lot more wine, Chablis 2004 Domaine Servin (Majestic, Oddbins, Waitrose £8.49) Now eight and a half quid may seem like a lot and we’ve all seen Chablis in supermarkets for £5.99 and less, so why spend the extra? Well simply, not to say bluntly, put, there are lakes of cheap Chablis knocking around (and far worse the odious Petite Chablis) which are crimes against wine. These thin, lemony, acrid bottles of silver cleaner are a waste of money. Seriously, if that is the taste you are looking for, buy a good bottle of Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie for £3.99 and get a wine that is supposed to be tart, fresh and zingy, not one that is only there by rote of over production. (Feisty today aren’t you Theo! Ed) What the Servin gives you is that classical Chablis elegance, a ‘steeliness’ as us wine bores call it to the acidity (it’s firm, cutting and clean) with lovely tones of green apple, pears and vanilla. Fabulous!Reds now. Pinot Noir remains about the most prized of all red grapes, mainly as it is so difficult to propagate. There are some nice examples from the US; Saintsbury, Kistler, Au bon Climat, Douhin and the like, but these are big money (£15+) and the wines from Chile and Australia tend to be ‘soupy’ lucking that vital refinement that is the cornerstone of this grapes appeal. Affordable optios are available from the motherland but it takes a bit of rooting out. One such wine is the delicious Cave de Buxy Pinot Noir (£5.99 Majestic, Waitrose) a wine I have been enjoying on and off since I was a student. It is medium bodied, fresh tasting with good solid helpings of blackcurrants, strawberries, redcurrants and vanilla spice. It’s lightness of touch makes it ideal for roast lamb, or perhaps duck, though easy on the sauce, let the wine draw the flavours out here.Lastly, and leaping up a few divisions, is the wonderful Marsannay, Chateau de Marsannay 2003 (Majestic £9.99) Hailing from the very top of the Cote d’Or this is a serious wine, from a serious vintage. Full, lean and complex, it assuages the palate with tantalising tones of currants, briar fruit, game and cherries. There is sufficient power here for it to stand up to most things, but from experience I can tell you that pheasant and quail (oh the country life for me!) are sublime. In a couple of years time this will make a wonderfully mellow glassful for evening, solo indulgence, so get it while you can!Well, I have e-mails to write, but if I get one from my friend in Canada, then expect a series on ice wines next time…lumy! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/trout-a-recipe-for-good-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-preventive-benefit-of-taking-vitamin-d-seems-to-vary-by-sex- The preventive benefit of taking vitamin D seems to vary by sex.Source: www.azcentral.comTHE QUESTION Taking vitamin D has been shown to help keep older people from falling. Does it work equally well for men and women?THIS STUDY involved 455 people who averaged 71 years old and were living independently. They were randomly assigned to take vitamin D and calcium or placebo supplements daily; no other calcium and vitamin D supplements were taken starting two months before the study. During the next three years, 231 people - 55 percent of the women and 49 percent of the men - fell at least once. Women who took the supplements were 46 percent less likely to fall than the other women. Among the men, taking vitamin D and calcium made little difference in the risk of falling. WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Older people. More than 2 million Americans 65 and older visit emergency rooms annually for fall-related injuries.CAVEATS Benefits to women in the study occurred mainly after they had taken the supplements for a year; people who take calcium and vitamin D for a shorter period may not see the same results. The authors suggested that activity put women more at risk for falls.FIND THIS STUDY Feb. 27 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine; abstract available online at Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-preventive-benefit-of-taking-vitamin-d-seems-to-vary-by-sex- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-arthritis-sufferers-should-exercise- Why arthritis sufferers should exercise.Source: 50connect.co.ukA combination of moderate weight loss and exercise is an effective treatment for overweight adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, according to new research from Wake Forest University published in the May issue of the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism."Considering that side effects often limit the use of drug therapy and surgical intervention is often ineffective for mild or moderate knee osteoarthritis, our results give strong support to the combination of exercise and weight loss as a cornerstone for the treatment of overweight osteoarthritis patients," said Stephen Messier, professor of health and exercise science and principal investigator of the study.Researchers from Wake Forest's health and exercise science department and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center teamed for the study, called ADAPT (Arthritis, Diet and Activity Promotion Trial). They found that participants in an 18-month program of exercise and calorie-restricted diet had a 24 per cent improvement in physical function. Participants in this group also reported the most significant improvements in knee pain, a decrease of more than 30 per cent."Our study supports modest weight loss and moderate exercise as a safe, effective therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee," said Dr. Marco Pahor, professor of gerontology in the Wake Forest School of Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and a co- researcher on the study. Pahor is director of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center of Wake Forest University.Arthritis is the leading cause of physical disability in adults, affecting more than 7 million Britons. Marked by joint damage and chronic pain, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Messier said problems with current treatments, anti-inflammatory drugs with potentially serious long-term side effects and surgery that can be ineffective, present a need for an alternative therapy.ADAPT measured improvement in physical function, pain and mobility in 252 randomized participants, all age 60 or older, who were overweight, sedentary and had knee pain or knee osteoarthritis. The participants were divided into one of four groups: exercise only, dietary weight loss only, dietary weight loss plus exercise, and the control group called healthy lifestyle.The exercise group did aerobic and resistance activities for one hour, three times a week. The diet group attended regular meetings on changing their eating habits and reducing calories in their diets. The combination group, where the most improvement was measured, participated in both programs. The healthy lifestyle group attended classes on weight loss and exercise, but did not participate in the programs."We suggest that the combination of diet plus exercise produces consistently better and clinically relevant improvements in physical function compared with diet or exercise alone," Messier said. ADAPT was paid for by a grant from the National Institute of Aging as part of the Pepper Center of Wake Forest University.Arthritis is becoming more and more common, and not just among the very old. The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America's non-profit fitness advocate, suggests the following ten reasons for arthritis sufferers to start an exercise program."Unfortunately, many arthritis sufferers mistakenly believe that exercise will worsen their condition," said Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for ACE. "The reality, however, is that a well-rounded physical activity program of stretching, strength training and aerobic exercise can help minimize many of the adverse affects of arthritis and improve overall functional capacity."Flexibility training helps improve range of motion and reduces stiffness in afflicted joints, particularly the early-morning stiffness often associated with arthritis.Aerobic exercise, particularly low-impact activities such as walking, not only improves overall fitness, but also helps reduce the psychological and emotional pain that often accompanies arthritis.Strength training exercises help build muscle strength, enhance joint stability, and improve mobility making easier to perform activities of daily living.Weight-bearing (e.g., walking) or weight-loading (e.g., strength training) exercise positively affect bone mass, helping ttoreduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease that is often seen in people with arthritis due to their reduced levels of physical activity.Arthritis can negatively affect posture, balance and coordination, all of which may be improved by regular exercise.Excess weight (especially in the form of extra body fat) places additional strain on the joints so maintaining a healthy body weight is very important for individuals with arthritis. Along with a sensible diet, exercise plays a key role in helping individuals maintain normal body weight levels.Exercise has been shown to help manage stress, which can take its toll on the whole body, including the joints.Because it is a chronic degenerative disease, people with arthritis often become depressed and develop a poor self-image. People who exercise, however, are less likely to be depressed and tend to possess more positive mental outlooks.Painful joints can make getting a good night's sleep difficult, if not impossible. Regular exercise has been shown to improve overall sleep patterns and may help lessen this problem.Because arthritis frequently leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, individuals with this condition are often at an increased risk of developing other significant health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. Staying active and exercising regularly is an effective means of not only controlling the affects of arthritis, but also of minimizing or eliminating the risk of developing a variety of other lifestyle-related diseases. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-arthritis-sufferers-should-exercise- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/super-foods-walnuts Super foods: walnutsSource: www.telegraph.co.ukWhat's so super about them? Walnuts in a basket Seven walnuts a day will keep you looking and feeling radiantWalnuts have the highest antioxidant activity of all nuts, which means they provide good protection against cancer. They are brimming with vitamin E, which is excellent for heart health. Studies have shown that eating them can reduce the risk of a heart attack from between 15 and 51 per cent.Rich in cholesterol-lowering plant serums and omega 3 oils, walnuts have a very high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats. They have similar benefits to oily fish in terms of reducing cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition last year. Regular consumption can also guard against diabetes.Key ingredients?Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that improves heart health and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of sudden death from abnormal heart rhythms. They are also a good source of protein and dietary fibre. In the US, packs of walnuts carry an official health endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration.Do they boost brainpower?Yes, by warding off depression. The Mental Health Foundation recommends walnuts for their omega 3 oils, powerful mood boosters that increase serotonin levels. They also contain folic acid, which is similarly beneficial, and zinc, which is a brilliant defence against stress.Will they make me look gorgeous?Yes, as omega 3 makes skin radiant. If you want instant results, take a quarter of a cup of plain yoghurt and a quarter of a cup of very finely-ground walnuts and mix together for an exfoliating facial scrub.How many calories?Pretty high at 180 per ounce. If you add walnuts to your diet, be sure to reduce your intake of less healthy fats.How much do I need to eat?Around one ounce, or seven shelled walnuts, five times a week.How should I eat them?Sprinkle walnut pieces on cereals or add them to salads. A classic Waldorf salad contains apples, walnuts, celery, mixed salad greens, mayonnaise, lemon juice, a spoonful of sugar and a dash of salt. Walnut oil is also healthy. Add to a stir fry or pasta after cooking, or use it in salad dressings. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/super-foods-walnuts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tomatoes-carrots-greens-may-lower-asthma-risk Tomatoes, carrots, greens may lower asthma riskSource: today.reuters.co.ukWomen who eat plenty of tomatoes, carrots and leafy greens appear less likely to have asthma, researchers have found.Though it's uncertain whether the foods are the reason, the findings suggest that some vegetables may protect against adulthood asthma, the researchers report in the medical journal Thorax.A number of studies have suggested that antioxidants or certain other nutrients in plant foods may help prevent or ameliorate asthma and other allergic conditions. Carrots, tomato juice and spinach contain nutrients called carotenoids, some of which are converted into vitamin A in the body.Among other jobs, vitamin A helps regulate the immune system and maintain the lining of the respiratory tract.In general, experts recommend that people eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day for overall health. However, the authors of the new study write, "it is important to know which fruit and vegetables might be more likely to prevent specific diseases."To investigate which foods may sway asthma risk, they analyzed data on nearly 69,000 French women who were surveyed about diet and other health factors. Overall, 3 percent reported having asthma, with women who ate the most carrots, tomatoes and leafy vegetables being less likely to have the lung disease.Dr. Isabelle Romieu of the National Institute of Public Health in Cuernavaca, Mexico, led the study.Among the women surveyed, those who reported the highest intake of leafy greens - mostly spinach and lettuce - were 22 percent less likely to say they had asthma than women with the lowest intakes. Similarly, carrot lovers had a 20 percent lower risk of the disease, while tomato fans had an 18 percent lower risk.The lower risks were seen even with other major factors - like weight, overall calorie intake, smoking and vitamin use - taken into account.However, the researchers point out, they cannot rule out the possibility that higher intakes of carrots, tomatoes and leafy greens are simply a sign of a generally healthier diet - and not a special effect of these foods specifically.Further studies, they conclude, are needed to confirm these results and to explore the possible effect of fruits and vegetables on asthma severity.SOURCE: Thorax, March 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tomatoes-carrots-greens-may-lower-asthma-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-lowers-pregnancy-related-diabetes-risk Exercise lowers pregnancy-related diabetes riskSource: today.reuters.co.ukWomen who are physically active before pregnancy are less likely to develop diabetes during pregnancy, a new study shows. It also indicates that the risk rises with the amount of pre-pregnancy television viewing.While smaller studies have suggested that exercise can reduce the risk of so-called gestational diabetes, the current study is among the largest and best-designed that has examined this relationship to date, lead investigator Dr. Cuilin Zhang of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston told Reuters Health.Zhang and her colleagues looked at 21,765 women participating in the Nurses Health Study II who had at least one pregnancy between 1990 and 1998. A total of 1428 cases of gestational diabetes were identified. The women had completed questionnaires assessing their level of physical activity and sedentary behavior.After the researchers took account of body mass index, diet and other factors, they found that women with the highest levels of vigorous physical activity were 23 percent less likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who were the least active.Women who walked briskly but did not perform vigorous exercise were 34 percent less likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who walked at an easy pace. Walking briskly for more than 30 minutes daily or climbing 15 flights of stairs every day also lowered gestational diabetes risk for women who did not exercise vigorously, according to the report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.The researchers also found that women who watched at least 20 hours of television each week and did not exercise vigorously were 2.3-times more likely to develop gestational diabetes than active women who watched less than 2 hours of TV a week.Given that gestational diabetes is a risk factor for subsequently developing type 2 diabetes, Zhang said, the findings underscore the importance of physical activity for young women. There's also evidence that gestational diabetes can increase a child's later risk of obesity and diabetes, she added."From the public health view, it is important for women of reproductive age to keep an active lifestyle," she said.SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, March 13, 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-lowers-pregnancy-related-diabetes-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tofu-nuts-lower-cholesterol-study Tofu, nuts lower cholesterol: studySource: www.theglobeandmail.com Maybe your doctor should write up a grocery list to help lower your cholesterol, suggests a small study that showed a rigid diet seemed as effective as cholesterol-lowering pills.Of course, sticking to that diet may not be easy.“People interested in lowering their cholesterol should probably acquire a taste for tofu and oatmeal,” said study co-author David Jenkins of the University of Toronto.The study, published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was funded in part by almond promoters and a major food company.Mr. Jenkins, Canadian research chair in metabolism and nutrition at Toronto, and Dr. Cyril Kendall, also of the University of Toronto, studied 55 middle-aged men and women who had high cholesterol and were at risk for heart disease.The participants were already on a heart-healthy diet. They were then prescribed a diet that included more specific foods, such as raw almonds, tofu and other soy foods, viscous fibers such as oatmeal, barley, okra and eggplant, and plant sterol-enriched margarine.After a year, the group who stuck faithfully to the new eating plan lowered their cholesterol by an average of 29 per cent. Mr. Jenkins said the rate was comparable to results from participants who had taken a statin drug for one month before starting the diet, as well as general studies of patients on such drugs.The group of participants who did not follow the diet as strictly still lowered their cholesterol by 10 per cent to 20 per cent. “That's still pretty good, and the point is, the more closely you follow the diet, the better you do,” said Kendall.Cholesterol for those who didn't stick to the new diet remained about the same.The soy, nut and fibre diet is promoted by the Almond Board of California, which helped fund the study along with Unilever. Unilever makes Take Control margarine, a cholesterol-lowering spread that's available in the United States, Europe and Australia, but not Canada.The diet includes low-fat dairy products, smaller portions of lean meats and skinless poultry and substituting soy products for animal foods when possible. The more dieters combine foods rich in viscous fibre — oat bran, barley, okra and eggplant — as well as raw almonds, peanuts and walnuts, the more their cholesterol dropped, according to the study.Dr. Alice H. Lichtenstein, a professor of public health and nutrition at Tufts University in Boston, said the study was scientifically solid, but the diet is so strict she believes most North Americans would find it hard to follow in the real world.“It's a great diet and they started with a very motivated group of individuals who were used to consuming a low-fat or vegetarian diet,” Lichtenstein said in a telephone interview. “But I think that for the general population, we have to be realistic — and it's unlikely that they're going to be able to adhere to something like this.”That mind-set is what Jenkins hopes to change.The real world is “a relatively hostile place” when it comes to healthy eating, he said. “We're asking people to buck the trend.” Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tofu-nuts-lower-cholesterol-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oily-fish-helps-cut-inflammation Oily fish helps cut inflammationSource: www.onlinenews.com.pkScientists have discovered why a diet high in oily fish like salmon and mackerel may help improve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.They have found a key anti-inflammatory fat in humans is derived from a fatty acid found in fish oil.The researchers, from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, found the diet worked best when combined with low aspirin doses.Details are published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.Since we obtained these results I started to encourage my own children to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acidsDr Charles Serhan The inflammatory response protects the body against infection and injury, but when it goes wrong it can lead to conditions such as arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.The Harvard team identified a new class of fats in the human body, called resolvins, which they showed can control inflammation.They do this both by stopping the migration of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation, and the turning on of other inflammatory cells.Resolvins are made from the omega-3 fatty acids, found in high concentration in oily fish.Their production also appears to be stimulated by taking aspirin.One form of resolvin - E1 - is thought to play a particularly significant role in controlling inflammation.The researchers identified this specific fat in blood plasma samples taken from volunteers given omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin.Lead researcher Dr Charles Serhan told the BBC News: "Since we obtained these results I started to encourage my own children to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids."Drug concern .The study also reveals a potential pitfall of COX-2 inhibitors, drugs designed to block inflammation, which have been shown to have negative cardiovascular side effects.The enzyme COX-2 is involved in making resolvin E1, and the researchers suspect that taking the drugs may disrupt the body’s ability to synthesise the fat.Thus, while the drugs are designed to reduce inflammation, it is possible that they actually undermine one of the body’s most important methods for achieving the same effect.However, the researchers stress the experiment to prove this idea has yet to be done with humans.A spokesperson for the Arthritis Research Campaign said: "A number of studies have suggested that oily fish can help people with inflammatory arthritis, and this new study appears to confirm this."Our charity has also funded a small preliminary study which shows that oily fish or fish oil capsules can also play a part in reducing the pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis - a degenerative type of arthritis."We always suggest that people with arthritis eat two or three portions of oily fish a week, or take 1,500mg fish oil capsules a day." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oily-fish-helps-cut-inflammation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/age-eating-patterns-tell-nutrient-needs Age, eating patterns tell nutrient needsSource: www.poughkeepsiejournal.comAlthough vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that cause disease are uncommon in Americans, certain populations are at risk for true deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals."For instance, vegans may be deficient in vitamin B12, older adults in northern areas may be deficient in vitamin D, and alcoholics may be deficient in folate, thiamine and others," said Dr. Kathleen Fairfield, of the Maine Medical Center and author of a review on vitamins and minerals in the Journal of the American Medical Association.The following nutrients are a particular concern for specific populations.Vitamin DWhy you need it: Vitamin D is unique in that it's found in food but can also be made in your body with exposure to sunlight. It maintains normal levels of calcium and phosphorus, promotes both calcium absorption and bone mineralization and is associated with fewer fractures when taken with calcium.Who needs it most: Older adults may benefit from supplemental vitamin D. Vitamin D deficient diets are also associated with milk allergies, lactose intolerance and strict vegetarianism. People with limited sun exposure, such as homebound individuals and people in northern latitudes that get little sun certain times of year, may also be deficient.How much you need: 200 IU (international units) for men and women ages 19-50; 400 IU for men and women over 50.Tolerable upper level: 2,000 IU.If you don't get enough: Inadequate vitamin D causes rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults, skeletal diseases that weaken bones.Getting enough: Vitamin D can be difficult to obtain from natural food sources, so your best option might be fortified foods and adequate sunlight exposure. Salmon (3 1/2 ounces): 360 IU; fortified milk (1 cup): 98 IU; whole egg: 20 IU.IronWhy you need it: Iron is an essential mineral necessary for hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and myoglobin, which carries oxygen in muscle tissue. It also helps regulate cell growth and differentiation.Who needs it most: Infants, teenage girls, pregnant women and the elderly.How much you need: Men: 8 mg; women: 18 mg.Tolerable upper level: 45 mg.If you don't get enough: Iron deficiency limits oxygen delivery to the cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, decreased immunity and, during childhood, difficulty in maintaining body temperature. On the other hand, excess amounts can result in toxicity and even death, but that is extremely rare.Getting enough: The best sources include organ meats (3 ounces liver or giblets: 5.2-9.9 mg,) clams (3 ounces: 23.8 mg), oysters (3 ounces: 10.2 mg), pumpkin seeds (1 ounce: 4.2 mg) and fortified cereals. In general, dietary iron is absorbed poorly, although animal sources (including poultry, red meat and fish) seem to be better absorbed. Plant sources include dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains.Vitamin B12Why you need it: Vitamin B12 is necessary for processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats and maintaining healthy nerve and red blood cells. It is also required to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.Who needs it most: Older adults and vegetarians may benefit from vitamin B12 supplements or foods fortified with vitamin B12. Up to 30 percent of adults 50 years and older may have a condition limiting B12 absorption from food. They are, however, able to absorb synthetic B12 added to fortified foods and supplements.How much you need: 2.4 ug (micrograms) for men and women.Tolerable upper level: None has been established because there is a very low risk of achieving toxic levels.If you don't get enough: Problems associated with B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, constipation, sore tongue or mouth, loss of appetite and weight loss. Deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, as well as balance problems, depression, confusion, dementia and poor memory. If left untreated, damage may be permanent.Getting enough: B12 is found naturally in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, dairy products and eggs (be careful of saturated fat and high calories). You can also get B12 from fortified cereals. Mollusks (3 ounces): 84.1 ug; 1 slice braised beef liver: 47.9 ug; 3/4 cup fortified breakfast cereal: 6.0 ug.FolateWhy you need it: The B vitamin folate (also called folic acid) is widely known for its role in reducing the risk of serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. Folate helps the body form DNA and blood cells and may reduce the level of the amino acid homocysteine, implicated in cardiovascular disease. And a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has also shown folate may help prevent mental decline as we age.Who needs it most: The most critical time is the first few weeks of pregnancy, so any woman who may become pregnant needs an adequate supply of folate.How much you need: 400 ug.Tolerable upper level: 1,000 ug.Getting enough: Folate is found in beans and peas, oranges, orange juice and especially in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli. The synthetic form of folate, folic acid, is added to breads, cereals, flours, corn meal, pastas, rice and other grain products, making them good sources as well. Breakfast cereal (1/2 to 1 1/2 cup): 100 to 400 ug; 3 ounces beef liver: 185 ug; 1/2 cup lentils: 180 ug; 1/2 cup chickpeas: 141 ug; 1/2 cup asparagus: 132 ug; 1/2 cup cooked spinach: 131 ug; 1/2 cup black beans: 128 ug. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/age-eating-patterns-tell-nutrient-needs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dairy-products-not-linked-to-weight-gain-study Dairy products not linked to weight gain: StudySource: www.hindustantimes.comA new study has revealed that dairy is not associated with weight gain thus paving a way for positive approach to dairy products in weight loss programmes.Calcium intake was not associated with weight gain in men over a 12-year period, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1.This research is consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which recommend 3 servings of low-fat dairy foods each day and recognise that intake of dairy foods does not contribute to extra weight gain.In addition to research that demonstrates dairy foods do not contribute to extra weight gain, dozens of studies provide compelling evidence that consuming 3 servings a day of milk, cheese and yogurt as part of a reduced-calorie weight loss plan may help adults achieve better results than just cutting calories with little or no dairy, according to Greg Miller, PhD, executive vice president, National Dairy Council.The current body of evidence includes randomized clinical trials (considered the "gold standard" of science), observational, animal and cellular studies conducted by leading research institutions throughout the country. This intriguing connection also is being studied worldwide - with positive results reported in Denmark, Greece, Italy and other countries."The good news for the public is that you can follow the My Pyramid recommendation for 3 servings of dairy foods each day and get the nutrition benefits without concern of extra weight gain," Miller said. "If you're cutting calories to lose weight, it's important to get your 3 servings of dairy foods each day for good health and to enhance your weight loss efforts."Though more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between dairy and weight, experts suggest this emerging role for dairy foods is another good reason for people to meet current Dietary Guidelines for Americans of 3 servings a day of low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt or cheese. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dairy-products-not-linked-to-weight-gain-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almost-everyones-missing-some-nutrients Almost everyone's missing some nutrientsSource: www.miami.comAt least 34 different nutrients build, maintain and protect our bodies and keep us healthy. But most of us do not take in sufficient levels of certain nutrients.''The majority of Americans who do not consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day are likely to have suboptimal levels of certain nutrients that increase their risks for important chronic diseases,'' said Dr. Kathleen Fairfield of the Maine Medical Center and author of a review on vitamins and minerals in the Journal of the American Medical Association.How can you tell if you're not getting enough of a vitamin or mineral? ''You can't,'' said Dr. David Katz, a professor of medicine at the Yale School of Public Health. ``Routine tests will not show inadequate intake.''The only way to find out is to keep track of what you eat over a period of time and review the records.If you find you're not getting enough nutrients, should you take supplements? If you aren't going to change your eating habits, yes, Katz said, ``but it's vital to remember the following: Supplement, not substitute. There is no substitute for a healthful dietary pattern.''Here's the lowdown on the daily recommendations of nutrients that U.S. diets often lack:• Vitamin A:Why you need it: Vitamin A is important for vision, gene expression, cellular differentiation, growth, immune function and healthy bones, teeth and hair.How much: Men: 3,000 International Units; women: 2,310 IU.Tolerable upper level for retinol (vitamin A found in animal products and supplements): 10,000 IU for both men and women.Getting enough: Liver, eggs and whole milk are good sources of vitamin A, but it's also added to skim milk and other fortified products, such as cereal. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots (one: 8,666 IU), kale, spinach (half cup: 11,458 IU) and cantaloupe (1 cup: 5,411 IU) contain carotenoids, which are precursors for vitamin A.• Vitamin E:Why you need it: Vitamin E, an antioxidant, counteracts cell damage, reducing your risk for heart disease and cancer. It's also important for the formation of red blood cells and muscles. It also may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.How much you need: 15 milligrams for both men and women.Tolerable upper level: 1,000 mg.Getting enough: Many foods packed with this nutrient are also loaded with fat and calories. Americans get 12 percent of their vitamin E from mayonnaise and salad dressing and 9.5 percent from oil. Almonds (1 ounce: 7.4 mg) and hazelnuts (1 ounce: 4.3 mg) are relatively rich in vitamin E. Fortified cereals are a good option for getting vitamin E without extra calories.• Vitamin C:Why you need it: Vitamin C, an antioxidant, counteracts damage to cells from smoking and pollution and helps protect against cancer. It helps the body absorb iron, strengthens blood vessels and maintains gums. Vitamin C also synthesizes collagen (an important component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bone), norepinephrine (a brain chemical) and carnitine (assists in transporting fat).How much you need: Men: 90 mg; women: 75 mg.Tolerable upper level: 2,000 mg.Getting enough: Fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, are the best food sources. Orange: 70 mg; green pepper (half cup): 60 mg; broccoli (half cup, cooked): 51 mg.• Magnesium:Why you need it: Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, with half found in the bones. It helps muscle and nerve functions, steadies heart rhythms, supports the immune system, strengthens bones, regulates blood sugar and promotes normal blood pressure.How much you need: Men: 400 to 420 mg; women: 310 to 320 mg.Tolerable upper level of supplemental magnesium: 350 mg.Best sources: Green leafy vegetables (half cup cooked spinach: 78 mg), legumes, nuts and seeds (1 ounce cashews: 74 mg) and whole grains (half cup cooked oat bran: 44 mg).• Calcium:Why you need it: Calcium builds and maintains strong bones, but it also plays a role in blood clotting, blood pressure and muscle and nerve functioning.How much you need: 1,000 mg for men and women ages 19 to 50; 1,200 mg for men and women 51 and older.Getting enough: Dairy products are your best bet, but stick to low or no-fat versions. Skim milk (1 cup): 302 mg; calcium-fortified orange juice ( ¾ cup): 200 to 260 mg; plain nonfat yogurt (8 ounces): 452 mg.• Potassium:Why you need it: Potassium is necessary for muscle contractions (including heartbeat), transmission of nerve impulses and balancing fluid and electrolytes. Diets rich in potassium lower blood pressure and may reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss.How much you need: 4,700 mg per day. More than 90 percent of Americans don't meet this recommendation. Experts recommend potassium supplements because this amount is difficult to get by diet alone, but check with your physician first.Getting enough: Most of our potassium is from milk, white potatoes and coffee. Potassium is found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains and is particularly high in potatoes (610 mg) and bananas (422 mg).• Fiber:Why you need it: Fiber is loaded with health benefits. It lowers cholesterol and reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, fiber can help prevent not only constipation but also hemorrhoids and possibly colon cancer.How much: Recommendations range from 30 to 38 grams for men and 21 to 25 grams for women.Getting enough: Load up on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Beans are particularly high in fiber. Bran cereal (half cup): 9.6 grams; black beans (half cup): 7.5 grams; whole-wheat English muffin: 4.4 grams; pear: 4.3 grams; mixed vegetables (half cup): 4 g; spinach (half cup, cooked): 3.5 g. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almost-everyones-missing-some-nutrients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dont-ignore-iron Don't Ignore IronSource: www.themilwaukeechannel.comGetting enough iron? If you're female, maybe not. Yet, to feel energized, your body needs enough iron to carry oxygen to body cells where energy is made.To replace iron lost monthly in menstrual flow, women need more iron than men: 18 milligrams of iron daily for women (ages 19 to 50), compared to 8 milligrams for men. After age 50 or so, women need 8 milligrams of iron daily, too.Where do you get iron? Among the best food sources are meat and poultry. Beans, eggs, and whole-grain and iron-enriched cereals, breads, and other grain products supply iron, too, but you'll need to partner them with a vitamin C-rich food or a little meat to maximize their absorption.To boost iron benefits from food, enjoy: * A citrus or a tomato garnish with quiche, an omelet, or a vegetarian dish. * Chopped ham or smoked turkey to flavor bean chili, or rice and beans. * Vitamin C-rich fruit or fruit juice with meatless meals. Try orange slices on a peanut butter sandwich or tomatoes with a rice-bean dish. * Strawberries or melon on your breakfast cereal. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dont-ignore-iron http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/give-vitamin-packed-brussels-sprouts-another-try Give vitamin-packed Brussels sprouts another trySource: www.duluthsuperior.comEATING FOR LIFEOnce a vegetable gets a bad rap, it's hard to change the public's perception.A study by the British government found that Brussels sprouts rank as that country's most hated vegetable. Absent a pile of money to fund a similar study, it's probably safe to say that average Americans also turn up their nose at this member of the cabbage family.What's so great about the tiny orbs?Brussels sprouts contain nearly as much vitamin C -- 120 percent of the daily value -- as an orange (130 percent). Besides high amounts of vitamin C, they are a very good source of vitamin A, folate and fiber. And new scientific research is confirming the ways that cancer-fighting indoles, found in Brussels sprouts, protect the body from free radicals.For vegetarians, Brussels sprouts are also a good source of vegetable protein; 31 percent of calories come from protein. But because it's an incomplete source it must be complemented with whole grains throughout the day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Brussels sprouts were first grown in large quantities in Belgium. The tiny green vegetables, which resemble miniature heads of cabbage, were introduced to the United States by French settlers in Louisiana. Today most of the U.S. crop is grown in California.This recipe for Orange-glazed Brussels Sprouts combines the popular flavor of orange juice with the less familiar flavor of Brussels sprouts for a fresh take on vitamin C. For a contrast in textures, the Brussels sprouts are topped with a modest handful of toasted walnuts (which are high in omega 3, a heart-healthy fat) and a bit of orange zest.Orange-glazed Brussels Sprouts2 tablespoons English walnut pieces 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup orange juice 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper, to tasteSpray a skillet with nonstick spray coating. Add walnuts and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, just until walnuts are golden and toasted. Remove walnuts and set aside.Place Brussels sprouts in a skillet and add water. Cover, heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Add orange juice, orange zest, salt and pepper. Cover and cook until crisp tender when poked with the tip of a knife. Uncover and continue cooking about 5 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by about half. Toss with walnuts just before serving.Yield: 4 to 6 servings.Nutrition information per serving, based on 4 servings: 82 calories (25 percent from fat), 3 grams total fat (trace saturated fat), no cholesterol, 13 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams protein, 159 milligrams sodium, 4 grams dietary fiber. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/give-vitamin-packed-brussels-sprouts-another-try http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/grape-enzyme-involved-in-vitamin-c-conversion Grape enzyme involved in vitamin C conversionSource: www.checkbiotech.orgResearchers have identified an enzyme in grapes that helps convert vitamin C into tartaric acid, which could have implications for enriching vitamin C in the world’s most important fruit crop. Tartaric acid is a principal component of grapes, contributing to their tartness, acidity, taste, and aging potential as wine. Unlike other fruit acids, tartaric acid is synthesized from vitamin C instead of sugars.While the intermediates in the production chain are known, none of the enzymes responsible for synthesis have been identified. By examining the changing expression levels of both genes and metabolites in developing berries of the cultivated grape Vitis vinifera, Christopher Ford and colleagues identified several potential candidate enzymes. They compared the acid content of 28 related grape species and found one, Ampelopsis aconitifolia, which had no tartaric acid.This particular grape lacked one of the candidate enzymes that catalyzes a key intermediate step of vitamin C conversion.Consequently, A. aconitifolia berries were found to accumulate about 3 times the vitamin C as other grape species. The authors believe manipulating this enzyme in cultivated grapes could lead to the production of grapes rich in vitamin C.Article #10864: "L-Tartaric acid synthesis from vitamin C in higher plants" by Seth DeBolt, Douglas R. Cook, and Christopher M. Ford.Media Contact: Christopher M. Ford School of Agriculture and Wine University of Adelaide Australia Tel: +61 8 8303 7386 E-mail: christopher.ford@adelaide.edu.au Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/grape-enzyme-involved-in-vitamin-c-conversion http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cinnamon-old-herbal-medicine Cinnamon:Old herbal medicineSource: www.coshoctontribune.comRecently a pharmacist received a request regarding the use of cinnamon in treating type 2 diabetes.It is worth noting the cinnamon we are most accustomed to using as a spice is not the same "cinnamon" used to treat type 2 diabetes. ADVERTISEMENT ZIP code where you park at night: Do you currently have auto insurance? Yes No Have you had a U.S. driver's license for more than 3 years? Yes No Has any driver in your household had 2 or more accidents or moving violations in the last 3 years? Yes No The cinnamon most people around the world are familiar with has a sweet and pungent taste. Cinnamon is the common name for the trees and shrubs that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the Laurel family. Cinnamon spice comes primarily from Sri Lanka cinnamon known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum and is the source we in the United States commonly buy. It is obtained from the plant by drying the central part of the bark, which is then sold in stick or powdered form. The cinnamon oil is extracted from the waste products of drying and the pointed black fruits the tree bears. This oil is used for medicinal purposes or flavoring. Cinnamon is one of the oldest herbal medicines known, having been mentioned in Chinese texts as long as 4,000 years ago. The first medicinal use of cinnamon was in Egypt and parts of Europe as far back as 500 BC. Cinnamon bark is used orally for gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and flatulence (gas). It is also used for stimulating appetite, bacterial and helmintic (worm) infections, the common cold, and influenza (flu). Cinnamon has also been used for dysmennorrhea (painful menstruation).Topically, cinnamon bark has been used as part of a multi-ingredient preparation for premature ejaculation.In foods, cinnamon is commonly used as a spice and as a flavoring agent in beverages.In manufacturing, the volatile oil is commonly used in small amounts in toothpaste, mouthwashes, gargles, lotions, liniments, soaps, detergents, and other pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.Cinnamon oil should not be consumed orally in any significant quantity. Cinnamon oil can irritate mucous membranes and is a skin irritant and sensitizer. Ingestion of 60 ml (2 ounces) has been linked to serious side effects in a 7-year-old child including vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, sedation and others.Cinnamon bark may lower blood glucose levels (thus treating type 2 diabetes) theoretically and might have additive effects with other antidiabetic agents prescribed. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary. So far, another type of cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia, (Chinese Cinnamon) has only been found to benefit type 2 diabetics.Cassia cinnamon is slightly bitter and less sweet than the cinnamon most commonly used as a spice. Cassia is not frequently used today but was apparently a highly valued commodity in Biblical times. For example, it is mentioned as one of the trade items of Tyre in Ezekiel 27. In Psalm 45, the King's garments are anointed with myrrh, aloes, and cassia.Taking cassia cinnamon orally seems to improve type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that taking cassia cinnamon 1 to 6 grams for 40 days may lower fasting serum glucose by 18 to 29 percent, triglycerides by 23 to 30 percent, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 7 to 27 percent, and total cholesterol by 12 - 26 percent.Certainly, cassia cinnamon should not be initiated without your physician's knowledge. Antidiabetic medications may require lowering adjustments and certainly if taken with other herbs may have a compounding effect on blood glucose levels. Cassia cinnamon should not be considered to replace any prescribed medications without your physician's knowledge and involvement. Verne Mounts is the director of pharmacy operations for 11 Buehler's stores in Ohio including one in Coshocton. Originally published March 5, 2006 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cinnamon-old-herbal-medicine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-levels-of-vitamin-e-may-cut-prostate-cancer-risk High Levels of Vitamin E may Cut Prostate Cancer RiskSource: www.onlinenews.com.pkHigh blood levels of the major vitamin E components, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, seem to cut the risk of prostate cancer by about 50 percent each, a study shows. The findings are based on an analysis of 100 individuals with prostate cancer and 200 cancer-free "controls" participating in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study, which included nearly 30,000 Finnish men. Men with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol in their blood at baseline were 51 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those with the lowest levels, report investigators in this week’s Journal of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Similarly, men with the highest levels of gamma-tocopherol were 43 percent less likely to develop the disease compared with men with the lowest levels. Further analysis showed that the link between high tocopherol levels and low cancer risk was stronger among subjects using alpha-tocopherol supplements than among non-users. This supports the original findings from the ATBC study, which showed that daily vitamin E supplementation reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 32 percent. Dr. Demetrius Albanes, from the NCI in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues believe that the antioxidant activity of vitamin E may be particularly important to the associations they observed in the current study because oxidative stress has been tied to the development of prostate cancer. However, alpha-tocopherol has other non-antioxidant properties, such as enhancement of the immune response, which may also play a role in the benefits seen, they add. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-levels-of-vitamin-e-may-cut-prostate-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/moisturizers-do-more-than-just-soften-your-skin Moisturizers Do More Than Just Soften Your SkinSource: biz.yahoo.comMoisturizer is one of the most effective and versatile cosmetics on the market. Depending on its ingredients, it can soften and soothe the skin on your face, body and hands, while also protecting it from the sun and camouflaging its imperfections. Now more than ever, there are moisturizers available to meet almost all of your skin's needs. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking today at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, M.D., clinical associate professor in the department of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., discussed how the ingredients in today's moisturizers work."There are four categories of moisturizers: facial moisturizers, lip balms, body lotions and hand creams," stated Dr. Draelos. "Their primary function is to keep skin moist, minimize wrinkles from dryness, smoothe and soften skin, and to deliver other ingredients, like sunscreen, that benefit the skin."Facial MoisturizersFacial moisturizers are designed for use in the morning, following cleansing. In the current marketplace, all facial moisturizers are formulated to not clog pores, cause acne or an allergic reaction. The differences are in how they are created to work with different skin types and whether they have additional beneficial ingredients.Moisturizers for dry skin are comprised of ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin and cyclomethicone, all of which are thick and physically prevent water loss from the skin. Moisturizers for normal skin are usually lighter and contain such silicone-derived ingredients as dimethicone, cyclomethicone and lightweight oils such as cetyl alcohol. Moisturizers for oily skin usually are very light and primarily use dimethicone as their active ingredient. "It's important to understand your skin type when selecting a moisturizer so that you get the full benefit of the product," Dr. Draelos noted.Facial moisturizers also may contain sunscreens and foundation, making them great multi-tasking products for women with hectic schedules. "You can cover flaws, protect yourself from the sun and keep your skin soft and younger-looking with one step," Dr. Draelos said.When looking for a facial moisturizer that contains sunscreen, it is important to select one that offers protection from ultraviolet (UV) A rays which can cause long-term damage to the skin's underlayers, resulting in wrinkling and other aging effects. New products will soon offer ingredients that block UVA rays chemically and provide longer-lasting protection.Lip Balms and LipsticksLips tend to dry out faster than the rest of your skin because they contain very few oil glands. Therefore, products to keep them moist must be thick and prevent water loss as well as add moisture. Traditionally, lip balms have been made from petrolatum and wax. Today, products like dimethicone, a skin protectant, and sunscreen have been added to many of the lip balms on the market."Lip balms also are formulated to provide a smooth feel to the lips," Dr. Draelos said. "While some people believe that you can become 'addicted' to lip balm, there is not anything in the actual product that is addictive. People may feel that they're 'addicted' because they enjoy the feeling of smooth, moisturized lips."Lipstick is basically lip balm with added color. Manufacturers use less stiff waxes, like carnauba or candela, to make them glide smoothly over the lips. Lipsticks also contain ingredients that offer the consumer color, coverage, sun protection and moisture at the same time.Body LotionBody lotions are usually made from a mix of water, mineral oil, dimethicone and glycerin. Newer ingredients may include hyaluronic acid and ceramide 3, which soothe irritated skin. Manufacturers are now providing novel approaches to deliver these ingredients to the skin, such as time- released moisturizers."Petrolatum is still the gold standard to which all other moisturizer ingredients are compared," Dr. Draelos said. "What's important is that the lotion is one that you like so that you will keep applying it, because no moisturizer is effective if it's not used."Some manufacturers also add dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sunless tanner, to body lotions. When DHA is applied to the skin, it creates a reaction that turns the skin brown. Three to five percent DHA is needed to tan the skin and protein often is added to make the color deeper."It's important to remember that a sunless tan provides no sun protection factor (SPF) whatsoever, so it's important to use a broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB) sunscreen of at least sun SPF 15 when you are planning to be outside," Dr. Draelos said.Hand CreamThe skin on the hands often is exposed to harsh products, like soap and cleaning supplies, that strip away the natural oils, making the skin much drier than the rest of the body.Creams that are formulated for hands typically use a combination of ingredients such as petrolatum, glycerin, dimethicone and/or mineral oil. They go on thickly to help create an artificial barrier against water loss and to protect the skin from further damage."People who suffer from dry, cracked or chapped hands may find that applying a heavy moisturizer and then wearing cotton gloves at night can be very helpful," Dr. Draelos said. "You also should put moisturizer on your hands after every time you wash them to help minimize water loss."Dr. Draelos noted that the cosmetics industry continually develops new moisturizer formulations, adding new ingredients that benefit the skin and can save the consumer time. "Because there are such a wide variety of moisturizer options available, a dermatologist can help you determine which ingredients will work best for your particular needs," stated Dr. Draelos.Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/moisturizers-do-more-than-just-soften-your-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-is-vitamin-c-important- Why is Vitamin C Important ?Source: www.dailyindia.comVitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, maintains the ligaments, tendons, and other supportive tissue. It is found in fruits and in potatoes. Because it’s an antioxidant it helps regulate your blood cells, keeping blood cells from becoming deformed from the toxics in the air, which in some cases can cause cancer. The best function of vitamin C is the formation of collagen, a protein substance that keeps the cell together. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. It is needed for buoyant health, vitality and endurance. It keeps your skin clear, with a fresh complexion and healthy gums and teeth. It is very important for the functions of all glands and organs. This vitamin maintains the bones and proper functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands. It promotes healing and protects against all forms of stress - physical and mental. So what happens if you don’t take enough vitamin c? If you become deficiency of vitamin C you will have soft gums, skin haemorrhages, capillary weakness, deterioration in collagen, anaemia, and slow healing of sores and wounds. You will see yourself aging faster, thyroid insufficiency, and your resistance to all infections will be very low. Its deficiency enhances the toxic effect of drugs and environmental poisons. Mild deficiencies of vitamin C may appear in the form of lassitude, fatigue, anorexia, muscular pain, and greater susceptibility to infection. Long deficiency may cause scurvy, which is very dangerous. Scurvy is a disease that results from insufficient intake of vitamin C. This can leads to formation of livid spots on the skin, soft spongy gums and bleeding from mucous membranes. A quote from Enchanted learning.com, “Many sailors on long trips got scurvy, which at first debilitates and then kills the victim. When the cause of scurvy was determined to be a dietary deficiency, limes and other foods high in vitamin C were brought on long sea journeys, putting an end to the problem of scurvy. Bringing limes aboard is why sailors used to be called "limeys." You can find vitamin c in fruits and vegetables. But most food fall short or loose their source when it is cooked. To get the full benefits you will have to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Taking vitamin c supplements is also another great way, taking a supplement can help you get the require amount you need everyday. Steve Parker a specialist in health and fitness. Mr. Parker also is a freelance journalist and partner of http://www.nutritionmountain.com, a website that offers dietary supplements. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-is-vitamin-c-important- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-protect-against-tuberculosis Vitamin D may Protect Against TuberculosisSource: www.forbes.comDiscovery of the molecular mechanism that the body uses to fight off tuberculosis could open the way to use of ordinary vitamin supplements to help prevent the disease, researchers report.The finding also helps explain why blacks are more vulnerable than whites to tuberculosis and why they develop more severe cases when infected, according to a study in the Feb. 23 online issue of Science.The story starts about a decade ago, when research revealed that the immune system of fruit flies produces a protein that attacks bacteria and fungi, explained study author Dr. Robert L. Modlin, chief of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles."In 1999, it became clear that there were equivalents in humans, a family of proteins," Modlin said. "Each recognizes a defined biochemical from a bacterium or virus."Studies showed that in mice, the defense involved production of nitric oxide to fight infection. However, that was not found to happen in human cells, Modlin said.Four years of work led to the finding that the human defense mechanism involves vitamin D, he said. White blood cells are stimulated to convert ordinary vitamin D -- which is produced, in large part, by exposure to sunlight -- into an active form that is used to make a protein that kills the tuberculosis bacteria."Our other main finding was that African-Americans, who are known to be more susceptible to tuberculosis, have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood," Modlin said. Melanin, the pigment that darkens skin, absorbs the ultraviolet rays of sunlight, reducing vitamin D production in blacks, he explained.Cells grown in blood serum from black individuals produced 63 percent less of the bacteria-fighting protein than those grown in blood serum from white people. Adding vitamin D to the cultures increased production of the protein, Modlin said.One question raised by the discovery is whether giving vitamin D to humans can do the same thing, he said, adding, "Were hoping this paper will raise interest in that."If the vitamin does have a protective effect, "a vitamin D supplement I think is the way to go," Modlin said. As a dermatologist, he noted, he is acutely aware of the damage that can be done by overexposure to sunlight.However, "I can't recommend that people take vitamin D supplements yet," Modlin said. "We need to do more studies." His group is doing studies along that line, looking at "what effects vitamin D might have on the immune system."There's a possibility that the work might have implications beyond tuberculosis, Modlin said. "Our results indicate we have much yet to learn about human immune responses to infections," he said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-protect-against-tuberculosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/snake-venom-could-relieve-arthritis Snake venom could relieve arthritisSource: www.dailymail.co.ukSnake venom could ease the aching joints of seven million UK arthritis sufferers, scientists claim. The chemicals found in snake venom could also ease the pain from cancer they said. Dr Naftali Primor, research and development manager at Shulov Institute of Sciences (SIS) in Israel, said a snake venom pain-relieving cream could be on sale within five years. More than seven million adults in the UK suffer from pain due to arthritis and related conditions. The Arthritis Research Campaign said they had heard of examples of people with arthritis being bitten by snakes and having their pain reduced. Spokeswoman Jane Tadman added: "Similarly, others have reported the same effect from bee stings and nettles and it appears that all venom and stings have some kind of pain-relieving properties. "Obviously people shouldn't seek out adders to bite them on the off-chance that it might help their arthritis, but a synthetic form of venom minus the toxins might be the answer." Dr Primor and his team focussed their studies on the Palestinian viper - the most common snake in Israel. They found that out of every 1,000 molecules present in the venom, only four or five were poisonous. They isolated one of the molecules which had analgesic properties and made a safe, synthetic copy called VeP-3. Dr Primor said: "About 99 per cent of the venom is non-toxic, which leaves us with a great source of possible drug components." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/snake-venom-could-relieve-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-aids-lung-cancer-ops Vitamin D 'aids lung cancer ops'Source: www.garoweonline.comLung cancer patients who have surgery in the winter are 40% more likely to die of the disease than those operated on in the summer, a US study suggests.A study of 456 patients found high levels of vitamin D - from sun exposure and food supplements - had a positive impact on the success of surgery.The Harvard University team said more research was needed and patients should not expect surgery in the summer.UK experts said it was interesting but warned sun exposure could be dangerous.Lead researcher Wei Zhou said: "This study in no way suggests that people should try to time their cancer surgeries for a particular season - that would obviously be impossible. "But if validated it may mean that increasing a patient's use of vitamin D before such surgery could offer a survival benefit."Researchers studied the treatment of 456 lung cancer patients of which only 10% had had either radiation treatment of chemotherapy.Looking at the effect of the seasons, the team found patients who had operations in the winter were 40% more likely to die from their cancer than those who had the operation in the summer.When the joint effect of the season and vitamin D levels were taken into consideration, there was a three-fold better chance of survival, evidence presented to the American Association of Cancer Research showed.Lung cancer is responsible for 33,600 deaths a year in the UK - nearly a quarter of the total number of cancer mortalities.EvidenceThe reason for the effect of the vitamin was not clear either, the researchers said.Dr Kat Arney, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said more research was needed to see if increasing the levels of vitamin D before surgery would be beneficial.But she added: "There is no substantial evidence to suggest that excessive sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation can have a protective effect against cancer in healthy people."Although vitamin D is made by our bodies in response to sunlight, we actually need relatively little exposure to maintain healthy levels."Any extra vitamin D made in this way cannot be stored. Cancer Research UK advises everyone to be 'SunSmart', as prolonged sunbathing, sunbed use and especially sunburn in children can all increase the risk of skin cancer later in life."Source:BBC Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-aids-lung-cancer-ops http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/israels-slimming-potato-a-hit-abroad Israel's 'slimming' potato a hit abroadSource: www.israel21c.orgA low-carb 'diet' potato grown in Israel has quickly become a staple on dinner plates in Great Britain.With American consumers increasingly weight conscious, it is clearly only a matter of time before the 'Vivaldi' potato crosses the ocean to the other side.In an age where the glycemic index (GI), which measures the amount of carbohydrates food contains, is the new diet phenomenon, the Vivaldi potato, which contains up to 38% less carbohydrates and half the calories of the average potato, has tremendous potential. Potatoes are known to be an excellent source of vitamin C and also contain vitamin E, B vitamins, and minerals calcium and magnesium. Tests are ongoing to ascertain the precise levels of these nutrients in Vivaldi, but these are not expected to be significantly less than in other varieties.The potato is being grown in Israel by 13 kibbutzim that make up the Hevel Maon cooperative in the Western Negev desert. Due to its mild climate, Israel is a very attractive place for growing all kinds of spuds, according to Shimon Warshavsky, potato quality specialist at Hevel Maon's research and development department. Because there are two Israeli potato 'seasons', consumers can have Israeli potatoes on their plates all year round."Our advantage is that it is never too cold for potatoes," Warshavsky told ISRAEL21c. "We can grow two crops here. Some people are willing to pay higher prices for new potatoes all through the year."With temperatures never dropping below zero degrees centigrade (32 degrees Farenheit), there is never a problem of frost. And with rainfall as high as 250 millimeters a year, Hevel Maon grows around 150,000 tons of potatoes annually. Forty percent of the crop is exported, primarily to Western Europe and Russia, through Agrexco, Israel's largest exporter of fresh agricultural produce worldwide, from flowers to plants. The time from the field to a European dinner table is only twelve days, quicker in holiday season.The Vivaldi potato, which was originally developed by Lincolnshire, UK-based company Naturally Best, has been labelled the "slimming potato" and a "dieter's dream" in the British media. Several years ago, the company's breeders sent the potato to Hevel Maon, and today, they regularly receive new varieties and decide which strain they want to grow. As the demand increases, the Israeli farmers are growing larger and larger quantities."The Vivaldi variety is very nice, it is very tasty," says Warshavsky. "It has a very smooth texture." In a blind testing that Warshavsky carried out at Hevel Maon, "the Vivaldi came out on top," he says.Hevel Maon, which was established 50 years ago, permanently employs around a hundred people, but takes on an extra 300 workers in high season."It is our jubilee this year. In everything we do, we are either the largest in the country or among the largest," said Washavsky. That includes 45 varieties of potatoes grown by all 13 kibbutzim on 10,000 of the total 52,000 dunams (around 6000 hectares) of land. In addition, the collective grows peanuts, radishes and carrots, for both the local and export markets - and is the only company in the country which grows parsnips.Hevel Maon's Vivaldi potatoes are being sold in Israel under the Dod Moshe (Uncle Moses) label. Israeli consumers are not as potato-savvy as their European counterparts, not generally caring about what particular variety they are eating. But Dod Moshe is trying to increase Israelis' potato awareness."It is a very daring idea," says Warshavsky. "We have started sending potatoes to the [local] market in the way they do it in the UK and Europe, packaged in different colors according to the different uses, with the variety identified on the bag."Could there be other potatoes in the future that are even more "dietetic" than the Vivaldi? "We are always experimenting with new varieties," says Warshavsky. Innovation and improvement, he said, "is a permanent part of every crop." Tania Hershman is a free-lance writer based in Israel. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/israels-slimming-potato-a-hit-abroad http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-containing-supplement-launched-in-uk Folic Acid Containing Supplement Launched in UKSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comThe move comes as the UK Food Standards Agency recommends mandatory folic acid fortification of bread in the UK, in an effort to reduce the incidence of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTDs). 06/04/06 A new Probiotic Multi-Vitamin enriched with Folic acid, has been developed by Bio-synergy together with Sally Gunnell, Olympic, World, European & Commonwealth champion. The move comes as the UK Food Standards Agency recommends mandatory folic acid fortification of bread in the UK, in an effort to reduce the incidence of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTDs).Ideal for those leading a hectic life "ONE" multivitamin contains 100% of vitamins and minerals as well as ginseng and gingko to provide a natural energy boost. "ONE" also contains probiotics to help with digestion. If you take nothing else take to get a balanced diet, take "ONE" multivitamin, which has been developed together with Sally Gunnell, Olympic, World, European & commonwealth champion. "ONE" is an all-encompassing multi-vitamin, essential for anyone wanting to make a long-lasting change to their lifestyle.Spina bifida and anencephaly are the most common NTDs. Both conditions occur in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before women are aware that they are expecting.It is estimated that between 700 and 900 pregnancies are affected by NTDs in the UK each year – including terminations as a result of detection but not including miscarriages.Dietary folate is known to reduce the risk of these conditions. It occurs naturally in foods such as grains, lentils, chick peas and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid is a synthetic form of the nutrient which, according to the National Council on Folic Acid in the US, is actually better absorbed by the human body. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-containing-supplement-launched-in-uk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-can-spur-healthy-hair-growth Nutrition can spur healthy hair growthSource: www.poughkeepsiejournal.comJust like your body, your hair needs a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and shiny. If you are experiencing hair loss, the first thing you should consider looking into is your nutritional habits.Make sure your diet is rich in protein, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Water not only hydrates your body, but it also keeps your hair silky and shiny, so you should drink between eight to 10 glasses of water per day.Protein is the building block of hair, so include high-quality protein in your diet. This will give your hair shafts more strength and will reduce damage through snapping and splitting. Good sources of protein include fish, meat, beans, yogurt, milk and cheese.Vitamin A, which will give you a healthy scalp, can be obtained from eating carrots and other vegetables. Vitamins B and C are very important for good circulation, hair growth and color. Good sources of those vitamins can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, eggs and milk.Zinc builds hair protein to help reduce hair loss. Foods high in zinc are meat and seafood. Iron helps carry oxygen to the hair. If it's deficient, hair and its follicles can become starved of oxygen. You can increase iron in your diet by including red meat and dark green leafy vegetables.In addition to a healthful diet, be sure to add in a dose of daily exercise to keep your blood pumping. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids, will play a key role in attaining healthful skin, hair and nails. Foods rich in omega-3 are salmon, tuna, mackerel, flax seeds, walnuts and almonds.Pump it up with soyThe average person has about 100,000 strands of hair on her head, and the average rate of growth is a mere half an inch per month. Any nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning hair or even total baldness.A study shows that soy protein can be helpful in stimulating hair growth. A good source of soy is tofu.Excessive stress and some medications are known to retard hair growth. Another important thing to remember is rest and sleep.So eat right, exercise, reduce stress and get enough sleep for your healthy hair. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-can-spur-healthy-hair-growth http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-found-to-slow-ageing-in-experiment-on-mice Vitamin C found to slow ageing in experiment on miceSource: mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jpMice that lack vitamin C age at least four times faster than normal mice, a team of Japanese researchers has found, suggesting that the vitamin may be beneficial in slowing the effects of ageing in humans.The research was conducted by a team from Tokyo Medical and Dental University and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology. They plan to announce their results in the April 4 electronic edition of the U.S. "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" journal.When the research team analyzed a specific protein that decreases as ageing proceeds, they found it was the same as an enzyme that synthesizes vitamin C. Mice without this protein were produced by modifying their genes, and compared with normal mice. After six months the normal mice were all still alive, but half of the ones that didn't have the protein had died of old age.Researchers examined the amount of vitamin C in the organs and blood of the mice, and found that the level in the mice without the protein was one-tenth of that in normal mice."Since mice synthesize vitamin C in their body, the mice without the protein were unable to produce vitamin C, and it appears this led to rapid ageing," a representative of the research team said.Humans are unable to produce vitamin C in their body even if they have this protein, and the results of the experiment do not directly indicate that vitamin C is effective in preventing ageing in humans, but researchers say mice that do not have the protein may be able to be utilized in research into ageing in humans. (Mainichi) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-found-to-slow-ageing-in-experiment-on-mice http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-inflammatory-effects-of-omega-3-fatty-acid-in-fish-oil-linked-to-lowering-of-prostaglandin Anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 fatty acid in fish oil linked to lowering of prostaglandinSource: www.eurekalert.orgOmega 3 fatty acids in dietary fish oil are reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic and anti-arrhythmic effects in humans, but the biochemical basis for these beneficial health effects is not well understood. Now a University of Michigan biochemist reports that fish oil significantly diminishes the production and effectiveness of various prostaglandins, naturally occurring hormone-like substances that can accentuate inflammation and thrombosis.Dr. William L. Smith described his findings on April 4 at Experimental Biology 2006 in San Francisco. His presentation was part of the scientific program of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).Dietary fish oil causes its prostaglandin-lowering effects through three different mechanisms, says Dr. Smith.First, the much fewer prostaglandins are made from omega 3 fatty acids as compared to the other class of fatty acids in the body, the omega 6 family of fatty acids that originate in the diet from leafy vegetables and other plant sources.Second, the omega 3 fatty acids compete with omega 6 fatty acids for the same binding site on the COX 1 enzyme that converts the omega 6 fatty acids to prostaglandin (which is why the COX 1 enzyme and its COX 2 cousin are the targets of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen). The more omega 3 fatty acids present to block the binding sites, the fewer omega 6 fatty acids are able to be converted to prostaglandin.Third, although omega 3 fatty acids also are converted to prostaglandins, the prostaglandins formed from omega 3 are generally 2 to 50 times less active than those formed from the omega 6 fatty acids from dietary plants.The biochemical basis of other benefits of dietary fish oil – for example, omega 3 fatty acids' impact on neuronal development and visual acuity -- are probably due to effects on biochemical pathways regulating nerve transmission. Understanding the different pathways through which omega 3 works to convert prostaglandin helps explain why the plant-based omega 6 fatty acids don't simply provide the same benefits. Because of omega 3 fatty acids' known benefits to health, especially cardiovascular health, Dr. Smith's advice is simple: eat more fish. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-inflammatory-effects-of-omega-3-fatty-acid-in-fish-oil-linked-to-lowering-of-prostaglandin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/raspberries-top-antioxidant-list Raspberries top antioxidant listSource: www.health24.comRaspberries possess much higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, and storage or processing does not remove the valuable compounds, researchers say.In a new study, published in the journal BioFactors (Vol. 23, pp. 197-205), it is reported that raspberries contain almost 50 percent more antioxidant activity that strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes. Breakdown of antioxidants Vitamin C makes up about 20 percent of the total antioxidant capacity, accounting for up to 30 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit. Anthocyanins, especially cyanidin and pelagonidin glycosides, account for a further 25 percent.Interestingly, the biggest contribution to antioxidant capacity is from ellagitannins, a family of compounds almost exclusive to the raspberry, and are reported to have anti-cancer activity.“It is especially the presence of large amounts of ellagitannins in raspberry, in combination with the more usual anthocyanins and vitamin C, which makes this fruit an attractive subject of study,” said lead author Jules Beekwilder, from Plant Research International, Wageningen, the Netherlands.Freezing, storing considered The researchers noted that freezing and storing of the raspberries did not significantly affect the antioxidant activity of the berries, although the concentration of vitamin C was halved by the freezing process.“Raspberry represents a diverse source of potentially healthy antioxidants and as such can provide a useful component to our daily diet,” concluded the scientists. – (Decision News Media) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/raspberries-top-antioxidant-list http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mushrooms-a-source-of-vitamin-d- Mushrooms a source of vitamin D?Source: www.jamaicaobserver.comMushrooms may soon emerge from the dark as an unlikely but significant source of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin that helps keep bones strong and fights disease.New research, while preliminary, suggests that brief exposure to ultraviolet light can zap even the blandest and whitest farmed mushrooms with a giant serving of the vitamin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed the study, which is being funded by industry.Exposing growing or just-picked mushrooms to UV light would be cheap and easy to do if it could mean turning the agricultural product into a unique plant source of vitamin D, scientists and growers said. That would be a boon, especially for people who do not eat fish or milk, which is today the major fortified source of the important vitamin.One grower predicted the pilot project, if supported by further research, could give consumers a radically different reason to buy mushrooms, now sought out for being low in fat and calories."They eat them for what they don't have, versus what they do have," said Joe Caldwell, vice president of Monterey Mushrooms. The company is the nation's largest producer of fresh mushrooms.The ongoing work so far has found that a single serving of white button mushrooms - the most commonly sold mushroom - will contain 869 per cent the daily value of vitamin D once exposed to just five minutes of UV light after being harvested . If confirmed, that would be more than what is in two tablespoons of cod liver oil, one of the richest - and most detested - natural sources of the vitamin, according to the National Institutes of Health.Details were being presented this week at the FDA's annual science forum. The FDA proposed the research, which was funded by the Mushroom Council, as the agency looks for ways to increase the amounts of vitamin D consumed by Americans."This could be it," said Robert Beelman, a Penn State food scientist who has spent more than a decade working to give mushrooms their own "nutritional identity."Sunshine is a significant source of vitamin D, since natural UV rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Mushrooms also synthesise vitamin D, albeit in a different form, through UV exposure. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mushrooms-a-source-of-vitamin-d- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicines-may-be-as-effective-as-pain-medication-for-short-term-low-back-pain Herbal medicines may be as effective as pain medication for short-term low back painSource: www.news-medical.netThe herbal preparations devil's claw, white willow bark and cayenne plasters may be as effective as pain medication for short-term low back pain and are better than placebo, a new systematic review of studies has found.The review comprised 10 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 1,600 adults who had acute, sub-acute or chronic low back pain.Led by Dr. Joel J. Gagnier of the Provincial Medical Centre in Windsor, Canada, the review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.The authors looked at randomized controlled trials of the three herbals that involved nearly 1,600 adults with acute, sub-acute or chronic low back pain. The studies pitted devil's claw (Harpago procumbens), white willow bark (Salix alba) and cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) against sham pills and against Vioxx, the painkiller since removed from the market amid concerns over its long-term safety."The results of these 10 trials suggest that specific herbal medicines may be effective for short-term (four to six weeks) improvement in pain and functional status for individuals with acute episodes of chronic non-specific low-back pain," the authors concluded. "These herbal medicines could be considered as treatment options for acute episodes of chronic low back pain," they said.But the authors cautioned that the long-term efficacy and safety of the herbal treatments remain uncertain because "there is insufficient evidence to make definitive conclusions regarding those trials comparing herbal medicine interventions with standard drugs."The trials of devil's claw were the strongest in terms of methodology, followed by white willow bark and cayenne, the trials of which were rated "generally of low quality."Low back pain afflicts eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and it is the second most frequent cause of work absence in industrialized nations. In the United States alone, back pain is the most common cause of disability in people under 45 years of age and is responsible for direct costs of $20 billion, the authors report.Current standard treatments include tissue stimulation, pain medication, exercise and back braces. Drugs and physical activity show the best results, the authors said.The study found strong evidence that a 50 mg dose of devil's claw was better than placebo in the short term but only moderate evidence for a 100 mg dose.In a much smaller trial, there did not appear to be any difference between devil's claw and Vioxx.In a trial of white willow bark versus placebo, the stronger the dose, the more pain relief was found. The stronger dose of white willow bark produced similar pain relief to Vioxx in the short term.A trial of cayenne plasters produced improvement in pain versus placebo but no difference versus a homeopathic preparation."Given that Vioxx was taken off the market due to safety concerns, at this point it would be desirable to recommend all three of the above alternatives for short-term relief, but medication-herbal medicine interactions must always be considered," Gagnier said, cautioning, "These treatments should not be tried without the supervision of a qualified medical professional," he said.Dr. Michael R. Marks, chief of the medical staff at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, agreed that herbal treatment may be tried but should not be seen as a replacement for conventional pain killers. "There is probably no reason for the individual without any underlying medical problems not to try these treatments," Marks said. "But there is really too much unknown about the potential side effects of these medications. A good deal of the herbal medicines prolong bleeding time and interact with anesthetic agents."He also said that patients don't always see the potential danger in herbals because they are not regulated. "That is the major concern among the medical community - the lack of consistency of the preparations and exactly what the interactions are with traditional medications. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicines-may-be-as-effective-as-pain-medication-for-short-term-low-back-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flu-and-your-diet Flu and your dietSource: www.dailynews.co.zaThe best way to prevent yourself getting a dose of flu is to have a healthy immune system. How do you do that? By eating a nutritious diet.Poor nutrition compromises immune function, says Durban dietician Carol Browne, and this can be found not only in people with severe under nutrition due to limited access to food, but also in the midst of plenty, such as in the elderly or people who follow poor diets or fad diets.Researchers are not able to precisely define the impact of deficiencies of single nutrients, as people with poor diets will be lacking in a range of nutrients.The vitamins that are believed to boost immunity are vitamins A and E, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and folic acid. Many minerals are needed for adequate immune responsiveness including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, chromium and iodine. Click Here to visit South Africa's no.1 Online Casino! Follow a healthy eating plan most of the time, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits every day, eat chicken, fish (especially fatty fish), milk, meat or eggs, and use fortified bread and maize.A balanced micronutrient supplement can be used, but this can never fill the gaps left from poor food choices. A large part of the immune system is found in the gut, so a person's gut health can influence their immunity.Using foods or supplements with probiotics (the good bacteria found in the gut) and prebiotics (the food for these bacteria) can promote gut health. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flu-and-your-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breakthrough-in-grape-vitamin-research Breakthrough In Grape Vitamin ResearchSource: www.newswire.co.nzThe medicinal effect of wine may soon be enhanced as a result of scientists in Australia and the United States discovering a way to increase the amount of vitamin C in grapes.Researchers at the University of Adelaide, in collaboration with scientists from the University of California, have identified an enzyme in grapes that helps convert vitamin C into tartaric acid.Tartaric acid accumulates in grapes as they ripen and contributes greatly to taste, tartness and ageing potential.The research centred on one grape species found to have no tartaric acid which lacked the enzyme that catalyses vitamin C.The scientists say by manipulating this enzyme grapes may be modified so that their vitamin C content is significantly increased.They say the discovery could also help scientists understand why the level of tartaric acid falls in grapes grown in warm climates, which forces winemakers to add acid at considerable cost. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breakthrough-in-grape-vitamin-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alternative-therapy-for-self-improvement Alternative Therapy for Self-ImprovementSource: www.ksl.comIf you feel like you've been in hibernation this winter, we have a springtime project to suggest.As well as tackling the lawn, what if you also tackled your life? All month long, Coco Warner is helping us improve the quality of our lives. And this morning, we're talking about self-improvement. Today I look into an alternative therapy you may or may not be familiar with. It's designed to help people make the connection between their bodies and emotions, in order to heal. It's called emotional or forgiveness therapy-- and facilitator Pam Robinson says it has changed her life. "We use something called the process. It's a technique that helps bring emotions to the surface, so that we can move to a better state inside." Pam Robinson is lecturing students enrolled in her Institute of Healing. She's helping them become certified facilitators of emotional or forgiveness therapy. Pam Robinson/Dir. Institute of Healing Arts: "We help bring issues of the past to closure through forgiveness of self and others." Pam uses muscle testing or kiniseology to help get information. Pam determines Susan needs to address something that happened at age eight. Susan says her family moved nine different times around that age. Pam Robinson: "How does Susan feel when she's eight years old about change?" Susan: "Well, the feeling I'm feeling is lost and scared." This process involves guided imagery, role-playing and visualization, and for younger children, there's art therapy. Pam has Susan imagine her eight-year-old self expressing her feelings-- and then letting go of the anger that surrounded the experience. Pam Robinson/Institute of Healing Arts: "What I do is called psycho neuro immunology, and it's actually not psychology and it's not in the medical field. It's right in betwen, where we work on how the feeling affects our organs and our health." Research supports, when we hold on to negative feelings, we release the stress hormone known as cortisol. And when we can let those feelings go, a chemical associated with calm, nitric oxide, is released. How you feel emotionally affects how you feel physically. Pam Robinson/Institute of Healing Arts: "We can't heal in stress, and so we need to be able to do things to help us find a place of peace." Pam Robinson has written a book that details her own personal experience using this process called, "The Bright Red Bow." Coming up on Thursday, I'm going to tell you about another kind of alternative therapy based in massage. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alternative-therapy-for-self-improvement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-with-low-vitamin-d-levels-have-small-infants Women with low vitamin D levels have small infantsSource: today.reuters.co.ukPregnant women with relatively low amounts of vitamin D in their diets tend to give birth to smaller infants, a new study suggests.Canadian researchers found that pregnant women who drank little milk or had a lower vitamin D intake tended to have smaller babies than women with higher intakes.Fortified milk is a primary source of vitamin D in Western diets, and the nutrient may be the main reason why women's milk consumption was linked to birthweight, according to the researchers."Absence of vitamin D seems to be what's driving this," study co-author Dr. Kristine G. Koski, of McGill University in Montreal, told Reuters Health.What's more, the study suggests, vitamin D deficiency is not required to potentially affect fetal growth.Although vitamin D intake was lower among women who avoided milk, it was still, on average, within the recommended range. This suggests that pregnant women need more than the current "adequate" intake level for vitamin D - 5 micrograms for adults age 50 and younger, Koski said.She and her colleagues report the findings in the current issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.Vitamin D may be best known for its role in bone health, but it's also believed to be important in immune system function and growth and cell maturation, among other jobs.There has been little research, however, into women's vitamin D needs during pregnancy. The adequate level set for all younger adults is based on decades-old research on the amount of vitamin D necessary to prevent the bone disease rickets.The current study included 279 pregnant women who were interviewed several times about their diet and use of vitamin and mineral supplements. Seventy-two women restricted milk intake, while the rest did not restrict their consumption.On average, the researchers found, infants born to women who drank less than one cup of milk per day were more than 4 ounces lighter than newborns whose mothers drank more milk.Neither protein nor calcium -- two key nutrients in milk -- predicted birthweight. But vitamin D intake did, with each extra microgram translating into a small gain in newborn weight.Women who don't drink milk, Koski said, should be sure to get vitamin D from supplements and other foods that are fortified with the vitamin, such as certain brands of breakfast cereal, soymilk and margarine.This is especially important, she noted, for women who live in colder climates where the skin gets limited sun exposure, which triggers the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.The findings also support calls from some experts that North American officials reconsider their definition of adequate vitamin D intake -- as has been done in Europe, according to Koski and her colleagues."The reality is that we do not know what the actual vitamin D requirement during pregnancy is," write Drs. Bruce Hollis and Carol Wagner of the Medical University of South Carolina, in an accompanying editorial."For that matter," they add, "we do not know the requirement for the general population, either."Hollis and Wagner are currently studying the effects of giving pregnant women vitamin D doses that are much higher than what is currently thought to be an adequate level.SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association Journal, April 25, 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-with-low-vitamin-d-levels-have-small-infants http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lycopene-and-vitamin-e-combination-inhibits-prostate-tumour-growth Lycopene and Vitamin E Combination Inhibits Prostate Tumour GrowthSource: www.nutritionhorizon.comThe combined treatment with lycopene and vitamin E, at 5 mg/kg BW each, is most effective; growth of prostate tumors was suppressed by 73 percent and survival time was increased by 40 percent. 01/05/06 The combination of lycopene and vitamin E suppresses tumour growth in mice by 73 percent and increases survival time by 40 percent. Lycopene alone tends to inhibit tumour growth and to prolong survival time as well, but less effectively (53 percent and 19 percent, respectively). A phase-II clinical trial with prostate cancer patients is ongoing to evaluate the health benefits of lycopene and vitamin E in humans. A BASF study in collaboration with leading researchers in the field of urology at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands showed that combined treatment with lycopene and vitamin E, at 5 mg/kg BW each, is most effective; growth of prostate tumors was suppressed by 73 percent and survival time was increased by 40 percent. There was a trend for 53 percent slower tumour growth and 19 percent increased survival time in the group receiving 5 mg/kg BW lycopene. The other treatments (vitamin E alone or lycopene at 50 mg/kg BW) did not have a significant effect on tumor growth. Prostate cancer is a major type of malignancy in men. While established risk factors for the disease exist including older age, family history of the disease, and race, there is ongoing search for dietary factors and micronutrients, which help lower the risk of contracting the disease. Epidemiologic studies have repeatedly associated a high intake of lycopene, the major tomato-carotenoid, and vitamin E with reduced prostate cancer risk and these two micronutrients are now among the most promising dietary components with regard to prostate cancer prevention. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lycopene-and-vitamin-e-combination-inhibits-prostate-tumour-growth http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lamb-to-help-combat-heart-disease Lamb to help combat heart diseaseSource: www.smh.com.auLamb could soon be helping Australians avoid heart disease if research at the CSIRO proves successful.Scientists are looking at the possibility of breeding sheep with an increased level of the essential fatty acid Omega-3, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.The research is a joint venture between CSIRO and the Western Australian Department of Agriculture.CSIRO nutritionist Soressa Kitessa and WA geneticist Johan Greeff have discovered genetic variations in sheep which show the level of Omega-3 in individual animals is hereditary.Their research on about 500 rams has found some sheep contain almost twice the amount of Omega-3 than others.The top 100 sheep in the study contained natural levels of Omega-3 that would place them close to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand's classification as a good source of Omega-3.This has opened the possibility that high value cuts of lamb could be marketed for their Omega-3 content."We are confident that the creation of a high value, fat modified lamb is feasible," Dr Kitessa said.For Dr Greeff, the research means the composition of meat could be changed without the need to feed sheep supplements."This latest research means that we can now look to develop a meat sheep that not only tastes better but will be better for you," Dr Greeff said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lamb-to-help-combat-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-shows-supplement-can-ease-arthritis-pain Study shows supplement can ease arthritis painSource: www.twincities.comThe long-awaited research trial on the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis has been completed, and readers are asking for my early take on the results.Conflicting media interpretations, some saying these dietary supplements work and others saying they're a waste of money, leave consumers stranded between two extremes. So what to think?Using a "Lord of the Rings" metaphor, the truth appears to lie somewhere in Middle Earth. Prepare for excavation.The six-month double-blind, placebo study funded by the National Institutes of Health evaluated glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for treatment of osteoarthritis-related knee pain. The 1,583 participants were classified as having either mild knee pain or moderate to severe knee pain. Most had mild knee pain.To be included in the results, participants had to experience at least a 20 percent decrease in their pain. Standardized assessment tools were used to measure pain relief.They were divided into groups, each taking one of the following:• Glucosamine hydrochloride, 500 mg three times daily (1500 mg)• Chondroitin sulfate, 400 mg three times daily (1200 mg)• Glucosamine-chondroitin combination, in above doses• Celecoxib (Celebrex), 200 mg daily• Placebo pillsThe results? Those taking the placebo (fake pill) had a very high response rate (60.1 percent). Glucosamine and chondroitin were no better than the placebo in reducing knee pain. Only celecoxib, the prescription NSAID, worked better than the placebo, though just 10 percent better.There was good news, however, for glucosamine and chondroitin in the smaller number of participants with moderate to severe knee pain. A further analysis suggested that the glucosamine-chondroitin combination worked 25 percent better than placebo for relieving this more severe pain.Interestingly, chondroitin alone was found to reduce swelling in those who had swelling or fluid in the knee, while the glucosamine-chondroitin combination did not.It's been thought that glucosamine and chondroitin might actually slow the progression of osteoarthritis, and this is under study.It's worth noting that no commercial glucosamine or chondroitin product met Federal Drug Administration pharmaceutical standards for this study, so a specially formulated product was used.One caution: Men with prostate cancer might wish to avoid chondroitin. Preliminary evidence suggests chondroitin might exert a negative effect on this condition.The bottom line: Glucosamine and chondroitin are deemed generally safe and might be worth trying for osteoarthritis, with glucosamine sulfate as perhaps the first choice. Those with more severe pain may wish to use a glucosamine-chondroitin combination product.Keep in mind that it may take up to two months to see benefits with these supplements.Richard Harkness is a consultant pharmacist, natural medicines specialist, and author of eight published books. Write him at 1224 King Henry Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; or rharkn@aol. com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-shows-supplement-can-ease-arthritis-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meager-diet-longer-life- Meager diet, longer life?Source: www.thedailystar.comHow much is it worth to follow an 890-calorie diet? Is it worth losing an extra few pounds, wearing a smaller size, or even living longer? An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in the beginning of April said that people on a severely restricted diet — eating only 890 calories a day — had two "biomarkers" of longevity. The people on those diets had lower fasting insulin levels and lower body-temperature levels. Researchers said those items showed a decreased metabolism. Advertisement That’s fewer calories than four slices of a Supreme pizza from Pizza Hut, a Big Mac, medium french fries, and medium Coke from McDonald’s, or a two-piece meal from KFC. "For the average person, really severe dietary restriction is extremely difficult," said Becky Drake, a nutritionist with A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, adding she had concerns about quality-of-life issues. Drake said people might only gain an extra five to 10 years from following the severe restriction — and even that isn’t definite. This isn’t something people would want to attempt on their own, Drake said last week. "We don’t like to recommend anything under 1,200 (calories)," Drake said. "My goal is to work in moWhat's Related deration." Calorie restriction as a way to prolong life has been a hot topic for a number of years, said Dr. Allan Green, director of the Bassett Research Institute. Green said it’s hard to accurately study the topic, however. "The best clinical trials are randomized and placebo-controlled," Green said. "With people, you can’t really randomize it." It’s also difficult to have a placebo, Green said, because people are either eating or they’re not — and it’s hard to convince someone that they’re doing the opposite. Still, Green said, it’s an interesting area. Some people are interested in restricting their calories in a healthy way, and may want to do so to try to live longer, Green said. "That’s going to be a very small number of people," Green said. "Most people have a problem trying to stay a normal weight." This is something that many people would have a difficult time following, said Dr. Douglas DeLong, chief of general internal medicine at Bassett Healthcare. "That’s not too many calories," DeLong said Thursday. "They’re talking about pretty severe calorie restriction." DeLong said he personally would rather spend time figuring out how to live his life more healthily, as opposed to drastically cutting calories to live longer. Drake, Green and DeLong said further studies would need to be done to see the true effects of calorie restriction on longevity. Additionally, this isn’t a "one size fits all" scenario. An 80-year-old person who is slightly overweight would have different health problems than a 40-year-old person who is overweight, Green said. A thinner 80-year-old person is also likely to have more health problems than a 40-year-old person of the same weight, he said. Besides finding ways to try to live longer, researchers recently said that fewer Americans died between 2003 and 2004. About 50,000 fewer people died in 2004 compared with 2003, according to numbers from the National Center for Health Statistics. The decrease in deaths was attributed to decreases in death rates for heart disease, strokes and cancer. "It doesn’t surprise me that the life expectancy is increasing," DeLong said. "You’d certainly hope that is the case. We’re doing a better job of treating some chronic conditions." DeLong said treatment for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and diabetes has improved. "I suspect the death rate would go up and down depending on the change in behaviors," Green said. "People are smoking less than they were 20 or 30 years ago." However, he said, Americans have become more overweight. Green said life expectancy will probably start decreasing because so many people are overweight. Life expectancy is a complicated number, Green said. It actually increases as a person ages. "I’m 50," Green said. "My life expectancy is greater than someone who’s born today. If you are 100, then your life expectancy isn’t 100." Likewise, Green said, "If you make it to 50 or 60, you didn’t die when you’re 20 or 40." There’s more to death than numbers. "It’s a whole lot worse to die when you’re 40, and you’ve got young children, than it is when you’re 80 and have lived a full life," Green said. The maximum lifespan of a human being is 120 years old, DeLong said. Although life expectancy is increasing, it hasn’t reached 120 years. "There’s a significant gap there still," DeLong said. Still, DeLong said, it’s a good time to be born in the United States. "It’s good news that a woman at birth today can expect to be 80," DeLong said. "You’re going to live a long time. You want to live as healthy as you can." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meager-diet-longer-life- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-take-care-of-skin How to take care of skinSource: paktribune.comIt’s easy to take the skin for granted and not take care of it, and men are much more likely to do this than women. But the skin needs regular care and attention - particularly the areas that are exposed to the elements, such as the face. In this article the researchers have suggested as how to boost your one’s immunity, Cold sores, Spots and Skin cancer. Late nights, stress, an unhealthy diet and too much sun all take their toll on the skin. It dries out, becomes flaky and cracked and looses its vitality. What’s missing from most people’s diet, that the skin needs in abundance, is water. A least two litres a day is essential, more in hot and humid weather. To remain healthy the skin also needs vitamin C and this is readily available from citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and fortified bread. Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C too and since the vitamin C is found just below the skin having a baked potato means the vitamin C doesn’t end up in the waste bin lost in the peelings. Moisturise regularly too, using a cream that contains vitamin E and UV protection. Many men regularly have facials nowadays to help revitalise their skin. the study suggests that getting enough rest avoid smoking, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, drink at least eight glasses of water a day take time to relax and unwind could help boost one’s immunity. Cold sores. Something else that the skin needs to keep it healthy is zinc. This, and vitamin C, also helps to boost our immune system and keep it strong so that it can protect the body from infection. Stress, infection, being overtired, cold winds, and hot weather can all be responsible for waking up a cold sore when you would rather it remained asleep. It’s possible to avoid cold sores by getting enough rest, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, not smoking, and keeping alcohol to a minimum. Be sure to also apply a UV protection lip-balm a few times each day to protect against the effects of cold winds and bright sunlight. Tea-tree oil cream or aciclovir cream both have anti-viral properties and can shorten the duration and the severity of cold sores. Keep a tube of one or the other at home should the telltale tingle come your way. Spots. If it’s not cold sores then it’s spots that appear at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Once again these are more likely to occur if you’ve become run-down. Try to avoid them - the same rules apply. Don’t pick them. This won’t make them disappear and will only serve to make them look worse, and more obvious. Topical treatments from the pharmacist or tea-tree oil gel or cream will help to dry spots up. Now you may wish to sit down for this next bit of advice. To hide the spot that appears on the day use a blemish or cover-up stick - which looks like a pencil. These are available from the make-up counter in large department stores, for example. Make-up specifically designed for men is available. Skin cancer. The number of cases of skin cancer is increasing. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is most common in younger people (age 20 to 35) caused by excess UV radiation exposure causing sunburn common among people who work indoors (because their skin is more easily damaged when they’re exposed to the sun). Everyone is at risk of skin cancer. Those most at risk are men with fair skin,freckles,ginger hair, lots of moles If you notice any changes with your moles get them checked by your doctor. Look out for increase in size, change in shape, change in colour, change in sensation - itchy, painful, new redness or inflammation, bleeding, Protect your skin, stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm take care not to burn, cover up with sleeves, caps, and shades, apply sun protection cream regularly every two hours throughout the day using at least SPF 15, the study suggests don’t use sunbeds if you need a tan then fake it. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-take-care-of-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-saw-palmetto-controversy The saw palmetto controversySource: thestar.com.myA widely used herb for mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia is in the limelight after a trial published recently suggested that it was no better than a placebo. Is this really the case? THE latest results of a new clinical trial on the popular herb, saw palmetto, may confuse the public, especially men with prostate problems, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC), a non-profit herb research and education group. The trial, published in the Feb 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), found no significant differences between saw palmetto pill and a placebo in men with moderate to advanced prostate problems1. Most of the official international monographs that recognise the benefits of saw palmetto do so for stage 1 and 2 of BPH, the mild to moderate range of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Mild to moderate Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that is widely known for its safety and efficacy in treating mild to moderate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is common in men over 50 years of age, affecting almost 75% of men in this category. Symptoms of BPH include weak urine flow, difficulty in starting urination, straining to urinate, dribbling after urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Other symptoms include the urgent need to urinate, frequent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night and urge incontinence. “Our primary concern with this trial is the relatively advanced conditions of the prostate problems in many of the men who were tested,” said Mark Blumenthal, Founder and Executive Director of ABC. Blumenthal emphasised that the men in this trial experienced moderate to severe symptoms of BPH, although most of the previous controlled trials showing positive results and efficacy for saw palmetto were conducted on men with mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. The men in the trial had scores between 8-35, i.e., moderate to severe BPH, according to the American Urological Association Symptom Inventory (AUASI). “Most of the official international monographs that recognise the benefits of saw palmetto do so for stage 1 and 2 of BPH, i.e., the mild to moderate range of BPH symptoms,” said Blumenthal. “These include monographs from the German government and the World Health Organization. “The results of this trial need to be seen in the perspective of the preponderance of the existing evidence, including at least 21 controlled trials showing positive outcomes with saw palmetto preparations,” he added. Saw palmetto extracts are widely used in Europe, and in the past decade, in the United States as a natural therapy to help maintain normal prostate and urinary function, particularly by treating the symptoms of BPH in men with mild to moderate cases of BPH. Over 22 clinical trails carried out in over 3,000 men as reviewed by the Cochrane Collaboration2 have confirmed the safety and efficacy of saw palmetto standardised extract preparations in treating mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. The latest meta-analysis2 concludes that the clinical literature supports the use of 160mg (twice daily) saw palmetto standardised to contain 85-95% fatty acid extract preparations in mild to moderate symptoms of BPH, and that the saw palmetto standardised extract preparations have shown efficacy and greater safety when compared to conventional pharmaceutical drugs. Saw palmetto is frequently combined with other herbs that have shown benefit for prostate function to produce safe and effective preparations that have been clinically documented, which include stinging nettle, pyguem, pumpkin seed and tomato extract. Stinging nettle Stinging nettle root extract contains high amounts of lignan, which is responsible for the root’s ability to bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), key for its use in prostate problems. As men age, their SHBG level increases, making them more susceptible to abnormal cell proliferation. Stinging nettle has a strong affinity for SHBG, thereby limiting the amount of testosterone and oestrogen that can bind to it and influence cell proliferation. It has been shown to reduce the risk of abnormal prostate cell proliferation, decreasing night-time urinary frequency while increasing urinary flow-rate and reducing residual urine. Stinging nettle also encourages hormonal balance and improves the quality of life of people with BPH. Pygeum africanum Pygeum extract contains phytosterols which can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing the abnormally high levels of prostaglandin normally found in BPH. The ferulic acid esters found in pygeum reduces prostatic cholesterol levels by limiting synthesis of testosterone. The extract has an anti-inflammatory effect and hence decreases inflammation in prostate tissue. Clinical effects of pygeum extract include reduction of prostate size, decreased night-time urinary frequency, reduction in residual urine and urinary urgency. Overall, it also works to improve the quality of life in men with BPH. Pumpkin seed Pumpkin seed extract contains phytosterols, curcubitin and selenium. The extract inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydroxytestosterone. It has an inhibitory effect on aromatase, preventing androgens like testosterone from converting to oestrogen. Clinical studies have shown that a remarkable reduction in urinary frequency during the day and night can be achieved with this extract. Urinary flow rate is also increased while residual urine is reduced. Tomato extract (standardised to contain 5% lycopene) Lycopene is a phytochemical that gives tomatoes their bright red colour. People who have diets rich in tomatoes, which contain lycopene, appear to have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach3. All the above herbal ingredients for prostate health can be bought separately or together in a single supplement. As most recent studies carried out on saw palmetto for men with BPH used standardised saw palmetto extract, it is best to look for a preparation containing at least 160mg standardised saw palmetto extract containing a minimum of 85-95% fatty acids. References: 1. Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, Neuhaus J, Hudes ES, Goldberg H, et al. Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. New England J Med. Feb 9, 2006; 354 (6) : 557-566 2. WiltTJ, Ishani A, Stark G, MacDonald R, Lau J, Mulrow C. Saw Palmetto extracts for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001423. DOI: 10.1002/ 14651858.CD001423 3. American Cancer Society Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-saw-palmetto-controversy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-vitamin-d-a-fountain-of-youth- Is vitamin D a fountain of youth?Source: www.postcrescent.com It sounds too good to be true — eat about a half-dozen or so dark chocolates a day to improve your overall health and vitality. But Paul and Barbara Stitt, who gained national notoriety in recent years for healthy eating as the founders of Natural Ovens Bakery in Manitowoc, swear they've developed such a treat. And the very unsecret special ingredient is Vitamin D. Lots of it. After years of developing and marketing healthy bakery products, the couple is now launching a new line, called "D-Rich Products," featuring dark chocolates, as well as a powdered vitamin D supplement. Both are pending FDA approval as supplements. The chocolates are fortified with 1,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D. That's 1,000 per chocolate; your average multivitamin or supplement contains only about 200 or 400. "The results that people get when they consume higher levels of vitamin D are just phenomenal," said Paul Stitt, who has just published a new book, "Vitamin D: Is It The Fountain of Youth?" Speaking from his family's experience, the answer to his book's title is a resounding 'yes.' But he adds that science backs up what he, his wife and son have experienced personally. "My book is based on 38,000 articles from the National Library of Medicine," said Stitt, who is a biochemist. "There is so much information about how people who consume the most vitamin D have less cancer, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune problems, osteoporosis and chronic pain. This is all established by disinterested third-party researchers." Stitt became interested in vitamin D after his otherwise healthy son was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 37. To their surprise, vitamin D deficiency was to blame. Once Stitt began researching the topic, he became convinced that our culture, and in particular, Wisconsin residents, aren't getting enough vitamin D. The deficiency is contributing to an epidemic of osteoporosis, pain and other chronic diseases, he believes. "I think the No. 1 cause is we are scared to death of the sun," Stitt said. "And if we do go out in the sun we wear sunblock and a lot of clothes." The body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Even though Wisconsinites are well known for consuming plenty of calcium-rich dairy products, it's doing them little good without adequate vitamin D, he added. That's because vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences still recommends that people need 200 IU of vitamin D daily until age 50, and 400 IU from age 50 to 70. Stitt believes that these guidelines, developed in 1968, are terribly outdated. Stitt points to numerous studies and journal articles by Vitamin D experts, including the work of Canadian researcher Reinheld Vieth. In the May 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, for example, Vieth says people need 4,000 to 10,000 IU a day, and that toxicity isn't a concern until you reach a 40,000 IU dose. Stitt concedes that physicians aren't exactly embracing his recommendation that people should consume 4,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day from various sources. Dr. Jennifer Norden, medical director of Affinity Health System's Integrative Medicine Center in Oshkosh, agrees that the government's recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is antiquated, but she advises not to exceed 2,000 IU per day. "I think that vitamin D has been undervalued," she said. "My general recommendation is that people – women especially, need 800 to 1,000 international units per day. And that's most important during the winter months." Barbara Stitt, 75, has been taking 5,000 IU per day for about a year now. "It's amazing how much more muscle definition she has," Paul Stitt said. "She feels so much stronger." Paul Stitt, 65, meanwhile, says he's been taking 20,000 IU a day. He says he feels better than he did 25 years ago. After several decades of gray hair, he says dark roots are growing in. "We feel so young and energetic," he said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-vitamin-d-a-fountain-of-youth- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/north-middlesex-grad-presenting-cancer-research-on-capitol-hill North Middlesex grad presenting cancer research on Capitol HillSource: www.lowellsun.comIt helps to start early if you want to conquer cancer. Heather Rideout, 21, a Townsend native and junior biochemistry major at St. Michael's College in Vermont, is working on a cancer-research study that is showing encouraging results: When a molecule called hyaluronic acid, or HA, meets metastasizing cancer cells in the bloodstream of mice, it slows or stops the migration of the cancer cells. While the science is far reaching, the funding is secure only until next year. On Tuesday, Rideout will meet at the Council on Undergraduate Research in Washington, D.C., and speak directly to U.S. Sens. James Jeffords and Patrick Leahy and U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, as well as an associate of John Kerry, to advocate for continued funding for undergraduate science research. "A lot of the research I'm doing deals with the science of how cancer cells work," Rideout says. "It illuminates for me how researchers go about these things and how slow the process is. But there's this game if you're limited by the amount of money you're given." The funding for Rideout's research comes from a $60,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health and is distributed by the Vermont Genetics Network. It is by no means guaranteed to continue past its one-year term. In Washington, Rideout will present her collaborative research, originally initiated by professor David Baker at the University of Tennessee. She will be accompanied by chemistry professor Brian Kyte, who is overseeing the portion of the study conducted at St. Michael's. They will describe what makes hyaluronic acid an optimal compound to apply to cancer research. To a cancer cell, HA looks like one of the principal sugars that metastasizing cells grab onto, says Kyte. "The cancer cells grow finger-like proteins outside the cell that grab onto sugars that help it migrate into the bloodstream," he says. "The fingers, or receptors, are still there. When HA is injected into the bloodstream, cancer cells bind to HA and don't relocate into a new organ or infiltrate a new location," says Kyte. Rideout's early start on a disciplined course of cancer research is one she wants to secure for future students. The issue is personal and professional: "Without the funding, I'd never know what it's like to do research," she says. "I'd go to graduate school cold. We have labs in school, but they're not anywhere near as real as doing a whole summer of research. You never get to buckle down on one project and get that excitement of having a project that you're enthusiastic about." Rideout begins her morning at the lab doing a chemical reaction to synthesize a compound. Later that day, she'll aim to have it purified and characterized. "All along, you keep a lab notebook to keep track of what you're doing," she says. "Toward the end, when you have some result, you want to apply for grants, create PowerPoints and posters." While medical research is the likely route for a cancer cure, it's "funding that is the lifeblood of science researchers," says St. Michael's spokesperson Mark Tarnicki. "For better or worse, that's part of being a scientist in today's world," says Tarnicki. The networking opportunity at the D.C. event is also something worthwhile for students like Rideout. "They meet other scientists," Tarnicki says. "They might parlay that into a lab job in the future." Rideout's drive and enthusiasm come from "a very, very good biology teacher, Heather Conn," at North Middlesex Regional High School. "She had a contagious enthusiasm," Rideout says. "She'd answer all my questions. She'd take this piece of chalk and write down the questions on the workbench and look it up later and have the answer the next class. ... I don't think I could have gone into anything else but biology." Rachel Ellner's e-mail address is rellner@lowellsun.com. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/north-middlesex-grad-presenting-cancer-research-on-capitol-hill http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-d-tied-to-cancer-risk-in-men Low Vitamin D Tied to Cancer Risk in MenSource: www.cancerpage.com In men, low levels of vitamin D appear to be associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality -- particularly cancers of the digestive system -- researchers report in the April 5th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.Co-author of an accompanying editorial, Dr. Gary G. Schwartz of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina told Reuters Health that "these observations add to a growing body of evidence that vitamin D, whose major source is casual exposure to sunlight, may play important roles in the natural history of many cancers.""The idea that sunlight might inhibit the growth of human cancers, proposed by several epidemiologists, and once widely scoffed at," he concluded, "now appears to be having its rightful day in the sun." Dr. Edward Giovannucci who led the research effort told Reuters Health: "Vitamin D deficiency is common and is important to identify and treat for multiple reasons. An increasing body of evidence suggests that a reduction in risk of some cancers may turn out to be another benefit."Giovannucci of Harvard School of Public Health, Boston and colleagues note that vitamin D has potent anticancer qualities.To help quantify its effect, the researchers first correlated determinants of vitamin D exposure with serum levels in some 1000 men. Items involved were dietary and supplementary vitamin D, skin pigmentation, adiposity, geographical residence and leisure-time physical activity, and hence sunlight exposure. The researchers then computed vitamin D levels for 47,800 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.From 1986 to 2000, the researchers documented 4286 incident cancers and 2025 cancer deaths in the cohort. These figures excluded organ-confined prostate cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer.An increment of 25 nmol/L in the predicted blood level of vitamin D was associated with a 17 percent reduction in total cancer incidence, a 29 percent reduction in total cancer mortality and a 45 percent reduction in digestive system cancer mortality. Total cancer rates in men with the lowest predicted vitamin D level was 758 per 100,000. The rate in those with the highest levels was 674 per 100,000.For total cancer mortality, the corresponding figures were 326 and 277 per 100,000. For digestive system cancer mortality, the rates were 128 and 78 per 100,000.SOURCE: Journal of the National Cancer Institute April 5, 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-d-tied-to-cancer-risk-in-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-studies-cast-doubt-on-vitamin-benefits-for-heart New studies cast doubt on vitamin benefits for heartSource: www.wpherald.comTwo new studies have found that folic acid and B-vitamin supplements do not reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke in high-risk people. The studies, published in yesterday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, dispute speculations that a daily vitamin regimen high in concentrations of Vitamins B-6 and B-12 plus folic acid, a B-complex vitamin, offered such benefits by reducing blood levels of amino acids known as homocysteine. For decades, some doctors have held that high homocysteine levels are a dangerous risk factor for cardiovascular disease. But the new research, conducted by separate Canadian teams involving more than 9,000 patients with cardiovascular disease found that lowering homocysteine levels through vitamin therapy did not decrease the risk of future problems in patients who have had previous heart attacks or other vascular disorders. "Treatment with B vitamins did not lower the risk of recurrent cardiovascular disease after acute myocardial infarction [heart attack]. A harmful effect from combined B-vitamin treatment was suggested. Such treatment should, therefore, not be recommended," Dr. Kaare Harald Bonaa and fellow investigators at the University of Toronto's Institute of Medicine wrote in one report. "Contrary to expectations, there was a trend toward an increased rate of [cardiovascular] events among patients receiving B vitamins, in particular, the combination of folic acid, Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12," said the researchers, whose study examined more than 3,700 Norwegian men and women, who had had heart attacks within a week of entering the trial. Patients were followed for up to 3? years, and they experienced an overall 27 percent drop in homocysteine levels, but not their risk for future cardiovascular disease for death, the authors of the report said. The second study, sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and led by researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, examined approximately 5,500 men and women, 55 or older, who had either experienced heart disease or were diabetics. Participants in that trial were randomly assigned to take either a daily regimen of folic acid and B vitamins or placebo and were followed for an average of five years. The results found that 519 patients given the extra folic acid and B vitamins, or nearly 19 percent, either died of cardiovascular causes or had a heart attack or stroke. That compared with 547 patients, or nearly 20 percent, who were on placebo. The difference was not statistically significant. "Clearly, there was no benefit" from these vitamin supplements, Dr. Robert Eckel, president of the American Heart Association, said yesterday in a telephone interview. "Yet, a significant minority of people who have cardiovascular disease or who consider themselves at risk for it take these vitamin supplements," thinking they may help. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-studies-cast-doubt-on-vitamin-benefits-for-heart http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-deficiency-linked-to-osteoarthritis Vitamin K deficiency linked to osteoarthritisSource: today.reuters.co.ukStudy findings support an association between low blood levels of vitamin K and an increased prevalence of hand and knee osteoarthritis -- the most common form of arthritis, occurring mainly at older ages, in which the cartilage cushioning the joints breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness and, often, limited mobility."We are not yet sure if vitamin K is in fact the cause of osteoarthritis," lead author Tuhina Neogi, from Boston University, told Reuters Health. "But what we did see is that the lower the levels of vitamin K in the blood, the higher the prevalence of osteoarthritis."The primary form of vitamin K in the diet is "phylloquinone," which is found mostly in green leafy vegetables, but also in cheese, liver, coffee, and green tea, for example. Insufficient intakes of vitamin K are not uncommon in the US and have already been shown to cause problems of blood coagulation in humans, according to Neogi."It's a new hypothesis that vitamin K might be linked to osteoarthritis," said Neogi. "In animals models, there are some bone and cartilage proteins known to be vitamin K dependent. When those proteins don't work properly, the animals get a lot of bone and cartilage abnormalities, which resemble osteoarthritis."Working with over 650 participants, the researchers set out to determine whether vitamin K deficiency is associated with features of osteoarthritis on x-ray examinations.Results, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, showed that patients with the lowest phylloquinone plasma levels were also the ones whose x-rays most often revealed the presence of large osteophytes, or "bone spurs" -- small outgrowths of the bone common in arthritis."If there is a causal relationship between the two, the levels required for adequate functioning of vitamin K-dependent bone and cartilage proteins are not yet known," Neogi said.SOURCE: Arthritis and Rheumatism April 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-deficiency-linked-to-osteoarthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apricot-kernels-withdrawn Apricot kernels withdrawnSource: www.telegraph.co.ukA natural food company has pulled apricot kernels from its shelves after warnings that they could be deadly if eaten in large quantities.Julian Graves, which has 280 outlets in Britain, had been selling the bitter seeds in packs with a recommended daily dose of up to 10 kernels.The kernels supposedly have health benefits.However, the Food Standards Agency warned that they can produce cyanide when eaten and could be fatal in high doses. A maximum of two should be eaten in one day, the FSA said.Bitter apricot kernels are thought to contain high levels of vitamin B17, known as laetrile.Some alternative therapists promote them as an immune system booster and a cancer treatment. The seeds are also sold in the UK via specialist websites.A spokesman for the FSA said: "There have been reports from overseas of consumption of 20 to 30 kernels by adults in a short period of time being associated with very serious health effects. They could potentially be lethal in high enough doses."Stephanie Goodman, a spokesman for Julian Graves, said it had withdrawn the apricot kernels but would start selling them again with a revised label if the FSA gave it permission to do so.The FSA warned that other shops and websites may still be selling the kernels without accompanying advice about the correct maximum dosage. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apricot-kernels-withdrawn http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/abcs-of-vitamin-enhanced-water ABCs of vitamin-enhanced waterSource: www.mydna.comBored with plain old H2O? Grocery stores now line their shelves with vitamin-enhanced waters in colorful bottles that are sure to catch your eye. But can nutrient-spiked beverages like Glaceau's Vitaminwater and Gatorade's Propel Fitness Water actually boost your health? Experts say they're no substitute for fruits, veggies and multivitamin supplements."Vitamin waters don't make up for bad eating habits, which is what many Americans believe," said Coral Jenner, a registered dietitian in Syracuse, N.Y. "They do offer a good amount of A and B vitamins, but no fiber at all," she said. "And you'd have to drink an awful lot of enhanced water in order to get your daily dose of calcium or magnesium."Jenner surmised that the companies that bottle enhanced waters might be reluctant to add additional vitamins because "health additives like folic acid or vitamins take away from the taste, even if you only add a few." Artificial sweeteners that cover the bad taste tend to tack on quite a few calories.As it is, one bottle of Vitaminwater contains 250 calories. Propel Fitness Water contains 10 calories for every 8 ounces; it comes in 16.9-ounce, 23.7-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles.Marion Nestle, Ph.D., M.P.H., a professor in New York University's Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health, and the author of What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating (North Point Press, 2006), suspects enhanced waters are successful only because "they look cool and give the illusion of healthfulness."Despite the fact that enhanced waters can cost up to $2.50 a bottle, "cost isn't an issue for most people," said Lisa Dorfman, M.S., R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association."There is sometimes a placebo effect when it comes to bottled waters," Dorfman said. "You feel that you're doing something special for yourself." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/abcs-of-vitamin-enhanced-water http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carrots-linked-to-lung-health Carrots linked to lung healthSource: abclocal.go.comThe key to keeping your lungs young and healthy could be found in carrots.Research shows that foods high in the anti-oxidant beta-carotene like broccoli, spinach and carrots can help with lung function as you age. Researchers measured the lung function of more than a thousand smokers and non-smokers who were 20 to 44 years old. They found that people with higher levels of beta-carotene in their blood had a lower dip in lung function over an eight-year period. Vitamin E also helped slow the decline of lung function in smokers.. The study was published in the medical journal Thorax. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/carrots-linked-to-lung-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-suggests-glucosamine-is-an-effective-anti-ageing-treatment Research suggests glucosamine is an effective anti-ageing treatmentSource: www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.comThe American Academy of Dermatology says that a recent study shows that glucosamine could prove to be an effective topical treatment to reverse the effects of skin cells damaged by UV exposure.Glucosamine is currently used in the treatment of arthritis patients in the US, but a series of studies that were presented at the Acadamy's annual meeting indicate that the topical application of the supplement can normalize pigment overproduction in skin cells, something which is normally due to UV exposure. Glucosamine is extracted from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps, and also marketed by Cargill is a non-animal, non-shelfish derived product. Chondroitin sulfate is extracted from animal cartilage like shark cartilage.They are the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, with estimated sales of $730m in the US in 2004.Alexa Kimball, assistant professor of dermatology at the Harvard Medical School headed one of the three studies into the topical use of glucosamine. She says that although plenty is known about the substance's anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, little is known about its effects on skin health.However, she believes that the latest findings from the studies suggest that the topical applications for the substance could be far-reaching.”These findings could impact the way dermatologists treat UV related skin damage,” Kimball said.Likewise, it is also suggested that the glucosamine could have personal care applications, most likely as an active ingredient in anti-ageing or sun care products.The presentation included data from three studies that focused on a formulation including N-acetyl glucosamine, which is a more stable version of the supplement.N-acetyl glucosamine is a substance that inhibits glycosylation of pro-tyrosinase – a key process in melanin overproduction in UV damaged skin cells that can lead to a host of related conditions such as liver spots and freckles.In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that topical application of N-acetyl glucosamine can help improve skin tone, barrier function and hyperpigmentation.The efficacy of the formulation was further backed up using data from SIAscope, a non-invasive skin imaging system developed by UK company Astron Clinica, which enabled the scientists to view the effects of the treatment on pigment producing cells in the face for the first time ever.Two studies, one on a group of Japanese women aged 25-55 and one on a group of Caucasian women aged 35-65, concluded that N-aceytl glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine and nicinamide were more effective in reducing hyperpigmentation compared to a placebo and a nicinamide complex respectively.Another study supervised by Dr. Kimball, chose 200 subject aged 40-60 with facial hyperpigmentation. The first 100 were given an SPF-15 moisturising sunscreen lotion and a moisturising cream with an N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide complex, while the other 100 used the same sunscreen and moisturisers without the supplements.All the subjects were tested for effects of pigmentation and the results showed that there was a clear improvement in the effects of hyperpigmentation in the subjects who had used the supplemented moisturizer and sun screen.The 200 subjects that had used the supplemented products were then tested using the SIAscope and the results showed a distinct reduction in both hyper-melanized spot size and heterogeneity of melanin distribution.”This SIAscope technology allow us to non-invasively measure and understand biological components that comprise skin tone. It is an amazing clinical tool to help us evaluate new treatments and their ability to improve skin,” said Dr. Paul Matts principal scientist from P&G Beauty.Likewise, the study also tests for the effect of N-acetyl glucosamine and nicinamide in in vitro human skin cultures as well as clinical trials on women aged 35-60 with moderate to fine wrinkles.The study found that the two complexes stimulated the production of hyaluronic acid, a key process in the rehydration of skin, as well as increased collagen expression.The tests showed that in human subjects the improved hydration brought about by the complexes led to a visible reduction in the fine lines and wrinkle of the women who tested the formulation, particularly in the eye area of the face.The researchers have hypothesized that this action was brought about by the role that glucosamine play in hyaluronic acide synthesis and leads the team to believe that it could be a highly effect anti-ageing treatment. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-suggests-glucosamine-is-an-effective-anti-ageing-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-s-role-in-enzyme-activity Vitamin’s role in enzyme activitySource: www.rsc.orgThe puzzle of how a vitamin B12 derivative is activated in living organisms could soon be solved, according to a US scientist. Coenzymes are non-protein components of enzymes that are necessary for enzyme function yet organisms cannot make them from scratch. Kenneth Brown from Ohio University studied coenzyme B12, the coenzyme form of vitamin B12, and found that its activation by enzymes could be aided by compressionof a key metal­–nitrogen bond. Coenzyme B12 has the unique feature of a cobalt ion in its structure, which is coordinated by a nucleotide attached to a side chain. Brown was examining whether manipulating the bond that joins the coenzyme to its nucleotide ligand plays a role in the activation of the coenzyme. "It is reasonable to expect that a full understanding of how at least one such enzyme activates coenzyme B12 can be achieved in the next five years"Around a dozen enzymes are known to require coenzyme B12 for activity. For each one, the first step of the catalytic cycle is breaking a carbon–cobalt bond. Compression of the cobalt–nucleotide bond on the opposite face of the metal could activate the coenzyme by stabilizing the organic radical ion produced in this first step, said Brown.Recent advances in the study of coenzyme B12, mainly using NMR and x-ray crystallography methods, have led to the proposal of new mechanisms and modeling of coenzyme B12 dependent enzyme active sites, said Brown. These advances show that coenzyme B12 dependent enzymes fall into several classes, and it is likely that there will be different mechanisms for each, he continued. ‘It is reasonable to expect that a full understanding of how at least one such enzyme activates coenzyme B12 can be achieved in the next five years,’ said Brown. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-s-role-in-enzyme-activity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pepper-component-is-focus-of-cancer-study Pepper component is focus of cancer studySource: www.freep.comCapsaicin, the chemical that gives jalapeno peppers their heat, may also kill prostate cancer cells, a new study suggests.Initial experiments in cancer cells and mice show that capsaicin causes prostate cancer cells to undergo a kind of suicide. Researchers speculate that, in the future, pills containing capsaicin might be used as therapy to prevent prostate cancer's return.According to their report, capsaicin caused almost 80% of prostate cancer cells in the mice to die. In addition, prostate cancer tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of tumors in untreated mice."Capsaicin inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells in petri dishes and mice," says lead researcher Dr. H. Phillip Koeffler, director of hematology and oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Based on the findings, Koeffler thinks the next step is a trial to see whether it works in human patients with prostate cancer.The report appears in the March 15 issue of Cancer Research.Capsaicin probably has several effects, Koeffler says. Most noticeable is its effect in blocking NF-kappa Beta, a molecular mechanism that promotes cancer cell growth, he notes.In addition, capsaicin also was effective against leukemia and might be effective in slowing or preventing the growth of other cancers as well, he added.But it's still too early to reach for the chili sauce, Koeffler says."I am not recommending that people increase their consumption of peppers," he says. "Our calculation is that you would have to eat 10 habanero peppers three times a week, which would be equivalent to the amount of capsaicin we gave to the mice."The researcher thinks capsaicin could someday gain a place in adjuvant prostate cancer therapy.For example, it might be used after prostate surgery to kill cancer cells in patients whose blood PSA levels start to rise, indicating the presence of tumors too small to be seen, he says.The study highlights the crossover that can occur between conventional and alternative therapies. "We should take note of herbal medicines and then use modern-day techniques to find what the active compounds are and bring them into clinical trials," Koeffler says.Word of cautionOne expert thinks it's too early to know whether capsaicin will ever be an effective prostate cancer treatment, however."This study does not prove that capsaicin will prove effective in the treatment of prostate cancer in humans," says Dr. David L. Katz, an associate professor of public health and director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine. "Nor does it tell us that eating peppers rich in the substance will help prevent such cancer or forestall its growth. But it provides a compelling argument for clinical study of capsaicin in human prostate cancer to put these questions to the test."This paper should serve to remind us that herbal remedies and pharmacotherapy are often of common origins, differing only in our capacity to identify, purify and package the active ingredients," Katz says. "This work suggests that the conventional medical community should turn a discriminating eye, rather than a jaded eye, toward time-honored herbal treatments. Many will doubtless prove ineffective when put to the test of high-quality research. But some will pass that test, and we must meticulously distinguish between them." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pepper-component-is-focus-of-cancer-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/signs-of-vitamin-deficiency Signs of Vitamin DeficiencySource: www.14wfie.comHands that go numb, shortness of breath and memory loss - all could be symptoms of potentially serious health problems. They are also signs of a common vitamin deficiency.Eighty-six-year-old Thelma Boyd is known for her green thumb and for her endless energy. She believes her high energy levels may be linked, in part, to Vitamin-B12. She's been taking supplements ever since she had major surgery a few years ago.Thelma says, "They wanted to be sure I could get back to my energy level."B-12 helps the body make red blood cells and keeps the nervous system functioning."It is going to be found primarily in animal products," she explains.As we age, the body isn't able to absorb the vitamin as well, a and many people become deficient.Register dietician Pat Andrews says, "If Vitamin B-12 deficiency goes unchecked, it can result in irreversible nerve damage."Andrews says most people have no idea they are low on the vitamin because the symptoms often mimic a number of other illness."Shortness of breath and extraordinary fatigue can't get out of this chair and move. Numbness in the hands and feet and memory loss can also be symptoms," she warns.It's said to be one of the most undiagnosed conditions around, particularly in elderly and in people at risk.Risk factors include stomach conditions, ulcers and Crohn's Disease, and some medicines, like diabetes and chemotherapy drugs.Thelma Boyd is a vocal advocate for screening.. She says, "I don't know what it would have been like if i hadn't been taking B-12, but I do have a good energy level."It's estimated that 10 to 15 percent of people over the age of 60 have a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/signs-of-vitamin-deficiency http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-links-low-fruit-vitamin-c-intake-to-asthma-risk Study Links Low Fruit, Vitamin C Intake To Asthma RiskSource: www.allheadlinenews.comA new study reveals that people with symptomatic asthma eat less fruit and consume less vitamin C and manganese than people who don't have the disease.Dr. N.J. Wareham of the Medical Research Council in Cambridge, UK and colleagues write in the medical journal Thorax, the findings suggest that "diet may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of asthma."According to the study, asthma patients ate an average of 132.1 grams of fruit daily, compared to 149.1 grams for healthy controls. Those who ate at least 46.3 grams of citrus daily had about half the risk of having asthma with symptoms compared to those who ate no citrus fruit at all.Meanwhile, lower intake of both vitamin C and manganese were tied to an increased risk of symptomatic asthma, while symptomatic asthma patients had significantly lower levels of plasma vitamin C than healthy controls.The researchers also say while it appears clear that lower vitamin C levels among asthma patients are due to lower fruit intake, it isn't clear what dietary factors contribute to reduced manganese consumption.However, the researchers conclude, "These findings may be of public health importance in understanding the apparent increase in the prevalence of asthma." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-links-low-fruit-vitamin-c-intake-to-asthma-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fruit-vitamin-c-intake-tied-to-asthma-risk Low fruit, vitamin C intake tied to asthma riskSource: today.reuters.comPeople with symptomatic asthma eat less fruit and consume less vitamin C and manganese than people who don't have the disease, a new study shows.The findings suggest that "diet may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of asthma," Dr. N.J. Wareham of the Medical Research Council in Cambridge, UK and colleagues write in the medical journal Thorax.Several antioxidant nutrients have been linked to reduced asthma risk, Wareham and his team note, but it is not clear whether each of these nutrients plays a role in reducing risk or if they instead represent an overall healthier lifestyle.To investigate, they compared the diets of 515 adults who had been diagnosed with asthma and 515 "controls" -- similar adults without the disease. All reported their food intake over a one-week period. One-third of the asthma patients reported having had no symptoms in the past 12 months.Asthma patients ate an average of 132.1 grams of fruit daily, compared to 149.1 grams for healthy controls. Those who ate at least 46.3 grams of citrus daily had about half the risk of having asthma with symptoms compared to those who ate no citrus fruit at all. Lower intake of both vitamin C and manganese were tied to an increased risk of symptomatic asthma, while symptomatic asthma patients had significantly lower levels of plasma vitamin C than healthy controls.The findings don't support the idea that overall healthy lifestyle plays a role in asthma risk, the researchers note, because both asthma patients and healthy controls consumed the same amounts of calories and fat and showed similar levels of physical activity, education, and likelihood of having smoked in the past.While it appears clear that lower vitamin C levels among asthma patients are due to lower fruit intake, it isn't clear what dietary factors contribute to reduced manganese consumption, they add. Controls did not eat more cereals and grains -- both of which are rich in manganese -- than asthma patients, although they did drink more tea, which is another key source of the antioxidant nutrient.The researchers conclude: "These findings may be of public health importance in understanding the apparent increase in the prevalence of asthma."SOURCE: Thorax, May 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fruit-vitamin-c-intake-tied-to-asthma-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/men-accounting-for-growing-number-of-infertility-problems Men accounting for growing number of infertility problemsSource: www.taipeitimes.comClinical observations in recent years have shown a gradual decline in male fertility in the country, with four out of 10 cases of infertility being attributed to men. The reasons behind the problem are lower sperm counts, higher incidence of abnormalities in spermatozoa and lower sperm motility.According to doctors, one precautionary measure men can take against infertility is to increase their intake of foods containing the anti-oxidants vitamin C and vitamin E.There are many similar reports coming from other countries around the world: Research carried out in Belgium using donated semen revealed that the percentage of local men producing substandard semen rose from 5 percent to 40 percent during the 15-year period between 1980 and 1995.Lin Ming-hui (林明輝) of Mackay Memorial Hospital's infertility clinic gave a lecture on the influence of the quality of male sperm on test-tube babies last week in Taipei, as part of the 20th anniversary of its Center for Reproductive Medicine.According to Lin, every milliliter of semen should have a sperm count of at least 20 million, at least half of which should exhibit normal movement, and less than 30 percent of which should demonstrate abnormalities.The incidence of sperm levels and quality considered as substandard was becoming more and more common, leading to difficulties in couples being able to conceive naturally.Lin said infertility in Taiwan is considered an embarrassing problem, and that men often react negatively when it is suggested the reason their wife is experiencing trouble getting pregnant lies with the man.There are many possible causes of male infertility, including the presence of heavy metals such as lead or aluminum in the environment, the intake of medicines or foods containing female hormones, or even global warming, all of which could influence the levels of male hormones in men's bodies. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/men-accounting-for-growing-number-of-infertility-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lessons-from-the-mmr-debacle Lessons from the MMR debacleSource: www.irishhealth.com'Dr McCarthy [Cork Medical Officer of Health] had from the start of the epidemic been issuing statements which he presumably thought would reassure the population. It is easy to see why, like so many official statements at the time, they had the opposite effect.'This constant drumbeat of bogus reassurance has exactly the opposite impact of the one intended, giving an impression not of confidence but of half-suppressed panic.'Patrick Cockburn's recently published memoir of the Cork polio epidemic of 1956 - which left him with substantial disabilities - is a forceful reminder of the devastating impact of infectious disease within living memory. There were around 500 confirmed cases of polio in Ireland in 1956, leaving 20 dead and many more with life-long paralysis. Today the terror that was once inspired by polio has receded and parents are now more concerned about the risks arising from vaccines than the dangers of the diseases they protect against.Cockburn's account is also a timely reminder that official reassurances offered by health authorities and politicians to a sceptical public may prove counterproductive. This is one of the lessons of the MMR/autism controversy which has spread from its origins in Britain in the mid-1990s around the English-speaking world. As Cockburn observes, 'belief that the authorities are lying their heads off about the number of dead and injured in any crisis is, in any case, not a uniquely Irish characteristic.'What other lessons can we learn from the MMR controversy, which continues to cast a shadow over the world of autism as well as deterring some parents from seeking immunisation for their children?In the sphere of politics we can readily identify the greatest failure and the greatest success of the MMR crisis. The failure came in December 2001 when Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, equivocated over whether his own son, Leo, then eligible for MMR, had received the jab. Given Cherie Blair's well-known proclivity for alternative medicine and her family links with autism, it was widely believed that she had opted against the triple jab.The consequences for the public reputation of MMR were little short of disastrous: if the Prime Minister doubted the safety of the vaccine for his own family, why should the public trust it? Pleas to respect the privacy of the Prime Minister's family seemed disingenuous: is not immunisation a matter of public health? It was striking that the fall in uptake of MMR was greater in the early 2000s after this blow to popular confidence, than it had been in the late 1990s, after the original allegations against MMR.The success came in early 2002: in the form of the refusal of the Department of Health to concede to mounting pressure, in parliament and the media and, reputedly, from within the Government itself, to introduce separate vaccines as an alternative to MMR.It was widely reported that Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, threatened to resign if the Government acquiesced to the demand for separate vaccines. This stand was solidly based on the scientific foundations of the childhood immunisation programme. There was good evidence for the efficacy and safety of MMR and none whatever for the proposed alternative. It was also sound politics. Any concession to the demand for separate vaccines could only have undermined confidence in the triple jab, resulting in a further, and perhaps even wider, loss of confidence in the child immunisation programme. At this critical moment the intransigence of the immunisation authorities helped to bolster the confidence of health professionals, which had been battered by the persistent adverse publicity for MMR and its impact on parents.At the level of government policy, the lesson of MMR is clear: whereas indecisive leadership increases public anxiety and confusion, a robust, scientifically-founded, stand in support for immunisation is likely to allay fears and sustain public confidence. The impact of the authorities' conciliatory response to allegations of a link between mercury-containing vaccines (a more potent scare in the USA than in Britain) provides a revealing counter-example. Though, as with MMR, exhaustive investigation failed to substantiate this link, vaccine authorities agreed to remove mercury from childhood vaccines on a precautionary basis. But this concession failed to reassure anti-mercury campaigners. Indeed it only served to confirm their conviction that these vaccines had caused autism and a range of other developmental disorders and the campaign has continued. The moral of this story is that any concession to irrationality tends to reinforce rather than discourage it.In an editorial in the British Medical Journal in March 2005, sociologist Paul Bellaby identified 'a failure of leadership by health professionals' as a key reason why the government appeared to have 'lost the battle over MMR'. What went wrong?In an interview with the Sunday Times in November 2004, following the exposure of Dr Wakefield, (who had published research linking the MMR with autism) in the Dispatches documentary on Channel 4, Tom MacDonald, professor of immunology at St Bartholomew's Hospital, described Dr Wakefield's patented treatment - revealed on the programme - for the condition of 'autistic enterocolitis (which he claimed might be linked to MMR), as 'total bollocks'.Though this mode of expression was novel, in substance Professor MacDonald's dismissal of Dr Wakefield's work was not new. Nearly a decade earlier, in a letter to the Lancet in May 1995, in response to Dr Wakefield's paper suggesting a link between measles vaccination and inflammatory bowel disease, Professor MacDonald had ruthlessly exposed the methodological and scientific flaws in this and earlier research by the Royal Free Hospital group, and categorically rejected Dr Wakefield's claims. Five other letters in the same issue, including some from prominent authorities in the field, were similarly dismissive.One of the most important factors in the evolution of the MMR controversy was the fact that it took nearly ten years for these negative judgements on Dr Wakefield's work, judgements shared virtually unanimously by his peers, to receive a forceful expression in the public realm. The result was the persistence of parallel, but largely non-communicating, universes.In the private world of medical science, authorities in the spheres of infectious disease and microbiology, paediatric gastroenterology and autism, were virtually unanimous in regarding the link between MMR and autism as a hypothesis that was both wildly implausible and entirely lacking in support from scientific evidence. Meanwhile, in the world of public opinion, there appeared to be a substantial scientific case in favour of the MMR/autism theory, one that derived legitimacy from the facts that it had been advanced by a team of researchers at a major London teaching hospital and published in a journal of international repute.Whilst the scientists and doctors who dismissed the MMR/autism theory either remained silent or confined their discussions within medical circles, the campaign against MMR promoted its claims in the public realm with great panache.Dr Wakefield skilfully briefed journalists and politicians, and his campaign derived substantial support from solicitors pursuing legal aided litigation, parent groups and proprietors of separate vaccine clinics. The result was an extraordinary divergence between the expert medical consensus that the MMR/autism theory was a non-starter and the perception among significant sections of the public that there were serious doubts about the safety of the triple vaccine.The lesson that emerges from the failures of leadership by health professionals over MMR is that it is not enough to challenge junk science in exclusive medical conferences and in specialist journals. When the child immunisation programme is threatened by a researcher who promotes his theories in the public realm before they have been substantiated to the satisfaction of the world of medical science, it is vital that these theories are challenged in public as well as in private.One of the great misfortunes of the MMR controversy is the convergence it has fostered between the outlook of some parents of autistic children and that of anti-vaccination campaigns, which previously enjoyed only marginal influence.The wider culture of consumerism and anti-paternalism in the sphere of health has contributed to the impact of the campaign against MMR; both among parents concerned about immunising their children and among parents of autistic children. The Government in Britain was thrown on the defensive by demands for a choice of separate vaccines as an alternative to MMR.The divorce between authority and expertise at the heart of the MMR controversy is damaging both for the immunisation programme and for parents. While vaccine uptake has fallen, parents, even those who have chosen MMR, have been thrown into anxiety and confusion. Extreme scepticism towards the medical establishment coexists with extraordinary credulity towards woefully misinformed anti-vaccination websites. The greatest burden falls on parents of children with autism, some of whom have been dragged into the ill-fated litigation, and many more who have begun to feel guilty that by giving their children MMR they contributed to their condition.The lesson of the MMR debacle is that we need a new division of labour between parents and health professionals. We need to establish the foundations of an informal contract that respects both our different spheres of expertise and - most importantly - the distinctions between them. Whether we are parents concerned about immunisation or parents of autistic children, doing the best for our children means concentrating on being parents and leaving science to the scientists, medicine to the doctors, education to the teachers.*Dr Michael Fitzpatrick is a UK GP, author, and father of a child with autism.This article is based on an address he gave to the Third National Immunisation Conference, organised by the HSE in Cork on May 3 2006.See irishhealth.com's Child Vaccination Tracker at:https://www.irishhealth.com/cvt/main.htmlAnonymous Posted: 07/05/2006 17:56 My nine year old son developed re-occuring Viral Encephalitis and Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease post Immunization. His final "Diagnosis" - AUTISM. Vaccination of an infant with a known "Contraindication" can cause serious secondary disability and illness in the child, and sadly sometimes death of the infant. The Public Health Failure lies in our inability at present to successfully identify this growing population of susceptible infants prior to commencment of the current scedule. Continuing to argue or debate the safety of an individual Vaccination is of little direct benefit to the Public in general, if the practice of Immunizations were an entirely safe practice, various International Governments would certainly not currently be providing "Vaccine Injury Compensation Programme". The individual Health State of the Infant prior to commencment at present is being completely over-looked. We should effectively be working towards identifying the Genetic and other Biological High Risk Factors which place some members of the general public at greater risk of developing Neuroimmune dysfunction post immunization. This is surely the only true and effective way to address this growing Epidemic. From the mother of a Birth Injured, and subsequently Vaccine Injured Child. Dancer Posted: 10/05/2006 18:40 I agree with anonymous 7/5/06. A study needs to be done on all factors relating to autism. It might solve the MMR debate one way or another.It appears to me that there is a sub group of children who are more at risk of developing a reaction to the MMr vaccinations, be it due to genetic or biological reasons. Yes, more should be done to identify these children and the reasons behind it. I believe there is an ongoing study in Trinity College on the causes of Autism?? I have been advised by the HSE that when achild is due their booster shots (as my child with ASD is) they could be as much as 98% protected. Yet they can't, or won't ,do a test to check what level of protection a child has. A test like that would certainly help me decide whether or not to go ahead. ROTTMAN Posted: 11/05/2006 09:51 The measles vaccination has always had a large number of children who react, albeit often only in a minor way. Research has shown the children who are most at risk from such a reaction. For these children (particularly those who are in more than one of the categories) seperate vaccinations should be allowed , so they can at least be immune against rubella & mumps. Both my husband & I, for seperate medical reasons were refused vaccination as children against measles because the risk of a serious reaction was considered too great by our doctors. Both my children are in 5 of the categories considered likely to have a reaction & so I have refused to give then the MMR vaccination. This has absolutely nothing to do with autism!!!!!! Because I could not get the vaccinations seperately, my son contracted mumps at the time all his friends had the MMR vaccine, fortunately it was not a bad case, but seperate vaccinations would have prevented this. When you agree to an immunistion for your child you have to sign that you accept a reaction could occur, if the measles vaccine is so safe why do we have to sign this clause!!!! Aoife(HKA41413) Posted: 11/05/2006 13:09 I am still unsure what to do, as my son is now 14 months old and due the MMR. He has been in and out of hospital with various illnesses over the last year and as a result I am not sure his immune system will be able to cope with the high level of vaccine. Its one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. Mary Posted: 11/05/2006 14:09 I would hope sincerely that every GP out there is aware of and able to assess which children are displaying contra-indications towards the vacccine so that it can be administetred in single vaccine format or delayed as appropriate. Also, if a parent suspects there might be a problem with the vaccine, that they do their own research. Dancer Posted: 11/05/2006 22:17 Yes they have identified some contraindications but AUTISM ISN't one of them!! If you go to your GP ,or the immunisation Dept in the HSE with your autistic child (as I have done)you will be advised to have your child immunised. The HSE go to Autistic schools to administer the vaccines so they definitely don't consider these children at risk. I really feel there's a sub group out there YET TO BE IDENTIFIED. My son received the MMR at the appropriate age and I honestly am not sure whether or not it caused his problems. In fact I suspect not but I seriously wonder if it made his condition worse i.e. he was more susceptable for whatever reason. However, we have made HUGE strides with the relevant interventions and i, maybe unreasonably??,fear the effects the booster might have. Meanwhile I am giving hin 2 multi-vit tab & a vit C tab daily to boost his immune system before I make final decision. If he has as much as a sniffle on the day I won't go ahead! I feel for every parent trying to make the right choice and as for doing your research....good luck, it's a minefield out there! there are very strong arguments for both sides. You want to do whats best for your child whilst also considering the greater community. It's very tough. Shrek Posted: 11/05/2006 22:51 The sad fact is that no-one does know and it is not as simple as far as I have been reading to say that the MMR-Autism link is media based and that all medical opinion is united in refuting it. The fact is that it hasnt been refuted conclusively. If it wasnt there wouldnt be any need to discuss it!!I have a son with autism and will hold off my my next child re the MMR until he is over 2 years as I also believe that there are dangers with not getting children immunised. I agree with other submitters re more research and awareness required from medical people re vaccinations and link with autism rather than just saying there is none and just believe us. Holly Posted: 12/05/2006 00:05 Dear Aoife, As you mentioned in your post, your little one has been hospitalised on and off over the last year. I would exercise a degree of extreme caution with regards Immunization. It is the underlying capacity of the Immune System, which in turn is governed by the Central Nervous System which determines the severity of the illness endured by the sufferer. So irrespective of contact or origin of disease, whether it be through natural infection or immunization with Live Attenuated Virus Vaccine, the underlying health state of the host will determine the outcome. Proper Nutrition is the key to future Health. Vaccinations can always be postponed until such time as your daughter has recovered fully and has been given a clear Bill of health. Hope this information is of some benefit, Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lessons-from-the-mmr-debacle http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/six-of-the-best-herbal-aphrodisiacs- Six of the best herbal aphrodisiacs.Source: 50connect.co.ukIf you fancy pepping up your love life this summerm take a tip from historical lovers such as Cleopatra, who it is said was an expert when it came to mixing love potions, or Casanova, who was not above resorting to a little herbal encouragement.Here are six of the best herbal aphrodisiacs.Muira Puama A South American favourite, the name translates as “Potency Wood”. In studies this has demonstrated an ability to enhance sexual arousal and to improve erectile function. It has a long history of traditional use amongst native Amazonian tribes who used it for restoring or revitalising desire.Ginkgo Biloba This ancient herb is renown for maintaaining good circulation to the extremities of the body and recent research has shown that this may include improving blood flow to the sexual organs. This improved circulation is believed to help enhanced blood flow to the sexual organs and may be supportive to women experiencing a loss of desire or an inability to become properly aroused.Horny Goat Weed Horny Goat Weed is a time tested aphrodisiac and is believed to naturally improve your libido, and help to support sexual function. If the flame of desire is in danger of flickering out or if you feel like you need to spice up your love life, then Horny Goat Weed may be just what you need to re-ignite your passion and save your love life.Clinical trials have shown that Horny Goat Weed may increase testosterone production, stimulate the sensory nerves and increase sexual desire in men and women. In a recent study, 13 out of 20 men who took part in a 45-day trial responded positively to Horny Goat Weeed reporting an overall improvement in sexual satisfaction and an increase in sexual desire.(1)Avena Sativa Historically Avena Sativa, otherwise known as the common oat, has been used to treat a whole spectrum of ailments from nervous exhaustion to insomnia and rheumatic conditions to water retention. They have a long reputation as the most energising of grains but it is only recently that oats have gained recognition for their aphrodisiac qualities.Damiana Leaves Renown as a sexuality tonic for both men and women, it is said to help stimulate oxygen flow to the sexual organs to enhance pleasure.Ginseng An old favourite for maintaining energy and stamina levels, Ginseng may help strengthen the adrenal and reproductive glands as well as increasing fertility levels.All these products are available from Holland and Barrett or other health food stores. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/six-of-the-best-herbal-aphrodisiacs- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-after DIET AFTERSource: www.dailyrecord.co.ukBreakfast: Cereal with low-fat milk' cup of tea with sweetener. Snack: Piece of fruit' diet drink. Lunch: Home-made soup' baked potato or a sandwich. Dinner: Lean mince or chicken or fish' carefully measured portion of chips' low-fat yoghurt. Snack: Cup of tea with a sweetener. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-after http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-before DIET BEFORESource: www.dailyrecord.co.ukBreakfast: Cup of tea with full-fat milk and two sugars' chocolate biscuit (Kit Kat). Snack: Buttered toast, tea with full-fat milk and two sugars. Lunch: Crisps and biscuits' fizzy drink. Dinner: Big portion of mince and potatoes. Snack: Buttered toast and more tea. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-before http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-guide-may-lower-blood-pressure Diet guide may lower blood pressureSource: www.jconline.comThere are 65 million American adults, that's one in three, with high blood pressure, reports the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.After being diagnosed with high blood pressure, seniors are advised to take medications and watch their diet.Dietary guidelines for Americans is published jointly every five years by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. The guidelines provides authoritative advice about good dietary habits that promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.The heart, lung and blood institute recommends following the DASH eating plan as a guide to lowering blood pressure. DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, follows heart-healthy guidelines to limit salt or sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and focuses on increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat milk products, whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts."NHLBI studies have shown that the DASH eating plan can significantly lower high blood pressure, even within the first few weeks," institute director Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel said in a press release. "They demonstrate that by making healthy choices in diet and physical activity, you can get on track to a healthier life."This important guide contains a wealth of new information on potassium, weight loss, physical activity, a week's worth of menus, easy-to-prepare recipes, and a food diary for recording your intake of food and physical activities.The guide advises people to start with small changes. For example: If you presently eat only one or two servings of vegetables daily, add one serving at each meal.Gradually switch to fat-free or low-fat milk and reduce your servings of soda.Choose whole grain foods.When shopping, read the "Nutrition Facts" label on foods to find sodium content, and choose items lowest in salt or sodium.Start with a simple 15-minute walk and slowly increase that amount. The institute advises that anyone following the dietary guide not worry about a slip up, simply start again, and be sure to celebrate successes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-guide-may-lower-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-helps-bone-strength Nutrition helps bone strengthSource: www.timesleader.comHere are some interesting facts about vitamin D and other nutrients that can affect the strength of bones:• Vitamin D is a big deal. Besides its critical role in directing calcium absorption, vitamin D appears to have vital functions in the brain, pancreas (where insulin is made), colon and even in the cells of the immune system.• New research suggests vitamin D may help guard against heart disease and certain types of cancer. A lowered risk for developing diabetes has also been associated with an adequate intake of vitamin D.• Sunlight reacts with cells on our skin to produce vitamin D. But because we are covering up more due to the risk of skin cancer, we may not be getting enough, say some experts.• The current recommended daily dose of vitamin D for adults is 400 International Units (IU). Doses of 800 IUs a day have been shown to help prevent bone fractures. The highest daily intake not associated with bad effects is 2,000 IUs, according to the latest guidelines from the National Academy of Sciences.• Look for calcium in food. Milk, yogurt and other high-calcium foods are still the best way to get adequate calcium into your body. Lactose — the natural sugar in milk — helps enhance calcium absorption. Protein also helps our bodies absorb calcium. And the stomach acid that helps digest food after a meal also helps dissolve calcium from food and supplements into its usable form.• Know your supplements. Calcium is freed from supplements about an hour after it hits the acid in our stomach. More acid is at work when the stomach is digesting food after a meal. Calcium citrate is one form of calcium that tends to be well-absorbed with or without the help of food in the stomach.• Avoid calcium supplements derived from bone meal, oyster shell or dolomite. They have a greater chance of being contaminated with lead or aluminum.• Vegetables may not be the best way to get calcium. Spinach, rhubarb and Swiss chard are great sources of magnesium, vitamin C and other nutrients that contribute to bone health. Just don’t rely on the calcium they contain. These foods contain high amounts of oxalic acid (oxalates), which bind to calcium and make it less likely to be absorbed.• Calcium is competitive with other minerals. Avoid taking calcium supplements along with high doses of iron, magnesium or zinc.• Don’t overdo vitamin A. More than 3,000 micrograms of “pre-formed” vitamin A (also known as retinol) have been found to increase the risk for hip fractures in older women.• Eat your veggies! Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene — the nutrient found in carrots, apricots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables — is safe and even beneficial for bones. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-helps-bone-strength http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-rich-peppers-boost-quick-stir-fry Vitamin-rich peppers boost quick stir-frySource: www.commercialappeal.comI made this recently for a satisfying evening meal. It went together quickly except for one thing -- cutting away the fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I usually use boneless chicken breasts, and the fat is fairly easy to spot and cut away. With the chicken thighs, it was a little tougher to dig around and get to the fat to cut it away. Advertisement Australian Shepherds Puppies Click here to buy I really liked the flavor in the recipe, but next time I make it, I will instead use a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 -inch pieces. I also had about half of a green pepper that I needed to use up, so I cut it up into the same 3/4-inch size as the red pepper and tossed it in. Peppers are plentiful right now and have loads of vitamin C. In addition, red pepper is practically off the chart in vitamin A as well. Both these vitamins are key for good skin health and good immune system function. Serve over rice and cut up a medley of melons or other fruit in season to serve alongside. Megan Murphy is a Tennessee-licensed registered dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Call 277-3062, fax 529-2787, e-mail Meganmyrd@aol.com Spicy Peanut Chicken 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 tbsp. sugar 2 tbsp. soy sauce 1 tbsp. white vinegar 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne) 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp. grated gingerroot 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 3/4- inch pieces 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts 2 green onions, sliced Mix broth, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and red pepper. Heat wok or 12-inch skillet over high heat. Add oil; rotate wok to coat. Add chicken, garlic and gingerroot, stir-fry about 3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Add bell pepper to wok; stir-fry 1 minute. Stir cornstarch mixture; add to wok. Cook and stir about 1 minute or until sauce thickens. Garnish with peanuts and green onions. Makes four servings. Per serving: 265 calories, 13 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 28 g protein, 690 mg sodium. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-rich-peppers-boost-quick-stir-fry http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/when-chocolates-cure-depression When chocolates cure depressionSource: www.financialexpress.com pep talk over a cup of coffee is all you need to bust office stress. But is it the pep talk or the coffee that does the job? Ever wondered how your regular morning cuppa of tea revs you up? Or, how spirits slosh down sorrows? In a nutshell, how we feel has a lot to do with what we eat. There is more to this philosophy than coffee, tea and chocolates, which are the commonest of mood modifiers. Says Amanda Geary, founder, Food and Mood Project for Mind, a UK-based mental health charity, “Significant improvements to a wide range of mental health problems — anxiety, panic attacks, cravings, depression, concentration, memory difficulties, pre-menstrual syndrome, obsessive-compulsive feelings, psychotic episodes, insomnia, fatigue, behavioural and learning disorders, and even seasonal affective disorder — can result from making changes to what we eat.” Ads By Google Control Panic Attacks Lucinda Bassett's Attacking Anxiety Program has helped over 947K people www.stresscenter.com Cure Panic Attacks A sure way to fight against your panic and anxiety attacks panicportal.com Feeling Blue? Try VegEPA Patented formulation recommended by world-leading expert Professor Puri www.vegepa.com Depression Treatments Top 5 Depression Treatments Leading Depression solutions. www.aDepressionTreatment.net But how does it happen? Experts insist that the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine) affect the way we think, feel and behave and are clearly influenced by what we eat. Explains Dr Kanupriya Khanna, head nutritionist, Delhi’s Fortis Hospital, “Deficiencies in thymin, folic acid, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids can indeed lead to loneliness, feeling of depression and mood swings.” She further adds, “To overcome thymin deficiency introduce brown rice, whole wheat and red meat in your diet. Blueberries, raspberries, Brazil nuts, strawberries and walnuts are rich in folic acid and vitamin B12. Iron deficiency can be taken care of by eating dark green leafy vegetables, jaggery, dates, dried figs, raisins and kidney beans.” Also, essential fatty oils found in linseeds and hemp seeds are vital for the formation and healthy functioning of the brain. Other seeds and nuts, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts and walnuts, also contain important nutrients, which can pep up your mood. But there is a corollary, too. At times it is our mood that determines what we eat. Haven’t we heard of emotional binge eating? Explains Dr Khanna, “Carbohydrate sensitive people are more prone to mood swings and weight gain. These are the ones who get an immediate high by eating anything sweet. It is important for them to satiate their carbo-craving and the best way to do it is by having a glass of fruit juice or a candy.” Makes sense considering that if one feels depressed, it becomes difficult to stick to a diet regime! But what is the mantra to enjoy a mental state of well-being? Honey Khanna, a nutritionist with Max Healthcare, suggests, “Don’t ever skip breakfast. In fact, the breakfast should be an ideal combination of cereals, vegetables and proteins. And don’t forget vitamin C, also known as the stress vitamin. Ginseng, spirulina, wheat grass and barley grass are other well known mood enhancers.” Nature indeed offers plenty to keep us in a good mood. “Omega 3 fatty acid found in fish is highly beneficial to cure depression. Also, oysters, bananas, plums, squids, pineapples, escargots, and milk can help in creating rich levels of serotonin in the brain. Not many know that serotonin controls our appetite, mood and even our libido,” says Dr Bindu Sharma, head homeopath at Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic, Mumbai. With so much on nature’s platter, can any of us afford even to frown? Guess not! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/when-chocolates-cure-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/do-you-get-enough-omega-3- Do you get enough Omega 3?Source: iccoventry.icnetwork.co.ukNOT a week goes by it seems without some study or other saying children who up their Omega 3 intake are healthier, happier and better behaved.But do you understand what Omega 3 is and how it can help you and your family to stay well? Karen Hambridge investigates...So what is Omega 3?THIS is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids.It is one of the four basic forms of fat our bodies extract from food - the others being cholesterol, saturated fat and monounsaturated fat. Its parent fatty acid is ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which cannot be made by the body and must be derived from food so it is termed an "essential fatty acid"(EFA). ALA has a key role in the structure of cell membranes and in the making of substances which act in the body to regulate things like blood pressure and inflammation and immune responses. What does Omega 3 do? ON a basic level omega 3 is vital for brain and eye function. Omega 3 is involved in, among other actions, regulating the rate of cell division, regulating pressure in the eye, joints and blood vessels and mediating immune responses, transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues, maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance, and keeping saturated fats mobile in the bloodstream, preventing blood clots which might cause a heart attack or stroke. Omega 3 vs Omega 6 BOTH are required by the body but they have to be present in balance for optimum health. It's thought our ancestors evolved on a diet of about 1:2 or even 1:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 because of their hunter/gatherer existence and high proportion of fish in the diet. But modern, western diets have become overly rich in omega 6 because of the use of vegetable oil. In Japan the ratio of omega 6 to 3 is 2.8:1 while in the UK the average ratio is 8:1 in favour of omega 6. Omega 3, like its cousin omega 6, is a component of nerve cells and cell membranes. It is important for regulating the body's metabolic processes and is converted into various substances including eicosanoids. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/do-you-get-enough-omega-3- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cherry-juice-reduces-muscle-pain-induced-by-exercise-press-release- Cherry Juice Reduces Muscle Pain Induced by Exercise (press release)Source: www.newstarget.comCherry juice can reduce muscle pain and damage induced by exercise, suggests a small study published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Many approaches have been used to try and stave off muscle pain and damage after exercise, but few have been effective, say the authors. Fourteen volunteers were asked to either drink fresh cherry juice blended with commercial apple juice twice a day for three days before exercise and for four days afterwards, or to drink a dummy mixture containing no cherry juice. The blend comprised 12 oz of liquid, equivalent to the juice from 50 to 60 cherries. The fruit contains many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. The exercise was classified as “eccentric,” which refers to contractions in which the muscle is lengthened, such as in hill walking or weight lifting, or any type of exercise not previously done before. In this instance, the volunteers flexed and tensed one arm 20 times. Muscle tenderness, motion, and strength were assessed on each of the days before and after exercise, using standard pieces of equipment designed for the purpose. And the volunteers rated their own muscle soreness on a scale of 1 to 10. The whole process was repeated all over again two weeks later, with those who had taken the dummy mixture taking the cherry juice blend instead, and vice versa. The other arm was also used. There was a significant difference in the degree of muscle strength loss between those drinking the cherry juice blend and those taking the dummy mixture. This fell by 22 percentage points in those drinking the dummy mixture, but only by 4 percentage points in those drinking cherry juice. Muscle strength even improved slightly after 96 hours in those drinking cherry juice. The degree of soreness differed little between the two groups, but the average pain score was significantly less in those drinking cherry juice. Average pain scores came in at 3.2 for those drinking the dummy mixture and 2.4 for those drinking cherry juice. Pain also peaked at 24 hours for those drinking cherry juice, but continued to increase for those on the dummy mixture for the subsequent 48 hours. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cherry-juice-reduces-muscle-pain-induced-by-exercise-press-release- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-for-different-diseases Herbal remedies for different diseasesSource: www.tribune.com.ngIT is not a fallacy to say that a quarter of all modern day pharmaceuticals that people rely on today actually started out either wholly or in part as chemicals that occur in green plants. Most researches carried out on medicinal plants are done with the sole aim of isolating their active ingredients .For instance , a drug known as aspirin is obtained from salicin, found in the bark of the white willow tree. Herbs according to Dr. Nurudeen Animasaun, an Ibadan-based naturopath have enormous nutritional and medicinal values. He said if we look very well, the shape of many fruits, leaves and seeds of many plants resemble the shape of many organs of the human body. For example, an apple looks like the heart. As such, if such a fruit is eaten regularly, there is a high tendency for such organ of the body as well as others to benefit from such a fruit. Herbs, he said have also been suggested for the treatment of conditions such as the common cold, indigestion, constipation, skin infections, insomnia, , stomach and muscular ache. Dr. Animasaun said in some countries, an herb known as Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is used as a first line treatment for benign prostatic hyperplastic, the swelling of the prostate gland. Other fruits, seeds, roots and leaves which resemble vital body organs, and which can also be used for the treatment of diseases are as follows: •Brain: Herbs like lily of the valley, ginseng, and gotukola are good for proper functioning of the brain and the treatment of ear infections. Golden seal and eyebright are also good for brain problems. A lso , Almond is beneficial for the nose. •Sinuses – For any infection of the sinuses, Dr. Animasaun explained that a powder made from the bark of Bay berry and snuffed will do a lot of wonders. Also, gold seal root will help. •Mouth and gum diseases – A tincture of pepper rubbed directly on the gum will tackle any gum infection. And for good mouth-wash, the bark of Bay berry and oak as well as the root of Rhatany combined with local chewing sticks like Orin Ata or Emi Gbegiri will make an effective mouth wash. •Throat infections: Herbs like golden seal, sage, slippery elm are all good for treatment of throat infections. •Bronchi infection: For steaming, use benzoin, eucalyptus, bay berry bark, or poppy seed to expel mucous. •Lungs infection – Plants like comfrey, mullein, lobelia, oat straw and garlic will treat Tuberculosis.And for the ear, apple and wheat germ oil is also good. Blood pressure – A plant known as Raowolfa vomitira popularly referred to as Asofeyeje in Yoruba could be the needed herb. This had to be decocted in a litre of water to remove the toxicity. •Stomach ailments – Raspberry leaves, dandelion root, angelica, Oregon grape, wormwood, mango, and pawpaw , all have ingredients that can stop stomach ailments. Also slippery elms, and turkey rhubarb root contain some active ingredients that could guide against some small intestine ailments. Oregon grape root and dandelion have medicinal ingredients that liver can benefit from ,likewise gall bladder can also been kept alive and disease free with olive oil and bayberry bark. •Pancreas can benefit from herbs like yarrow, periwinkle and dandelion, while kidneys can be made disease- free with plants like uva-ursi, cashew nuts, dandelion root and kidney beans. •Prostate infection – Herbs like pumpkin seeds can help. A combination of Echinacea and saw – palmetto berries as well as uva ursi would guide against prostate infections. For those experiencing fertility problems, plants like sarsaparilla, false unicorn, damiana, liconce might be the needed therapy. And for uterus and vagina infections, try pears, guava, dong-kwai, golden seal root, oak bark, yarrow and uva-ursi. •Muscular pain and infections - Plants like comfrey, alfalfa, saw-palmetto berries could be used for bone infections . Comfrey and horse tail grass can help to ward off diseases. •Protection of blood arteries - The best thing to do is to reduce salt intake in our diet. However, wheat germ oil would also prevent infections of the arteries. It melts the cholesterol which clogs the arteries. •Circulation system – Cayenne – which is regarded as one of the powerful, fast acting, and non-irritating herbs is useful and beneficial for the circulating system.Anti-inflammatory herbs include ginger, bay berry back while the digestive system can be made to function well without many difficulties with the assistance of herbs like pawpaw and mustard seeds; one table spoon of whole seeds in a cup of warm water taken 20 minutes before eating is helpful for digestive disorders.•Endocrine gland system – There are herbs that can help our endocrine gland system. They include, ginseng, sarsaparilla, yarrow, licorice, pumpkin seeds, false unicorn and true unicorn. •For respiratory system protection – Plants like cayenne, yobelia and garlic are respiratory system protector. •For urinary system protection – the use of dandelion root, parsley root and herbs, wild carrot, uva-ursi is very advantageous. •Nervous system – can be protected from diseases with the help of herbs like skull cap, valerian, lady’s mantle root, and passion flowers. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-for-different-diseases http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunburns-are-about-treating-injured-skin Sunburns are about treating injured skinSource: www.eagletribune.comIt's summer, which means time outdoors, time in the water and time in the sun. Daily sun protection is essential no matter the season and diligent sun protection is vital for outdoor summer activity. But sunburns can happen, and relief means more than easing discomfort - it also requires treating injured skin.Pain reliefA sunburn is exactly that - a burn that results from the heat energy of the sun. Cooling the skin surface is important to ease the burning sensation, but equally important is treating the moisture loss, or dehydration that results with any form of heat. Over-the-counter cooling sprays and gels may provide short-term relief on contact, but for longer lasting relief, you'll need to restore moisture as well. Balms and creams that coat the skin may feel good going on, but they seal in the heat and therefore are not your best source of moisture. Instead choose treatments that are absorbed by the skin and attract moisture, like plant oils and hyaluronic acids.A sunburn is also inflammation - swelling. Cool compresses can reduce swelling. Over-the-counter ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, and other anti-inflammatories like Aleve taken orally can help reduce the swelling and the pain.Injured skinAny burn is a wound and can damage healthy skin cells. Photomodulation, a light-based treatment offered by many dermatologists and plastic surgeons, can ease the symptoms of sunburned skin, speed healing and help repair damaged cells. In addition, antioxidants have been shown to reverse the damage caused by the sun's UV radiation. Vitamins C and E, idebenone, coenzyme Q10 and the antioxidant properties of green tea are all beneficial topical treatments.Research is also demonstrating antioxidants can repair sunburned skin from the inside out. Oral antioxidants take at least once per day before and during sun exposure may boost the body's ability to protect and heal itself against the effect of the sun and prevent damage from free radicals. Ingredients like polypodium leucotomos (a tropical fern plant extract), coenzyme Q10, lutein, lycopene and vitamins C and E have been found to prevent the inflammation associated with UV exposure. Heliocare is one supplement with these ingredients that's getting a lot of attention in terms of its claims to prevent sunburn and combat sun damage. But with any vitamin supplements, be sure to check with your doctor and use only as directed. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunburns-are-about-treating-injured-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/slimming-tea-is-hottest-product 'Slimming' Tea is Hottest ProductSource: www.responsesource.comWing Yip’s online shopping service has been inundated with orders for Pu-erh tea following reports in the media of high profile celebrities commending its benefits.The tea is believed to have health benefits including reducing cholesterol levels, saturated fats and assisting in weight loss.Named after the Pu’er county in Yunnan, China, the drink is distinguishable from other teas which are consumed soon after production, in that it is usually around 1 – 4 years old and during this time it acquires an earthy flavour due to fermentation. Enthusiasts believe that like fine wine, the tea’s taste improves with age. It is also unlike most other teas because it is usually purchased in a compressed form which is shaved off into the teapot, rather than loose leaves.John Turnbull, Wing Yip’s mail order manager, said: “It is apparent people have been searching the internet for the product having heard about it in the media and have found our website. There has been a real demand with our customers. We even had a large order from a music video production company which again suggests it is popular in celebrity circles.”The company launched the online shopping service in 2004. Customers across the country can now conveniently shop for their favourite products in the comfort of their own homes. The number of orders is steadily increasing and it has doubled the number of products available to more than 900. The quality and reasonable prices mirror those found in the Wing Yip superstores and the company describes the service as a one-stop virtual shop for the ultimate Oriental eating experience. Widely recognised as the UK’s leading Chinese grocer, Wing Yip’s superstores in Birmingham, Manchester, Cricklewood and Croydon, each stock over 2,500 items from noodles and chop sticks to more diverse items like chickens' feet. The company also supplies products to the majority of the UK's Chinese takeaways and restaurants. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/slimming-tea-is-hottest-product http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-fish-oil-may-protect-against-alzheimer-s Soy, Fish Oil May Protect Against Alzheimer’sSource: www.onlinenews.com.pkOmega-3 fatty acids, found in soy, fish and other oils and known to provide a range of health benefits, may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday. Tests on mice showed that a diet high in one particular omega-3 fatty acid called DHA helped protect the brain against the memory loss and cell damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. "We saw that a diet rich in DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, dramatically reduces the impact of an Alzheimer’s gene, said Greg Cole, a professor of neurology at University of California Los Angeles school of medicine. Writing in the journal Neuron, Cole and colleagues said they studied mice bred to have genetic mutations that cause brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They were looking for something else but noticed the mice did not have the expected memory loss or brain damage. Notably, the synapses, the connections between brain cells, were not as damaged as would be expected. "We discovered that the mice lived on a nutritious diet of soy and fish -- two ingredients chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids," said Sally Frautschy, who worked on the study. "Because earlier studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent Alzheimer’s disease, we realized that the mice’s diet could be countering the very thing we were trying to accomplish -- showing the progression of the Alzheimer’s-related brain damage," she added in a statement. The researchers took the fish and soy out of the mouse diet and substituted safflower oil instead, which is low in omega-3 and rich in another fatty acid called omega-6, which does not include DHA. Some mice got the original diet and others got the new, less-healthy diet. "We found high amounts of synaptic damage in the brains of the Alzheimer’s-diseased mice that ate the DHA-depleted diet," Frautschy said. "These changes closely resembled those we see in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease." Mutant mice on the DHA-rich diet did better on memory tests than the mice fed safflower oil, the researchers said. "After adjusting for all possible variables, DHA was the only factor remaining that protected the mice against the synaptic damage and memory loss that should have resulted from their Alzheimer’s genes," said Cole. "We concluded that the DHA-enriched diet was holding their genetic disease at bay." People are already advised to eat omega-3 fatty acids to protect the heart. DHA and a related fatty acid called AHA are also added to some infant formulas and milks to promote brain development. They are found naturally in human breast milk. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-fish-oil-may-protect-against-alzheimer-s http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-brown-seaweed-may-burn-fat Study: Brown Seaweed May Burn FatSource: www.cbsnews.comThe depths of the seas may harbor a compound that could fizzle fat away. But don't don your scuba gear just yet. The compound, called fucoxanthin, isn't ready for prime time. Fucoxanthin is an antioxidant found in wakame, a type of brown kelp used in Asian cuisine. Fucoxanthin burned fat in lab tests on rats and obese mice, prompting the rodents to lose weight, report Kazuo Miyashita, Ph.D., and colleagues. Their findings were presented today at the American Chemical Society's 232nd national meeting, in San Francisco. Miyashita is a chemistry professor in the Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences at Hokkaido University in Hokkaido, Japan. He and his colleagues didn't try to feed seaweed to rodents. Instead, the researchers isolated fucoxanthin and added it to the animals' chow. The fucoxanthin appeared to boost the rodents' production of a protein involved in fat metabolism, according to the researchers. Also, levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) rose in the rodent livers when the animals were fed fucoxanthin with soybean oil. DHA is one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon and has been linked to protective benefits against conditions like heart disease and depression. It would be impractical for people to eat enough seaweed to see such a benefit, Miyashita notes in an American Chemical Society news release. He says he hopes to develop a pill containing fucoxanthin, adding that studies in humans may be three to five years away. SOURCES: American Chemical Society's 232nd National Meeting & Exposition, San Francisco, Sept. 10-14, 2006. News release, American Chemical Society. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-brown-seaweed-may-burn-fat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-slow-breast-cancer-study Vitamin D may help slow breast cancer -studySource: today.reuters.comHigh levels of vitamin D may help slow the progression of breast cancer, researchers suggested on Tuesday.In a small study of women with the illness they found that patients with early breast cancer had higher levels of the vitamin than those with more advanced disease."Vitamin D levels are lower in women with advanced breast cancer than in early breast cancer," said Dr Carlo Palmieri, of Imperial College London. THE 21st CENTURY IN PICTURES Global Issues: View Slideshow "It lends support to the idea that vitamin D has a role in the progression of breast cancer," he told Reuters.The researchers measured the amount of vitamin D in blood samples from 279 women with breast cancer. In 204 women, the disease was in its early stages. It was more advanced in the other 75."We know from previous studies that breast cancer incidence is higher in women who live in higher latitudes and have less sun exposure," said Palmieri.Vitamin D, the so-called sunshine vitamin, is found in fortified milk and dairy products, cod liver oil and some fatty fish.The body produces vitamin D in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Laboratory tests have also shown that vitamin D can stop cancer cells from dividing. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with more than a million cases detected worldwide each year, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chances of survival.Although the scientists do not know whether the low levels of vitamin D are a cause or a consequence of the cancer, their findings and the results of other studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D may be involved in the progression of early breast cancer to more advanced stages."The next thing in this research is to try and understand the potential causes and mechanisms underlying these differences and the precise consequences at a molecular level," said Palmieri, who reported the finding in the Journal of Clinical Pathology."We also need to look at the potential clinical implications of monitoring and maintaining high circulating vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients," he added in a statement. THE 21st CENTURY IN PICTURES Global Issues: View Slideshow Breast cancer is treated with surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatment, or a combination of them, depending on the cancer and stage of the illness.Factors which can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer include having a mother or close relative with the disease, inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, an early puberty, late menopause and not having any children Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-slow-breast-cancer-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coping-with-the-pains-of-arthritis Coping with the pains of arthritisSource: www.cybernoon.comFor millions of people, arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, sitting, climbing, dressing and bathing --Select--NewsSportsDiaryEditorialsIn MumbaiOpinionsSpecial ReportLakme Fashion WeekThe Uppercrust ShowSpecial SectionBooksFilm ReviewBusinessHealth CheckBusiness ExtraWoman's ExtraBombay FirstShow BuzzCelebrity InterviewsGuest ColumnStray ThoughtsRound and AboutBooksEating OutPoliticsInternet HumourTarotscopeAsit ChandmalDr.Shirin WadiaMehraboon Irani for : Arthritis, which is the commonest cause of disability, affects nearly one person in every family and actually refers to a group of over 100 different conditions. It is common after the age of 50, but some forms can affect younger people as well. The elderly generally suffer from ‘osteoarthritis’, which affects hip and knee bones. ‘Rheumatoid arthritis’, which affects more than one joint, is prevalent in women between 20 and 50 years of age. The cause could either be genetic or a weak immune system. In both, the thick pad of cartilage that acts as a cushion between our bones gets damaged. As a result, bone ends grind against each other and cause pain. The only common feature to all types of arthritis is that joints are affected and there is constant pain which gradually increases with time affecting our everyday activities. According to Dr. Arun Mullaji, consultant arthritis and joint replacement surgeon at the Breach Candy Hospital, although a cure is still not in sight, early intervention and newer technology can certainly ease the pain and suffering, and give patients a fresh lease of life. He said, “Much can be done to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday life. The key is early diagnosis to help prevent the joint from further damage followed by a treatment plan tailored to the needs of each individual. Arthritis is diagnosed on the basis of the overall pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, x-rays and laboratory tests. There are many methods of reducing the pain of arthritis. These include weight control, medicines, rest, exercise, physiotherapy, joint protection technique and occasionally surgery. It is vital to keep ones weight under control and lose any excess weight as every excess kilogram accounts for six times its weight on the knee.” The all important joint cartilage is one of those highly specialized structures that does not get replaced by the body once it is badly damaged. Now there is a glimmer of hope in the form of two substances- chondroitin- glucosamine and diacerin that may help to slow the breakdown of cartilage in osteoarthritis. They have to be taken as tablets and may work better when combined together and along with calcium supplements. Also they are effective if arthritis is diagnosed in its preliminary stages and takes several months before they take effect. “Hyaluronic acid is normally present in the fluid lubricating the joint. This, when injected directly into the joint, lessens pain and swelling in patients with osteoarthritis. These injections may also help to slow down the breakdown of cartilage. However, they are expensive, and have to be given repeatedly, and may be quite painful. They require the presence of some intact cartilage in the joint at the start of treatment,” he continued. Also available are drugs such as methotrexate and more recently leflunamide and infliximab, which are targeted at substances that affect the immune response (the body’s defense mechanism) which becomes faulty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There are also newer improved versions of existing painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side-effects, particularly on the stomach. Simple exercises like walking, swimming and cycling are beneficial long- term activities that help maintain strength in muscles, reduce stiffness of joints, ease pain and relieve stress from the joint. Physiotherapy includes exercises targeted at specific muscles, pain relieving measures such as diathermy and ultrasound therapy, occasionally traction and splints. Proper footwear is essential to cushion the impact of walking. Also various insoles are available to correct simple deformities such as flatfeet and bowlegs that which can increase knee pain. Joint protection techniques are taught to patients so they can perform their daily chores without straining the painful joints. At the other extreme, there are people crippled with arthritis. Such individuals with the help of surgery can walk and lead an active healthy life. Although hip/knee replacement is commonplace today, the decision to opt for surgery cannot be taken lightly. The operation must be carefully selected to suit each patient. But, there are many new techniques that are less invasive and enable quicker recovery. He goes on to say that unicompartmental knee resurfacing and hip resurfacing’ are advanced joint preservation techniques. Less invasive, these offer immediate pain relief and quick recovery. They are excellent options for those in the early stages of osteoarthritis when damage is restricted. If performed at the right time, the rest of the joint is preserved, and total replacement avoided. Surgical techniques with smaller incisions cause less damage to soft tissues, while the use of lightweight material like titanium for hip implants allow more range of movement to patients. On the other hand total hip/knee replacement is a great boon to those persons with advanced arthritis affecting the entire joint. Newer techniques of computer-assisted surgery, minimally invasive methods, and better anesthesia and pain management regimes have made painless and rapid recovery from these operations a reality. So successful are these modern operations that many patients opt to get both knees replaced at the same time! For more information contact Dr. Arun Mullaji at 2385 6161/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coping-with-the-pains-of-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-on-female-athletes-links-nutrition-injuries Study on female athletes links nutrition, injuriesSource: www.fortwayne.comFemale college athletes now have additional incentive to belly up to the training table.A new study of 76 female athletes found that those who engaged in disordered eating, including bulimia, anorexia and insufficient caloric intake, were more likely to incur stress fractures than their well-nourished peers.The finding was part of a larger study on the causes of exercise-related leg pain among soccer, field hockey, cross country and volleyball athletes, conducted by Mark Reinking, assistant professor of physical therapy at Saint Louis University’s Doisy College of Health Sciences.Compared with their non-injured counterparts, Reinking says, “the (five) athletes who experienced stress fractures during the study period had significantly lower tibial bone density and a higher mean score” on a scale that measures disordered eating.Some researchers think that insufficient caloric intake may trigger hormonal changes leading to thinning and weakening of the bones, thus rendering certain athletes more prone to fracture.Although Reinking says the findings raise new questions – such as how long insufficient caloric intake must occur before it begins to do damage – he’s sure about one thing.“Eating well is important,” he says. The research was reported in last month’s issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-on-female-athletes-links-nutrition-injuries http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-carb-diet-may-cut-heart-risks-in-severely-obese Low-Carb Diet May Cut Heart Risks in Severely ObeseSource: paktribune.comIn obesity, the body tends to be in a state of chronic inflammation, and this inflammation is believed to conspire with others factors -- including high cholesterol -- to promote the hardened, narrowed arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Low-carb diets have been shown to cut excess pounds, but whether they reduce inflammation in the body has been unknown, according to the authors of the new study, led by Dr. Prakash Seshadri of the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Theoretically, the high fat content in low-carb diets could raise levels of an inflammatory marker in the blood called C-reactive protein, or CRP. But when the researchers compared the effects of a low-carb diet with a traditional fat- and calorie-restricted diet among 78 extremely obese adults, they found that CRP levels typically fell to a greater degree with the carb-cutting diet. Specifically, men and women whose CRP levels were high to begin with showed a greater CRP drop on the low-carb diet than with the low-fat regimen -- and most study participants did start out with high levels. However, those with lower to moderate CRP saw their levels go up on the low-carb plan. The significance of the findings is not fully clear, and they should be considered "exploratory," Seshadri?s team reports in the American Journal of Medicine. Still, the low-carb diet showed some other advantages over its low-fat counterpart, according to the report. While both diets generally showed similar benefits for participants? cholesterol levels, one type of "bad" cholesterol known as large very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) declined to a greater degree with the low-carb diet. This subtype of LDL cholesterol is rich in blood fats called triglycerides, the researchers note, and studies have linked it to the progression of artery disease. In addition, the low-carb group lost more weight after six months -- an average of 11 pounds more than those following a fat-conscious menu. The low-carb group ate about 43 percent of their calories from fat, compared with 33 percent in the reduced-fat group; but they also consumed fewer daily calories. The low-carb group did, however, show an increase in chylomicrons, tiny particles containing fat and cholesterol that are deposited in the blood during digestion. This finding, the authors note, "is of potential concern." They say more research is needed to see how the metabolic effects in this study influence the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-carb-diet-may-cut-heart-risks-in-severely-obese http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tricks-to-boost-your-nutrition Tricks to Boost Your NutritionSource: abclocal.go.comIf you look back at what you eat each week, you might find you're consuming many of the same things. It might be convenient, but you're missing out on a host of vitamins and minerals you get from eating a wide variety of foods. Here's some fast, easy tricks that are sure to boost nutrition. Plant Chemicals: First, when you think produce, choose brilliant color. Brighter color means more phyto or plant chemicals that help fight disease. Red grapefruit over white, Romaine over iceberg, red bell pepper over green; a simple swap provides a big boost to your health. Fiber: How hard is it to open a can of beans? Put beans in soup, chili, or serve as a side at dinner, you'll add fiber and protein which promote feeling full. A new study suggests those who eat beans weigh less than those who don't. Healthy Fats: A is for avocado. Put it on top of your eggs instead of cheese or add a few slices to your sandwich. It's a better fat than cheese as well as supplying a boost in the absorption of other antioxidants in your meal. Unless there are allergies, nuts are also one tasty way to get vitamin E and monounsaturated fat. Great in cottage cheese with tear drop tomatoes, or put in a tossed green salad. Calcium: Prepare instant oatmeal with milk rather than water for a calcium boost. In addition, look for ways to sneak small amounts of fresh produce into your meal when possible. Salsa on your beans, fresh fruit in your yogurt. Vitamins and Minerals: Instant whole grain brown rice with edamame or boiled soy beans is a quick and easy side for your Chinese takeout. For fussy family members, shredded veggies take the dread out of eating vegetables. Add a bit in pasta, soups, or egg dishes, provide color and texture without a lot of complaints. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tricks-to-boost-your-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/setting-our-sights-on-good-vision Setting our sights on good visionSource: www.canada.comWould you give up your eyesight for a date with Brad Pitt? What about accepting a cheque for $25 million dollars if it meant trading in your vision in return? If you’re like most Canadians, the answer is not a chance. While money, power and sex are generally among the things people most covet, in a recent Ipsos-Reid survey of 1,121 adult Canadians, 70% of respondents said they wouldn’t give up their vision for anything – not winning the lottery, not for a lifetime of great sex, not even to become prime minister. The survey was conducted for the Canadian Association of Optometrists for World Sight Day on October 12th. Gallery: Vision myths and facts Ace your eye exam Common eyesight problems Considering contacts? More Body & Health news As for whether life as we already know it would be worth living in the dark, Canadians don’t seem to see the point. Virtually all of those who responded said they wouldn’t want to live to 100 if it meant giving up their eyesight in return (even if they were otherwise healthy), and more than half of those polled would be willing to give up another physical ability to regain their eyesight if they ever went blind. But when it comes to doing our best to take care of our eyesight, we seem to be a little, er, shortsighted. Nearly one third of those polled said they were unlikely to get an eye exam anytime soon, despite the fact that 81% acknowledged that the best way to prevent long-term vision problems is through early detection. “Though Canadians consider their eyesight to be of the utmost importancw, they just don’t seem to follow that through with visits to their optometrist,” said Dr. Lillian Linton, chair of the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ public education committee, in a press release. “Even though Canadians recognize that 20/20 vision does not equal perfect eye health, they still need to make the connection that prevention is the only way to ensure healthy eyes and vision throughout your life,” Linton said. So what can you do to keep your eyes healthy -- aside from eating carrots, that is? For starters, get your eyes checked regularly. For school-age children and adults over the age of 65, that means annually, while healthy adults generally only need to have their eyes examined every two years. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors for eye problems, your doctor may advise more frequent eye checkups – so make sure you stick to the prescribed schedule. Schedule an appointment sooner if you experience eye infections or irritation, blurred vision, eye pain or any other unusual symptoms. Aside from seeing your doctor, it’s important to take the same steps you take to prevent other diseases to reduce your risk of vision loss. Because diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can raise your risk of vision loss, make sure you maintain a healthy body weight and exercise. Wearing sunglasses when you go outside and protective eye gear when playing sports or working with hazardous materials can also help keep your eyes on the prize of good vision. As for those carrots, they may have an undeserved reputation when it comes to eye health. Yes, carrots contain vitamin A – a vitamin necessary for good vision. But vitamin A can also be found in milk, cheese, egg yolks, some fruits and vegetables and other foods, and most people get enough from other dietary sources to have to rely on carrots for the vision perks alone. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/setting-our-sights-on-good-vision http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnesium-in-diet-may-alter-heart-disease-risk Magnesium in Diet May Alter Heart Disease RiskSource: paktribune.comGreater intake of magnesium -- one of the minerals recommended in a healthy diet -- appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, a study of more than 7,000 men shows. Dr. Robert D. Abbott of the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, and others, note in the American Journal of Cardiology that although magnesium deficiency is believed to be detrimental for the heart, the association "has not been clearly identified." In order to do so, the researchers examined dietary magnesium intake in 7172 men who took part in the Honolulu Heart Program. At enrollment, the average daily dietary magnesium intake was 268 milligrams, with a range of 50 to 1138 mg. During 30 years of follow-up, 1431 cases of coronary heart disease were identified. Within 15 years of the first dietary assessment, the rate of heart disease was significantly lower in those with the highest daily magnesium intake (340 mg or more) compared with those with the lowest intake (186 mg or less). The researchers calculate that the rate of heart disease was the equivalent of 4 cases per 1000 people per year for those in the high magnesium group, versus 7 cases among those with the lowest intake. Commenting on the results, Abbott told that "although I believe that they are provocative, further work needs to be undertaken to explore the value of magnesium supplementation. Our findings, however, are consistent with current guidelines for the intake of magnesium--along with the usual recommendations for exercise and a healthy diet. There is no magic bullet here." However, he added, "Whether increases in dietary magnesium intake can actually alter the future risk of disease, warrants further study." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnesium-in-diet-may-alter-heart-disease-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cabbage-in-diet-can-help-fight-breast-cancer Cabbage in diet can help fight breast cancerSource: www.earthtimes.orgNot everyone's favorite, however the modest leafy cabbage and brussels sprouts could just be the ingredients required to help destroy breast cancer cells.Although previous researches have been suggesting a link between eating leafy vegetables and possible prevention of breast cancer, scientists have now identified the chemical present in these green leafy vegetables, which has the capability to help fight against breast cancer cells and help to block their growth.British scientists have identified a naturally occurring compound, indole-3-carbinol, found in the cruciferous vegetables, belonging to the mustard family, such as cabbage, Brussels sprout, cauliflower and broccoli which can prove to be very effective in the fight against cancer. The medicinal qualities of indole-3-carbinol, commonly known as I3C, have been found to destroy cancer cells when used in combination with chemotherapy. In the experiments the British scientists, fed daily doses of about 300 mg to 400 mg to cancer cells in the laboratory. By causing alterations in the molecules in three of the cancer cell types and enhancing their reaction to anti cancer cells, the compound when used in conjunction with chemotherapy proved effective in destroying the tumour cells. Though the research is still in early stages, researchers are optimistic that this compound can play a key role in improving cancer treatments and hope to use it in treatment of cancer patients soon. By adding the cabbage compound to chemotherapy treatment, the researchers hope that they can lower the dosage of drugs and still have the same effect.This research is a part of growing evidence about molecules in food which have the potential to fight against life threatening and chronic diseases when used in concentrated forms, as supplements to traditional anti- cancer treatments, medicines as well as radiation therapies.The study also supports the growing evidence that a balanced and healthy diet can be a very important factor in altering our vulnerability towards cancer and possibly even increasing our chances of survival from it. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cabbage-in-diet-can-help-fight-breast-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-causes-disease Lack Of Vitamin D Causes DiseaseSource: www.newswire.co.nzExperts warn the dangers of vitamin D deficiency are more widespread than commonly thought.A study by Otago University shows a growing incidence of rickets, a bone disorder caused by lack of Vitamin D which is generated by sunlight.Robert Scragg, of the Auckland University's School of Population Health, says recent research shows a third of children are not getting enough vitamin D.And he says evidence is growing that deficiencies of the vitamin causes other illnesses in adults as well as children.Professor Scragg says that includes many types of cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-causes-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-b12-can-lead-to-many-problems Lack of B12 can lead to many problemsSource: www.tonawanda-news.comTo Sally Pacholok, it can seem at times like modern medicine has reverted to the 19th century when it comes to diagnosing certain conditions.In her own case, she was amazed when, as a 22-year-old nurse in 1985, she only found out she had a deficiency of vitamin B12 by reading up on it and forcing her doctor to administer a valid test for it.“This has been a documented medical issue for over 100 years ... the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1934 was given out for the treatment,” said Pacholok, a registered nurse and Michigan resident. “There’s a knowledge deficit in the diagnosis and treatment of this deficiency.”Pacholok, along with her physician/husband, Jeffrey J. Stuart, “Could It Be B12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses” to combat what they see as a lack of awareness about the essential vitamin and how many people are running short on it.The most common and effective test, known as the UMMA, costs about $80-$90 and is covered by most insurances.The problem is, Pacholok said, the symptoms common to a deficiency — including fatigue, loss of appetite, problems with walking and tingling in the hands or feet — are often written off as either signs of aging or symptomatic of another medical problem.Even Stuart was skeptical about his grandmother, Mary L. Stuart of Lockport, having a deficiency, Pacholok said, until he finally gave in and asked her to get testing.“She came back grossly positive for a deficiency,” Pacholok said. “That’s what helped him go, ‘Whoa, there might be something to this.’ ”One of the most published voices on B12, Dr. Ralph Carmel, has stated that most patients who test for low B12 levels don’t need the typical interventions of shots or pills.In Western New York, the poor dietary habits of many older residents maintain can make a lack of B12 a common finding, said Dr. Paul Meade, director of medical laboratories at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center in Lewiston. But newer tests that measure blood cells also make it easier to confirm a real deficiency and some of the anemias that cause it, Meade said.Mary Stuart had felt weak, tipsy and generally run-down before her doctor agreed to administer the UMMA test, after a blood test hadn’t shown any serious deficiencies. Since she began taking a monthly serum injection, Stuart said she feels better and more in control of her health.“It was good to know that I’d gotten to the bottom of why I was feeling so sick all the time,” Stuart said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-b12-can-lead-to-many-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-supplements-help-reverse-male-infertility Vitamin C supplements help reverse male infertilitySource: www.healthsentinel.comAccording to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects over 6 million people in the United States. Male infertility accounts for 40% of infertility problems, which affects approximately 15% of couples. A number of nutritional approaches have been shown to improve sperm counts and sperm motility, such as zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, carnitine, and arginine. Also, numerous antioxidant nutrients have also proven beneficial in treating male infertility, such as glutathione, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins A and E. A new small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the effect of supplementing with vitamin C on men with infertility. The study consisted of 13 men aged 25 to 35 who supplemented with 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for 2 months. Vitamin C protects sperm from oxidative damage and has been shown to improve sperm quality in smokers. One gram of vitamin C daily has also been found to be effective in agglutination, a condition that causes sperm to clump together. The study authors notes “men who lack vitamin C are also more likely to pass on genetically damaged sperm that can cause birth defects.” Several studies have shown that supplementation with vitamin C shows a significant improvement in sperm quality. At the end of the study the there was a significant improvement in three parameters for measuring sperm quality. The percentage of motile sperm almost doubled from 31% to 60%, the total sperm count more than doubled, and the percentage of normal sperm increased from 43% to 67%. The authors conclude, “This trial has demonstrated the beneficial use of vitamin C in infertile male patients. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant that is needed to make collagen for muscles and blood vessels. It is important for wound healing and acts as a natural antihistamine. The beneficial effects of vitamin C might be ascribed to its antioxidant activity. Further blinded controlled studies are warranted to substantiate the results of this preliminary pilot study.” SOURCE: Journal of Medicinal Food Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-supplements-help-reverse-male-infertility http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hearty-high-five-best-nutrition-for-postgame-snack Hearty high-five best nutrition for postgame snackSource: www.newsday.comMy three elementary school-age children play baseball and soccer with county teams. After each game, a not-so-healthy snack (fruit snacks, chips, cookies) and drink are provided.I'm OK with each child getting a snack (I prefer healthy snacks), but usually siblings are invited to have a snack as well. This means that my kids are each having three treats every Saturday in the spring and fall.At first I used to only allow my kids to have a snack at their respective games, but it is difficult to enforce when all of the other siblings are chowing down.I was the only parent at games saying "no" to their children.With childhood obesity on the rise, I believe having unhealthy snacks defeats the purpose of staying active through sports.At the end of the season, there is usually a party with food and cake, and that's fine with me.Is it common for kids to get treats after each game, or is there another way to "treat" the kids after a game that does not involve food?-- Trying To Stay HealthyDear Trying: I was at a peewee soccer game just last week and was somewhat surprised to see doughnuts passed to the kids afterward. As much as I love doughnuts (and I'm talking l-o-o-o-ve), it seemed excessive to provide them after a game that didn't involve very much actual "play" (at that age, there is a lot of twirling and skipping but not much running.)Your tough job as a parent to four kids is to police your children and crack down on anything that needs cracking. You cannot expect other parents or coaches to change their generous sibling-snacking policy to conform to your policy.I hope that you will get involved in your county league, then advocate for healthier choices for the kids.In my view, a hearty "good game!" from the coach is healthy, nutritious and sufficient reward for playing well.Dear Amy: I spend a lot of my free time shopping in malls, trying on clothes. Usually I try on around five items at a time. Afterward, the bench in the fitting room has accumulated a massive pile of unfolded clothes.At this point, I become torn. Should I take the clothes that I've just tried on and put them back, folded, from where I picked them up?Or should I let the store's employees do their jobs and put them away themselves?-- Distressed DresserDear Distressed: Most stores don't want customers to return clothing to the rack after trying them on. Employees can track inventory and check the condition of the clothing when they return clothes to the store floor.Nor should you leave clothing in a "massive pile" on the bench of the fitting room. If the clothes arrived on a hanger, then you should rehang them and leave them in the fitting room or hand them to a sales person.Some of the high-volume discount clothing stores (where I tend to shop), have an employee at the entrance to the dressing room who will count the clothes going in and those going out. You can turn over your pile of clothes to the attendant, and he or she will fold them in that special way they do before returning them to the floor.If in doubt, ask a sales associate.Dear Amy: My mom hasn't worn a bra since 1969. I always thought that she was weird, but now I'm in my 20s and have given up wearing bras.My mom informs me that a significant number of women went braless in the '70s. Advice columnists of the time would claim that if a pencil didn't hold under your breast, or if you were an A or B cup, then you didn't need to wear a bra.What happened? Why are my mom and I about the only women in liberal Berkeley, Calif., who regularly go braless? Why do women wear thongs to avoid panty lines or shun panty hose but insist on wearing bras, which are expensive and constricting?I can understand wearing one for jogging or sports, but other than that, why waste money on something that is uncomfortable? Why aren't there more braless women out there?-- Braless and WonderingDear Braless: The braless revolution was all about women dispensing with the constrictions placed on them by a male-dominated society.Then, I assume, women realized that a little constriction, construction and support (from a garment, not a guy) might not be such a bad thing. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hearty-high-five-best-nutrition-for-postgame-snack http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-teas-health-in-a-tea-cup Herbal teas: health in a tea cupSource: www.dailyindia.comBerlin, Sep 28 (DPA) When your throat feels sore or indigestion threatens, then it is time for a medicinal tea. 'Herbal tea can ease symptoms if there is an indication that something is wrong or at the first sign a illness is getting worse,' says Ursula Sellerberg, spokeswoman for an organisation here that represents the interests of Germany's pharmacists.The body and soul is helped to regenerate itself by the tea's active ingredients and stimulated by the hot water.'The classic areas where herbal tea is used are against colds, digestive problems and women's complaints,' says herbal tea expert Monika Beutgen.Medicinal teas are also commonly used to ease the symptoms of bladder and kidney complaints as well as sleeplessness. Every herb contains a range of chemical ingredients the strongest of which determines the tea's main effect.The bitter components of the herbs centaury, absinth wormwood or gentian improve the stomach's function and increase appetite as well as the feeling of being full.The large-leafed linden induces sweating while fennel, anis, kummel and camomile ease cramps.'People often combine four or six plants but no more than that,' explains Peter Zizmann, president of the Bonn-based Professional Association of Alternative Medicine Practitioners.Combining herbs increases tea's effectiveness. At the same time the chemical components are also boosted.With a little knowledge on the subject it is possible to visit a pharmacist and have a tea custom-blended.An alternative is the pre-blended herbal tea. 'Their drawback is they are designed to have a wide range of effectiveness and are not tailored to treat specific complaints,' says Zizmann.Staple blends and individual herbs are also available over the counter in packets from pharmacists and in many local shops.'Not every herbal tea is a medicinal tea,' says Laura Groche of the consumer affairs group Verbraucherinitiative. 'Medicinal teas must contain information on the packaging about their correct usage, their chemical components, dosage, a best-before-date and their licensing number.'When buying herbal tea make sure each tea bag is individually wrapped so that essential oils are not lost. 'Only then can a medicinal tea be used to its full effect,' explains Beutgen.Herbal tea is generally prepared by pouring boiling water over the leaves or tea bag. One should not leave the tea in the pot longer than it says on the instructions.Leaving the tea too long can also have a negative affect on the taste. Groche also advises drinking medicinal teas for a limited period of time. 'They are not suitable for consumption over a sustained period,' she says. Medicinal tea should never be drunk for periods longer than six weeks without consulting a doctor first. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-teas-health-in-a-tea-cup http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b3-may-benefit-ms-patients Vitamin B3 may benefit MS patientsSource: www.sltrib.comA form of vitamin B3 may eventually help protect people with multiple sclerosis (MS) from severe long-term disability. Researchers in the Neurobiology Program at Children's Hospital Boston worked with mice that had a disease similar to MS. The neurologic disorder involves nerve fibers, or axons, that are damaged through inflammation, loss of their insulating myelin coating, and degeneration. In the mice, nervous-system levels of a vital compound - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - were increased through injections of its chemical precursor: nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. Nicotinamide not only prevented axon inflammation and myelin loss, but protected axons that had already lost their myelin from further degradation. "We hope that our work will initiate a clinical trial, and that nicotinamide could be used in real patients," said physician Shinjiro Kaneko, a research fellow at Children's. "In the early phase of MS, anti-inflammatory drugs may work, but long-term you need to protect against axonal damage." The research was funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It appeared in the Sept. 20 Journal of Neuroscience. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b3-may-benefit-ms-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetable-consumption-shown-to-improve-memory-problems Vegetable consumption shown to improve memory problemsSource: www.healthandage.comVegetables, but not fruit, can help with memory problems among older people, according to a new study. Many studies have shown the value of a high intake of fruit and vegetables upon health. In a new study, researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago reveal the impact of these dietary components on memory.They studied 3,718 residents aged 65 or more who completed a dietary questionnaire and received at least two memory tests over a six year period. Compared to those consuming less than one serving of vegetables a day, those eating at least 2.8 servings daily showed less memory decline. The older the person, the more marked this effect was. But fruit consumption seemed to have no impact on memory. The researchers wonder whether it is vitamin E, whose levels are higher in vegetables than in fruit, which is responsible for this benefit. It may also be that fats, contained in salad dressings, that may be consumed with vegetables, allow more vitamin E absorption. Further research is needed to see why fruit consumption does not appear to benefit cognitive performance. Source Neurology 24th October 2006 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetable-consumption-shown-to-improve-memory-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-benefits-of-a-probiotic-diet The benefits of a probiotic dietSource: www.cyprus-mail.comCONSUMING five portions of fruit and vegetables, and drinking two litres of water a day to maintain a healthy digestive system is nothing new.However research suggests that that ingesting more probiotic foods, such as yoghurt, milk, sauerkraut, pickles, cold meats and wine, also has its benefits and should not be ignored.Speaking to reporters at a press conference to introduce Seven Seas’ Bion 3, an advanced complete multivitamin with probiotic nutrients, Dietetic Association president Eleni Andreou said more and more evidence suggested the probiotic food supplements was beneficial to health. The clinical dietician explained that probiotics were beneficial, living micro-organisms which entered through the mouth and remained alive during their passage from the gastrointestinal tract, activating as soon at the reached the large intestine, where suitable physiochemical conditions allowed their development. “So the question is what nutritional effects do probiotics exactly have, how can they contribute towards our health and why do we need them?”Andreou said flora in the gut differed from person to person depending on poor nutrition and the consumption of fatty foods, alcohol consumption, insufficient fibre intake from fruits, vegetables or cereals, irregular meals, food poisoning, antibiotics, stress, and travelling abroad as long trips upsets the balance of the gut.But Andreou said that by taking probiotic supplements balance of gut flora could be replaced.“By consuming probiotics on a regular basis we can achieve a series of benefits,” she said. These include reinforcing the body’s defence mechanisms by suspending the development of harmful micro-organisms and the destruction of toxic substances, strengthening resistance to infection, reducing symptoms and duration of symptoms for fever or a common cold, improving symptoms related to lactose intolerance, improving the quality of life in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, reducing LDL cholesterol as well as the risk of heart conditions such as hypertension, cancer fighting benefits, helping in the better assimilation of calcium, helping fight bad breath and reducing peptic gas.Andreou said not only could people supplement their diet with the available probiotic products on the market to maintain a healthy digestive system, but they should also eat a well balanced diet, have frequent meals, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and fibre, drink plenty of fluids, reduce stress and take frequent exercise. The clinical dietician said probiotics were manufactured with and contained large quantities of vitamins B3 and B6, folic acid and biotin, and produced lactase, an enzyme that helped in the breakdown of dairy products in the digestive system. She also said they acted as a preservative, by lowering the pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow, had cancer fighting properties, and helped improve bowel movement and its ability to absorb nutritional substances from food. “According to the golden rule probiotics should be used in people suffering from serious, chronic digestive system problems, such as colitis, constipation, or inflammatory bowel disease, and in cases where people suffer from chronic infections, especially yeast infections such as candida albicans.”The clinical dietician said probiotics were also beneficial after a course of antibiotics for a period of at least 15 days, as a prevention against food poisoning when travelling to ‘suspect areas’, in women over the age of 45 as the onset of the menopause approached, in people with high cholesterol, in people undergoing radiology, and in women presenting repeated gynaecological or urinary infections.“Research has also shown probiotic microbes help in the treatment of travellers’ diarrhoea, protect the gut during times of stress and deter the transmission of HIV through breast milk,”What are Probiotics?PROBIOTICS are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast, however lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common microbes used. LAB have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring flora within the digestive tract to re-establish themselves. They are sometimes recommended by doctors, and, more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for candidiasis. Many probiotics are present in natural sources such as lactobacillus in yogurt and sauerkraut. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system.The rationale for probiotics is that the body contains a miniature ecology of microbes, collectively known as the gut flora. The number of bacterial types can be thrown out of balance by a wide range of circumstances including the use of antibiotics or other drugs, excess alcohol, stress, disease, exposure to toxic substances, or even the use of antibacterial soap. In cases like these, the bacteria that work well with our bodies may decrease in number, an event which allows harmful competitors to thrive, to the detriment of our health. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-benefits-of-a-probiotic-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/brain-size-linked-to-availability-of-diet Brain size linked to availability of dietSource: news.sawf.orgScientists from Duke University and the University of Zurich have come to the conclusion that there is an evolutionary connection between available food supplies and brain size. Washington, Oct. 24: Scientists from Duke University and the University of Zurich have come to the conclusion that there is an evolutionary connection between available food supplies and brain size. In a study involving orang-utans living on the Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sumatra, Andrea Taylor and Carel van Schaik have suggested that temporary, unavoidable food scarcity may cause a decrease in brain size, perhaps accompanied by only a small or subtle decrease in body size. The study, which appears in the online version of the Journal of Human Evolution, quoted both Taylor and van Schaik as saying that this was the first such study to demonstrate a relationship between relative brain size and resource quality in primates. "Compared to other tissues, brain tissue is metabolically expensive to grow and maintain. If there has to be a trade-off, brain tissue may have to give," Taylor said. "The study suggests that animals facing periods of uncontrollable food scarcity may deal with that by reducing their energy requirement for one of the most expensive organs in their bodies: the brain," van Schaik added. "Such a theory is vital for understanding what happened during human evolution, where, relative to our ancestors, our lineage underwent a threefold expansion of brain size in a few million years," both said. Both found that nutritionally well-off Sumatran orang-utans differed most strikingly from Pongo pygmaeus morio, one of the three sub-species occupying Borneo, where soils are poorer, access to fruit is most iffy and the impact of El Niño is significant. In previous studies, reported in the April 2006 issue of the Journal of Human Evolution, Taylor found evidence of northeast Borneo orang-utans having stronger jaws than orang-utans in other parts of Borneo or Sumatra. Taylor is an assistant professor at Duke's departments of Biological Anthropology and Anatomy and of Community and Family Medicine. Van Schaik directs the University of Zurich's Anthropological Institute and Museum, and he also is an adjunct professor of biological anthropology and anatomy at Duke, where he had worked for 15 years. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/brain-size-linked-to-availability-of-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/garlic-turmeric-black-pepper-effective-in-curing-cough Garlic, turmeric, black pepper effective in curing coughSource: news.sawf.orgCough and cold is the most common disease during this season. It is accompanied by irritation in chest and throat and headache. Cough and cold is the most common disease during this season. It is accompanied by irritation in chest and throat and headache. Garlic (lasuna), turmeric (haldi), black pepper (kali mirchi) are readily available in the household kitchens. One to two grams of equal parts of black pepper powder, long pepper (pippali) and dry ginger (sonth) can be given to children with honey two to three times a day to cure cough and cold. Paste of one segment of garlic bulb boiled in water with 5-10 gram of sugar twice a day or one to two grams of fried turmeric powder thrice a day with honey are other remedies. Among adults, cough may cause pain in chest, headache and hoarseness of voice. Chewing of two to three cloves (laung) fried in ghee will give relief. Half a gram of powder of long pepper mixed with rock salt can also be taken twice daily with hot water. If fever accompanies common cold, adults can take a decoction of 2-3 gram ginger, black pepper, long pepper, liquorice (mulethi) in equal quantity and seven tulsi leaves 2-3 times a day. Source: Ayurvedic Home Remedies, a publication of the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/garlic-turmeric-black-pepper-effective-in-curing-cough http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-slow-breast-cancer Vitamin D May Slow Breast CancerSource: www.foxnews.comVitamin D may slow the progression of breast cancer, according to a small new study.British researchers found that women with early-stage breast cancer had much higher levels of vitamin D in their blood than women with more advanced disease.Vitamin D levels have already been shown to be lower in women with breast cancer compared with healthy women, and researchers say these results suggest that vitamin D may play a role promoting the progression of the disease.Vitamin D is produced within the body in response to sunlight exposure. It is also found in eggs, liver, and fortified dairy products.Assessing Treatments for Breast Cancer Vitamin D-Breast Cancer LinkIn the study, published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, researchers compared blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone in 75 women with advanced breast cancer and 204 women with early-stage breast cancer.They found that women with early-stage breast cancer had much higher levels of vitamin D compared with women with advanced breast cancer.The results also showed that women with advanced breast cancer had lower levels of parathyroid hormone than women with early-stage breast cancer. Calcium levels did not differ significantly between the groups.Researcher Carlo Palmieri of Cancer Research UK Laboratories and colleagues say vitamin D boosts the activity of certain key genes and curbs activity in others. For example, laboratory tests shave shown that vitamin D treatment can speed cell death while stopping cancer cells from multiplying.Therefore, the researchers say their findings support the hypothesis that vitamin D has a role in the progression of breast cancer.Femara Produces Better Survival RatesSOURCES: Palmieri, D. Journal of Clinical Pathology, Oct. 17, 2006, online first edition. News release, BMJ Specialist Journals. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-slow-breast-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-may-help-against-ms-nerve-damage Vitamin may help against MS nerve damageSource: www.upi.com A Children's Hospital Boston study finds strong evidence that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, may protect against nerve damage in multiple sclerosis. A team led by Dr. Shinjiro Kaneko and senior investigator Zhigang worked with mice that had an MS-like disease called experimental autoimmune encephalitis, or EAE. They showed that nicotinamide protected the animals' axons from degeneration -- not only preventing axon inflammation and myelin loss, but also protecting axons that had already lost their myelin from further degradation. Mice with EAE that received daily nicotinamide injections under their skin had a delayed onset of neurologic disability, and the severity of their deficits was reduced for at least eight weeks after treatment. The greater the dose of nicotinamide, the greater the protective effect, according to the study published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Nicotinamide significantly reduced neurologic deficits even when treatment was delayed until 10 days after the induction of EAE, raising hope that it will also be effective in the later stages of MS. "The earlier therapy was started, the better the effect, but we hope nicotinamide can help patients who are already in the chronic stage," says Kaneko. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-may-help-against-ms-nerve-damage http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/9-easy-ways-to-boost-your-nutrients 9 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR NUTRIENTSSource: www.mirror.co.ukARE YOU GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FRUIT AND VEG? HERE'S OUR GUIDE TO HOW YOU CAN EXTRACT EXTRA VITAMINS FROM YOUR DIET By Helen Foster WE all understand that we should eat plenty of fruit and veg - but few of us know how to maximise the amount of vitamins, anti-oxidants and other goodies from healthy grub.You don't have to eat any more greens or even pop a supplement. Here's our simple guide...1 Keep melons, bananas, and tomatoes out of the fridge WATERMELONS have double the amount of beta carotene and 20 per cent more cancer fighting lycopene if they're stored at room temperature, according to research. "Enzymes that make carotenoids and lycopene work more effectively at room temperature - but it only works on whole watermelons, not slices," says food scientist Penelope Perkins-Veazie, who did the experiments in the US. Tomatoes and bananas get a nutrient boost at room temperature, too. 2 Look forward to your dinner RESEARCHERS in Sweden found that people absorb more nutrients from their meal if they enjoy the food. It's believed the anticipation of something tasty fires up your digestion making it more efficient when food does hit your system. 3 Add a pinch of herbs to meals A QUARTER of an ounce of rosemary includes the same amount of antioxidants as 28 ounces of broccoli! Ounce for ounce, chillis contain over 300 times more vitamin C than oranges. 4 Eat healthy fat with veg IN trials, people who topped a spinach salad with avocado absorbed five times more eye-aiding lutein and 15 times more beta carotene than those not adding the healthy fat-packed avocado. 5 Only ever eat lettuce leaves whole WHEN scientists at Norwich's Institute of Food Research looked at what happens when you tear lettuce leaves, they found they lost up to 94 per cent of their cancer-fighting flavonoids. It is thought that when they are cut, lettuces produce ripening enzymes that saps nutrients. 6 Go organic ORGANIC tomatoes are higher in vitamin C than normal ones, while organic blueberries and strawberries have more anti-oxidants than their intensively grown cousins. "We think it's because plants in organic fields grow more slowly so they can spend resources creating nutrients instead of focusing purely on growth," says Professor Alyson Mitchell at the University of California. And going organic just got easier with Sainsbury's and Tesco both launching trials of organic box schemes where organic veggies are delivered to your home. Ask at your local store for details. 7 Don't peel your fruit SKIN can contain up to 25 per cent of the nutrients in a fruit and high levels of antioxidants especially in fruits such as apples or pears, where the skin is coloured (and therefore contains caretanoids) and the flesh is white. If you're worried about pesticides, buy organic or wash produce in water with a splash of vinegar, which helps dissolve any outside residues. 8 Cook your veggies IT'S a nutrition myth that all vegetables are better for you raw. You actually get three times more beta-carotene from cooked carrots than raw ones, and iron from cooked spinach is easier for your body to handle than that in raw leaves. Cook veg correctly, though - microwaving and steaming protect nutrient levels better than boiling. 9 Mix and match to maximise COMBINE steamed broccoli (or cabbage, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower) with a food containing selenium (chicken, eggs, salmon or mushrooms) and the two cancer-fighting ingredients interact and become 13 times more powerful. Combining iron-rich foods (red meat) with high-vitamin C foods (red peppers) boosts the iron you take in, while eating high-calcium foods (dairy, dark green veg) with foods high in vitamin D such as eggs or oily fish maximizes your calcium intake. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/9-easy-ways-to-boost-your-nutrients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kiwifruit-offers-vitamin-c-potassium-fiber-and-other-nutrients Kiwifruit offers vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and other nutrientsSource: www.freshplaza.comA two-piece serving of tangy-sweet GREEN or tropical-sweet GOLD Kiwifruit has twice the vitamin C of an orange, as much potassium as a banana and as much fiber as a serving of bran flakes.Kiwifruit's triple threat of vitamin C, potassium and fiber packs a nutritional punch that most foods can only wish for. Other foods, such as oranges, bananas and bran cereal have been recognized for containing these nutrients, but none of them can offer all three in the same generous quantities as kiwifruit. "These foods continue to be nutritious players," said Joy Blakeslee, a registered dietitian with ZESPRI Kiwifruit. "But kiwifruit is a step above ... maybe even on a different playing field."A two-piece serving of tangy-sweet GREEN or tropical-sweet GOLD Kiwifruit has twice the vitamin C of an orange, as much potassium as a banana and as much fiber as a serving of bran flakes. In addition to these nutrients, kiwifruit also offers vitamin E, folate, magnesium and beta-carotene.Health-savvy people aren't the only ones recognizing that kiwifruit brings its "A game." Rutgers University research deemed kiwifruit as one of the most nutrient-dense fruits in the world, containing more essential nutrients than 27 of the most commonly eaten fruits.Other research has linked the fruit to reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older Americans, and reducing the risk of heart conditions, with an effect similar to aspirin. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kiwifruit-offers-vitamin-c-potassium-fiber-and-other-nutrients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/virgin-coconut-oil-sabahs-new-discovery 'Virgin coconut oil' - Sabah's new discoverySource: www.dailyexpress.com.mySabah is etching its name in the cooking oil industry by producing "virgin coconut oil" which is said to contain properties that can keep diseases at bay. Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin, said a joint venture company, KPS Sdn Bhd, which also involved the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, was behind the new discovery. According to him, the new finding had exclusively used local expertise and materials found in the State. "The oil was also produced not through the (conventional) cooking process like the use of chemical mixes," he said when opening a seminar on Community Involvement in Sustainable Bio-resource and Biotechnology Utilisation, here, Tuesday. He said virgin coconut oil contained ingredients that can destroy several types of disease-causing virus and bacteria. At the same time, he said the oil extract from the tropical fruit could also help reduce weight, lower high blood pressure and is also useful in producing cosmetics. Other findings by researchers in Malaysia, Yahya said, involved the cinnamon and saffron that are used extensively in local cuisine. He said cinnamon could be used to reduce diabetes and saffron for the prevention of breast cancer. In this context, he said the application of biotechnology via tissue culture and replanting process of herbal plants and other flora, which contains medicinal values in Sabah forests, could help stem their extinction. He said continued over-harvesting of herbal and medicinal plants to support the global pharmaceutical industry could cause the extinction of the species. However, he said tissue culture and the replanting process could also overcome shortage of the raw materials. Yahya said biotechnology is not entirely a new field in Malaysia considering that many food preparation practices have been using its methods. "The production of soya sauce, for instance, is produced using the fermentation process of the soya bean as well as the production of cheese, bread and tapai (local brew)," he said. However, he said traditional knowledge and the bio-resources can be further developed with the application of biotechnology. He said that buah pangi or kepayang (pangium edule) is synonymous to the local communities to preserve and pickle food items. Hence, if research and development are carried out on the fruit, he said they could use it to preserve and pickle other food and drink items. Biotechnology also, he said, could be applied to turn industrial and domestic wastes into new energy sources. Yahya said the Government is focusing on sustainable resource management after realising that commodities such as oil palm, rubber and timber, if not managed properly, would affect its productivity apart from bring about negative effects to biodiversity. "Therefore, a paradigm shift towards a more modern approach must come about. "Application of biotechnology in the agriculture sector, in particular conservation of herbal and medicinal plants, is something that is practical," he said. Towards this end, Yahya urged more local entrepreneurs to go into biotechnology and the herbal industry. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was later signed between Desa Tea Sdn Bhd and IDS (Sabah). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/virgin-coconut-oil-sabahs-new-discovery http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-tex-oe-battles-hangover-effects Herbal extract tex-oe battles hangover effectsSource: theapp.appstate.eduAn herbal extract called tex-oe that is derived from a variety of the prickly pear cactus is being used to relieve pain brought on by hangovers.A research team in the Mediterranean country of Malta, headed by cell biologist Gilles Gutierrez, discovered the extract while looking for a tool to help athletes battle fatigue.“His original purpose was not to prevent a hangover but to prevent fatigue and exhaustion in people,” CEO of Nutrimark, the company selling the extract, Gerald Stephanko said.Gutierrez’s study examined what aspect of the Opuntia Ficus Indica, or prickly pear cactus, made it so resistant to extreme heat and dehydration.Stephanko said the study managed to isolate tex-oe, a molecule that can speed up the “protective and restorative elements in our body called heat shock proteins.”The extract was originally marketed to athletes as a supplement called Prepair. A variant of the drug that includes Vitamin B is now being sold under the name Hangover Prevention Formula, HPF.In order to prove tex-oe’s effectiveness, a double blind survey headed up by Dr. Jeffrey Weis studied 62 students at Tulane University in New Orleans.The study, among others, showed the extract’s ability to combat stress on the body caused by the toxicity of alcohol.Despite these surveys, there are still some that doubt the extract’s effectiveness.“Really the best way to prevent a hangover is to limit alcohol consumption,” Appalachian State University assistant professor of health promotions Steven R. McAnulty said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-tex-oe-battles-hangover-effects http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-diet-best-quells-hunger-may-fight-obesity-study-shows Protein Diet Best Quells Hunger, May Fight Obesity, Study ShowsSource: www.bloomberg.comA diet rich in protein may help people shed weight because it triggers the production of a hormone that quells hunger, researchers found, opening a new front in the battle against obesity. The study suggests eating more soy, fish or lean meat may help people shed weight, the researchers said. They are seeking funding for a broader study that would examine the effect of a diet heavier in protein on patients' health and on their weight over several years, said Rachel Batterham, the lead researcher. ``We now need to do a big study in obese patients and see whether these short-term effects translate into longer-term benefits,'' said Batterham of University College London. ``People are just beginning to realize how much obesity is going to cost us.'' The U.K. government banned televised advertising of candy bars and soda pop before 9 p.m. two months ago, one of several recent measures to try to tackle rising obesity in children. The number of obese people, who often suffer from side effects such as high cholesterol and diabetes, has increased between 10 percent and 40 percent in most European countries over the past decade, according to the European Commission. In the U.S., almost 67 percent of U.S. adults are overweight, up from about 45 percent in the early 1960s, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The cost of treating them had swelled to $78.5 billion by 2003. Mice and Men The new study, published in the research journal Cell Metabolism, shows a diet higher in protein boosts production in the gut of a hormone called PYY, which sends signals to the brain to indicate fullness. The study had three stages. In the first one, researchers fed normal-weight and obese men according to three diets and found that the high-protein one caused the greatest release of PYY and the greatest reduction in hunger. ``These findings suggested that PYY could mediate the satiating effects of protein,'' the researchers wrote. ``We therefore developed a rodent experimental model in which to investigate this possibility.'' The second stage confirmed the results, showing that mice's production of the PYY hormone increased and that rodents ate less and had reduced levels of body fat after being fed a high-protein diet for 16 weeks. Finally, the researchers bred mice that were unable to produce PYY to confirm the hormone's role. They found that those animals ate more and were 40 percent fatter than others after just 10 weeks. When they received PYY injections, the mice shed weight and fat. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors relied on protein for as much as 35 percent of their energy, whereas the average Western diet now contains about 16 percent of protein, the researchers said. An increase to 20 percent may be enough to feel fuller and shed weight, according to Batterham. ``It has to be something that's realistic, a slight change in diet that people can sustain,'' she said. ``And it has to be low-fat protein'' such as soy, whey, lean meat or fish, she said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-diet-best-quells-hunger-may-fight-obesity-study-shows http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/erectile-dysfunction-and-low-libido-ginseng-irritable-bowel-syndrome Erectile dysfunction and low libido; ginseng; irritable bowel syndromeSource: www.timesonline.co.ukQ. I am experiencing troubles in my intimate marital relations. My wonderful wife of 32 years and I have always enjoyed an active sex life, but I am fearful of initiating intercourse in case I cannot maintain an erection. Is there anything I can take to solve this? Name and address withheld A. A happy and normal sex life depends on our mental and physical wellbeing, and certainly isn’t helped by performance fears.Alcohol kills sexual performance, hence the expression “brewer’s droop”; and cigarettes dull desire, so avoid these. Fish protein is beneficial for healthy sex organs because it is high in zinc, of which even a minor deficiency can cause sexual dysfunction. Traditionally considered an aphrodisiac, oysters are rich in zinc; other good sources include herring, lean meat, pumpkin and sesame seeds. Muira puama, or “potency wood” (£15.99 for 120 caps, from Rio Trading; 01273 570987), is one of the few Amazonian remedies listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopeia. It can help with temporary erectile dysfunction and increase libido. According to Chinese medicine, fear is the emotion associated with the kidneys. Our sexual energy comes from them, too, so any sexual dysfunction, including impotence, can be traced back to here. Reduce your stress levels with activities such as yoga and deep breathing, and try acupuncture, which can boost kidney qi, or energy. Contact the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400. Q. I know that ginseng is a widely recognised energy tonic, but I am confused by the different types available. Can you give me some more information, including optimum dosage and which variety to choose?Elizabeth Smith, DublinA. The different types of ginseng provide a broad spectrum of benefits: they can enhance the immune system, improve stamina and heighten energy levels. Panax (also referred to as Asian, Korean, Chinese or red) ginseng is the strongest, and therefore generally more suitable for men. Solgar’s standardised Korean ginseng costs £20.05 for 60 caps (01442 890355). Start by taking one capsule in the morning every day for two weeks, then have a two-week break. Siberian and American ginseng are both milder, and therefore more suitable for women and older people. The usual daily dose for standardised Siberian ginseng is 150mg-450mg, taken in divided doses, preferably no later than 3pm. Solgar’s 150mg standardised Siberian ginseng costs £12.95 for 60 caps. The dosage for American ginseng is a 100mg standardised extract, twice daily. Solgar’s 100mg standardised American ginseng costs £18.55 for 60 caps. Ginseng should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure, manic-depressive disorders, palpitations, headaches or asthma, or by anyone taking blood-thinning medication or steroids. It is not advised during pregnancy and should not be mixed with caffeine. Q. I am 55 years old and in good health. My GP thinks I may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as I suffer from bloating, constipation, discomfort and an occasional upset tummy. Can you offer any dietary advice? I have read that aloe vera is good. Mavis Healy, SuffolkA. Has your doctor ruled out coeliac disease, which presents similar symptoms? A simple blood test can help identify this condition; if it proved positive, you would need to adopt a gluten-free diet. IBS can arise as a consequence of poor digestion and diet, which lead to fluctuations in bowel habits. Digestive problems are often caused by insufficient chewing, so make sure you chew each mouthful 50 times. Focus on foods that provide gentle, insoluble fibre, such as rice, millet, quinoa and lightly cooked vegetables and fruits such as unpeeled apples, which will ensure your bowels move regularly. Natural live yoghurt is rich in the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, while asparagus and bananas contain fructo-oligosaccharides, prebiotics that enhance the activity of good bacteria. Aloe vera certainly helps many people with IBS, but it is not ideal for everyone and, taken in excess, can cause diarrhoea. Choose Aloe barbadensis ‘Miller’, and a whole-leaf brand such as Golden Aloe (£20.43 for 1 litre, plus £2.95 p&p, from Nutrigold; 0845 603 5675). Take as directed. Long-term stress is also a contributory factor. Try some gentle exercise, such as walking, yoga and t’ai chi, to relax your body, and meditation to calm your mind. Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician. For more information, visit www.jenniferharper-deacon.comFind an archive of articles by Jennifer Harper-Deacon at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,27069,00.htmlIf you have any questions, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. We can only provide replies to published lettersBefore following any recommendation in this column, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from any health problem or special condition, or are in doubt as to its suitability Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/erectile-dysfunction-and-low-libido-ginseng-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-tips-8-ways-to-cut-soda-pop-and-lose-pounds Diet tips: 8 ways to cut soda pop and lose poundsSource: calorielab.comCutting out non-nutritive, sugar-filled, potentially harmful beverages is an effective way — if not the easiest way — to lose weight and improve your health.That’s right. Just making that one simple diet change — removing soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks such as sports drinks and juice drinks — can help you peel off the pounds. In fact, a recent article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition pointed out that just 12 ounces of sugar-laced soda a day could pile on 15 pounds in a year.Just do the math. The most popular soft drink sold nowadays is a 20-ounce bottle or can, which comes to 250 unnecessary calories and nearly 17 teaspoons of sugar. The sugar is usually in the form of high fructose corn syrup, which some researchers now finger as a leading cause of obesity and other health woes. I’m not even talking about those popular, humongous 42-ounce soft drinks promoted at some fast food restaurants and many convenience stores. If you order one of these gargantuan beverages, you’ll get about 410 calories and around 35 teaspoons of sugar.Soft drinks simply don’t fill you up or satisfy you the way regular food does, so you may end up overeating and packing in more extra calories, and diet drinks may not be any better.If you’re a soda drinker, I urge you to tackle your habit right now, whether it’s to lose weight or to improve your health. Here are eight tips to curtail your soda guzzling when you hanker for this empty-calorie beverage:Drink water. Drink a glass of good old water instead. It’ll quench your thirst like a soft drink never can. Enjoy sparkling water. Have a glass of sparkling water, with lemon, lime, or even a piece of orange tossed in for flavor. Make fresh lemonade or orangeade. Make your own lemonade or orangeade. Just squeeze a lemon or two into a glass of water. You don’t even need to add a sweetener. Or take an orange and hand squeeze half of it into water, and eat the other half. Try chilled herbal tea. Steep a couple of bags of tasty herbal tea (from Yogi Tea, Celestial Seasonings or Good Earth) in hot water for two minutes or more. Then add a bunch of ice cubes. This is much more flavorful and satisfying than a soda. Try green vegetable juice. If you’re really adventurous and really want to get out from under your soda habit, drink a glass of green vegetable juice instead. (As you’ll notice, I’m not recommending fruit juice, because that can be quite high in sugar, too.) Give goat yogurt a chance! Be daring and concoct your own blended goat’s milk yogurt beverage with cinnamon or nutmeg. Then, if you like, add a few strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. (Don’t add too many berries, because even though you’re getting natural sugar from fruit, you don’t want to get too much.) Share a soda if you have to have one. When you’re absolutely desperate and insist on having a soda, then share it with a friend so you only get half the calories, half the sugar, and half the caffeine that you’d otherwise get. Work hard for your soda. If you’re not ready to say no to soda just yet, then make yourself “earn” that empty-calorie, nutrient-free beverage. First take a walk for a half hour. Then jump rope for five minutes. Then play with a hula hoop for another five minutes. Then drink a glass of water. Next, before downing that soda, chew on an apple, pear, or some strawberries, with a handful of almonds. Hey, by the time you’ve done all of this, you may find that you’re not in the mood for that soft drink anymore. It may seem a bit overwhelming to give up a long-standing habit of drinking soft drinks, sweetened teas, or sports drinks. But rest assured that your life will be so much better when you give them up. You may lose weight more readily and get more sustained energy. And research shows that you may even have better concentration, fewer mood swings, and a stronger libido.So go get ‘em! Kicking soda and other sweetened drinks is a great first step in the right direction. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-tips-8-ways-to-cut-soda-pop-and-lose-pounds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/make-sure-you-get-enough-b12 Make Sure You Get Enough B12Source: paktribune.comVitamin B12, also called cobalamin, helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It?s also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach releases B12 from the protein during digestion. The vitamin is found in animal foods including fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry. Fortified breakfast cereals are an excellent source, especially for vegetarians who might otherwise get too little. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/make-sure-you-get-enough-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-treatment-know-these-facts-about-acne Acne Treatment - Know These Facts About AcneSource: www.americanchronicle.comAll of us have different ideas about acne. The scientific facts may be different.It is better to know the facts about acne before trying any therapy or believing in untested ideas. Please read some basic facts about acne below-Frequent washing -Frequent washing of the acne-affected area will not treat acne. It may adversely affect it. Washing twice a day is enough. Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by dirt. It is the sebaceous gland that gets closed and forms the acne because of various reasons. Food-No food has any relation with acne. if you feel that a food makes your acne worse, please stop that food after consulting your doctor. No conclusive evidence has yet pointed out to acne and its relation to food.Medications-Some medications can bring on acne. Some cortisones, certain anti tuberculosis drugs and some anti epileptic drugs can cause acne. Chlorinated solvents can also cause occupational acne. Oral Vitamin A-Derivatives of vitamin A, called retinoids are used topically and orally to treat acne under medical supervision. Vitamin a does not treat acne. If somebody takes excessive Vitamin A hoping that it will treat acne, that may make the health worse as Vitamin A in large quantity can have adverse effects on the body.Hereditary-If your parents had acne, you may be more prone to it.Hormonal changes-Hormonal changes bring on acne. It is hormone Androgen that is responsible for excess production of sebum. Females can have acne outbreaks during menstruation and pregnancy.Acne like conditionsSome other conditions such as folliculitis may appear like acne. There are many other diseases that may look like acne. They are- Rosacea, Keratosis Pilaris, Perioral Dermatitis and some other conditions. It is always better to get diagnosed by a doctor rather than beginning self-treatment.Read more about :- Acne FactsThis article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-treatment-know-these-facts-about-acne http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/read-the-nutrition-facts Read the nutrition factsSource: www.theadvertiser.comThe first place to start when you look at the Nutrition Facts label is the serving size and the number of servings in the package. Serving sizes are standardized to make it easier to compare similar foods and are provided in familiar units (such as cups or pieces ) followed by the metric amount.The size of the serving on the food package influences the number of calories and all the nutrient amounts listed on the top part of the label. Pay attention to the serving size, especially how many servings there are in the food package. Many products that appear to be a single serving actually are labeled as multiple servings.ADVERTISEMENT Calories provide a measure of how much energy you get from a serving of this food. Many Americans consume more calories than they need without meeting recommended intakes for a number of nutrients. The calorie section of the label can help you manage your weight. The number of servings you consume determines the number of calories you actually eat (your portion amount). The nutrients listed first are the ones Americans generally eat in adequate amounts, or even too much. Eating too much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol or sodium may increase your risk of certain chronic diseases, like heart disease, some cancers, or high blood pressure.Most Americans don't get enough dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron in their diets. Eating enough of these nutrients can improve health and help reduce the risk of some diseases and conditions.The percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on the Daily Value recommendations for key nutrients but only for a 2,000 calorie daily diet - not 2,500 calories. You, like most people, may not know how many calories you consume in a day. But you can still use the %DV as a frame of reference whether or not you consume more or less than 2,000 calories. The %DV helps you determine if a serving of food is high or low in a nutrient. Note: a few nutrients, like trans fat, do not have a %DV - they will be discussed later.Do you need to know how to calculate percentages to use the %DV? No, the label (the %DV) does the math for you. It helps you interpret the numbers (grams and milligrams) by putting them all on the same scale for the day (0-100%DV). The %DV column doesn't add up vertically to 100 percent. Instead each nutrient is based on 100 percent of the daily requirements for that nutrient (for a 2,000 calorie diet). This way you can tell high from low and know which nutrients contribute a lot, or a little, to your daily recommended allowance (upper or lower). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/read-the-nutrition-facts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/company-claims-herbal-treatment-for-bird-flu Company claims herbal treatment for bird fluSource: www.bangkokpost.comA Singapore-based company has extracted key active ingredients from the elderberry to create herbal lozenges that could rival Tamiflu, HerbalScience claimed Saturday.The firm claims that its pills are more effective than Tamiflu, the oral antiviral drug used against bird flu.The raw elderberry comes from a farm in Austria, John McClelland, senior vice-president for HerbalScience, told The Straits Times. Elderberries are freeze-dried and delivered to the processing plant in Singapore.The extract, delivered in the form of lozenges, will be on the market in January at a cost of 3 to 5 Singapore dollars (1.92-3.20 US dollars) for a one-day dosage.Researchers from the company tested 1,500 milligrams of the extract in a laboratory against the human flu virus."These resulted in 100 per cent inhibition," Dr Luisa Lee, HerbalScience's medical research director, was quoted as saying."What is also exciting is that the extract doesn't seem to be strain-specific and is effective against other viruses," including the virus that causes dengue fever, she said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/company-claims-herbal-treatment-for-bird-flu http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/white-or-green-tea-raw-versus-roasted-nuts-and-healthy-appetizers White or Green Tea, Raw Versus Roasted Nuts and Healthy AppetizersSource: www.infozine.comQ: Does white tea really offer more health benefits than green tea? Q: Is it true that raw nuts and seeds are more nutritious than those that have been roasted? Q: Can you please suggest some healthful, low-fat appetizers I can serve when entertaining instead of my usual cheese and crackers or chips and dip? Q: Does white tea really offer more health benefits than green tea? A: White, green and black teas all come from the same plant. White tea is the least processed form; leaves and buds are simply steamed and dried. White tea also contains a higher proportion of buds, which are covered with fine hairs that give the dried tea its white color. It has a slightly sweet flavor without the grass-like tones green tea can have. While green tea is higher than black tea in certain healthful plant compounds (phytochemicals) such as EGCG that provide antioxidant power, white tea is the highest. Limited studies suggest that white tea is even better than green tea at preventing damage to cells' DNA that could potentially lead to cancer. White tea is much less commonly consumed than either the green tea that predominates in Japan or the black tea that is most common in the United States and Europe. It has therefore attracted much less research, so we don't know whether it benefits health more than green tea. In part, it depends on how much you drink; fewer cups of white tea would be needed to get the same amount of protective phytochemicals in more cups of green tea. White tea is substantially more expensive than other teas, so whether it's "worth it" is an important question for people.Q: Is it true that raw nuts and seeds are more nutritious than those that have been roasted? A: Despite some claims that vitamin E is lost in roasting nuts and seeds, or that fat composition is changed, USDA analysis shows that roasting nuts and seeds causes little or no change. Also, calorie content in oil-roasted nuts increases by only about 5 calories per ounce. Sodium content increases substantially if nuts or seeds are roasted and salted, but unsalted versions of roasted nuts are available. Shelled, roasted nuts can become rancid sooner than fresh nuts. To preserve freshness, store them in the refrigerator or freezer in a sealed container. Choose roasted or raw nuts based on what you will enjoy most for a particular use. Either way you will get a good source of nutrients. Keep in mind, however, that nuts are a concentrated source of calories that should be consumed in small portions.Q: Can you please suggest some healthful, low-fat appetizers I can serve when entertaining instead of my usual cheese and crackers or chips and dip? A: Lots of low-fat foods make excellent appetizers. Start with raw vegetables; if carrots and celery sticks seem too predictable, expand your options to raw cauliflower, jicama (a large root) and bell pepper strips, or lightly steamed asparagus spears. Serve any of these with a dip made from lowfat cottage cheese, pureed until smooth and flavored with your favorite herbs. A variety of spreads made from chickpeas or other beans are also delicious. Try marinating mushrooms or artichoke hearts in a low-fat dressing. Roast a whole head of garlic in the oven, making it very mild; squeeze out the soft garlic paste and spread on crostini (small, thin slices of toasted bread) or melba toast. Add color to your appetizer offerings with grapes or other fresh fruit. Look for frozen shrimp on sale; they can be thawed and served to dip in cocktail sauce or salsa. Or cook frozen tortellini or mini-pierogies, cool and offer with salsa, horseradish-cottage cheese dip, or low-fat salad dressing. Check the "Recipe Corner" section of the American Institute for Cancer Research Web site, www.aicr.org, for easy, healthful appetizer recipes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/white-or-green-tea-raw-versus-roasted-nuts-and-healthy-appetizers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/colour-code-your-diet-for-health Colour-code your diet for healthSource: www.chicagotribune.comWhite produce is the color for heart disease. Eat white, such as bananas, cauliflower and garlic, and you'll lower heart disease risk, according to www.menshealth.com.Each of the five produce color categories targets different ailments. E-mail this story Printable format Search archives RSS Blues and purples: Keep memory sharp and reduce risk of several kinds of cancer, including prostate. Plums, eggplant, blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes (and raisins).Greens: Protect bones, teeth and eyesight. Kiwi, spinach, broccoli, Romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, cabbage, honeydews.Whites: Lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Mushrooms, pears, bananas, cauliflower, onions, garlic.Reds: Help prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve blood flow to the heart. Watermelons, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries, tomatoes, radishes, red apples.Yellows and oranges: Boost immune system and help prevent eye disease. Oranges, grapefruit, peaches, cantaloupe, mangoes, pineapple, squash, carrots, corn. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/colour-code-your-diet-for-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/going-nuts-for-almonds Going nuts for almondsSource: torontosun.comThere is a high-fat food that's good for your health. That's not an oxymoron, it's almonds. Almonds are high in mono-unsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. In the midst of holiday feasting on starchy, sugary foods, new research provides valuable insight into the long-term as well as the short-term health impact of almonds, according to an article published in the Journal of Nutrition. It says that eating almonds may play a role in avoiding blood sugar spikes after consuming a carbohydrate-rich meal of foods that raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, eating almonds helps prevent oxidative stress. "We found that eating almonds can have a significant impact in blunting the glycemic and insulin responses of the body when fed with a carbohydrate meal," said co-author Dr. Cyril Kendall from the University of Toronto. "Almonds have already been found to reduce cholesterol levels and contain a variety of important nutrients. Incorporating almonds in the diet may help in the management of blood glucose levels and the onset of such illnesses as diabetes, while promoting a healthy heart." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/going-nuts-for-almonds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/onions-garlic-linked-to-lower-cancer-risks Onions, garlic linked to lower cancer risksSource: today.reuters.com People who flavor their diets with plenty of onions and garlic might have lower odds of several types of cancer, a new study suggests.In an analysis of eight studies from Italy and Switzerland, researchers found that older adults with the highest onion and garlic intakes had the lowest risks of a number of cancers -- including colon, ovarian and throat cancers.The findings, which appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, are in line with some past research. But those studies were mainly conducted in China, and it is unclear if the results are different in Western countries. Reuters Pictures Editors Choice: Best pictures from the last 24 hours. View SlideshowDietary habits are substantially different in China, with garlic intake, in particular, being far higher, Dr. Carlotta Galeone, the lead author of the new study, told Reuters Health.These latest findings suggest the anti-cancer benefit of these vegetables extend to Western populations, according to Galeone, a researcher at the Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacologic Research in Milan, Italy.It's still not certain that onions and garlic have a direct effect on cancer risk. It's possible, for instance, that onion and garlic lovers also have an overall diet that protects against cancer, according to Galeone and her colleagues.On the other hand, they note, animal studies and lab experiments with cancer cells have found that certain compounds in onions and garlic may inhibit the growth of tumors. Sulfur compounds found in garlic and antioxidant flavonoids in onions are among the potentially protective substances.The current findings are based on results from eight studies conducted in Italy and Switzerland. Each study compared healthy older adults to patients with a particular form of cancer, asking participants for detailed information on their diets, physical activity and other lifestyle habits. When it came to colon cancer, Galeone's team found that men and women who ate seven or more servings of onions per week had less than half the risk of those who shunned the vegetable. Similarly, garlic lovers were a quarter less likely to develop the disease than people who maintained garlic-free diets.The vegetables were also linked to lower risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, kidneys and ovaries.Given what's known about the biological activity of some onion and garlic compounds, it wouldn't be a bad idea to spice up your diet with the vegetables, according to Galeone.It's probably wise to mix them with plenty of other vegetables, however. Reuters Pictures Editors Choice: Best pictures from the last 24 hours. View SlideshowSome research has found that garlic and tomatoes may have "synergistic" cancer-fighting effects, Galeone and her colleagues note. And, in general, experts recommend that people eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day for overall health.SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/onions-garlic-linked-to-lower-cancer-risks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sugar-packed-diet-may-boost-pancreatic-cancer-risk Sugar-packed diet may boost pancreatic cancer riskSource: today.reuters.co.ukEating lots of sugar and sugar-sweetened foods could increase a person's likelihood of developing cancer of the pancreas, by far one of the deadliest types of cancer, Swedish researchers report.Dr. Susanna C. Larsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and her colleagues found that pancreatic cancer was significantly more likely to strike men and women who added the most sugar to their food and consumed the greatest quantities of soft drinks.The researchers followed 77,797 men and women aged 45 to 83 for an average of about seven years. Those who reported eating five or more servings of added sugar daily, for example sugar added to tea, coffee or cereal, were 69 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those who never added sugar to their food or drink.People who consumed two or more servings of soft drinks a day had a 93 percent greater risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those who abstained from these beverages. Eating sweetened fruit soups or stewed fruit increased risk by 51 percent.But there was no association between sweets, marmalade, or jams and pancreatic cancer risk, possibly because these foods are eaten less frequently and in smaller quantities, Larsson and her colleagues write.Factors involved in the loss of sensitivity to the blood-sugar processing hormone insulin, such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes, have all been tied directly to pancreatic cancer, a disease that kills the vast majority of people diagnosed within five years, Larsson and her team note in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.Eating too much sugar could therefore conceivably boost pancreatic cancer risk by putting greater demands on the pancreas to produce insulin while reducing sensitivity to the hormone, as well as through a number of other potential mechanisms."Given the practical implications of these findings and the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, further research on sugar and high-sugar foods in relation to pancreatic cancer risk is warranted," the researchers conclude.SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2006. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sugar-packed-diet-may-boost-pancreatic-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-advice-for-type-2-diabetes Diet Advice For Type 2 DiabetesSource: www.50connect.co.ukWhat should you be eating if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes?Read more articles in the health library. Diet and exercise is a common prescription for a healthy life. For people with Type 2 diabetes, it is especially important to follow a healthy diet and get lots of exercise. Often this is enough to get blood sugar levels under good control, especially early in the illness. For a person with Type 2 diabetes, a healthy diet has to include three elements. These are foods: Low in saturated fat Balanced or low in carbohydrates Low in calories, if you are overweight The following is a description of each of these essential elements in detail along with some tips on how to exercise and lose weight. Eating Foods That are Low in Saturated Fat Saturated fats are animal fats. They are found in meats, in dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream, and in some kinds of cooking oils, such as lard. We have known for a long time that when you eat a lot of saturated fats your cholesterol and triglycerides tend to go up. When your cholesterol is high, you are at a higher risk of developing hardening of the arteries and getting heart attacks and strokes. When you have diabetes, you are especially prone to developing heart attacks and strokes, so you should do everything you can do to lower your risk of heart disease, and following a low saturated fat diet is very important. Also, if you tend to have high triglycerides (fats in the blood), then following a low-fat diet will help bring your triglycerides back down. Not all fats are the same, though. Saturated fats are bad for you, but monounsaturated fats, in moderation, seem to be good for you. Monounsaturated fats include olive oil, canola oil, and nut oils. If you cut out the saturated fats in your diet and replace them with monounsaturated fats, you can avoid filling up on carbohydrates. As you will learn below, carbohydrates are hard on your blood-sugar levels. Talk to your doctor or your nutritionist about how to integrate foods with monounsaturated fats into your diet. Eating Foods That are Balanced or Low in Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are sugars and starches. Examples of carbohydrates are: pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, yellow vegetables, sugars, fruit, fruit juice, baked goods, and regular sodas. You can tell how much carbohydrate is in a food by reading the label. When you eat any kind of carbohydrate, your stomach and intestine turn them into simple sugars. In other words, all carbohydrates are eventually turned into sugar. When you eat a meal, that meal includes three things: fat, protein and carbohydrates. It turns out that the only part that makes your blood sugar go up is the carbohydrate part. In other words, if you ate an entire meal that hhad only fat and protein in it, your blood sugar would not go up. That doesn’t mean that the fat and protein don’t have calories—in fact, the fat has more calories by weight than the carbohydrate does. But it is only the carbohydrates that get turned into the glucose that goes into your bloodstream. So if you want to predict how a meal will affect your blood sugar then all you need to account for is the amount of carbohydrate in the meal. If you want to get really good at assessing your meals, you can buy books or take lessons in “carbohydrate counting." When you have diabetes, you need to try to balance how much carbohydrate you have at each meal. For example, if you had a breakfast that included a big glass of orange juice, sugared cereal with strawberries on top and a piece of toast, most likely your blood sugar after that meal would be way too high. That meal contains mostly carbohydrates—except for the little bit of fat and protein in the milk in your cereal. Instead, in order to better control your blood sugar, you should cut out some of the carbohydrates and substitute a little fat and protein. A good nutritionist trained in diabetic teaching will help you review what you usually eat to find the meals that have too much carbohydrate in them. To figure this out for yourself, you could start checking your blood sugars two hours after a meal. If you keep track of what you are eating and then look at your blood sugar levels after meals, you can pick out which meals probably had too much carbohydrate in them. Eating Foods That are Low in Calories if You are Overweight The majority of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. If you are overweight and you really want to control your blood sugar without medicines, the only way you are going to be able to do that is by losing weight. For reasons that are not currently understood, being overweight makes it hard for your body’s insulin to work. It causes what we call insulin resistance. That’s the bad news. The good news is that if you lose some weight—often only about 10 pounds, even if you are more than 50 pounds overweight—you can usually get your blood sugars back down to normal. Tips for Losing Weight We all know that losing weight is hard to do. But you can be successful if you make up your mind that it is important for your health. Here are some tips I’ve learned from treating my patients and from reading a lot of medical literature: Take it slow If you lose weight too quickly by going on a crash diet, you will probably only gain it right back when you stop. Aim to lose at most two pounds of weight per month. That will add up to fifty pounds over two years, and that’s about how much time you should give yourself to reach your weight goals. Decrease the total number of calories in your diet Try not to focus on decreasing only one kind of food in your diet. For example, if you focus only on eating low-fat foods you’ll probably just overdo it on carbohydrates and not eat fewer calories at all in the end. In fact, if you look closely at foods advertised as low-fat, you will find that they are loaded with carbohydrates. The same applies with following an Atkins-style low-carb diet—you will not lose weight by substituting the carbohydrate calories with fat calories. In order to lose weight, you have to eat fewer calories. Period. Move around Those with the best weight loss results are those who follow a low-fat diet and exercise, at the same time. Our weight is controlled by a pretty simple equation: Energy In (what you eat) = Energy Out (what you burn by exercising). If you eat too much or exercise too little you will gain weight. Anything—anything—that you do during the day to move around is good! You should spend at least thirty minutes every day exercising. For some, this could be briskly walking to work. For those who are able to do more strenuous exercise, it could be jogging, aerobic classes, or a sport. IMPORTANT:if you have not been active and you are considering starting an exercise program, please check with your doctor first. If you are at risk for heart disease, you may need to have a stress test to check out your heart before you begin. Get your family and friends involved It is impossible to lose weight if you don’t have a little bit of help from your environment. For example, if you are trying to follow a low-calorie diet but you have to cook regular high-calorie meals for your family, it will be very difficult to find success. Or, if your friends bring lots of cakes and candy to work and urge you to have some, you’re going to have to show enormous will-power to refuse. Bring your family to your meetings with your doctors or nutritionists. Ask them to help you and tell them why it is so important. Set aside time during the day to pay attention to yourself Most of the patients that I see tell me they would like to exercise but they just can’t find time during the day. I know what they mean since I can never find time myself. But don’t forget that when we tell you to exercise it is not for your vanity or to make you look better in a bathing suit. We want you to exercise because exercise is the best and most powerful treatment that we have for Type 2 diabetes. There is something about moving around that helps your insulin work better. It is literally the best thing you can do for yourself. You have to make it a priority in your life. Understand that your diet and exercise regimen has to become a permanent part of your life Unfortunately, you are not going to be able to go on a diet for a few months, lose weight, and then go back to your old eating habits and stop exercising. That never, ever works. Our bodies and brains are very smart and as soon as you lose weight, the brain starts sending powerful subconscious signals that usually result in gaining the weight back. Studies have shown that, after you lose weight, your body’s metabolism actually slows down so that you need fewer calories than when you were heavier. Many people who diet reach a certain weight and plateau. Many patients who have tried dieting know this experience of “hitting a wall.” The good news is that, if you continue to follow the diet and exercise program for years, you won’t gain weight back. So, try to find a regimen that you can live with for the rest of your life. If you are having trouble losing weight, ask your doctor about new drug treatments that might be able to help. Here are the medicines that we can use: Xenical: This drug is a fat-blocker. You take it with every meal and it interferes with the digestion of fats, a major source of calories. Also, if you eat too much fat while you are on Xenical, you will have horrible diarrhea. This also may help to keep you from overindulging. The only drawback with Xenical is that you have to take it with every meal. If you don’t take it, you’ll be able to splurge without any side effects and it won’t work. So you have to have a little will power to make yourself take it with every meal. Meridia: This drug works in the brain to decrease your appetite. It can have some side effects and you should only take it if your doctor decides it is safe for you. Luckily, it doesn’t seem to have the same terrible side effects on the heart that “phen-fen” was discovered to have a few years ago. However, Meridia’s only problem is that, when you stop taking it, you will have to work very hard not to gain the weight back. Glucophage: Glucophage is a drug that we use to treat Type 2 diabetes, which also helps people lose weight. I often give it to patients who are overweight and at high risk for getting diabetes. High-risk patients include those who have a family history of diabetes and their blood sugars are borderline high. If you have diabetes, are overweight, and are taking one pill for your diabetes which is not glucophage, talk to your doctor about whether you can switch to glucophage, since it might help you lose weight as well as control your diabetes.Also, don’t forget that if you are seriously overweight, have diabetes, and have unsuccessfully tried for years to lose weight through diet, exercise and medication, you can always consider surgery. We have new laparoscopic techniques for “stomach stapling” which are much less invasive and which give very good weight loss results. You can ask your doctor for a referral if you are interested. Putting it All Together A healthy diet and exercise are important for everyone, but for people with Type 2 diabetes, they are also the first-line treatment. To review, steps to both a smarter diet and a regular exercise regimen include: Cut out saturated fats (animal fats). Include some monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, nuts and nut oils). Cut down on and balance your carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Lose weight if you are overweight. Exercise: Talk to your doctor if you have never exercised before and want to start an exercise program – if you are at risk for heart problems you should have a stress test before you start. Plan to follow this program for the rest of your life and find ways to make it something you can live with. Get your friends and family involved so that you don’t have to do this alone. With these steps, you are on your way to a healthier life and better control of your Type 2 diabetes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-advice-for-type-2-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/homeopathic-or-herbal-remedies-prescribed-by-60-percent-of-doctors-surgeries-in-scotland Homeopathic Or Herbal Remedies Prescribed By 60 Percent Of Doctors' Surgeries in ScotlandSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comSixty per cent of doctors' surgeries in Scotland prescribe homeopathic or herbal remedies, according to a study of nearly two million patients, published in the December issue of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen analysed official prescribing data from 2003-4, covering 1.9 million patients from 323 practices. Their findings have led them to call for a critical review of homeopathic and herbal prescribing in the UK National Health Service, particularly the high levels given to babies and children under 16. The research team discovered that: * 49 per cent of practices prescribed a total of 193 different homeopathic remedies and 32 per cent prescribed 17 different herbal remedies. * Five per cent of the practices included in the study prescribed 50 per cent of the remedies and accounted for 46 per cent of the patients receiving them. * 4160 patients (2.2 per 1000 registered patients) were prescribed at least one homeopathic remedy during the study period. 73 per cent were female and the average age of patients was 47. * Children under 12 months were most likely to be prescribed a homeopathic or herbal remedy (9.5 per 1000 children in that age group), followed by adults aged 81-90 (4.5 per 1000). 16 per cent of homeopathic prescribing was to children under 16. * 361 patients were prescribed at least one herbal remedy during the study period (0.2 per 1000 registered patients) and 12 per cent of these were children under 16 years old. 72 per cent of prescriptions were issued to females and the average age was 61. * Doctors who prescribed patients a homeopathic remedy also prescribed them a median of four conventional medicines during the study period. This figure went up to five for people prescribed herbal remedies. * Four per cent of patients prescribed a herbal remedy were, at the same time, prescribed conventional medication that has been documented to interact with herbal treatments. * The top five prescribed homeopathic remedies were Arnica montana (for injury, bruising), Rhus toxicodendron (joint symptoms, headache), Cuprum metallicum (cramp, poor circulation) Pulsatilla (PMT, menopausal symptoms, breast feeding problems) and Sepia (PMT, menopausal symptoms, fatigue). * The top five prescribed herbal remedies were: Gentian (poor appetite, digestive problems), Cranberry (urinary tract infection), Digestodoron (indigestion, heartburn, constipation), Evening primrose (PMT) and Laxadoron (constipation). "Our study shows that a substantial number of Scottish family doctors prescribe homeopathic and herbal remedies" says co-author Dr James McLay from the University's Department of Medicine and Therapeutics. "This level of prescribing raises important questions about homeopathic and herbal provision in the UK's National Health Service "The major problem with homeopathic preparations is the lack of scientific evidence that they are effective." "Given the rise of evidence-based medicine and the trend toward prescribing guidance in the UK, should therapies with no convincing positive clinical trial evidence be prescribed and funded by the health service" "Or are proponents of such remedies correct in stating that the difficulties inherent in trialling such therapies make evidence irrelevant." "Whatever the arguments, our study shows an apparent acceptance of homeopathic and herbal medicine within primary care, including extensive use in children and young babies. We believe that these findings underline the need for a critical review of this prescribing trend." "The research by the University of Aberdeen adds an important dimension to the ongoing debate about homeopathic remedies, as it shows what is actually happening at grass roots in Scottish general practice" adds Dr Jeffrey Aronson, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal and Reader in Clinical Pharmacology at Oxford University. "In September 2006 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) introduced new rules to regulate homeopathic medicines, allowing manufacturers to specify the ailments for which they can be used." "This move has been criticised by a number of leading UK scientific institutions, who argue that homeopathic medicines should not be allowed to make 'unsubstantiated health claims' and that the policy is damaging to patients' best interests." "We hope that this paper will further inform the debate, as it provides clear evidence on prescribing patterns within the NHS and raises a number of important issues, particularly about prescribing homeopathic and herbal remedies to children."### * Homeopathic and herbal prescribing in general practice in Scotland. Ross S, Simpson C R and McLay J S. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Volume 62.6. Pages 647 to 652. (December 2006). * The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology is published monthly on behalf of the British Pharmacological Society by Blackwell Publishing. It contains papers and reports on all aspects of drug action in humans: invited review articles, original papers, short communications and correspondence. The Journal, which was first published in 1974, enjoys a wide readership, bridging the gap between the medical profession, clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry. http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/bjcp Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/homeopathic-or-herbal-remedies-prescribed-by-60-percent-of-doctors-surgeries-in-scotland http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-bread-and-potato-dilemma-whats-wrong-with-the-carbs-we-eat- The bread and potato dilemma... what's wrong with the carbs we eat?Source: bendigo.yourguide.com.auThe bread and potato dilemma - What's wrong the carbs we eat? Can that bowl of jasmine rice or that crisp dinner roll be the un-doing of your diet? Many nutritionists believe that our modern staples like white bread, white rice, potato and many breakfast cereals are not the best choices for our health. They may have the same kilojoule count as their whole grain counterpart but they're setting you up to overeat and be hungry again in an hour. Why? It's because they are:  easy to overconsume (they don't 'fill you up')  soft and need little chewing as their fibre has been removed  digested and absorbed quickly (have a high GI)  kilojoule-dense – 100 grams of rice packs in 600 kJ while 100 grams of fish has only 500kJ and 100g of orange has 450kJ Carbs – the best way to cut down Take a look at the carbs you now eat. The ones you love – I love bread for instance but don't care much for rice – are the ones to change. 1. Look at the bread you regularly eat. If it's white, it's not as filling or nutritious as a good grainy loaf or chewy wholemeal. 2. Swap your breakfast cereal to one from oats (muesli or porridge), whole wheat (wheat flake biscuits, wheat flakes) or bran (All-Bran, bran flakes). 3. Check how much potato and pasta you serve for dinner. One medium potato or half a cup of pasta should balance out your meal without overloading you with carbs. Just have a small serve of pumpkin, carrots, corn and peas. 4. Include two pieces of fruit a day. Skip juice which has had its fibre removed, so it's too easy to overconsume. Finally a recent Australian study comparing four different diets found that the best weight loss and cholesterol results came when the subjects ate low GI carbs such as legumes, grainy breads, yoghurt, oats and Basmati rice. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-bread-and-potato-dilemma-whats-wrong-with-the-carbs-we-eat- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-vitamin-d-skin-cancer-study New vitamin D skin cancer studySource: www.skynews.com.auA Queensland researcher is hoping his studies on vitamin D could reduce rates of skin cancer in the state.A vitamin D deficiency can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, rickets and has also been linked to diabetes.Dr David Turnbull from the University of Southern Queensland is conducting research aimed at proving that people don't need direct sunlight to receive their vitamin D intake.He says exposure to ultraviolet B rays in the shade is just as good.The Queensland Cancer Fund has awarded Dr Turnbull 78 thousand dollars to continue his work. Back to Health Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-vitamin-d-skin-cancer-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-ayurvedic-remedy-for-radiation-pain New Ayurvedic Remedy for Radiation PainSource: www.medindia.netScientists at the Rajiv Gandhi Center’s Biotechnology and Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram formulate an ayurvedic cost effective mouthwash for treating radiation related mucositis. The mouthwash is made up of three commonly used herbs. It is effective in the treatment of mucositis, which is one of the common outcomes of oral cancer patients undergoing radiation. Few of the symptoms are mouth sores and gum inflammations, they might last for one and half month to two months and might cause a relapse of the tumor.The mouthwash is said to cut down on the pain and the rate of infection, thus reducing the need of use of painkillers, according to a study conducted in 148 people.This wonder product may be out for use by early 2007. M Radhakrishna Pillai, director of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology said,"We can't reveal names of the medicinal herbs as we are yet to receive the patent. But the plants are common and used in many of our traditional medicines."Presently the drug used to control mucositis is Amifostine, a dose of which is injected 30 minutes before radiation and costs around Rs.9000. But, this mouthwash is to be soaked overnight and used four times per day and costs only Rs.0.65 per dose.Pillai said, “Patients who are under radiation suffer from inflammation of gums and mouth tissue. It is painful and often interrupts their treatment. During this time, the tumor can recur. That's why it is important that patients with oral cancer have a solution whereby they can have relief from pain and their treatment continues till the cancer is totally controlled." Source-Medindia KOM Medindia on About Oral Cancer Cancerous growth occurring within the structures of the oral cavity is known as Oral Cancer. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-ayurvedic-remedy-for-radiation-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-have-natural-options-as-new-hormone-replacement-therapy-study-reinforces-health-concerns Women Have Natural Options as New Hormone Replacement Therapy Study Reinforces Health ConcernsSource: biz.yahoo.comNatural Supplements Are Helping Women Who Seek Safe Ways to Balance Hormones and Alleviate Chronic Menopausal Symptoms BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- As an increasing number of discerning and concerned women re-evaluate their treatment options, natural supplements have emerged as an effective choice for peri-menopausal and menopausal women. The current concerns are based on a new analysis of federal cancer statistics suggesting that a 7.2 percent decline in national breast cancer rates could be linked to the decrease in the number of menopausal women undergoing hormone therapy treatment. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061215/NYF100 )Source: Amerifit Nutrition, Inc. · Estroven. · Click Here to Download Image According to the new statistical analysis, while this causal relationship has been indirectly inferred at this point, the findings support the belief that the significant decrease in breast cancer rates between 2002 and 2003 may be attributed to the reduction in women using hormone therapy during that time. Many menopausal women stopped taking hormone replacement therapy after a 2002 study first suggested that the combination of estrogen and progestin raised the risk of breast cancer.In light of these most recent revelations about the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, it is important that menopausal and peri-menopausal women continue to educate themselves and consider safe, natural choices for addressing distressing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeplessness and night sweats.The leader in the natural supplement category is Estroven®, the number one selling brand of women's supplements for menopause and, for the past five years, the number one recommended brand by pharmacists for menopausal symptoms, as stated by Pharmacy Times magazine. Estroven's proprietary multi-ingredient formula includes: * Black Cohosh Standardized Extract and Plant Isoflavones that are clinically shown to help reduce hot flashes and night sweats * Calcium and Boron to maintain bone health * Natural Vitamin E, B-vitamins and Folic Acid to support cardiovascular health and reduce irritabilityAll Estroven products work in harmony with the body and primarily focus on alleviating and addressing the causes of symptoms related to changing hormones. A natural dietary supplement, Estroven does not contain synthetic estrogen. Formulated for everyday use, Estroven does contain many vitamins and minerals essential to maintaining women's health.For more information about Amerifit Nutrition and its Estroven products, please visit http://www.estroven.com. As with any nutritional supplement, women should consult their healthcare professional before taking Estroven.About Amerifit Nutrition, Inc.Amerifit Nutrition, Inc., is a leading consumer health and wellness company with a focus on women's health care products. Estroven® is the best-selling natural women's wellness brand in America and addresses the needs of a growing sector of women who experience peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. Over three million women have tried Estroven. In addition to the Estroven® brand, Amerifit Nutrition's product portfolio includes AZO STANDARD®, the number one urinary pain reliever brand; CULTERELLE®, the number one probiotic supplement; VITABALL® vitamin gumball, a multivitamin in patented chewing gum form; and SOOTHERBS® all natural cough/cold lozenges. Amerifit Nutrition products continue to expand their reach through food drug, mass and health food retailers.The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-have-natural-options-as-new-hormone-replacement-therapy-study-reinforces-health-concerns http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/immune-boosters-a-growing-food-trend Immune boosters a growing food trendSource: www.montereyherald.comWith cold season around the corner, germophobes are loading up on all kinds of immune-boosting products, from probiotics to pinecone extract.They're swallowing supplements and downing drinks with names like Rescue, Immunity and Airborne. Such foods that advertise multiple health benefits are among the top functional food trends this year, according to the Chicago-based Institute of Food Technologists, a nonprofit scientific society.But are they worth it?"Americans spend billions of dollars on this stuff," said Dr. Bruce Dubin, professor of internal medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. "But assuming someone has a healthy diet and lifestyle, these products really have no additional benefit."The Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1994 exempts such products from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. They must, however, include a warning that the product is not regulated.Health professionals can report problems with products through MedWatch, a voluntary reporting program operated by the FDA.Some consumers swear by them. Ann Farrell of Arlington, Texas, for one, says she has seen the difference a drink called Limu makes in herself and her family. Its maker says the blend of 70 nutrients includes immune-supporting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals."I definitely think it builds your immunity," Farrell said. "My mom has asthma, and soon as she has an attack, Limu just knocks it out."Whether they aim to knock out germs or get an extra boost, 19 percent of adults use herbs, botanicals and enzymes, according to a survey of 31,000 adults conducted as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2002 National Health Interview Survey.The herbal supplement Airborne, with more than $100 million in sales this year, has become a top-seller in the immunity-boosting business.If someone is vitamin deficient, supplements may be beneficial, but for most the best defense during cold season is the same advice mothers have given for centuries."Eat healthy, exercise regularly and wash your hands," Dubin said.Developed by a second-grade teacher, it contains 17 herbs, vitamins and nutrients, according to the label. It comes in various flavors and includes 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, or 1,667 percent of the U.S. recommended daily amount.But there's nothing magical about such supplements, said Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. For most people, the60 mg of vitamin C in a glass of orange juice is all that is needed."When you feel symptoms coming on, it's fine to take a little extra C," said Sandon, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "But anything more than 500 milligrams at one time is going to get washed out."A better tactic is to take500 mg in the morning and again at night, she said.Zinc, found in products such as Airborne, may help lesson the length and severity of a cold if it is taken at the onset, Sandon said. But it is not going to prevent it.Anyone can drink to their good health with Vitamin water, in flavors such as Defense, Revive and Essential. But whether a bottle a day keeps the doctor away is debatable.Vitamin C and zinc -- both found in Defense -- can help the white blood cells fight infection, said Dr. Maria Fisher, an Arlington pediatrician. But rather than drinking vitamin-enhanced water at $1 or so a bottle, she recommends a trip to the gym."Regular exercise helps raise the body temperature to fight minor infections," Fisher said.A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Medicine backs this up. The study found that moderate exercise reduced the risk of colds among post-menopausal women.Probiotics -- living microorganisms -- have been widely used in Europe for decades. But Americans are just starting to discover their reported benefits, which include restoring normal bacteria growth in the digestive tract and intestines. In 2004, Dannon introduced DanActive, a probiotic dairy drink with live and active cultures.The range of conditions studied for probiotics has expanded beyond intestinal function to areas such as immune regulation, reduced absences from work or day care and reduced symptoms from colds, said Mary Ellen Sanders, an international consultant on probiotics and owner of Dairy & Food Culture Technologies in Colorado."Many of these results are preliminary but are promising," she said.There's less research on ProLigna, a patented botanical compound developed from pinecones and used in the supplement ImmunExtra."As far as pine-cone extract goes, I can't fine anything to show it is beneficial," Sandon said.But pine-cone extract has been used for centuries as a natural remedy and has been shown to optimize immune-cell activity, according to the Tampa Bay Research Institute, a nonprofit independent biomedical research facility that developed and studied the compound for 15 years. Allera Health Products of St. Petersburg, Fla., holds the license for ProLigna.As a homeopathic treatment, pinecone extract has been used for colds, coughs, inflammation of the mouth, nerve problems and frequent infections, Fisher said. But it can pose risks for some people.Individuals should be wary of mixing herbal supplements with other over-the-counter products or prescribed medications, Dubin said. Herbal remedies, for example, can interfere with anti-coagulant therapy, he said.Products containing echinacea or goldenseal should be taken for only two weeks because prolonged use can actually suppress the immune system, Fisher said.As a general rule, supplements pose the greatest danger when people take them instead of seeking medical care. As a result, for example, a cancer that would have been treatable can progress to a life-threatening point, Dubin said.If someone is vitamin deficient, supplements may be beneficial, but for most the best defense during cold season is the same advice mothers have given for centuries."Eat healthy, exercise regularly and wash your hands," Dubin said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/immune-boosters-a-growing-food-trend http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-athletic-performance-linked-to-vitamin-deficiency Poor athletic performance linked to vitamin deficiencySource: www.physorg.comActive individuals lacking in B-vitamins – including college athletes and other elite competitors -- may perform worse during high-intensity exercise and have a decreased ability to repair and build muscle than counterparts with nutrient-rich diets, according to recent Oregon State University research published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Sponsored Links (Ads by Google)Athlete's Foot Treatment - Athletes foot cure from Lamisil. Quick & effective reliefSimply the ....vitamin - Glucosamine Omega Menopause Full strength inexpensive SimpleAthlete's Foot Cure - 100% Natural. Guaranteed. Doctor Recommended. Money back The B-vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, B-12 and folate. These micronutrients are necessary during the body's process for converting proteins and sugars into energy, and are used during the production and repair of cells, including red blood cells. For active individuals a marginal deficiency in the nutrients may impact the body's ability to repair itself, operate efficiently and fight disease, said Melinda Manore, researcher in the Colleges of Agricultural and Health and Human Sciences. Manore analyzed the athletic performance of several elite and collegiate athletes in her research, as well as less competitive individuals. The stress on the body's energy producing pathways during exercise, the changes in the body's tissues resulting from training, an increase in the loss of nutrients in sweat, urine and feces during and after strenuous activity and the additional nutrients needed to repair and maintain higher levels of lean tissue mass present in some athletes and individuals may all affect an individuals B-vitamin requirements, said Manore. "Many athletes, especially young athletes involved in highly competitive sports, do not realize the impact their diets have on their performance," said Manore, who is also an Extension Service nutrition scientist. "By the time they reach adulthood they can have seriously jeopardized their abilities and their long-term health." Sponsored Links (Ads by Google)Vitamins Injections A B1 B2 B6 B12 C D2 D3 E injections Powerful, ISO GMP. No prescriptionExercise & Sport Science Study exercise and sport science at The University of SydneyA Healthy Christmas Gift Multi-Vitamin For Kids and Adults Boost Energy, Learning & Anti-Aging Current national B-vitamin recommendations for active individuals may be inadequate, and athletes who follow the recommended daily allowances set by the U.S. government may be receiving lower amounts of nutrients than there bodies need, said Manore. Athletes who restrict calories or limit food groups like dairy or meat have an increased chance of deficiency. Such athletes are often concerned about maintaining a low body weight for sports like gymnastics and wrestling. "The most vulnerable people are often the individuals society expects to be the healthiest," said Manore. "There's a lot of pressure on women in particular to look like an 'athlete.' Unfortunately for some people that means skinny and petite, rather than healthy and strong." The B-vitamins are in whole and enriched grains, dark green vegetables, nuts, and many animal and dairy products. Manore suggests athletes and individuals with poor or restricted diets consider taking a multivitamin or mineral supplement. Source: Oregon State University Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/poor-athletic-performance-linked-to-vitamin-deficiency http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-can-slow-down-bone-loss-due-to-binge-drinking Vitamin D can slow down bone loss due to binge drinkingSource: news.sawf.orgA Loyola University Health System study has shown that vitamin D, or the anti-osteoporosis drug Boniva, can prevent alcohol-induced bone loss resulting from excessive binge-alcohol drinking. Repetitive binge-alcohol drinking reduces bone mass, which is detrimental to youngsters and young adults, and increases the rate of bone loss in osteoporotic post-menopausal women,” said principal study investigator Dr. Frederick Wezeman, professor of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, and associate dean, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Ill. The underlying reason is that bone mass peaks when people are in their mid-20s and is progressively reduced as they age. “Before that, in the teen and young adult years, the skeleton is developing and requires exercise, calcium, vitamin D and good nutrition to achieve optimal health,” said Wezeman, director, musculoskeletal biology research laboratory, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill. “This sets the stage for how healthy your bones will be in subsequent decades when requirements for calcium and vitamin D intake increase,” he said. “Postmenopausal women already at risk for osteoporosis are especially susceptible to alcohol-induced bone damage. “We do feel it important to share the research findings as they may provide therapeutic intervention for individuals affected by alcohol abuse,” said Wezeman. It also points to the importance of keeping your bones healthy, Wezeman noted. Youngsters who spend hours indoors sitting in front of a computer and surfing the Web are putting their bones at risk. They should be active out-of-doors, weight-conscious, and properly nourished for calcium and vitamin D intake. “Teen and young adult “Web potatoes” face future bone problems even without drinking,” said Wezeman. “If they go on binge-drinking sprees on top of that, they can harm their bones even more.” Bone is a constantly changing tissue. Don’t take your skeleton for granted, Wezeman cautioned. “Of course individuals should speak to their physician, but generally adults need 1,200 – 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily plus they should get 600 – 800 IUs of vitamin D,” said Wezeman. “For a long time, the standard thought was 400 IUs of vitamin D was enough; now we know more is needed.” (ANI) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-can-slow-down-bone-loss-due-to-binge-drinking http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/goji-berries-usa-introduces-liquid-vitamin Goji Berries USA Introduces Liquid VitaminSource: www.prweb.comGojiberries.us announced today that it now carries liquid vitamin, a multi-vitamin supplement for better overall health. (PRWEB) October 27, 2006 -- Goji Berries Inc. announced today that it now carries liquid vitamin - 'Pro Vitamin Complete', (http://301url.com/liquid-vitamins) a multi-vitamin supplement with 178 ingredients, for better overall health. We recommend multivitamins, rather than individual vitamins, because multivitamins are simpler to take... and because a large proportion of the population needs supplements of more that one vitamin. Pro Vitamin Complete's phyonutrient blend is derived from actual fruit and vegetables. The proprietary process captures the maximum nutritional value of each ingredient, including the nutrients from the skin, seeds, and pulp. Pro Vitamin Complete contains premium bio-active concentrates of 28 of the most potent fruits and vegetables. A report in the June 19, 2002 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association has recognized the link between vitamins and the reduced risk of chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. To help address this vitamin deficiency problem, the report goes on to say, "We recommend multivitamins, rather than individual vitamins, because multivitamins are simpler to take... and because a large proportion of the population needs supplements of more that one vitamin."Goji Berries, USA (http://www.gojiberries.us) carries products for overall improvement of health through extracts of natural fruits and vegetables including Goji Berries that are considered to have the highest amount of anti-oxidants. "I've been eating the berries for about 1 month now. These berries do really amazing things for me than anything else. When I eat maybe 10-20 berries, my blood starts circulating more. And after 3 weeks, my black hair start to come back. (I'm so happy!), and my joints were painful everywhere, but now I don't feel pain anymore. And I feel more energy. I feel like 10 years younger than before. I want to introduce these berries to my friends and my family," reported a customer, Amy from Brooklyn, NY.Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.About GojiBerries.us: Goji Berries US is the online store where you can order Goji berries, Goji juice and Goji seeds in small and wholesale quantities at very competitive rates. These are directly imported from the Tibetan Himalayas and help to improve your vigor and energy levels with the rich antioxidant properties. They now carry liquid vitamin to improve the health naturally. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/goji-berries-usa-introduces-liquid-vitamin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fishy-answer-to-depression Fishy answer to depressionSource: www.news.com.auADDING fish oil to the diet is the most promising supplement-related treatment for depression, a new review has found.Sydney University dieticians have trawled recent research to judge the benefits of a range of dietary supplements for relief from depressive symptoms. The review, published today in the Australian journal Nutrition & Dietetics, rated vitamins B6 and B12, folate, the chemical S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) and the essential amino acid tryptophan as showing some promise in the field. The herbal extract St John's Wort was also reviewed positively. But researchers found omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in oily fish and some grains and nuts, to be the "most promising" nutrition-based treatment for the condition. "We have found evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation in the diet which may contribute to an eventual recovery in the long term," said lead author and dietician Dr Dianne Volker. "This is definitely a valuable add-on to the psychosocial and pharmacological treatment therapy depression-sufferers undergo." The polyunsaturated fatty acids have been found to have cardiovascular benefits and a role in brain development and mental health. The review found that three meals a week of oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel or fresh tuna, or the equivalent in fish oil supplements, was optimum. The National Heart Foundation recommends two fish meals a week. Depression is the leading non-fatal disability in Australia, with one in five people developing it at some point in their lives. The World Health Organisation believes depression will become the second leading cause of morbidity worldwide by 2020. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fishy-answer-to-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-could-prevent-ms Vitamin D Could Prevent MSSource: www.ktiv.comA lot of people take a multi-vitamin everyday. But what if just one part of that pill could keep you from getting multiple sclerosis? It's the finding of a new study from Harvard.Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. It happens most often in young adults, women more than men.Dr. Alberto Ascherio of the Harvard School of Public Health says, "Affect the movement, may affect sensation, may affect cognition, may affect all bodily function."While there's no cure, there may be a way to reduce your risk of getting MS by increasing your levels of vitamin-D. Researchers measured the vitamin-D levels in more than 7-million individuals.Dr. Ascherio says, "In the top 20-percent of the vitamin-D levels, the risk of developing MS is 62-percent lower than at the lower levels, so this suggests vitamin-D could possibly contribute to MS prevention."Vitamin-D is a hormone manufactured naturally in the body and its levels can be increased through supplements, eating certain foods such as fatty fish and dairy products and by sun exposure.But researchers caution more studies are needed before making a recommendation as to how much vitamin-D is needed to reduce your risk of MS. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-could-prevent-ms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cod-liver-oil-reduces-diabetes-risk Cod Liver Oil Reduces Diabetes RiskSource: paktribune.comTaking cod liver oil early in life appears to reduce the chances that children will develop insulin-dependent ("type 1") diabetes, researchers report. The protection may possibly come from the anti-inflammatory effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil. "In Norway, cod liver oil is an important source of dietary vitamin D and the long-chain n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)," according to Dr. Lars C. Stene, of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, in Oslo, and colleagues. All these nutrients "have biological properties of potential relevance for the prevention of type 1 diabetes," they explain in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers looked to see if intake of dietary cod liver oil by mothers or by children during their first year of life was tied to a lower risk of type 1 diabetes among children. The nationwide study in Norway included 545 cases of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes and 1668 control subjects. Families completed questionnaires on the use of cod liver oil, other vitamin D supplements, and other factors. The team found that the use of cod liver oil in the first year of life reduced the risk of diabetes by 26 percent. No such effect was found with the use of other vitamin D supplements life or with maternal intake of cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplements during pregnancy. These results point to the fatty acids EPA and DHA as the beneficial components. "These fatty acids may influence gene expression, have anti-inflammatory effects, and have been shown to be relevant in the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases," Stene and colleagues write. They hope to repeat the findings in children at genetically high-risk for type 1 diabetes. If so, "cod liver oil or individual fatty acids such as DHA may be candidates for preventive intervention trials," they conclude. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cod-liver-oil-reduces-diabetes-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-s-top-5-skin-woes-by-michelle-dow Women’s Top 5 Skin Woes by Michelle DowSource: www.carefair.comWomen are quick to jump on the newest diet fad ( South Beach, anyone?), exercise trends (Pilates…spinning…), and must-have haircut or color (Remember the “Rachel?”). But no matter how perfect the haircut or how stylish the dress, our skin is the most valuable tool we possess to make or break our entire look and outlast passing fads. The downside is a woman typically begins to notice signs of aging in her skin by her mid-20s. This is caused by both intrinsic factors, like decreased collagen production and reduced elasticity, and extrinsic factors, like sun exposure or smoking. But there are ways to keep skin from showing its years, so long as you address problem areas and treat them accordingly. Start by tackling the following five skin woes: Woe #1: Scaly Skin Keeping skin hydrated can be a challenge, especially in the winter. Avoid hot water when cleansing the skin, as it tends to dry out the skin. Settle on a lukewarm water temperature for maximum moisturizing benefits. As for creams and lotions, women and men alike should use a product that protects the skin while providing subtle moisturization. Look for one containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, essential oils, and lactic acid, while making sure the product is labeled “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog your pores). Woe #2: Ruts in the Road Wouldn’t we all love the look of porcelain skin minus the pores? Unfortunately, pore size is something we can thank our parents for. To minimize the appearance of pores at home, skin should be kept clean both a cleanser and toner to reduce oil, as oily pores appear larger. For a more drastic fix, new laser technologies offer tighter, firmer looking pores, and retinol treatments can also be helpful, if your skin is tolerant. Both are available at medical spas or through your dermatologist. Woe #3: Wrinkles in Time The number one sign of aging skin, wrinkles cause women to PANIC. They result from years of tanning, frowning (sadly, smiling causes wrinkles, too) and genetics (feel free to blame your parents again). As we age, facial skin takes a beating from environmental pollutants, sun exposure, smoking and drinking alcohol, all of which cause severe breakdown of the skin. To help prevent damage, it is essential to use a sun block offering UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of at least 30. For the correction of existing lines and creases, Botox and other popular dermal fillers have proven effective. Also, laser treatments that plump collagen followed by retinol treatments for continuity work beautifully to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Woe #4: Seeing Spots Clinically known as hyper-pigmentation, brown sunspots and uneven skin tone are caused by erratic melanin – as if our lives weren’t erratic enough already – and can cause skin to look splotchy and dark. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that colors our skin, becomes unstable due to sun damage and rises to the surface of the skin. Sun block is essential to keep this damage from occurring. There are available options to repair past damage, including topical pharmaceutical creams, procedures to freeze off damaged spots, or laser treatments. Your dermatologist can recommend the best treatment option for you. Woe #5: Unhealthy Relationship Achieving healthy, glowing skin is really quite simple. Think of your skin for what it really is – your body’s largest organ – and treat it accordingly. You’ll look your best if you remember to exfoliate regularly, so you are re-building skin cells faster than normal. For maximum exfoliation benefits, use products containing alpha hydroxy acids, Vitamin C, or retinol. There are also laser treatments available to increase the rate at which your skin produces new cells, leaving you with a fresh, healthy glow. Every woman may experience these skin woes, but armed with these tips and techniques, you can transform your skin into a perfect accessory that never goes out of style. About the author: Michelle Dow is an aesthetician with more than 13 years of experience in clinical skin care, Michelle Dow serves as the lead aesthetician at Park Cities-based Neu Medical Aesthetics Center. At the Center, operated by Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Hunt Neurohr, Dow specializes in skin care consulting, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, acne surgery, therapeutic facials and camouflage make-up. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-s-top-5-skin-woes-by-michelle-dow http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milk-thistle-may-help-diabetics Milk thistle may help diabeticsSource: www.dailytimes.com.pkA herbal therapy that has been used for thousands of years may help to control blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes, scientists said. Milk thistle, a flowering herb, is a popular complementary therapy. It is also called silymarin, which is a mixture of the herb’s active components, used to treat liver problems such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and gallbladder problems. Researchers in Iran have also found the remedy could benefit diabetes sufferers. “We don’t know the exact mechanism of action for this effect, but this work shows that silymarin could play an important role in treating type 2 diabetes,” said Fallah Huseini, who works for the Institute of Medicinal Plants in Teheran. Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to being overweight or obese, is an increasing health problem worldwide. Most of the 194 million people who suffer from it have type 2 diabetes, which is caused by an inability to regulate the glucose, or sugar in the body properly. Huseini compared the effects of daily supplements of silymarin, which contains a number of active constituents called flavolignans which help protect the liver from poisoning, against a placebo in 51 diabetics. Half the patients received 200 milligrams of silymarin three times a day for four months or the dummy pill along with conventional treatments. At the end of the study, people in the herbal group had reductions in blood glucose levels compared to their earlier levels. “The results are very encouraging, and we now need to do further large multi-centre studies,” Huseini added. The charity Diabetes UK said some substances appear to have an effect on lowering blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes but they are not a cure and should not replace traditional therapies. “This study is very small and still in its early stages, therefore we would not recommend using milk thistle or any other supplement for people with diabetes” a Diabetes UK spokesperson said.Diabetes, which is a chronic illness, also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney damage and nerve disorders that can lead to foot ulceration and amputations. The World Health Organisation expects the number of people suffering from diabetes to rise to 300 million by 2025. Reuters Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milk-thistle-may-help-diabetics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/detox-diet Detox dietSource: www.health24.comMany people want to detox, but are not sure where to begin. In this article we show you how to do this, using a basic cleansing diet. Just keep in mind that it's better to do it over a weekend or during a holiday, as the diet, although very good for you, can make you feel a bit faint or tired, says dietician Dr Ingrid van Heerden. This cleansing diet should also not be followed for more than two to three days and those on it should never take any laxatives or herbal products that could interfere with their bowel or kidney function, she says. A basic cleansing diet should make you feel a lot better and give your body a chance to rest from overindulging.Rule 1: Rest If you are going to clean out your system, take a day or two off and rest, because the cleansing diet can make you feel tired and could interfere with certain activities such as driving. Spend the day relaxing and listening to soothing music, reading and sleeping in order to recharge your batteries. Meditation and doing relaxation exercises are also excellent ways of restoring harmony to both body and soul. Remember to switch off all telephones, fax machines and the TV and to block out irritating stimuli which could detract from your relaxation.Try arranging an aromatherapy or reflexology session as a special treat, or indulge in a facial. If you can persuade the therapist to treat you in your own home, you will derive the greatest benefit from this and also avoid having to drive.Rule 2: Liquid Drink as much liquid as possible. Clean water, spring water, diluted fruit juices, fresh fruit and vegetable juices whipped up in a food processor, and iced rooibos tea with lemon and honey, are all excellent liquids which will detoxify the body. A high liquid intake helps to flush out the liver, the kidneys and the bowel.Fruit cocktail: Wash and cut up any combination of the following fruits:Apples Pineapple Sweet melon (spanspek) Pawpaw Grapes Mango Peaches Plums Guavas Remember to remove all pips and to use seedless grapes. Process the fruit together with one to two tablespoons of honey. Drink immediately. Add ice cubes or crushed ice. Do not store for long periods, not even in the fridge, as vitamin C is easily destroyed by exposure to light and air.Add carrot or beetroot to boost beta-carotene and bioflavonoid content.Rule 3: Dietary fibre If you feel that you need more than liquids to sustain you during the cleansing period, concentrate on eating foods rich in dietary fibre to clean out the bowel. The following foods are the best sources of dietary fibre: fresh, raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, wholewheat bread, high-bran cereal, oats, brown rice, wholewheat crackers and snack breads.Soak dried fruit in boiling water overnight and then boil in the same liquid until soft. Add one to two tablespoons of honey to this. Add fruit and liquid to oatmeal porridge for a delicious, breakfast rich in fibre.Rule 4: Vitamin and mineral supplements When you take time out for a day or two to allow your body to heal itself, remember to continue with your vitamin and mineral supplements. Rule 5: Important considerations The basic cleansing diet should not be used for longer than two days. Do not use this diet if you suffer from any illness, or have problems such as heart disease, diabetes, low blood sugar, kidney problems, or any other serious condition. Do not exert yourself while using the diet, so all strenuous activities, such as exercise and working are taboo. Avoid all stimulants such as alcohol, Ceylon tea, coffee, cola drinks, carbonated cold drinks, chocolate, cacao and cigarettes.Avoid all stressful situations and contact with the busy outside world. Concentrate on regenerating your batteries and purifying your system.You can use this basic cleansing diet whenever you feel that the excesses of eating, drinking and partying are damaging your health, but never exceed the two day limit. - (Dr I.V. van Heerden, DietDoc) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/detox-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarian-diet-offers-health-benefits Vegetarian diet offers health benefitsSource: www.mininggazette.comAt the age of four, Brialle Ringer made up her mind to go vegetarian for a simple reason.“Animals are like my best friends,” Ringer said.Ringer was shopping with her mother, Kristen Hill, for rice milk, kiwi fruit, avocados and other groceries Wednesday at the Keweenaw Food Co-op.Now 12, Ringer said she has been a vegetarian on and off over the years.“For the past two years, I’ve been straight vegetarian,” Ringer said.She went vegetarian before her mother, who decided to cut meat out of her diet because she felt like her eating it made no sense.“I never really liked eating meat, I found I was always kind of forcing myself to eat meat,” Hill said. “And I’m aware of all the suffering that animals have to go through because people think they taste good.”Tara Lassila, RD, a dietitian at Portage Health who is also a vegetarian (for the last eight years), said ethical concerns were a key factor in her decision to stop eating meat, but she also did so for health benefits.“A vegetarian diet can help lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure,” Lassila said. “It’s a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. Plant-based foods have been shown to lower your risk for certain cancers.”Other health benefits of eating vegetarian include helping to maintain a healthy body weight and decreasing digestive problems including bowel diseases, gall stones and colon cancer.“If you look at the healthiest cultures in the world, they eat vegetarian,” said Melanee Tiura, RD, CDE, also a dietitian at Portage Health.Tiura frequently recommends at least a partially-vegetarian diet to help patients lower their low-density lypoprotein (LDL), or cholesterol.“That is the main target for anyone’s cholesterol panel is to address that LDL, and vegetarianism does a good job of doing that,” Tiura said.She has been a vegetarian on a trial basis for the last six weeks, to see how it would affect her cholesterol level.“I just swapped my animal proteins for vegetable proteins, but I don’t have my numbers yet,” Tiura said.She said becoming vegetarian is best done as a gradual process. Maybe start with eliminating red meat, then gradually remove poultry and fish.Going vegetarian requires more than just eliminating meat from one’s diet.“It’s more about what you’re including than about what you’re excluding,” Tiura said.One of the key things to include is diverse protein sources. Meat offers a one-stop shop for protein, because animals take in various types of plant food and synthesize it into what is called complete protein.Vegetarian humans have to take in multiple different types of protein in order to get all of the necessary amino acids. Dietitians break down protein foods into four groups.Group A is whole grains and cereals, including wheat, oats, rice. Group B is legumes — things like peanuts, peas, lentils and lima beans. Nuts and seeds comprise group C — cashews, walnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds. Group D is vegetables including potatoes, dark green vegetables and other vegetables.Vegetarian eaters should strive to eat items from all four groups as regularly as possible.“I tell my patients to shoot for every day,” Tiura said.She said plant-based foods, high in carbohydrates, provide all the fuel necessary for active lifestyles.And going vegetarian doesn’t have to mean switching to a salad-and-falafel diet.“It’s really just working with your current intake and modifying things slightly to put a plant in instead of an animal,” Tiura said.At home, she makes a lot of use of soy products, using them instead of chicken. She said her family has responded well to the vegetarian cooking over the last six weeks.“My husband is happy with the changes we’ve made,” Tiura said.Lassila has developed a set of stand-by favorite dishes.“I do make vegetarian chili quite often, I do enjoy that,” she said. “I do a lot of tacos with beans, a lot of that, just because I enjoy it so much.”Tiura said a good vegetarian cookbook is necessary for starting a meat-free diet.She also said it is important to drink a lot of fluids and to lead an active lifestyle because these things help the body adjust to higher levels of fiber. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarian-diet-offers-health-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-diet-good-for-breast-cancer-patients Low-fat diet good for breast cancer patientsSource: foodconsumer.orgAlthough not all low fat diets are necessarily healthy, a low-fat diet may help lower the chance of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women treated for early-stage breast cancer, according to a new U.S. study.The study of about 2,400 women age 48 to 79 found the rate of breast cancer recurrence for women on a low-fat diet (33 grams of fat per day) was 9.8 percent compared to 12.4 percent among those eating a standard diet with about 52 grams of fat per day.The risk of breast cancer recurrence in the low fat diet group was reduced by 24 percent compared to the control group, according to the study published in the December issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. In comparison, the risk reduction was 42 percent among women on a low fat diet, whose breast cancer did not respond to the hormone estrogen. This is compared to a reduction of 15 percent among those on a low diet, whose breast cancer did respond to estrogen.Breast cancer that does not respond to estrogen is called receptor-negative (ER-negative). Patients with ER-negative breast cancer often have a worse outcome compared to those with an ER-positive breast cancer. The findings are particularly important to those whose breast cancer is ER-negative because a low-fat diet may help them get a better prognosis if further studies confirm the benefit.While the protective effect of a low fat diet against breast cancer recurrence is possible, researchers do not know how to exactly explain it. The effect if any could be due to the low intake of fat, or increased intake of other macronutrients such as carbohydrates. It could also due to reduced body weight resulting from a low fat diet.The study was based on data from participants in the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS) sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. WINS, the first large-scale randomized trial, aims to demonstrate that diet changes can improve outcomes for early-stage breast cancer patients who received conventional treatments.Early studies of the effect of dietary fat on the risk of breast cancer and other types of cancer remain inconsistent. Laboratory and animal studies and even case-control studies have consistently come to a similar conclusion that high dietary fat and certain fats increase risk of breast cancer, particularly in pre-menopausal women.Often, the controversy about the dietary fat and breast cancer risk has come from cohort studies, which are hard to duplicate and subject to more uncontrollable errors and potential biases. The results of such studies may also depend upon the study methodologies, funding providers and or the researchers who conducted the studies.Overall, it seems clear that a high fat diet is likely to be a risk factor for breast cancer. After meta-analysis of 45 case-control and cohort studies up to 2003, N.F. Boyd and colleagues at the Ontario Cancer Institute came to agree that diets high in total fat and saturated fat are significantly associated with high risk of breast cancer.And both "case-control and cohort studies gave similar results," Boyd and colleagues write in their article, which was published in 2003 in British Journal of Cancer.A scientist affiliated with foodconsumer.org suggested that consumers should know that not all low-fat diets are healthy. The important thing to do is use the right fats. Studies have revealed that certain fatty acids can increase the breast cancer risk while others such as n-3 fatty acids and a high ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids can decrease risk of the disease. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-diet-good-for-breast-cancer-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sensational-seeds Sensational seedsSource: www.seacoastonline.comWe hear a lot about the health benefits of beans and nuts, but how about seeds? One tiny little seed that you will want to add to your list is flax seed. These seeds contain a wide range of nutrients including protein, both soluble and insoluble fiber, essential fatty acids, omega three fatty acids, and a number of other vitamins and minerals (potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, etc.). They also contain lignans which are a type of phytoestrogen (weak plant estrogens similar to those found in soy).When it comes to fiber, the soluble fiber they contain is what is recommended for persons with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and some intestinal issues. The insoluble fiber in flax seeds provides bulk for a healthy intestinal tract. Both types of fiber help with constipation (as long as the person is drinking enough fluids). These fibers are helpful for persons with irritable bowel syndrome, too. The fiber can also make you feel fuller after a meal without adding calories. The recommended intake of fiber for an adult is 25-30 grams a day. Most Americans get less than half that amount. Flax seeds are an easy way to boost that number. If your diet has been low in fiber, add it gradually. Start with a lesser amount and increase over time. Flax seeds contain polyunsaturated fat "" the healthy plant-based fat. Recommendations are for us to consume less saturated fat and a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fat. They also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is a form of omega three fatty acid. The American food supply has moved toward higher amounts of omega six fatty acids. Including more omega three's helps to bring back the balance between the two. Omega three's are anti-inflammatory. They can be helpful to the body in a number of ways, especially for persons with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory intestinal problems. They are also recommended for persons with high triglycerides and for reducing the build up of plaque on blood vessel walls. Some studies are showing benefit in reducing the risk of certain cancers. They can also help if you have a dry eye condition. So how do you include more flax in your diet? If you are looking to just add more of the oils and omega three's you can get them from flax oil in the form of a liquid or gel cap. To get all the benefits, though, you should add ground flax seed to your day. Whole flax seeds pass through the intestinal system undigested so they need to be ground. Grinding them in a coffee grinder allows your body to use all the health benefits. One-fourth cup of ground flax seed has the same amount of oil as one tablespoon of the oil alone. It also has about 4-5 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. The baseline recommendation for ALA intake is found in one teaspoon of flax oil or one tablespoon of ground flax seed. Since some of the nutrients are destroyed by exposure to air and heat, you should grind them right before using or keep the ground flax seed in the refrigerator or freezer after grinding. Cooking will cause some of the nutrients to be lost, but many including the fiber, protein, minerals and some vitamins are still available. Whole flax seed can last at room temperature for up to a year. Flax has a delightful nutty taste. Ground flax seeds can be used in toppings for desserts (like fruit crisps) or baked goods. They can be included in many doughs and batters. Try adding them to pancake or waffle batter, muffins, biscuits, cookies, coffee cake or other quick breads. Sprinkle ground flax seed on hot or cold cereal. Add some to yogurt or to a fruit and yogurt smoothie. Read food labels -- some pasta, breads, crackers, frozen waffles, hot and cold cereals now contain ground flax seed.Flax can also help to reduce or eliminate the use of eggs or oil in some recipes. To replace an egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flax seed with three tablespoons of water (a 1:3 ratio). Let it sit for one to two minutes. The mixture will be gel-like. Use this amount for each egg in a recipe.For replacing oil, margarine, shortening or butter in some recipes, mix three tablespoons of ground flax seed with one tablespoon of water (a 3:1 ratio). Be aware that baked goods with added ground flax seed tend to brown more quickly than those made with oil.Think about how you can start adding some flax seed and all its health benefits to your day! Pamela Stuppy, MS, RD, LD is a registered, licensed dietitian with nutrition counseling offices in York, Maine, and at Whole Life Health Care in Newington. She is also the nutritionist for Phillips Exeter Academy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sensational-seeds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/go-nuts-over-nuts Go Nuts Over NutsSource: www.infozine.comBeginning 20 years ago, researchers discovered that people who eat nuts five or more times a week have a lower incidence of heart disease, even when factors such as smoking, age, weight, blood pressure and physical fitness are taken into account. Among people who have suffered heart attacks, nut eaters have better chances of survival. Since then, other studies have shown similar results, including a possible link between nuts and lower risk for some types of cancer.The vitamins and minerals in nuts contribute to their heart-healthy and cancer-fighting powers. The potassium, magnesium and calcium in them help control blood pressure. And their high fiber content helps lower cholesterol and may protect against diseases like colon cancer.While all fats carry the same number of calories (125 calories per tablespoon), all fats are not created equal. Saturated fats, which are linked to high blood cholesterol, are commonly found in animal products. Nuts, however, are rich in mono-and polysaturated fats. If you eat more of these healthy fats and fewer saturated and trans fats, you can lower your blood cholesterol, especially LDL, the unhealthy kind.Crackin' Good ExamplesAlmonds. Besides having more fiber than other nuts, one ounce of almonds (about 1/3 cup) has about half the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, a substance that laboratory studies suggests is a powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant.Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts provide a rich source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that may help prevent prostate, lung, colorectal, gastric and skin cancers, as well as heart disease. One ounce of Brazil nuts (6 to 8 nuts) can have more than 500 micrograms (mcg.) of selenium. That's enough to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance of this nutrient for a week. Other nuts provide about 1 mcg. in an ounce.Peanuts. Although technically a legume, these nutty favorites are high in folate, a B vitamin that lowers blood levels of possibly harmful homocysteine. An ounce of peanuts (about 40 pieces) contains about 10 percent of the recommended daily intake of folate. Peanuts also contain the antioxidant resveratrol.Walnuts. Walnuts contain more antioxidants than any other nut and are high in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids may slow tumor growth and reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Although they have less vitamin E than almonds, they make up the difference with a variety of other antioxidant phytochemicals. They are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer.Since nuts provide protein and fat, snacking on a handful can help stave off hunger for a few hours. For the greatest benefit, eat a variety of nuts several times a week or even daily, but limit your portions to one ounce, or about 1/4 -1/3 cup, which is 150 to 200 calories. Nuts are delicious chopped and sprinkled on breakfast cereal, salads and casseroles. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/go-nuts-over-nuts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-vitamin-d-levels-linked-to-improved-lung-cancer-survival High Vitamin D Levels Linked to Improved Lung Cancer SurvivalSource: As circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) increase, survival in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) improves, new research shows.In an earlier study, Dr. Wei Zhou, from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues showed that surgery in the summertime coupled with higher vitamin D intake seemed to improve survival in NSCLC patients. The focus of the present study was to investigate the role of vitamin D further by assessing the impact of circulating 25(OH)D levels on NSCLC survival. The study, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology for February 10, involved 447 patients with early-stage NSCLC. During a median follow-up period of 72 months, 161 recurrences and 234 deaths were recorded.Patients in the highest serum 25(OH)D quartile (at least 21.6 ng/mL) were 26% less likely to die during follow-up than were those in the lowest quartile ( Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-vitamin-d-levels-linked-to-improved-lung-cancer-survival http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-may-cut-heart-risk Calcium and vitamin D may cut heart riskSource: www.earthtimes.orgCanadian researchers found taking calcium and vitamin D supplements while on a weight-loss program lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.University of Laval researchers Genevieve Major, Francine Alarie, Jean Dor, Sakouna Phouttama and Angelo Tremblay enrolled 63 women with a body mass index over 30 on a 15-week low-calorie diet. At the start of the experiment the women's daily calcium intake was 700 mg on average, well below the 1,000 mg recommendation. This is nothing exceptional, said study leader Tremblay. More than 50 percent of women don't get the daily recommended dose.In addition to the low-calorie diet, participants were given daily tablets containing either a placebo or 1,200 mg of calcium with vitamin D to facilitate calcium absorption, adds Tremblay. At the end of the 15-week period, researchers observed greater drops in LDL -- bad cholesterol -- and increases in HDL -- good cholesterol -- in the calcium-plus-vitamin D group than in the placebo group, according to the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.The authors conclude that prescribing calcium and vitamin D supplements should be considered as a component of weight-loss programs aimed at people with insufficient calcium intake. Copyright 2007 by UPI Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-may-cut-heart-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tips-to-help-remedy-your-dry-skin- Tips To Help Remedy Your Dry Skin.Source: wcco.comAfter weeks of below-freezing temperatures, one thing is for sure. Our skin is dry and itchy. This morning we examined what dermatologists recommend to keep our skin from bothering us during the cold, dry weather. There are things you can do and things you should avoid.Let's start with your morning routine: your bath or shower. Short baths and showers are easier on dry skin than long soaks. The temperature matters too. Try to resist the temptation to use hot water. It dries the skin out more than warm water.If you have really dry skin, you may even want to consider bathing or showering every other day, instead of every day. Next, be sure to moisturize. Apply a cream while your skin is still damp. The thicker the lotion the better.Also, pay attention to the temperature inside your house. You might benefit from turning the heat down. Dermatologists say when you heat your house too much, it can make your skin feel itchy.A humidifier is a great remedy for the dry air in your home, but dermatologists warn you have to make sure you take proper care of that humidifier and keep the water in it clean. Most people don't realize how important it is to change the water in humidifiers every day and the clean them frequently. By frequently, I mean every three days.If they are not properly maintained, harmful mold, fungi and bacteria develop and then you breathe that stuff in. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that over time, that dirty air could cause lung problems.Some manufacturers also recommend using distilled or demineralized water instead of tap water in humidifiers to help keep bacteria from growing. Here is a cool home remedy I found for your bath water. Try a weekly milk bath to heal that dry skin. Here's what you do: Fill the tub with warm water, and add about a cup of powdered milk and 1 or 2 teaspoons of almond oil. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tips-to-help-remedy-your-dry-skin- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-wonders-of-hyaluronic-acid-nature-s-first-cosmeceutical-by-dr-dennis-gross The Wonders of Hyaluronic Acid: Nature’s First Cosmeceutical by Dr. Dennis GrossSource: www.carefair.comMy dermatologic practice has clearly demonstrated to me that skin aging is not just a loss of collagen, but also a loss of water. It’s the loss of both that accounts for fine lines, deeper wrinkles, folds and even sagging of the skin as we age. Collagen, no doubt, is the primary structural protein giving skin its firmness. But, if collagen serves as the bricks in skin structure, then hyaluronic (HA) acid clearly serves as the mortar. HA is a natural constituent of skin and has the remarkable ability to hold nearly one thousand times its weight in water. That’s how HA contributes to the thickness of skin: it doesn’t build like collagen, it inflates with water. HA is also known as sodium hyaluronate and is a macromolecule officially classified in the chemical group known as a glycosaminoglycan. Collagen and HA are, interestingly enough, both produced by the same dermal skin cells called fibroblasts. Born of the same mother cell, both collagen and HA degenerate in human skin with aging and sun damage. Hormone depletion, lowered estrogen and menopause all cause the manufacturing of HA to diminish. HA is probably the most underrated and powerful ingredient the cosmaceutical industry has yet to fully exploit. It has been the focus of much of my own research. The key benefit and added beauty HA brings to skin is defined by the word turgid: the optimal plumpness of skin achieved by the retention of water. When skin is optimally turgid, it appears smoother and plumper. HA achieves this effect because it is one of the most important regulators of water metabolism in the skin. To appreciate how it beautifies the skin, one must explore HA’s different mechanisms of action on the epidermis and dermis. When applied directly to the epidermis via topical products, such as creams and gels, HA hydrates the skin as a humectant. It literally attracts air born water vapor into the skin and retains water delivered to the skin by the circulation. Because of this mechanism, the dermatologic effect of moisturization is superior to what could be achieved by the typical moisturizer composed only of a routine oil- and-water mixture. HA is a key ingredient that is fortunately highly soluble and adds another dimension to product design. The truth is that a moisturizer without a humectant only provides the skin with the additional water barely contained in that small amount of product one spreads over their skin. HA also provides another key benefit by preventing the evaporation of water from the skin. Clinical research on dry skin measures a key index known as trans-epidermal water-loss (TEWL). Think of it as a measurement of the skin’s inability to retain water which is lost by evaporation. Studies clearly demonstrate that sun damaged skin take on its chronic dry skin appearance because of its associated increase TEWL. While this condition may also involve an abnormal lack of exfoliation, HA should be a key therapeutic ingredient in one’s skincare regimen because humectants ordinarily synthesized by the skin are reduced as a consequence of sun damage. The skin’s natural HA may also be lost by mistakes made in one’s cleansing routine. Whereas aging and sun damage reduce the skin’s ability to retain water, cleansing may strip the skin of its own humectants and oils beyond the skin’s ability to manufacture them. Generally, bar soap is more drying than non-soap liquid cleansers, and soapy liquid cleansers are often the most drying of all. Everyone knows when their skin is severely dry simply because it looks flaky. Educating your clients on how to prevent dryness is more challenging. Facial skin may be especially tricky to diagnose because it may be dry and yet show no flaking. Many people simply do not know whether their cleansing routine is right for them. And what’s right for you today may change with the seasons, your age or even with what other products you use. After years of practice, I have learned the best overall way to determine if someone is at risk of dryness is to simply ask whether their skin, especially their face, feels tight and uncomfortable thirty seconds after toweling dry. If the answer is yes, switching to a milder cleanser is recommended. Remember, the skin is an insensible organ, which means we are not aware of it unless something is wrong. After several episodes of feeling tight, true dryness and even irritation may result. Sometimes simply using less soap is sufficient (I constantly tell patients soap is not like shampoo so don’t lather up the same way) or simply changing from a scrub cleanser to a gentle one does the trick. Thus far we have focused on the role of HA in the superficial epidermal portion of the skin where its chief function is to moisturize. But HA is also naturally found in the deeper dermal portion of the skin where its major role is to increase thickness (turgidity) by holding water. Unfortunately, applying HA topically has its limitations because only a limited amount can penetrate. HA is a thick viscous substance which feels sticky, even gummy, on the skin if overly concentrated in a topical product. So far the only solution the beauty industry has for getting HA into the deeper skin is via injection administered by physicians. Although, as discussed below, my patented research indicates that there is yet another method to deliver HA into deeper skin either via an esthetician or an at-home product. Injectible HA is now a very popular procedure performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons and is probably another contributing factor to the statistical decline of some plastic surgery procedures (such as brow lifts) performed in recent years. Commercially available forms of injectible HA are sold as Restylane, Hylaform and Captique. Along with Botox injection, injectible HA procedures have been increasing steadily in the U.S. since gaining FDA approval several years ago. HA injected into the dermal skin acts as a filler to plump and elevate wrinkles, folds, and even depressed acne scars. The nasolabial fold is the most popular use of the material, although it may be used to plump any deeper defects in the face such as the perioral or brow areas. A thinner version of Restylane is available for fine lines such as the crow’s feet around the eyes. Injectible collagen (Zyderm and Zyplast) was the first synthetic filler approved by the FDA in the 1980s and is still widely used. In my experience, injectible HA does offer several advantages over its predecessor. Injectible HA is more natural and hypoallergenic and unlike Zyderm and Zyplast does not require skin testing before treatments. Some newer versions of injectible collagen (Cosmoderm) are also hypoallergenic as they are derived from cadavers. A typical patient receiving Restylane is told to avoid taking any aspirin products or Vitamin E for at least three days prior to the procedure to avoid bruising.Upon entering the treatment room, topical anesthesia is applied for fifteen to twenty minutes to minimize the pain from the injection. Some mild pain is still usually felt from the procedure due to the depth of the injection. Multiple shots with a fine needle are used to fill the lines or grooves and the area is then massaged for several minutes to avoid lumping and assure a smooth correction. I find ice packs applied at the end reduces swelling (which is minimal) and reduces localized bruising that is still the number one risk of the procedure which can last several days. The correction is immediate making those who like instant gratification especially happy. How long do the results last? Most manufacturers advertise the benefits are seen for six months. In my experience this is generally true, although the improvement starts to decline after four months. My amazement with HA motivated me to conduct my own research through my company MD Skincare. The central issue, you now understand, is this: applied topically to the epidermis HA works as a great moisturizer but for it to plump it must be injected into the dermis. Could another delivery system be developed that gives HA better penetration, without injecting it, allowing it to both hydrate and firm skin? The answer is yes, and here is what I discovered. A thick gel of concentrated HA can be applied to the face and massaged in with water. Because all ingredients have deeper penetration when under occlusion such as a bandage, I find using a mask over HA similarly deepens its penetration exceptionally well. Furthermore, if the mask is self-heating then it will also bring a burst of blood flow to the skin which contains additional water from the circulatory system. By simple osmosis the water is attracted to the HA which clings to it at a rate of one thousand times its weight. Because the HA is deeper in the skin when the water appears, HA not only moisturizes but also acts as a filler to plump and firm the skin. The plumping-effect is dramatic and, although less than if injected, can be achieved by the hands of an esthetician or with an at-home product. In summary, HA is the wonder drug nature has to offer and is a star in the cosmeceutical industry. Few ingredients are as safe, versatile and effective. A natural constituent of skin itself, when combined with laboratory technology HA enhances moisture and plumps skin. It’s the newly discovered long lost cousin to collagen, and partner to another ingredient fundamental to beauty and life itself: water! About the Author: Dr. Gross received his degree in medicine and then completed his dermatological residency at New York University Medical Center. He is Board Certified in both Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, as well a nationally recognized skin care pioneer. An innovator in dermatologic research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute, The Rockefeller Institute and New York University Medical Center, his knowledge and experience have led to his authoring numerous publications, as well as his being a key participant in the dermatological professional associations. Dr. Gross is the founder of MD- Skincare. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-wonders-of-hyaluronic-acid-nature-s-first-cosmeceutical-by-dr-dennis-gross http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skin-care-s-latest-get-the-news-on-skincare-and-anti-aging Skin Care’s Latest: Get the News on Skincare and Anti-AgingSource: www.pr.comSkin care trends are always changing and with more research, skincare experts and scientists are finding better and more useful ingredients in the battle against aging. Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “Skin Care Must Read: The Latest and Greatest Ingredients in Anti-Aging!” enlightens readers on the most recent anti-aging breakthrough ingredients. http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=251 The article recognizes the anti-aging skincare ingredients that have staying power: So what's available in anti-aging skincare today? What's the latest and greatest? Well in addition to tried and true ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, anti-oxidants, and vitamin C, there are some new kids on the block. While trying to keep track of the anti-aging trends can appear overwhelming, the article does point out that there is method to the madness: Pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical companies are spending millions on finding the best ingredients and compounds to fight the one thing we hate most...the dreaded wrinkle! They know we'll spend billions of skincare retail dollars to buy it so it behooves them to do the research. They did the math!One of the main ingredients to look for is hyaluronic acid: Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skin-care-s-latest-get-the-news-on-skincare-and-anti-aging http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/support-your-bodys-immune-system Support Your Body's Immune SystemSource: www.prnewswire.comYou might be surprised if someone told you that one step to a lifetime of good health is as easy as changing what you drink, but it's true. The simple act of including a glass of 100 percent orange juice in your diet is one small change that can make a big difference. This is especially important as cold season is still going strong and a healthy immune system supported by vitamins and minerals becomes crucial. A new analysis by the Florida Department of Citrus of beverage consumption among participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study shows 100 percent orange juice ranked first in delivering essential nutrients such as vitamin C and folate to support long-term health, even though it was the sixth most consumed beverage. "Try to incorporate foods rich in vitamin C and folate, as well as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, carotenoids, and minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium into daily meals," says Dr. Pamela Peeke, author of The New York Times bestseller "Body for Life for Women" and the upcoming "Fit to Live." "A diet rich in these essential vitamins and nutrients will yield short- term benefits, such as helping the body to battle common colds, as well as aid in long-term disease prevention, potentially helping the body fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's." The immune system is a complex and integrated series of processes that require a readily available supply of vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. To help support your immune system for a lifetime of proper function, Dr. Peeke recommends incorporating foods with the following nutrients: -- Vitamin C: One of the most powerful antioxidants, vitamin C plays a key role in helping to support the immune system's ability to fight routine illnesses such as the common cold. Vitamin C also helps neutralize free radicals that can cause cell and tissue damage that, over a lifetime, could lead to chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. A prominent cancer researcher, Dr. Gladys Block, Ph.D., reports that people with low vitamin C intake (less than 50 mg/day) appeared to have approximately twice the cancer risk, compared to people with higher (greater than 100 mg/day) vitamin C intake.(1) -- Folate: Lack of folate is a common vitamin deficiency for adults, though it is essential for a healthy immune system. In addition to reducing the risk of certain birth defects when consumed during early pregnancy, folate can also help lower homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine may contribute to inflammation, which is believed to be related to coronary heart disease and cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. Also, lower intake of folate as an adult has been associated in some studies with certain types of cancer. -- Vitamin B6: The immune system needs vitamin B6 to function effectively. It helps maintain the health of lymphoid organs that make white blood cells, which fight infections. Studies show that a vitamin B6 deficiency can decrease antibody production and suppress immune response.(2) -- Carotenoids: Natural pigments found in plants, carotenoids, provide many fruits and vegetables their bright red, yellow and orange coloration. Some carotenoids have pro-vitamin A activity, which has been clearly associated with enhancing immune function and may have an impact on the risk of certain types of cancer as well as anti- inflammatory benefits. -- Iron: A lack of iron in the body can slow down an immune response. Iron is an essential mineral for helping to carry oxygen in the blood as well as the formation of red blood cells. In addition, consuming foods rich in vitamin C aids the body in the absorption of iron. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/support-your-bodys-immune-system http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-vitamin-supplementation-in-asthma Antioxidant Vitamin Supplementation in AsthmaSource: www.annclinlabsci.orgThe influence of nutrition on chronic bronchial asthma has an important place in the management of this disease. Evidence suggests that specific inflammatory abnormalities exist in the airways of subjects suffering from mild-to-moderate persistent asthma, in whom an inflammatory state is often associated with increased generation of reactive oxygen species and the damaging effects of free radicals. For this reason oxidant stress may be an important pathogenic factor in the progress of the disease. The role of nutrition in bronchial asthma is related to antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. By counteracting oxidants and reducing external attacks (bacteria, virus, toxins, xenobiotics) in the lung, antioxidant vitamins modulate the development of asthma and the impairment of pulmonary function. Dietary studies suggest relations between oxidative stress, bronchial inflammation, development of asthmatic symptoms, and reduction of cellular functions. Dietary interventions may reduce oxidant stress and prevent or minimize asthmatic symptoms. Such interventions may provide a cost-effective approach to asthma management that may supplement current pharmacological strategies, although this conclusion is not supported by many randomized, placebo-controlled studies. The aim of this short review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the relations between antioxidant vitamins and the treatment of bronchial asthma. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidant-vitamin-supplementation-in-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-in-diet-could-help-protect-against-some-prostate-cancer-doesn-t-protect-against-advanced-stages Soy in Diet could help Protect against some Prostate Cancer – Doesn’t protect against advanced StagesSource: www.bestsyndication.comA Japanese study found that diets rich in soy may protect against prostate cancer in certain circumstances. The researchers found that these Japanese men that have a regular diet of soy products decreased their risk for developing localized prostate cancer but at the same time had and increased risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.This large scale study included 43,509 men and the researchers from the National Cancer Center in Japan, suggest that the soy’s ioflavones work differently on prostate cancer depending on the stage of the cancer. The study was published in the March issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.The researchers are not sure why the isoflavones do not work in advanced stages of prostate cancer. One theory the researchers suggest is that possibly the isoflavones delay the progression of latent prostate cancer. When tumors no longer are able to have estrogen-receptor beta expression the cancer then becomes aggressive, and this may be why the isoflavones are not effective in advanced stages of prostate cancer. There is also a possibility that the isoflavones reduce serum testosterone levels which could lead to advanced cancer. Another possibility is that the tumor types are different between the advanced and localized prostate cancer which is why it works to reduce cancer in one and not affect the other."The present findings provide no clear understanding of when or how localized cancer will develop to aggressive cancer, and of the related effect of isoflavones," said the study's first author, Norie Kurahashi, M.D., of the Epidemiology and Prevention Division of the National Cancer Center. The researchers do not recommend taking isoflavones with supplements, but to continue to eat them in their regular diet."Consumption of isoflavones from traditional Japanese food throughout life may protect against the incidence of prostate cancer, but we cannot recommend the use of isoflavones from supplements for people who do not regularly consume these chemicals, because the relationship between isoflavones and the risk of advanced prostate cancer is not yet clear," Kurahashi said.The researchers point out that Japanese men eat considerably more soy-based food compared to Western men and there is a much lower rate of prostate cancer in Asia compared to the Western countries.Animal studies have shown that isoflavones have been effective against preventing prostate cancer. The most common food that has an abundance of isoflavones is soybeans.More research needs to be conducted to further understand how isoflavones aid in the prevention of prostate cancer. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-in-diet-could-help-protect-against-some-prostate-cancer-doesn-t-protect-against-advanced-stages http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-questions-on-nutrition 10 questions on nutritionSource: www.fortwayne.comWe all know that we're supposed to eat healthy. But with all the fad diets, ads for supplements and store shelves filled with "new and improved" products, it can be difficult sometimes to know how to make the best nutrition choices.So I sat down with two Wichita, Kan., dietitians to get some help separating the healthy from the hype.Here are their answers to 10 common nutrition questions:1. How many calories should I consume in a day?Dietitians get this question all the time, says Heidi Wells, a registered dietitian at Via Christi Regional Medical Center."There's no general guideline because everybody is individual," she says. "You have to base it off of your activity level, your height and your weight and what your goals are."For a personalized recommendation, the Web site MyPyramid.gov has a feature called "MyPyramid Plan" that uses your statistics to come up with estimates on calorie levels and how much you should eat from each food group.2. Are there foods or supplements that can speed up metabolism?"Not that I know of," says Ashley Callewaert, a clinical dietitian at Wesley Medical Center. "There is no magic pill. It goes back to that caloric intake."3. How should I read nutrition labels?"The best way is to look at the grams, not to focus on the percentages, because the percentages are based off of a 2,000-calorie diet, and not everybody is following a 2,000-calorie diet," Wells says.Different brands of the same foods can vary widely in the amount of fat or sodium they have, so Wells advises comparing one brand against another to find the product that's best for your needs.And just because an item is labeled reduced fat, don't automatically assume that's the healthier choice."If you look on the reduced-fat one, they probably add in more sugar or they add in more sodium," she says. "If you went with the regular one and stayed within serving size, you might be better off."4. Besides fish, what are some good sources of omega-3 fatty acids?"Flaxseed. It needs to be ground, though," Callewaert says. "Your body can't absorb it if it's not already ground."Fish oil supplements work, too, she says. Walnuts and some other nuts contain omega-3s.5. I've been asked to limit sodium to 2,000 milligrams a day. What changes should I make to my diet?"Don't season anything with salt," Wells says.Stick with low-sodium canned vegetables and try to avoid products that have seasoning mixes, she says.Deli meats and frozen dinners can also be high in sodium, so be sure to read the nutrition labels.6. Are sugar substitutes safe?"For the most part, yes," Wells says.Studies on sugar substitutes that are chemically based, like aspartame, say that they can bring on migraine headaches, Wells says.Sometimes patients ask if Splenda, which is derived from sugar, will be good for them in the long run. Wells says that since Splenda has only been on the market for a few years, there's no clear answer yet."Research is still kind of new in that area," she says.7. I've been told I should avoid red meat because it's bad for me. Is that true?"Actually, some of the leaner cuts are better than some cuts of chicken, so red meat is not the enemy," Wells says.If you stay within the 3- to 5-ounce serving range, beef can be part of a healthy diet, she says.Some of the leaner sources of beef are 95 percent lean ground beef, top sirloin steak and tenderloin steak.8. Are organic foods more nutritious?Organic fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products - and even boxed organic products like Rice Krispies or macaroni and cheese _have the same nutrient content as the regular ones, Wells says. The key difference is that no pesticides or hormones were used for the organic versions.Wells says another difference is that many organic products cost a lot more."If you budget for it and you want to have the organic, great," she says. "But if you can't afford it, you're not losing out nutrition-wise."9. Which fats should I avoid?"The fats that you want to pay attention to are the saturated and trans fats," Wells says. "Those are the bad ones for you, and the mono- and the polyunsaturated fats are the good ones for you."Monounsaturated fats include canola, olive and peanut oils. Sources of polyunsaturated fats include corn and soybean oils as well as many seeds, nuts and their oils.Saturated fats are found in products like meat and butter. Some vegetable oils, such as coconut and palm, are saturated.Trans fats are formed when vegetable oils are processed into margarine or shortening."We get a lot of questions about trans fats," Callewaert says. People ask her why some nutrition labels say products have no trans fats when the ingredient list includes partially hydrogenated oil, which is a trans fat."FDA's regulation on that is that if the product has less than 0.5 grams per serving, then it can be listed as zero grams of trans fats," Callewaert says.10. Should everyone take a multivitamin?"If you have a well-balanced diet and you know you get in at least five fruits and vegetables in a day, you really don't need a multivitamin," Wells says.Some vitamins claim to boost energy levels or help with weight loss, but Wells says that's just hype."If they had energy in a pill truly, it would be great," she says.Dietitians spend a lot of time fielding questions, but there's one that Wells wishes more people would ask: How can I make a lifelong change?Many people only want a quick fix and come to Wells saying, "I want to have 20 pounds off in one month because I'm going to Barbados."To make changes that will last, Wells suggests joining a gym or working with a dietitian to develop a food plan that works for you."Get some type of a program going that you're going to stick with and invest your time into it," she says. "Life changes will last longer than a quick fix will." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-questions-on-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-counseling-for-women-with-gestational-diabetes Nutrition Counseling For Women With Gestational DiabetesSource: www.gcnews.comWinthrop-University Hospital's nationally renowned Diabetes Education Center received a $5,000 grant from the Long Island Fund for Women and Girls to support a new, free-of-charge, telephone-based nutrition education program for women with recent gestational diabetes - a form of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. Scheduled to begin in the spring, the program focuses on helping women with recent gestational diabetes prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes - the most common form of diabetes affecting nearly 21 million American adults and children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of diabetes is rising markedly; from 1997 through 2004, the number of new cases of diagnosed diabetes increased by 54 percent. Gestational diabetes, one of the most common complications of pregnancy, affects four to eight percent of all pregnant women. About 135,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with gestational diabetes each year. In New York, the incidence has increased by 50 percent over the past 10 years. Even though the disease usually resolves at the conclusion of the pregnancy, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 45 to 65 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. "There is strong scientific evidence that weight loss and exercise can preserve the function of insulin-producing cells in women with recent gestational diabetes," explained Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, APRN, BC-ADM, MA, CDE, Director of the Diabetes Education Center at Winthrop. "This grant will enable us to develop a unique program - the first of its kind on Long Island." "When a new baby arrives, sleep deprivation and new responsibilities leave mothers with little time and energy to meet their own needs," said Ms. Peragallo-Dittko. "Many have limited access to postpartum nutrition counseling because of lack of transportation, childcare concerns and lack of insurance reimbursement for prevention of disease. By reaching them at home through telephone-based counseling, we will be able to develop, implement and reinforce personalized plans to promote health, good nutrition and weight management - all of which are crucial to preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes." The grant will support training of the Center's Certified Diabetes Educators in specialized telephone counseling techniques, and help them develop teaching tools that can be mailed to the patients for use during the telephone sessions. The program's nutritional counseling will address foods relevant to each patient's cultural background. Additionally, non-English-speaking patients will be counseled through the use of Winthrop's live, telephone-based CyraCom language translation service, which provides medical interpreters for 150 languages and is designed to allow continuous, ongoing communication between two people through an interpreter. For nearly 30 years, the Diabetes Education Center at Winthrop has provided superior education and community outreach programs for those living with and managing diabetes. It was the first program in New York State accredited by the American Diabetes Association and continues to receive recognition for improving the lives of its clients. The Long Island Fund for Women and Girls was established in 1991 to fund programs that improve the lives of women and girls, highlight and address women's issues, and develop women's philanthropy. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-counseling-for-women-with-gestational-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-to-look-for-before-investing-in-skincare-treatments What to Look for Before Investing in Skincare TreatmentsSource: www.carefair.comYou look in the mirror one morning and, to your dismay, you notice a dime-sized grayish-brown mark on your cheekbone. Or, you have acne scars from your teen-aged years that have never faded. Your first impulse is to cover the area with layers of concealer and foundation, but we know that this ends up in patchy, telltale lines. Fortunately, scientists, chemists and cosmetic companies have been working overtime to create over-the-counter products that produce effective results and can help treat and minimize common skin care concerns. Before you rush out and purchase a jar of old-school fading cream, here is a quick guideline of key ingredients to look for when selecting a skincare treatment product. If you experience: Acne Breakouts (For All Age Groups) Start with cleansers, moisturizers and weekly exfoliating treatments containing 0.5-2% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that deep cleans the pores without overdrying. If salicylic acid is not strong enough, advance to products containing benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil. For acne scars, choose a lightening serum containing botanical based lighteners such as grapeseed extract, mulberry or bearberry. Always exfoliate at least once per week to deep clean pores and prevent dead skin cell buildup, which can make the complexion look dull and highlight any scars. Visible Pores Unfortunately, pore size is genetically controlled and we cannot physically make pores look smaller. However, there are clever products that will help minimize their appearance and oil production. Try products containing silica powder (helps absorb excess oil), willow bark extract (prevents clogged pores) or microspheres (reduce oil production). Apply these pore-minimizing treatments on top of cleansed, moisturized skin, either alone or under makeup. Dull, Patchy Skin Results from a lack of cell turnover and dead skin cell buildup. Choose products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic (derived from sugar cane), malic (apple), tartaric (grape) or lactic (milk). Also look for products containing Vitamin C, which will help brighten the complexion. Fine Lines One recent and popular ingredient found in serums is hyaluronic acid, a jelly-like substance that holds its weight in water by 1000 times. Suitable for preventing moisture loss but may be too strong for easily irritated skin. If this occurs, use a serum containing Vitamin C, which helps promote collagen production (responsible for giving skin its elasticity). Dark Spots (Sun or Age) Choose products carefully since each person’s degree of sensitivity will vary. Best bets are to choose products containing botanical skin lighteners, including strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, mulberry, bearberry and licorice, which are especially suitable for sensitive or very dry skin. Other key ingredients include Vitamin C, soy and glycolic acid. Also Remember: · Wear SPF everyday! Protect your new investment and prevent any future damage. · Exfoliate 1-2 times per week to promote cell turnover (once for dry, normal and combination skin and twice if needed for very oily/breakout prone skin) and allow products to be absorbed more effectively in the skin. · Always try a take-home sample of the product to test for any sensitivity or reactions. Along with smelling and feeling the product, the true test is to place a small amount along the jawbone. · Before you purchase, make sure the cosmetic/skincare rep asks you some brief questions, including your existing skincare routine, products you’ve already tried and allergies to certain products. If they don’t ask, make sure you let them know. · Allow approximately 28 days to see any results (just like weight loss, results may vary). · If OTC products are not effective, always see a dermatologist. · Avoid products containing mercury, steroids or over 2% of hydroquinone (only use the last one if prescribed by a dermatologist). Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-to-look-for-before-investing-in-skincare-treatments http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hoodia-herbal-weight-loss-if-you-want-to-shed-excessive-body-mass-devoid-of-harmful-side-effects Hoodia Herbal Weight Loss: If You Want To Shed Excessive Body Mass Devoid of Harmful Side EffectsSource: www.prlog.orgNature embodies within itself treatment for all kinds of ailments including obesity. We all think of achieving a healthy, slim body, but don’t know how. Nature has its answer for effective weight loss in the form of Hoodia. This herbal weight loss medication with P-57 as its active ingredient is beneficial in shedding excessive weight without any harmful side effects. Mr. Neville Benfield, a senior marketing executive at Buy Hoodia Diet Pills comments, “More and more customers are now opting to buy Hoodia rather than synthetic weight loss medications. The prime reason for this scenario, being that it is devoid of any harmful side effects. So if you want to shed excessive body mass without putting your health at risk, Hoodia weight loss can be an apt choice”. Hoodia is considered to be as a food item in South Africa rather than weight loss medication or an appetite suppressant.It is a time-tested medication, which has been used by the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert for centuries to curb their hunger while they went on long hunting expeditions. Raw Hoodia flesh was eaten by these tribesmen, as it helped them to suppress their appetite for up to 24 hours under the hot climatic conditions of the Kalahari Desert. Buy Hoodia Diet Pills is an informative website. Useful information pertaining to Hoodia, Lipitrex, Exitor, Dietrine Carb Blocker and Herbal Phentermine are made available at Buy Hoodia Diet Pills. Latest news and educative articles are also made available at Buy Hoodia Diet Pills to widen your scope of understanding. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hoodia-herbal-weight-loss-if-you-want-to-shed-excessive-body-mass-devoid-of-harmful-side-effects http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberry-rich-diet-may-keep-the-colon-healthy Blueberry-rich diet may keep the colon healthySource: uk.reuters.comA natural antioxidant abundant in blueberries called pterostilbene may help prevent colon cancer, according to an animal study reported Sunday in Chicago at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society."This study underscores the need to include more berries in the diet, especially blueberries," study chief Dr. Bandaru S. Reddy, chemical biologist at Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, said in a statement.Pterostilbene is similar to the antioxidant resveratrol found in grapes and red wine, which also has anticancer activity. Pterostilbene is also present in grapes, but it is more abundant in blueberries.Reddy and colleagues at Rutgers and the US Department of Agriculture induced colon cancer in 18 rats and then fed the animals a balanced diet, with or without pterostilbene (40 mg/kg of diet).At the end of the study, the nine animals that received pterostilbene supplement had 57-percent fewer pre-cancerous growths in the colon compared with the animals that were fed a balanced diet only.Pterostilbene also suppressed the growth of cells in the colon and inhibited certain genes involved in inflammation, both of which are considered risk factors for colon cancer.These results may support dietary prevention of colon cancer and health benefits of blueberries, said Reddy.Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and women. Several genes are associated with the disease. Lifestyle also plays an important role, with smoking, lack of exercise, and a diet high in meat and saturated fat and low in fruits and vegetables all associated with colon cancer.The evidence suggests that pterostilbene it may help reverse some of the harmful effects of a high-fat diet by lowering cholesterol levels. In a previous study, researchers found in the test tube and in animals that pterostilbene is capable of lowering cholesterol levels. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberry-rich-diet-may-keep-the-colon-healthy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/take-vitamin-c-to-reduce-the-risk-of-mouth-cancer Take Vitamin C to Reduce The Risk of Mouth CancerSource: www.topcancernews.comIncreased intake of vitamin C from the diet, but not from supplements may slash the risk of mouth cancer by 48 percent, says an epidemiological study.The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, used data on supplement use and diet for 42,340 men in the Health Professional Follow-Up Study. During the course of the study, 207 oral pre-malignant lesions were documented.Vitamin C from dietary sources was significantly associated with a reduced risk of mouth cancer, but no association with the vitamin from supplements was found.Vitamin C is needed to form collagen, a tissue that helps to hold cells together. It's essential for healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron and calcium, aids in wound healing and contributes to brain function.You can find high levels of vitamin C in red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and juices made from guava, grapefruit and orange. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/take-vitamin-c-to-reduce-the-risk-of-mouth-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-linked-with-lower-cancer-risk Vitamin D Linked with Lower Cancer RiskSource: patient.cancerconsultants.comAccording to the results of a study conducted among women over the age of 55, vitamin D and calcium supplementation may significantly reduce cancer risk. These results were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from dietary supplements, foods such as fortified milk and cereal and certain kinds of fish (including salmon, mackerel, and tuna), and exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is hypothesized to play a role in the prevention of some types of cancer. To evaluate the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on the risks of bone fracture and cancer among postmenopausal women, researchers conducted a clinical trial among 1,179 Nebraska women over the age of 55.Study participants were assigned to one of the three following groups:Supplementation with 1400-1500 mg of calcium per day Supplementation with calcium plus 1100 IU of vitamin D3 per day Placebo Over the four years of the study, women who received vitamin D and calcium were significantly less likely to develop cancer than women who received the placebo.Cancer developed in 3% of women given vitamin D and calcium, 4% of women given calcium alone, and 7% of women given the placebo. After excluding cancers that were diagnosed during the first year of follow-up (cancers that were probably already present before the study began), women given vitamin D and calcium had a 77% lower risk of cancer than women given placebo. Although this was a small study, the researchers concluded that use of vitamin D and calcium supplements reduced cancer risk in this study of postmenopausal women.Reference: Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, Recker RR, Heaney RP. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;85:1586-91. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-linked-with-lower-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-may-reduce-colon-cancer-risk-in-women Vitamin B6 may reduce colon cancer risk in womenSource: paktribune.comWomen with high levels of vitamin B6 in their diet seem to have a decreased risk of developing colorectal cancer -- especially those who consume alcohol -- according to a report from Sweden. Dr. Susanna C. Larsson, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and colleagues analyzed data from 61,433 women in the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort. The women were cancer-free and between 40 and 76 years of age when they enrolled, and were followed for an average of nearly 15 years. During follow-up, 805 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the team reports in the medical journal Gastroenterology. After taking account of age and other factors, the team found that the greater the long-term dietary intake of vitamin B6, the lower was the risk of colorectal cancer. Overall, women with the highest level of vitamin B6 intake were 34 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than women with the lowest level. The effect was even more pronounced among women who consumed two or more alcoholic drinks per week. Among these women, the difference in colon cancer risk between the highest and lowest intakes of vitamin B6 was 72 percent. "Inadequate vitamin B6 status may lead to the development of cancerous polyps in the colon, so it is important for women to maintain a normal to high intake of vitamin B6," Larsson said in a statement. The findings may be particularly important for women who consume alcohol, she added. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-may-reduce-colon-cancer-risk-in-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-all-day-long Vitamin C all day longSource: www.nst.com.myVITAMIN C or ascorbic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, teeth and bones, preventing coughs and colds and boosting the immune system to ward off infections and diseases. One of the greatest misfortunes of human evolution, according to Linus Pauling (the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes and who made important advances in medical research), was when our human ancestors lost their ability to manufacture vitamin C about 40 million years ago. This may be due to the fact that our ancestors consumed vitamin-rich fruits and plants and did not need this ability anymore.It has been estimated that our much healthier ancestors consumed at least 2,600 mg of vitamin C daily.Today because of changes in our diet, we do not consume enough vitamin C. Thus, many people opt for supplements to ensure that they get enough of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, cannot be stored in the body. With a plasma half-life of only half an hour, vitamin C is rapidly eliminated from the body via the urine.To obtain the benefits of vitamin C in the same way our ancestors did, we would have to suck an orange all day long or take small doses of vitamin C several times a day.This is of course impractical. A solution is to take a high-strength sustained release tablet of vitamin C.Sustained-release tablets, also called time-release tablets, are formulated to release their contents over a period of time. In the case of sustained-release vitamin C, the active ingredient is embedded in an insoluble matrix. The vitamin C is then slowly released through the “holes” in this matrix.This means fewer tablets to take whilst maintaining a constant supply of vitamin C to the body. It will then be receiving vitamin C all day long in the same way our ancestors did.Besides these obvious benefits, sustained-release tablets of vitamin C also results in less gastric irritation and better bioavailability.Conventional tablets dissolve rapidly once taken and results in a high concentration of vitamin C in the stomach for a very short time. The resulting high acidity causes gastric irritations in sensitive individuals. This high concentration also overwhelms the absorption system for vitamin C, resulting in lower bioavailability. It has been shown in numerous scientific studies that vitamin C at low doses, below 60mg, is completely absorbed. This decreases as the dose increases. In conventional tablets at a dose of 180 mg, only 80 to 90 per cent is absorbed.This falls to 75 per cent at a dose of 1,000mg and 50 per cent is absorbed at a dose of 1,500 mg. Sustained-release tablets, byreleasing its vitamin C content slowly, allows the body to absorb the vitamin C more completely.After passing through the gut, the sustained-release tablet would be depleted of all its vitamin C content. It is then passed out as an empty shell. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-all-day-long http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/could-fish-and-vitamin-d-prevent-macular-degeneration- Could Fish and Vitamin D Prevent Macular Degeneration?Source: www.drkoop.comWant to preserve your eyesight? Go fish! A recent study reveals eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce a person's risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in people older than age 50.Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that occurs when the macula, located just behind the retina, thins out and begins to deteriorate. AMD strikes more than 7 million Americans each year and usually results in the loss of central vision, making it difficult for patients to perceive fine details that are necessary to read or recognize familiar faces. Symptoms of AMD include blurred or distorted vision, areas of missing vision, slow recovery of vision when exposed to bright light, and difficulty differentiating between contrasting colors.There is no proven way to prevent AMD, but researchers believe proper nutrition could help. When members of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group looked at the eating habits of 4,519 individuals between 60 and 80 years old, they found those who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish) were less likely to develop advanced AMD than those who did not. In fact, participants who were at the lowest risk for AMD ate more than two 4-ounce servings of fish per week. Researchers report the DHA found in omega-3 fatty acids may stave off diseases like AMD by turning certain genes in the retina on or off. Omega-3 fatty acids might also form compounds that encourage cell survival and enhance blood vessel function, thereby reducing inflammation while maintaining a proper energy balance.Although nutritious, experts say some fish contain high levels of mercury that could be hazardous to a patient's health. "There's always a risk of high mercury levels in fish oil products, and if you don't know the product vendor, it may be a wiser decision to eat fatty fish three times a week that has lower levels of mercury," Jane Sadler, M.D., a family practitioner at Baylor Family Medicine in Garland, TX, told Ivanhoe. "It's always better to get your intake of vitamins and supplements from eating, from your diet, than it is from a supplement."If patients must take supplements to get the recommended amounts of DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, Dr. Sadler recommends looking for mercury-free products. "There are some fish oils available, such as Ultra Pure Fish Oil, which are purified to remove mercury. It's a premium DHA-rich supplement, and that is a good one."Omega-3 fatty acids filled with DHA aren't the only nutrients that help prevent AMD. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison report taking Vitamin D may help stave off early (but not late) forms of AMD. Study authors looked at 7,752 individuals who were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and concluded that Vitamin D may reduce the risk for AMD by cutting down on inflammation or preventing blood vessel growth in the retina.No matter what form of AMD prevention people choose, Dr. Sadler said the bottom line is people need to take on healthier lifestyles.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Jane Sadler, M.D.; Archives of Ophthalmology, printed online May 14, 2007 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/could-fish-and-vitamin-d-prevent-macular-degeneration- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-coffee-the-secret-to-slimming- IS COFFEE THE SECRET TO SLIMMING?Source: www.sundaymirror.co.ukWe’ve all heard about models wasting away to size zero on a diet of espressos and cigs, but now it seems there is a far healthier way to harness the slimming powers of coffee. Over the past few years, those ‘naturally’ willowy women of Scandinavia have been getting a helping hand with their figures from a green coffee extract called Svetol, and now it’s finally here in the UK.Unlike certain dodgy diet pills that only work by making you too jittery to eat, Svetol is creating a buzz in a different way. It’s a decaffeinated extract of roasted green coffee beans which seems to switch on fat burning while reducing the amount of carbohydrate that gets stored as flab. A recent clinical trial on Svetol found volunteers lost, on average, 11lb in 60 days.Other studies show it increases the ratio of muscle to fat by 4% without doing any extra exercise.Advertisement GREEN AND LEAN‘A lot of diet products sell people false dreams, but green coffee looks really promising,’ says nutritionist and herbalist Dale Pinnock (dalepinnock.com). ‘Unlike many other products on the market, it’s not a stimulant, so it’s not putting the body under stress. What it seems to do is reduce the amount of glucose that gets absorbed from food by about half, forcing the body to look for other sources of energy. And the most obvious one is stored body fat.’ Hoorah!Of course, there’s no such thing as a magic bullet for weight loss, so you’ve got to stick to a sensible diet, too. ‘It’s a great tool for helping people hit their target weight as it speeds up the effect of diet and exercise, but it can’t replace them,’ says Dale. ‘GREEN COFFEE GOT ME INTO MY WEDDING DRESS’Laura Yilmaz, 29, from Ealing reveals how a pill got her out of a very tight spot and into her honeymoon bikini‘I’d better breathe in,’ I joked as the seamstress started lacing up the corset on my wedding dress. It was my first fitting and there were just two months to go until I married my fiancé Ozgur in the big white dress of my dreams.But as the dressmaker began to tug harder and harder at the laces, battling to squeeze me in, the smile fell from my face.A month earlier, in October 2006, I’d asked to have my dress made in a size smaller, confident my strict diet and exercise plan would melt away the pounds. But now the awful truth was staring back at me in the mirror: it didn’t fit. The seams strained, and the boning dug in painfully, creating ugly bulges. My dream dress was turning into a nightmare.It wasn’t as if I’d been slacking off from my pre-wedding regime either.Over the past two years I’d lost 2 and a half stone through sensible dieting and exercise, and ever since Ozgur proposed I’d made an extra effort to shift the final few pounds and get down to 7st 5lb in time for the big day.But now my weight had hit a plateau – and I was starting to panic. Why on earth had I agreed to prepare for a wedding in just three months?To make it even more frustrating, I’d always been effortlessly slim until I stopped smoking back in 2003. I knew I had to quit for my health, but giving up the cigarettes left a big gap in my life that I filled with food. Lots of food. At work, I tucked into big cheese baguettes, then at dinner I’d pile my plate high with huge portions of spaghetti bolognese, pizza or lasagne, plus butter-laden garlic bread. I’d crack open a bottle of wine most evenings to cheer myself up about not being allowed to smoke any more, and as soon as I’d polished off my dinner I’d rifle through the kitchen cupboards for snacks.I knew the pounds were steadily piling on my 5ft 4in frame but I tried to tell myself I didn’t mind – the important thing was staying off the cigarettes. But deep down, I was miserable about my increasing weight, especially when I went out with my slim friends. Before, I’d always been so proud of my figure. Now, when I went on holiday I’d feel horribly self-conscious in a bikini and would always hide behind a sarong. Sometimes I’d put myself on lettuce leaf diets, but after a couple of days I’d be so starving I’d crack.By 2005, my weight had crept up to 10st 9lb and I was finally ready to do something about it. This time, instead of relying on fad diets, I carried on eating all my favourite foods but simply cut my portion sizes in half, filling up the rest of the plate with steamed veg or salad. I also joined a brilliant belly-dancing class which was just for women so I didn’t feel embarrassed about jiggling my stomach about. Before long my belly was shimmying and toned, and by the time I met Ozgur, at a friend’s party last spring, I only had a few pounds to lose.But how on earth was I going to get rid of that final dress size before the wedding? Luckily, a friend had an idea. ‘Have you heard about green coffee?’ she asked. ‘It’s meant to be brilliant for weight loss.’ I didn’t fancy taking dodgy diet pills, but it turned out to be a food supplement, completely natural, so I decided to give it a go.As well as sticking to my healthy diet and belly-dancing classes, I started taking three Green Coffee Slim pills every day with breakfast. They didn’t have any caffeine in them, so I didn’t feel jittery or wired, but I immediately felt more energetic. Within days the stubborn final pounds began to fall away, and after six weeks I could have cried with relief as the scales settled at 7st 5lb.On the day of the wedding, my dress fitted perfectly and I felt like a princess as I walked down the aisle on my dad’s arm. Some of the guests hadn’t seen me since I lost the weight and remembered me as a chubby girl with dark hair, so they got a bit of a shock when they saw a slim blonde wearing the big white gown! ‘I thought I was at the wrong wedding,’ one of my aunts told me at the reception.The next week, relaxing in the sun on our honeymoon, I felt fantastic in my bikini. It was so good to feel slim and attractive again, rather than covering myself with a sarong. Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food and drink, and by the end of the honeymoon I’d put on a couple of pounds but I just went back on the green coffee for two weeks and it vanished again. Some people think I’m going to pile the pounds back on now I’m married, but I’m determined to stay slim forever.’ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-coffee-the-secret-to-slimming- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acid-reflux-herbal-treatment Acid Reflux Herbal TreatmentSource: www.americanchronicle.comThere are many different kinds of acid reflux herbal treatments you can use in order to treat acid reflux naturally. One of the best things about using an acid reflux herbal treatment in comparison to other medications prescribed by your doctor or which you can purchase over the counter of your local drug store is they do not cause unwanted side effects. However, it is essential that if you are someone who regularly suffers from acid reflux and taking acid reflux medication, you should discuss matters with their doctor first before taking any kind of herbal remedy. When it actually comes to deciding what is the best way of treating the condition using only natural ingredients, it is best to read as much as possible about the various treatments available. Plus it may well be advisable to seek out the assistance of a herbalist or naturopathic doctor who will provide you with those herbs that will best help to treat acid reflux. One of the most effective ways of treating acid reflux is through herbal teas. Herbal teas for acid reflux ensures that the body can actually absorb the properties contained within the herbs much faster. Today you have the choice of either buying teas which have already been prepared or you can make up your own one instead. There are loads of places on the internet today offer various different recipes for making a herbal tea which can help to treat acid reflux.As well as using herbal teas, another well known herbal treatment for acid reflux is chicory root which can also help to treat other digestive problems as well. This particular herb can easily be found in either your local health food store or grocery store as well as being available for purchase online. One other kind of acid reflux herbal treatment that you may want to consider using if you suffer from this problem is chamomile. This is readily available in many grocery and health food stores around the country as a tea drink. This particular herb is especially effective for those people who suffer from acid reflux at night as it helps the person to relax. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acid-reflux-herbal-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b1-deficiency-key-to-vascular-problems-for-diabetic-patients-study-suggests Vitamin B1 Deficiency Key To Vascular Problems For Diabetic Patients, Study SuggestsSource: www.sciencedaily.comResearchers at Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, have discovered that deficiency of thiamine – Vitamin B1 - may be key to a range of vascular problems for people with diabetes. They have also solved the mystery as to why thiamine deficiency in diabetes had remained hidden until now. Diabetes is increasing in incidence in the UK and elsewhere and one of the most significant health problems associated with the condition are vascular complications: microvascular complications, such as damage to the kidney, retina and nerves in arms and legs; and macrovascular complications, such as heart disease and stroke.The University of Warwick researchers, led by Professor Paul Thornalley, have shown conclusively that diabetic patients are thiamine deficient in blood plasma. They were also able to solve the mystery of what was happening to thiamine in diabetic patients and connect it more closely to vascular complications in diabetic patients.In a paper entitled "High prevalence of low plasma thiamine concentration in diabetes linked to a marker of vascular disease", published in Diabetologia August 4, the team found that thiamine concentration in blood plasma was decreased 76% in type 1 diabetic patients and 75% in type 2 diabetic patients. This significant decrease had been previously masked as the conventional way of assessing levels of thiamine status was to measure the activity of an enzyme called transketolase in red blood cells. Past studies had seen normal activity of this enzyme and assumed normal levels of thiamine when in fact the normal enzyme activity was due to increased amounts of two proteins THTR-1 and RFC-1 that help transport thiamine into red blood cells. The increased levels of these proteins were a direct response to there being a deficiency of thiamine in the body.The researchers found that the decreased availability of thiamine in vascular cells in diabetes was linked to a marker of microvascular and macrovascular complications. It likely reflects problems in endothelial cells (endothelial cells line the body’s entire circulatory system) and increased risk of atherosclerosis (chronic inflammatuion in the artery walls).The researchers found that the decreased plasma thiamine concentration in clinical diabetes was not due to a deficiency of dietary input of thiamine. Rather it was due to a profound increased rate of removal of thiamine from the blood into the urine. The researchers feel that important areas for future study are: confirmation of low plasma thiamine concentrations in diabetic populations of other countries independent of local diet; the evaluation of thiamine and thiamine derivatives to correct low plasma thiamine concentration in diabetes, reverse vascular dysfunction and prevent vascular complications; and investigation of the mechanism of increased removal of thiamine from the blood into the urine in diabetes. This study was funded by a project grant from Diabetes UK Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b1-deficiency-key-to-vascular-problems-for-diabetic-patients-study-suggests http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sports-nutrition-for-kids Sports Nutrition for KidsSource: www.hoinews.comHigh School Sports Participation According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, more than 7.1 million American high school students participated in athletic competition in 2005-06. Sports attract more boys than girls (4.2 million boys/2.95 million girls). Many children participate in more than one sport throughout the school year.Among boys, the most popular sports are football, basketball, outdoor track and field, baseball, and soccer. Among girls, the most popular sports are basketball, outdoor track and field, volleyball, softball and soccer.Fueling the Athlete Children are not simply small adults. Their bodies are still growing and they have different rates of metabolism. Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist, LeAnne Skinner, R.D., L.D., says, depending on the activity and intensity of exercise, a child may need anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 extra calories. She recommends three meals and three snacks evenly spaced throughout the day to allow time for the body to process the food. Planning is important. The body needs proper nutrition for optimal performance levels and recovery after intense activities. There are several components of the diet that need to be considered: Carbs. Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the athlete. Each gram of carbohydrate provides four calories. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, pasta, cereals, bread, rice and legumes. The body converts carbs into sugar, which enters the cells for fuel or is stored in the liver and muscles. It’s important for athletes to load up on carbs. When energy levels are depleted, the body will burn fat and lean tissue mass. That increases the risk of muscle mass loss, fatigue and injury.Proteins. Protein contains building blocks, called amino acids, which help the body build and maintain muscles, organs, bones and blood. Sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and dairy products. The body can’t store protein, so it needs to be a regular part of the diet. Athletes should make sure about 12 to 15 percent of their daily calories come from protein.Fat. Fats are often considered a “bad” part of a diet. But the body needs some fat to function properly. For the athlete, fat provides energy (9 calories per gram of fat) and essential fatty acids. Fat also helps the body absorb certain vitamins. Experts recommend athletes get 20 to 25 percent of their calories from fat.Vitamins and Minerals. Vitamins and minerals help the body produce energy, protect cells, and maintain bone health and immune function. A proper diet should provide most the vitamins and minerals needed by the body. However, for some athletes, there are a few nutrients that may need extra attention: B-complex vitamins are needed to produce energy and red blood cells, synthesize protein and repair and maintain tissues. Research suggests athletes may need twice the recommended amount of these vitamins over non-athletes. Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene are antioxidants, which protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. Athletes who follow a low-fat diet or limit their intake of fruits and vegetables may not get enough of these vitamins. Calcium is an important mineral for building and repairing bone. Athletes can lose calcium in sweat. Since children are still growing, they need to ensure an adequate intake of calcium. A low intake of calcium increases the risk of low bone mass density and stress fractures. Girls especially need to be mindful of their calcium intake to reduce their risk for osteoporosis later in life. Iron is essential to help the body form hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Low iron can be caused by avoidance of meat, fish or poultry. Iron can also be lost in sweat, feces, urine or menstrual flow. Long-term iron deficiency can affect overall health and exercise performance. Zinc is a mineral needed for growth, building and repair of muscle tissue. It also plays a role in energy production. The American Dietetic Association estimates 90 percent of men in the U.S. and 81 percent of women don’t get enough zinc in their diets. Female athletes are especially at risk for zinc deficiency. Fluid/hydration. The body needs fluid to run efficiently. In addition, fluid is used to produce sweat, which helps cool the body. Dehydration impairs exercise performance. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends child athletes drink at least two quarts of water every day. More fluid is needed during periods of activity to replace water lost in sweat. Adequate hydration is especially important on hot days. Experts say cool water is best for activities lasting an hour or less. The water will keep the body hydrated and the cool drink will help lower internal body temperature. For children participating in events lasting 90 minutes or longer, a sports drink may be a better option. Sports drinks contain electrolytes to help the body function and carbohydrates for energy. Kids should continue to replace fluids, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Once thirst occurs, it is a sign the body is already dehydrated. Making a Plan The body needs food and fluid before, during and after athletic practice or competition. Eating and drinking before a competition provides fuel for the body and prevents the athlete from getting hungry or losing energy. The pre-exercise meal should be high in carbs to increase blood glucose levels and energy reserves. However, a large meal should be consumed three to four hours before the start of the event to give time for the body to digest the food. One to two hours before starting time, drink at least 20 ounces of water. Drink another 10 to 15 ounces about 15 to 30 minutes before the activity.During the activity, the main goal is to provide fluid for hydration and carbs to sustain energy levels. Drink three or six ounces of water or diluted sports drinks every 10 to 20 minutes throughout the activity.After exercise, many athletes will have used up their energy stores. Carbohydrates should be eaten as soon as possible after the competition. The body still needs to maintain hydration during the cool down. Athletes should weigh themselves before and after the activity, then drink two to three cups of water for every pound of body weight lost. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sports-nutrition-for-kids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-reduce-stroke-risk-dramatically Vitamin C may reduce stroke risk dramaticallySource: foodconsumer.orgSATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008 (Foodconsumer.org) -- University of Cambridge researchers found those who had the highest level of vitamin C in their blood were much less likely to have a stroke, suggesting that intake of vitamin C may help reduce the risk.The study published in the Jan, 2008 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed those who had the highest level (greater than 66 micromoles per liter) had a 42 percent reduced risk for stroke compared to those who had the lowest level (less than 41 micromoles per liter).The study did not mean that increasing vitamin C intake through one's diet or a supplement would definitely reduce the risk of stroke or increased levels of the vitamin was the cause for the reduced risk although the possibility could not be excluded either. Phyo Myint and colleagues suggested that vitamin C in the blood may be a good biomarker of lifestyle. A high level of it indicates that one follows a healthy lifestyle, minimizing their risk for stroke.For the study, the researchers followed 20,649 men and women participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer for 9.5 years to record their health status such as incidence of stroke. Their dietary habits and other lifestyle parameters were surveyed at the entry of the study using a health and lifestyle questionnaire and vitamin C levels in the blood samples were measured. During the follow-up, 448 stroke cases were identified.The association between the plasma vitamin C level and the risk of stroke existed after a series of other factors were considered including age, sex, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, physical activity, and use of supplements.The researchers said the association was probably not due to the supplemental vitamin C because when those who used vitamin C supplements were excluded, the link still held, suggesting that the possible benefit could come from vitamin C-rich foods such as fruit and vegetables.The US government recommends in dietary guidelines adults should take at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day to maintain health. But often vitamin C supplementation is not encouraged.The researchers said although the study did not mean to say taking vitamin C supplements would render this protective effect and trials of vitamin C supplements in preventing cardiovascular disease unlikely occur, the association was substantial and independent of known major risk factors for stroke.Sebastian Padayatty and Mark Levine from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) said in their commentary accompanying the study report that "Vitamin C is an attractive marker of fruit and vegetable intake because these foods are the primary sources of dietary vitamin C." and the take-home message is to use five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables.Vitamin C has proved controversial. Some experts notably Noble Prize laureate Dr. Linus Pauling had been advocating for years that people should use HIGH doses of vitamin C to prevent a whole spectrum of diseases from colds to cancer. But trials proved that vitamin C at low doses does not help prevent diseases.Dr. Pauling had worked with a doctor to test how vitamin C affects the survival of cancer patients and they found that cancer patients subject to conventional treatments, but using high doses of vitamin C often lived a few more years than those who received only conventional treatments.Vitamin C is non-toxic and many people use more than 5 grams per day, according to The Vitamin C Foundation, a not-for-profit organization advocating use of vitamin C. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-reduce-stroke-risk-dramatically http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-q-a-fiber- Nutrition Q&A: Fiber.Source: news.postbulletin.comThe Vegetarian Times magazine has a wonderful nutrition column on fiber in the March 2008 edition. Here's a quiz based on the column to find out how much you know about the fiber in your diet. 1. Fiber helps move fats out of the digestive system. True or false? 2. The USDA recommends that healthy adults eat about 14 grams of fiber a day for every 1,000 calories consumed. True or false? 3. Fruits high in pectin are low in soluble fiber. True or false? 4. Food labels tell you how much soluble and insoluble fiber is in the food. True or false? 5. Soluble fiber can help your body manage glucose levels. True or false? 6. In general, the higher the fiber in a food, the fewer available calories it contains. True or false? 7. Eating high-fiber food is more healthful than taking a supplement. True or false? 8. When figuring net carbs in a food you can subtract the fiber grams from the total carbs. True or false? Source: Vegetarian Times magazine, March 2008, "Ask The Nutritionist" column by Nancy D. Berkoff, RD, EdD ------ Answers: 1)True; 2)True; 3)False; 4)False; 5)True; 6)True; 7)True; 8)True. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-q-a-fiber- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-low-seizure-diet The low-seizure dietSource: www.venturacountystar.comHigh-fat, low-carbohydrate diet helping children with epilepsy Without hesitation, Cathy Holt can tell you how long it has been since Noah's latest seizure.The Lafayette mother keeps a running total. Her blond, blue-eyed 4-year-old has been seizure-free for 40 weeks.That is a life-altering change for Noah, who had been averaging a seizure a week since he was 6 months old. The longest one lasted three hours. Many ended in a hospital emergency room.Noah tried state-of-the-art medications to control his epilepsy, without success.A low-tech approach transformed the boy's life — a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that defies all good nutrition recommendations.Known as the ketogenic diet, it has been around since biblical times and has gone in and out of favor.Instead of fruits and vegetables, Noah's meals often include heavy cream, bacon and butter laced with cinnamon.Why and how the diet works remains a mystery.But Children's Hospital Oakland, Kaiser Permanente, the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford and other institutions have put scores of epileptic children on the diet, with varying degrees of success.Experts stress that the diet can have side effects and should be attempted only under strict medical supervision. Most recommend it only for children with uncontrolled epilepsy who have tried several drugs that failed to reduce their seizures."We always want to make it clear to families that we don't see this as a more holistic approach to epilepsy care," said Karen Amorde-Spalding, clinical nutrition manager at Children's Hospital Oakland. "It comes with its own set of risks and complications."The risks include serious constipation, kidney stones, gallstones and pancreatitis.But for some who have tried nearly everything else with no luck, the diet can have a dramatic effect.A little more than a mile from the Holts, the Cortessis family shares a similar success story.Five-year-old Niko used to have as many as 25 seizures a day. Sometimes he would have staring spells. At other times, he would suddenly faint, dropping and hitting his head.His family tried at least five medications, but none stopped the seizures, and they did not like the side effects."He was a zombie," said his father, John Cortessis. "He retrogressed in his language skills, his social skills."Now Niko, who has been on the ketogenic diet for nearly two years, has been seizure-free since April 7, 2006.His parents have just begun the nerve-wracking process of weaning him off the diet, fearful that the seizures will return. Health experts prefer that children not remain on the diet for much longer than two years.For many children, the seizures will have halted permanently. For others, the seizures return, and experts will continue searching for ways to help them.The experience has bonded the two Lafayette couples — Cathy and Bryan Holt and John and Kirstin Cortessis, who were once strangers. They understand one another in a way that few others can."Kirstin has become one of my dearest, closest friends," Cathy Holt said.Niko and Noah are being treated at Children's Hospital Oakland.Tricking the metabolismThe ketogenic diet essentially puts children in a starvation mode. Normally, the body burns carbohydrates for energy. Without them, it starts burning fat.The liver then produces ketone bodies, which circulate through the body, including the brain, and become concentrated in the blood, Amorde-Spalding said.The children are placed on a strict diet, with about 90 percent of their total calories coming from fat.Their urine is tested regularly to ensure that it is concentrated with ketone bodies, indicating that they remain in a fat-burning stage.The Bible mentions people fasting to end their fits, which are believed to have been epileptic seizures.The current ketogenic diet was developed in the 1920s to treat epilepsy, but began going out of favor in the 1940s as anti-epileptic drugs became available.The diet catapulted back into popularity in 1994 when a movie executive who had a child with uncontrolled epilepsy took him to Johns Hopkins medical center. There, a ketogenic diet halted his seizures. His father promoted the treatment and produced a 1997 made-for-TV movie starring Meryl Streep, "First Do No Harm."The regimen bears some similarities to the Atkins diet, which also puts people in a fat-burning state, but the ketogenic diet is much more controlled. Bob Larson / Contra Costa Times Noah, left, and Cathy Holt prepare and weigh all of Noah's food at their Lafayette home. A ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, is credited with reducing Noah's epileptic seizures.Families must weigh each bit of food and calculate the proper proportion of fat to carbohydrates. Dietitians such as Amorde-Spalding develop plans to ensure that young people receive enough calories to grow properly.Process starts in hospitalTo start the diet, children often spend three days carefully monitored in a hospital as they switch into a fat-burning stage.The diet seems to work best in young children, said Dr. Dan Birnbaum, head of neurology at Children's Hospital Oakland."It's hard to know whether the diet cures the epilepsy or just stops it so the brain can mature and get beyond the problem."It may be that the diet changes some biochemical pathways, resulting in improvements for some children, said Dr. Joseph Sullivan, director of the pediatric epilepsy center at UC San Francisco."As a result, other chemicals are increased that are known to have anti-seizure effects," he said. "But it's not well-understood."Kaiser Permanente started its program 15 years ago. Among 300 Northern California children it put on the diet, about 20 percent have become seizure-free, and 75 percent to 95 percent have had some improvement."It doesn't work for everybody, so it is not a panacea," said Dr. Calvin Wheeler, Kaiser subchief of pediatric neurology in southern Alameda County. "It is not a first-line treatment for seizures."The diet can put families to the test. Both the Holts and Cortessises locked their refrigerators and pantries to keep their sons from eating prohibited foods.They also had to make sure that well-meaning relatives or neighbors did not slip their child a cookie or piece of cake, which could prompt another seizure.But the families say that the diet has been remarkable and that the boys have adapted to the restrictions.Noah "prays for no seizures," Cathy Holt said.The Cortessises are slowly increasing the percentage of carbohydrates in Niko's diet, hoping that the seizures will not return."Once you've been there, you don't want to go back," Niko's father said. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-low-seizure-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-stress-relief-key-in-fighting-irritable-bowel-syndrome Diet, stress relief key in fighting irritable bowel syndromeSource: www.statesville.comIf you are one of the estimated 45 million Americans suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, new research indicates successful treatment may be more than revamping your eating habits.Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is characterized by gastrointestinal distress such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. While IBS does not harm the intestines or lead to chronic disease such as cancer, for many people it is a disabling disorder that can prevent them from participating in normal activities such as work, social events and traveling.The first line of treatment for IBS involves diet management, in order to identify and eliminate trigger foods from one’s diet. Certain foods such as caffeine, alcohol, whole grains, chocolate and hard-to-digest fruits and vegetables may worsen symptoms of IBS. Each person is different, so it may be a matter of identifying which foods exacerbate the symptoms for you.Another line of treatment involves the use of medications or fiber supplements. However, this is a treatment option to discuss with your primary care physician.While we know diet and medicine may help, another key piece of the puzzle is stress. Those with IBS are more likely to have depression or anxiety. Of course, depression, anxiety and stress may cause IBS or IBS may cause these issues. Either way, management of depression, anxiety and stress has been shown to alleviate symptoms.Now, new research by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and prominent medical professors from New York and North Carolina indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, may offer effective relief.CBT is a type of psychotherapy that uses the power of cognition (the mind) to replace unhealthy behaviors and beliefs with healthy ones. Relaxation and distraction techniques are often used in CBT. In the research conducted found that individuals receiving weekly CBT for 10 weeks and even those receiving monthly CBT in combination with at-home relaxation techniques showed significant improvement in IBS symptoms. So, it appears that a multi-factorial approach is proving best as far as effective treatment of IBS. Working with your primary care physician, a dietitian and a psychotherapist will likely enable you to manage IBS the most successfully.For more information on IBS and various forms of therapeutic treatment, contact a multi-disciplinary psychotherapy center such as the Southlake Center for Self Discovery in Davidson at (704) 896-7776. Ask your doctor about other treatment options, referrals and medications. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-stress-relief-key-in-fighting-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gene-behind-devastating-vitamin-disorder-identified Gene behind devastating vitamin disorder identifiedSource: mangalorean.comAn international team has identified the gene behind a rare but serious vitamin B12-related disorder and also picked up clues about how the vitamin acts within the body.The rare genetic inability to process vitamin B12, usually diagnosed in infancy or childhood, may cause patients to suffer a host of debilitating problems like serious developmental delay, psychosis and anaemia.Despite the variety of symptoms manifested by the disorder, this research shows that all of them are caused by mutations in different parts of the same gene, known as MMADHC."Most patients with B12 problems have difficulty absorbing the vitamin, or may be vegans who don't get it in their diet," said David Rosenblatt of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal."However, this select group of patients becomes extremely sick because their bodies cannot transform the vitamin into its active forms."These findings have been published in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, fish and shellfish, but not in plants. It is vital for the synthesis of red blood cells and the healthy maintenance of the nervous system. It helps control homocysteine levels, excess of which is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia.The research relied heavily on expertise developed at McGill and University Children's Hospitals Basel as world referral centres for the diagnosis of B12-related genetic diseases, said Rosenblatt, a co-author of the study."This discovery offers earlier diagnosis and treatment options for this serious disease, and also helps explain the mechanism of how vitamin B12 works in everyone."Scientists at the University Children's Hospitals of Basel and Zurich in Switzerland, Brunel University in West London and McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal were associated with the research. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gene-behind-devastating-vitamin-disorder-identified http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-vitamins-are-beneficial-to-keep-eyes-healthy- How Vitamins Are Beneficial To Keep Eyes Healthy?Source: www.losangeleschronicle.comUse of eye vitamins can be of immense help in ensuring the health of the eyes for an extended period of time. Vitamins for the eyes can as well aid in averting numerous eye ailments.One vitamin that is essential for eye health is lutein. The human body is completely unable to produce enough lutein to sustain the eye so it is necessary for you to get this vitamin elsewhere. It is believed that your body needs at least 6mg of lutein each day for optimum eye health. Since it is difficult to get enough lutein in your diet through eating healthy foods, it is important to take lutein supplement. You can go through the manual in the package or bottle to make sure it contains the essential amount of lutein.Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-Carotene (pro-Vitamin A) and Carotenoids (Lutein & Zeaxanthin) are strong antioxidants i.e. they protect the eye against free radical damage. It seems reasonable to assume that strengthening of the eye defences by increasing the intake of these vitamins would be helpful in preventing the chronic AgingEye diseases. Recent well designed and controlled studies seem to support this assumption. Lycopene (a different type of carotenoid found in tomatoes) protects against prostate cancer and heart disease - therefore the protective effect of these vitamins is not just restricted to the eye.Among these are the antioxidant vitamins. The eye, especially the lens and the retina is particularly vulnerable to the effects of unchecked free radicals which are a byproduct of oxygen, cellular processes and environmental contaminants. Antioxidant vitamins help to combat free radicals. The primary antioxidant vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. in addition to their important action against free radicals they promote healthy cells and tissues in the eye. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two more valuable antioxidants that recent research has found to be especially effective in maintaining the good health of the eyes. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-vitamins-are-beneficial-to-keep-eyes-healthy- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-can-rescue-skin-hair-and-nails Vitamins Can Rescue Skin, Hair and NailsSource: www.redorbit.comThe old saying still holds true: You are what you eat. Some of us believe we can afford to disregard this dictum, as long as we have a plastic surgeon, a salon and a day spa on speed dial. We want to be thinner - we get liposuction. Our hair is thinning - off to the salon for extensions. Our nails become brittle - acrylic nails are a phone call away. What most of us fail to recognize is that these changes (skin, hair and nails) are our body's way of screaming for help. What keeps you clean and healthy on the inside will keep you looking good on the outside. If you want clean and clear skin, drink more water. Your kidneys remove waste products that must be dissolved by water. By drinking around eight glasses of water a day (this is an average; everybody has different requirements), you are flushing out the toxins that would normally escape through the pores of your skin. This prevents pimples and blemishes, and helps keep the skin moisture level even. * The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E fight free radical damage caused by aging and the environment. The beta-carotene in bright orange and red vegetables converts into vitamin A, helping to produce new skin cells and shed old ones, which leads to fresh skin. Vitamin A is also good for preventing dry skin and dry hair. Food sources of vitamin A are carrots, dark leafy greens and sweet potatoes. Recommendations: 900 mcg/day for men and 700 mcg/day for females. * Citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries and red peppers house vitamin C. Vitamin C is a collagen healer, helping the body build new tissue. The healthier the collagens in your body, the firmer and smoother your skin will look. If you bruise easily, double-check your vitamin C intake. Recommendations: 75 mg/day for men and 60 mg/ day for females. * Vitamin E is found in almonds, avocados and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and helps repair connective tissue. Fifteen mg/day is recommended for males and females alike. * Omega-3 fatty acids, found in wild salmon, mackerel, walnuts and flaxseed, is great for the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids help decrease inflammation (which can damage the collagen in the skin, causing wrinkles), preventing dryness in the skin and hair. It also adds moisture, leading to healthier looking skin and strong nails by preventing cracking. For healthy adults with no history of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least two times per week. It also recommends consuming plant- derived sources such as tofu or soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed oil and canola oil. * It's no secret that calcium builds strong bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. As you age, calcium helps maintain tooth enamel so teeth remain strong. A diet lacking in calcium also contributes to dry, brittle fingernails. The good bacteria in yogurt is beneficial not only to the digestive tract but to your skin as well. Choose low-fat dairy products such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese. Recommendation for both males and females is 1000 to 1200 mg/day. * Iron is the most commonly deficient mineral in humans and is essential for the formation of red blood cells and delivering oxygen to the cells. Brittle fingernails are often a sign of iron deficiency. Iron comes from both animal (heme) and plant (non-heme) sources, but is better absorbed from heme iron food sources. Iron is found abundantly in lean red meats and fortified cereals. Recommendation for males and females (non-pregnant) is 10 mg/day. * Zinc is another mineral that can combat hair loss and brittle nails, as well as those unattractive little white spots on nails. Zinc is needed for a multitude of functions, including tissue repair, wound healing, maintenance of night vision, taste acuity and hormone production. Zinc-rich foods are shellfish and lean red meats. Pumpkin seeds provide one of the most concentrated vegetarian food sources of zinc. Recommendations are 8 mg/day for females and 11 mg/day for males. * Protein is not a common deficiency in this country, given our large portion sizes. But it's important to note that protein fortifies the hair and promotes growth. Salmon Teriyaki Serves: 4 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger 3 cloves of garlic, minced (1 tablespoon) 3 scallions, finely chopped 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup mirin (sweet Japanese wine) 11/2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons honey 4 (6 to 8 ounce) wild salmon fillets Place the ginger, garlic and scallions in a bowl, and whisk in the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil and honey. Marinate salmon for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator, turning once or twice. Grill on high heat for 3 to 6 minutes, turning gently, or preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake for about 20 minutes. This dish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrition per serving 320 calories, 34 grams protein, 16 grams fat, 0 grams carbohydrates, 414 milligrams sodium, 108 milligrams cholesterol Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-can-rescue-skin-hair-and-nails http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-and-joint-deterioration Arthritis and Joint DeteriorationSource: www.blackhillsportal.comEvery day our joints endure an enormous amount of stress from physical activity, including walking, lifting, and typing. Despite this heavy and constant use, we take our joints for granted and expect them to function trouble-free for several decades.If you’re a baby boomer, like I am, and for so many years took for granted pain free joints. We find ourselves now looking for a solution to this problem. I’ve done some extensive study on the solution and believe this information could be helpful.Cartilage Cartilage is the protective layer that cushions and lubricates the joints. Over the years, the cartilage in our joints is gradually worn down due to normal physical activity. The body rebuilds the cartilage as it is worn and replaces shock-absorbing synovial fluid, so the joints are always protected. For various reasons, however, the production of new cartilage and synovial fluid can fall behind demand. Because of poor blood supply, lesions to articular cartilage do not heal at the same rate as other tissue in the body; cartilage is rebuilt slowly, and if components of the substances used for cartilage repair are in short supply, the recovery from damage can be slowed even more.Glucosamine Glucosamine, an amino sugar, is an important precursor in the biosynthesis of cartilage. Specifically, it is a building block of proteoglycan-protein molecules with a high content of bound carbohydrate. Proteoglycans and collagen compose the majority of the cartilage matrix. Proteoglycans are essential for healthy cartilage, because they bind the water that lubricates and cushions pain and osteoarthritis may result.In addition to its role as a biochemical precursor, glucosamine is believed to play a role in regulation cartilage formation and normalizing cartilage metabolism by encouraging higher production of collagen and proteoglycans. Glucosamine also stimulates synovial production of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for the lubricating and shock-absorbing properties of synovial fluidNumerous double-blind clinical studies have shown the efficacy of glucosamine supplements in maintaining healthy cartilage, healthy joints, and a full range of motion in the short term. More recently, a three year study was published showing that joint space increased in the glucosamine treated group, while it continued to decrease in the placebo group. Indicating that the protective cartilage was better maintained in those who used glucosamine. Additional studies have demonstrated that glucosamine, taken orally, is well absorbed and diffuses into tissues, including the articular cartilage.Blended Products Proven To Be Powerful The combination of glucosamine sulfate with turmeric extract, manganese, vitamin C, and silicon represents a more comprehensive approach to joint health. Over the long term, these ingredients help retain healthy cartilage. Gluconsmine sulfate promotes the incorporation of sulfur, a component of protein, into the cartilage matrix. Turmeric contains curcumin and related compounds known as curcuminoids, which have good antioxidant properties. Manganese is required for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of proteoglycans. Vitamin C is essential for the reactions necessary to collagen formation. Silicon is required for proper collagen formation and ultimately cartilage composition. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-and-joint-deterioration http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/feel-fabulous-in-your-fifties- Feel fabulous in your fifties.Source: www.independent.ieShe used to be a Bond girl, and even now you can see just why the super spy was intrigued by Jane Seymour. She's 56 and she's simply glowing with health and vitality. She played a psychic tarot card reader in Live and Let Die. So just what did Ms Seymour see when she looked to the future?By the time you hit a half century, your skin will experience numerous changes because of the hormonal influence of the menopause. To begin with, your oestrogen levels will start to decline. This affects the capacity of the skin to retain moisture, and you may experience dry skin for the first time. It will also become thinner and more fragile. The production of collagen and elastin fibres falls dramatically, causing skin to sag and droop. But, thankfully, facial exercises can really make a difference. However, you may also notice the effects of sun damage which actually occurred decades earlier. This may appear as darker patches where the melanin, which gives skin its pigment, clumps together. If you're extra unlucky, age spots and broken blood vessels will start to appear. There's no magic answer but you need to think about firming, lifting and nourishing your skin. Look for water-based anti-ageing products packed full of collagen and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients will help pump it up. Remember, we all have 25 layers of epidermis and to penetrate through all of these, you need to use products that will absorb and work from within. Try to stay out of the sun or, at the very least, use a high SPF to keep your skin tone even and prevent damage accelerating. And remember that it's not just the skin on your face that you should be concerned about; your chest, neck and hands are age giveaways, so it's really worth investing in a hand cream and a product specifically formulated for the fragile skin on your neck. Products to look out for include: Clarins Super Restorative Decollete and Neck Concentrate, La Prairie's Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum, Shiseido's Future Solution Total Revitalizing Cream, Clinique Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate for Face and Eye, Estee Lauder's Age Resisting Brightening Cream and Advanced Night Repair, Dermalogica's Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, and No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour. But it's not just about spending lots of money at the beauty counter. Look after your diet: make sure you're getting enough protein and eating lots of anti-oxidant fruits and vegetables daily. Drink lots of water, and get plenty of exercise to keep your circulation working and drive nutrients to your skin. You may not get Daniel Craig knocking on your door, but a girl can dream! Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/feel-fabulous-in-your-fifties- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k2-linked-to-lower-prostate-cancer-risk Vitamin K2 linked to lower prostate cancer riskSource: www.foodproductiondaily.comAn increased intake of vitamin K2 may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 35 per cent, suggest results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The potential benefits of K2 were more pronounced for advanced prostate cancer, while vitamin K1 intake did not offer any prostate benefits, report the researchers from the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg.The findings, based on data from the 11,319 men taking part in the EPIC Heidelberg cohort, are published in this month's issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.The study, by Katharina Nimptsch, Sabine Rohrmann and Jakob Linseisen, adds to a small but ever-growing body of science supporting the potential health benefits of vitamin K, most notable for bone and blood health, but also recently linked to improved skin health.The study has been welcomed by leading vitamin K researcher Cees Vermeer, PhD, from the VitaK and Cardiovascular Research Institute CARIM at the University of Maastricht, who told NutraIngredients.com that the study was "high quality.""The anti-tumor effect of K2 vitamins has been suggested in several other (mainly Japanese) papers; in most cases these papers were based on smaller numbers, however. Also, in Japan it is usual to provide very high doses of the short-chain menaquinone-4 (45 mg/day or higher)," said Dr. Vermeer. "The elegance of the Nimptsch paper is that the effect is found at nutritional doses of vitamin K," he added.Study detailsNimptsch, Rohrmann and Linseisen from the Division of Cancer Epidemiology at the German Cancer Research Centre state that epidemiologic studies of dietary vitamin K intakes have not been conducted in relation to prostate cancer risk. According to the European School of Oncology, over half a million news cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year world wide, and the cancer is the direct cause of over 200,000 deaths. More worryingly, the incidence of the disease is increasing with a rise of 1.7 per cent over 15 years.A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess habitual dietary intakes at the start of the study, with vitamin K intakes divided into phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (vitamin K2) and total and advanced prostate cancer in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. The researchers documented 268 incident cases of prostate cancer during the 8.6 years of follow-up. Of these, 113 cases were classified as advanced prostate cancer. While no reduction in the risk of prostate cancer was observed for vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), an increased intake of all menaquinones (vitamin K2) was associated with a 35 per cent reduction in risk. However, the researchers stated that this association was "non-significant".Furthermore, a strong association was documented when they considered only advanced prostate cancer, with increased intake of menaquinones linked to a 63 per cent reduction in risk. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k2-linked-to-lower-prostate-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-the-benefits-and-risks Vitamins – the benefits and risksSource: icwales.icnetwork.co.ukVitamin AImportant for:A healthy immune system;Bone and tooth development;Healthy skin and mucus linings (in the nose for example); andVision in dim light.Sources:Milk, cheese, eggs, oily fish, fortified margarine and liver.How much do I need?It is fat-soluble so you don’t need it every day – any of the vitamin your body doesn’t need immediately is stored for future use.0.7mg a day for men0.6mg a day for womenWhat happens if I take too much?Too much Vitamin A over many years can make bones more likely to fracture when you’re older.If you’re pregnant, having large amounts of Vitamin A can harm your unborn baby.Vitamin CImportant for:A healthy immune system and helping the body to absorb iron.Sources:Found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables including citrus fruit, blackcurrants, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and brussels sprouts.How much do I need?It is water-soluble, which means you need it in your diet every day because it can’t be stored in the body.Adults need 40mg a day.What happens if I take too much?Can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and flatulence.Vitamin EImportant for:A healthy immune system; and,Healthy circulation.Sources:Found in a wide variety of foods. The richest sources are plant oils such as soya, corn and olive oil. Other good sources include nuts and seeds, and wheatgerm (found in cereals and cereal products).How much do I need?Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means you don’t need it every day because any of the vitamin your body doesn’t need immediately is stored for future use.4mg a day for men3mg a day for womenWhat happens if I take too muchThere isn’t enough evidence to know what the effects might be of taking high doses of vitamin E supplements each day.Beta-caroteneImportant for:Its similar function to Vitamin A; and,Used to make retinol, needed for healthy vision.Sources:Found in fruit and vegetables that are red-orange in colour including carrots, red peppers, mango, melon and apricots.How much do I need?You should be able to get the amount you need from your daily diet.What happens if I take too much?Increases the risk of lung cancer developing in smokers and in people who have been heavily exposed to asbestos at work.Source: Food Standards Agency Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-the-benefits-and-risks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/corrie-star-praises-cumbria-weight-loss-duo Corrie star praises Cumbria weight-loss duoSource: www.newsandstar.co.ukLOSING a combined weight of almost 10 stones in less than a year, Adam Cox and Hayley Nuttall have changed their bodies and lives.View more pictures... Adam Cox with Hayley NuttallIn fact the two Cumbrians have done so well they made it into the finals of a Young Slimmer of the Year contest down in London.Adam, 16, of Longtown, near Carlisle, and Hayley, who turned 22 this week, of Kendal, both shed pounds with help of popular weight-loss club Slimming World.After seeing how much it changed their lives, their group leaders put them forward for the competition.Both Adam and Hayley were selected to attend the high-profile final ceremony in London earlier this month, with Adam making it through to the final six contestants on the day.While there they received personal praise from celebrity host Ryan Thomas, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw in ITV soap Coronation Street.The first round saw the finalists split into small groups.Each slimmer was then asked to talk about what motivated them to lose weight and the impact it has had on them.For Adam it is about more than just simply shedding weight, it has enabled him to get fit and pursue a dream he never thought possible – to become a sports coach.The teenager, who lost exactly five stones since last September, has just moved from Longtown to Doncaster with his parents after completing his GCSEs at Lochinvar School.He has secured a job as a trainee mechanic and is also completing a part-time course to train as a sports coach.It is a far cry from the Adam who struggled to find clothes to fit him in regular shops and whose love of cricket was hampered by his 17-stone frame.Fed up of letting his weight hold him back, the youngster took it upon himself to do something about it and joined Slimming World last September.By swapping his fatty pizzas and sugary snacks for healthy versions, Adam watched the weight drop off and his fitness levels soar.He has even taught himself to cook healthy recipes – which can include burgers and chips – from a Slimming World cookbook.He now hopes to use his own experiences to inspire other young people to change their lives by losing weight.Adam’s dedicated battle to lose weight earned him a place in the final round of the competition and, even though he didn’t win, he said it had been a fantastic experience.“I was really excited to be announced as the Young Slimmer of the Year in my area so to make it through to the national stages was brilliant,” he said.“There were 30 of us there at the final and I made it into the last six. And it was great to meet Ryan, he’s a really confident bloke and shared some great stories with us.”He added that losing weight with Slimming World was easy because there is always something you can eat, so he never had to go hungry.He also thanked everyone at the Carlisle group for supporting him over the past 12 months.Although he has reached his target weight he said he will never go back to his old ways and will still go to the classes every few weeks.Although Hayley didn’t make it into the final round she said it was a fantastic honour to be picked to represent the area.She said: “It was amazing when I found out Adam and myself were representing the 29 groups in Cumbria and 5,500 groups nationwide. Meeting Ryan was brilliant. He was interested in all our stories and gave me a hug. He’s even more gorgeous in real life than on the TV.”And the soap hunk was equally impressed with Hayley, saying: “She is an inspiration. She looks stunning now.“What they have achieved at such a young age is phenomenal.“It’s so inspiring to meet young people who have transformed their lives and health in such a positive way.”To find out about Slimming World groups in Cumbria call 0844 897 8000 or visit www.slimmingworld.com Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/corrie-star-praises-cumbria-weight-loss-duo http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/david-beckham-s-nutrition-advice-for-the-painfully-thin David Beckham’s Nutrition Advice For The Painfully ThinSource: www.anorak.co.ukWHO is David Beckham talking about as he writes in the Mirror:David Beckham Soccer Aid exclusive: You can help us tackle hungerWho is us?One of the nurses explained that [insert name] had been on a diet of specially fortified milk for the last two months… The nurse said she had already put on a kilo in weight and would hopefully soon be well enough to go home.Who is she?It’s can’t be her Poshness. She loves food. Just loves it.Must be UNICEF, which seek to bring nutrition aide and advice to the poor, deserving but not the stick-then rich…. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/david-beckham-s-nutrition-advice-for-the-painfully-thin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/an-a-z-guide-to-vitamins-herbal-remedies An A-Z Guide to Vitamins & Herbal RemediesSource: www.keepthedoctoraway.co.ukDiscover the benefits of vitamin supplements and alternative medicine with our directory and guide to vitamins and herbal remedies. In this article:The benefits of over 40 vitamins and herbal medicines. Aloe Vera: A natural remedy for hangovers. Learn why garlic is more than just a great cooking ingredient. While most of us know vitamins and herbal remedies can do our bodies a world of good, very few of us know the exact benefits of individual vitamins. To make it easy we’ve designed a directory of vitamins and herbal remedies, together with a brief overview of how they can help promote optimum health and cure your bodily ills. The Health Benefits of Vitamins A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Calcium Maintains healthy bones and teeth. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Cod Liver Oil Helps to keep joints flexible and supple.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) Co Q10 helps our bodies to release energy from food and is a useful antioxidant- while it is naturally produced by our bodies, we unfortunately tend to produce less of it over time.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Omega 3 Helps maintain healthy eyes and supports healthy brain development. For more information, Click here. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Vitamin E Reduces the chances of damage to the cells caused by free radicals (such as pollution and smoke) and therefore supports your immune system. Vitamin E also promotes healthy skin.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Vitamin B Complex Helps to maintain all day energy by assisting in the break down of food, encouraging energy to be released slowly throughout the day. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Vitamin B 6 Helps maintain healthy hormonal levels and a healthy metabolism.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Vitamin C It is important to keep your body topped up with Vitamin C because is not stored in the body. The vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and helps to maintain a healthy immune system and encourages the growth and repair of body cells helping to resist infection. It also helps the body to absorb iron and is ideal for those you do not enough lots of fruit and vegetables or drink and smoke heavily. Vitamin C can also help reduce cellulite. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Vitamin D Helps your body absorb calcium, and cuts diabetes and heart attack risk. To find out more, Click Here. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Zinc Helps to support a healthy immune system. Read more: Lovelife & ZincThe Health Benefits of Herbal Oils and Alternative Remedies A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Agnus Castus A traditional herbal remedy to relieve PMS A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Aloe Vera Support healthy immune system and improve digestive health – it’s also said to be a great natural hangover cure. To find out more, Click Here.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Antifect Herbal remedy for rhinitis, congestion and catarrhA-Z Guide to Vitamins: Arnica Traditional remedy to heal strains, sprains, and bruises A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Artichoke Helps maintain a healthy digestive system, and is a rich source of zinc. To find out more about the benefits of zinc, Click Here. ADVERTISEMENT - Article Continues below A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Burdock, Clivers, Dandelion and Ura Ursi Helps relieve water retention. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Devil’s Claw A traditional herbal remedy to relieve aches and pains like backache, muscular pain and joint pain A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Echinacea Herbal remedy for colds. Some scientists even say it can halve your risk of getting a cold in the first place. To find out more, Click Here. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Eucalyptus oil Head clearing and cooling.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Evening Primrose Oil Helps to maintain a healthy hormonal balance, keeps joints flexible and promotes healthy skin. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Feverfew A traditional herbal remedy for migraines. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Garlic Maintains cholesterol levels and keeps your heart healthy. Some experts also say it’s a natural libido booster. To find out more, Click Here.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Ginger Helps support a balanced digestive system, especially while travelling. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Ginkgo Improves circulation and short term memory. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Ginseng Helps counteract fatigue, maintain short term memory and improve circulation.And new findings have confirmed that botanical extract ginseng is a safe cold and flu remedy for kids. To find out more, Click Here. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Glucosamine Sulphate Marine sourced, helps keep your joints healthy. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Green tea Helps keep your digestion healthy, improves your metabolism and may also protect against heart disease. To find out more, Click Here.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Jasmine Oil Aphrodisiac and soothing.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Lavender Oil Relaxing and soothing. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Lemongrass Oil Energising and stimulating. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Milk Thistle Traditional herbal remedy to heal the liver, aid with detoxing, cure hangovers and lower cholesterol. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Patchouli oil Calming and soothing.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Peppermint oil Supports health digestive transit, aids digestion, stimulating and refreshing. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Plant sterols Maintain healthy cholesterol levels. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Probiotic / Prebiotic Good bacteria for a healthy immune system. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can be found in a normal healthy diet, while prebiotics cannot be digested, but instead help good bacteria flourish in the digestive system as they pass through. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Rosehip extract High in vitamin C and natural antioxidants, helps maintain your immune system and keep your joints healthy.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Rosemary Oil Stimulating and invigorating.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Selenium Selenium is found naturally in nuts, fish and meat, and boosts the metabolism and immune system. It’s also vital to support the body’s natural defence system.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: St John’s Wort Traditional remedy for depression. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Tabritis Herbal remedy for joint stiffness and rheumatic pain.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Tea Tree Antiseptic and stimulating. A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Turmeric Helps maintain a healthy bowel, and could also prevent obesity and diabetes. To find out more, Click Here.A-Z Guide to Vitamins: Ylang Ylang Oil Aphrodisiac and stimulating. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/an-a-z-guide-to-vitamins-herbal-remedies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-to-power-your-health Eat to power your healthSource: www.columbiatribune.comFood goes through fads. There are the crash diets, what people in Hollywood are eating to drop weight and the exotic (and expensive) berry found in the depths of the rainforest. Some fad foods do have legitimate nutritional value, making them a great addition to any diet. If you prefer to stick with the more readily available foods, here are some to pick up the next time you’re at the store.● Blueberries are high in certain carotenoids, which protect your eyes from UV damage, as well as anthocyanidins, antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. "Free radicals are found in the environment and are also constantly formed in the body as byproducts of metabolism," Sally Stegemann, registered dietitian at the Women’s Wellness Center, said in an e-mail. ● A great source for vitamins K, A, and C, manganese and calcium is kale. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin A aids in preventing night-blindness and boosting the immune system. Besides vitamin C’s notoriety as the immune system’s best friend, it is also involved in collagen formation. Pass the kale! ● Lentils, a versatile legume that shows up everywhere from soups to dips, are high in iron and soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol.● Stegemann says almonds are an "excellent food" because they are full of calcium, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium and fiber. Manganese aids in metabolism, working with enzymes that metabolize protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol. The nutritious nut has been found effective in the prevention of heart disease and helping to maintain a healthy weight as well, Stegemann said.● Items like açaí contain more antioxidants than pomegranates, and eating them is good for the environment. "It’s a great way to support the rain forest," said Sean Foley, manager at Clover’s Natural Market. "You don’t need to clear cut any rain forest to get it because it’s a cash crop that’s renewable. Plus, the indigenous population gets to make money."● Other foods that are making a scene at the moment are the goji berry and hemp seed. The goji berry has been making a name for themselves as another "super berry" because of its plant-based nutrients and micronutrients. "It has a lot of benefits," Foley said. "It is really helpful towards energy levels, healthy libido and balancing the endocrine system." ● This fall, be on the lookout for the elderberry, which are grown locally in Ashland. Foley describes the elderberry as the fruit cross between a cherry, raisin, prune and blueberry. "It’s not as pleasant as those," Foley said, "but it does have powerful antiviral affects."● The hemp seed is a powerhouse of protein and iron. It might not taste great by itself, but adding it into guacamole is a tasty alternative. Regardless of your preference for the classic or the avant-garde, Stegemann urges getting as much food variety in your diet as possible."By eating different foods from day to day, we can ensure that we are getting not only the essential vitamins and minerals we need, but also including an array of the thousand of phytonutrients that are just as important to our health." Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:02:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-to-power-your-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-a-natures-energy-fruit Açaí Natures Energy FruitSource: www.oprah.comIt may seem odd to start this list of superfoods with one you’ve likely never even heard of. But studies have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world! Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) is the high-energy berry of a special Amazon palm tree. Harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature's perfect energy fruit. Açaí is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Although açaí may not be available in your local supermarket, you can find it in several health food and gourmet stores (often in juice form). A new product featuring the unsweetened pulp is now also available, and I highly recommend that you choose this form of açaí.Açaí pulp contains: A remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine. A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health. An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration. The fatty acid content in açaí resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:56:54 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-a-natures-energy-fruit http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-americas-leading-cause-of-disability Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Source: www.newbritainherald.com Although there are rarer forms of arthritis, the three most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout, said Santhanam Lakshminaraya-nan, assistant professor of Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Advertisement "Most people would be covered if these three main forms of arthritis were taken care of," he said. Different people respond to the same stimulus in different ways; depending on what genetic background people come from, and what causes the arthritis (which is unknown), who will get arthritis cannot be predicted. Lakshminarayanan sees how severe arthritis is during assessment, and looks for the features of the disease that are evident. "Some gene types are at risk, but you can�t tell," he said. While most people will have heard of the first two forms of arthritis, not everyone will know about gout, which is an acute inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals formed in the blood that settle in the joints and cause intense pain. The presence of too many uric acid crystals in the blood can cause either arthritis or kidney stones.Treatment by a sub-specialist (someone who treats that type of arthritis) isn�t necessary for gout; a general practitioner can treat it. Doctors and researchers don�t know the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. "Rheumatoid arthritis is not as cut and dry as gout because we don�t know what causes it," he said. But he cautions, "Just because rheumatoid arthritis blood factors are present, doesn�t necessarily mean the patient has arthritis.There are other factors. A diagnosis has to be done on the history of the patient, and the exam and the blood tests are only an adjunct to the assessment." The opportunity for treating rheumatoid arthritis is in the early part of the disease. Even though detected early, the newest treatments for it may not be necessary, but follow-up treatment should be with a sub-specialist. Swollen joints, joint stiffness, nodules, small joints, small wrists, fingers and toes, and blood factors indicate arthritis, but the arthritis picture is complicated. "If the patient doesn�t have pain, but has positive blood factors, it doesn�t mean the patient has arthritis.Blood factors may indicate another disease; it may be Hepatitis C or another inflammatory disease.The diagnosis should be made on the clinical picture and not on the blood test," he said. Osteoarthritis is common, but again, doctors and researchers don�t know the cause. The most important thing with arthritis is early recognition and early treatment with a sub-specialist. Physicians know how to treat inflammation, and the damage that is done to the arthritic joints is caused by inflammation. "All medications try to decrease the inflammation, and by doing so, decrease the damage to the joint. All succeed in varying degrees, but not all work in all patients," he said. Drug treatments that change the course of inflammation include Prednisone; Etanercept (trade name Enbrel, which is injectable); Infliximab, an injectable infusion that can be used over a prolonged period of time (brand name Remicade); Adalimumab (brand name Humira, which is injectable); the generic drug Methotrexate Sulfasalazine, and; Lefluno-mide (trade name Arava).The injectable drugs are effective for and can be used for rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects of the drugs are to be reckoned with.Prednisone can cause osteoporosis, diabetes, weight gain, and cataracts, among other problems.Most of the other drugs can decrease immune response and make the patient susceptible to infections, as can Prednisone. Newer injections that attempt to influence the mediators of inflammation will be coming out in the next few years, and treatment is becoming more specific.Yet the causes that set off inflammation aren�t known. The biologics target specific chemicals that cause inflammation, but use of those medications should be weighed against the side effects of risk and infection. Patients may decide that the risk is too high and seek other alternatives. Lakshminaray-anan is wary of naturopathic remedies since nothing has been proven for those aids within the scientific community, he said. Yet, he admits the scientific community doesn�t have all the answers and current medications cause side effects. "If the patient uses it and it seems to help, then I don�t have anything against it."He doesn�t know what is in natural products and this makes him leery.Some evidence shows Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate is protective against osteoarthritis in the long term, but that it is not effective in other kinds of arthritis.Oil of Evening Primrose and Borage Oil have been used to combat fatigue and achiness by some patients, he said, but there is no hard evidence that it works."But if the patient notices it helps, we have nothing against it. I haven�t seen any numbers that say it works every time, but if it helps the individual, that�s fine." Borage is credited with a "calming and anti-inflammatory action" in "The Herb Book" by John Lust. Earl Mindell�s "Herb Bible" states that gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil, was used successfully to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients in a double-blind study, reducing swelling, joint pain, and stiffness. A battery of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements, including evening primrose oil, glucosamine sulfate, calcium-magnesium, and drinking lots of water, is recommended in the Arthritis section of "Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide," compiled by The Burton Goldberg Group. "My suspicion is that the cause of rheumatoid arthritis isn�t going to be one cause; there may be several triggers.Rheumatoid arthritis may not be one disease or one cause.It�s possible that we will get to the root of it in the next 20 years," Lakshminarayanan said. He points out that it is important to maintain a healthy diet.Diet, he says, has an influence in gout, and alcohol and organ meats, such as chopped liver, should be avoided. "One should avoid these to get rid of the symptoms. Avoid alcohol. Eat healthy for your heart." New American dietary guidelines recommend greater intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, daily exercise and weight reduction.Dietary guidelines for arthritis in "Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide" concur, adding that less weight on the joints reduces joint pain. This article is not meant for self-diagnosis. Visit your doctor if you experience pain Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-americas-leading-cause-of-disability http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/i-saw-off-cancer-with-diet-of-grapes 'I SAW OFF CANCER WITH DIET OF GRAPES'Source: www.express.co.ukA CANCER sufferer who was told he had months to live was given the all-clear after taking a daily dose of red grapes and cranberry juice.Raymond Hughes, 57, was given no more than six months to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2006. He had weeks of chemotherapy during which he suffered two heart attacks. But in June, the retired labourer, who is married with a grown-up daughter, was told the disease had gone.Mr Hughes, of Dudley, Worcs, said: “My doctor now calls me a walking miracle. Every day I would have a handful of the grapes and drink half a pint of the juice. I think that helped me.”A spokesman for Cancer Research said studies were being done on the effects of chemicals in fruit on battling the disease. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:29:32 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/i-saw-off-cancer-with-diet-of-grapes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/does-vitamin-c-help-cure-wrinkles- Does Vitamin C Help Cure Wrinkles?Source: www.bestsyndication.comThere is plenty of information out there about different things that are available to cure wrinkles. One of them is Vitamin C that you can get from various foods including oranges. There is quite a bit of research that indicates Vitamin C may be just what women are looking for as a very natural way to get rid of those wrinkles. Back in the early 1970’s there was a significant study done on women. More than 4,000 of them spanning from 40 to 74 years of age were evaluated with their skin problems. They were then closely monitored and what they consumed was tracked. It became apparent that a person’s diet definitely has plenty to do with the aging of their skin. One important determination from that study was that women consuming large amounts of Vitamin C had healthier looking skin than those that didn’t. They have fewer wrinkles and their skin was smoother. It was reasonable for them to assume that Vitamin C does slow down the aging process. This is due to the antioxidants found in it. They help the body to naturally produce more collagen. The Linoleic Acid that they contain also helps to prevent the skin from drying out. The thought of adding more Vitamin C to your diet is easy right? But most people don’t want to consume oranges all day either. There is also the fact that fresh oranges and even orange juice tend to be expensive. There are some other alternatives though because many other types of fruit also contain plenty of Vitamin C. Some of them you may enjoy include kiwi and papaya. They are also found in certain vegetables including broccoli and peppers. In order to get the most Vitamin C though from them you need to avoid boiling them. You need to eat them raw. You also need to consume Vitamin C all day long instead of at one sitting. That way your body is able to absorb as much of it as possible. Just think adding more Vitamin C to your diet is an easy way to control wrinkles. There is no reason to let those wrinkles form on your skin and make you look older than you really are. You also don’t have to pay for expensive treatments such as Botox or a face lift. Consuming Vitamin C is a natural way for you to control the look of your skin. You can also do it at home so no one has to know you are fighting wrinkles. They will just be jealous that you have skin they would love to have. So there you go.Consuming so much Vitamin C will also help to boost your immune system. This means you will be less likely to become ill with common ailments such as the flu and colds. Your overall dietary intake will likely improve as well so you will have more energy and you may even lose some weight. Overall, this could be the tip you need to look and feel much better than you have in a long time. Stacey Williams helps you to find the best wrinkle cream and antiaging cream to turn back the clock on your skin's appearance. See this review of Athena 7 Minute Lift wrinkle cream at his review site here. Does this 'face lift in a jar' known as Athena 7 Minute Lift really work? Find out right here. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:59:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/does-vitamin-c-help-cure-wrinkles- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coconut-water-therapy-can-work-wonders Coconut water therapy can work wondersSource: www.hindustantimes.comTwo Malaysian Indian doctors claimed that coconut water is the answer to the dreaded chikungunya, and many other diseases. Although coconut water could not cure diseases, it would help patients recover faster, they said.Natural science expert Dilip Kumar and Jagdev Singh, president of the Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association, said coconut water is good for ailments like cholera, dysentery and typhoid.Indians have long praised the virtues of coconut oil, which has been medically proven to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal components.“One can make the safe assumption that coconut water, too, would have anti-viral components,” said Kumar. The New Sunday Times newspaper reported that Chinese physicians were advising those afflicted with chikungunya to drink coconut water, herbal or water chestnut drinks.Confirming the Chinese prescription, the ethnic Indian duo pointed out that there is no vaccine against the virus that causes chikungunya, which has symptoms similar to that of dengue - fever, joint pain, fatigue and mouth ulcers. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:55:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coconut-water-therapy-can-work-wonders http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-cup-of-wellness A cup of wellnessSource: www.columbiatribune.comEverywhere you look there’s talk of tea and antioxidants. Green tea, white tea, black tea, herbal tea - there’s a lot of variety, so it’s tough to know just where to begin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KNOW YOUR TEA As shown clockwise from top: Organic Rooibos: Comes from leaves of a red bush in South Africa. Has a musky, caramel-like distinct flavor that people either like or don’t. Dubinksi suggests drinking it hot. Ti Kuan Yin Oolong: It retains more green than black tea qualities to it but is still strong. Ginseng Green: Has a nice green color to it, but because it has no fruit, it will taste more grassy. The ginseng gives the blend a more crisp taste. Because ginseng is a natural blood thinner, Maria Katsaros, osteopathic physician at Hands on Health, advises for anyone taking prescription blood thinners or anti-inflammatory to be cautious. Sublime Needle White: Otherwise called the Silver Needle, it is a high-quality leaf with an extra light and mild taste to it. Not suggested for beginning tea drinkers. Ginger Peach Black: A popular pick iced or hot. During colder months it is best with hot milk and honey. The peach isn’t super fruity but gives it a crisp taste that isn’t overpowering. Peace of Mind Herbal: This tea contains chamomile and spearmint. It brews red but isn’t overpowering. The tea has a relaxing effect. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The first question I ask someone is if they want a caffeinated tea or not," said Sarah Goodnow, a Kayotea Tea Room employee. "From there, it’s just what flavors you like."Black, oolong, green and white teas all come from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and naturally contain caffeine. Black tea, with about half the amount as coffee, packs the most jolt because of its long fermentation process. Comparatively, white is the least-processed leaf, leaving it with the lowest amount of caffeine. However, because white tea isn’t processed long, it retains the most antioxidants.These antioxidants benefit the body in a number of ways. Green tea, for instance, is rich in polyphenols, which provide antioxidant support for all the cells in the body, said Matthew Cowan, naturopathic physician, in an e-mail. These antioxidants protect against DNA damage, induce detoxifying enzymes in the liver, affect gene signaling, which regulates cellular growth, development and death, and improves the function of intestinal bacteria, Cowan said. Furthermore, the dominant and most active chemical in the polyphenol has been shown to help fight infection. Green tea also stimulates the metabolism of the body’s adipose tissue, which generates heat and can help burn fat. Some tea companies claim tea’s antioxidants can clear skin, but the jury’s out on this one. Lynn Otto, an esthetician and laser specialist at the Skintuition Medical Spa, said antioxidants can serve as a beauty aid. However, simply drinking them won’t work."Antioxidants consumed orally are not the same as actually applying them topically on the skin," Otto said. "Oral antioxidants may have other benefits, but as far as using them to fight free radical damage on the surface of the skin from sun exposure or pollutants in the air, they do not work in that way."Possible benefits aside, the taste of tea alone is enough to get a cup. Goodnow uses flavors such as fruity, tannic, earthy and sweet to describe the range in the plant. If you know what to expect, picking a cup might be a bit simpler. Kellye Dubinski, owner of Kayotea, gives a quick rundown. ● Black tea is dark in color and has the strongest flavor.● Oolong is a hybrid of black and green teas. It’s dark in color, with a slightly stronger bite to it than black tea. ● Green tea, served without sweetener, is earthy, lighter in color and can taste vegetative or grassy.● White tea is light in color and mild in flavor. A flavored white tea can serve as a nice introduction to white tea because it’s not overpowering.● Herbal tea comes in all varieties of flavors because unlike other teas, it isn’t made of a base with flavors added. ● With decaf, expect the same flavors as usual. A carbon dioxide process removes caffeine only. With the immense palate available and simplicity in creating a cup, Dubinski urges people to step away from what they know and try something a little different to open a new door. "It’s not just tea with sugar. It’s so much more." Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:53:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-cup-of-wellness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrows-confusing-diet Gwyneth Paltrow's confusing dietSource: www.monstersandcritics.com"They're bloating and upset your digestive system, which causes you to store fat. We ban oil and sauces too - they're just added calories."However, mother-of-two Paltrow has revealed she eats fried food including fish and chips.The Oscar-winning beauty stopped eating a solely macrobiotic diet after becoming pregnant, and now feasts many foods that are bad for her.While drinking a pint of Guinness, she told British talk show host Jonathan Ross in an interview, which will air on UK TV tomorrow (02.05.08): "I love anything fried, fish and chips, and Branston pickle and I love red wine."Anderson - who also counts Madonna as one of her clients - claims people can shed between three and five pounds a week if they stick to her "perfectly healthy" diet.She added to Us Weekly magazine: "My formula works on everyone as long as they're consistent. I can shape anyone's body into a teeny-tiny dancer type." Sun, 04 May 2008 23:04:32 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrows-confusing-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/perfect-c-how-to-increase-breast-size-without-surgery PERFECT C How to increase breast size without surgerySource: women.timesonline.co.ukWe should all raise a glass - or maybe a cup - in farewell salute to the “comedy” breast. Pneumatic, silicone-packed Barbie breasts may finally be on the way out, replaced by softer, more natural breast enhancements. Macrolane, launched last month, is a breast and body-contouring cosmetic filler, which its makers claim can increase breasts by one cup size with just an injection. It is proving to be a must-have for the small-breasted in search of enhancement, but does it work? And are there other, less invasive ways of giving your boobs a boost? We look at the evidence. MACROLANEWhat is it? After seven years of research, this breast augmentation treatment has been launched in the UK. Stabilised hyaluronic acid is injected into the breast, allowing the breast to be shaped to suit the figure of the client. “Skin is 40 per cent hyaluronic acid and Macrolane is specially stabilised hyaluronic acid. It is what provides the padding within the natural framework of collagen,” says Christopher Inglefield, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at London Bridge Hospital. It makes an immediate difference and gives a smooth appearance with no lumps and bumps. Treatment takes between 30 and 90 minutes, so it is do-able in a lunch hour, although it will be uncomfortable for the next few days. Does it work? Results are said to be immediate, giving a natural fullness. It's also said to be good for volume restoration in the upper part of the breast. However, Chris Caddy, a plastic surgeon and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is not convinced. “The improvement is subtle,” he says. “My view is that if you tell patients they look gorgeous, they will feel gorgeous. It's a beauty treatment in a money-making industry. In 12 months you are left with nothing.” How safe is it? Very, according to Q-Med, the company behind Macrolane. Plus, it says that Macrolane gives better translucency in mammography over silicone implants, and the presence of the gel doesn't compromise the diagnosis or management of breast disease. Tommy Gullbo, Q-Med's director of strategic marketing, says: “There have been a number of clinical trials to investigate possible side-effects or complications, including a large clinical trial involving over 1,000 patients in Japan. It is company policy to continue our research into Macrolane and more clinical trials are planned.” The company sells Macrolane only to doctors who have been trained in its use, and a list is available from www.macrolaneuk.com . But Caddy strikes a note of caution. “There is very little in the way of evidence that this is a good product and the study that was done was supported by Q-Med. Anyone who has Macrolane now will be recruited into Europe-wide research, and will be the guinea-pigs. I am not going to use an untried product on my patients.” Side-effects are a slight swelling and pain or transient hardness, which usually resolves itself after a week. How long does it last? The effect lasts between 12 and 18 months. Cost An initial breast-shaping treatment using 200ml (100ml for each breast) will cost about £2,800, with top-up treatment in a year's time, costing about £1,400. PERFECT CWhat is it? If you'd rather go down the supplement route to up your cup, Perfect C tablets claim to use botanicals with natural oestrogenic properties to increase oestrogen levels in the body, which stimulates the production of new breast tissue. Herbs with oestrogenic properties include fennel seed and Mexican wild yam. Does it work? Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Sienna Miller are fans of the product, apparently. And, hormonally, the most receptive age group for Perfect C is between 23 and 35. After two months, the makers of the product claim you will see an improvement with fuller, firmer, larger breasts. If you're over 35, you might have to wait six months for the desired results. How safe is it? It does not use synthetic hormones and, apparently, has no side-effects. The makers of Perfect C also claim that your skin may improve while you are using the product. Inglefield believes that herbal remedies can increase breast size, although how they do it is unclear. Research is being done on the long-term effects of stimulating oestrogen levels. Check with your doctor that the supplements won't interfere with any medication you are taking. How long does it last? The results are supposed to be long-lasting, but the product recommends taking two capsules three times a week for a couple of months after you reach your target size. Cost £199 for three months' supply. Visit www.althealth.co.uk BRAVA What is it? For anyone who has breast-fed a baby the words “breast pump” are usually enough to send shivers down your spine (and other rather more sensitive areas), which could well put you off the Brava (www.mybrava.org.uk ). It looks like an alien bra, made up of two semi-rigid domes, controlled by a SmartBox mini-computer which analyses the breast tissue and tension on it. The device uses a gentle three-dimensional pull on the breasts, which results in new breast tissue forming. Does it work? Yes, Inglefield claims. The technique is used to grow tissue for several medical procedures, including breast reconstruction. The results range from increases of half a cup to a full cup size of tissue growth. The tension is gentle but needs to be sustained for at least 11 hours a day over the entire area. How safe is it? It's a relatively new product so long-term results are not available. “You have to wear it religiously,” says Caddy. “The problem is that when you stop wearing it you go back to how you were before. It does not seem to be a permanent growth.” How long does it last? “There is no data yet on whether the growth remains stable in the long term,” says Inglefield. Cost £790 EXERCISES What is it? There is no doubting the fact that breast exercises are the safest and most simple way for you to try to enlarge your breasts. Exercises include palm pushes, in which you press your palms together in front of your breasts, hold for five seconds, relax and then repeat ten times. The forearm grip requires you to grasp your forearms at shoulder level and then pull outward without letting go and repeat ten times, and for the finger lock you curl your fingers, lock them together at shoulder height, and pull. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times. Does it work? Inglefield says: “Exercise is always recommended, as it tones breasts and stops them drooping. The size of the breast won't be affected by exercise, but it will look more youthful because of the improved shape.” If the rest of you looks toned, you'll be providing a better showcase for your breasts, whatever their size. Is it safe? The only side-effects could be an increase in your overall fitness, which can't be bad. Just don't concentrate on your breasts to the extent that you neglect your back, and don't overdo it. How much does it cost? The only cost is to your dignity if you are caught muttering to yourself “I must, I must, improve my bust” over and over again. HOW TO STOP YOUR BREASTS HEADING SOUTH Hazel Wilson, a bra fitter at Beales department store, Bournemouth, explains how to combat sagging. After 35, the pectoral muscles above the breast begin to relax. The best thing is to keep these muscles strong. Swimming is good for the pectorals, as is putting a couple of bags of sugar in the crook of your arm and taking the arm up behind the neck. The worst thing you can do for your breasts is to go jogging without a sports bra, as the movement can permanently stretch ligaments that support the breasts. Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:47 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/perfect-c-how-to-increase-breast-size-without-surgery http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-effective-are-the-anti-aging-vitamin-tablets- How Effective Are the Anti Aging Vitamin Tablets?Source: www.losangeleschronicle.comThe main role of the anti aging vitamin tablets is to promote mitochondria and boosting of the cells regeneration. The cells in your body are breaking down all the time; however, they also are created all the time so the dead cells are replaced immediately with new ones. When age advances, the dead cells stop being replaced with the same effectiveness and hence, the skin sags and literally dries up getting a wrinkled look. Anti-aging supplements work on maintaining a youthful body from the inside out. Supplement Central carries anti-aging supplements which are products geared towards balancing chemicals related to aging, such as DHEA and ATP. Anti-aging supplements address and help to prevent cell deterioration that may accelerate the aging process. Anti-aging vitamin tablets taken as supplementation to your diet can help support proper nutrition and aid healthy aging.Anti aging vitamin tablets all make the same near miraculous claim that they can slow down the signs of aging. Everyone seems to make the same assertions but they tend to be based on one of two theories, oxidation reactions and sub-optimal hormone levels. Oxidation reactions occur when oxygen combust and produces oxygen free radicals which are a byproduct. This is basically the aging process.The vitamins are supposed to reverse this trend and taken in the right dosage, they are indeed very effective. What you need to do to enjoy the benefits to the largest extent is to use a daily supplement of the required vitamins. These would be the vitamin A, B12, B complex, C, D, E as well as iron supplements and folic acid. Each one of these contributes their bit to the prevention of aging and reversal of aging signs not only on the facial skin, but also on the skin of your whole body.Anti aging vitamin tablets are worth the price as they provide an important service. Although it can be achieved with a healthy diet, it can be a worthy idea to supplement a healthy lifestyle with anti aging vitamin tablets. They can help the body to restock on vital nutrients that have been lost and encourage the internal organs and functions to carry on as normal. Commonly known as anti aging vitamin tablets, they aremeant to provide you with a convenient way to obtainall the vitamins and minerals your body needs in orderto keep your skin looking young, well and very health.Aging process but it can slow it down, leaving us feeling and looking younger, healthier and more energetic. Unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets only speed up the aging process so it is far better to take supplementary anti aging vitamin tablets to keep our bodies working well for longer. Anti aging vitamin tablets are simply giving our bodies enough of what they need to process.good vitamins such as vitamins A,C,E, nutritious ingredients such as soy, fruits and vegetables extracts, and antioxidant properties such as grape seed, green tea and other herbal ingredients. There are also some which contain traditional herbs such as aloe vera, ginkgo, ginseng, Chinese angelica, horsetail and pearl powder.Anti-aging vitamins are often packaged and sold with that name so they are easy to find on the shelves of the local drugstore or grocery store. People should check out the ingredients of the supplements that are labeled as anti-aging vitamins to find out exactly what they are buying. The anti-aging vitamins help people avoid the poor diets that can result in serious diseases and conditions. Many people are affected by diseases as they age that can sap their energy and vitality. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:41:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-effective-are-the-anti-aging-vitamin-tablets- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-may-boost-male-fertility Folate may boost male fertilitySource: www.boston.comREPRODUCTION Folate, a vitamin found naturally in leafy green vegetables, may help men make healthier sperm, a new study shows. The importance of folate was established after several studies recognized that pregnant women who took the vitamin were less likely to have babies with neural tube defects. While folate remains a standard part of the diet for women readying to conceive, the role of the vitamin in the diets of fathers has been unclear. Researchers, including co-investigator Brenda Eskenazi from the University of California Berkeley's Public School of Health, decided to investigate how folate might affect sperm. Folate is a key ingredient in making DNA, RNA, and protein: the essential machinery for running cells - including the sperm. After surveying 97 non-smoking men who had no prior history of fertility problems, they found that men who had the highest intake of the vitamin had nearly a 20 percent reduction in the number of abnormal sperm. "If these results hold up in large studies," Eskenazi said, "one day we may be recommending folate for men as well." more stories like this BOTTOM LINE: Men who take higher doses of folate make healthier sperm - potentially reducing the chances of miscarriage or genetic problems in the baby.CAUTIONS: "We can't be sure that folate is solely responsible for the decreased number of abnormalities," Eskenazi said, since men who eat higher folate may have an overall better diet. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:37:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-may-boost-male-fertility http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-protect-against-the-development-of-type-1-diabetes Vitamin D may protect against the development of type 1 diabetesSource: www.endocrinetoday.comIn infants, the development of type 1 diabetes later in life may be prevented with the use of vitamin D supplementation, according to data published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. Researchers from the United Kingdom analyzed data from one cohort and four case control trials to determine the effect that vitamin D supplementation has on the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Meta-analysis from the case control studies demonstrated a significant decrease in the risk for type 1 diabetes in infants who received vitamin D supplementation, compared with those not supplemented (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.84). Results of the cohort study coincided with the meta-analysis. The researchers also found that those using higher doses of vitamin D were at a lower risk for developing type 1 diabetes and that time may play a role in the effectiveness of treatment. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:35:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-protect-against-the-development-of-type-1-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-9-may-blunt-heart-attack-damage Vitamin B 9 may blunt heart attack damageSource: www.upi.comFolate -- vitamin B 9 – potentially may be used to limit the damage of a heart attack, U.S. researchers say. The study, scheduled to be published in the April 8 edition of the journal Circulation, finds the vitamin blunted the damage from heart attack in animal studies."We want to emphasize that it is premature for people to begin taking high doses of folic acid," senior study investigator Dr. David Kass, of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore says in a statement. "But if human studies prove equally effective, then high-dose folate could be given to high-risk groups to guard against possible heart attack or to people while they are having one.""We do not know how much or how little of it is needed to be effective," Kass cautions. A large amount could yield unpredictable side effects and studies have linked folic acid supplements to increased rates of colon and prostate cancer, Kass says. Folate -- naturally found in leafy green vegetables, beans and nuts -- is sometimes used as a general term to include folic acid -- the form of vitamin B9 put in supplements and added to foods, especially grain products. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:33:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-9-may-blunt-heart-attack-damage http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-folic-acid-can-heal-mouth-ulcers Vitamin B12, folic acid can heal mouth ulcersSource: www.thenews.com.pkPatients with recurrent mouth ulcers, which produce an intense burning sensation and difficulty in eating leading to low food intake and poor health, often have deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid.A cross-sectional analytical study conducted by the Pakistan Medical Research Council (PMRC) speculates that supplementation of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid is likely to heal mouth ulcers and reduce the misery of patients.In the present study, 57 patients with recurrent mouth ulcers and 57 age and gender matched controls (not having mouth ulcers) were studied. All patients and controls had their haemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC foliate, Vitamin B12 and serum ferritin levels checked. The results showed significantly low folic acid and Vitamin B12 levels in patients with mouth ulcers while ferritin levels did not show any significant difference in the two groups.Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is as old as humanity itself and is a Greek term, ‘Aphthai,’ meaning to set on fire in relation to focal painful inflammation of oral mucosa. Other names of RAS are recurrent aphthous ulcer, canker sores, recurrent oral ulcers, and mouth ulcers.Aphthous ulcers of the oral cavity are very frequently encountered in general practice. Although the exact cause remains obscure, many factors are considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of these lesions, such as immunological factors, local trauma, smoking, stress, hormonal state, family history, food hypersensitivity, infections and allergy. Studies have reported that globally 20% of the world population is affected by the condition, with prevalence as high as 66% in certain populations.Recurrent aphthous ulcer is a multi-factorial disease with predominantly unknown etiology. Many factors are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of RAS such as stress, immunological factors, local trauma, hormonal state, hereditary and genetic factors, microbial factor, food hypersensitivity drug allergy and hematinic deficiencies.Hematinic deficiencies are found in 20% of patients with RAS with recurrence rates as high as 50%. It was observed that 60% patients with B12 deficiency, on receiving B12 therapym recovered completely while 70% of patients with RAS improved with hematinic replacement therapy.Since 1949, the World Health Organization has recognized the public health importance of nutritional anaemia as a major health problem throughout the world, especially in the developing countries. Nutrition surveys in a number of countries have highlighted the widespread prevalence of nutritional anaemia in developing countries. Infants, young children, menstruating and pregnant women are most frequently affected. Foliate deficiency is the second most common cause of nutritional anaemia in the world.It has been found that out of Pakistan’s total population of 159,196,336, an estimated 2,048,482 people are anaemic out of which 233,793 are suffering from pernicious anaemia, which can cause oral ulceration, mucosal bleeding and glossitis. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:33:01 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-folic-acid-can-heal-mouth-ulcers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/12-quick-tips-for-a-longer-healthier-life 12 quick tips for a longer, healthier lifeSource: www.msnbc.msn.com1. Tea off in the morning Hot tea can slash your risk of kidney cancer by 15 percent, according to a review in the International Journal of Cancer. Try pu-erh tea, which is better than green or black tea at preventing DNA damage. 2. Sleep smarter Too much sleep, or not enough of it, can kill you. A British study found that getting more than 9 hours of sack time a night, or less than 6, doubles your risk of an early death from any cause. Aim for 7 to 8 hours a night. 3. Pop in your lenses post-shower Soaping up while wearing your contacts can expose your eyes to infection-causing waterborne microbes, say University of Illinois at Chicago researchers. Story continues below ↓ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- advertisement--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Drink wine, stay lean Polyphenols, the compounds found in red wine, help your body block fat absorption, an Israeli study found. Red-wine marinades work, too. 5. Lose the lint Taking 2 seconds to empty the lint trap in your clothes dryer can prevent you from being one of the 315 dryer-fire victims each year in the United States. 6. Check your neck An American Journal of Medicine study found that a mildly underactive thyroid can boost your heart-disease risk by 65 percent. A quick blood test can assess your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). 7. Lean back Parking your torso at a 90-degree angle strains your spine, say Scottish and Canadian researchers. Instead, give your chair the La-Z-Boy treatment and recline the seat back slightly. The ideal angle is 45 degrees off vertical. 8. Scent your air safely Some air fresheners contain phthalates, compounds that may disrupt hormone processes, Natural Resources Defense Council testing reveals. Stick with Febreze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects. 9. Boost your defenses An Archives of Internal Medicine review reports that 400 IU of vitamin D a day reduces your risk of an early death by 7 percent. Try Carlson's vitamin D (carlsonlabs.com). Click for related content The 15-Minute Total Body Checkup 19 Quick Ways to Shed Stress The Best Fast-Food Picks 10. Skip the spray Using household spray cleaners just once a week increases your risk of an asthma attack by 76 percent, say Spanish researchers. Use wipes instead. 11. Steam your broccoli Italian researchers recently discovered that steaming broccoli increases its concentration of glucosinolates (compounds found to fight cancer) by 30 percent. Boiling actually lowers the levels. 12. Stretch it out Genes in your body linked to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity can be "turned on" if you sit for hours on end, reports a study in Diabetes. Hit the "off" button by taking hourly laps during TV, book, and Web sessions. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:31:57 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/12-quick-tips-for-a-longer-healthier-life http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/feeling-pale-and-tragic-take-vitamin-d Feeling pale and tragic? Take Vitamin DSource: www.seacoastonline.com"It's spring — glorious spring," she said with a manic tone to her voice.The calendar backs her up. The weather — not so much.She put her head down on my kitchen table, then rhythmically and repeatedly lifted it a few inches and dropped it back to the surface. "I - can't — take - it — one- more - day," she said. "Sun. I need sun. Vitamin D!" she said as she lifted her head, grabbed my shirt and pulled me within inches of her crazed looking visage. "I'm going to hijack a plane to Florida. I swear I am!"Looking into my friend's eyes I believed her. Looking out at yet another gray, overcast day, I offered to help.After a few cups of mellow tea we calmed down and decided there was no way we'd get away with it — and prison promised even less rays. Besides, the way most of my friends are acting these days we'd probably have to stand in a roped-off, "hijackers'" waiting-line till our number was called. There's more than theft in the faces of the people around me — of those who show their faces at all. There are some who are just staying indoors waiting for the yellow orb to re-emerge.So, what is it about the sun? Well, many things really. But as my friend pointed out there's Vitamin D, so we'll take a look at that one.How much does a lack of D contribute to the "winter whackies?" That's still being debated and investigated, but there's plenty of research to indicate it's a contributor. Research also shows we're deficient — many of us very much so. And a lack of D does more than make us moody, there are a number of health ramifications.Amy Coombs, family nurse practitioner and owner of Whole Life Health Care, an integrative medical practice in Newington, says it's simple. We in New England are prone to D depletion; we live in a part of the county without year-round adequate sun — the major source of the vitamin."You can get it from some foods, but more so from the sun," she says.Her own practice drives the point home."I'm trying to check everyone that comes through the door and what I've found is 98 percent are deficient. It's amazing. I've had three normals in a month."A lab defines a "normal" D reading at 32 units or above. "But research shows it should be about 40," says Coombs. "Anything below 20 is a vitamin deficiency. ...; We're seeing a lot below 20. Of the 98 percent that are abnormal I bet 60 percent or more are critically low, below 20, and that's where the research shows it impacts health."The impacts are numerous."It can increase the risk of bone loss and cause a lack of absorption of calcium, which then increases the risk of fracture. And it increases the risk of cancer — that's what the newer studies coming out (show)," she says. "And they're still coming up with more areas that seem to be problems, such as mood disorders and heart disease."More recent studies show low levels of D may be linked to multiple sclerosis, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. Still another links it to dermatitis. "It's kind of an interesting phenomenon."And yes, D appears linked to depression. An article in WebMD quotes Reinhold Vieth, Ph.D., a vitamin D lead researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, as saying his research showed an improvement in depression with an increase in Vitamin D levels."It appeared that instead of feeling worse in the winter, they actually felt better with the supplements," he said.In another WebMD article, John Cannell, M.D., who heads the Vitamin D Council, and is a staff psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital in California, says D is effective because "it increases levels of the (chemical) serotonin in the brain." Many antidepressant medications work the same way.Coombs thinks D is linked to mood disorders, which have increased over the years. It could be in part to less sun exposure in general she says. First we simply don't go outside much. And these days when we do we cover up or use sun block — which just happens to block the light you need for Vitamin D.So where to go from here? "The first thing is get your levels checked by your primary care provider," says Coombs. "Anyone (with numbers) under 20 needs to be treated aggressively. That's a pro-active thing to do. ...; once you get it up then you're at a point where you just maintain.""I also recommend you get at least 30 minutes of sunlight — uninterrupted — a few times a week."And that sun block issue? Coombs says most dermatologists support the 30 minutes block-free rule.There are foods that supply Vitamin D. Oily fishes are good. There are D-fortified foods, such as milk, some cereals and juices.The top food source is fish liver oils — a tablespoon of cod liver oil will provide 1,360 IU (international units) according to WebMD. Fatty fish are next: herring, 3 ounces, 1383 IU; catfish, 3 ounces 425 IU; salmon comes in at 3.5 oz at 360 IU, followed by mackerel, sardines, tuna and eel. For the vegan there are mushrooms. A half a cup can provide more than 2,700 of vitamin D2 if exposed to just 5 minutes of UV light after being harvested. A whole egg provides 20 IU.Numbers on how much D one should take a day vary, but run between 800 and 1000 IU daily, "especially given the area we live in," says Coombs. But age and individual levels may indicate differently. Get it checked to be sure; just might end the head banging. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:30:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/feeling-pale-and-tragic-take-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-brightens-your-day- Sunshine vitamin brightens your day.Source: www.jamaica-gleaner.comVitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world. That's probably because it's free: Your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. Drug companies can't sell you sunlight, so there's no promotion of its health benefits. On the contrary, a huge anti-sun campaign is used to promote sunscreen agents. This robs many people of the many health benefits of sunlight and vitamin D.The truth is that most people don't know the real story on vitamin D and health. Vitamin D helps to prevent osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even affects diabetes and obesity.An eminent American dermatologist, Dr. Michael Holick, in his book The UV Advantage, has a powerful message: Sensible exposure to natural sunlight is the simplest, easiest and mostimportant strategies for improving your health with vitamin D. I urge you to read Dr. Holick's book to get the full story on natural sunlight.Vitamin D and sunlightIn an interview with medical writer Mike Adams, Dr. Holick makes these important points about vitamin D and sunlight.1. Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight. The body converts cholesterol in the skin into an inactive form of vitamin D that is subsequently converted into the active form in the liver and kidneys. It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. A person would have to drink 10 large glasses of vitamin D-fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into his or her diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body.2. People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20-30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair-skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. This may be why prostate cancer is an epidemic among black men - a simple, but widespread, sunlight deficiency. The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure to the sun you need in order to generate vitamin D. Canada, the United Kingdom and most U.S. states are far from the equator and the huge populations of black people (which includes many Jamaicans) in those areas are at great risk of vitamin D deficiency. But even here in sun-torched Jamaica, many people deliberately avoid the sun and may be lacking in vitamin D.3. Sufficient levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption in your intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless. There is more to healthy bones than just calcium.4. Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight: It takes months of vitamin D supplementation and/or sunlight exposure to rebuild the body's bones and nervous system. The healing rays of natural sunlight (that generate vitamin D in your skin) cannot penetrate glass. So you don't generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home. Even weak sunscreens block your body's ability to generate vitamin D by 95 per cent. Excessive sunscreen use may actually contribute to disease by creating a vitamin deficiency in the body. I suggest that sunscreens be used sparingly, primarily on the sensitive areas on your body.5. It is impossible to generate too much vitamin D in your body from sunlight exposure. Your body will self-regulate and only generate what it needs. If you feel pain when you press firmly on your breast bone, that may be an indication that you may be suffering from chronic vitamin D deficiency right now. By the way, the vitamin D that your body makes is more powerful that the vitamin D found in your multivitamin tablet.6. Vitamin D is 'activated' in your body by your kidneys and liver before it can be used. Therefore, having kidney disease or liver disorders can greatly impair your body's ability to activate vitamin D. People with disease of those organs should take regular sunbaths.Email Dr. Anthony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, log on to www.anounceofprevention.org, or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in the body.WHAT ABOUT SKIN DAMAGE?It turns out that antioxidants greatly boost your body's ability to handle sunlight without damage or burning. So take enough vitamins A, C and E and eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. For skin protection against the elements and ageing, I use a natural skin care programme that provides generous amounts of antioxidant vitamins - A, C, and E along with herbal antioxidants like green tea extract and aloe vera.The skin needs both outer nutrition and inner nutrition. I even take an extra dose of vitamin C if I will be exposed to the sun for a long time and I never get sunburn or skin damage.I regularly advise my patients to include adaily sunbath in their healthy lifestyle programme. Half an hour of morning or afternoon sun has powerful benefits. Drink lots of water and use lots of antioxidants. Vitamin D is one of nature's most powerful healing agents and your body makes it absolutely free. No prescription required! Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:49:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-brightens-your-day- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sleep-tips-falling-asleep-and-staying-asleep- Sleep Tips: Falling asleep and staying asleep.Source: abclocal.go.comSome ways for you to get a good night's sleep without medication. Valerian: herb used as remedy for insomnia Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb that has been long used as a remedy for insomnia. Today, it is an accepted over-the-counter insomnia remedy in Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy. Exactly how valerian works in the body is still not well understood. Unlike many other sleep medications, valerian is not believed to be addictive or cause grogginess in the morning. But valerian doesn't work for everyone. Valerian is usually taken between an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work. It shouldn't be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:14:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sleep-tips-falling-asleep-and-staying-asleep- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flaxseed-phytoestrogens-may-benefit-diabetes-and-cardiovascular-disease Flaxseed Phytoestrogens May Benefit Diabetes and Cardiovascular DiseaseSource: www.naturalnews.comWhole flaxseeds are known to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, reduce postprandial glucose absorption, decrease some markers of inflammation, and raise serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids (1). This is of obvious benefit to diabetics who not only need help controlling their blood glucose levels, but who are also at much greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease than the general population.The health benefits of flaxseeds are attributed to three classes of nutrients.* Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. The essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) makes up more than 50% of this mix.* Flaxseeds are by far the major source of a class of phytoestrogens called lignans. The major component, a lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), is the main precursor of enterodiol and enterolactone, the active phytoestrogens in humans.* Flaxseeds are an excellent source of soluble fiber (mucilage, gum).The lipid-lowering effect of flaxseeds has to be due to the lignans and/or fiber, since defatted (ALA-free) flaxseeds have the same cholesterol-lowering effect as whole flaxseeds (1). It wasn't clear though which of the two components is responsible; there were no human studies of the effect of lignans on lipid levels.The fiber in flaxseed may be responsible for the improvement in glycemic control by delaying postprandial glucose absorption. However, it was suspected that lignans also play a role. First, lignans may act as antioxidants. Secondly, it is known from cell culture studies that the main flaxseed lignan, SDG, can suppress the gene expression of a key enzyme in hepatic gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis in the liver) (2). Again, there were no human trials to test this hypothesis.To test the effect of SDG, the main flaxseed lignan, on glycemic control and lipid levels, a clinical trial was conducted in Shanghai, China (3). 73 type 2 diabetics, 50 - 79 years of age, with mild hyperlipidemia participated; 68 patients finished the trial and provided the data for the final analysis. The intervention lasted twelve weeks. Since this was a cross-over study, i.e. all participants entered both an active treatment and a placebo phase, there were two intervention periods of twelve weeks each, separated by an 8 week wash-out period and cross-over. Active treatment consisted of a supplement standardized to 360 mg SDG per day, corresponding to 27 - 60 g of whole flaxseeds.The results of the trial showed a small but statistically significant improvement in glycemic control, as measured by the reduction in the level of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c, from 7.17% to 7.06%. There were no changes in fasting glucose or insulin concentrations, nor was there any change in lipid levels.HbA1c is a measure of the degree of hemoglobin glycation (4). The open-chain aldehyde form of glucose reacts non-enzymatically with the free amino groups of N-terminal and lysyl protein residues, damaging the protein in the process. Diabetics and non-diabetics alike need glucose and are therefore subject to protein glycation, but the degree of glycation damage increases with glucose levels.The glycation rate reflects the glucose level that hemoglobin is exposed to during the red blood cell's life span, typically around 120 days. Everyone has, and stays very close to, their own HbA1c "set point". In non-diabetics this set point varies from 4% to 6%. Clinical practice recommendations in the U.S. call for levels < 7% to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, with values > 8% suggesting a need for intervention (4).The average HbA1c level for this cohort was close to the upper tolerable limit of 7% at the outset of this study; further improvements were likely to be marginal. Secondly, these patients consumed a diet rich in soy products which are also known to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Soy products are the major source of isoflavones, another class of phytoestrogens. Interestingly, a clinical trial with a supplement containing soy isoflavones did not find a reduction in glucose levels (5).Is this improvement in glycemic control significant? The authors concede that "...the magnitude of improvement may not be clinically meaningful." and that "...further studies are needed to confirm the current findings in subjects with different metabolic profiles and/or different ethnic backgrounds."Remember though that the study was designed to test the role of one of the constituents of flaxseed, namely the phytoestrogen SDG, on cardiovascular risk factors. The health benefits of whole flaxseeds are not in question. To quote the authors once more: "Given the overall beneficial effects of whole flaxseed consumption for cardiovascular disease and wide distribution of dietary lignans in plant-based foods, especially flaxseed, there is considerable potential to use these whole foods as adjuvant therapies in type 2 diabetes without apparent side effects."References:1. Bloedon LT, Szapary PO. Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk. Nutritional Reviews. 2004;62:18-27.2. Prasad K. Suppression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression by secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a new antidiabetic agent. Int J Angiol 2002;11:107-109.3. Pan A, Sun J, Chen Y, Ye X, Li H, et al (2007) Effects of a flaxseed-derived lignan supplement in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. PLoS ONE 2(11):e1148. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001148.4. Kilpatrick ES. Glycated haemoglobin in the year 2000. J Clin Pathol. 2000;53:335-339.5. Gonzalez S, Jayagopal V, Kilpatrick ES, Chapman T, Atkin SL. Effects of isoflavone supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007;30:1871-1873. doi:10.2337/dc06-1814. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:55:10 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flaxseed-phytoestrogens-may-benefit-diabetes-and-cardiovascular-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/certain-vitamin-supplements-linked-to-increased-lung-cancer-risk Certain vitamin supplements linked to increased lung cancer riskSource: www.thaindian.comA new study has revealed that higher intake of Vitamin E supplements do not protect against lung cancer, and may in fact increase the risk of developing it.The study conducted over a group of 77,126 men and women between 50 and 76 years of age showed that increasing intake of supplemental vitamin E was associated with a slightly increased risk of lung cancer. The team led by Dr Christopher G. Slatore of the University of Washington, in Seattle, determined the rate at which the lung cancer developed over four years, with respect to their present and past vitamin usage, smoking, and other demographic and medical characteristics. Around 521 people were found to develop lung cancer.The findings revealed slight but significant association between use of supplemental vitamin E and lung cancer.Our study of supplemental multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate did not show any evidence for a decreased risk of lung cancer, said Slatore. Indeed, increasing intake of supplemental vitamin E was associated with a slightly increased risk of lung cancer, he added. The researchers also found that the increased risk was equivalent to a seven percent rise for every 100 mg/day.This risk translates into a 28 percent increased risk of lung cancer at a dose of 400 mg/day for ten years, he said. According to Dr Tim Byers, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, World Cancer Research Fund and the American Cancer Societys recommendations of two servings of fruit each day would likely lead to a reduced risk for lung cancer, as well as reduced risk of several other cancers and cardiovascular disease.The findings were published in the first issue for March of the American Thoracic Societys American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. (ANI) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:42:59 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/certain-vitamin-supplements-linked-to-increased-lung-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-what-you-eat-and-drink-affects-your-skin How What You Eat and Drink Affects Your SkinSource: www.wbay.comSkin is pretty important to your overall appearance - it's part of that "first impression." In fact, there is a lot riding on the story your face tells, so I asked some top skin and nutrition experts a few critical questions. How much does your diet affect your skin and how you look?According Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor of dermatology at University of Miami and author of The New York Times best seller The Skin Type Solution (Bantam, 2006), "Your diet plays a crucial role in everything from skin hydration to redness, acne and aging. Even broken blood vessels on the face can be caused by diet." Most experts agree that a good diet can influence the quality of your skin. "A substantial amount of overall skin health is related to diet - probably the same magnitude as with other health states, such as cancer and heart disease, where diet is generally accepted to account for about 30 percent of overall risk," says Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., nutritional biochemist and author of Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection (Hunter House, 2007).Dry vs. Oily SkinAccording to Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and author of The New York Times best seller The Skin Type Solution (Bantam, 2006):Dry skin needs omega-3s (found in salmon and other fatty fish) and other fatty acids plus a small amount of cholesterol to remain hydrated. Drinking more water also helps. If you are a vegan, adding flaxseed oil to your diet will help hydrate the skin, reduce redness, and puff out fine lines, restoring skin radiance. Skin radiance results from the reflection of light off a smooth surface. Oily types need vitamin A, which helps to decrease oil production. It's found in beef liver and fruits and vegetables including carrots, spinach, kale, butternut squash, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. If you suffer from redness and facial flushing, add omega-3 fatty acids as discussed above but also cut out hot (temperature) foods, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine. What can you add to or change in your diet today that will show visible results in your skin?"The best defense against the free radical damage of oxidation is a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals (and plenty of water)," says Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., Today show nutritionist and author of Joy Bauer's Food Cures. Here are a few key diet recommendations: Green Tea and Red Wine: Wrinkles are caused by a loss of three vital skin structures: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA). The goal in wrinkle treatment is to increase levels of these three substances, says Baumann. Water, green tea and red wine can help. Baumann recommends at least 2 to 4 cups of green tea per day. Talbott agrees: "It has a high content of flavonoid/catechins, (which can help to strengthen collagen microstructures in skin) and of theanine - an amino acid associated with relaxation and cortisol control. Too much cortisol can induce disruptions in blood sugar and inflammation." Red wine has a flavonoid/collagen effect similar to green tea and is known for its relaxation effects and blood-flow promotion, Talbott adds.Water: Of course you need to drink water to prevent dehydration. "However, as far as skin is concerned, it is not how much water you drink but how well your skin holds onto the water and keeps it from evaporating. Skin needs adequate levels of fatty acids, ceramides [a type of fat] and cholesterol to hold onto water. This is why vegans and people on low-cholesterol diets or cholesterol-lowering drugs have dry skin. Any liquid you drink can provide skin hydration; however, water consumption should be increased when drinking caffeine and alcohol, both of which can dehydrate you," says Baumann. Omega-3s: These healthy fats seem to be the miracle food of the decade and are probably among the more promising nutrients in our diet. "Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes so that they are effective barriers - allowing water and nutrients in and keeping toxins out. Omega-3s also seem to protect skin against sun damage. In a study of skin cancer, people who ate diets rich in fish oils and other omega-3 fats had a 29 percent lower risk of squamous cell cancer than those who got very little omega-3 fats from food," says Bauer. They are also anti-inflammatory, so they help reduce acne and facial redness. "Good food sources include oily fish, sardines, Pacific oysters, lake trout, flaxseeds, walnuts and omega-3 fortified eggs." Baumann recommends that we eat salmon at least three times a week for these effects. Grains: Eat more whole-grain carbs (as opposed to refined carbs), which don't cause the blood sugar spikes that lead to the glycation [sugar breaking down] of skin proteins that accelerates wrinkling, says Talbott.Alpha Lipoic Acid: According to Baumann, this was originally thought to be an antioxidant that helps with skin, but that is now questioned by a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Therefore, she does not recommend it as a supplement. Vitamin C: It's involved in collagen production and protects cells from free radical damage. "Scientific studies found that when lab animals ate vitamin C-fortified food, their skin was better able to fight off oxidative damage,"says Bauer. Baumann adds that getting the proper amount of vitamin C in your diet can help reverse wrinkles. Good sources include peppers (red/green/yellow), oranges, strawberries, lemons and broccoli.Vitamin E: This helps protect cell membranes and guards against UV radiation damage. "Some research suggests that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra boost of anti-aging skin protection. I recommend eating wheat germ, avocado, fortified cereals, nuts and seeds," says Bauer. Beta Carotene: Another antioxidant critical for skin health is beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. "Beta carotene/vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of skin tissue and may protect against sun damage. In extremely high doses, straight vitamin A from supplements can be toxic, but ample beta carotene from foods like sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, mangoes and apricots is entirely safe and great for your skin," says Bauer. Selenium: "This helps safeguard the skin from sun damage and delays aging by protecting skin quality and elasticity. Dietary selenium has even been shown to help prevent some skin cancers in animals," says Bauer. Food sources include Brazil nuts, tuna (canned light in water), crab and wheat germ.Coenzyme Q10: According to Baumann, research at the University of Miami has demonstrated a positive result from using coenzyme Q10 supplements to treat skin cancers. She recommends 200 milligrams every morning because it has a caffeine-like effect. Coenzyme Q10 is preventative, so its effects are cumulative and not immediate. If you are on a cholesterol-lowering statin drug, it is imperative that you take coenzyme Q10 supplements because statins lower your level of coenzyme Q10, she adds. Glucosamine: Available as a dietary supplement, it increases hyaluronic acid levels, which helps skin hold onto water and gives it plumpness, says Baumann. Results can be seen in four to six weeks. The enzymes in the skin that perform a variety of functions need water to work. Without water, skin will age faster and will be more likely to itch and get red. What are the foods that actually damage your skin? Sugar: Sugar is the most detrimental to skin. It increases acne and may speed aging by causing glycation - the result of sugar breaking down and bonding with protein molecules, which reduces the elasticity of the collagen and leads to tougher, wrinkled skin, says Baumann. According to Talbott, "Sugar is very bad for the same reason that poorly controlled diabetics have more heart disease and blood vessel damage (due to glycation of these tissues). The same effects can occur to the skin due to excessive blood sugar fluctuations." And a recent study shows that refined sugary foods that promote inflammation may also negatively affect the skin, as can other inflammatories such as white flour products, saturated fat and trans fat, says Bauer. Spicy Foods: If you are prone to facial flushing, hot (temperature) or spicy foods will increase flushing, leading to dilated visible blood vessels on the face. Caffeine: It can dehydrate you, but it also has an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effect. It is the most popular ingredient in cellulite creams and is now a hot new ingredient in many skin-care products, adds Baumann. Alcohol: Red wine has two substances that actually prevent aging -- grape seed extract and resveratrol. However, too much alcohol leads to free radicals, which age the skin, says Baumann. Chocolate and Greasy Foods: Most of the research says that chocolate doesn't specifically affect your skin; however, foods that are high in saturated and trans fats have been shown to do so. Plus, chocolate has sugar, which has also been shown to affect your skin. Stress: "This can increase oil production in the skin (via cortisol overexposure) - leading to clogged pores and an environment suitable for bacteria overgrowth. In addition, cortisol overexposure can increase inflammation, leading to greater redness of acne eruptions," says Talbott. What foods are helpful to actually apply to your skin, and why? According to Baumann, "Many citrus fruits are used to exfoliate the skin because they fall into the alpha hydroxy acid family. Milk, which contains lactic acid, an ingredient still popular in skin care today, has been used topically since Cleopatra's day to remove dark spots and fine wrinkles. Soy, when applied topically, can have estrogenic effects that help keep postmenopausal skin from losing collagen and wrinkling. Cucumbers have long been known to be anti-inflammatory when applied topically (usually to swollen eyelids). Chamomile is also a popular anti-inflammatory (but not for those allergic to ragweed). Soaking chamomile tea bags in cool water seems to be the most popular method of application Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:28:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-what-you-eat-and-drink-affects-your-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-way-to-beauty Eat your way to beautySource: timesofindia.indiatimes.comA quick guide to food that is not only good for you but also helps you look beautiful! Going on a diet can be a good thing; however, there are so many newfangled diet styles out there that you just do not know which ones work and which ones are just fads. But regardless of whatever dieting system or style you are an advocate of, there are ten kinds of food that you should be ingesting a lot of to keep yourself trim, healthy and beautiful. Top healthy foods Fruits : Research proves that eating at least five portions of fruits each day has very real health benefits. It can help to prevent heart diseases and some cancers. Essential fatty acids (EFA): Essential fatty acids, also known as the good fat, is needed to keep the cells of the body functioning properly. EFA also helps improve the condition of the skin and makes the hair and fingernails grow healthier. Garlic : Garlic is high in antioxidants and is a kind of food that is widely known to prevent cancer. Garlic also helps lower the body’s cholesterol levels and reduces blood pressure as well. Green tea: Green tea is full of antioxidants that help prevent specific kinds of cancer from developing in the body. It also pumps up the immune system and helps lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. Green vegetables: Vitamins A and E, as well as fibre and iron, are found abundantly in green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin A retains the moisture in the eyes, the skin and the mucous membrane, while Vitamin E helps maintain the skin’s elasticity. On the other hand, fibre improves digestion, and iron is needed for the production of red blood cells. Milk : Milk is the best source of calcium and vitamin D for the body. Calcium combined with vitamin D is good for keeping the bones and teeth strong, and it prevents diseases like osteoporosis. Milk also has vitamin B2 and B12, which coaxes the body to produce more red blood cells. Red blood cells bring oxygen to the cells. Having a healthy supply of red blood cells swimming in the blood stream keeps the hair and skin looking healthier. Soy : Soy also has cancer-preventing antioxidants as well as Vitamin E and amino acids. It helps the skin retain its smoothness and elasticity. Vitamin C : Vitamin C boosts the immune system and makes the body less vulnerable to disease. Vitamin C is also an important key in the body’s collagen production, collagen being a chemical that keeps the skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Yogurt : Yogurt is also a good source of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B. Aside from these, yogurt contains friendly bacteria that assists in digestion, hydrates the skin and clears the immune system. Chocolate : Yes, you read it right. Chocolate is an essential food to eat to keep beautiful. Chocolate encourages the production of endorphins and serotonin, hormones that generate a nice and pleasant feeling for the body. You look beautiful if you feel beautiful. Do not forget water! Water keeps the body hydrated. When the body is hydrated, the skin becomes smooth, supple and youthful. The hair has more shine and bounce when there is enough water in the body, and the nails are stronger. Water also flushes out the waste and toxins out of the body. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:20:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-way-to-beauty http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/simple-remedies-for-the-common-cold Simple Remedies for the Common ColdSource: www.dentalplans.comAlthough there's no such thing as a cure for the common cold there are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms associated with it. The symptoms of the common cold are varied but by using herbal remedies and taking a holistic approach you can help your body along. There are many pre-made herbal remedies available from the drug store or herbal shop or you have the possibility of putting together herbs yourself. Some of the most common ones can be found growing in the wild or you may even have them in your own backyard. One of the most excellent remedies you can take and which you can make at home once you have gathered together a few ingredients consists of five herbs. Golden seal, Garlic, Chaparral, Echinacea and Chineseastralagus root can all be combined together to make an excellent remedy to ease suffering of many of the symptoms associated with the cold. Echinacea is known for its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and is one of the most common and widely used of herbs today. Golden seal root is known for its properties in being able to dry mucus and Chaparral will relive and soothe the respiratory tract and bronchial tubes. Garlic has excellent anti-bacterial properties along with anti-viral ones and is said to work particularly well with the influenza virus as well as the common cold, while the astralagus root is known for its ability to give the immune system a good boost.The juice from a lemon is said to be one of the most powerful and easiest home remedies for the common cold, and is most beneficial if there is a fever alongside the cold. Lemon juice is rich in essential Vitamin C and this will ensure that the body's resistance to germs and viruses is increased. The remedy is simply made by squeezing the juice of one lemon into a glass of hot water and adding a teaspoon of honey as a sweetener. The next home remedy is just as easy to purchase, Ginger root, if you take roughly ten grams of root and chop it before adding boiled water then allow it stand for a few minutes before straining out the root. The infusion can taste a little bitter so if necessary add a little honey or sugar. This infusion can be made up twice a day and drunk while hot.The spice turmeric is great for colds when they are associated with a sore throat, mix � teaspoon of the powder into a glass of warm milk and drink this once or twice daily. If you want to relieve the stuffiness associated with a head cold then place some turmeric powder in a ladle pour a little milk over it and then hold over the burner of a stove, inhaling the steam that comes from the mix. This is an excellent way to ease congestion that allows you to breathe easier.Peppermint, pine or eucalyptus oil is also great inhaled to relieve the stuffiness in the head and ease the chest. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:16:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/simple-remedies-for-the-common-cold http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/important-information-on-wrinkles Important Information On WrinklesSource: www.grinza.comA wrinkle is more than just a hateful little line on your face. The wrinkle is actually comprised of three different parts. These include the skin, the muscle underneath, and the fat and connective tissue in the face. In youth, the skin will wrinkle during a facial expression, such as a smile or frown, but will bounce right back into place. As we get older, the skin doesn't bounce back and a permanent wrinkle forms which will eventually turn into a deep facial wrinkle. To effectively fight wrinkles, you have to provide treatment to all three components of a wrinkle, not just the skin. Dr. Denise skin range products are designed to help treat all parts of the wrinkle and take care of problem areas. Exfoliation is essential in good skin care. Unless the dead skin is removed from the face, no other skin product will be effective on the under layers of skin. Exfoclean soap free-cleanser and Firming Facial Pads are excellent products for exfoliation that is safe for everyday use. A peel may be needed if wrinkles are already very deep in the skin. These products remove more layers of dead and partially dead skin to give a fresh and renewed look to the face. There are several strengths of peels, from a basic surface peel to a deep laser peel. The three main types of peels are chemical, which use acids to remove layers of skin, mechanical which use scrubbing and lastly laser which employ lasers to strip away skin. Very strong peels may be necessary but expect a lengthy recovery time. Dr. Denese's Triple Fizzing AHA/BHA Facial Peel is a mild peel alternative that can be administered at home. Moisturizing is a major step in the prevention and treatment of wrinkles. Many brands use lipids to replace the natural lipids that are lost in other skin care treatments, such as peels. The following products only treat the skin and as stated earlier there are two more parts to a developing wrinkle, muscle and fat. Relaxing the muscle is the best way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but can usually only be done by injection of chemicals. A new alternative is hexapeptide argireline, which treats the skin but is also thought to affect the muscles underneath by reducing the instance of chemicals that cause muscles to contract. The Wrinkl-Less Line Reducer Serum, using the hexapeptide argireline to improve facial tone and smooth out wrinkles. In addition the serum contains hyaluronic acid, which replenishes moisture to the skin. The wrinkles formed by fat and tissue loss are usually most noticeable on the skin right above the mouth and under the nose. Fillers can be injection into the area to reduce these wrinkles. However, a little bit of prevention can go a long way to avoiding the need for injections. Above all protect your skin from the sun in order to prevent loss of collagen that is the main reason behind wrinkles. Wear sunscreen of at least 15 or 30 SPF, even on cloudy days to avoid the most harmful rays of the sun. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:11:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/important-information-on-wrinkles http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-disturbing-world-of-back-street-botox The disturbing world of Back-street BotoxSource: www.dailymail.co.ukPractitioners with no medical training,drugs bought over the internet and disfiguring results. Worse still, it's all legal When Bonnie Kaplan wanted to hide a few wrinkles, she thought nothing of visiting a private clinic for a couple of shots of Botox. "I'm 53, I've got wrinkles. I wanted to get rid of them," she says. "All my friends were doing it." She had no idea that the doctor treating her would be an osteopath who had been struck off, nor that rather than using Botox, he would inject her with a diluted form of botulinum toxin, the highly poisonous substance from which Botox is derived, that was intended for lab research rather than use on humans. The consequences were horrific. Thirty-six hours after the injections, Bonnie started to have problems breathing and was so weak she couldn't walk. She was rushed to hospital and, as botulism set in, her nerves were damaged. Within hours, her whole body was paralysed. Doctors think she may have received up to 2,500 times the amount of toxin believed to be lethal if injected into the bloodstream. After spending months in hospital, breathing with the help of a ventilator and unable to speak, Bonnie was eventually able to move around in a wheelchair, but doctors warned that the possibility of a full recovery was slim and could take years. She wasn't the only one affected. Her husband, Eric, 52, was injected with the same deadly toxin, and, bizarrely, the doctor, Bach McComb, 47, had also injected himself and his girlfriend, Alma Hall, 34. All three ended up being hospitalised like Bonnie. While this shocking incident took place in Florida, Lifestyle has discovered that the terrifying lack of regulation in the injectables industry in Britain means it could easily happen here. Every year, thousands of people are seduced by the prospect of a beauty boost and don't think twice about popping out for a quick shot. The most popular procedures are: Botox, injected into the face to relax muscles and so prevent wrinkles forming; and fillers, substances based on hyaluronic acid or collagen, which occur naturally in the body and help plump up sagging skin, making it appear firmer and less wrinkled. Little thought seems to be given to what might happen if something goes wrong. After all, in recent years Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Sculptra, fillers and injectables have become as much a part of our beauty vocabulary as foundation, lipstick and mascara. If you want an example of quite how accessible, and acceptable, this sort of non-invasive cosmetic enhancement has become, look no further than the latest Grattan catalogue. It has started selling appointments for Botox injections and lip enhancement alongside lacy lingerie and Le Creuset kitchenware. 'It is not adequate to blindly stick a needle in someone's face with scant knowledge of the serious potential risks'But, unlike lipstick and mascara, these increasingly commonplace beauty treatments are serious medical procedures, with serious risks attached, as Bonnie found out to her cost. You'd hope that this would mean that anyone injecting Botox or fillers would be just as strictly regulated as your local GP or surgeon. This is not the case. In 2005, the Government acknowledged that, in the wrong hands, Botox and other injectable procedures put patients at risk of permanent injury, including transmission of hepatitis and vCJD. But, two years on, there are still no official controls in place and the industry has been asked to regulate itself. The shocking upshot is that pretty much anyone can stick a needle full of Botox or filler into your face. While Botox is a prescription drug that can be obtained only by a doctor, anyone is allowed to inject it "under the guidance of a doctor". Industry insiders say they're aware that there are instances of doctors bulk ordering the drug and then passing it on to unqualified people to use. And, when it comes to fillers, the news is even more worrying. As they aren't considered to be medicines, they don't need a prescription. That means the only thing stopping every Tom, Dick and Harry buying the stuff is the hope that the manufacturers of these products will sell them only to medical professionals. A spokesperson for Q-Med, the firm behind Restylane - a filler that is injected into the skin to plump out wrinkles or sunken areas of the face - confirmed they sell their products only to registered nurses, doctors and dentists who provide proof of their qualifications. However, in a hugely competitive market, it's naive to expect that every business would exercise such stringent controls over their customers. If I decided to set up a salon offering Botox and filler shots to the public at £150 a time, all I need to do is find a doctor prepared to give or sell me Botox and show me how to inject it, and a company willing to sell me dermal fillers. Then, despite the fact I have absolutely no medical training, I would be acting within the law. But even if I couldn't find an accommodating doctor or willing filler manufacturer, the widespread availability of Botox and other injectable products on the internet means that I could get my hands on pretty much anything I needed. In April, a Daily Mail investigation revealed how easy it was to buy Botox and LipoStabil, a fat-dissolving compound administered by injection, over the internet. And a quick web search shows that Restylane and similar hyaluronic acidbased fillers can be bought with a credit card and just a few clicks of the mouse. Who is to know whether these products are the real thing or counterfeit and likely to cause serious damage, even if administered by trained professionals? This might sound far fetched, but as the popularity of these treatments grows, more people are looking to make a quick buck with scant regard for safety. In February, at the Professional Beauty show in London, a company called Skintechniques were advertising dermal filler courses for beauty therapists. The company's website boasts that they offer "the only insured beauty therapist course for injecting dermal filler" and explains that the course is a "one-on-one training day for beauty therapists NVQ level 3 or equivalent with a leading facial aesthetician for hyaluronic injections". Industry insiders claim the course involves at best half a day of training, with the main focus on how to market your salon or spa. Moreover, the "leading facial aesthetician" is James McGrath, a former mental health nurse who in 1998 set up Collagenics, a non-surgical beauty clinic, after practising Botox techniques on his wife Stephanie in their kitchen. The McGraths have since separated and Collagenics is at pains to point out they are not affiliated with nor do they condone the work of Skintech-niques. McGrath's one-day training costs £2,500 plus VAT, of which £500 goes towards the beautician's annual insurance, which gives them £ 1/2 million worth of medical indemnity insurance. So, should the girl who does your nails decide she wants a bit of extra cash, there's nothing to stop her signing up for a course on Tuesday and injecting you with a filler on Wednesday. And because dermal fillers are not considered drugs, they're not even subject to the, albeit rather woolly, legislation that governs Botox. Essentially what McGrath is doing may be unethical, but it is legal. It goes without saying that the more responsible side of the aesthetic beauty industry is horrified by this. In May, the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD) urged beauty therapists to beware of such courses. It believes they exploit beauticians who may be unaware of the risks involved in injecting dermal fillers without medical knowledge. "Dermal fillers are perfectly safe when administered by a qualified doctor with an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy," says BACD chairman, John Curran. "But it is not adequate to blindly stick a needle in someone's face with scant knowledge of the potential risks that can include facial necrosis or disfigurement. "If dermal fillers are administered in a spa or hairdressing salon without medical supervision, how is a beauty therapist to deal with complications such as anaphylactic shock [an extreme and life-threatening allergic reaction], without resuscitation equipment? "We must protect therapists and the public from this alarming development." Backing his comments are the results of a BACD survey, which found that more than half of their 250-plus members have treated patients who had experienced complications at the hands of inexperienced or incompetent therapists. Some will argue that as the effects of Botox and fillers are only short-term, however badly they are injected, any problems will be reversed in a few months. Not so, claim experts. "For a start, however small the risk, you've got to bear in mind that whatever happens, it's on your face," says Rajiv Grover, a Harley Street plastic surgeon, who has had to treat a number of patients who have suffered at the hands of rogue practitioners. "You can't just put a jumper on and cover it up, so what are you going to do? Not go out for four months?" Andrew Vallance-Owen, Bupa medical director and chairman of the working group on cosmetic surgery established to implement self-regulation of the clinics, warns there are real dangers. "With a semi-permanent filler, the results aren't simply going to be reversed in a couple of months. "Furthermore, if injections are being administered in beauty parlours, there's also the health and safety aspect to consider when it comes to how hygienic and sterile the environment is. "Though there's a possibility that injecting into the wrong place could damage a nerve, the biggest problems arise from infection. "If the injected area becomes infected that can lead to abscesses which can result in permanent scarring. "They might not be life-threatening, but they could be problems for life." So how do you find someone qualified? "If you want to be certain you're in the right hands, look for someone who is a member of the British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD)," says Rajiv Grover. "If they are, you know they are registered with the GMC, have qualifications and insurance." Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:09:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-disturbing-world-of-back-street-botox http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tone-that-tummy Tone That TummySource: bostonnow.comWith the exception of those traipsing the Hollywood fantastic, most mamas don’t have the resources for the personal trainers, nutritionists, and/or (ahem) cosmetic assistance required to flaunt an awe inspiring postpartum tummy at the beach. And while we advocate and celebrate whatever small self care efforts you can make in terms of good food and fitness (be it short walks or intervals of exercise), you probably also could stand (and deserve) to have a little extra help of the non-invasive cosmetic variety.For this, check out Mama Mio’s Emergency Repair Tummy Toner, a “facial peel for the tummy.” This unique serum - infused with exfoliating papaya enzymes, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and skin firming soy proteins - helps tighten and smooth rough, textured skin. You need to remember to use this gentle formula twice a day to see the effects, but your belly served important duty and deserves a quick twice-daily rub, right? Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:07:47 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tone-that-tummy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glycemic-load-glycemic-index-sulfur-dioxide-and-fruit-colored-tortilla-wraps Glycemic Load, Glycemic Index, Sulfur Dioxide and Fruit, Colored Tortilla WrapsSource: www.infozine.comBy Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN - Q: What do the terms "glycemic index" and "glycemic load" mean? Q: Will lowering my glycemic index or glycemic load help with weight loss? Q: Are the green and orange colored tortilla wraps more nutritious than regular tortillas since they are made with vegetables? Kansas City, MO - infoZine - Q: What do the terms "glycemic index" and "glycemic load" mean? A: Carbohydrate that is broken down quickly by the body, raising blood sugar rapidly and leading to a quick rise in insulin, is referred to as having a high glycemic index (GI). Many factors can effect the GI of a food. In general, foods with a high GI include not only sweets, but potatoes, white rice and refined breads. Foods with a low GI are digested and absorbed more slowly. Low GI foods include whole grain breads, pasta, beans, and most fruits and vegetables. Glycemic load measures foods' impact on blood sugar based on the GI and portion size.Q: Will lowering my glycemic index or glycemic load help with weight loss? Unfortunately, we still have no clear answer that supports or refutes this theory. Some theories suggest that if blood sugar rises less after eating, insulin will be kept at levels that promote weight control and hunger will be better controlled. (Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar and promotes fat storage.) One recent year-long study compared two groups of dieters: Both diets contained equal calories but the glycemic load of one diet was high and the other low. The groups showed no difference in hunger, weight loss or body fat. Insulin levels dropped in both groups due to weight loss, regardless of carbohydrate choice. However, other studies suggest that some people - such as women or sedentary people - may be more sensitive to dietary glycemic load. For now, it seems that reducing calories and increasing physical activity are most important for weight loss. If you want to experiment with reducing the glycemic load of your diet to see if that will make weight loss easier, that's fine. Just remember that you can reduce your glycemic load as part of a balanced diet or as part of a high-fat diet with limited healthful foods. What overall research does show is that smart eating - for health and weight loss - should be built around a plant-based diet with two-thirds or more plant foods and no more than one-third animal protein.Q: Are the green and orange colored tortilla wraps more nutritious than regular tortillas since they are made with vegetables? A: No. So little spinach and tomatoes are used to make "spinach" and "tomato" tortillas that the nutritional difference between a colored and conventional tortilla is negligible. Some of these specialty tortillas state they contain four to six percent of the daily value for vitamin A or C. Although little bits of added nutrition do add up, this is not enough to qualify the tortillas as a source of these nutrients. The more important differences among tortillas relate to whether they are whole grain or made of refined flour, and the amount of fat added. Add plenty of vegetables and perhaps an extra salad to accompany your wrap, rather than counting on little bits of vegetables added to tortillas only for color.Q: What does the additive sulfur dioxide in dried fruit do? A: Sulfur dioxide is a preservative. It stops the growth of food-spoiling microorganisms and prevents fruit from browning and changing flavor. In 1985, a scientific panel concluded that sulfur dioxide in food poses no hazard to most people. Foods commonly refer to sulfur dioxide as sulfites, which is formed from sulfur dioxide and water. Sulfites do not pose any cancer risk. The concern with their safety is for people with asthma or sulfite allergies who may have reactions, sometimes severe, to these products. To help sulfite-sensitive people avoid foods that contain this substance, foods that contain detectable levels of sulfites are legally required to state this on the label. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:05:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glycemic-load-glycemic-index-sulfur-dioxide-and-fruit-colored-tortilla-wraps http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginkgo-goodness Ginkgo goodnessSource: www.nst.com.myGINKGO biloba has been widely used to improve blood circulation. Its medicinal form is extracted from the fan-shaped leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. It has beneficial effects on both the circulatory and the central nervous systems. It increases blood flow to the brain and to the arms and legs by regulating the tone and elasticity of blood vessels.It also acts like aspirin by reducing the stickiness of the blood, hence lowering the risk of blood clots.Some researchers report that it enhances the functioning of the nervous system by promoting the delivery of additional oxygen and nutrients to the nerve cells. Ginkgo biloba extract also enhances the utilisation of oxygen and glucose.The fact that ginkgo aids blood flow to the brain and increases oxygen supply is of relevance to older people. Brain cells contain the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in their membranes than any cells in the body, making them extremely susceptible to free radical damage.Ginkgo appears to have anti-oxidant properties as well. It helps to mop up free radicals in the body.Ginkgo biloba also shows great benefit in many cases of senility, including Alzheimer’s disease.As well as improving blood supply to the brain, experimental and clinical studies show that Ginkgo biloba extract increases the rate at which information is transmitted at the nerve cell level, thus exerting memory-enhancing effects.According to the results of a preliminary study, Ginkgo biloba extract appears to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction due to lack of blood flow.The improved arterial inflow to erectile tissue is assumed to be due to the ability of the herb extract to enhance blood flow through both arteries and veins without any change in systemic blood pressure. It should be noted that ginkgo’s effects are more apparent with long-term therapy and better results may be obtained with a 120mg per day dose in order to take advantage of its effect in improving health. The elderly need to boost their bone health to prevent osteoporosis. The risk of falling and breaking easily an arm or a hip poses great danger at an older age, when the bones become weak.Two of the most important nutrients for bone health are calcium and vitamin D.For the elderly aged 65 years and above, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium is 800mg/d and for vitamin D is 5mg/d (200 IU/d).According to many nutritional surveys, a high proportion of the elderly living in Malaysia consume less than the RDA for both calcium and vitamin D. In addition, although calcium intake may be adequate, calcium absorption is less efficient in the elderly, thus limiting the amount of calcium absorbed from the diet.Calcium is present in significant amounts in a very limited number of foods.Good calcium sources are kelp, cheese, tofu, soy, milk, yoghurt, nuts and green leafy vegetables.Lactose intolerance may also limit one’s intake of milk and dairy products, thus preventing one from getting sufficient calcium from one’s diet. Taking calcium (in the form of calcium citrate) together with magnesium in the recommended 2:1 ratio helps to protect the accumulation of calcium deposits in the urinary tract.It makes calcium and phosphorus soluble in the urine and prevents them from turning into hard stones.Excessive intake of calcium and too little magnesium may result in calcium accumulation in muscles, heart and in the kidneys, causing kidney stones.For optimum bone health, it is best to combine calcium and magnesium with another beneficial nutrient, vitamin D for synergistic effects. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:54:38 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginkgo-goodness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-reduces-calcium-buildup-in-arteries Vitamin K Reduces Calcium Buildup in ArteriesSource: www.newsmax.comA new study has found that vitamin K may provide significant benefits to promote cardiovascular health. Researchers at Maastricht University, The Netherlands, found that vitamin K prevents the buildup of calcium in arteries and also scrubs away existing calcification by 37 percent within only six weeks. A buildup of calcium in arteries is linked to an increase in coronary heart disease. People with higher levels of arterial calcium are much more likely to have heart attacks and strokes than those with normal levels. Patients with cardiovascular disease are often given the blood-thinning drug warafin which causes even more buildup of calcium in arteries, and researchers believe that additional amounts of vitamin K can reduce their risk of dying. In the study, scientists fed rats a diet containing warfarin to induce the buildup of calcium. They were then separated into four groups. The first group continued taking warafin. The drug was discontinued in the three other groups and each group was given a different dose of vitamin K. Levels of arterial calcium continued to rise in those rats given normal amounts of vitamin K, even after they quit taking warafin. But the accumulation of calcium was blocked in those rats that were given high doses of vitamin K and even reduced. "Our study shows that in an animal model, vitamin K can actually regress preformed calcifications," wrote researcher Leon Schurgers. "The health implications for humans are significant. "Given that arterial calcifications are predictive of cardiovascular events, regression of arterial calcification may help reduce the risk of death in people with chronic kidney disease and coronary artery disease," he wrote. "Research is showing much promise associated with vitamin K intake and heart health, and people should be encouraged to discuss vitamin K use with their physician." Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:52:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-reduces-calcium-buildup-in-arteries http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-deficiency-and-stroke-prevention-new-report-says-folic-acid-supplementation-can-reduce-risk-of-stroke Vitamin B Deficiency and Stroke Prevention: New Report Says Folic Acid Supplementation Can Reduce Risk of StrokeSource: www.earthtimes.orgStudies published in peer-reviewed journals have determined that patients with a variety of diseases are often deficient in folic acid, other B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, and the omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA). Doctors are now using the prescription supplement Animi-3(R) to precisely deliver these nutrients to different patients. "In this meta-analysis, researchers have identified folic acid supplementation as a potentially life-saving dietary aid," said PBM Pharmaceuticals President Jack Schramm. "We understand folic acid deficiency is common, so we specially designed our prescription Animi-3 formula to deliver 1 milligram of folic acid, along with DHA and other nutrients, to patients who are deficient in one or more of these ingredients." Animi-3 is indicated for improving nutritional deficiencies in folic acid, DHA (omega-3 essential fatty acid), Vitamin B-12, and/or vitamin B-6. Research has shown that addressing these particular nutritional deficiencies may also reduce cardiovascular risk.* Each capsule of Animi-3 contains essential B vitamins: -- Folic Acid (1 mg) -- Vitamin B6 (12.5 mg) -- Vitamin B12 (500 mcg) Each capsule of Animi-3 also contains essential omega-3 acids (500 mg): -- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 350 mg -- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 35 mg Visit http://www.animi-3.com/ for more information. Lancet. 2007;369:1876-1882, 1841-1842. *FDA "Qualified Health Claims" B vitamins & Vascular Disease. As part of a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of vascular disease. FDA evaluated the above claim and found that, while it is known that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol reduce the risk of heart disease and other vascular diseases, the evidence in support of the above claim is inconclusive. Docket No. 99P-3029. PBM Pharmaceuticals Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:50:51 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-deficiency-and-stroke-prevention-new-report-says-folic-acid-supplementation-can-reduce-risk-of-stroke http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-high-blood-pressure Lack of Vitamin D Linked to High Blood PressureSource: en.epochtimes.comIn recent years evidence has been amassing which has linked vitamin D with protection from a variety of ills including osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, low mood, and several forms of cancer. Recently, U.S.-based researchers have published research, which suggests that this nutrient has the capacity to ward off high blood pressure. As part of this research, about 600 men and 1,200 women, who had their blood vitamin D levels measured were then studied for a period of 4 to 8 years. In men, those with vitamin D levels less than 15 ng/ml (evidence of vitamin D deficiency) were found to be six times more likely to suffer from hypertension compared to men with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/ml or above. In women, vitamin D levels less than 15 ng/ml were found to be associated with twice the risk of hypertension compared to those with levels of 30 ng/ml or more. This epidemiological study may show an association between higher levels of vitamin D and lower blood pressure, but cannot prove that vitamin D is actually causing this effect. However, as the researchers involved in this study point out, vitamin D has known actions in the body that would be expected to help reduce blood pressure. For example, laboratory studies have found that vitamin D suppresses the activity of the hormone rennin, high levels of which can cause raised blood pressure. Vitamin D also has the capacity to reduce the proliferation of muscle in the walls of blood vessels, something that would also be expected to help protect against blood vessels "stiffness" and high blood pressure. The signs are that vitamin D does have a genuine blood pressure lowering effects. If this is the case, then this should help explain why individuals living in the Mediterranean region are found to have a generally reduced risk of heart disease. While the Mediterranean diet has been much used to explain this phenomenon, perhaps sunlight is playing a yet unsung role here too. Indeed, in one study undertaken in Turkish children, blood pressure was found to be significantly lower in the summer than the winter. What is more, the researchers of this study found by measuring the concentration of the children's urine that this difference could not be explained by variation in the level of hydration in the children. Most of the body's needs of vitamin D are met by the action of sunlight on the skin. During the darker months, lower light exposure can lead to reduced vitamin D levels, which it seems may have important consequences for health. Supplementation with cod liver oil may be used to help prevent vitamin D deficiency, especially during the winter. References: 1. Forman JP, et al. Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Risk of Incident Hypertension. Hypertension, 2007 Mar 19 [Epub ahead of print] 2. Polat M, et al. The effect of seasonal changes on blood pressure and urine specific gravity in children living in Mediterranean climate. Medical Science Monitor, 2006 Apr; 12(4): CR186-90. Epub 2006 Mar 28 Dr John Briffa is a London-based doctor, author, and health writer with an interest in nutrition and natural medicine. Dr. Briffa's website Fri, 11 May 2007 22:35:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-high-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-herbal-remedies-for-menopause Menopause - Herbal remedies for MenopauseSource: www.americanchronicle.comMenopause is defined as absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period. Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Although it's associated with hormonal, physical and psychosocial changes in your life, menopause isn't the end of your youth or of your sexuality. Several generations ago, few women lived beyond menopause. Today, you may spend as much as half of your life after menopause.Your signs and symptoms also are likely to be very individual. You may breeze through menopause with few signs and symptoms. Or you may experience a number of physical and emotional changes.Herbal remedies for MenopauseCalcium supplement: Put 6 raw eggs with white shells in a jar and add freshly squeezed juice of 10 lemons. Cover the jar and wrap it in dark paper. Let stand in a dark place until eggs dissolve completely. It takes between 5 and 8 days. After it’s done add 2/3 pound of liquid honey and 3/4 cup of brandy.Put in dark bottle and keep in a cool place. Take a little bit less then 1 tbsp a day right after meal. Do not keep the mix longer than 3 weeks as it loses its power. Better to prepare a new portion each time. This remedy is a wonderful source of calcium, which women loose in great quantity during menopause.Remedy to reduce irritability: 10 lemons with skin, cut to small pieces, and crushed shells of 5 eggs mix together, add 1/2 L of vodka and let stand for 5 days. Take 30 g in the morning and in the evening for at least 2 weeks.To ease menopausal symptoms:Place 1-2 tbsp of sage in 2 cups of boiling water. Drink during the day. Do not take for more than 3 months.Put 25-30 g of rosemary leaves in 100 g of boiling water, and let stand for some time. Take 25 drops 3 times a day 30 min before meal. Drink lots of blackberry tea.Combine together: 25 g of blackberry leaves, 20 g of woodruff, 10 g of hawthorn flowers, 20 g of juniper berries, 20 g of golden rod herb and 20 g of motherwort herb. 1 tbsp of mix add to 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 1 hour. Filter and drink like tea 1 cup 3 times a day. This remedy greatly improves the state of health in women at menopause.Add 1 tbsp of Shepherd’s purse to 1 cup of boiling water, let stand for awhile and drink all at ones. The remedy helps to reduce heavy bleeding at menopause, not connected to malignant tumors.Put 2 tbsp of Origanum in thermos and add 2 cups of boiling water. Keep over night and drink 3 times a day 20-40 min before meal.Add 10 g of Origanum to 150 ml of 70% alcohol. Let stand for 7-10 days in dark place at room temperature. Take 30-40 drops 3-4 times a day. Provides calming effect.To improve sex drive:50 g of crushed pine kernels (insides) put in cup and add water. Mix until mixture resembles milk and drink 1/3 of cup 3 times a day before and after meal.1 tsp of Galium grass put in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and steep for 1 hour. Filter and take 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day before meal. Fri, 11 May 2007 22:21:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-herbal-remedies-for-menopause http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/those-with-fertility-problems-should-avoid-okro-walnuts-and-red-meat Those with fertility problems should avoid okro, walnuts and red meatSource: www.tribune.com.ngThere are many reproductive problems and prominent among them is inability to produce children, which can affect both men and women. Infertility is common in the society and many couples have divorced because of the problems attached to this condition. While it has caused disaffection many among many some have even lost their lives while trying to solve the problem. In fact, the belief in our society that one of the major reasons of going into room for exercise from couple who could not carry out this important task. But herbal medical practitioners believe that there is hope for any couple waiting on God for the fruits of womb even if several attempts to solve the problem through orthodox medicine has failed. One of such herbal doctor is Kayode Oniyelu, the Managing Director of BSD Naturalist Care, Dikat House, Ring Road, Ibadan. Speaking with Natural Health in his office on what could debar both men and women from procreating, the alternative medical practitioner explained that this could be linked to several factors. Infertility, he said, is not only synonymous to women as it is the belief of some peoples, adding that the fault could also be from men. Most of the times, the problems could be traceable to Staphylococcus bacteria, provided the problem does not have spiritual attachment or reason, he said. Every human being he said have scanty amount of Staphylococcus bacteria in the body, but when it is too much, then it could pose serious danger to our health. “Staphylococcus invasion of the body has been seen to render many people infertile to the extent that too much of it in man’s body could make the sperm either to be watery or ineffective to fertilise an ovum.A man may have good quantity of sperm, but it may not be the quality to fertilise an egg. The problem of fertility in men could also arise from what is known as Oligospermia- which is when the sperm is too watery, which many refer to as low sperm cell or count. Azospermia could also be the cause of a man’s inability to father a child, which means there is not enough cells in the spermatozoa to make it have life. Some refer to it as nil-sperm or no-sperm. Another problem in men is what is called monospermia, which means too much sperm cells. However, there are other problems which he said could cause infertility in men, ne of which is also too much of alcohol consumption among several other factors which would have to be diagnosed and confirmed through laboratory test before knowing the herbal therapy to apply. The normal PH of semen according to the alternative medical therapist should be between seven and eight and when the PH is less than 7, it means the man is producing acidic semen. If the PH of the semen is above 7, the semen is too alkaline because a normal ejuculation of sperm should contain nothing less than 20 million sperm cells. Long term accumulation of certain diseases in the body without proper treatment is also identified as the major cause of infertility in men. “Certain ailments and diseases left untreated for years have been seen to damage the sperm cells of some men” Oniyelu further added. For women experiencing infertility, the Ibadan based alternative medical practitioner said infection in most cases is the root cause of the problem. “Too much infection in a woman’s body can result in irregular menstruation, altering the body hormonal balance. “You will even see some women during the ovulation period discharging yellowish coloured eggs. This is not normal because the normal colour of eggs that can be fertilised by a spermatozoa should be whitish”, he stressed. Infertility may also arise from other causes. Sometimes improperly treated sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea etc may prevent women from conceiving. The germs can damage the oviducts as well as cause serious infections of the womb. Abortion is also another problem. “Lack of normal menstrual cycle may also be a factor. Sometimes it can be as a result of emotional factors and other conditions such as endometriosis and adhension involving the genital organs may also interfere with pregnancy. Speaking further, the herbal doctor said fibroid growth, which is implanted in the inner or outer part of the womb may prevent spermatozoa from reaching the right place where it can fertilize an ovum. Another common cause of inability to get pregnant in women is leucoreum, popularly known as Eda among the Yorubas. Other problems like blockage of the fallopian tubes and infections of the womb can also cause infertility. “If the right fallopian tube is blocked, a woman can still be pregnant. But if the left fallopian tube is infected or blocked, then a woman cannot get pregnant”, he emphasised. The naturopath however said if there is no infection, there can’t be leucoreum. Abnormal temperature of the womb is another problem. On the use of contraceptives, the herbal doctor said too much of contraceptives pills can also cause infertility. Men who are fond of using viagra or sex stimulating drugs, he also cautioned, should refrain from regular use of such drugs as they also risk fertility problems. On the preventive measures of infertility, the naturopath said there is no food that can cause the problem as it is the belief of some people. But he warned those having fertility problem to abstain from okro soup, as well as other ‘draw-soups’. Ogbono soup should also be avoided for certain reasons, likewise red meat, canned food, frozen chicken which according to him are susceptible to staphylococus infection and are contraditions for those with fertility problems. “I would also advise people to avoid eating too much of walnut. This is a goodprecautomary measure. Infact, those having fertility problems are usually counseld to abstain from walnuts which the yorubas called Asala or Awusa. “Okro can cause irregular menstruation in women. Ogbono and okro soups falls into this category. Taking them can also affect libido in both sexes. Explaining why walnuts should be avoided, he said although walnut can be used to tackle diabetes and cancer in some cases, but is not an important herbal ingredients in alternative medicine as it contains some anti-reproductive or anti-fertility ingredients. Consumption of vegetable oil should also be reduced by those looking for the fruits of the womb. Moreover, the director of BSD Naturalist-Care, Ibadan said alternative medicine remains the best form of treatment for infertility just as he also stressed that the duration for its treatment in his trado medical clinic is between five to six weeks. He however said such patient would have to first of all do fertility test in hospitals, the result of which would explain the actual cause of the problem and the type of herbal therapy to apply. Fri, 11 May 2007 22:18:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/those-with-fertility-problems-should-avoid-okro-walnuts-and-red-meat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/recommended-doses-of-ginseng-ginko-biloba-do-not-interfere-with-drug-absorption Recommended doses of ginseng, ginko biloba do not interfere with drug absorptionSource: www.eurekalert.orgRecent findings that the widely-used herbal supplement Saint John’s wort could dramatically affect the absorption and metabolism of many prescription and non-prescription drugs raised concerns that other popular herbal supplements might cause similar changes, thus significantly altering drugs’ therapeutic or toxic effects.What, for example, about ginseng and ginkgo biloba, two of the most widely used herbal supplements in this and other countries?Speaking on May 1 at Experimental Biology 2007, University of Kansas Medical Center scientist Dr. Gregory Reed reports a study that found daily use of ginseng or ginkgo biloba supplements at the recommended doses, or the combination of both supplements, are unlikely to alter the pharmacokinetics - by which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body - of the majority of prescription or over-the counter drugs. Dr. Reed’s presentation was part of the scientific program of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.The research team, led by Dr. Reed and the late Dr. Aryeh Hurwitz, recruited 72 healthy non-smoking adults (31 men and 41 women, ages 20 to 59) who were not taking any prescription drugs or dietary supplements. The participants were given a “cocktail” of five drugs, each drug in the cocktail chosen because it provides a measure of the activity of a key drug metabolism pathway. Taken together, the five drugs in the cocktail provide measurements of the pathways that determine the pharmacokinetics of over 90 percent of prescription drugs. The scientists then measured the presence of these drugs or their metabolites in each subject’s blood and urine in order to establish a baseline for how each individual absorbed and metabolized the different prescription drugs in the absence of herbal supplements.The 72 individuals next were randomly assigned to one of four groups. For four weeks, the first group received a ginseng supplement and a placebo for ginkgo biloba; the second received ginkgo biloba and a placebo for ginseng; the third received both ginseng and ginkgo biloba supplements; and the fourth received placebos for both supplements. The prescription drug cocktail was again administered and blood and urine samples taken in order to determine the absorption and metabolism of these drugs in the presence of either or both of the herbal supplements.The scientists found no significant differences between those who received one, both, or none of the ginseng and ginkgo biloba supplements in how their bodies absorbed or metabolized any of the five prescription drugs. This suggests, says Dr. Reed, that neither ginseng nor ginkgo biloba will affect the pharmacokinetics of the majority of prescription or over-the counter drugs. He does note, however, that the team did not investigate any possible effects of the herbal supplements on pharmacodynamic interactions: the way drugs produce desired therapeutic effects or cause adverse side effects. The possibility of these pharmacodynamic, as opposed to pharmacokinetic, interactions remains to be investigated.### Studies in Dr. Reed’s laboratory continue with an examination of the effects of Saint John’s wort on pharmacokinetics of prescription and non prescription drugs and the role of an individual’s genetic makeup in determining the magnitude of the herbal supplement’s effects. This work was supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Fri, 11 May 2007 22:16:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/recommended-doses-of-ginseng-ginko-biloba-do-not-interfere-with-drug-absorption http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/triphala-fights-pancreatic-cancer Triphala Fights Pancreatic CancerSource: www.indolink.comTriphala is one of the cheapest herbal compositions available in Ayurveda. And modern medicine is only now learning that it can be one of the most powerful and effective cancer fighters. A new study by Sanjay Srivastava of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute confirms that this herbal supplement has cancer-fighting properties that prevent or slow the growth of pancreatic cancer tumors implanted in mice. Results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April 14-18, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.The study found that an extract of triphala, the dried and powdered fruits of three plants, caused pancreatic cancer cells to die through a process called apoptosis - the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted or unneeded cells. This process often is faulty in cancer cells. Results of the study, abstract number LB-142, were presented in a late-breaking session at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.Triphala, one of the most popular herbal preparations in the world, is used for the treatment of intestinal-related disorders. It is typically taken with water and thought to promote appetite and digestion and to increase the number of red blood cells."We discovered that triphala fed orally to mice with human pancreatic tumors was an extremely effective inhibitor of the cancer process, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells," said Srivastava, lead investigator and assistant professor, department of pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Triphala triggered the cancerous cells to die off and significantly reduced the size of the tumors without causing any toxic side effects."Dr. Srivastava and colleagues fed mice grafted with human pancreatic tumors 1 to 2 milligrams of triphala for five days a week and then compared tumor size and levels of apoptotic proteins in the tumors to a control group of mice that received normal saline only. They found that the mice that received triphala had increased levels of proteins associated with apoptosis and significantly smaller tumor sizes when compared to the control group. Triphala-treated tumors were half the size of tumors in untreated mice. Further testing revealed that triphala activated tumor-suppressor genes, resulting in the generation of proteins that support apoptosis, but did not negatively affect normal pancreatic cells."Our results demonstrate that triphala has strong anticancer properties given its ability to induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells without damaging normal pancreatic cells," said Dr. Srivastava. "With follow-up studies, we hope to demonstrate its potential use as a novel agent for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Srivastava. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is one of the most aggressive cancers, with an extremely poor prognosis.Meanwhile the May 2007 issue of Phytotherapy Research contains a promising report showing that triphala inhibits the growth of common bacterial isolates from HIV infected patients. Fri, 11 May 2007 22:15:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/triphala-fights-pancreatic-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/turning-back-the-clock-on-your-skin Turning Back The Clock On Your SkinSource: abclocal.go.comA local doctor has created a new painless way to resurface your skin to help you turn back the clock on your face using a three-pronged approach, which may lead to better skin.Lynn Pura, Patient: "I'm looking to smooth out these fine lines and to just get my skin looking more fresh." Lynn Pura is trying a new procedure she hopes will give her a more youthful look. Dr. Daniel McGrath pioneered a newly patented treatment he calls the Pallone procedure. It's a combination of three resurfacing treatments, applied one after another. Dr. Daniel McGrath, MD, Pallone Procedure Inventor: "We've basically taken all the things that have been used commonly and we've put them together in an effective fashion." First, he uses a light microdermabrasion peel to remove the top layer of skin. After giving Lynn's entire face the light peel, he wipes it clean. Next, Dr. McGrath uses an irbium laser. Row by row, the laser's heat resurfaces the skin, removing blemishes and discolorations. The irbium laser also helps tighten the skin, triggering the rebuilding of collagen under the skin surface. But the key to the Pallone procedure is a transderm device. It's filled with hyaluronic gel and uses iontophoresis -- basically electric currents -- to push the gel through the now-porous top layers of skin. Hyaluronic acid is not new. Doctors have been injecting it as a filler for several years and it's the main ingredient in restylane and several other dermal fillers. Dr. McGrath claims the transderm device makes the difference, using negative and positive electrical pulses to force the hyaluronic gel into deeper tissues. And it's done without any needles. Dr. Daniel McGrath, MD, Pallone Procedure Inventor: "With the transdermal application, there's no side effects, there's literally no down time and there's no concern or fear of the needle with the injection." Forty-five-year-old Vivian Currington says it greatly improved her sun-damaged skin. Vivian Currington, Pallone Procedure Patient: "After the procedure I feel a lot younger -- maybe five or six years younger because when you look in the mirror, you don't see those deep lines and your make-up applies so much better and you feel good about yourself." When Lynn's treatment is finished, her skin appears a bit red and raw. But within a couple of days, Dr. McGrath says she should heal with younger looking skin, giving her wrinkle relief without the pain of injections. Fri, 11 May 2007 22:04:44 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/turning-back-the-clock-on-your-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-for-teens Nutrition for teensSource: thestar.com.myNutritional needs are greatest during the teen years, so help your child to cultivate healthy eating habits.YOU are the guardian of your child’s health, no matter what his age. This means being watchful and taking a keen interest in his nutritional needs. The teen years are a period of rapid growth when nutrition needs are the greatest. This is the time when up to 45% of skeletal growth is established, and 37% of total bone mass accumulated. This is an important time for teens as it prepares them for academic excellence, sports performances and helps prevent the onset of nutrition-related problems that can occur later in life. Despite the importance of good nutrition during this stage of life, many parents do not even think about it, let alone insist that their teens keep a proper diet and maintain healthy eating habits. However, keeping mum may not be the best thing to do because certain unhealthy lifestyle trends are quickly becoming a part of teenagers’ lives. These include: Frequent intake of food high in fats, salt and sugar, but low in fibre and nutritional value. Sedentary lifestyles where teens are parked in front of the TV or computer all day. Irregular mealtimes or skipping meals altogether. General apathy and limited knowledge of nutrition. Lack of guidance and supervision from parents and teachers. Health and nutrition experts agree that urgent action is needed to address the poor eating habits and food choices of teens. This is where parents need to play their role in guiding their teenage children. It’s not about dictating or controlling. It’s about checking yourself, communicating, role-modelling and motivating on a daily basis. Checking yourself First, take a look at yourself. Do you have a positive attitude towards food? Do you place a high value on good nutrition? Do you practise good food choices and eating habits? You will not be able to communicate, role-model or motivate with credibility until you yourself have the right attitude and practise the habits you want to cultivate in your teen. Communicating Educate your teen on the principles of healthful eating. Talk to him about the importance of proper nutrition and associate it with things he can relate to. For example, good nutrition can help sharpen his memory, make him more alert and help him perform better academically, excel in sports and keep him looking and feeling good. Do try to understand that healthy eating can be hard for teenagers as they often struggle with issues of peer pressure, idol influence, mixed messages from the media and social pressures to look a certain way. While you can’t shield teenagers from these issues, you can educate them so that they make the right choices whether they’re eating at home with you or outside with their friends. Role-modelling Not only should you communicate healthy eating guidelines to your teen, you must practise them diligently yourself. Your teen won’t perceive healthy eating as a priority if it isn’t something they see you doing. Motivating Your teen is more likely to practise good food choices and healthy eating habits if he’s in an environment that constantly encourages it. Create occasions to talk to him about nutrition. Serve him nutritious food at home; get him involved in the kitchen; and share with him articles you’ve read on healthy eating. A positive environment inspires an interest in nutrition and will lead to good habits that will carry through adulthood. Healthy eating guidelines Enjoy a variety of foods. Maintain a healthy body weight by balancing food intake with regular physical activity. Eat more rice and other cereal products, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Minimise fat in food preparation and choose foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Use salt sparingly and choose foods low in salt. Reduce sugar intake and choose foods low in sugar. Drink plenty of water daily. Eating with your child Ensure that each day starts with breakfast. Serve nutritious and balanced meals at regular times every day. Eliminate distractions (eg: television, books, newspapers, etc) during mealtime. Make fruits readily available in the house. Eating in school Encourage your teen to bring a bottle of water to school every day. When time permits, prepare meals and snacks for your teen to bring to school. Ask your teen what’s being served in school and encourage him to vary his food choices every day. Eating with friends Encourage your teen to try different restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines. Remind your teen to make wise food choices and not to be influenced by what or how much his friends are eating. Advise your teen to choose water or unsweetened tea, coffee or fruit juice over carbonated drinks. Fri, 11 May 2007 21:55:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-for-teens http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/5-foods-to-add-to-your-diet 5 foods to add to your dietSource: Althealth News Health magazine's March issue tells us womenfolk which five foods we should eat. Never ones to hoard such valuable information, we offer it to you now: Cranberries. Yep, they're good for fighting those pesky urinary tract infections. They also put up their dukes against stomach bugs, certain types of cancer and skin disease. And no, only eating the jellied variety the fourth Thursday in November doesn't count. Walnuts. Bring on those omega-3s, baby, which can help increase good cholesterol and reduce inflammation. And no, while a big slab of Grandma's Extra-Butter Walnut Deluxe Cake is indeed delicious, you're even better off with a handful of bare naked walnuts. Beans. Magnesium! Potassium! Folate! And yes, fiber! Plus they could prevent heart disease as well as help fend off colon cancer. And no, while the refried variety accompanying your extra-cheesy enchiladas are tasty, you might also want to eat some of the canned variety. Rinse 'em to reduce the sodium. Fish. Eating seafood rich in – yep, them again – omega-3s twice weekly could reduce your risk of heart disease. And no, fish sticks or crispy battered fillets at a fast-food restaurant aren't exactly what the studies have in mind. Tomatoes. Gimme an L for lycopene. Studies have shown that women who consume diets high in this antioxidant can have as much as a 50-percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. And, no, a spoonful of sauce on an extra-pepperoni pizza slice won't quite cut it, though ordering extra sauce will help things along. Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:43:31 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/5-foods-to-add-to-your-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-clinically-proven-very-effective-and-safe-product-for-joints-now-available A Clinically Proven, Very Effective and Safe Product for Joints Now AvailableSource: www.earthtimes.orgArthro SupReviver, a clinically proven, very effective and safe natural product for joints, is now available. It was developed by Dr. Hanxian Huang, MD, PhD, board certified in internal medicine, a highly respected internist in central Florida. Distinguished from other joint supplements, Arthro SupReviver contains both vital nutrients for regenerating/repairing cartilage (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Hyaluronic Acid) and active natural joint support ingredients from a unique Chinese ginger extract (patent pending). A scientifically designed (randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled) clinical trial has demonstrated that Arthro SupReviver is very effective in improving joint comfort, flexibility, and function. People can feel significant improvement in just a few days. It has no significant side effects."I am using Arthro SupReviver myself for my knees and hips. I am over 49 years of age, but I can still do a routine exercise with one leg to squat down and stand up for more than ten times each leg without any problems to my knees and hips. Arthro SupReviver helps me a lot," said Dr. Huang, inventor of the product. "I was having so much trouble with my hands. I was unable to make a fist, or even to hold a cup of coffee. After using Arthro SupReviver for just four days, I can make a firm fist and hold a cup of coffee without any problems. I do not have joint stiffness and cracking. I can now do many things that I was unable to do before taking it. Arthro SupReviver is such an amazing product," said Barbara Romines, one of Dr. Huang's patients."I used other joint supplements before; nothing helped. I then tried Arthro SupReviver. It rapidly improved comfort with my shoulders, hips, knees and hands. My joint flexibility and function have greatly improved after taking it for a few days," said Mildred Ogan, another of Dr. Huang's patients."Arthro SupReviver is a great product for joints. I recommend it to my patients," said Dr. Rajab Khadra, board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:29:03 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-clinically-proven-very-effective-and-safe-product-for-joints-now-available http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-eat-more-fruit-and-spinach NUTRITION: Eat more fruit and spinachSource: www.tuscaloosanews.comSince March is National Nutrition Month, we’re providing a few tips each week from the American Dietetic Association to help you get on the path of eating right. Use spinach instead of lettuce on sandwiches. Eat fresh, canned or frozen fruits for a sweet dessert. Treat your family to fruit kebabs: Thread pieces of pear, apple, melon and pineapple on skewers and serve for dessert. For a quick healthy dessert, slice an apple, sprinkle the slices with cinnamon, and microwave for about 50 seconds. Try drizzling olive oil and red wine vinegar on a salad instead of a full-fat salad dressing Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:25:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-eat-more-fruit-and-spinach http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-supplements-dont-affect-heart-disease-risk-study-suggests Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements Don't Affect Heart Disease Risk, Study SuggestsSource: www.sciencedaily.comCalcium/vitamin D supplementation neither increased nor decreased heart disease and stroke risk in generally healthy postmenopausal women over seven years of use, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Ads by Google Advertise on this site --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vascular Age Specialist Imaging test to measure risk of heart attack and stroke www.vascular-age.com "Heart Disease Warning" 99% Block Artery cleared in 30 days No surgery. Proven 10 Yrs. Guaranty www.yourticker.com Heart disease Find essential information on heart disease, cholesterol and more. heartpro.healthcentersonline.com Vitamin D Explained Free report on Vitamin D benefits from leading Vitamin D expert. www.NewsTarget.com Vitamins up to 75% Off Most National Brands. 22000 items Deep discounts. Free shipping offer www.myvitanet.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While calcification in blood vessels and heart valves increases a person's risk for coronary events, the relationship between dietary calcium and cardiovascular events is uncertain. Researchers evaluated the risk of coronary and cerebrovascular events in 36,282 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative randomized trial of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation. The women were 50-79 years old. Half took 500mg calcium carbonate with 200 IU vitamin D twice daily; the other half took a placebo. After seven years, the rates of heart attack and stroke were similar in both groups. There were 499 heart attacks and 362 strokes among women taking calcium/vitamin D and 475 heart attacks and 377 strokes among women taking placebo. "Calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not increase the risk for heart attack, CHD death, stroke, coronary revascularization, hospitalization for chest pain, heart failure or transient ischemic attack," said the study authors. "Thus, women taking these supplements need not fear adverse cardiovascular consequences while protecting their bone health." Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by American Heart Association. Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:18:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-supplements-dont-affect-heart-disease-risk-study-suggests http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/look-at-potato-as-big-vitamin-pill Look at potato as big vitamin pillSource: www.auburnpub.comPotatoes really get a bad break. Their bad reputation claims potatoes are fattening. This is because of the fast food craze for french fries. It isn't the potato that is the problem, it's the fat that it is fried in. The reality is that a potato can be an important part of any diet.You can almost think of a potato as a big vitamin pill. A potato can provide much of the recommended daily allowance of a number of vitamins and minerals. It contains 45 percent of the daily value for vitamin C. It has as much or more potassium than either bananas, spinach or broccoli. It also contains trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc all for only 100 calories and no fat.It also has natural fiber and even more if you eat the skin. A six-ounce potato contains three grams of highly digestible protein, almost as much as half a glass of milk, giving it the potential of being a meal in itself. For the carb watchers, a six-ounce potato has 23-25 grams of carbs. This is a reasonable amount considering what you get in return. What a treat with all those vitamins and minerals, combined with great flavor.Potatoes have even played an important part in history.In the ancient ruins of Peru and Chile, archaeologists have found potato remains that date back to 500 B.C. The Incas grew, ate and also worshipped them. They even buried potatoes with their dead, they stashed potatoes in concealed bins for use in case of war or famine, they dried them, and carried them on long journeys to eat on the way. Ancient Inca potatoes had dark purplish skins and yellow flesh. The Incas called the potato “papas,” as they do today.Spanish explorers took the potato to Spain in place of the gold they did not find. They didn't realize the true value of what they had discovered. The Spanish thought that they were a kind of truffle and called them “tartuffo.” Potatoes were soon a standard supply item on the Spanish ships. They noticed that the sailors who ate potatoes did not suffer from scurvy.The potato became one of the most important staples of the European and eventually the American diet. Nowhere was it more important than in Ireland. The “Great Famine,” also called the “Great Starvation,” in Ireland was caused because the potato crop became diseased. In 1845, at the height of the famine, at least one million people died of starvation. This famine left many poverty-stricken families with no choice but to struggle for survival or emigrate out of Ireland. Towns became deserted, and all the best shops closed because storeowners were forced to emigrate due to the amount of unemployment. More than one and a half million people left Ireland for North America and Australia. Over just a few years, the population of Ireland dropped by one half, from about 9 million to little more than 4 million.Today, the potato is so common and plentiful in the Western diet that it is taken for granted. We seem to forget that the potato has only been with us for a few hundred years.An old Irish saying goes, “Only two things in this world are too serious to be jested on, potatoes and matrimony.” An old myth states that a potato in your pocket will cure rheumatism and eczema, and if you have a wart, rub it with a cut potato, then bury the potato in the ground. As the potato rots in the ground, your wart will disappear.Now, I am not so sure about these medicinal qualities but I do know that there are some amazing recipes that include potatoes and here are two that I hope you will like. They are both side dishes. One is for the most amazing garlic mashed potatoes. The second requires a little preparation but would be a real showstopper at your next dinner party. Both recipes are courtesy Michael Chiarello, Food Network. Enjoy. This column has been a collaborative effort between Auburn natives chef Max Hitchcock and his mother, Susan Silverman. They can be reached at Birdscapes@adelphia.netaPotato Cakes with Mozzarella and PestoMakes 8 servings3 pounds large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper8 ounces mozzarella cheese1/4 cup all-purpose flour1/2 to 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil1 small jar store bought pesto saucePreheat oven to 450 degrees.Bake the potatoes right on an oven rack until a bit overcooked, about 1 hour. Let sit until cool enough to handle, cut in half, and scoop out the flesh. Reserve the potato skins, if desired, for another use.Lower the oven to 250 degrees.Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or grate them on the large holes of a box grater. You should have about 6 cups. Season the potatoes with the salt and pepper, and then divide them into 16 equal balls. Press each ball into a patty about 1/3-inch thick.Cut half of the cheese into 1/4-inch pieces. Place a piece of cheese in the middle of each of 8 patties. Cover with the remaining patties. Shape the patties into smooth disks. Lightly dust the patties on both sides with flour. (Potato patties can be made ahead and covered and refrigerated up to one day before cooking.)Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of oil and heat until the oil just begins to smoke. Place four patties in the skillet. When you hear the patties sizzle, lower the heat to medium. Cook until brown and crispy on both sides, 10 to 12 minutes total, turning once. If the potatoes absorb all the oil, add another tablespoon or two of oil to the skillet and cook the remaining four patties.In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the pesto in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm throughout. Grate the remaining mozzarella.To serve, sprinkle each potato cake with grated mozzarella and place in a 250-degree oven until the cheese is melted. Spoon pesto on top of each cake and serve immediately.The Definitive Garlic Mashed Potato2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature1 tablespoon garlic paste (see below)1 1/2 cups heavy cream, or more to tasteSea salt, preferably gray sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper1/2 to 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oilFor the Garlic Paste:1 pound whole garlic heads1/2 cup pure olive oilGray sea salt and freshly ground pepperStart with making roasted garlic made in a preheated 350 degree oven.Peel the outermost layers of skin off the heads of garlic. Cut off the top 1/3 of the heads to open the cloves. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic, cut sides up, and saute for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Pop garlic cloves from their skins and place cloves in a blender, along with any olive oil left in the pan. Puree until smooth; you should have a paste-like consistency.For the potatoes:Cube the potatoes. Then put the potatoes in a large saucepan with salted cold water and place in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, add some more salt and then bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well, place potato cubes in a food mill, and grind to remove skins. Alternatively, smash the potatoes with a large fork or potato masher.Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter stops foaming and turns a light brown. Add the garlic paste and cook quickly. Add the cream, season, to taste, with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and fold in potatoes with a wooded spoon or large whisk. Add the remaining butter by tablespoons, stirring after each addition. Stir in the extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste and serve. Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:16:23 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/look-at-potato-as-big-vitamin-pill http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cells-in-good-cheer-with-vitamin-c Cells in good cheer with vitamin CSource: www.theindiancatholic.comVitamin C has long been known to give a boost to the body’s immunity especially in fighting common cold, and in ensuring good health. Now, a Christchurch researcher has delved into the scientific reasons behind the blessing of Vitamin C, demonstrating that apart from maintaining the body’s cells, Vitamin C may also help fight cancer. Margaret Vissers from the Free Radical Research Group, along with a team from the Angiogenesis Research Group at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, showed that Vitamin C has an important part to play in all healthy cells. Infact it impacts cell activity positively. Dr Vissers' work, sponsored by the Health Research Council, has demonstrated that key enzymes in the cell require Vitamin C to kick start; low levels of the vitamin means that enzymes may not be able to do their work. The enzymes influence cell growth, death and the response to stress. Dr Vissers said, "This also means that a lack of vitamin C increases tumor growth and prevents effective treatment. It follows that restoring vitamin C to normal levels means less tumor growth and more successful chemotherapy." Source: Medindia Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:12:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cells-in-good-cheer-with-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skincare-ingredients-what-do-they-mean- Skincare Ingredients – What Do they Mean?Source: www.carefair.comYou’re at the cosmetic counter at the mall, looking to invest in a few new products for your skin. You choose several products and compare the ingredients, but you ask yourself, what is hyaluronic acid? Or, you’re at the drugstore and notice your cleanser has new packaging with headlines such as “antioxidant-rich” and ingredients such as kinetin and Vitamin A. You ask yourself, is it still good for my skin? Gone are the days when skincare products were simply categorized for dry, normal or oily skin. Over the past decade, products have (and continue to) evolved with sophisticated new formulas and ingredients that can mimic products and treatments once found only in dermatologist’s offices. Here is a quick guideline on how to decipher the current list of 50-cent words on product labels. Antioxidants Chemicals that halt the oxidation of cells and ward off free radicals, unstable electrons that lead to cell breakdown. Cell breakdown leads to fine lines, loss of moisture and elasticity, dull, rough appearance and discoloration. Common antioxidants used in skincare are Vitamins A, C, E and K. Alpha Hydoxy Acids (AHAs) A group of chemical compounds that can occur naturally or chemically that can help reduce aging and wrinkling and improve the skin’s look and texture. AHAs include glycolic (the most commonly used in skincare), malic, citric, tartaric and lactic. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) A mild acid that helps with the sloughing of dead skin cells that can clog pores and deep cleans without overdrying. The most common BHA is salicylic acid. Coenzyme Q10 A fat-soluble antioxidant with a similar structure to Vitamin K. Plays an important role in preventing cell breakdown and promotes cell renewal and an increase of hydration, moisture and cell revitalization. Hyaluronic Acid A jelly-like substance that occurs naturally in the soft connective tissues of all living substances and can also occur in some cartilage and joint fluids and skin tissue. Hyaluronic acid holds moisture within the collagen and elastin of the skin and can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Hydroquinone A powerful, topical lightening ingredient that was once available only in dermatologist’s offices. Over the counter products only allow up to 2% of this ingredient. When using hydroquinone, one must use it on a three-months on, three-months off basis, or as soon as discoloration is less noticeable. Kinetin A botanical-based ingredient found in plants, which helps plants to retain water. When used in skincare products, kinetin helps treat the signs of photoaging and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Idebenone Pronounced “ee-dee-bee-known”, its structure is similar to Coenzyme Q10 but its function is more powerful. Along with the treatment of wrinkles, idebenone has been successful in both cerebral and some organ studies. Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:23:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skincare-ingredients-what-do-they-mean- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/watercress-may-protect-against-cancer Watercress may protect against cancerSource: foodconsumer.orgEating watercress regularly may reduce risk of cancer significantly as this plant proved to be protective against DNA damage, which is believed to the first step of the cancer development process, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The trial of 30 healthy men and 30 healthy women ages 33 on average showed that eating watercress everyday for eight weeks reduce DNA damage by 23 percent and cut blood triglyceride by 10 percent while the blood levels of lutein and beta-carotene increased by 1000 and 33 percent respectively. "Our findings are highly significant. Population studies have shown links between higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables like watercress, and a reduced risk of a number of cancers," Ian Rowland, lead author of the study was quoted by Nutraingredients.com as saying. "However, such studies don't give direct information about causal effects. What makes this study unique is it involves people eating watercress in easily achievable amounts, to see what impact that might have on known bio-markers of cancer risk, such as DNA damage. Most studies to date have relied on tests conducted in test tubes or in animals, with chemicals derived from cruciferous vegetables," he was quoted as saying. In the study, 30 healthy men and 30 healthy women including 30 smokers were assigned 85 grams of watercress daily for eight weeks. The benefits were observed most significantly among the smokers who are believed to experience high levels of oxidative stress in their bodies. In addition to the reduction of DNA damage in the white blood cells (lymphocytes), watercress consumption was also linked with a 9.4 percept reduction in DNA damage to lymphocytes when challenged with hydrogen peroxide, which generates DNA damaging free radicals. "Blood cell DNA damage is an indicator of whole body cancer risk, and, the results support the theory that consumption of watercress is linked to an overall reduced risk of cancer at various sites in the body. The nature of the study group also means that the results are applicable to the general population eating a normal diet," explained Rowland, quoted by Nutraingredients.com. "The results support the theory that consumption of watercress can be linked to a reduced risk of cancer via decreased damage to DNA and possible modulation of antioxidant status by increasing carotenoid concentrations," the authors concluded. The study was funded by The Watercress Alliance, made up of British watercress producers, Vitacress Salads, Alresford Salads and The Watercress Company. Source: Publication: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2007, Volume 85, Number 2, Pages 504-510 Title: "Watercress supplementation in diet reduces lymphocyte DNA damage and alters blood antioxidant status in healthy volunteers" Authors: C.I.R. Gill, S. Haldar, L.A. Boyd, R. Bennett, J. Whiteford, B. Butler, J.R. Pearson, I. Bradbury and I.R. Rowland Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:26:42 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/watercress-may-protect-against-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-foods-that-help-men The foods that help menSource: foodconsumer.orgStatistics shows that diet is related to four out of ten major causes for men’s death from cancer, heart disease, brain vascular disease and diabetes. The following foods are believed to benefit men’s health. Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain acids that promote secretion of gastric acid and help digest protein and other nutrients. It also contains vitamin C which is involved in making bone collagen and keep arteries healthy. Soy: Soy contains phyto-estrogen, which is known to benefit women’s health. But soy is also good for men. For instance, studies show Japanese men who eat soy products often are at lower risk of prostate cancer than their counterparts in the West. Soy also helps prevent loss of bone minerals effectively. Men start losing bone minerals at the age of 60 just like post-menopausal women. Soy lecithin is known to improve short-term memory and learning ability. Pumpkin Seed: Prostate enlargement is a problem for many men over 40. A U.S study shows that patients who took pumpkin seed extract reduced urinating frequency and improved other systems. Pumpkin seed is a good source of vitamin E, which can help retard aging process. Carrots: Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in human system, which enhances immune response and prevent free radicals from damaging cells. In addition, carrots contain rich potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and fiber in carrots can protect against intestinal diseases. Carrots are believed to be of anticancer. Seafood: Seafood increases libido. Zinc found in seafood is good for semen production. Zinc deficiency affects sperm quantitatively and qualitatively. Oysters, shrimp, and crab are rich in zinc. Oysters are also rich in taurine and glycogen, which nourish the liver and the body as a whole. Garlic: Garlic has a strong bactericidal, which can destroy invading bacteria in vivo. In addition, it promotes the absorption of vitamin B1 and the metabolism of carbohydrates to produce energy and reduce fatigue. Another function, which should not be inored, is that garlic enhances immunity. Garlic contains lead selenide, an antioxidant. Garlic is regarded as anti-cancer food. Vitamin C rich foods: Vitamin C is good for sperm. The quality and quantity of sperm is on the decline in men starting at age 24. If there is any drug that can prevent the sperm deterioration, that drug would be vitamin C. A study by researchers at the University of Texas shows men who took 1000 milligrams of vitamin C for sixty days increase their sperm production by 60 percent and viability by 30 percent. In addition, the number of abnormal sperm decreased. Vitamin C rich foods include kiwi, oranges, green cauliflower, and asparagus. If a man is highly stressed, then he needs more of this nutrient. Vitamin C promotes secretion of a cortical hormone to help tolerate stress. Whole grains: Men often experience high stress from work. Vitamin Bs including B1, B2, B6, B12 and folic acid are important for management of such stress. They help stabilize the nervous system and increase energy production, which help tolerate stress. Whole grain foods including whole wheat bread, brown rice and wheat germs contain high amounts of vitamin B. The polysaccharides in whole wheat bread can slow releasing of energy and help men relax. Water: 75 percent of human brain is water. The first organ dehydration affects is the brain. Dehydration results in fatigue and retard response. A man needs 2 liters of spring water. Deep-sea fish: High stress leads to hyperglycemia in men and cause stroke in men at young age. Omega-3 fatty acids in deep-sea fish can prevent the blood from clogging; reduce arterial contraction and lower glycosides, together greatly benefiting cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish include oily fish such as mackerel and salmon. Men should these fish twice a week. Green tea: Green tea contain vitamin C which is absent in black tea. Vitamin C helps prevent colds and nourish the skin. It also contains anti-aging amino acids. Flavonoid compounds in green tea can also lower blood pressure. Red wine: If men have to drink, then drink red wine because the antioxidant polyphenols in red wine can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and help prevent arteriosclerosis. The grape compounds in red wine also help dementia. Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:20:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-foods-that-help-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-salad Vitamin C saladSource: www.taste.com.auPreparation Time 20 minutesCooking Time 25 minutesIngredients (serves 4) 6 (about 290g) chat (small coliban) potatoes 200g cauliflower, cut into florets 1/2 x 300g punnet baby brussels sprouts, trimmed 200g broccoli, cut into florets 1 red capsicum, quartered, deseeded, cut crossways into thin strips 80g (1/2 cup) crunchy combo sprouts 2 green shallots, ends trimmed, cut into 5cm-long thin strips Dressing 2 tbs fresh lemon juice 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 3 tsp horseradish cream 1 garlic clove, crushed Method Cook potatoes in a steamer basket over a saucepan of boiling water for 15 minutes or until just tender. Add the cauliflower and brussels sprouts and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Refresh under cold running water. Drain and set aside for 10 minutes to cool. To make the dressing, combine the lemon juice, oil, horseradish and garlic in a jug. Season with salt and pepper. Use a fork to whisk until well combined. Cut the potatoes in half lengthways. Combine the capsicum, sprouts and green shallot in a large bowl. Add the potato, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and broccoli. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until combined. Serve immediately. Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:14:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-salad http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/shot-of-b-12-a-boost-or-bust- Shot of B-12 a boost or bust?Source: sports.espn.go.comWhen Rafael Palmeiro failed a drug test in the spring of 2005 -- scant weeks after boldly telling a congressional committee he had "never used steroids, period" -- he blamed a tainted vitamin B-12 shot.Palmeiro surmised the stuff was contaminated with steroids, and identified fellow Baltimore Oriole Miguel Tejada as his clubhouse supplier. Tejada, a Dominican Republic favorite, later provided other vials that tested clean, but the precious B-12 had become the shot heard 'round the world.AP Photo/Gerald Herbert Rafael Palmeiro stated his case rather emphatically at the congressional hearing on steroids, then blamed vitamin B-12.These days, a bad shot of B-12 is a favorite explanation for busted Latino ballplayers. And there are reasons why, some legitimate and others not so. Many people in Latin America believe B-12 to be a source of energy -- a giddyup -- and an aid in strengthening muscles, so twice-a-month injections are hugely popular with players grinding through a long baseball season. Tejada told of having received B-12 injections since he was "5 or 6 years of age" in the Dominican, either at a clinic or at the hand of his father. A Baltimore teammate said he gave Tejada more than 70 B-12 injections during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.But since quality controls in Latin America don't always meet U.S. pharmaceutical standards, Latino and baseball officials point to the increased odds of finding a trace of a banned substance in a B-12 vial purchased in, say, the Dominican Republic or Venezuela."There is a custom in Latin countries that B-12 will help you to have energy," said Ronaldo Peralta, manager of Major League Baseball's office in the Dominican Republic. "And sometimes they go and they buy what they think is B-12. And what happens is that the pharmaceutical company that produced that in the Latin country, if they were running a batch before that of steroids and didn't clean the machines very well or somehow the machines got mixed or the company is intentionally [adding] steroids to give some kind of higher effect, then the kids are taking that without knowledge of that."The Dominican Steroid Problem As spring training opens around baseball, ESPN.com takes a two-day look at the state of Major League Baseball's fight against performance-enhancing drugs in the Dominican Republic with a series of stories reported and written by investigative reporter Mike Fish. DAY 1 • Critical mass in the D.R. • Vitamin B-12: Help or hazard? • MLB criticized over testing prospects En español • Pruebas positivas en Dominicana • La "magia" de la vitamina B-12 • ¿Pruebas de doping antes de firmar? DAY 2 • Dominican trainer isn't welcome in MLB. • Martinez supports controversial trainer En español • Presinal, gurú de los estelares dominicaos • Pedro aún confía en "Nao" Not so innocently, though, B-12 is also known to sometimes be purposely mixed with steroids. Congress heard this, among other things, from Milton Pinedo, president of the Dominican Federation of Sports Medicine. Vitamin B-12 is not illegal in either the D.R. or U.S., so that isn't the issue."It is that [ballplayers] use the vitamin to cut the stuff like you use things to cut cocaine," said Fernando Mateo, president of Hispanics Across America, told ESPN.com. "You use the vitamin to mix it with the amino and with the steroids, and that basically gives you like a bigger boost. Like a power pack."An agent with several Dominican prospects told ESPN.com of witnessing three of his players -- now former clients -- taking turns injecting one another in the buttock with what they said was B-12."They told me it wasn't steroids, but I had another one admit later on that he was on steroids," the agent said. "I saw him go from being thin to really buffed."Vials of B-12 that can be injected are readily available for over-the-counter purchase in Dominican pharmacies. At a pharmacy near the airport in Santo Domingo, a 10-ml bottle of injectible Complejo B -- the product of a laboratory in Pondicherry, India -- costs less than $2. You can't walk into a U.S. pharmacy and purchase a bottle of B-12, because it's a regulated drug requiring a doctor's prescription. So Tejada and other Latino players have been known to lug a supply from home to spring training.Victor Perez Ronaldo Peralta, who manages MLB's operations in Latin America, says Latin players believe in B-12.Outfielder Jose Guillen counts himself among the B-12 believers, acknowledging he can't get through a season without it. The difference is in the wake of the Tejada-Palmeiro dustup he's careful to ask the team doctor to sign off on his B-12."That is something that gives you a lot of energy and stuff," said Guillen, who signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners after playing last season with the Washington Nationals. "And when I bring it from here I always make sure I give it to the doctor, 'Check this out.' They send it out. They say, 'It is OK.' But I don't know what other kind of B-12 that is there that people [have] been complaining so much about."Guillen said he's used it the past three seasons, often once a week and sometimes getting as many as two injections a week."This year playing in Seattle and a lot of traveling, I'll bring all my vitamins stuff and all my B-12," he said. "You can buy it in states, too. In Washington [D.C.], the doctor there had B-12. Fine, I don't have to bring it from the Dominican. It is more safe. If you get it from the doctor there and get in trouble, it's his fault."Who knows what the pharmacies do here [in the Dominican]. Who knows what chemical they put in there trying to make the stuff better." Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:12:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/shot-of-b-12-a-boost-or-bust- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-stress-diet-could-help-you-shed-the-pounds Anti-Stress Diet Could Help You Shed The PoundsSource: kdka.comIt goes without saying that this can be a stressful time of year with all the shopping, spending and planning.And if you're not taking the time to eat right, you could be contributing to your stress.So what can you do to help?"There are certain vitamins and minerals that can actually help your body process things a little bit better to help your body reduce the stress that it's under," said Tara Gidus of the American Dietetic Association.Gidus says stress causes the body to release free radicals but antioxidant-rich foods work to denature those free radicals.That mean foods that are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Beta Carotene will actually help the body to reduce stress.Good stress reducers include: berries, almonds, milk and soy milk products, tuna, salmon, and wholegrain cereals. Things like asparagus or anything with folic acid and B vitamins are good because they make Seratonin which improves mood. But Gidus cautions that people should take it easy.She said, "If you're under stress, one of the worst things that you can do is completely change your diet, because that also stresses you out both emotionally and physically."Gidus says even though you might think beef is bad for you, it actually has high levels of zinc, iron and B-vitamins.They are all known to help stabilize your mood. So having beef every so often is fine. Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:13:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-stress-diet-could-help-you-shed-the-pounds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-addition-in-diet-may-cut-cancer-risk Olive Oil Addition in Diet may Cut Cancer RiskSource: www.medindia.netA new study by co-author Dr Henrik E. Poulsen and his colleagues of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark suggests that adding plenty of olive oil in diet may help in preventing damages to body cells that may eventually lead to cancer. The results of their findings were reported in The FASEB Journal, a publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. In this study of 182 European men, it was found those who had 25 millilitres of olive oil per day had reduced levels of a substance, which indicates cell damage. Researchers found evidence that olive oil can reduce oxidative damage to cells genetic material, a process that can initiate cancer development. Dr Henrik E. Poulsen also added that they also support advice to replace saturated fats from foods like meat and butter with vegetable fats, particularly olive oil. Healthy men between the ages of 20 and 60 from five European countries consuming a quarter cup of olive oil throughout each day for 2 weeks were been examined in this study. At the end of the study, they showed an average 13% reduction in the substance called 8oxodG, which is a marker of oxidative damage to DNA cells. Oxidative damages occurs when byproducts of metabolism called reactive oxygen species overwhelm the body`s antioxidant defenses. Olive oil contains a number of compounds, called phenols, believed to act as powerful antioxidants. Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:12:48 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-addition-in-diet-may-cut-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-consumer-guide-to-oral-hyaluronic-acid-supplements Consumer Guide to Oral Hyaluronic Acid SupplementsSource: www.prweb.comSan Dimas, CA (PRWEB) December 20, 2006 -- Oral hyaluronic acid (HA) dietary supplements are widely sold, support healthy joints, skin, hair and eyes, and "youthify" the body like no other molecule, says health journalist Bill Sardi, president of Knowledge of Health, Inc. and author of a book about HA. There are many misconceptions about hyaluronic acid supplements, says Sardi. Common questions that consumers ask about HA supplements are: Q. Is oral HA absorbed (my doctor said it wasn't)? A. Oral HA is absorbed. Doctors don't know oral HA isn't absorbed, they have only been told this. Manufacturers have conducted human and animal studies to confirm that oral HA is in fact absorbed. Q. Are low-molecular-weight HA supplements absorbed better? A. Some HA supplements are more than a million Daltons in molecular weight, while others are 200,000-500,000 Daltons and another 1500-3000 Daltons. The lower molecular weight HA is absorbed quicker, before stomach acid can degrade it, while the heavier weight HA supplements are broken down by stomach acid and enzymes and enter the circulation as fragments of HA. All HA supplements are orally absorbed.Q. How does HA work? A. In youth the body makes abundant amounts of HA. Fertile females make estrogen, which also stimulates the production of HA, which explains why young women have very limber joints, smooth skin and thick hair. After age 40, as estrogen production wanes, oral HA supplements can be taken in place of estrogen replacement therapy. The adult human body loses about 20-100 milligrams of HA on a daily basis. Oral HA does not replace the body's HA on a milligram-per-milligram basis, but rather stimulates fibroblast cells to make youthful levels of HA again. Q. Are HA supplements, which contain glucosamine and chondroitin, derived from shellfish? A. No. HA supplements are derived from natural sources such as rooster comb, or chicken sternum cartilage, or synthetically made from a vegetarian source by fermentation of corn syrup. The latter is a purer source, while the others provide additional collagen, which is also beneficialQ. Will HA's acidity bother my stomach? A. HA supplements are sodium salts of hyaluronic acid, and thus their pH is neutralized by the sodium. Take with food if your stomach if bothered. Take lower doses if bloating is experienced.Q. What about the village in Japan where ABC News said the people there eat special types of vegetables that stimulate high HA levels? A. The village is Yuzurihara, Japan, where I have visited to obtain a first-hand account of a human population that does not appear to grow old. These people have smooth unwrinkled skin even though they work in fields daily, and they maintain their mobility and flexibility even in old age. Even their hair is thick in their later years. Many do not need reading glasses. The remarkable fact is that an 80-year old in Yuzurihara looks and acts like he/she is 40 or 50 years of age. Dr. Komori, the town doctor, attributes this to a low-iron, fresh vegetable-based diet that stimulates HA synthesis. In particular, weak estrogen-like molecules that are concentrated in fermented sources of soy (miso, tempeh) stimulate HA production. However, soy foods do not work as well as HA supplements.Q. Should I continue to take glucosamine if taking oral HA? A. One half of the HA molecule is glucosamine (the other is glucuronate). Glucosamine weakly stimulates HA production. HA supplements work faster and more effectively and if they had been given sufficient publicity would have entirely replaced glucosamine supplements by now. Q. What are the potential side effects of oral HA supplements? A. In a state of dehydration, oral HA supplements could cause blood pressure to rise slightly. For optimal health, it's best to drink a glass or two of water a day when taking HA supplements.Q. Are there any other misconceptions about HA supplements? A. Yes, a journal article has spread many misconceptions, which is confusing many consumers who go online to learn about HA. I wrote a rebuttal to that report which can be found at http://www.knowledgeofhealth.com/executelink.asp?story=Rebuttal to false and misleading claims made in HA reportQ. How can consumers locate your book about HA? A. Title: How To Live 100 Years Without Growing Old: www.naturalhealthlibrarian.com Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:38:48 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-consumer-guide-to-oral-hyaluronic-acid-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-nutrition-is-vital Good nutrition is vitalSource: www.mcalesternews.comWithout good nutrition, you dog can suffer from a number of problems, including allergies, malnutrition, skin and coat problems and obesity. Nutrition-related problems can affect any dog no matter the size.According to the “Dog Bible, The Definitive Source for All Things Dog,” dogs can be allergic to many things. Some have food allergies to different meats, grains, dairy products, and artificial additives, such as colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. With food allergies dogs often develop skin problems, such as rashes, hives, chronic itching, and hot spots (painful, warm infected areas of skin). If your dog develops allergies to protein and carbohydrate sources simply change the sources of your food, for example, from beef and corn to turkey and rice. This may be just enough to stop the allergic reaction. If skin allergies are severe, you may need to switch your pal to a homemade diet.Too much protein may contribute to kidney disease in some dogs. Some dogs, especially the large and giant breeds can develop bone problems if there were fed too much calcium as puppies. To avoid hypoglycemia, some puppies, especially the toy breeds, need many small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals. Lack of antioxidants like vitamins C and E could possibly contribute to an increased cancer risk. And inadequate fat can result in a dull, dry coat and itchy, sensitive skin.Most pet dogs are more likely to become overweight than malnourished, but when a dog is fed a diet lacking in basic nutrients, he can become malnourished. Malnutrition can be caused by a diet that is not complete and unbalanced or by a limited diet, such as meat only. On the other hand, dogs that aren’t fed enough, often due to neglect or other poor conditions, are likely to become malnourished.Obesity is caused by too many calories and not enough exercise. Does that sound familiar? Obesity can aggravate joint problems, arthritis, and heart disease in dogs. It could shorten your dog’s life and will definitely decrease its quality of life.How do you tell if your dog is obese? With some dogs, it’s pretty obvious. There will be rolls of fat around the neck, wide, barrel-shaped bodies, sagging abdomens, and they tire easily. Look at your dog. Does it have enough energy? Is it retaining its youthful waistline or is it starting to look like a sausage?You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs. If they protrude obviously, your dog may be underweight. If you can barely feel your dog’s ribs, he may be overweight. Your dog should have a waistline when viewed from above. A sausage-shaped or barrel-shaped body from neck to tail base may mean your dog is overweight. An extreme waist tuck with protruding hip bones may mean your dog is underweight. Your dog should be able to move easily and run around the yard in cool to warm weather without losing its breath. If you look at your dog’s abdomen from the side, it should tuck up slightly from the chest. A hanging belly is a sign of a weight problem.It’s important to monitor your dog’s health and make sure weight gain isn’t caused by something other than overeating. Sudden weight gain or weight loss can be a sign of a medical problem.When in doubt, check with your veterinarian. To keep your pal in optimum health, vaccinations and annual checkups are recommended. While you are on the phone schedule a spay or neuter for your pal also. For information on the low-income spay and neuter procedures call PAWS Connection at (918) 470-7297. If you are looking for a new pal and or have pets that you can no longer care for, make that call today. Puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats await your call. Pick up the phone and make that call today. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:27:09 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/good-nutrition-is-vital http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whole-grains-boost-nutrition Whole grains boost nutritionSource: www.dallasnews.com Eat more whole grains! We hear it everywhere these days. We've made the switch to whole-grain bread, but we're still having a problem switching to whole-grain pasta. Some we've tried tasted like we might as well be eating the box. Manufacturers heard consumer complaints and are developing tastier whole-grain products, so check them out. Here are some tips to make the conversion easier to swallow. •Begin by substituting one-quarter of whole-grain pasta mixed in with regular pasta. Work your way up to a higher percentage every time you serve pasta. Soon, your family will be accustomed to the new look, feel and taste. •Look for products that are high in fiber. Some brands boast as much as three times more fiber than their regular-pasta counterparts. •Look for fresh, refrigerated whole-grain pasta. Its texture tends to be softer than dried pasta. Follow the package directions carefully to avoid over- or undercooking. •If your regular supermarket doesn't sell whole-grain pasta, ask the grocery manager to order it. National brands such as Hodgson Mill and Creamette have lines that include whole-grain pasta and pasta with whole-grain blends. •Use assertively flavored sauces when converting to whole-grain pasta, such as today's recipe for Simple Italian Sausage Spaghetti Dinner. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:25:20 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whole-grains-boost-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vit-e-may-protect-male-smokers-from-oxidative-stress-study Vit E may protect male smokers from oxidative stress: studySource: www.nutraingredients.comA diet rich in vitamin E could protect smokers from the oxidative stress linked to cancer development, US-based scientists reported this week."This suggests that while working toward the goal of quitting smoking, which is the very best way to prevent development of smoking-related cancers, it could be helpful to eat a diet rich in vitamin E," said Frederica Perera, senior investigator from Columbia University School of Public Health. "We don't yet know why this relationship was not found in women, but a good diet is beneficial to health in many ways." One in three Europeans are smokers, while the US figure is one in five. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 compounds, of which 60 are known carcinogens. The oxidative stress levels of smokers are significantly greater than non-smokers, and as such there is a bigger drain on the levels of antioxidants in the body.Vitamin E, an antioxidant, actually refers to a group of eight compounds: four types of tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The most common form consumed in the American diet is gamma-tocopherol, while alpha-tocopherol is the form mostly found in supplements.The present study is unusual, said the researchers, because it measured two different markers in white blood cells drawn from 280 smokers (classified as smoking at least 10 cigarettes a day).The Columbia researchers, in collaboration with researchers NYU School of Medicine, looked at plasma vitamin E levels, said to be derived from food (for example, certain vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, fish, green leafy vegetables) - supplement users were excluded - and the quantity of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker for oxidative stress.Perera and colleagues reported that increased plasma alpha-tocopherol levels were associated with lower levels of oxidative damage, according to 8-OHdG levels, but only among men. "There was a dose-response relationship, in that the more vitamin E we found in the blood of the men, the less there was of this cancer-related biomarker," said Perera.The data was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research's Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research meeting earlier this week. NutraIngredients.com has not seen the full data.The researchers also investigated possible interactions between vitamin E and GSTM1, a gene variant known to produce enzymes that efficiently detoxify carcinogens in tobacco smoke. The apparent protective effect of vitamin E was greatest among the men with the GSTM1 gene variant, said the researchers.A similar effect of vitamin E was not observed in women."We all want to know if vitamins help protect us against disease, and measuring their effects in the blood using markers of cellular damage is the most direct way to do that," said Perera. "But we have a lot of work ahead before we can fully understand the role of antioxidants in the chemoprevention of tobacco-related cancer."A diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene has been reported to protect certain sub-populations, particularly smokers, against prostate cancer, a disease that is becoming more common, with incidence rates haven risen by almost two per cent over 15 years.Indeed, the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 98, pp. 245-254), and the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) study (1998), have both reported protective effects of vitamin E against prostate cancer amongst smokers. However, the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) Trial (2005) reported that a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin E had no effect on either prostate or any other type of cancer. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:49:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vit-e-may-protect-male-smokers-from-oxidative-stress-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-what-in-world-of-vitamin-supplements What's what in world of vitamin supplementsSource: living.scotsman.comTHE RDA, also known as recommended daily allowance was set by the Department of Health in 1979 to highlight how much of a certain nutrient was needed by the population. So, if we do decide to pop a vitamin pill, how much do we need? And what do we need it for? Vitamin A: Found in liver, eggs, oily fish, green vegetables, red and yellow fruits, and dairy products, vitamin A keeps the skin healthy, can strengthen immunity and helps with vision. The RDA is 0.7mg for men and 0.6mg for women. The maximum safe intake, according to the Foods Standard Agency, is 1.5mg. Vitamin B6: Found in liver, pork, fish, pulses, cereals, nuts, green vegetables and potatoes, B6 is crucial for a healthy nervous system, maintaining disease resistance as well as antibody and red cell production. The RDA is 1.4mg for men, and 1.2mg for women, with the maximum safe intake at 100mg. Vitamin C: It's been the most popular vitamin pill to pop since scientist Linus Pauling revolutionised the way we thought about vitamins by claming huge doses of vitamin C could prevent or cure the common cold. It keeps cells healthy, helps the body absorb iron, fights infection and high blood pressure and is naturally found in a variety of fruit and vegetables. The RDA is 60mg, with the maximum being 1000mg. Beta Carotine: We need it for healthy vision, good skin and a healthy immune system and, although there are no RDA guidelines, the maximum safe intake is estimated around 7mg. Or just stock up on carrots, spinach, carrots and red peppers. Calcium: Found in dairy foods and leafy green vegetables, calcium is vital for strong bones and good muscle function. 42 per cent of the RDA's recommended 800mg intake is contained in just half a pint of milk. The maximum safe intake is estimated around 2500mg in supplement form. Iron: We need iron to keep our red blood cells healthy, transport oxygen around the body and give us energy, and it's found widely in red meat, nuts and leafy green vegetables, whole grains and fortified cereals. The RDA is 14mg, with the maximum safe intake totalling 17mg in supplement form Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:46:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whats-what-in-world-of-vitamin-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pop-goes-the-pill Pop goes the pillSource: www.business-standard.comAs we embrace a fast-paced lifestyle that survives on fast food, nutrition is often lost in the pile of ready-to-eat and pill popping becomes the order of the day. Now how harmful can vitamin capsules be? It is vitamin after all, and the doctor says vitamins are good...nutritious and healthy. But the truth is that an overdose of vitamin pills can not only cause health complications but can even be fateful. The body faces a vitamin deficit when your daily diet is not balanced with vegetables green and dark, fruits and oils. Essentially, there are six vitamins required by the body, A, B, C, D, E and K. Vitamin A is good for eyes, bones and skin and is available in abundance in milk and milk products, as is vitamin D, which is considered healthy for the bones. With the maximum components, and thus named vitamin B complex, it helps bolster metabolism, maintains healthy skin, enhances the nervous and immune systems and promotes cell growth. It can be found in bananas, potatoes, lentils, tuna and turkey. The growth and repair of tissues, bones and teeth as well as the healing of wounds is taken care of by vitamin C, found in citrus fruits like oranges and sweet lime. Vitamin E, also present in a lot of moisturisers and face creams, is considered good for the skin and heart. Found in oils, primarily sunflower and peanut oil, it is known to even cure certain heart diseases and degenerative disorder. Required for blood clotting, vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cheese and green tea. Vitamin capsules are recommended by doctors only when there is enough deficiency in the body to create health problems. Normally a capsule is prescribed for a period of 15-20 days, beyond which doctors advice you to rely on food sources. However, many tend to continue taking the pills for longer. Dr Sakshi Chawla, chief nutritionist, Fortis, says, “Since people relate these capsules with good health, they make them a part of their daily diet. Water soluble vitamins are alright to take everyday, but an overdose of fat soluble vitamins can be very harmful.” An excess of vitamins A, D, E and K can lead to toxicity since they get stored in the liver and can lead to hemorrhage or neurological changes. Nutritionist Ishi Khosla explains, “Though vitamin E is known to be quite safe, it can work against you if taken in large quantities. In fact, these vitamin pills can also contradict the effect of medication if taken during treatment.” Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:45:55 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pop-goes-the-pill http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/get-glowing-skin-for-the-holidays Get Glowing Skin for the HolidaysSource: www.carefair.comThe holidays are just around the corner. `Tis the season to overindulge and overextend yourself. Rushing from party to party might be fun and exciting, but if you’re not careful it will take a toll on your skin. But with a little extra effort, you can look your best—in spite of holiday stress. Our skincare tips and tricks will keep you looking fabulous and feeling festive during the upcoming holiday months. Cheers! Start with a Clean Slate Kick off this festive and busy season with healthy skin: book an appointment for your favorite skincare treatment. Whether you like to indulge in pampering aromatherapy facials or prefer a quick fruit acid peel, deep cleaning and exfoliating your skin will help sustain its clarity and radiance during the holidays. Give Your Skin a Breath of Fresh Air Oxygenated skincare products give you brighter, clearer skin by delivering it with antioxidants and nutrients. Try an oxygen mask to perk up a dull, over-partied complexion and activate the skin`s metabolism, to improve circulation and banish blemishes. Send Under Eye Bags Packing You sure had fun at the company Christmas party...perhaps too much fun. So you overdid it on the champagne, gobbled an embarrassing amount of peanut brittle, and got four hours of sleep. Make your puffy peepers presentable with a firming eye serum or gel. Always keep an eye gel or eye mask in the fridge for just these kind of emergencies. Avoid creams or balms—they won`t help lessen the swelling. If you have time, brew some tea and then use the cooled tea bags as eye compresses. The tannin helps reduce puffiness. Relax Wrinkles with Peptides Want to look years younger without painful, expensive injections? Say `no` to the needle and `yes` to one of the many products formulated with peptides like Gamma Amino Butric Acid (GABA). Peptides help relax and lessen the appearance of brow furrows, crow’s feet, and other expression lines and creases. Quench Your Skin`s Thirst Sugar, alcohol, stress, and lack of sleep are the main culprits behind dehydrated, lackluster holiday skin. If you can`t curtail the parties, get extra help from a hydrating facial mask. To restore your skin`s natural moisture levels and luminosity, try a cream, gel, or cloth mask as often as needed. Look for anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients like green tea and hyaluronic acid. Take Your Vitamins Winter is no time to skimp on nutrition. Be vigilant about supplements to ensure you`re getting the antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids your skin and body needs. Don`t like taking pills? Take your vitamins in powder form—just add an on-the-go packet to your water or juice. Try to drink at least 8 oz. of water every day. Remember: alcohol and sugar are extremely dehydrating. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:40:51 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/get-glowing-skin-for-the-holidays http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reusing-cooking-oil-ups-blood-pressure Reusing Cooking Oil Ups Blood PressureSource: paktribune.comExperts say that different types of cooking oils are better for you than others, and a new study suggests that the number of times you reuse cooking oils can also affect your health. Spanish researchers found that people whose kitchens contained any type of oil that had been reused many times over were more likely to have high blood pressure than people whose cooking oils were changed more frequently. People who ate foods cooked with sunflower oil also showed a higher risk of high blood pressure, while consuming more olive oil appeared to protect people from high blood pressure. Based on the findings, study author Dr. Federico Soriguer of the Hospital Civil Plaza in Malaga recommends that people cook with olive oil whenever possible, and discard any oils after using them up to two or three times. Although olive oil is generally considered to be a healthy addition to meals, the findings suggest that repeatedly reusing the oil may invalidate its favorable effects on health, Soriguer says. Many of the study participants consumed the so-called Mediterranean diet, which features liberal use of olive oil and has been linked with numerous health benefits. Soriguer explained that followers of the Mediterranean diet often use an "oil bath," or deep fryer, to fry foods. However, when the same pot of oil is repeatedly reheated, the oils begin to degrade, releasing substances known as polymers and polar compounds that can become absorbed by food. To measure the effects of repeated use of cooking oils, Soriguer and his team measured levels of polymers and polar compounds from oil samples taken directly from the kitchens of 538 adults. The more polar compounds and polymers present in oil samples taken from a participant`s house -- a sign the oil had been reused repeatedly -- the more likely it was that participant had high blood pressure. However, people whose blood samples contained a relatively high concentration of fats predominantly found in olive oil were less likely than others to have high blood pressure, Soriguer and his team report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Olive oil that had been repeatedly reused tended to show a lower concentration of polymers and polar compounds than other types of oil, suggesting that olive oil degrades more slowly than other types, Soriguer explained. He added that although the Mediterranean diet features heavy use of olive oil, its rising cost is inducing some followers to substitute other types of oil, or to use a mixture. Soriguer noted that his findings have induced him to make a personal change. "I have removed the fryer out of my house," he revealed.End. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:36:38 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reusing-cooking-oil-ups-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-may-not-help-with-emphysema Vitamin A may not help with emphysemaSource: www.upi.comRetinoids, a derivative of vitamin A, appear to provide little clinical benefit for patients with emphysema, a U.S. study shows. Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles enrolled 148 subjects with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, with a primary component of emphysema. Patients received all-trans retinoic acid, or ATRA, at either a low or high dose, 13-cis retinoic acid, or a placebo for six months followed by a three-month crossover period. At the end of six months, no treatment was associated with an overall improvement in pulmonary function, CT density mask score or health-related quality of life. However, time-and dose-dependent changes in diffusing capacity, CT density mask score and health-related quality of life were observed in patients treated with ATRA, suggesting the possibility of exposure-related biologic activity. The study is published in the journal Chest. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:32:46 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-may-not-help-with-emphysema http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-lowers-multiple-sclerosis-risk Vitamin D Lowers Multiple Sclerosis RiskSource: www.cfnews13.comVitamin D may do more than just promote healthy bones, it may also ward off Multiple Sclerosis.With a look at Your Health, I'm Nancy Gay.A study done by the Harvard School of Public Health found people with higher levels of Vitamin D in their blood were at a lower risk for developing MS, one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults.Researchers looked at levels of Vitamin D in 257 blood serum samples of military personnel stored in the Department of Defense serum repository.Vitamin D is found naturally in foods such as milk, cheese, and fish and can be produced by exposure to sunlight.Multiple Sclerosis cases from the Army and Navy records were then compared to the findings.The study's authors warn that increased Vitamin D will lower a person's risk of developing MS, but it may not actually prevent the disease. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:30:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-lowers-multiple-sclerosis-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-it-could-save-lives Vitamin D: It Could Save LivesSource: www.cbn.comCBNNews.com- Most people know vitamin D is important for making and maintaining strong bones. But there's much more to D; it could even save lives. And Most people know vitamin D is important for making and maintaining strong bones. But there's much more to D; it could even save lives. And as Gailon Totheroh tells us, most people need more than they've been getting. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:30:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-it-could-save-lives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/potatoes-vitamin-packed Potatoes: Vitamin packedSource: www.kansascity.comAsked to name a fruit or vegetable high in potassium, most people instinctively choose the banana. But a baked potato has 610 milligrams per serving vs. 422 milligrams for a medium banana.The government recently upped the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults from 3,500 to 4,700 milligrams, because a diet low in potassium and high in sodium is a major contributor to high blood pressure and stroke.Another aha! moment? A potato the size of a computer mouse also supplies 45 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.Although potato sales plummeted during the Atkins diet craze, the tubers are loaded with positive attributes: They’re low in calories, high in minerals, and a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, iron, niacin and vitamin B6.Economical and easy to prepare, the only downside is it’s tempting to serve them with fatty and caloric toppings.To make these add-ons count toward your nutritional goals, choose wisely. The Star’s Ham and Vegetable Stuffed Potatoes are loaded with vegetables, including spinach, broccoli, mushrooms and onions, and a bit of lean protein.Of course, one question remains: Do you have to eat the skin to get the health benefits? It’s your call, but the skin is rich in fiber and iron, as well as caffeic and ferulic acids, both phytochemicals that may help destroy harmful carcinogens in the body. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:29:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/potatoes-vitamin-packed http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-ten-best-diet-foods-in-existence The Ten Best Diet Foods In ExistenceSource: www.bestsyndication.comWhat you eat and what you eat will have a big effect on how quickly you take off pounds, and more importantly, how long you keep those pounds off. There are certain foods that you really should be eating on a regular basis, for lots of good, healthy reasons. They come from all food categories, but every one of them has one thing in common: they pack a lot of nutritional punch into their calories. Here's a list of five diet foods that will help you stay healthy and lose weight. 1. Whole grain breads If you've been paying attention, you know that evil carbs are the current diet buster. If you just stay away from all carbs, some of the diets proclaim, you'll lose weight no matter what else you eat. That's not only wrong, it's downright dangerous for both your health and your diet. There's a reason that the Bible refers to bread as 'the staff of life'. Instead of cutting out carbs, you should be aiming to reduce them to a healthy portion of your diet - which most doctors agree is about 50-60% of your caloric intake. That means that if you're on a 1500 calorie a day diet, you should be striving to get about 900 calories a day from grains, fruits and vegetables. Whole grain breads pack a lot of nutritional value. Replace your two slices of white toast with 1/2 a cup of oatmeal or whole grain cereal, and for about the same number of calories, you'll be getting three times the vitamins, amino acids and roughage that your body needs to function. You'll feel full far longer, too - because you've given your body something to work on that will take a while to digest. 2. Fish Eat at least three servings of fish per week, say many major medical associations. Fish is low in fat, as high in protein as red meat, and provides something that most other proteins don't - omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is one of the main building blocks in your cells. If your body doesn't get enough Omega 3, it will try to build cells from other fatty acids. The problem is that those cells are not as flexible, and not quite the right shape. Among the cells that aren't quite right are the ones in your brain that help control impulses and tell your body what it needs. By providing enough Omega 3 for your body to use, you'll be healing the damage done through years of poor diet. And since fish, as a general rule, has fewer calories than most meats, you'll be saving calories, too. Just remember that you're REPLACING portions of meat with fish, not adding them to what you already eat. 3. Spinach At 13 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrate in 2 cups of chopped raw spinach, this is one of the lowest cost sources of nutrition you can give your body. Every serving gives you folic acid, manganese,beta-carotene, protein, lutein (a potent anti-oxidant), magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin K. You can eat it raw in salads, steamed as a side dish, or sautéed in a tiny bit of oil for a different taste, and still get all the nutritional benefits. 4. Olive Oil Your body does need a little fat to process vitamins and use them properly. Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat that is the primary source of fat in the so-called Mediterranean diet. It contains antioxidants, flavonoids, beta-carotene and vitamin E, among other things. One tablespoon has a whopping 125 calories, but drizzled on a 13 calorie spinach salad with a little lemon juice and some garlic, you still have a meal with less than 150 calories - and a whole lot of healthy fuel for your body. 5. Pink Grapefruit With only 40 calories in half a grapefruit, you're getting 45 mg of vitamin C, lycopene, pectin, beta-carotene and potassium. It's versatile and tasty. Eat it as is for breakfast, or toss it into a salad with spinach for an extra punch to perk up the nutritional quality of your diet. Most importantly, don't base your diet around any single ONE ingredient. The best way to lose weight is to eat a healthy variety of foods to make sure that you get all the essential nutrients that you need each day. By Kirsten Hawkins Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:28:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-ten-best-diet-foods-in-existence http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-rich-fish-linked-to-lower-prostate-cancer-risk Omega-3-rich fish linked to lower prostate cancer riskSource: www.nutraingredients.comMen who eat one portion of salmon per week are 43 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who eat no salmon, says a study from Sweden that links the apparent benefits to the omega-3 content of the fish.The study, published on-line ahead of print in the International Journal of Cancer (doi: 10.1002/ijc.22319), adds to an ever growing body of science linking omega-3 fatty acids to a wide-range of health benefits, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), good development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health, behaviour and mood, and certain cancers. The researchers, led by Maria Hedelin from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, also found that genetics play a part in the development of the cancer, and also in the potential benefits of the fish oil.“This study shows that there is an interaction between dietary factors and our genes, but it's always hard to say what role the genes play,” she said. “Omega-3 fatty acids can still be good for men who don't carry this gene variant in completely different ways.”Over half a million news cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year world wide, and the cancer is the direct cause of over 200,000 deaths. More worryingly, the incidence of the disease is increasing with a rise of 1.7 per cent over 15 years.The Swedish researchers assessed dietary fish intake among 1,499 men with prostate cancer and compared this with dietary intake of 1,130 healthy men in the general Swedish population. Genetic variations in a key enzyme in fatty acid metabolism and inflammation, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, were also assessed.Hedelin and her co-workers report that men who ate salmon-type fatty fish at least once a week were associated with a 43 per cent reduction in prostate cancer risk compared to men who never ate fish. They also found a significant interaction between salmon-type fish intake and a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in a COX-2 gene carried by 60 per cent of the population. Carriers of the variant allele who ate one or more oily fish servings per week had an associated reduce prostate cancer risk of 72 per cent, while no link was observed among carriers of the more common allele.“Frequent consumption of fatty fish and marine fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and this association is modified by genetic variation in the COX-2 gene,” said Hedelin.The researchers' proposed mechanism is that the gene controls the outcome when omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in vegetable oils, compete for inclusion in hormone-like substances in the body known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins derived from omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and may protect against the development of cancer, said the researchers, while prostaglandins derived from omega-6 fatty acids are proposed to be pro-inflammatory.The study supports others on the subject. Indeed, a study published in March in the British Journal of Cancer (doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603030), reported that a metabolite of the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E2, helped the spread of the prostate cancer cells to bone marrow cells. However, when EPA and DHA were present at just half the concentration of the omega-6 fatty acid, this spread of cancer cells was stopped. Another study, published in August in the journal Clinical Cancer Research (Vol. 12, Issue 15), reported that by increasing the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio in the diet of mice reduced the growth of prostate cancer growth by 22 per cent, compared to mice with mostly omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.“We may be able to use EPA and DHA supplements while also reducing omega-6 fatty acids in the diet as a cancer prevention tool or possibly to reduce progression in men with prostate cancer,” said the lead researcher of the Clinical Cancer Research study, Professor William Aronson from UCLA.The risk of pollutants from oily fish, such a methyl mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) have led to some to claim to reduce fresh fish intake, especially for pregnant women who may damage the development of their babies.Such advice has seen the number of omega-3 enriched or fortified products on the market increase. Most extracted fish oil are molecularly distilled and steam deodorised to remove contaminants. The European omega-3 market was worth around €160m (£108m) in 2004, say Frost and Sullivan, and is expected to grow at rates of 8 per cent on average to 2010. According to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) the launch of omega-3-containing product across Europe has increased from 153 in 2004 to 208 in 2005. Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:25:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-rich-fish-linked-to-lower-prostate-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/another-prebiotic-added-to-the-list Another prebiotic added to the listSource: www.health24.comA daily supplement of konjac glucomannan to a low-fibre diet boosted lactic acid bacteria and colonic fermentation, and promoted defecation frequency, says a new study from Taiwan. The science supporting the prebiotic effects of konjac glucomannan (KGM), most commonly known for its use as a texturant in food products, is limited, but the results of the new placebo-controlled study, published in the current issue of the journal Nutrition (Vol. 22, pp. 1112-1119), could help an ingredient considerably less well-known and researched than inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide. Advertisement Three big players The prebiotic market has been largely created by three inulin producers, all based in Europe, but other ingredient manufacturers are increasingly looking to promote the prebiotic effect of their products as evidence suggests that prebiotics could be even more useful than the probiotic bacteria that they feed. Prebiotics, which are derived from insoluble fibres and oligosaccharides, can be incorporated into a wider variety of end products than probiotic bacteria. Prebiotic manufacturers have also benefited from the promotional efforts of probiotic suppliers, who have significantly raised public awareness of gut health in recent years. Early findings by French company, Kalys, said to be the only European supplier of konjac or glucomannan flour, reported that when broken up into smaller molecules, through a process called 'cracking', glucomannan oligosaccharides may rival and perhaps better the prebiotic effect on lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in vitro than inulin and fructooligosaccharide. How the study was done The new study, by researchers from Chung Shan Medical University and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, looked at the effects of either a KGM supplement (4,5g per day, Fukar International Company) or a placebo (corn starch) on the gastrointestinal response of eight adults (average age 35) with a low dietary fibre intake (less than 20g/d). After 21 days of supplementation, lead researcher Hsiao-Ling Chen and co-workers report that populations of the so-called beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. both significantly increased as a function of total bacteria (7,1 and 2,1 respectively), while levels of the potentially harmful bacteria, Clostridium spp., decreased (5,2 percent), relative to the placebo group. The mean defecation frequency was also found to increase by about 27 percent per day, and the stoll weight (both wet and dry) also increased, said the researchers (30 and 22 percent, respectively). Short-chain fatty acid concentrations also increased in the faeces after supplementation with KGM, compared to placebo. Three benefits pinpointed “This study demonstrated three beneficial aspects for supplementation of KGM into a low-fibre diet in healthy adults,” said the researchers. “First, the dose of KGM powder (1,5g/meal, 4,5g/d) was compliant for healthy adults. There were no gastrointestinal side effects, such as extra-abdominal cramping, borborygmi, bloating, and flatulence, with the KGM supplement. Second, the KGM supplement exerted laxative and bulky effects. Third, KGM improved the colonic ecology by decreasing faecal pH and increasing the relative proportions of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in faeces.” “Supplementation of KGM into a low-fibre diet promoted the defecation frequency in healthy adults, possibly by increasing the stool bulk, thus promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria and colonic fermentation,” concluded the researchers. Significant additional study in larger sample populations to further clarify the prebiotic effects of the glucomannan powder are needed, and the science supporting potential benefits continues to lag way behind that of inulin and oligosaccharides that have an extensive body of research reporting benefits for intestinal health, bone health, and potential protection against colon cancer and boosting immune function. The study was funded by a grant from the Taiwanese National Science Council. - (Decision News Media, November 2006) Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:24:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/another-prebiotic-added-to-the-list http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-superoxide-dismutase-sod-supplement-glisodin-boosted-antioxidant-levels-by-30-per-cent-in-mice-and-could-protect-against-amd A superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement, GliSODin, boosted antioxidant levels by 30 per cent in mice and could protect against AMDSource: www.nutraingredients.com, French researchers have reported.“These data suggest that dietary SOD supplementation is efficient to limit retinal oxidative stress by increasing plasma antioxidant capacity,” wrote the researchers from the Eye and Nutrition Research Group, National Institute for Research on Agronomy (Dijon). SOD has a different mode of action to vitamins. Dubbed ‘the enzyme of life' when first discovered in 1968, it is the first antioxidant mobilized by the cell for defence. It is thought to be more powerful than antioxidant vitamins as it activates the body's productions of its own antioxidants, including catalase and glutathione peroxidase.GliSODin is patented and trademarked by Paris-based Isocell. In North America PL Thomas distributes the ingredient. Neither company was involved in the new research.The researchers used two types of mouse models, a senescence–accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAM P8) and a SAM resistant 1 (SAM R1, controls). The mice were exposed to light (1900 lux for 7 hours) at one, two and three months of age to induce oxidative stress in the pigment cell layer that nourishes the retinal cells and promoting age-related macular degeneration (AMD).AMD affects the central part of the retina called the macula, which controls fine vision, leaving sufferers with only limited sight. AMD affects over 30m people worldwide, and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.At three months of age and before the last light exposure, the mice were given a dose of SOD (GliSODin: 10.8 mg/kg/day) or water (placebo) for one week.The research has been presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Eye Research Conference and is also published online in the peer-reviewed journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Vision Science (Vol. 47, pp. 2089).The researchers report that exposure to light did not result in significantly different retinal degeneration between the groups, but the blood antioxidant capacity is reported to have increased by 30 per cent in the SOD supplemented group.Furthermore, the cell oxidant levels, measured by the oxidant superoxide anion, were found to have risen by about 50 per cent in the retinal cell layer and by a whopping 300 per cent in the outer nuclear layer in all the light exposed animals, compared to control animals.“These results demonstrate that our light–exposure conditions promote retinal oxidative stress without inducing retinal degeneration,” wrote the researchers.However, supplementation with SOD was found to significantly decrease superoxide anion levels significantly, compared to the non-supplemented group, said the researchers.The Dijon-based researchers concluded that light-exposure promotes retinal oxidative stress while GliSODin supplementation efficiently limits retinal oxidative stress by increasing plasma antioxidant capacity.The mechanism behind the apparent effects is reported to be due to the SOD supplement boosting the body's antioxidant defences. Previous studies in the laboratory and in humans have reported that the body's defences include production of its own SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase.Significant further research is needed to elaborate further on the potential role of SOD supplements as a potential player in the eye-health market, which has seen a slight decline in eye health supplement launches since 2003, when 30 new products were launched, according to Mintel's Global New Product Database.The majority of the products launched in the last three years have contained the carotenoid lutein, while some have also contained zeaxanthin. Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:56:21 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-superoxide-dismutase-sod-supplement-glisodin-boosted-antioxidant-levels-by-30-per-cent-in-mice-and-could-protect-against-amd http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-dha-levels-may-lower-dementia-risk High blood DHA levels may lower dementia riskSource: today.reuters.co.ukHigh blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which belongs to the class of nutrients called essential fatty acids, may protect against the development of dementia and perhaps Alzheimer's disease, Massachusetts-based researchers report in the Archives of Neurology. DHA is an abundant in the brain and fish is the primary dietary source.Dr. Ernst J. Schaefer, of Tufts University, Boston and colleagues examined associations between blood DHA levels and dementia risk in 899 men and women free of dementia at entry into the Framingham Heart Study. They had their blood fatty acids measured at an average of 76 years old.After 9.1 years of follow-up, 99 subjects had developed dementia. Seventy-one of the cases were classified as Alzheimer's disease.After controlling for other risk factors for dementia including age, gender, genotype, and elevated homocysteine, the team found that men and women with the highest DHA levels had a 47 percent reduction in risk of developing dementia and a 39 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease compared with those with less DHA.Schaefer told Reuters Health that the high level was probably achieved by consuming more than 2.8 fish meals per week or about 180 milligrams DHA per day. DHA can also be obtained in fish oil capsules, and one capsule usually contains about this amount.""Our data suggest that increased blood levels of DHA due to increased fish intake cuts the risk of developing dementia by almost 50 percent," Dr. Schaefer said. However the findings need to be verified by additional trials, trials.In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Rush University Medical Center, Chicago calls the study "an important contribution to a young field of study on diet and neurodegenerative diseases." She also notes that there is a "strong biological basis for the association of DHA and neuroprotection."SOURCE: Archives of Neurology, November 2006. Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:49:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-dha-levels-may-lower-dementia-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-vitamins-herbs-helpful-for-depression Fish oils, vitamins, herbs helpful for depressionSource: today.reuters.co.ukDiet and nutrition may play a key role in helping people fight depression, Australian researchers report.A number of nutrients, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, St. John's Wort and several B vitamins, have the potential to influence mood by increasing the absorption of chemical messengers in the brain, Dr. Dianne Volker of the University of Sydney in Chippendale and Jade Ng of Goodman Fielder Commercian in North Ryde, New South Wales note in the journal Nutrition and Dietetics.There is a wealth of epidemiological, experimental and circumstantial evidence to suggest that fish and the oils they contain, in particular omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, are protective against depression, Volker and Ng write. They point out that the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 may also be important, given that the latter can prevent the body from absorbing the former.Another candidate for dietary prevention of depression is the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in foods, including turkey, and is responsible for the drowsiness people feel after eating a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. The body converts tryptophan to the neurotransmitter serotonin, suggesting the amino acid may have modest effects on mood.But studies investigating whether the B vitamin folate, vitamins B6 and B12, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) play a role in depression have had conflicting results, the researchers write.And while European studies have found that St. John's Wort has antidepressant effects, US clinical trials have shown the opposite, which some think may be due to the herb's interaction with other medications.Volker and Ng conclude: "The role of balanced nutrition in mental health should be recognized," thus allowing for the use of nutrition and relevant nutrients in the maintenance of good mental health.SOURCE: Nutrition and Dietetics 2006. Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:47:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-vitamins-herbs-helpful-for-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/depression-can-be-beaten-with-healthy-diet Depression can be beaten with healthy dietSource: archive.gulfnews.com Diet and nutrition may play a key role in helping people fight depression, Australian researchers report.A number of nutrients, including polyunsaturated fatty acids and several B vitamins, have the potential to influence mood by increasing the absorption of chemical messengers in the brain, Dr. Dianne Volker of the University of Sydney in Chippendale and Jade Ng of Goodman Fielder Commercian in North Ryde, New South Wales note in the journal Nutrition and Dietetics.There is a wealth of epidemiological, experimental and circumstantial evidence to suggest that fish and the oils they contain, in particular omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, are protective against depression, Volker and Ng write. They point out that the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 may also be important, given that the latter can prevent the body from absorbing the former. Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:45:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/depression-can-be-beaten-with-healthy-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dont-neglect-hair-and-skin-when-youre-having-fun-in-the-snow Don't neglect hair and skin when you're having fun in the snowSource: seattletimes.nwsource.comAttention winter-sports enthusiasts: Time to begin your conditioning.You might have started your cardio and thigh-strengthening exercises already, but what about your outdoor skin-saving routine? Have you given your hair a preventive dose of moisture and nourishment?Remember, your hair and skin are the front line against the elements when you're out skiing, sledding or skating.That's why sunscreen is still a must every day, says Dr. Kathy Fields, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at University of California, San Francisco."The sun is up and shining even on a snowy day. If you see light there are UVA rays, they can cause cancer and will cause wrinkles," she says. "Sunscreen should be a habit like brushing your teeth."No sunscreen, however, works to its fullest capacity if it's not reapplied throughout the day. "Sunscreen is a two-hour event," she says.Cold weather outside and dry heat inside is a recipe for dry, cracked skin as it looses moisture and, with it, its barrier layer, Fields says. It's why people become susceptible to eczema and rough, itchy skin in the winter.Preventive measures include using only gentle cleaners, exfoliating less (but not stopping completely) and using moisturizers, with either hyaluronic acid, ceramides, oatmeal or chamomile as ingredients, according to Fields. Those tend to be rich moisturizers without being greasy. It also helps to have a humidifier running in the house.FACEOn the lips, go for heavier petroleum-jelly-based moisturizers, which are most effective after the lips have been polished gently with a pumice. Aside from keeping your lips healthy, a layer of gloss does wonders for your otherwise limited makeup routine, says Troy Surratt, global consulting makeup artist for Maybelline New York. He says skiers should use a long-lasting lip stain to give a hint of color with the balm on top to keep the lips hydrated.Otherwise, Surratt says, color cosmetics should be kept to a minimum — a little frosted eye shadow, perhaps in a pastel color, and waterproof mascara. There's no need for blush since you'll likely already have a rosy glow.On the skin, choose a moisturizing foundation, but don't put it all over your face. Instead, treat it like concealer, dabbing a bit under the eyes, around the nostrils and tip of the nose, and the tip of the chin."You don't want to look overly made up," Surratt says. "You want to look naturally sort of like an ice princess or an angel in a snow globe."HAIRHair presents other challenges. It gets dry in cold and wind, and dry hair breaks. However, if you tuck your hair into a hat, you're stuck with hat hair. Either way, there's static at the end."Don't let your hair hang out when you're skiing," says Andrew Bartfield, vice president of education at L'Oréal Professionnel. "People love the look of it hanging out the bottom of the hat, but wind and cold are ripping through it and that's worse than sun and salt every day in the summer."Preventive steps should be taken before going out — perhaps a professional strengthening treatment at a salon before the ski season starts — and then trimming off any damaged edges after it's over, he recommends.For maintenance in between, Bartfield suggests using ceramide-based styling products that will help revive the hair's weakened barrier layer.It's actually easier to work with winter hair than summer hair, notes Brian Magallones, stylist for Garnier Fructis, because no one has the frizzies caused by humidity. While hat hair can't be "cured," it certainly can be minimized by wearing a low-slung ponytail, which, he adds, is one of the hottest Hollywood looks right now.There's not much a woman with short hair can do when she's going in and out of the lodge and, more importantly, taking her hat on and off, but as soon as she gets home, if she works a little water-based wax through her hair, she'll have a modern, textured look instantly, Magallones says.Magallones shares his strategy for static: "Static comes from a lack of moisture. Anything that adds moisture helps with static. Put it in before you blow dry. Pick creamy products, not sticky products. Think of things that nourish your hair."His preference is Garnier's Smoothing Milk, but he says other glossing products will do. Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:36:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dont-neglect-hair-and-skin-when-youre-having-fun-in-the-snow http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-girl-s-amazing-boost Diabetes girl’s amazing boostSource: www.thisislancashire.co.ukA DARWEN mother is urging children with diabetes to change their diet after her daughter remarkably improved her condition by slimming.Liesl Robinson, who herself dropped three dress sizes, started her daughter Chloe on the diet and her insulin injections have now been halved.The mum-of-three has even become a consultant with a slimming club since being amazed by what it has done for her family.She will lead her own class at Derwent Hall, Edgworth, on Thursday evenings from next month.This week it was announced that obese children could be offered stomach stapling surgery as a last resort to stop them overeating.But Mrs Robinson, 33, said it was a step too far and urged children to follow in the footsteps of her 14-year-old daughter.Advertisement continued... The teenager was told her heart and kidneys were weakening as a result of type one diabetes and that she was likely to be dependent on four injections a day for the rest of her life.Type one diabetes occurs when the body makes little or no insulin. It is not caused by eating too much sugar or fatty food but can be controlled through insulin injections and diet.Doctors have halved her injections to two a day after she lost two thirds of a stone and have told her that if she continues with her new healthy life, she will be able to lead a normal life.Mrs Robinson, of Dahlia Close, wants other children with conditions such as diabetes to join her Slimming World classes or follow a healthy diet plan to change their lives.She said: "With rising levels of child obesity and its relating conditions, it is very important now for children to start changing their lifestyles."I could not believe how much of an effect dieting would have on my daughter's condition."The hospital stated that if we didn't do something soon, her long-term health would be affected. She would buy things from the shop that she wasn't supposed to have, like chocolate and cakes."She said it wasn't fair that all her friends could go to the shop and buy things she couldn't have."But we have now found alternative sugar-free treats that she can eat."I also had asthma before I lost weight and now I have no symptoms at all. I was a 11 stone but at 5ft 2in I was overweight and have been since 1989."All my friends can't believe the change in us both now."I am looking forward to helping make other people feel as fantastic and healthy as we do." Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:28:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-girl-s-amazing-boost http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-and-ovarian-cancers-the-impact-of-vitamin-d-and-flavonoids Breast and ovarian cancers: the impact of Vitamin D and flavonoidsSource: www.xagena.itWhile risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers include menopause, obesity, family history and specific genetic mutations, researchers also are looking at the role of diet in the development, as well as the treatment and prevention of these tumors. Potential reduction in breast cancer risk associated with vitamin DThough researchers have suspected that Vitamin D helps to prevent and possibly even treat breast cancer, population-based studies on the possible link have been few and of limited scope.Now, new studies by researchers at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto suggest the sunshine vitamin may play a significant role in reducing breast cancer risk. The results, based on population data, found the reduction was most apparent among subjects exposed to the highest levels of vitamin D when they were young.By interviewing about 576 patients who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,135 people who had no cancer, the researchers discovered that significant reductions in breast cancer were found in those who had either worked in an outdoor job, had taken part in outdoor activities when young, or consumed cod liver oil or milk.Working an outdoor job between ages 10 to19 resulted in an estimated 40 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, while frequent outdoor activities between ages 10 to 29 lowered breast cancer risk by an estimated 35 percent." These outdoor activities included those that didn't involve physical activity," said Julie Knight, who headed the Mount Sinai research team. "And so we believe that this is evidence of a reduction of breast cancer risk, associated with earlier exposure to the sun."For dietary influences on cancer development, taking cod liver oil between ages 10 to 19 reduced breast cancer risk by about 25 percent, and consuming at least nine glasses of milk every week between the ages of 10 to 29 reduced the risk by 35 percent. The dietary and lifestyle reductions were significant, even when adjusted for other risk factors for breast cancer such as age, ethnicity, close relatives with breast cancer, age at menarche and age at a woman's first birth." What you are exposed to during breast development may be particularly important in determining future breast cancer risk," Knight said. " Current thinking is that exposures during adolescence or before a full-term pregnancy may have a greater effect, as that is when breast tissue is going through the most rapid development."Knight emphasizes that these findings are preliminary estimates of the risk reduction of breast cancer brought about by Vitamin D. The researchers are now looking to solidify these findings, and determine whether physical exercise while outdoors is in any way associated with breast cancer. Evidence of need for increased Vitamin D fortification of food based on pooled analysis of studies of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and breast cancerIncreasing doses of dietary Vitamin D may help prevent breast cancer, with the optimal level of intake of Vitamin D more that three times the current average for Americans, according to a study conducted at the University of California, San Diego.Previous studies have suggested a link between Vitamin D deficiency and higher incidence of breast cancer. Cedric Garland and Edward Gorham, of UCSD, and their colleagues examined existing cancer studies to determine if higher Vitamin D levels in the blood could reduce the risk of cancer." There is a strong inverse dose-response relationship between the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the risk of breast cancer," Garland said. " It's a close fit to a linear model," meaning that higher amounts of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the serum resulted in decreased risk of breast cancer. The evidence further pointed to a level of Vitamin D measured in blood that correlated with a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of breast cancer.Garland, Gorham and their colleagues studied a serum Vitamin D metabolite known as 25 hydroxyvitamin D and its association with breast cancer occurrence in a pooled study that included 1,760 women. The studies that provided the data for the pooled analysis were conducted by Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson and colleagues at Harvard, and L.C. Lowe and associates at Saint George's Hospital Medical School in London.According to the pooled analysis, Vitamin D in blood serum equal to 52 nanograms per milliliter was associated with a 50 percent reduced risk of breast cancer. To move closer to a serum concentration of 52 nanograms/milliliter, a typical individual would have to consume no less than 1,000 International Units ( IU ) of Vitamin D every day, through supplements or vitamin D-fortified foods. Currently, a typical American consumes only 320 International Units of Vitamin D a day. The upper limit for vitamin D intake established by the National Academy of Sciences is 2,400 IU/day, but no toxic effects of vitamin D intake have been reported for intakes below 3,800 IU per day." There is no substantial downside to a serum level of 52 nanograms per milliliter of Vitamin D," said Gorham. " Such levels are common in sunny climates. There is no known adverse effect of serum levels below 160 nanograms per milliliter." However, since many people use sunscreens and are involved in indoor occupations or shift work, dietary supplements and vitamin D fortified foods are necessary to maintain optimal levels of Vitamin D, the scientists noted.High intakes of calcium, which could occur with intake of Vitamin D supplements containing calcium, could increase the risk of kidney stones, they warn. However, the dosage level of vitamin D associated with kidney stones in patients far exceeded 3,800 IU/day. Until more studies are completed, the researchers recommended that everyone consume at least 1,000 IU/day of Vitamin D3. Dietary flavonoid intake and breast cancer risk among women in the Long Island Breast Cancer Study ProjectFlavonoids, a class of antioxidants found in plants, is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women, according to results of the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project. The results are one of the first epidemiologic studies to suggest that these compounds could have a chemoprotective effect among women.Brian Fink, Susan Steck and Marilie Gammon of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and other colleagues studied data from a large study of breast cancer incidence and risk factors conducted among women living during the mid-1990s on Long Island, N.Y.Breast cancer risk was reduced for the highest percentages of total flavonoid intake, compared to the lowest intake of the plant antioxidants. The decreased risk was about 45 percent among postmenopausal women. Risk decreases were not seen in premenopausal women. Specific flavonoids, including flavones, flavan-3-ols and lignans, were associated with reduced cancer risks ranging from 26 to 39 percent; other flavonoids, such as flavanones, isoflavones and anthocyanidins, showed no relationship with reduced cancer risk." These results are consistent with other studies conducted among Mediterranean women," said Fink. " Few epidemiologic studies have examined whether there is a relationship between breast cancer and dietary flavonoids. Our study proposes that dietary flavonoids can help American post-menopausal women reduce their risk of breast cancer." The researchers examined data from the Long Island study, which was conducted by Gammon and colleagues between August 1996 and July 1997. The team compared data from 1,434 women with breast cancer to data from 1,440 women who were not diagnosed with the disease.Flavonols, flavones, lignans and anthocyanidins are all flavonoids, molecules that give plants protection from oxidative damage due to disease and environmental stresses. Flavonoids are classified according to chemical structure, and have been studied for their varying degrees of effectiveness against human diseases, both in treatment and prevention. They are found in green tea, red wine, soybeans, fruit and vegetables." There are no recommended dietary standards for ingestion of flavonoids, and we do not know exactly how these chemicals may work on a cellular level," said Fink, whose work was supported with funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. " Minute differences in chemical structure could determine how a certain natural antioxidant may work to prevent disease, including cancer. More study is needed to determine why certain flavonoids appear to be effective at reducing cancer risk, and others do not appear to have these properties." A prospective analysis of dietary flavonoid intake and epithelial ovarian cancer incidenceThe incidence of ovarian cancer may be reduced with increased consumption of dietary flavonoids, plant chemicals that are found in tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables, according to researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health. The study, conducted by Margaret Gates, at the Harvard School of Public Health, looked at food intake surveys and ovarian cancer data from 66,384 participants in the Harvard Nurses' Health Study, which collected health data from 121,700 women over a period of 30 years. " This is the first prospective analysis of flavonoid intake and ovarian cancer incidence," Gates said. Gates studied the association between flavonoid intake from food frequency questionnaires completed by the women in 1984, 1990, 1994 and 1998; and 344 confirmed cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed between 1984 and 2002. While there was a significant trend toward decreasing incidence of ovarian cancer with increasing total flavonoid intake, Gates warned that " because this is one of the first studies of the topic, this association needs to be evaluated in another prospective study population before conclusions can be made." Gates also analyzed individual flavonoids to evaluate their impact on ovarian cancer incidence. The flavonoid kaempferol, which the nurses consumed primarily from caffeinated tea, broccoli and kale, was associated with decreased ovarian cancer risk. Women with the highest levels of kaempferol intake had a significant 38 percent decrease in ovarian cancer incidence, compared to women with the lowest levels of intake. Two other flavonoids, myricetin and quercetin, showed a possible inverse association with ovarian cancer risk, although the results were largely non-significant." The associations were stronger when exposure was defined as cumulative average flavonoid intake over a period of 14 years, which suggests that long-term intake of flavonoids may be important," Gates said. But she cautioned that " these findings need to be confirmed by others before any public health recommendations can be made. However, if confirmed, consumption of flavonoids would provide another means for women to decrease their risk of ovarian cancer."Source: American Association for Cancer Research, 2006 Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:21:03 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-and-ovarian-cancers-the-impact-of-vitamin-d-and-flavonoids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/water-diet-promies-to-help-shed-pounds Water Diet Promies To Help Shed PoundsSource: cbs4boston.comThere’s a new diet that is promising to help just about anyone shed a few pounds. There are no pills, no gimmicks, or crazy menus. It’s called the Before During After Diet, and the trick is water.Theresa Eppler says she went from a size 16 to a ten on the diet. All you have to do is drink an eight-ounce glass of water before a meal, another while you’re eating, and a third afterward.Blake Sylvia lost 70 pounds in seven months on the diet, and was so successful he wrote a pamphlet about the diet. “It has completely turned off the mechanism that triggers hunger. When you’re not hungry, its easy to stick with the program," he said.As with any successful diet, you have to eat right and exercise, but nothing drastic. On the water diet, people can still eat their favorites. “I haven’t really changed my diet,” explained Eppler. “I still eat what I want."But there are plenty of skeptics, and no solid evidence that shows water helps with weight loss. Dr. Lashanda Jones has her reservations.“I wouldn’t recommend using water as a weight loss tool,” she said. “It sounds like a fad diet to me.”But Blake says it’s the only diet that has ever worked for him, and he can still eat dessert every night.There is research that shows if you substitute water for sugary sodas, dieters can lose an extra five pounds a year.If you’d like to learn more about the water diet, log onto www.beforeduringandafter.com Sun, 10 Dec 2006 16:19:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/water-diet-promies-to-help-shed-pounds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-you-should-know-about-skin-aging What You Should Know About Skin AgingSource: www.carefair.comWe are in the midst of a radical change in how our society views aging. People are living longer, and want to look as young as they feel. Hit reality TV shows like Extreme Makeover and Dr 90210 have shown us that cosmetic surgery, once only for the rich and famous, is now much more acceptable and accessible for today’s men and women. But while plastic surgery can help us look younger, there is still one area it cannot correct - the quality of our skin. Facelifts can remove excess sagging skin, but cannot improve the texture, plumpness, or elasticity of the skin itself. To understand how we can keep these youthful skin qualities, you need to first understand a little biology. Our skin is composed of 3 basic materials that keep it youthful: 1. Collagen, which acts like rope to give our skin strength and prevent sagging. 2. Elastic Tissue acts like rubber bands, and gives our skin elasticity and “bounce back.” 3. Hyaluronic Acid keeps our skin plump and hydrated. Our body’s natural hormones are directly responsible for the production and maintenance of these three key ingredients in our skin. Yet, most women are unaware that new studies show estrogen levels start declining in women in their late 20’s, not in their 40’s. This gradual estrogen loss causes skin changes which are entirely separate and different from the two forms of aging the skincare industry has always focused on: 1. Chronologic Aging– our skin continues to age, directly as we get older 2. Environmental Aging – due to sun damage, tanning and pollution But I have identified a new category of aging. I named this 3rd type of aging, “Hormonal Aging,” where decreasing estrogen causes less Collagen, Elastic tissue, and Hyaluronic Acid to be made. This type of aging, unique to women, is separate and cumulative to the other forms of aging. My research reveals that Hormonal Aging causes 12 distinct skin symptoms such as thinning skin; dehydrated dry sensitive skin; acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles; decreased elasticity and firmness; flushing and uneven skin pigmentation; occasional itchiness or breakouts; photosensitivity; and unwanted facial hair growth. It is my belief that if women address Hormonal Aging early, these symptoms could be reduced or delayed, preventing early severe damage. For example, just as heart disease used to be considered an old man’s disease, we now know that poor diet and lack of exercise can cause cardiovascular changes in men as early as their mid 20’s. Prevention was found to be the key. It is the same thing with your skin. If a woman waits until she is in her 30’s or 40’s to address hormonal aging, by the time she notices these symptoms, most of the damage will have already occurred. It is much easier to hold on to what you already have, than try to fix it once it is altered. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to mask the skin symptoms of hormonal aging, but HRT is no longer routinely prescribed since it was found to have dangerous side affects. So what can a woman do to get an early start on treating the symptoms of hormonal aging? Research has shown that specific botanicals, such as soy and black cohosh, when applied topically, mimic the effects of estrogen on your skin, and can actually treat the skin symptoms of hormonal aging. These phyto-estrogens are being incorporated in new innovative products that combat hormonal aging, yet still contain all the essential ingredients to treat all 3 types of skin aging. Now that you understand the 3 types of aging, you can now make better choices and take preventative measures to keep your skin looking as young as you feel. Dr. Kaplan. As a Beverly Hills dermatologist who has been in private practice for more than 20 years, Dr. Stuart H. Kaplan made it his life`s work to help make people look as beautiful on the outside as they feel on the inside. A Cum Laude graduate of New York University, Dr. Kaplan earned his medical degree, with honors, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his residency at University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident of the Division of Dermatology during his final year. Widely recognized as one of the nation`s leading dermatologists, Dr. Kaplan has made the science of cultivating beautiful skin his life`s work He remains committed to the ideals and principles of practicing the absolute highest quality of medicine. His accomplishments have earned much recognition, including awards from the U.S. Congress, American Cancer Society, American Medical Association, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Youth Opportunities United, Los Angeles Department of Foster and Adoption Agencies, and Children of the Night, among others. More information is available at www.kaplanMD.com Sun, 10 Dec 2006 16:08:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-you-should-know-about-skin-aging http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tall-people-not-smarter-but-nutrition-key-in-brain-development Tall people not smarter but nutrition key in brain developmentSource: thechronicleherald.ca Tallness has always been viewed as a desirable physical trait — so desirable that more than a century ago, Francis Galton began collecting measurements of British schoolchildren as a prelude to his dream of breeding genetically superior human beings. Although his eugenics project went nowhere, his obsession with height survives in a word that has become part of every modern parent’s vocabulary: percentile. Galton both coined the term and developed the statistics that allowed percentiles to be plotted on a growth chart.Since physical size is such an intrinsic feature of basic (not to mention personal) biology, researchers have returned again and again to that fateful intersection of genes, environment and stature. When they throw human qualities like cognition or intelligence into the mix, the combination becomes both fascinating and dangerous, not least because of the half-baked lessons that sometimes make their way from the technical literature to dinner party conversations.A group of researchers at the University of California, San Diego recently reported, for example, that mutations in a class of genes dubbed Tweedle — as in Tweedledee and Tweedledum — can alter the overall shape of fruit flies; a mutated "TweedleD," the scientists noted, produced "short and stout" flies. The good news is that this particular class of genes is found only in insects; the bad news is that it reinforces the Galtonian notion of size as a genetically determined trait that can possibly be manipulated.Such manipulation would look more socially attractive if the mere fact of being taller made a person smarter, as some research has suggested since the 1890s. The most recent researchers to venture fearlessly into the height wars are two well-respected economists at Princeton University. Last August, the economists, Anne Case and Christina Paxson, published a paper called "Stature and Status: Height, Ability, and Labor Market Outcomes" that is still reverberating.Economists have long been fascinated by data showing that tall adults tend to earn more money. Using data sets from four longrunning studies conducted in the United States and Britain, Case and Paxson present evidence arguing that on average taller people earn more because they are, quite simply, smarter. They suggest that the difference in cognitive ability becomes apparent as early as age three. "Throughout childhood," they write, "taller children perform significantly better on cognitive tests."As Case and Paxson make clear in their paper, many studies have shown that height is not just a matter of genes, but has a lot to do with prenatal development, early postnatal nutrition, and even a family’s socioeconomic status. Indeed, the scientists who study human growth have known for almost two centuries that children who have ample early nutrition grow faster and taller than those raised in more deprived circumstances, and well-nourished children also have earlier growth spurts. Good "nurture" of this sort, including minimal exposure to disease, produces children more likely to reach their genetic potential in terms of height. And as the Princeton economists stress, "environmental factors that are thought to influence cognitive development" affect height.When you add it all up, it says something a little more complicated than "taller people earn more because they’re smarter." Someone who is six feet tall, but might have been six-foot-two with better early nutrition, may not have developed as much cognitive ability as someone who was well-formed and well-fed all along but stands five-foot-six.The more accurate, but much less catchy, formulation would be: all other things being equal, people who reach their growth potential in height, whether taller or smaller than average, are likelier to be smarter than those who don’t, probably because they benefited from optimal early development. "Part of what we are trying to do," Paxson said, "is to focus on height as a way of getting people to focus on growth." Sun, 10 Dec 2006 16:06:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tall-people-not-smarter-but-nutrition-key-in-brain-development http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/madonnas-medicine Madonna's medicineSource: people.monstersandcritics.comMadonna has sparked health fears after she was seen buying arthritis medication.The 'Hung Up' singer - who religiously follows a tough workout regime - was recently seen purchasing Voltarol, which is an anti-inflammatory medication often prescribed for arthritis.The 48-year-old was also said to have looked gloomy after leaving her gym recently.One onlooker said: "Madonna definitely had something on her mind. Maybe she was in pain."Health experts have warned the star's gruelling exercise regime - which reportedly includes regular three-hour workouts and running - could cause her serious health problems in the future.Personal trainer Emma Katelee said: "Women in their 40's should not do the same amount of exercise as when they were younger, because their bones are more fragile." Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:59:39 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/madonnas-medicine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-fibre-vitamin-e-linked-to-lower-lymphoma-risk Omega-3, fibre, vitamin E linked to lower Lymphoma riskSource: www.nutraingredients.comA diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, beta-carotene and vitamin E appear to offer significant protection against non-Hodgkin lymphoma, says a Swedish-Danish-American study.The researchers behind the new study, led by Ellen Chang from the Northern California Cancer Center, looked at the dietary intakes of 591 people with non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and certain lymphoma subtypes, and 460 healthy controls recruited from seven Swedish counties. “Overall, we found that eating fish and marine fats was associated with lower risk of overall non-Hodgkin lymphomas and certain lymphoma subtypes (which should be examined separately, since NHLs represent a group of several different lymphomas),” Dr. Chang told NutraIngredients.com.“We also found that consuming certain antioxidant vitamins, commonly found in some fruits and vegetables, was associated with lower risk of overall NHL and some common subtypes.”Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system and encompasses about 29 different forms of lymphoma. According to the American Cancer Society, over 50,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year.The participants were recruited between 2000 and 2002, and dietary assessments were performed using a validated, semi-quantitative 137-item (including supplements) food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The researchers assumed that recent dietary habits had not changed significantly since the distant past.After adjusting the results to eliminate potential confounding factors like gender and BMI, Chang and her colleagues report that, while dietary intake of most macronutrients was not associated with NHL risk, average consumption of about 0.8 grams per day (0.4 grams per 1,000 kcal) of omega-3 or marine fatty acids was associated with a 20 and 60 per cent reduced risk of NHL and its subtypes, compared to those who consumed about 0.2 grams per day.This also extended to fish oil supplements, with people who supplemented their diet with fish oil at a significantly reduced risk of NHL and its subtypes than people who did not take the supplements (risk reduction of between 30 and 50 per cent).Strong associations between dietary fibre intake and NHL risk reductions were also observed, said the researchers in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Indeed, Daily average intake of 14.4 grams per 1,000 kcal was linked to a 50 to 60 per cent risk reduction of NHL and all its subtypes.Dietary consumption of the micronutrients beta-carotene or alpha-tocopherol was also associated with lower NHL risk, said the researchers, with the highest dietary beta-carotene intake (average 4.4 micrograms per day) associated with 40 per cent reduction in NHL risk, compared to the lowest intake (average 1.2 micrograms per day).Similarly, the highest dietary alpha-tocopherol intake (average 9.8 milligrams per day) associated with 60 per cent reduction in NHL risk, compared to the lowest intake (average 5.0 milligrams per day).Dr. Chang told this website, however, that some micronutrients were associated with an increased NHL risk: “We found that consuming calcium and retinol was associated with higher risk of NHL and its most common subtypes. We hypothesize that the latter finding may be because calcium and retinol block the formation of biologically active, hormonal vitamin D in the body, and we previously found that exposure to sunlight—which is the primary source of vitamin D for many people-- was associated with lower NHL risk (see Smedby et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2005).“Therefore, higher levels of vitamin D may protect against NHL risk, whereas lower levels of vitamin D may increase NHL risk,” she said.The mechanism of the apparent protective effects of the nutrients was not investigated by the researchers, but they propose that nutrients which affect inflammation, vitamin D activity, oxidative DNA damage, or DNA methylation could be associated with NHL risk.The study does have several limitations, the researchers noted, including the limited sample size, and the assumption that dietary patterns did not change significantly over time.“Of course, these findings need to be replicated elsewhere, ideally in studies where diet is measured in a large group of healthy people, who are then followed over many years to find out who develops NHL later on,” said Chang.Source: American Journal of Epidemiology Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:47:51 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-fibre-vitamin-e-linked-to-lower-lymphoma-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/i-heard-it-through-the-diet-grapevine I Heard It Through the Diet GrapevineSource: www.nytimes.comWHEN Teron Beal, a songwriter and aspiring actor in Manhattan, was looking to drop weight quickly for a photo shoot, he didn’t double up on gym visits, gulp metabolic boosting pills or limit his diet to leafy greens and lean protein. Instead, he took a more drastic approach: he tried the “master cleanse,” a fast that requires subsisting for 10 or more days solely on an elixir of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and water. Skip to next paragraph Tony Cenicola/The New York Times Sworn to by some, sworn at by others, master cleanse, a liquid diet, is back in vogue. Noah Berger for The New York Times Kristina Wong, a performance artist, lasted only five days on the diet. Nevertheless, she says, she lost weight. “I had only three weeks and I needed the difference to be noticeable,” said Mr. Beal, adding that he lost nearly 10 pounds during his 12-day fast in July. “The first few days were horrible, but by the fifth day I woke up and looked in the mirror and saw two ab muscles that had eluded me for years. I was grumpy no longer.”While popular diets and fasts come and go, master cleanse remains a perennial favorite, a kind of folk regimen that owes its popularity to word of mouth and the Internet. Created in the 1940’s by a nutrition guru, Stanley Burroughs, to treat ulcers and other internal ailments, the fast enjoyed a vogue in the late ’70s after the publication of his book “The Master Cleanser.” Its fans then were health-conscious types, interested in purging their bodies of impurities and toxins like pesticides and food additives. But in recent years master cleanse has enjoyed yet another vogue among people seeking to shed pounds in a short time. Celebrities, of course, are in the vanguard. On Oprah Winfrey’s show, the singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles announced that she had lost 20 pounds on the fast to prepare for her starring role in the new film “Dreamgirls.” Robin Quivers, Howard Stern’s long-suffering sidekick, told People magazine that she did the fast on three separate occasions in 2004 and shrunk to 145 pounds from a peak of 218. (She heard about it from the magician David Blaine, no stranger to challenging his body.) And on a recent episode of “30 Rock,” the NBC comedy, Tina Fey’s character is asked: “What are you doing? South Beach? Master cleanse?”She did look skinnier.The Internet teems with testimonials to the cleanse, also known as the lemonade diet, claiming that it fights disease, clears the mind as well as acne, and increases energy. Bloggers chronicle their daily fasting. Master cleanse video diaries can be found on YouTube, and a cottage industry has developed with various companies peddling cleansing kits including all ingredients for the beverage except lemons. Never mind that most nutrition and diet experts advise against multiday fasting.“I cannot believe how this thing has had a total revival,” said Joy Bauer, a nutritionist and the author of “The 90/10 Weight-Loss Plan.” “People want a quick fix and they want to be thin so badly that they’re vulnerable and open to almost anything.” Ms. Bauer estimated that fasters who drink six glasses of the lemony potion a day — the low end of the recommended amount — are consuming about 650 calories, far less than the 1,600-plus calories the average woman needs to maintain her weight or the roughly 2,400 calories a man requires.“Of course you’re going to lose weight,” she said. “You’re starving yourself.” Seldom do the pounds stay off, she added, and people have a tendency to binge once they begin eating again. Still, many are willing to disregard the word of nutritionists, seduced by the notion that the only things standing between them and a slimmer body are a citrus-flavored drink and several days of discomfort. Last week at Amoy’s Beauty, the hair salon of Amoy Pitters in the East Village, a brunette complained about her holiday weight gain. “Girl,” Ms. Pitters said, “you need to do master cleanse.” Ms. Pitters, who first tried the fast four years ago at the prompting of one of her clients, Kacy Duke, a personal trainer to several celebrities, said she was skeptical at first. But 10 days and dozens of lemons later, she was eight pounds lighter, and elated. “I fit into my ultraskinny jeans and I couldn’t believe it,” Ms. Pitters, a petite clotheshorse, said. “I was so proud of myself for sticking with it, because it wasn’t easy.” Ms. Pitters estimated that 85 percent of her more than 200 clients have tried the cleanse after hearing her rave. She uses it after the holiday season and before trips to bikini-friendly locales. “I know it works,” she said. “And you’d be surprised how many models I know who do it, too.”Kristina Wong, a performance artist in Los Angeles, lasted on the fast for only five days, but she also saw results. “I looked great,” said Ms. Wong, who uploaded a video diary of her fasting experience on YouTube in September. “No more stomach rolls. I was such a skinny mini.” Ms. Duke, who puts herself on the lemonade diet four times a year for a week to 12 days, pointed to other supposed benefits. “My eyes are clearer, my skin has a different glow and some of my best running times have been while I’m on master cleanse,” she said. She introduced it to her client Denzel Washington and “he loved it,” she said.The enduring popularity of the cleanse may have as much to do with its instant results as with the drink’s relatively inoffensive taste (think lemon Gatorade with a spicy kick) and simple recipe: 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Grade-B maple syrup, 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 8 ounces of spring or purified water. According to “The Master Cleanser,” Burroughs’s book, the lemon acts as a purifier and provides potassium, the cayenne pepper adds B and C vitamins and aids in circulation, and maple syrup, a sugar, provides energy and minerals. Burroughs suggested that fasters drink anywhere from 6 to 12 glasses of the stuff a day as well as a mixture of water and sea salt in the morning and an herbal laxative tea in the evening, to help aid in waste removal.On message boards at Web sites like CureZone.com, writers warn that it’s best to stay close to a restroom. “One day it was just two hours of me running back and forth to the bathroom,” Ms. Wong said. All that time in the loo can adversely affect one’s social life. Many fasters also say so long to the business lunch, the after-work cocktail and dinner at the latest restaurant, for fear of temptation.Samuel Klein, the director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the medical school of Washington University in St. Louis, is leery of master-cleanse-like regimens because there is no data that prove they provide any medical benefit and no evidence that fasting helps rid the body of toxins, which happens naturally, he said. While fasting for a few days is not dangerous, Dr. Klein said, “Fasting for too long can deplete muscle tissue, including your heart muscle, and it can reduce the size and functioning of organs like the kidney and liver.” He is just one of many nutritionists who caution that fasting can be counterproductive. Some say it can even slow down the metabolism, making it even more difficult to lose weight in the future.Try telling that to the converts. Peter Glickman, the author of “Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days,” is among them. Mr. Glickman, who at 6-2 once weighed more than 230 pounds, had already made over his lifestyle, going on a vegan diet and losing 42 pounds, when he came across the fast three years ago online. He lost 23 pounds in 20 days, he said. He sold his software company and went into the business of promoting the diet.It has proved lucrative. On his Web site, themastercleanse.com, he sells Burroughs’s original book ($8.95), his updated version and an accompanying CD ($31.95), and a master cleanse kit ($49.95; just add lemons). He wouldn’t give specifics, but said his book is in its fourth printing. “I just put in an order for 10,000 more the other day,” he said.Adaora Udoji, an anchor at Court TV, grew up watching her father use the fast. “We all just thought he was a weirdo,” she said.But after quitting smoking last year, she fasted for 14 days, and now she is a believer. “It’s almost like a religious experience,” she said. “The first few days you’re obsessing about food and by the fourth or fifth day, you get this inexplicable burst of energy and you feel like you can run laps around the world.”Ms. Bauer, the nutritionist, is not convinced. “I really think this chanting about people feeling so invigorated by this really comes from the happiness that people feel about losing weight,” she said. Running laps was the furthest thing from Ms. Wong’s mind during her fast. She found herself staring longingly at takeout menus and scouring food blogs. “I drive a car that runs on vegetable oil so it smells kind of like a fast-food restaurant, and there were times when I was so hungry I just wanted to pull over and put my mouth around the exhaust pipe,” she said. Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:40:19 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/i-heard-it-through-the-diet-grapevine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/longevity-diet Longevity DietSource: www.wkrc.comThe secret to eternal youth might be something really simple, according to a new report. Food researchers in environmental nutrition say the right diet can not only give you longevity, but help you delay or dodge the diseases of aging! Local 12 Medical Reporter Liz Bonis explains how in tonight's Medical Edge. You'd never know it just by looking at them, but it appears that a few of these foods, along with a few lifestyle changes can ease a a silent symptom of aging called inflammation. The reason that eating these foods and making these lifestyle changes is so important is that inflammation can start in one part of the body and wreak havoc on another. That means you might not even know that there's a problem, until you have serious signs and symptoms, such as diabetes or heart disease. So, to reduce those odds experts with environmental nutrition suggest you eat what might be considered the longevity diet: They suggest cereals, which reduce blood fats because they are high in fiber: "It helps to pull out dietary cholesterol." More fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight. Good fats, such as olive oil. And the kind of fat called Omega-3 found in fish. These can ease joint inflammation with age. If you don't eat fish at least twice a week? Nancy Zwick, Registered Dietician: "There are food companies right now fortifying products, such as, there's an egg on the market that has Omega 3's in it, there's some margarines on the market that have Omega 3's in it, to help people get there Omega 3's in. Finally, drink dairy or eat yogurt if you want to follow the longevity diet. These foods contain Vitamin D which is linked to lowering inflammation. They also help reduce brittle bones as we age. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:17:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/longevity-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/questions-raised-over-hrt-alternatives Questions raised over HRT alternativesSource: www.nutraingredients.comThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has issued an opinion paper on the herbal alternatives for HRT, and concludes that not only are they less effective than the regular treatment, but some may be harmful.The news, despite being picked up by many national news agencies, is not all bad however, with isoflavones from soy and red clover in particular coming away with significant credit. “On the positive side, there are early data that some of the better researched preparations, such as soy and red clover, may well have some benefits, not only on symptom relief but also on skeleton and cardiovascular system,” states the RCOG paper.The major Women's Health Initiative study released in 2002 found that hormone therapy could actually increase the risk of certain conditions it was previously believed to prevent, including heart attack. A further study on combination hormone therapy also found that it increased the risk of death from breast cancer. Following the findings, sales of soy isoflavones surged. However the RCOG Opinion Paper indicates that further research to prove the efficacy of herbal remedies for hot flushes is needed to support their availability in the marketplace. Summaries of the opinion paper have appeared in mainstream publications in Britain, including the UK's Daily Mail (HRT alternatives 'could damage your health' warning), the Telegraph ( Alternative cures for menopause 'may be harmful') and the BBC (Menopause alternative remedy fear).Richard Warren, honorary secretary of the RCOG said: “The current interest and enthusiasm directed towards alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms is understandable, but the full risks and benefits of these alternatives are still unknown.”A summary of the alternatives found that there insufficient science to support their claims of relieving menopausal symptoms or of being able to equal the benefits of conventional therapies, particularly for herbals such as St John's Wort, dong quai, gingko biloba, ginseng, liquorice and valerian root. Moreover, some of these herbals were associated with adverse effects and interactions with prescription medications such as the blood thinner, warfarin.“More research with well-designed clinical trials is needed,” said the opinion paper.The paper concludes that the overall effectiveness of alternative preparations indicates a 50-60 per cent reduction in symptoms, considerably lower than the efficacy of traditional HRT, which has 80-90 per cent reduction in symptoms.For soy and red clover however the paper reports that benefits have been reported from some studies, and notes that for soy a stronger benefit was observed for postmenopausal women taking soy isoflavone supplements rather than for soy products.Five placebo-controlled studies also reported that red clover was effective in reducing the number of hot flushes, compared to placebo, however these effects were only statistically significant in two of the five studies considered.Meanwhile Dr Sarah Brewer, a GP specialising in a natural approach to health, said: “It's good news that isoflavones have been recognised as helpful for women experiencing the menopause. And it is important to remember, of course, that the safety risks associated with HRT are well documented and far greater than those linked with any complementary therapy used to help menopausal women.”No mention of the side effects of the traditional HRT are mentioned in the opinion paper, only comments on the efficacy of the products in relation to HRT.Indeed, this same point was picked up by Dame Dr Shirley Bond, medical advisor to the Natural Menopause Advice Service (NMAS): “I find it interesting that the report does not mention any of the potential side effects of HRT but only possible side effects from the alternative therapies.“If, as the RCOG report says, the alternatives relieve 50-60 per cent of symptoms, whereas HRT relieves 80-90 per cent, surely that is better. I would rather have a 60 per cent response than a response with the risk of breast and other cancers.” Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:11:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/questions-raised-over-hrt-alternatives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/asian-children-in-uk-must-get-vitamin-d-supplements 'Asian children in UK must get Vitamin D supplements'Source: www.hindu.comAll Asian children under the age of two in the UK should get Vitamin D supplements as people with darker skin are at greater risk of Vitamin D deficiencies because increased pigmentation reduces the capacity of the skin to manufacture it from sunlight, researchers said. A small snapshot study of Vitamin D deficiency at the Burnley Health Care Trust revealed Asian children were particularly at risk, the BBC reported today. The study said it was more cost-effective to provide supplements than to treat problems caused by the deficiency, such as rickets. The research was published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood. The main source of Vitamin D is through ultra-violet radiation in sunlight, although it can also be found in certain foods. It is crucial for absorption of calcium, which is key in the formation of healthy bones. Deficiencies can lead to rickets, poor tooth formation, stunted growth and general ill-health. Scientists from Burnley General Hospital analysed the medical records of children suffering from Vitamin D deficiency between 1994 and 2005 at the Burnley Health Care Trust in north-west England. Between 1994 and 2005 they found 14 cases, thirteen of which were in Asian children. According to Dr Christos Zipitis, lead author of the study and a paediatrician, the rate of deficiency in Asian children was one in 117 compared with one in 923 children overall. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:09:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/asian-children-in-uk-must-get-vitamin-d-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-reduce-pancreatic-cancer-risk Vitamin D may reduce pancreatic cancer riskSource: paktribune.comVitamin D tablets may help reduce pancreatic cancer, says a study. But scientists warn that people should not start popping vitamin D supplements to ward off the disease. Vitamin D helps the body to form and maintain strong bones by encouraging the body to absorb calcium. Previous studies have shown that Vitamin D may help in cutting the risk of prostate, breast and colon cancer. Scientists led by Hal Skinner at Northwestern University in Illinois examined data on over 120,000 people from two large, long-term health surveys and found that taking the US Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin D (400 IU/day) may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 43 percent, reported the online of BBC News. There are more than 3,600 new cases of pancreatic cancer in women and over 3,500 in men in Britain each year. Surgery is not often effective. Except for smoking, no environmental factors or dietary factors have been linked to pancreatic cancer. But previous studies have suggested that vitamin D might help to block the proliferation of cancer cells. And pancreatic tissues - both normal and cancerous - have been found to contain high levels of an enzyme that converts vitamin D into its active form. However, scientists said further research was necessary before prescribing vitamin supplements to cut cancer risk. They added that people should not take vitamin D supplements to ward off pancreatic cancer, especially as vitamin D could be harmful in large quantities. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:56:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-reduce-pancreatic-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-and-the-link-between-violence-and-diet Omega-3 and the link between violence and dietSource: www.taipeitimes.comResearch in British and US prisons suggests that nutritional deficiencies may play a key role in aggressive behaviorThat Dwight Demar is able to sit in front of us, sober, calm, and employed, is "a miracle," he declares in the cadences of a prayer-meeting sinner. He has been rocking his 1.88m bulk to and fro while delivering a confessional account of his past into the middle distance. He wants us to know what has saved him after 20 years on the streets. "My dome is working. They gave me some kind of pill and I changed. Me, myself and I, I changed," he said.Demar has been in and out of prison so many times he has lost count of his convictions."Being drunk, being disorderly, trespass, assault and battery; you name it, I did it. How many times I been in jail? I don't know, I was locked up so much it was my second home," he said.Demar has been taking part in a clinical trial at the US government's National Institutes for Health (NIH), near Washington. The study is investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on the brain, and the pills that have effected Demar's "miracle" are doses of fish oil."Being drunk, being disorderly, trespass, assault and battery; you name it, I did it. How many times I been in jail? I don't know, I was locked up so much it was my second home." Dwight Demar, former prisoner The results emerging from this study are at the cutting edge of the debate on crime and punishment. In Britain more people are incarcerated than ever before. Nearly 80,000 people are now in its prisons, which reached their capacity this week.But the new research calls into question the very basis of criminal justice and the notion of culpability. It suggests that individuals may not always be responsible for their aggression. Taken together with a study in a high-security prison for young offenders in the UK, it shows that violent behavior may be attributable at least in part to nutritional deficiencies.The UK prison trial at Aylesbury jail showed that when young men there were fed multivitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, the number of violent offences they committed in the prison fell by 37 percent.Although no one is suggesting that poor diet alone can account for complex social problems, the UK's former chief inspector of prisons Lord Ramsbotham says that he is now "absolutely convinced that there is a direct link between diet and antisocial behavior, both that bad diet causes bad behavior and that good diet prevents it."The Dutch government is currently conducting a large trial to see if nutritional supplements have the same effect on its prison population. And this week, new claims were made that fish oil had improved behavior and reduced aggression among children with some of the most severe behavioral difficulties in the UK.For the clinician in charge of the US study, Joseph Hibbeln, the results of his trial are not a miracle, but simply what you might predict if you understand the biochemistry of the brain and the biophysics of the brain cell membrane. His hypothesis is that modern industrialized diets may be changing the very architecture and functioning of the brain.We are suffering, he believes, from widespread diseases of deficiency. Just as vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, deficiency in the essential fats the brain needs and the nutrients needed to metabolize those fats is causing of a host of mental problems from depression to aggression.Not all experts agree, but if he is right, the consequences are as serious as they could be. The pandemic of violence in Western societies may be related to what we eat or fail to eat. Junk food may not only be making us sick, but mad and bad too.In Demar's case the aggression has blighted many lives. He has attacked his wife. "Once she put my TV out the door, I snapped off and smacked her," he said.His last spell in prison was for a particularly violent assault."I tried to kill a person. Then I knew something need be done because I was half a hundred and I was either going to kill somebody or get killed," he said.Demar's brain has blanked out much of that last attack. He can remember that a man propositioned him for sex, but the details of his own response are hazy.When he came out of jail after that, he bought a can of beer and seemed headed for more of the same until a case worker who had seen adverts for Hibbeln's trial persuaded him to take part.The researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which is part of NIH, had placed adverts for aggressive alcoholics in the Washington Post in 2001. Some 80 volunteers came forward and have since been enrolled in the double blind study. They have ranged from homeless people to a teacher to a former secret service agent.Following a period of three weeks' detoxification on a locked ward, half were randomly assigned to 2g per day of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for three months, and half to placebos of fish-flavored corn oil. An earlier pilot study on 30 patients with violent records found that those given omega-3 supplements had their anger reduced by one-third, measured by standard scales of hostility and irritability, regardless of whether they were relapsing and drinking again.The bigger trial is nearly complete now and Dell Wright, the nurse administering the pills, has seen startling changes in those on the fish oil rather than the placebo."When Demar came in there was always an undercurrent of aggression in his behavior. Once he was on the supplements he took on the ability not to be impulsive. He kept saying, `This is not like me,'" Wright said.SoberDemar has been out of trouble and sober for a year now. He has a girlfriend, his own door key, and was made employee of the month at his company recently.Others on the trial also have long histories of violence but with omega-3 fatty acids have been able for the first time to control their anger and aggression. J, for example, arrived drinking 4 liters of rum a day and had 28 scars on his hand from punching other people. Now he is calm and his cravings have gone.W was a 120kg barrel of a man with convictions for assault and battery. He improved dramatically on the fish oil and later told doctors that for the first time since the age of five he had managed to go three months without punching anyone in the head.Hibbeln is a psychiatrist and physician, but as an employee of the US government at the NIH he wears the uniform of a commander, with his decorations for service pinned to his chest. As we lined up to get past the post-Sept. 11 security checks at the NIH federal base, he explained something of his view of the new threat to society.Over the last century most Western countries have undergone a dramatic shift in the composition of their diets in which the omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to the brain have been flooded out by competing omega-6 fatty acids, mainly from industrial oils such as soya, corn, and sunflower. In the US, for example, soya oil accounted for only 0.02 percent of all calories available in 1909, but by 2000 it accounted for 20 percent. Americans have gone from eating a fraction a few grams of soya oil a year to downing 11.3kg per person per year in that period.In the UK, omega-6 fats from oils such as soya, corn and sunflower accounted for 1 percent of energy supply in the early 1960s, but by 2000 they were nearly 5 percent. These omega-6 fatty acids come mainly from industrial frying for takeaways, ready meals and snack foods such as crisps, chips, cookies, ice-creams and from margarine. Alcohol, meanwhile, depletes omega-3s from the brain.To test the hypothesis, Hibbeln and his colleagues have mapped the growth in consumption of omega-6 fatty acids from seed oils in 38 countries since the 1960s against the rise in murder rates over the same period. In all cases there is an unnerving match. As omega-6 goes up, so do homicides in a linear progression. Industrial societies where omega-3 consumption has remained high and omega-6 low because people eat fish, such as Japan, have low rates of murder and depression.Of course, all these graphs prove is that there is a striking correlation between violence and omega 6-fatty acids in the diet. They don't prove that high omega-6 and low omega-3 fat consumption actually causes violence. Moreover, many other things have changed in the last century and been blamed for rising violence -- exposure to violence in the media, the breakdown of the family unit and increased consumption of sugar, to take a few examples. But some of the trends you might expect to be linked to increased violence -- such as availability of firearms and alcohol, or urbanization -- do not in fact reliably predict a rise in murder across countries, according to Hibbeln.There has been a backlash recently against the hype surrounding omega-3 in the UK from scientists arguing that the evidence remains sketchy. Part of the backlash stems from the eagerness of some supplement companies to suggest that fish oils work might wonders even on children who have no behavioral problems.BandwagonAlan Johnson, the UK's education secretary, appeared to be jumping on the bandwagon recently when he floated the idea of giving fish oils to all school children. The idea was quickly knocked down when the country's food standards agency published a review of the evidence on the effect of nutrition on learning among schoolchildren and concluded there was not enough to conclude much, partly because very few scientific trials have been done.Professor John Stein, of the department of physiology at Oxford University, where much of the UK research on omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies has been based, agrees."There is only slender evidence that children with no particular problem would benefit from fish oil. And I would always say [for the general population] it's better to get omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish, which carries all the vitamins and minerals needed to metabolize them."However, he believes that the evidence from the UK prison study and from Hibbeln's research in the US on the link between nutritional deficiency and crime is "strong," although the mechanisms involved are still not fully understood.Hibbeln, Stein and others have been investigating what the mechanisms of a causal relationship between diet and aggression might be. This is where the biochemistry and biophysics comes in.Essential fatty acids are called essential because humans cannot make them but must obtain them from the diet. The brain is a fatty organ -- it's 60 percent fat by dry weight, and the essential fatty acids are what make part of its structure, making up 20 percent of the nerve cells' membranes. The synapses, or junctions where nerve cells connect with other nerve cells, contain even higher concentrations of essential fatty acids -- being made of about 60 percent of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA.Communication between the nerve cells depends on neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, docking with receptors in the nerve cell membrane. Omega-3 DHA is very long and highly flexible. When it is incorporated into the nerve cell membrane it helps make the membrane itself elastic and fluid so that signals pass through it efficiently. But if the wrong fatty acids are incorporated into the membrane, the neurotransmitters can't dock properly.We know from many other studies what happens when the neurotransmitter systems don't work efficiently. Low serotonin levels are known to predict an increased risk of suicide, depression and violent and impulsive behavior. And dopamine is what controls the reward processes in the brain.Laboratory tests at NIH have shown that the composition of tissue and in particular of the nerve cell membrane of people in the US is different from that of the Japanese, who eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish. Americans have cell membranes higher in the less flexible omega-6 fatty acids, which appear to have displaced the elastic omega-3 fatty acids found in Japanese nerve cells.Hibbeln's theory is that because the omega-6 fatty acids compete with the omega-3 fatty acids for the same metabolic pathways, when omega-6 dominates in the diet, we can't convert the omega-3s to DHA and EPA, the longer chain versions we need for the brain. What seems to happen then is that the brain picks up a more rigid omega-6 fatty acid DPA instead of DHA to build the cell membranes -- and they don't function so well.Trans fatsOther experts blame the trans fats produced by partial hydrogenation of industrial oils for processed foods. Trans fats have been shown to interfere with the synthesis of essentials fats in fetuses and infants. Minerals such as zinc and the B vitamins are needed to metabolize essential fats, so deficiencies in these may be playing an important part too.There is also evidence that deficiencies in DHA/EPA at times when the brain is developing rapidly -- in the womb, in the first five years of life and at puberty -- can affect its architecture permanently. Animal studies have shown that those deprived of omega-3 fatty acids over two generations have offspring who cannot release dopamine and serotonin so effectively."The extension of all this is that if children are left with low dopamine as a result of early deficits in their own or their mother's diets, they cannot experience reward in the same way and they cannot learn from reward and punishment. If their serotonin levels are low, they cannot inhibit their impulses or regulate their emotional responses," Hibbeln points out.Here too you have one possible factor in cycles of deprivation (again, no one is suggesting diet is the only factor) and why criminal behavior is apparently higher among lower socio-economic groups where nutrition is likely to be poorer.These effects of the industrialization of the diet on the brain were also predicted in the 1970s by a leading fats expert in the UK, Michael Crawford, now at London's Metropolitan University. He established that DHA was structural to the brain and foresaw that deficiencies would lead to a surge in mental health and behavioral problems -- a prediction borne out by the UK's mental health figures.It was two decades later before the first study of the effect of diet on behavior took place in a UK prison. Bernard Gesch, now a senior researcher at Stein's Oxford laboratory, first became involved with nutrition and its relationship to crime as a director of the charity Natural Justice in northwest England. He was supervising persistent offenders in the community and was struck by their diets. He later set out to test the idea that poor diet might cause antisocial behavior and crime in the maximum security Aylesbury prison.His study, a placebo-controlled double blind randomized trial, took 231 volunteer prisoners and assigned half to a regime of multivitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid supplements and half to placebos. The supplement aimed to bring the prisoners' intakes of nutrients up to the level recommended by government. It was not specifically a fatty acid trial, and Gesch points out that nutrition is not pharmacology but involves complex interactions of many nutrients.Aylesbury was at the time a prison for young male offenders, aged 17 to 21, convicted of the most serious crimes. Trevor Hussey was then deputy governor and remembers it being a tough environment."It was a turbulent young population. They had problems with their anger. They were all crammed into a small place and even though it was well run you got a higher than normal number of assaults on staff and other prisoners," he said.Although the governor was keen on looking at the relationship between diet and crime, Hussey remembers being sceptical himself at the beginning of the study. The catering manager was good, and even though prisoners on the whole preferred white bread, meat and confectionery to their fruit and vegetables, the staff tried to encourage prisoners to eat healthily, so he didn't expect to see much of a result. But quite quickly staff noticed a significant drop in the number of reported incidents of bad behavior."We'd just introduced a policy of `earned privileges' so we thought it must be that rather than a few vitamins, but we used to joke maybe it's `Bernard's pills,'" Hussey said.But when the trial finished it became clear that the drop in incidents of bad behavior applied only to those on the supplements and not to those on the placebo.The results, published in 2002, showed that those receiving the extra nutrients committed 37 percent fewer serious offences involving violence, and 26 percent fewer offences overall. Those on the placebos showed no change in their behavior.Once the trial had finished the number of offences went up by the same amount. Ironically the office the researchers had used to administer nutrients was restored to a control and restraint room after they had left."The supplements improved the functioning of those prisoners. It was clearly something significant that can't be explained away. I was disappointed the results were not latched on to. We put a lot of effort into improving prisoners' chances of not coming back in, and you measure success in small doses," Gesch said.He believes we should be rethinking the whole notion of culpability. The overall rate of violent crime in the UK has risen since the 1950s, with huge rises since the 1970s."Such large changes are hard to explain in terms of genetics or simply changes of reporting or recording crime. One plausible candidate to explain some of the rapid rise in crime could be changes in the brain's environment," Gesch said."What would the future have held for those 231 young men if they had grown up with better nourishment?," Gesch says. "It should be followed up."He said studies with young offenders in the community are being planned.For Hibbeln, the unprecedented changes in our diet in the past century are "a very large uncontrolled experiment that may have contributed to the societal burden of aggression, depression and cardiovascular death."To ask whether we have enough evidence to change diets is to put the question the wrong way round. Whoever said it was safe to change them so radically in the first place? This story has been viewed 1123 times. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:47:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-and-the-link-between-violence-and-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apples-and-apple-juice-quercetin-antioxidant-good-for-neurological-health Apples and apple juice - quercetin antioxidant good for neurological healthSource: www.spiritindia.comFor those who think that picking and eating apples this time of year is just for fun and for the great taste of America's favorite fruit, you may want to think again. Apples and apple juice may be among the best foods that anyone could add to their diet, finds a collection of recent research studies, the latest of which was presented yesterday at the Society of Neuroscience annual conference in Atlanta. Researchers G. Bureau and M. Martinoli from the University of Quebec a Trois-Rivieres, found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that helped to reduce cellular death that is caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:44:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apples-and-apple-juice-quercetin-antioxidant-good-for-neurological-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sea-buckthorn-to-join-heart-healthy-juice-club- Sea Buckthorn to join heart healthy juice club?Source: www.nutraingredients.comScientists in India have reported a new extraction method for sea buckthorn berries giving a juice rich in vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids.The research, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (Vol. 86, pp. 2345-2353) reports that using continuous high speed centrifugation (spinning) to separate the juice and the solid sludge the resulting juice retains more than 40 per cent of polyphenols, 50 per cent of flavonoids and 70 per cent of vitamin C present in the pulp of the red berries. The new extraction method significantly improves both the yield and nutrients obtained from the fruit compared to current methods which reportedly give juices of poor quality.The report could see the berries join an ever-increasing list of a number of antioxidant fruits, including pomegranate, guarana, mangosteen, noni berries, goji berries and blueberries, which are increasingly seen by food and beverage makers as up and coming ingredients.Indeed, Leatherhead Foods predicts that sales of such heart health foods will rise nearly 60 per cent over the 2004-2009 period to reach nearly $5.7bn by 2009. Although it said in its recent Heart Benefit Foods report that, until now, juice drinks have tended to have a general health positioning due to their antioxidant content, there are signs that this may be about to change."The process reported, for fresh sea buckthorn berries grown at high altitudes in the Himalayas, constitutes an integrated approach to yield products with high efficiency and quality for nutraceutical applications," wrote lead author Ranjith Arimboor in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (Vol. 86, pp. 2345-2353)."Even though sea buckthorn berries from the Himalayas have not been utilised on a commercial scale, the potential appears to be high following the process reported here," said Arimboor.Sea Buckthorn, already very popular in Tibet, Mongolia, China and Russia, is a rich source of antioxidants reported to inhibit the oxidative the modification of LDL ('bad') cholesterol, reported to be an important part of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiovascular disease.The Indian researchers, from the Agroprocessing and Natural Products Division, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR) and the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, subjected fresh berries to a high-pressure dewatering process using a continuous screw press, which gave a liquid phase containing 80-90 per cent of pulp oil.This liquid phase was then subjected to continuous high speed centrifugation (80 degrees Celsius) to separate the pulp oil, clear juice and sludge.The researchers, led by Dr C Arumyghan, report that the pulp oil yield was about 2.75 per cent of the fresh berry weight, and said to be a rich source of tocopherols (vitamin E, 1409-1599 milligrams per kilogram of fresh berries), carotenoids (2450-2810 mg per kg), and sterols (4096-4403 mg per kg).The juice fraction, said the researchers was clear and free from oil, and contained significant quantities of vitamin C (1683-1840 mg per kg), polyphenols (2392-2821 mg per kg) and flavonoids (340-401 mg per kg). The major flavonoids were found to be isorhamnetin (251-310 mg per kg), quercetin (77-81 mg per kg) and kaempherol (12-16 mg per kg).Dr. Arumughan is confident that this technology had great potential, and said: "No previous report has shown efficiency matching ours".Sara Stanner, a nutritionist at the British Heart Foundation, told NutraIngredients.com: "The antioxidants in sea buckthorn juice and pulp may protect the heart by reducing harmful chemicals in the blood."The pulp oil also contains unsaturated fatty acids and plant sterols, which could help to reduce blood cholesterol levels. "In addition, there is evidence that sea buckthorn juice might help to protect 'bad' cholesterol from oxidation, a process which is involved in the development of coronary heart disease. "The oil has also been shown to have a possible benefit in reducing the tendency of blood to clot but more research is needed to clarify whether adding it to foods can have any real impact on reducing risk of heart disease." Indeed, sea buckthorn oil has also been reported to have a number of other health applications, including atopic eczema, other skin problems related to deficient regeneration, UV radiation stressed skin, mouth dryness, mouth ulcers, gastric ulcers, urinary tract inflammations, cervicitis, genital ulcers, sinus inflammation and eye dryness.Dr. Arumughan revealed in a statement that two companies are showing an interest in the new process. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:39:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sea-buckthorn-to-join-heart-healthy-juice-club- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-tip-women-need-enough-folic-acid Health Tip: Women Need Enough Folic AcidSource: www.cbc.caFolic acid is a vitamin found naturally in many foods, including whole grains, fruits, beans and legumes, leafy vegetables, and some meats. And many prepared foods have folic acid added. The vitamin is important for women of childbearing age. Folic acid is proven to help reduce the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Any woman who is planning a pregnancy or who could become pregnant should take folic acid supplements. Women should begin taking these supplements well before they are pregnant, and continue taking them throughout pregnancy, the NLM says. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:38:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-tip-women-need-enough-folic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-may-give-relief-from-allergies Herbal remedies may give relief from allergiesSource: www.decaturdaily.comForget diamonds. Tissues are a girl's (and a guy's) best friend — at least during fall allergy season. With weeds and molds out in full force, it's not unusual to see folks rubbing their eyes and noses and sneezing like they just sniffed a shaker of black pepper. For allergy sufferers who have exhausted every prescription and over-the-counter allergy medication, one more avenue beckons — natural remedies. Natural health stores offer a slew of remedies designed to treat the underlying cause of the allergy rather than the symptoms. Health food store owners Gloria Oliver of Gloria's Good Health in Decatur, and Bud Sulcer, owner of Herbs & More in Athens, offered their opinions on some of the best natural remedies on the market for seasonal allergies. Be advised that natural remedies are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration. For severe allergies, consult an allergist first. Immune boosters: Boosting the immune system is important year round, but especially during allergy season, Sulcer said. One of the best immune boosters is Vitamin C, known for its ability to kick colds. It also naturally lowers histamine levels and supports the adrenal glands in their production of allergy-fighting hormones. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes and leafy greens all contain Vitamin C. However, most people do not get enough from their diet, so Sulcer recommends taking a Vitamin C supplement every day. Along with Vitamin C, Oliver recommends two other immune boosters: pantothenic acid and Quercetian. Pantothenic acid is a form of Vitamin B that boosts the immune system and aids the adrenal glands in the production of steroids, while Quercetin is believed to stabilize cell membranes so they are less reactive to allergens. "All of the people who have allergies usually start taking a Quercetin product," Oliver said. Sulcer also swears by NEWtritional Health Care's IS-3, an immune support capsule that combines 10 ingredients to boost the immune system, including kelp, alpha lipoic acid and milk thistle. "It's a great product," Sulcer said, adding that he advises taking it year-round as a preventative. "It's better to take it when you don't need it." Herbal combination supplements such as Herbs Etc.'s Allertonic, Solaray's Histamine Blend SP-33, and Nature's Sunshine's HistaBlock blend an array of herbs to create products designed to absorb toxins, support mucous membrane health and minimize the effects of irritants and pollutants, Oliver said. Along with calming seasonal allergies, some of these products also help with food or environmental allergies. Oliver's daughter's roommate used Solaray's Histamine Blend when she was allergic to their house cat, and it even helped her body tolerate the cat allergens, Oliver said. Allergy sufferers usually take one of these herbal supplements in combination with the immune boosters mentioned above, she said. Honey: Along with its sweet taste, honey offers sweet benefits. Local honey is a popular request for allergy sufferers because they've read about its allergy-fighting benefits, Oliver said. Honey from a source near your home will contain a high proportion of the pollen that stimulates and causes the allergy, and therefore may be beneficial. The pollens in the honey are believed to build immunity to allergens, thus reducing symptoms, she said. Bottles of bee pollen granules are another big seller for allergy sufferers, Oliver said. Along with helping fight allergies, the granules contain protein and amino acids, so many people take them for energy as well. Olive leaf is a natural antimicrobial and can be taken in capsule form or in natural nasal sprays such as Seagate's Olive Leaf Nasal Spray. The nasal spray, which contains other antimicrobials and antiseptics such as wild indigo, olive leaf and grapefruit seed extract, is usually effective for those suffering from allergies or colds. "My husband used it, and it changed his life," Oliver said. Things to avoid Along with adding herbal supplements and other natural remedies, some items should be eliminated from the allergy sufferer's diet to keep allergies at bay, Sulcer said. Dairy products like milk, yogurt and ice cream tend to be mucous-forming, making the mucous thicker, he said. Natural processes cannot easily remove the thick mucous, which increases a person's susceptibility to infections such as sinus infections. Allergy sufferers who often wind up with sinus infections should also know that the way they blow their nose might be part of the problem. Sulcer advises blowing the nose with the mouth open to prevent the pressure of the blow from further reinfecting the sinuses. Also, nix trips to fast-food drive-through windows and to the mile-long cookie aisle at the grocery store. Processed foods packed with toxins such as sugar, sodium and trans fats will only further stress the body and break down the immune system, Sulcer said. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:37:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-may-give-relief-from-allergies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/complementary-medicine Complementary MedicineSource: bodyandhealth.canada.comHerbal medicines What are they? Herbal medicines are extracts from plants and flowers used to prevent and treat illness. Herbal remedies have been used for a wide range of conditions, from headaches to depression, PMS to insomnia. Most health food stores contain hundreds of bottles or packages of tablets containing various herbal preparations. Some common herbs include:Chamomile: Commonly used as a tea, chamomile may help promote relaxation and improve some digestive problems.St. John's wort: Available as tablets and a liquid extract, this herb may help to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. People who are taking prescription antidepressant medications, cyclosporine, AIDS medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, tetracycline, and thyroid medications should not take this herb.Saw palmetto: Available in tablets, capsules, tea, and liquid forms, this herb may help improve the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland is enlarged. This herb should not be taken with finasteride, flutamide, or other androgen medications.Ginger: This herb may help decrease nausea caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy, and motion sickness. It's available as capsules and tablets. Since ginger may lower blood sugar levels, careful monitoring is necessary for people taking diabetes medications.A word of caution Although there is some scientific evidence showing that certain herbs have health benefits, much of the information is limited to individual reports. Most have not yet undergone the same testing and approval procedure as prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you're considering buying a herbal product, talk to your pharmacist or doctor first. Many herbs can affect prescription and non-prescription medications and should not be taken by people with certain medical conditions.Make sure you know:if there is evidence to support the use of the herb if the herb can interact with other medications or vitamins what side effects are associated with the herb what medical conditions the herb should not be used in how to take and store the herb properly Note that Health Canada has issued warnings about the use of certain herbal products because of toxicity, or due to harmful interactions with prescription or over-the-counter medications. These include the herbs kava and ephedra (ma huang).If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you are considering pregnancy, always talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any herbal products. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:34:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/complementary-medicine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treating-your-pet-with-meds-requires-trust-in-source Treating Your Pet with Meds Requires Trust in SourceSource: www.gilroydispatch.comIn my last two columns on pain control in pets, the focus was primarily on degenerative joint disease - i.e. arthritis - as well as how weight control can improve the length and quality of your pet's life. This time I want to address some of the specific diets, supplements and medications you can use for these purposes - specifically, over-the-counter medications and ethical supplements. "Over-the-counter" means the medications are sold at various retail outlets such as pet stores, health food stores, pharmacies and grocery stores. "Ethical products" are generally those sold in more controlled environments such as your veterinarian's hospital, where someone is actually looking at the quality of the products and helping you screen out those that may be ineffective.In a study released in 2001, a comparison was done between ethical and over-the-counter products to treat dermatology and arthritis. The study looked at fish oil fatty acid products and glucosamine joint supplements. Because there were no official health or nutrition claims made for these products, no one was monitoring the quality of the ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration cannot control or monitor them.In the study, the ethical products were all consistently within 5 percent of exactly what they said they had in them. The over-the-counter products often varied by more than 50 percent from the ingredient list - even from capsule to capsule in the same bottle. The point here is you want to be able to trust your source. This is an especially important issue with products that act as slowly and subtly as most nutritional supplements.Glucosamine supplements have been shown to get into joints, and have a positive effect on joint function and pain. The cartilage supplements do not show any such benefit.The fish oil fatty acid products that we have used for allergy control over the years have come into favor for pain control and increased function of the joints, proving superior to glucosamine for this use. Given in the proper ratio, these products play interesting roles in the body - they act as free radical harvesters. This means they slow down oxidative activity in the body (fire, rust and degenerative joint disease are all oxidative processes) and slow the degenerative processes that cause arthritis. The net effect is less pain and better function of joints.Hills, the scientific specialty side of Science Diets, has developed a diet for joints called J/D - or Joint Diet. It provides the equivalent of three to five capsules of fatty acid supplementation in every meal at a fraction of the cost of using the supplements in capsule or liquid form. The previous application of fish oil fatty acids for allergy relief will be served by using Joint Diet also - again, at a fraction of the cost of using supplements separately. This one diet, available through your veterinarian, can address two of the biggest chronic suffering issues we face in the dog population: arthritis and allergies.The other great medical tool we have is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. These are the ibuprofen-like drugs that have become available to us over the last 10 years. There is a real and substantial difference in the chemistry and metabolism of the veterinary drugs and those available for humans. Ibuprofen is poison for dogs and cats. Aspirin is much more dangerous and much less effective for dogs than the drugs designed for our pets. Tylenol is ineffective and more toxic for dogs than for people. Aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol are practically a death sentence for cats. Do not use them.What we do have for dogs are drugs such as Deramaxx, Rimadyl, Etodolac, Metacam, Zubrin and others. Over the years, these have proven themselves to be both safe and effective for pain control in dogs. They are used for post-operative and other soft tissue pain as well as for chronic pain and inflammation of the joints, which we call arthritis. They are of very limited use in cats because cats cannot metabolize them well.Safety studies have shown that the incidents of serious side effects in dogs using these drugs daily for years is substantially less than 1 percent. These side effects usually disappear if the medication is stopped. The fact that serious side effects can occur means that your veterinarian will only prescribe them carefully, after examining your pet. The cost can run from 50 cents to $3 per day, depending on the size of your pet and the indicated dose. The resulting enhancement in quality of life is priceless.Dr. John Quick is a 25-year resident of Morgan Hill. He owns and operates the Animal Care Center in Morgan Hill. He is a founder of the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center as well as the Furry Friends Foundation, which does pet facilitated therapy throughout the county. Reach him at jnquick@starband.net. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:30:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treating-your-pet-with-meds-requires-trust-in-source http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/taking-a-closer-look-at-adult-health Taking a closer look at adult healthSource: www.agassizharrisonobserver.comOctober 11, 2006 saw a Health Fair for the Seabird Island Community held at the Seabird Island Gym. It was done in partnership with the Fraser Health Authority and the Mennonite Central Committee out of Abbotsford. The day was reserved for adult health issues and drew more than 200 adults. A company called Youth Co, based out of Vancouver, put on the Seabird Island after school and evening program that drew over 60 youth. Its purpose was to “increase awareness of HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis, and other health concerns,” says Caroline Neufeld, the health and social development officer for Seabird Island First Nation. They were treated to five or six guest speakers on a variety of health topics. There were alternative health demonstrations and booths for treating a variety of illnesses. The topics ranged from auricular therapy, herbal therapy, nutrition to practical foot care demonstrations for in home clients. To advertise the event to the youth and their families; newspaper ads, flyers from Boston Bar to Mission and posters tacked up locally, all did the job. The organizers heard positive feedback about the event, especially from the parents who accompanied their kids to the afternoon session, which equipped them with ways to talk to their teens about sexuality. “We will try to get more [of this type of event if the demand is there],” says Caroline. Currently 27 local youth from Seabird Island and Cheam are away at a conference in Edmonton, Alberta entitled “Dream-Catchers.” It deals with age appropriate skills such as building self-esteem. The teenagers are heading back from their travels today. On November 23 and 24 there will be an event featuring “Next Generation” from Alberta, that will include dancing, drama, speaking and is open to youth in the area. It will also be held at the Seabird Island Gym. The Seabird Island Band Office praised the Fraser Health Authority for their contributions to the event and for their support. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:28:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/taking-a-closer-look-at-adult-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walking-to-benefit-nutrition Walking to benefit nutritionSource: dailydemocrat.comIt is time again for the 18th annual Miles for Meals Walk-a-thon to benefit The Elderly Nutrition Program of Yolo County. This event, sponsored by Friends of Meals on Wheels, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8 to 10 a.m., inside the County Fair Mall in Woodland. Walkers will receive a T-shirt for a minimum pledge of $25 and a sweatshirt for a minimum pledge of $200. Prizes will be awarded for most laps walked, most money pledged and oldest walker in different age, gender and group categories. Gary Sandy will once again be the master of ceremonies and cheer walkers along while they are enjoying music from a local disc jockey, balloons, ribbons, door prizes, and refreshments. The Miles for Meals Walk-a-thon is a family friendly event with children and adults of all ages walking together to help to raise money to feed the hungry seniors of Yolo County. The child and adult who raise the most money will be awarded a bike donated by B&L Bike Shop and Foy's Bike Shop. The group that raises the most money will get a pizza party for up to 15 people. Friends of Meals on Wheels provides funds to the Elderly Nutrition Program of Yolo County by coordinating fundraisers such as the Walk-a-thon, Holiday Home Tour and the Epicurean --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertisement-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Esprit. The funds raised at these events help to provide hot, nutritious meals to homebound senior citizens, 60 years and older, in the community. Colleen Brock, executive director of the Elderly Nutrition Program of Yolo County, hopes the Walk-a-thon will raise more than $10,000 this year. She said she expects about 150 walkers to participate. The Elderly Nutrition Program is faced with a $10,000 deficit this year because of an increase in food and gasoline prices. "We hope we won't have to cut back our services to seniors. This is why your support is needed now more than ever," said Brock. To receive a registration packet or for more information, call Elderly Nutrition Program at 662-7035. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:15:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walking-to-benefit-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glass-of-red-a-day-may-keep-the-pounds-away Glass of red a day may keep the pounds awaySource: www.canada.comChristmas is coming early for Canadian wine enthusiasts, thanks to a new diet book whose chief principle is the pairing of vino with dinner.In The Wine Lover's Healthy Weight Loss Plan, author and cardiologist Dr. Tedd Goldfinger contends one or two glasses of the good stuff every night along with a Mediterranean meal plan of greens, fruit, lean meats, poultry and fish will help people shed pounds, reduce their risk of stroke, Alzheimer's, gallstones, arthritis, blindness and stomach ulcers, improve skin quality and even make them better in the bedroom.``It's really a common sense diet - practical eating with moderate proportions,'' says Goldfinger, an Arizona heart specialist who has been practising for 26 years. Fat vs. fiction: What diets work? Winning strategies for losing BMI calculator Weight Management channel More Diet & Fitness news ``When I first started writing (the book), I thought back to the elixir-sellers in the Old West who used to peddle these tonics for better health and really, it was just alcohol. Turns out they actually had the right idea.''While Goldfinger and his co-author, chef Lynn Nicholson, are hardly the first to pin their marketing to merlot previous efforts include Marie Claire magazine's Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Diet, developed by dietician Jackie Newgent; the Red Wine Diet, brainchild of U.K. fitness club doyenne Rosemary Conley; and The Wine Sense Diet, penned by vino expert Annette Shafer this is thought to be the first time a physician has created and endorsed such a program.The book reads like a vineyard's answer to Atkins, recommending one five-ounce glass of wine a night for women and two for men, with no periods of abstinence. Goldfinger explains that consistent consumption is key because the effects of alcohol and antioxidants are short-term rather than cumulative.``It's the alcohol that's really responsible for a good portion of the health benefits,'' says Goldfinger. ``So you might ask, why not drink tequila? The reason is that wine is a beverage of moderation. It's not something known for being abused or (consumed) in excess.''More than 100 studies show that judicious drinking can reduce the risk of heart attack, clot-induced stroke, vascular disease and sudden heart attack. A spokeswoman for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, however, pours cold Chianti on the idea of swilling alcohol explicitly to prevent cardiovascular illness.``The bottom line is: if you don't drink, don't start,'' says Carol Domtrow, a registered dietician. ``But for healthy adults who already drink alcohol, (Golfinger's program) does follow Health Canada's recommendation of two drinks a day for a man, with a limit of 14 drinks a week, and one drink a day for a woman, with a limit of nine drinks a week.''Gisele Baxter, a pop culture expert from the University of British Columbia, believes the new diet won't achieve the fad status of South Beach or Atkins because it limits its audience to wine-drinkers who feel the need to lose weight. Within that group, however, she expects the book will be an easy sell.``Anything promoting itself as the Chocolate Diet or the Chips With Everything Diet will certainly find a niche and with the wine diet, the same,'' says Baxter, an instructor in the department of English.``Diets traditionally barred alcohol. Yet lately, we've heard so much about the almost miraculous properties of red wine (that) this one was inevitable.''mharris@canwest.com Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:13:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/glass-of-red-a-day-may-keep-the-pounds-away http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oatmeal-diet-means-lsus-big-baby-not-nearly-as-big Oatmeal diet means LSU's Big Baby not nearly as bigSource: www.al.comBengal Tigers star drops from 347 pounds to 289 BIRMINGHAM - "Let me give you the story ..." Hurry. Pull your chairs in. Gather 'round. Join the audience. Listen close. Big Baby's going story-time. You know Big Baby. Glen Davis, the LSU forward and most charismatic and quotable player in college hoops. More fun than skipping school for a trip to the amusement park. The man-child who led the Tigers' improbable Final Four run last year, collecting headlines and admirers at every stop. Big ol' O on his jersey, the same shape as somebody's mouth laughing with him. Davis is right here at the table, close enough to where you have to be careful to avoid his paperweight cufflinks and a door knob of a championship ring so bright you need sunglasses. Or, at least what's left of Davis. The one-time dirigible of a post player has gone from 347 pounds to 289. Oatmeal. Along with some diligent exercise, oatmeal did it. "Hot slop," he calls it. He ate so much the "bland, boring" stuff he finally had to play mind games. He went with what he called "his inner child." He started pretending the oatmeal was ice cream. Anyway, we have interrupted ... "Here's the story," Davis begins. "As you know, we lost (in the NCAA semifinals). We got our - kicked. Don't write that. Don't put that in the paper. I said I'm going to take a week off. Do you want to go to the (NBA) draft? Do you want to go to the draft? No, no, no, no. Not going to the draft. So I got on a scale a week later, I was 347. So I had to be like 330 (during the NCAA Tournament) or 315 or somewhere in heavy 3's, heavy like, yeah. Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:11:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oatmeal-diet-means-lsus-big-baby-not-nearly-as-big http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/advanced-moist-wound-dressings-cost-effectiveness-enhances-its-appeal Advanced Moist Wound Dressings’ Cost Effectiveness Enhances its AppealSource: www.newswiretoday.comThe healthcare system’s drive to create more efficient and cost-effective healing techniques, while saving labor and treatment costs, is aiding the U.S. moist wound dressings markets. Despite its slow technological progress, introductions of unique products that provide leading-edge initiatives are bolstering the market’s prospects.New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, U.S. Moist Wound Dressings Markets, reveals that the market earned revenues of $312.5 million in 2005 and estimates this to reach $402.6 million in 2012.If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the U.S. Moist Wound Dressings Markets, then send an e-mail to Melina Trevino - Corporate Communications at melina.trevino[.]frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.Product development is critical in the moist wound dressing market since increasing demand for more effective wound dressings compels manufacturers to distinguish themselves through unique product features. Participants also need to be wary of the rising market acceptance of substitute products such as antimicrobial, active dressings and other advanced techniques. To thwart off competition, manufacturers are create new categories of moist wound dressings, combining composites such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and silver with moist wound dressings or combining several moist wound-dressing composites.Moist wound dressings’ clinical benefits of faster healing rates, reduced scarring, and higher absorbency improve results. Moreover, healthcare care facilities and providers are shifting to moist wound dressings over dry gauze since its total cost of treatment is lower by almost 60 percent.“Unlike dry and impregnated gauze, moist wound dressings are not changed as frequently, thus reducing high labor costs associated with clinicians who administer the treatment,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sheila Ewing. “These dressings also facilitate cell repair, while reducing pain during dressing changes.”Manufacturers should offer evidence of not only the efficiency of their products, but also highlight cost effectiveness in response to apprehensions regarding growing healthcare expenditure. Since clinical evidence is the basis of reimbursement decisions, there is a need for more sophisticated methods of demonstrating the cost benefit of a product.“Market participants must provide rigorous long-term clinical and economic evidence by building strong relationships with key opinion leaders and conducting research in partnership with key institutions,” notes Ewing. ”Cost-benefit analysis is not only important for gaining clinicians’ approval for a treatment, but also for maintaining or garnering market share.”The U.S. Moist Wound Dressings Markets is part of the Medical Devices Growth Partnership Services, which includes research services in the following markets: U.S. Carotid and Intracranial Vascular Devices Markets, U.S. Endoscopes Markets, U.S. Congestive Heart Failure Device Markets, U.S. Cardiac Rhythm Management Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews are available to the press.Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. Agency / Source: Frost & Sullivan Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:06:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/advanced-moist-wound-dressings-cost-effectiveness-enhances-its-appeal http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fatty-fish-could-reduce-kidney-cancer-risk Fatty fish could reduce kidney cancer riskSource: www.dnaindia.comEating fatty fish could reduce the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a common form of kidney cancer, says a new study.RCC accounts for more than 80 per cent of all kidney cancers and its incidence rates in the US had increased in the period 1970-1990s, especially among black women and men. More recent data suggest a levelling off in this trend for most racial groups. Alicja Wolk and colleagues at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, studied 61,433 women aged 40-76 years without previous diagnosis of cancer at the baseline (March 1987-December 1990), reported Newswise wire.They found that women who consumed one or more servings of fatty fish per week had a significant 44 percent decreased risk of RCC compared with women who did not consume any fish.Women who reported consistent long-term consumption of fatty fish at baseline and 10 years later had a significant 74 percent lower risk, the researchers noted.Previous studies have analysed total fish consumption and have not taken into account that there are large differences between fatty fish and lean fish in the content of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.Fatty cold-water fish contain marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaneoic acid up to 20-30 times higher than in lean fish. These acids have been reported to slow down the development of cancer, the report said.Similarly, fatty fish has three-five times higher vitamin D content than lean fish and lower serum vitamin D levels have been associated with the development and progression of RCC."Our results support the hypothesis that frequent consumption of fatty fish may lower the risk of RCC possibly due to increased intake of fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaneoic acid as well as vitamin D," said Wolk. "Our results, however, require confirmation because this is the first epidemiological study addressing this issue," the researcher added. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:43:05 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fatty-fish-could-reduce-kidney-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-world-cup-of-teas The World Cup’ of teasSource: www.manilastandardtoday.comFor some of us, Germany is not exactly famous for tea drinking and processing. It is more popularly known for its Oktoberfest and of course the Volkswagen or the “beetle.” Unbeknown to many, tea is as much part of Germany’s culture. In fact, it is one of the biggest consumers and exporters of tea in the world. Old house blend One of these companies making a dent in the production of the world’s finest teas is Germany- based tea company, Althaus (or old house). Althaus, together with traditional tea companies in Europe, has been upholding the culture of tea drinking by educating the public and maintaining the highest quality of tea growing, processing, blending and packaging. Since it started last year, it has gained a foothold in the Russian market and other traditional tea drinking cities. Recently, it launched 14 out of its 110 tea products in the country to introduce caffeine-addicted Pinoys to a healthier alternative. “Coffee is very popular here, so why not tea?” says Ralf Janecki, Althaus chief executive and senior tea taster, during the press launching of Althaus at the German Club in Makati. Tea consultants According to Janecki, the company’s primary purpose is to be consultants in an industry that is slowly gaining popularity since people are becoming more aware of their health. The company also wants people to revel in the joys of drinking the age-old beverage by introducing them not only to an extensive list of teas but also to the proper way of brewing and preparing them. “The reason why people don’t like the taste of tea is because of wrong brewing,” shares Janecki, who has 18 years of tea tasting experience behind him. The company means to provide their clients an almost “holistic” service by offering them from tea bags to tea cups, boxes and holding a seminar or a European-style tea preparation. It ensures the quality of its products by sourcing and handpicking its tea leaves from the tea gardens in China, Japan, Formosa, Darjeeling, Assam, Sri Lanka, Kenya and South Africa. These leaves are brought to Althaus Germany, where they undergo inspection, tasting and blending to create the company’s signature teas. Plus, the tea bags are made in such a way that they seal the strong smell or scent of the tea leaves, which are also essential in fully enjoying one’s cup of tea, says Janecki. At par with the best Though he admits that his knowledge of teas does not compete with that of Chinese tea masters, Janecki maintains that clients would still get the best. “We are not on the same level as Chinese tea masters. Their knowledge dates back to their 5000 year history. What we cover is the rest [of the tea service].” Tea time Althaus offers two varieties—the Deli Packs and the Loose Leaf. Under these are a list of choices to suit one’s taste and preference: black tea, green tea, herbal infusion, fruit infusion. Among the most recommended and bestsellers are still the black tea kinds which include English Breakfast, Royal Earl Grey, Assam Meeleng and Darjeeling Castleton. These are guaranteed to give caffeine addicts the fix they are looking for what with their strong flavor. Following the classic black teas are the green tea varieties, which are very popular in Japan. Choices include China Zhu Cha, Sencha Senpai, Grun Matinee and Jasmine Chung Hoo. Herbal infusion teas such as the Camomile Meadow, Green Ginseng, Roibush and Bavarian Mint are also a hit for those who prefer a little twist on their afternoon tea siestas. Pinoys might also want to try the Mango Manila, which belongs to the fruit flavored teas and is one of Althaus efforts to fully integrate their products to the locality as well as promote the country, specifically, one of our popular products. The particular tea is a little sweet and yes, fruity, which is perfect for those who are not so fond of the tea’s bitter taste. Other must tries include black tea’s English Breakfast St. Andrews, Darjeeling Putabong, Rheingold, Imperial Earl Grey, Superior Oolong Jin Huang; herbal infusion’s Roibush Sweet Orange, Camomile Valley, Ginseng Valley; and fruit infusion’s Wildberries, and Persischer Apfel. As part of their goal to maintain the quality and exclusivity of the products, Althaus will be available only in some of the country’s five-star hotels, resorts and by order. The teas are currently available at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, Makati and Edsa Shangri-la Hotels, the German Club, and in Palawan’s Club Paradise and El Rio y Mar resorts. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:39:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-world-cup-of-teas http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-green-veggies-for-strong-bones Eat Green Veggies for Strong BonesSource: www.drkoop.comEat your greens! They're chock full of vitamin K. Dark green vegetables, like spinach and kale, may be the secret to healthy bones in women. Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to osteoporosis.Researchers from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor report healthy bone growth depends on adequate consumption of vitamin K. Most young women don't get enough of the vitamin to build strong bones and ultimately prevent osteoporosis.Vitamin K is essential to make the bone protein osteocalcin fully functional. With adequate vitamin K, osteocalcin binds to calcium, strengthening bones. When estrogen levels decline during menopause, women experience an impairment in the function of vitamin K.Researchers studied the bone density, diet, and blood tests of healthy middle-aged and young-adult women. The study reveals women are not getting enough vitamin K to maintain bone health before menopause.They report women should try to strengthen their bones before menopause when declining production of estrogen causes bone density loss. Weight-bearing exercises can help young women protect their bones. All women should try to boost their intake of vitamin K, write the researchers.Vitamin K is found in vegetable oils and dark green vegetables. Some vitamin K-rich vegetables include: kale, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, collards, Swiss chard, parsley, mustard greens, spinach and broccoli. Most individuals do not consume enough of these foods to promote sufficient bone health. Some supplements have vitamin K, but few multivitamins contain enough to prevent osteoporosis.Consult a health professional before taking vitamin K. People taking blood thinners should not use vitamin K supplements.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:36:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-green-veggies-for-strong-bones http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scars-treat-your-scars-with-vitamin-c Scars- Treat Your Scars With Vitamin CSource: www.americanchronicle.comScars spoil our look. Whatever makeup or skin treatment we do, scars can be barely hidden. Deep scars and raised scars are a big problem to hide. Treating them at doctor's place may be a costly procedure also involving time and pain. What should one do? As far as deep scars are concerned, we have to learn to live with them unless we are ready to o to a doctor and get them treated. For not very deep scars there is hope with Vitamin C topically. Let us find out more.Scars- what are they?Let us find out more only about mildly deep scars. These scars are healed skin lesions. The only difference is that some collagen is missing from the bottom of the scar. It therefore looks depressed. You can get this collagen refilled with an injection at regular intervals or try to use Vitamin C and find out if you are getting satisfactory results. Vitamin C - What does it do? Vitamin C encourages production of collagen and elastin in the skin. With more collagen and elastin, the skin looks healthy, young and the scars don't look that prominent. Along with this Vitamin C also helps us in other ways. Vitamin C is a very good anti oxidant. Vitamin C kills free radicals. Free radicals damage our body and cause rapid aging. Vitamin C neutralizes these free radicals and keeps the skin healthy. Vitamin C also helps in sun protection. With Vitamin C, sunburn damage reduces considerably. Learn more about Vitamin C.Vitamin C topicals- please consult your doctor about vitamin C topical formulations. Vitamin C is very unstable and your doctor will guide you best about which brand to use. Your doctor will also guide you about your scar concerns and how Vitamin C will help. Please remember that application of Vitamin C only for it’s anti oxidant properties is a great benefit. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:35:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scars-treat-your-scars-with-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/childbearing-women-need-folic-acid Childbearing Women Need Folic AcidSource: paktribune.comFolic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that?s found in some enriched foods and vitamin pills. If women get enough of it before and during pregnancy, it can decrease the risk for neural tube birth defects. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women who could become pregnant get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This could prevent up to 70 percent of neural tube birth defects. But to lower their risk, women of childbearing age need to get enough folic acid before they become pregnant -- even if they?re not thinking about having a baby soon. Folic acid has been added to some foods, such as enriched breads, pastas, rice and cereals. A few cereals have 100 percent of the folic acid women need. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:20:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/childbearing-women-need-folic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-prevent-dry-skin How to prevent dry skinSource: www.dailypress.comAs the weather turns cooler, many people begin to suffer from dry, flaky skin. Here are some tips from dermatologists on keeping your skin smooth:" Avoid very hot or cold water. Both can dry skin out, so keep water warm or cool when you're washing hands, doing dishes or taking a shower." Keep showers short. Try to get in and out in five or 10 minutes to keep from losing too many natural oils from your skin." Moisturize right - and daily. Apply lotion within three minutes of getting out of a shower or bath to trap more water in your skin. Your arms and legs tend to dry out quickly, so moisturize them first. Creams and lotions that have hyaluronic acid and glycerin as ingredients are good choices." Don't clean yourself too much. Use only a small amount of mild soap when bathing. Wash your face with a facial cleanser - rather than bar soap - once a day, preferably before bedtime. " Rinse off well. Soap can leave a film on skin that dries it out." Dry off well. Dab your body with a towel rather than rubbing away moisture. " Be careful about cleaning products. If your skin is already dry, stay away from antibacterial or deodorant soaps (if you're worried about odor, just use them on your armpits). Products containing alcohol also can suck moisture out of skin." Exercise. Regular workouts increase blood flow to skin, supplying it with more oxygen and nutrients." Drink plenty of water. Whether you follow the eight-glass-a-day rule or simply drink to thirst, make sure you're not dehydrated - or downing too much soda and juice in place of water. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:04:33 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-prevent-dry-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-foods-you-must-eat-to-fight-wrinkles 10 FOODS YOU MUST EAT TO FIGHT WRINKLESSource: www.mirror.co.ukFROM THE OUTSIDE, BUT THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT AGEING IS FROM FROM THE INSIDE - WITH WHAT YOU EAT. SO HERE'S OUR GUIDE TO THE TOP 10 ANTI-AGEING FOODS (..AND ONE OF THEM IS CHOCOLATE!) By Helen Foster 1 SPINACHFOR skin that looks 38 per cent younger in just a few weeks, add dark green leafy veg such as spinach, cabbage and kale to your diet every day.These are packed with an antioxidant called lutein that new French research reveals boosts skin hydration and elasticity, fighting wrinkles. You need 10mg of lutein to get results - which equates to about 4oz of spinach or 2oz of kale. Advertisement 2 BEANS BAKED, kidney or butter, all of these help your body produce a vital anti-ageing substance called hyaluronic acid, says Nicky Hambleton-Jones from TV's 10 Years Younger show: "When we're born our skin is pumped full of this and it makes it look plump and smooth. As you age levels fall, but eating plenty of beans can help replace it." Aim for at least two tablespoons of beans each day - broad or butter beans make a great substitute for mashed potatoes if you mix them with a little Greek yoghurt. 3 GOJI BERRIES SKIN-guru Dr Howard Murad swears by the anti-ageing power of these red berries, claiming they're the most "nutritionally dense food on the planet". Fact is, they have nearly 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges - and vitamin C helps you make the collagen that keeps skin firm. They also contain linoleic acid, an essential fat that plumps skin up, making it look and feel younger. You'll find goji berries at Holland & Barrett (£2.75 for 75g). They're most commonly used in smoothies or sprinkled over cereal - but celebs including Naomi Watts like them in salads. 4 TURKEY THIS white meat contains a vital skin-friendly protein called carnosine that slows down a process in the skin called cross-linking. When this happens, fibres grow into the collagen of the skin making it stiff and inelastic. This then stops it snapping back when you do things like smile, laugh or frown - and this is what causes smile lines or crows feet. If you want to reduce your risk of these, don't save turkey for Christmas, eat it two to three times a week. 5 FLAXSEED OIL YOU can gulp this oil down by the spoonful, mix it into smoothies or add it to balsamic vinegar and use it as a salad dressing, but whatever you choose, have a tablespoon each day. "Flaxseed is a major source of the healthy fat omega-3," says Suzi Grant, author of Alternative Aging (Penguin, £14.99) "Skin cells are surrounded by a fatty layer made from this and other fats so, the higher your omega-3 intake the stronger that layer is, and the plumper your skin cells are - which helps disguise lines and wrinkles." You'll find flaxseed oil in health stores. 6 PRUNES ONE of the biggest causes of skin ageing is attack by substances called free radicals, that break down healthy skin tissues. Nutrients called antioxidants help neutralise these free radicals before they can do any damage - and prunes are the fruit containing the absolute highest level of antioxidants. Blueberries are a close second. Eat five to six prunes, or a small punnet of blueberries, daily to get a great health boost. 7 BEETROOT THIS is the top choice of independent nutritionist Carrie Ruxton: "It's not only a great source of antioxidants, all purple foods contain pigments called anthocyanins that help support collagen production in the skin," she says. The obvious way to use beetroot is to slice it up in salads, but you can now also buy beetroot juice in supermarkets. Try James White Organic Beetroot Juice (£2.59), which you can find in most Tescos and Sainsbury's. 8 OLIVES AUSTRALIAN researchers recently discovered the more olive oil people had, the less wrinkled their skin looked. "The oleic acid found in olives and virgin olive oil can make the difference between a complexion that looks and feels like old shoe leather - and one that looks like a rose petal," says dermatologist to the stars Nicholas Perricone. A healthy fat, oleic acid actually soaks through the membranes of skin cells plumping them up, which then makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable. To build more olive products into your day use olive oil for cooking, add olives to pasta sauce and salads - or nibble on them whole as a healthy snack. 9 CHOCOLATE YES, there is a god! Chocolate really is good for your skin. In studies in Germany, it was found that after drinking a cocoa-packed drink, blood flow to the skin was boosted (meaning it gets higher levels of nutrients and moisture). It also seemed to be more protected against UV damage - the number-one skin ager. Only dark chocolate contains enough antioxidants to have effects, though. 10 RED PEPPERS.. ...SWEET potatoes, carrots and more - it's not just chocolate that protects skin against sun damage. Research from Dr Ronald Watson at the University of Arizona has found that the antioxidants in red, yellow and orange foods build up under the skin creating extra UV protection. "The effect is so strong that eating six portions a day for about two months will build a natural barrier equivalent to a factor four sunscreen," says Dr Watson. BEAUTY IN A PILL.. is it worth it? THERE are numerous skin-boosting supplements available. But are they worth the money or can you get everything you need from your diet? "This depends on the nutrient," says Carrie Ruxton. "Supplements are worth considering for skin-boosting nutrients with limited numbers of natural sources, for example evening primrose oil. "But for antioxidants such as carotenes, quercetin, vitamins C and E, it's better to eat the natural foods. A number of studies on single antioxidants given as pills have found no benefit to health. This is probably because the antioxidants work together or with other, as yet unidentified, phytonutrients." Tue, 17 Oct 2006 22:56:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-foods-you-must-eat-to-fight-wrinkles http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-could-limit-alzheimers- Mediterranean diet could limit Alzheimer's.Source: www.montereyherald.comScientists have produced more evidence for the health benefits of eating a ''Mediterranean diet.'' It apparently can help protect your brain.The diet consists of lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, olive oil and fish, and small amounts of red meat and dairy products. Previous studies have found that such a diet appears to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and raised the possibility that it might also reduce the odds of getting Alzheimer's disease.In the new study, being published in the December issue of the Archives of Neurology, Nikolaos Scarmeas and colleagues at Columbia University Medical Center in New York studied 1,984 adults with an average age of 76, including 194 who had Alzheimer's disease.When the researchers examined what the subjects ate in the previous year, they found that the closer their eating habits came to the Mediterranean diet, the lower their likelihood of having Alzheimer's.After taking into account other factors that could affect the risk of developing the devastating brain disease, such as age and weight, the researchers found that those whose food choices were closest to a Mediterranean diet were 68 percent less likely to have Alzheimer's than those whose diets were least like it.Researchers had thought that the protective benefits of the diet came primarily from protecting blood vessels. But the researchers said their study found evidence indicating that is not the case, suggesting that the diet may instead produce its benefits through other means, such as reducing inflammation and the amount of oxidation in the body. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:45:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-could-limit-alzheimers- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrow-on-strict-diet-to-shift-baby-weight Gwyneth Paltrow on strict diet to shift baby weightSource: fametastic.co.ukGwyneth Paltrow has got so annoyed with her unsuccessful efforts to shift the weight she gained during her second pregnancy that she’s turned to a strict diet regime including detoxing, cupping and colonic irrigation as well as cutting back on all the fun foods.A source told the Sun she’s been working with her long-term dietary advisor Dr Nish Joshi to plan the diet but even after years of living on a macrobiotic diet prior to having children, she “is really testing her willpower with this one.”“She has followed a macrobiotic diet for years and has only recently relaxed the rules so she can have some dairy products. But now Dr Joshi has listed everything she can and cannot have in order to get back to her pre-baby physique — and it’s scary.”The diet forbids wheat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, red meat, most fish and fruit, including tomatoes and peppers.Cate Blanchett, Nicole Appleton and Kate Moss have all reportedly followed the diet at one time or another. Posted in News | Send to a friend Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:43:24 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrow-on-strict-diet-to-shift-baby-weight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-may-lower-brain-tumor-risk-in-offspring Vitamins may lower brain tumor risk in offspringSource: today.reuters.co.ukWomen who take vitamin supplements during pregnancy appear to have infants with a reduced risk of brain tumors, according to researchers.In addition, "taking vitamin supplements very early in pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant, prevents spina bifida and other neural tube defects," lead investigator Dr. Greta R. Bunin told Reuters Health.The researchers studied mothers of 315 children who had brain tumors add were younger than 6 years old at diagnosis. These women (cases) were compared with a group of 315 similar mothers (controls) without children with brain tumors.Case mothers were about half as likely as control mothers to be in the group with highest level of iron or of folate from food and supplements combined. They also were less likely to report use of multivitamins, the researchers report in the current issue of Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.Dr. Bunin noted that "public health agencies advise all women who are capable of becoming pregnant to take a vitamin supplement containing folic acid even if they are not planning on becoming pregnant.""The findings of our study and other studies," she concluded, "suggest that taking vitamin supplements very early in pregnancy may have other beneficial effects as well."Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, September 2006. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:37:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-may-lower-brain-tumor-risk-in-offspring http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-is-linked-to-alzheimers Diet is linked to Alzheimer'sSource: www.azcentral.comA vegetable stir-fry and a glass of red wine might go a long way toward preventing the formation of the brain gunk that can lead to Alzheimer's disease, studies reported Monday. The findings involving experiments with mice add to an increasing body of evidence, including human studies, that suggest the high-fat Western-style diet might lead not just to heart attacks but also to Alzheimer's, a disease expected to afflict up to 16 million people in the United States by 2050.But if new research by Narayan Bhat of the Medical University of South Carolina and others pans out, Americans might be able to change that future in part by steering clear of artery-clogging foods. advertisement Bhat took healthy lab mice and fed them a diet with lots of saturated fat and cholesterol.After two months, he gave the mice, which were middle-age by then, a memory test and found that those fed the bad diet flunked: They made errors finding their way around a water maze.Mice eating the bad diet also had an increase in a toxic brain protein called beta amyloid, Bhat says. Many scientists believe that beta amyloid deposits in the brain lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer's.Bhat presented the results Sunday at the Society for Neuroscience's annual meeting in Atlanta.The findings raise the hope that a diet low in saturated fat might prevent that buildup of beta amyloid - and Alzheimer's disease.A study posted online this month suggests just that: The report in the Archives of Neurology found that people eating a Mediterranean-style diet - low in saturated-fat animal products and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains - had a lower risk of Alzheimer's than people eating standard American fare.Italians and others who live around the Mediterranean often drink red wine with dinner, and a second study presented at the neuroscience meeting adds to evidence suggesting that something in red wine or grapes might offer protection against Alzheimer's.Giulio Pasinetti of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York gave mice that had been genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's a small dose of red wine every day for 11 months. Then Pasinetti gave a memory test to the wine-fed mice and to a control group that received no wine.The Alzheimer's mice that were given no wine faltered on the test. The mice that had been drinking small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, however, found their way around the maze surely and swiftly, a sign that they still had a sharp memory, Pasinetti says.A caveat: Alcohol consumption can cause many health problems. So people who already drink should limit their consumption to about a single glass of red a day, Pasinetti says.And don't expect wine or any other single food to compensate for a diet that has lots of unhealthful fat, says P. Murali Doraiswamy, an Alzheimer's expert at Duke University."You can't wash down a double cheeseburger with a glass of red and expect to get a brain benefit," Doraiswamy says. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:28:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-is-linked-to-alzheimers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hair-can-reveal-diet-secrets Hair can reveal diet secretsSource: www.thesun.co.ukEATING disorders can be diagnosed — by analysing HAIR.Experts can predict with 80 per cent accuracy if someone has anorexia or bulimia by studying five strands.Boffins at Brigham Young University in Utah, US, said the pattern of carbon and nitrogen molecules in hair changes with diet.Hair is a “chemical diary” of what we eat, and when. Dr Kent Hatch, whose findings were published yesterday, said the test was “objective” and removed a GP’s reliance on his patient’s “honesty”. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:27:07 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hair-can-reveal-diet-secrets http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jamie-oliver-and-the-additive-packed-lunch Jamie Oliver and the additive-packed lunchSource: www.timesonline.co.ukSir, I am appalled by Stanley Feldman’s letter (Sept 13) regarding Jamie Oliver’s stance on school nutrition. Though I often find Mr Oliver’s style nauseating, I agree that we should strive for something more than just stopping children going hungry. Our understanding of nutrition and disease is growing and is now very complex. We know that highly processed foods tend to have a much lower vitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid content and so, although the calorie and protein intake may be more than enough, the food may be substantially deficient in everything else. Junk food tends to have a much worse glycaemic index, which has been closely linked to childhood obesity and a number of other serious conditions such as childhood type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; powerful risk factors for early development of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. The current situation with children’s diets in this country arises as a result of a complex interplay of social, psychological and cultural factors and will be incredibly hard to change. Nevertheless, studies have shown that intervening in school meals can have a positive effect. Jamie Oliver, in an increasingly cynical society, is at least trying. DR T. V. LIEW Cardiology Specialist Registrar University of Cambridge Sir, Jamie Oliver’s campaign is not about food being “a multicultural culinary experience” as your correspondent believes, but about setting up healthy eating habits in children that may help to prevent problems in later life. In order to make poor ingredients such as mechanically recovered meat palatable, many other ingredients need to be added, such as salt and trans- fatty acids. The nutritional content of bruschetta drizzled with olive oil is not, in fact, similar to bread and dripping: dripping is a saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated fat. PATRICK NUGENT Harleston, Norfolk Sir, French canteens are often cited in the British press as models of nutritious excellence, variety and value for money, but one thing they are rarely able to do is cater for children with food allergies. Because of long-held views in France that children should sit down to a nourishing hot meal at school, it has taken five years for my daughter to be allowed to take a packed lunch, ensuring that she only eats food prepared by her parents as prescribed by our allergy specialist. Many children across the country are still denied this opportunity. What, I wonder, will happen to the larger numbers of such children in the UK if Jamie Oliver has his way and bans packed lunches? PAUL SHELTON Villiers-sous-Grez, France Sir, In addition to the packed lunch debate (report, Sept 8), the Variety Club Children’s Charity recently provided a grant that funded school breakfasts to a deprived school in South London, feeding children who, for whatever reason, were going to school on an empty stomach before their working day started. This has led to greater educational attainment and attentiveness and the school, over recent years, has been awarded numerous educational achievement awards despite the difficulties many of the pupils face. All parents and guardians should ensure that children receive not just a healthy lunch but also a balanced breakfast. RONNIE NATHAN The Variety Club Children’s Charity London NW1 Sir, I may not be so obsessed with what goes into my child’s mouth, but I am extremely bothered by what comes out of it. I suggest that, if Jamie Oliver so passionately believes the old saying “we are what we eat”, then — bearing in mind the foul language he so often uses to get his point across — perhaps he should be considering the quality of his own diet. JULIE MORGAN Swansea Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:05 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jamie-oliver-and-the-additive-packed-lunch http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-could-help-in-heart-diseases Fish oil could help in heart diseasesSource: www.dnaindia.comOmega-3 fatty acids found in certain oily fish, including salmon, could prove more useful in preventing sudden death from heart problems.Thomas Kottke and other researchers at Regions Hospital’s Heart Centre at St Paul, Minneapolis, created a computer model to check possible sudden deaths in a fictional group of people aged 30-84.The researchers tested several scenarios. In one, people ate adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements, reported the online edition of health magazine WebMD.In another scenario, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were used to shock the heart back into action if it developed a fatal rhythm problem that can result in sudden death. In a third scenario, people who needed implant-able defibrillators because of heart failure got those devices. Heart failure greatly increases the chance of sudden death. All three scenarios lowered sudden death risk. But omega-3 fatty acids yielded the best results — even in healthy people. Sudden death risk dropped 6.4 per cent with adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake, compared with 3.3 percent for implant-able defibrillators, and less than one per cent with easy access to AEDS. About three quarters of the imaginary lives saved in the omega-3 group were healthy people, said Kottke.“Choosing fishes two or three times a week is a good idea,” Kottke said. “Grilled, baked, or broiled — not fried,” he added. “Fried fish appears to lose all of its benefits.” Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:56:49 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-could-help-in-heart-diseases http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-could-cut-falls-in-the-elderly-suggests-study Vitamin D could cut falls in the elderly, suggests studySource: www.nutraingredients.comIncreasing the vitamin D intake, from supplements, diet or sun exposure, could cut the risk of falls in the elderly, says a cohort study from the Netherlands.“The results of our study could implicate that the elderly should be sure to get adequate vitamin D to reduce their risk of falling,” lead research Dr. Marieke Snijder from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam told NutraIngredients.com. “Possibilities to prevent falls by raising vitamin D levels (through supplementation, increase of sun exposure, or diet) must be explored in the general elderly population.” Falls among the elderly individuals occur frequently and lead to substantial morbidity and mortality, but although research has already shown use of vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk, not all trials confirm these benefits.These interventions, said Snijder, have been small (looking at the risk of falling), and have focused predominantly on institutionalized persons (mainly women).The new prospective cohort study, published in the August issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (Vol. 91, pp. 2980-2985), followed 1231 men and women older than 65. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the non-active ‘storage' form) - 25(OH)D – were measured at the start of the study.During the course of the following year, falls were prospectively recorded by self-reporting of the participants.Snijder and colleagues report that levels of 25(OH)D lower than 10 nanograms per millilitre of serum were linked to a 78 per cent increased risk of falling at least twice, after adjusting the results for age, sex, education level, region, season, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol intake.About 12 per cent of people with serum 25(OH)D levels of less than 10 nanograms per millilitre fell at least three times during the year, while only 4.4 per cent of people with serum 25(OH)D levels of more than 30 nanograms per millilitre had the same number of falls.The researchers reported a statistically significant effect of age, with younger subjects (younger than 75) with low 25(OH)D levels over four times more likely to fall at least twice than people over 75.“The present study shows that low serum 25(OH)D levels (less than 10 nanograms per millilitre) are independently associated with a higher risk of recurrent falling in the elderly,” wrote Snijder.Dr. Snijder said however that such a link should be investigated further in intervention studies.“For future research it would be relevant to explore the possibilities for prevention of recurrent falling by raising serum 25(OH)D levels in the general elderly population, but also to investigate the underlying mechanism that explains the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and risk of recurrent falling,” Snijder told NutraIngredients.com.While studies need to look at the underlying mechanism, the researchers do note that previous research has shown that low serum levels of the vitamin are independently associated with lower neuromuscular performance, which may affect gait, postural balance, and muscle strength.“Because the population attributable fraction was even higher in persons aged between 65 and 75 years as compared with the participants older than 75, vitamin D supplementation could be particularly effective in the younger elderly,” they said.Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors – D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former is produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm) and can also be consumed from oily fish. The latter is derived from plants and only enters the body via the diet. Both D3 and D2 precursors are hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D, the non-active ‘storage' form, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the biologically active form that is tightly controlled by the body. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:53:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-could-cut-falls-in-the-elderly-suggests-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treating-diabetes-with-bitter-melon-in-the-philippines Treating Diabetes with Bitter Melon in the PhilippinesSource: www.prweb.comIn the Philippines the Department of Health is promoting bitter melon, locally called ampalaya, as a treatment for adult-onset diabetes in the form of a tea-like drink made by boiling its unripe fruits of young leaves. The ampalaya’s active ingredient polypeptide P, momordicin, and charantin - are most concentrated in the fruit and seeds.(PRWEB) August 21, 2006 -- Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) has long been used in the Philippines as a home remedy for diabetes, hypertension, kidney and liver problems, high cholesterol, constipation, and other conditions. The only medically verified use, however, is that of diabetes control.Herbcare Corporation (www.herbcare.com.ph), the maker of Charantia Ampalaya Food Supplement for Diabetics www.charantia.com (Charantia is a registered trade mark of Herbcare Corp.), has taken this home remedy and improved on it to enable diabetics and those prone to diabetes to enjoy its benefits without suffering through its bitter taste. “That’s our secret. We’ve removed the bitter taste of the ampalaya, without compromising its effectivity in lowering blood sugar. Studies have shown that bitterness has nothing to do with its efficacy” Daniel Abelarde, Herbcare general manager, said.Abelarde’s father, Lito, put up the firm Herbcare - for “herbals that work from people who care” – to meet the demand for cheaper, more efficient diabetes control. Herbcare’s first product was Charantia tea in loose bits. Charantia in teabags and Charantia 500mg capsules followed suit. All three Charantia variants are made from 100 percent fruits and seed of bitter melon, which has been proven in clinical trials to be most potent part of the bitter melon.While other companies tout products made from bitter melon as “miracle cures”, or panaceas, Daniel Abelarde does not believe in marketing their product that way. “Many doctors are open-minded about us because we don’t claim that our products are cure-alls. We have a company policy by which we only market products that have scientific and or medical basis.”What they do claim is that Charantia (www.charantia.com) – according to the leaflets Herbcare distributes – is recommended as a daily food supplement for diabetics to reinforce their diet, exercise and doctor-prescribed medication. Many diabetics reported that after two to four weeks of adding Charantia to their daily diet, they were able to stabilize and control their blood sugar at safe levels. It stayed there for as long they continued to take Charantia with their regular regimen. With prolonged uses of Charantia, a diabetic’s blood sugar no longer fluctuates too drastically, sparing vital organs from damage.Because of Herbcare’s very scientific and ethical method of marketing, plus the fact that Charantia is very effective in controlling blood sugar levels, Charantia has the unprecedented distinction of being the only product, herbal or otherwise, to be endorsed by a national organization of doctors. Herbcare, the maker of Charantia is the only herbal company to be invited and allowed to participate in numerous medical conventions.Charantia Ampalaya Dietary Supplement, sold under the brand name Charantia (www.charantia.com) in the Philippines, has earned the unprecedented distinction of being officially endorsed by a national medical organization composed of over 1,500 doctors. In October 2001, the Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (AMHOP), the national medical organization running the Philippine network of more than 15,000 public health centers, decided to officially make the supplement a regular part of its diabetes prevention and control management. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:51:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treating-diabetes-with-bitter-melon-in-the-philippines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/want-to-slim-try-kelp-say-japanese-scientists Want to slim: try kelp, say Japanese scientistsSource: www.mercopress.comJapanese scientists have pinpointed an unlikely potential weapon in the war against obesity: seaweed. They found rats given fucoxanthin - a pigment in brown kelp - lost up to 10% of their body weight, mainly from around the gut. They hope fucoxanthin can be developed into a slimming supplement or a drug that targets harmful fat. The Hokkaido University research was presented to an American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco. Brown kelp, Undaria pinnatifida, is a key ingredient of Japanese miso soup. But the researchers said drinking large quantities of the soup in an effort to lose weight would have little effect. Fucoxanthin is tightly bound to proteins in the seaweed and not easily absorbed in its natural form. The researchers, led by Dr Kazuo Miyashita, said it might take another three to five years before a slimming pill based on fucoxanthin was available to the public. The compound is found at high levels in several different types of brown seaweed. But it is absent from green and red seaweeds, which are also used in Asian cooking. Dr Miyashita's team studied the effects of fucoxanthin on more than 200 rats and mice. They found it fought flab on two fronts and in obese animals the compound appeared to stimulate a protein called UCP1 which causes fat to be broken down. The protein is found in a type of fat called white adipose tissue, which is responsible for the thickening of the girth dubbed "middle-age spread". Research has shown that excess amounts of fat around the midriff are particularly linked to heart disease and diabetes. The pigment also caused the liver to produce a compound called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can help cut levels of "bad" cholesterol associated with obesity and heart disease. No adverse side effects were seen in the animals used in the study. Dr Ian Campbell, medical director of the charity Weight Concern, said a 5% to 10% weight loss was comparable with existing anti-obesity drugs. But he added: "We don't know in how many humans this would be achieved, nor for how long. "The possibility of it being side-effect free is attractive but it is a long way away from being anything resembling an anti-obesity pill. "The problem remains that medication, however good, will only ever plaster over the cracks; the hard fact is that only a significant change in lifestyle will ever achieve long-term meaningful weight loss and it is here that we should be focusing our effort”, he concluded. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:48:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/want-to-slim-try-kelp-say-japanese-scientists http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bring-your-mind-alive Bring Your Mind AliveSource: www.prweb.comRemedyBach offers a wholly natural, herbal product that guarantees enhanced levels of concentration and focus among students.Altamonte Springs, FL (PRWEB) August 25, 2006 -- Instead of sipping on coffee during that all-nighter, it’s time to pour out some RemedyBach. Using natural Bach flower essences, RemedyBach enhances concentration and promises to improve academic performance. "A student’s life is very hectic today, balancing work and study and personal commitments," says Dafna of RemedyBach. "Our natural remedies for students will help them simultaneously destress and improve their performance at school."RemedyBach (available online at http://www.RemedyBach.com) has been developed out of 20 years of experience with Bach’s legendary flower therapy. Distilling 38 Bach flower essences, Remedy Bach is a specialized formulation that has been designed specifically to remove test anxieties, improve memory, enhance concentration and attention spans, and boost confidence.RemedyBach has seen particular success with students who have ADD and ADHD syndromes. The remedy is, moreover, safe for everyone to use – children, pregnant women and the elderly, and can be safely taken in conjunction with any other medications. There are no side effects at all, and at a time when students are preparing to begin another academic year, Remedy Bach makes a perfect back-to-school gift.All orders of Remedy Bach ship within one business day, and the web site offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. In three different sets of remedies, RemedyBach provides three one-ounce bottles that will last, with daily use, about three months, as well as an additional one-ounce bottle of Rescue Remedy."This is really a revolutionary breakthrough, as there is no comparable product on the market today," says Dafna. "The remedy harnesses the hidden strengths of nature to rejuvenate and bring alive your mental processes and harmonise your mind, body and soul like never before." Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:47:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bring-your-mind-alive http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/drinking-tea-good-for-your-health Drinking tea good for your healthSource: www.foodconsumer.orgDr. Carrie Ruxton and colleagues reviewed epidemiological and clinical studies conducted between 1990 and 2004 and found there was clear evidence that drinking three cups of tea a day was linked with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.The finding is not in agreement with the conclusion the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made in May 2006 when the federal agency rejected a health claim proposed by Ito En, Ltd and Ito, En (North America), Inc. The FDA said in its disapproval letter to the companies that "Daily consumption of at least 5 fluid ounces (150 mL) of green tea as a source of catechins may reduce a number of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. FDA has determined that the evidence is supportive, but not conclusive, for this claim. (Green tea provides 125 mg catechins per serving when brewed from tea and 125 mg catechins as a pre-prepared beverage)."Scientists attributed the health benefits are associated with tea drinking to the antioxidants found in tea including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin. These polypheols are abundantly present in green tea (40% extractable). Black tea contains low levels of polyphenols (3 to 10 % extractable), according to Nutruingredients.com.Dr. Ruxton and colleagues also found there is evidence that tea drinking may help lower the risk of cancer as in vitro and animal model studies suggested. But they said there is not much epidemiological evidence supporting the association between tea drinking and lowered risk of cancer.The FDA also in 2004 rejected health claim characterizing the association between drinking green tea and reduced risk of cancer proposed by Fleminger, Inc. The FDA said in a disapproval letter to the company that "FDA concludes that there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for green tea consumption and a reduced risk of gastric, lung, colon/rectal, esophageal, pancreatic, ovarian, and combined cancers."The British researchers also said that drinking tea is not dehydrating. The dehydrating effect of tea has been widely speculated due to the fact that the diuretic caffeine is present in teas. Dr. Ruxton and team suggested tea with no more than 250 mg caffeine per cup should not lead to dehydration. To have an effect of dehydration, the tea must be so highly concentrated that most people can’t use it, the reviewers suggested.BBC reported that The Tea Council funded the review, but researchers said the work was independent. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:43:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/drinking-tea-good-for-your-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flax-lignans-promoted-as-safer-alternative-to-black-cohosh Flax Lignans Promoted as Safer Alternative to Black CohoshSource: www.nutritionhorizon.comRecently the UK herbal sector attained an agreement with the medicines regulator on labeling black cohosh products with liver injury warnings. Black cohosh has shown to potentially cause abnormal liver function, hepatitis or liver failure. 25/08/06 Women looking for an alternative to black cohosh can turn to the scientifically supported leading ingredient, flax lignans, according to Acatris. Lignans have a balancing effect on hormones because they are phytoestrogens, a plant compound similar to estrogen. Flax lignans, such as Acatris’ LinumLife EXTRA, can provide women with a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptom relief, the company says. Recently the UK herbal sector attained an agreement with the medicines regulator on labeling black cohosh products with liver injury warnings. Black cohosh, an herb with a history of use for menopause symptoms, has shown to potentially cause abnormal liver function, hepatitis or liver failure. A four month crossover study by Lemay et al found that 40 grams of crushed flaxseed per day was as effective as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in alleviating mild menopausal symptoms in 25 menopausal women. In addition, a double blind crossover study found that postmenopausal women who supplemented with flaxseed experienced a 41 percent reduction in hot flashes. “HRT has been found to increase the risk for several life-threatening diseases. Women looking for natural alternatives to HRT and black cohosh supplementation can look to flax lignan ingredients to help ease symptoms of menopause and promote bone, heart and breast health,” said Jocelyn Mathern, RD and technical advisor of Acatris. Lignans come from a variety of sources such as flax seed, whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits and berries. Each type of lignan has a different structure and different health properties. Flax seed is known as one of the richest, providing up to 800 times more lignans than any other tested plant source. The main flax seed lignan is SDG.“LinumLife EXTRA is actively being studied for encouraging breast health, promoting cardiovascular health, fighting acne, supporting prostate health in men, reducing hair loss in men and women, as well as providing menopause relief for women,” said Mathern. Women, around the age of 50, begin to experience many changes often marked by their last menstrual period. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes and night sweats as the body adjusts to falling estrogen levels. Menopause is also a time when a woman’s risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer increases. Earlier this week, Health Canada advised consumers about a possible link between health products containing the herbal medicine black cohosh and liver damage.Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a herbal remedy that is often used to relieve menopausal and premenstrual symptoms. Common names for black cohosh include black snakeroot, black bugbane and rheumatism weed. Black cohosh is available either as a single ingredient product or in products that contain other herbs.There have been a number of international case reports of liver damage suspected to be associated with the use of black cohosh, including three case reports in Canada and one published case of death in the United States. Most of these cases involved other medical problems and the use of other medications that may have contributed to the liver damage. The quality of the black cohosh products involved in these cases is not known.While case reports of liver damage are rare and the link between black cohosh and liver toxicity is unclear, Health Canada is taking a precautionary approach and is currently reviewing the safety and effectiveness of black cohosh. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:39:07 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flax-lignans-promoted-as-safer-alternative-to-black-cohosh http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-blacks-and-death-by-diet Diabetes, blacks and 'death by diet'Source: www.charlotte.comTen years ago, Robert Stephens' application for life insurance was rejected because the required physical exam showed he had out-of-control diabetes.For years, he resisted his doctor's advice about diet and exercise. Even with medicine, he couldn't get his blood sugar to healthy levels.But in the last year and a half, he has lost 50 pounds, and with his doctor's approval, no longer takes medicine for his diabetes."You can take control of managing your own wellness," Stephens said.He will be among the speakers talking about "Living Successfully with Diabetes" Sept. 28 at Mecklenburg's third annual symposium on health disparities. This year's focus is the devastating impact of diabetes on African Americans. Diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, is the fifth leading cause of death in minorities. African Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes as whites.Compared with whites, blacks experience higher rates of diabetes complications, such as eye disease, kidney failure and amputations.Although the disease can be inherited, obesity and physical inactivity increase the risk of developing the disease."I was significantly obese," said Stephens, 58, a consultant and preacher who moved to Charlotte from Minneapolis in January. He counsels the homeless through a volunteer street ministry."I used to get up and eat all kinds of sugar stuff," he said. "Cereal and dump some sugar on top of it. A stack of pancakes and then I'd want syrup on top of that."Lunch would be whatever I could consume. I love McDonald's and Wendy's, and the more french fries the better."He began to change after attending a lecture at the University of Minnesota on sugar and addiction. Once he realized how sugar can affect brain chemicals, he eliminated sugar from his diet.Today, he tries to walk at least 15 minutes every morning. And he tries to eat healthy food."My goal is to not eat sugar at all other than that which I find in green vegetables and fruits and complex carbohydrates."I feel better and have more energy, and the best thing about it is my disease is under control."His message to other African Americans is to stop "death by diet.""The foods we celebrate in our culture ... are loaded with sugar and simple carbohydrates and fats."If you're on sugar and you have diabetes, you're killing yourself." Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:35:33 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diabetes-blacks-and-death-by-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/berries-can-aid-memory Berries can aid memorySource: www.irishhealth.comTests on mice have revealed that eating berries may be good for brain health although scientists have said that it is too early to put these applications towards humans. Researchers at Tufts University in Boston in the US studied 60 young male rats. Following two months, the researchers measured the rats' brain levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. If there is a decrease in dopamine, memory can decrease, as well as a lowering of attention and problem-solving skills. In the study, the health of the brain of the rats that had been put on a diet of berries showed improvement, the researchers indicate the journal Neurobiology of Aging. The researchers report that diets rich in berries may aid the aging brain to stay sharp. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:33:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/berries-can-aid-memory http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarian-diet-healthier Vegetarian diet healthierSource: www.pressconnects.comAccording to the New England Journal of Medicine, even those moderately overweight are 20 to 40 percent more likely to die prematurely. The obese are two to three times as likely.I believe the leading causes of obesity are consumption of fat-laden meat and dairy products and inadequate exercise. Oxford University found that those on a vegetarian or vegan diet gain the least weight. Last April's Nutrition Reviews concluded that a vegetarian diet leads to weight loss.Consumers should replace meat and dairy products with wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits and undertake a regular exercise program. Parents should insist that schools introduce wholesome food choices and set a good example at their own dinner table. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:27:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetarian-diet-healthier http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-can-ease-menopausal-symptoms Diet can ease menopausal symptomsSource: www.poughkeepsiejournal.comMost women think meno-pause (also called change of life) is when the menstrual period ends, which occurs during middle age. Meno-pause in women occurs when ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone begins to decline.Needless to say, a deficiency of hormones is going to have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and dietary supplements like zinc and selenium can reduce the symptoms of menopause.Here are some common diet solutions for hot flashes for women who are approaching or in menopause: Limit caffeine intake. Tea, coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and caffeinated beverages can have an effect. High amounts of caffeine may aggravate hot flashes and weaken the bones. Take vitamin D. You can get enough from exposure to sun for a few minutes each day. The daily intake should be 400 to 800 IU. Consume calcium. The daily intake should be 800 to 1,500 mg. Good sources of calcium are dark green vegetables, low-fat dairy products, salmon and legumes. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of osteoporosis, hip fracture and also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.Soy best in moderation Eat a diet rich in phytoestrogens. Examples are tofu, miso, nuts, seeds and flaxseeds to protect your heart. Even though soy protein contains phytoestrogens, which help balance your hormones, soy also has other phytochemicals called phytates that can block the absorption of necessary nutrients such as zinc and iodine, so use it wisely. The best way to eat soy is in its fermented form, since it reduces the nutrient-blocking effects.Weight gain can occur during menopause due to the changes in hormone levels, possibly due to declining estrogen. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you need to eat less calories and exercise.Some have asked if men go through menopause. The answer is yes! They do experience the so-called the change of life as a result of declining hormones. Low testosterone is commonly seen in men beginning in their 40s. This is associated with symptoms of aging in males. Tue, 03 Oct 2006 23:25:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-can-ease-menopausal-symptoms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/taking-precautions-in-the-extreme-heat Taking Precautions In The Extreme HeatSource: www.kxan.comWe're all suffering through a miserable and potentially harmful stretch of serious heat. The heat has EMS working overtime with dozens of calls from people who don't take the heat seriously and end up in the emergency room.EMS workers have responded to 30 percent more heat related emergencies than this time last year. With no relief in sight, they're only expecting more. The problem is you can't change the heat in Texas.But you can change how you take care of yourself during the season. First of all, know the symptoms. If you feel constantly tired or are having headaches, you could be severely dehydrated. If you don't take care of it quickly, it could get much worse."Generally, people start off not feeling well. They stop sweating. It progresses, and they wait a little too long to call the ambulance. So when we get there, they're either vomiting, they're extremely dehydrated, their blood pressures drop," Mark Karonika with Emergency Medical Services said.Here's what you can do to avoid that scenario:Drink lots of water or vitamin water like Gatorade. Soda does not do the job. Stay out of the daytime heat. Standing in the shade does little in triple digit weather. Avoid running outside. Sweating will only make you dehydrated. Finally, if your job requires you to be outside, take frequent breaks. Remember, the elderly and children are most at risk. If your kid is out on his or her bike for hours and seems OK, there's a good chance they'll get sick later that night. Wed, 23 Aug 2006 22:17:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/taking-precautions-in-the-extreme-heat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/expert-sheds-light-on-cosmetic-dermatology Expert sheds light on cosmetic dermatologySource: www.kuwaittimes.netKUWAIT: Dr Dany J Touma MD, held a lecture about new frontiers in skin care and cosmetic surgery yesterday at Al-Corniche club. Dr Touma received his dermatology training at Boston University and is an associate professor of dermatology at the university's school of medicine. "The field of dermatology is always in progress and development; ladies are always asking for new methods to make them look young" he said. He began by talking about the evolution of cosmetic dermatology, including skin care, peeling, and laser treatment for wrinkles, broken vessels, brown spots, as well as botox, fillers, lipo-sculpture and hair transplantation. Touma's, main advice is to avoid sitting in the sun because it causes 80 per cent of wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. The way to avoid these is to use sun blockers and protection creams. He said: "My anti-aging recipe is to use sun protection, including anti-oxidant (vitamin c) and then retinoids and then alphahydroxy acids (two to three times a week). The next step is to use moisturisers on the chest and hands. This will produce a huge and rapid improvement"."The latest technology in this field is the use of lasers in all kinds of treatment. This includes resurfacing the skin to remove wrinkles and acne scars, soft-tissue augmentation, hair removal, removal of facial and leg veins, treatment of birthmarks, and the removal of age spots. Then there is fraxel laser, collagen laser, and laser treatment for pigmented dark circles around the eyes and laser for capillaries", he noted. Facial wrinkles are caused by a combination of aged, sun-damaged skin and the chronic action of the underlying muscles. One method of treating this is botox, an injection into the muscles to relax the facial musculatures. Botox is given for the neck, between eyebrows and in the forehead. The result is a softening or disappearance of wrinkles. Botox is one of the safest methods used for facial rejuvenation in the world. Touma said that: "Filling is a gel used to inject places with folds or a depression in the skin, e.g.: lips, nasolabial (the line running from the nose to the corner of the mouth), cheeks, and the chin and to fill in scars left by acne. Fillers can be divided into injectable products and implantable ones". And he recommends the use of hyaluronic acid and lipofilling with one's won fats. Hyaluronic acid is a material found in the mid portion of the skin. For long lasting results, however, he uses lipofilling, a multi-step procedure that requires micro liposuction to harvest fat from an area of excess on the body using local anaesthesia and transferring it to the recipient area. One of the best and most successful methods used worldwide is liposculpture. This process is the re-contouring of the undesired excess fat. It's a process of remoulding the shape and getting rid of undelivered fats. Today, liposuclpture is an outpatient procedure, and can be performed entirely under local anaesthesia. It can be used for the neck, face, abdomen, saddlebags, hips, and breasts. The best candidates for liposculpture are healthy men and women with good skin tone and realistic expectations.Touma concluded his talk with the thermage process - skin tightening. "This makes the skin look tighter, smoother, and more youthful. It can be used for the eyebrows, mouth, and neck and all over the face and hands. It's a safe procedure and many people tend to prefer it because it is a simple and easy procedure," he said. None of these new processes for avoiding ageing are expensive and in most cases patients can leave the clinic on the same day. In conclusion, the art of cosmetic surgery is a method that delays the ageing process and makes both sexes look fresher, younger and healthier. Tue, 18 Jul 2006 01:19:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/expert-sheds-light-on-cosmetic-dermatology http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/elderly-men-may-benefit-from-vitamin-d-calcium-too- Elderly men may benefit from vitamin D, calcium too.Source: www.nutraingredients.comElderly men, a population that is often overlooked in bone health studies, could also benefit from daily supplements of fortified milk, says new research from Australia.“There are few studies examining the effectiveness of supplementing the diet with calcium and vitamin D for preventing or maintaining bone health in men,” explained lead author Robin Daly from Deakin University.Much focus has been on the vitamin D and calcium combination for bone health in women since elderly females are four times as likely to develop osteoporosis than their male counterparts. The new study, published on-line in the journal Bone (doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2006.04.003), reports that elderly men, particularly those over 62, benefited from daily supplements of fortified milk.Osteoporosis is estimated to affect about 75m people in Europe, the USA and Japan. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, the total direct cost of osteoporotic fractures is €31.7bn in Europe, and 17.5bn in the US (2002 figure).Recent studies, including the high profile WHI study, have shown that vitamin D/ calcium supplementation could reduce the incidence of hip fracture in post-menopausal women by about 20 per cent. The overall study however was blighted with poor compliance with taking the supplements.Daly and his colleagues, Shona Bass and Caryl Nowson, randomly assigned 61 male volunteers over the age of 50 to receive daily supplements of a fortified milk containing 500 milligrams of calcium (milk calcium salt NatraCal) and 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D3 (DSM Nutritional Products), and was formulated by Murray Goulburn Co-operative in Brinswick, Australia. A further 50 volunteers (control group) received no supplement and continued to eat their normal diet.Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone geometry were measured using a Siemens Emotion duo scanner to determine the quantitative computed topography (QCT).After two years no significant difference between the groups was observed for total bone area. However, significant and beneficial changes were observed in the mid-femur bone material and geometric properties, particularly for men over 62.“This finding supports current recommendations that older adults have increased dietary requirements for calcium and vitamin D,” wrote Daly.The mid-femur medullary area (bone marrow) increased less in the milk-supplemented group than the control group, which helped to preserve the cortex (outer layers) of the bone. Thinning of the bone cortex is one of the signs of increased fracture risk.The loss of mid-femur cortex density was 2.3 per cent in the supplemented group than in the control group, showing that the bones were benefiting from the milk supplementation.Due to the complicated nutritional mixture of the milk the researchers could not determine whether the benefits were due to vitamin D3, calcium, or a combination of these plus other nutrients. They did state however that the results show a reduction in bone resorption in this elderly male population sample.“Calcium-vitamin D3 fortified milk may represent an effective strategy to maintain bone strength by preventing bone loss and slowing the loss of cortical BMD in elderly men,” concluded the researchers.Some countries, like Canada, already fortify their milk and a 250 ml cup provides about 90 IU of vitamin D. In the UK, where milk is not fortified, a 250 ml cup contains only a trace of the vitamin.The 1999 USDA survey on food intakes by individuals reported that less than 15 per cent of over-sixty year-old men were meeting their recommended daily intake of calcium. Tue, 18 Jul 2006 01:19:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/elderly-men-may-benefit-from-vitamin-d-calcium-too- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/essential-nutrition-for-pregnancy-and-breast-feeding-with Essential Nutrition for Pregnancy and Breast Feeding withSource: AltHealth NewsPregnancy is a stage in a woman’s life when she thinks about her health more than any other time. Not only must she consider her baby’s development and how her lifestyle will influence it, but also the nutritional demands on her body. The child’s body has to be built from scratch before birth, which requires rather large amounts of energy and nutrients. The mother provides these through placental blood and thus must get them herself through her diet. For pregnant and breastfeeding women looking to supplement their diet with Omega Oils for fetal brain and vision developmental benefits, Udo’s Choice is an excellent organic and vegetarian choice. Significantly, Udo’s Choice is not made from fish sources in light of some fish-based supplements recently being removed from retailers due to toxin scares. A healthy, balanced diet is especially important during pregnancy. The important role of Omega 3 fatty acids especially that of DHA (Docosahexanoic acid) in pregnancy are well documented. DHA is ultimately derived from Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) found in foods such as walnuts and linseeds, so direct intake from oily fish is not essential. Dietary intakes of EFAs are often low and frequently insufficient to meet the high needs of a developing foetus. Following the recent scares regarding levels of cancer causing chemicals in cod liver oil supplements, the need for a safe alternative to fish oil is even more important than ever.Udo’s Choice is made from plant sources and is a good way to ensure these vital Omega Oils are included in the diet. For expectant mothers, including EFAs in their diet is essential for their baby's normal brain, eye and vision development, especially during the last trimester. For nervous system development, a growing foetus needs optimum EFAs from the mother's body.Yinka Thomas, nutritionist and author of childhood nutrition books said: “It is widely recognised that women need extra nutritional support during preconception, pregnancy and breast feeding due to the extra demands on her body. Most women’s food intake increases by 15-20% but the amount of nutrients needed increases by 30-100% for some nutrients — so women need to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of food.”Why do we need EFAs?The EFA levels of a mother-to-be decline significantly in the last trimester of pregnancy and this is the period during which the foetus’ brain, eye and nervous system development occurs. Significant amounts of maternal DHA are transferred to the foetus in order to support this development. As pregnancy requires such high levels of EFAs, and as intakes are generally low, the mother’s essential fatty acid levels decline throughout each subsequent pregnancy. In fact low maternal and newborn DHA levels have been reported in closely spaced pregnancies (compared to first pregnancies) and multiple births compared to singleton births. Increasing DHA intake during pregnancy through diet or supplements, increases maternal and newborn DHA levels. Mothers become depleted of EFAs during pregnancy and it’s important that her DHA levels are replenished and maintained following childbirth as it is important in eye and brain function. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are both important, but cannot be interchanged as they are not the same. Only getting enough of one is better than not getting enough of either, but getting enough of both and in a balanced ratio is the best. Udo’s Choice provides this superior ratio and is a convenient way to improve the diet. Udo’s Choice – The Alternative to Fish Pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption of certain types of fish during pregnancy because of concerns over the high levels of mercury pollution it contains. Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend is rich in EFAs from plants, making it a safer and healthier option than the controversial Fish Oils, and is also ideal for vegetarians, vegans and individuals concerned with fish farming. Udo’s Choice is recommended by two of the UK's most recognised nutritionists, Gillian McKeith and Patrick Holford. There is no doubt that sufficient amounts of both omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs and their derivatives are needed during pregnancy for optimum brain function and development. Too little of either family can have detrimental effects for both mother and child, possibly leading to stunted fetal neurological development and postnatal depression as well as inflammatory conditions in the mother. Essential Fats and DepressionA lack of Omega 3 fatty Acids is more common in women with postnatal depression compared to women who gave birth without any problems. A lack of Omega 3 fatty acids is associated with depression and supplementation can be of benefit. After giving birth and breastfeeding, it can take quite a while, before Omega-3 levels are back to the point they were at before the pregnancy. Supplementing with a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids during and after pregnancy could help minimise this drain and help a faster return to normal body’s levels. Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend is a certified organic blend of essential fatty acids boasting the perfect ratio of Omega 3, 6 and 9 (2:1:1). Produced from plant and seed extracts, this oil blend can simply be added to food on a daily basis as a salad dressing, on vegetables, in smoothies or fruit juice, in cereal or even porridge – but you can’t cook with it. Doing so damages the nutritional benefits. Udo’s choice is available from independent health food stores including Planet Organic, Nutricentre and Fresh & Wild. It costs £16.43 for 500ml and £8.95 for 250ml. For stockist queries, call 08452 609 996 or visit www.savant-health.com for more technical information. For further advice on seed oils visit your local health food store. NB - Udo’s Choice should be refrigerated to maintain its high nutritional quality and once opened used within 6 – 8 weeks. Mon, 17 Jul 2006 23:29:02 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/essential-nutrition-for-pregnancy-and-breast-feeding-with http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-supplement-may-prevent-throat-cancer Folic Acid Supplement May Prevent Throat CancerSource: news.worldfitness.caItalian researchers found that patients who had laryngeal leukoplakia, a precancerous lesion in the throat responded well to a folic acid supplement regime Italian researchers found that patients who had laryngeal leukoplakia, throat cancer a precancerous lesion in the throat responded well to a folic acid supplement regime May prevent throat cancer Folate is reported to be the most common vitamin deficiency in the US. Folate is described as a water-soluble B vitamin found in fruits and vegetables.Earlier studies found that smokers with a high folate intake were at a lower risk of developing lung cancer compared to smokers without a folate intake.Researchers from Italy wanted to know if folic acid supplements would prevent cancer in patients with laryngeal leukoplakia, a precancerous lesion in the throat.43 patients with untreated pre-cancerous lessons in their throats were all given 5mlgs of folic acid three times a day for six months. Upon completion of the study, 12 patients (28 percent) no longer had lesions and 19 people had lesions aproximitly half the size of when they first starting taking the supplement.. Another 12 volunteers saw no changes in the size of their lesions.Researchers concluded that a folic acid supplement, wether alone or combined with other cancer-preventing drugs, could help prevent cancer from forming in patients with pre-cancerous lesions of the larynxResearchers plan a lager trial of folic acid supplements for pateitns who have had pre-cancerous lesions removed. Mon, 17 Jul 2006 23:22:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-supplement-may-prevent-throat-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exotic-tea-can-be-good-for-many-maladies Exotic tea can be good for many maladiesSource: www.theacorn.comTea lovers rejoice. At The Healing Tree Apothecary and Tea Bar in Thousand Oaks, tea in every flavor, strength and blend is available in a cozy atmosphere oozing with Eastern flair and serenity.The shop, owned by Lenny Lam, offers more than soothing teas, tasty tonics and full-flavored smoothies with blends from China, India, South America and other distant lands. Natural herbal remedies for every ailment can also be found and are dispensed with expert advice from Lam and his son, Moe, who studied ancient herbal medicine at Emperor's College in Santa Monica.Loose tea is found in large jars at the store. At $300 per pound, Golden Flower Green Tea is the most expensive, but there are plenty of other fine teas and herbs to choose from that are easier on the wallet.Lam said the cost of tea is determined by its processing. Delicate teas must be picked during their first spring bloom. Expensive teas like Golden Flower also present a short harvesting window-about two to three weeks, according to Lam. Another reason for the high price of certain teas is that only the tops of their plants are picked.TEA FOR YOU-Lenny Lam, a student of ancient herbal medicine, displays one of the dozens of therapeutic teas available at his father's shop, The Healing Tree Apothecary and Tea Bar in the Thousand Oaks Palm Plaza at 2711 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. "A lot of care has to be taken not to damage tea," Lam said.The quality of tea degrades when the leaves are harvested further down on the plant, Lam said, and finer teas also have to be processed manually, which includes hand-tying the leaves.The Carnation Strong Stem Tea, for example, appears to be dried flowers, but the tea leaves inside, once steeped, open up to create a full-bodied and very aromatic tea.The loose White Tea is downy-the leaves actually appear to be a little fuzzy white. Lam said white tea is popular because it's low in caffeine and high in antioxidants, which ward off viral and bacterial conditions and have anti-cancer properties.Another popular choice among customers, Lam said, is green tea that is known for its high antioxidant properties and is often used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.Oolong tea, which Lam said is a blend "somewhere in between green and black tea," increases metabolism because it has caffeine. He said that people often drink oolong to "slim down."Black and red teas, Lam said, have the most caffeine.Some teas are so unique that they go through a fermentation process, sometimes taking from five to 20 years before they're ready for sale. Lam said that Golden Pu-erh Tea is one such tea. "It's not unlike wine," he said.Even though some of the rarer blends of tea are expensive, Lam said, "T-sacs" used to steep loose tea can be reused three or four times.More economical teas abound, including Dang Shen, which Moe called a "poor man's ginseng," said to boost energy levels.Lam said his shop offers more than 100 teas from around the world, including China, Tibet, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and South Africa.Moe displayed drawers filled with fresh roots and herbs. He estimated that the store offers between 200 and 300 different herbal remedies.Dang Gui looks like bark, but over the centuries the herb has been found to ease menopausal symptoms. Moe said that Dang Gui balances hormones, regulates the digestive tract and nourishes blood.The most unusual herb sold at the store is Huang Qi, which look like popsicle sticks, smells simultaneously bitter and sweet, and according to Moe, has the power to stimulate bone marrow and generate white blood cells."(Huang Qi) is good for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation," Moe said.Prior to recommending any herbal treatments to customers, Moe said, he conducts a formal diagnosis in the Eastern tradition. He first holds a questionand-answer session with customers seeking an herbal remedy to determine what drugs have already been prescribed for their condition, their life habits, problems and concerns. He then examines their tongue, eyes, complexion, ears and pulse before he suggests an herbal blend."Chinese medicine looks at patterns versus compartmentalized Western medicine," Moe said.A testimonial book sits on the counter for customers to note their satisfaction with the products and service at the tea bar.One customer said that her blood pressure was 180/80 before she tried the Tian Ma Gou Teng Pian, an herbal remedy for hypertension. After using it, the customer said, her blood pressure dropped to 120/70.Lenny Lam said his new business, which opened only four months ago, has been well received by the community."We've had a lot of word-ofmouth (business) and repeat customers," Lam said.Prior to opening the tea bar, Lam worked as a vice president of an import company.Since Moe had already studied Eastern medicine in college, he decided to join his father in opening the store."I might as well put what I know to use," Moe said."There's a need here," his father said, adding that people suffer from stress-related health issues that can be eased with a holistic approach. Mon, 17 Jul 2006 23:14:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exotic-tea-can-be-good-for-many-maladies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cycling-keeps-danes-dutch-thin- Cycling 'keeps Danes, Dutch thin'.Source: www.theaustralian.news.com.auTHE humble bicycle may be a key to solving the obesity crisis sweeping much of the world, a NSW parliamentary inquiry has been told.The inquiry into children, young people and the built environment heard obesity rates were increasing in almost all parts of the world except in sub-Saharan Africa.Dr Tim Gill, of the Centre for Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Sydney, said Australia and the United States had among the highest obesity rates in the world, but even poorer countries such as Iraq were catching up."They're starting at a much lower rate, but their rate ... of increase is extremely similar in Brazil, in Japan, China, in India, in South Africa and Iraq,'' he told the inquiry.Dr Gill said although the citizens of Denmark and the Netherlands had become heavier in the past few years, they had lower obesity rates than the rest of Europe.He attributed this to their fondness of cycling and walking, and the infrastructure that enabled them to do this."They have poor diets, eat lots of meat, lots of high-fat foods but they have cycling infrastructure and walking infrastructure which is pervasive,'' Dr Gill said.The obesity epidemic could be defeated if most Australians made small improvements to their diets and exercised more, Dr Gill said."If we could get everyone doing a little bit more or eating a little bit less, we could prevent the obesity epidemic at the population level,'' he said.A submission to the inquiry by Dr Gill and other Sydney University academics said improved infrastructure such as better cycle ways and playing fields were needed to enable young people to exercise more.They also wanted more cycle ways to sporting venues and shopping centres.The inquiry continues. Thu, 18 May 2006 00:30:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cycling-keeps-danes-dutch-thin- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-cuts-colon-cancer-risk Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer RiskSource: paktribune.comHigh daily levels of vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of getting colon cancer by 58 percent, claims a new study from Harvard Medical School.The research, published in the May 4 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, builds on other studies that have already indicated a strong preventive effect from the vitamin."There are several smaller studies that have found a protective effect from dietary intakes of B6," said lead researcher Esther K. Wei, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. However, "this is the first large study of women to look at blood levels of B6" and find a protective effect, she added.Wei and her colleagues evaluated nearly 33,000 women who were participants in the Nurses’ Health study, a long-running study that began in 1976. Since then, researchers have focused on subsets of the original 121,700 participants, all nurses between 30 and 55 years of age when they enrolled, to study various health issues.Among this subset, Wei and her team analyzed blood samples collected in 1989, looking for levels of a substance called PLP (pyridoxal 5’-phosphate) -- the main active form of vitamin B6 in the blood. Then they looked at medical records to determine who contracted cancer of the colon or cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal).They found a total of 194 colorectal cancer cases and 410 cases of colon polyps, which often precede colorectal cancer. After dividing the women into four groups, from lowest to highest blood levels of PLP, the researchers found that the highest quartile group had a 44 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer and a 58 percent lower risk of colon cancer. The same associations held for the development of polyps.The associations between high blood levels and lower risk held even after Wei’s group controlled for other colon cancer risk factors, such as family history of the disease.Women in the group with the highest blood levels of B6 had about six times the blood levels of the nutrient as those in the lowest group, Wei said.Dietary intake of Vitamin B6 was also associated with reduced risk. Women in the lowest intake group got a median of 1.6 milligrams a day compared to 8.6 milligrams in the highest intake group. The recommended daily intake of B6 for most adults varies from 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams a day, depending on age and gender. Those in the lowest group were getting close to the recommended amount of daily B6, Wei said, while those in the highest group, which got the most protective effect from colon cancer, were getting about five times the recommended daily intake, but still at a safe level, she said.According to the Institute of Medicine, 100 milligrams per day of B6 is the upper threshold of a safe intake level.It’s possible, said Wei, to take in 8.6 milligrams of Vitamin B6 a day by taking a multivitamin and eating vitamin B6-rich food. But she stressed that "you don’t have to take in 8.6 milligrams a day to get a reduced risk," since reductions in cancer risk started showing up at levels of just 3.3 milligrams a day.Vitamin B6 is involved in around 100 physiologic reactions and functions in the body, according to Wei, including protein metabolism, red blood cell function and proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems.The vitamin can be sourced from multivitamins, fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish and some vegetables and fruits.Scientists aren’t sure why high blood levels of vitamin B6 protect against colon and colorectal cancer, Wei said, but she noted that "individuals who have high levels of B6 have less chance of having damaged DNA, which can lead to cancer."Dr. Durado Brooks, director of colorectal cancer for the American Cancer Society, called the new study "interesting work." If the finding about blood levels of the vitamin and reduced cancer risk is replicated, he said, "it will be a useful bit of information to give people about lowering their risk of colon cancer."Meanwhile, there are a number of measures people can take to lower risk, he said. "Multiple vitamins with folate have been previously shown to reduce risk." Keeping a healthy body weight and maintaining an exercise program can reduce risk, too, he said. For those at average risk of colon cancer, the Cancer Society recommends formal screening beginning at age 50.The screening tests include a fecal occult blood test, barium enema or examinations of the colon via a test called a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The Society estimates that 104,950 new cases of colon cancer and 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2005, with about 56,290 deaths linked to the disease. The death rate from colorectal cancer has been declining, however, probably because of early detection and improved treatments. Thu, 18 May 2006 00:25:32 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-cuts-colon-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-melatonin-counteract-cognitive-decline Vitamin E, Melatonin Counteract Cognitive DeclineSource: www.naturalproductsinsider.comntake of vitamin E and melatonin may attenuate cognitive impairment secondary to diabetes mellitus, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology (537, 1-3:106-10, 2006).Researchers from Firat University induced diabetes in male albino rats via intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. Diabetic rats developed significant impairments in learning and memory behaviors as indicated by declining scores in water maze tests, while control rats did not display such deficits. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation levels increased and glutathione concentration decreased in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of diabetic rats. Treatment with melatonin and vitamin E significantly ameliorated learning and memory impairment, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels toward their control values.The researchers concluded oxidative stress may contribute to learning and memory deficits in diabetes, and the antioxidants melatonin and vitamin E can improve related cognitive impairment. Thu, 18 May 2006 00:24:57 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-melatonin-counteract-cognitive-decline http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-supplement-may-speed-bedsore-healing Protein supplement may speed bedsore healingSource: today.reuters.comA liquid protein supplement may help heal the bedsores that often develop in sick or disabled, and especially elderly, patients, researchers have found.Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a common problem among nursing home residents and other individuals whose health keeps them confined to a bed or wheelchair. They occur when sustained pressure cuts off blood flow to certain areas of the body, damaging the skin and underlying tissue.Malnutrition can make people more vulnerable to bedsores, and nutritional supplements are already recommended to help prevent and treat the skin wounds.But there has been a lack of evidence from controlled clinical trials on how well protein supplements promote bedsore healing, according to the authors of the new study, led by Dr. S. Kwon Lee, president of Northeast Surgical Associates of Ohio, in Independence.Their study included 89 nursing home residents in four states who were treated for moderate to advanced bedsores. The patients were randomly assigned to receive standard care or standard care plus a liquid protein supplement three times a day for eight weeks.The supplement, sold as Pro-Stat, is concentrated to provide a large protein dose in a small serving -- 15 grams of protein in an ounce of liquid.After eight weeks, Lee's team found, patients who'd taken the supplement were healing at roughly twice the rate of those on standard care.The findings appear in the journal Advances in Skin & Wound Care. The maker of Pro-State, Medical Nutrition USA, Inc. in Englewood, New Jersey, funded the research.According to Lee, an easily digested, concentrated liquid protein can make it easier for nursing home residents to get the nutrition they need to promote wound healing "Data have long suggested that high-protein diets improve the healing of pressure ulcers," the researcher said in a statement, "but specific evidence until now has been weak regarding how much protein, and in what form, is most effective."According to Lee, one reason for the supplement's benefits may be its high levels of certain amino acids -- arginine, glutamine and glycine -- that have been shown to promote wound healing.SOURCE: Advances in Skin & Wound Care, March 2006. Thu, 18 May 2006 00:20:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-supplement-may-speed-bedsore-healing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/studies-find-stronger-link-between-vitamin-d-and-cancer-prevention Studies find stronger link between vitamin D and cancer preventionSource: www.indystar.comThough scientists have suspected that vitamin D helps to prevent and possibly even treat breast cancer, population-based studies on the possible link have been few and of limited scope. New studies at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto suggest the vitamin may play a significant role in reducing breast cancer risk. The results, based on population data, found the reduction was most apparent among subjects exposed to the highest levels of vitamin D when they were young. For example, taking cod liver oil between ages 10 and 19 reduced breast cancer risk by about 25 percent.Dermatologist says baldness isn't inherited only from Mom's family Common wisdom has it that male-pattern baldness is inherited from your mother's side of the family, but it ain't necessarily so, according to Robert Weiss, a cosmetic dermatologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "You're probably in trouble, though, if both your mother's side and your father's side are bald," Weiss told the Ivanhoe.com medical news service recently. Weiss is studying a new way to stimulate hair growth with low-energy red light.Survey shows almost half of us don't know signs of mental illness A survey released recently by the American Psychiatric Association showed that nearly half of all consumers know little or nothing about the warning signs, causes and effective treatments for mental illnesses such as depression. The APA estimates that one in five Americans is afflicted with mental illness in any given year. Thu, 18 May 2006 00:11:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/studies-find-stronger-link-between-vitamin-d-and-cancer-prevention http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-studies-show-topical-glucosamine-targets-pigment-overproduction New studies show topical glucosamine targets pigment overproductionSource: www.eurekalert.orgData presented at 2006 American Academy of Dermatology Meeting uses first ever non-invasive imaging system to detect pigment changes, test glucosamine efficacy While the debate about glucosamine's efficacy in treating arthritis pain continues, a series of studies presented at the 64th American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting indicates that a topical version of the supplement has effects on skin – with the particular ability to normalize pigment overproduction in skin cells damaged by UV radiation exposure. "While a great deal is known about glucosamine's safety profile and anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, there have been few well-controlled studies on how these properties could be used to improve skin health," says Alexa Kimball, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology, Harvard Medical School, who supervised one of the studies presented at the AAD. " It is really gratifying to see this level of research and validation on a topical cosmetic application. These findings could impact the way dermatologists treat UV related skin damage." Data from three studies presented at the meeting focused on a formulation including N-acetyl glucosamine, a more stable version of glucosamine. N-acetyl glucosamine is a substance that inhibits glycosylation of pro-tyrosinase – a key process in melanin overproduction in UV damaged skin cells. The in vivo and in vitro studies highlight improvements in hyperpigmentation, skin tone and barrier function. Data from the SIAscope, a non-invasive skin imaging system developed by Cambridge UK-based company Astron Clinica, enabled scientists to view the effects of the N-acetyl glucosamine complex on pigment producing cells – giving scientists the ability for the first time ever to see the distribution of melanin across an entire human face. NAG/Niacinamide Reduces Appearance of Hyperpigmentation in Vivo Two double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies examined the effects of N-acetyl glucosamine alone and a complex containing N-acetyl glucosamine plus niacinamide, a vitamin B derivative, which has previously been shown to be effective in reducing facial hyperpigmentation. , , The first study involved 50 Japanese women (ages 25-55) who were randomized to use either a topical placebo formulation or an N-acetyl glucosamine formulation. The second study involved 35 Caucasian women (ages 35-65) who were randomized to use either a topical formulation containing niacinamide or N-acetyl glucosamine plus niacinamide complex. Researchers concluded that N-acetyl glucosamine was more effective in reducing hyperpigmentation over the placebo and a complex of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide were more effective in reducing hyperpigmentation than niacinamide alone. Another study, supervised by Harvard dermatologist Dr. Kimball, 200 subjects (ages 40-60) with facial hyperpigmenation used an SPF-15 moisturizing sunscreen lotion product and a moisturizing cream. One hundred of these subjects used an SPF-15 moisturizing sunscreen lotion product and a moisturizing cream with an N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide complex and 100 subjects received the lotion and cream without the active complex. Results showed that a topical N-acetyl glucosamine plus niacinamide complex is clinically effective in reducing the appearance of facial hyperpigmented spots. Additionally, the combination was significantly effective on top of any effect provided by the SPF-15 sunscreen included in the daytime test products. These 200 subjects underwent additional testing using the SIAscope, a technology that models and measures the interaction of light within the skin to produce full-face visual maps of melanin distribution. These maps revealed that treatment with an N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide complex resulted in a reduction in both hyper-melanized spot size and heterogeneity of melanin distribution. "This unique SIAscope technology allows us to non-invasively measure and understand biological components that comprise skin tone. It is an amazing clinical tool to help us evaluate new treatments and their ability to improve the skin," said Dr. Paul Matts, a principal scientist from P&G Beauty, a division of Procter & Gamble, and co-author of the study with Dr. Kimball. NAG Increases Hyaluronic Acid, Water Content, Biomarkers of Healthy Skin In this study, the effects of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide were tested in in vitro human skin cultures, as well as a clinical facial trial of 35 to 60 year old women with moderate-severe fine lines and wrinkles. The in vitro work found that the N-acetyl glucosamine plus niacinamide complex stimulated the production of hyaluronic acid, a key component in skin's hydration, as well as increased collagen (procollagen-1) expression. In human subjects, this improved hydration of the skin reduced the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the eye area of the face. Researchers hypothesize that the improved skin tone and moisturization may come from the role that glucosamine plays in hyaluronic acid synthesis, as well as improvements in collagen structure. Thu, 04 May 2006 00:11:37 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-studies-show-topical-glucosamine-targets-pigment-overproduction http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-insight-into-joint-lubrication-that-keeps-osteoarthritis-at-bay New insight into joint lubrication that keeps osteoarthritis at baySource: www.innovations-report.comNew evidence to explain how the body’s natural joint lubricant prevents the wear and tear that can lead to osteoarthritis has been uncovered by researchers at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering The findings may lead to new methods for treating arthritis, the researchers said. The team found in realistic models of joints that, rather than simply reducing friction, a component of joint fluid called lubricin forms a very thin barrier that repels joint surfaces to prevent their contact. The researchers further found that lubricin in combination with a second constituent of joint fluid known as hyaluronic acid (HA) produces an even greater protective effect than either of the components alone. The findings were prepared for presentation at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Atlanta at a session beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at the OMNI CNN Center. Collaborators on the study include Stefan Zauscher and Nehal Abu-lail, of Duke’s Pratt School; Farshid Guilak, of the Duke University Medical Center; and Gregory Jay, of Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. "In the healthy joint, the intact superficial surface layer of cartilage provides an extremely efficient bearing surface with an apparently very low coefficient of friction," said Zauscher, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke’s Pratt School. "Any damage to this superficial zone or absence of lubricating factors may be the cause of a cascade of mechanical failures in joints that ultimately leads to the onset of osteoarthritis," he said. Zauscher is also a member of the Center for Biologically Inspired Materials and Material Systems at Duke. Through careful measurement of forces acting on models that mimic interacting joint surfaces at the molecular level, the researchers have begun to determine the mechanisms by which lubricants provide protection in limb joints characterized by bony surfaces covered in a layer of cartilage, Zauscher said. Lubricin appears to reduce adhesion between joint surfaces and may also cover the joint surface with a protective layer that physically prevents cartilage from running up against each other. Three constituents of joint fluid -- lubricin, HA and lipids -- are thought to play a role in mediating friction. However, a recent study by other researchers found that degradation of joint lipids had little effect on their lubrication, Zauscher noted. Due in part to its larger molecular size, research efforts have focused more attention on HA. Indeed, physicians currently treat osteoarthritis with HA injections, Zauscher said. While such treatment can reduce pain and inflammation, the therapy seems to do little to protect joints from further damage, he added. While scientists had speculated that lubricin contributes to the unique frictional properties of the joint, the mechanism by which it prevents wear has been controversial, Zauscher said. "Considering the extensive impact and consequences of osteoarthritis, little is still known of its etiology and details of the boundary lubrication mechanism have remained unclear," Zauscher said. "The uncertainty stems primarily from the complex chemical and structural properties of the bearing surface, and the lack of suitably developed measurement approaches." A new method developed by the researchers allowed for the first direct measurements of the forces on model joints using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM is a technique for analyzing forces on the surface of materials all the way down to the molecular level. The researchers tested the lubricating effects of model fluids containing varying concentrations of lubricin on the forces between a tiny bead and a glass slide, both of which had chemically modified surfaces that mimicked those found in joints. The researchers found that, in the presence of lubricin, molecular interactions between the ball and slide were always repulsive. The strength of the repulsive force rose as the concentration of lubricin increased until it reached a level at which the lubricant formed a continuous layer. While HA alone failed to have such an effect, a mixture of lubricin and HA produced a greater repulsive force than either substance alone, they found. "It appears that an important role of lubricin is not to reduce friction, but rather to protect sliding surfaces from wear by forming a barrier between them," Zauscher said. The findings have important clinical implications for the development of future therapies for osteoarthritis, as well as for patients with a rare genetic disease, in which their joints cannot produce functional lubricin. The team will next examine the lubricant’s role in keeping joints limber using methods they have developed to directly measure joint friction in normal mice and in genetically modified mice that lack lubricin. Thu, 04 May 2006 00:01:55 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-insight-into-joint-lubrication-that-keeps-osteoarthritis-at-bay http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pre-eclampsia-pronounced-with-intake-of-vitamins-in-large-doses Pre-eclampsia Pronounced With Intake of Vitamins in Large DosesSource: www.medindia.netExpectant Mothers , who carry a high risk of the potentially-fatal condition of pre-eclampsia, should make sure they do not consume large doses of Vitamin C and E. Recent research has suggested that Vitamins in large doses are not beneficial to pregnant women and can trigger pre-eclampsia.Pre-eclampsia, is a dangerous condition that causes an unhealthy rise of Blood pressure in pregnant women which is a common cause of deaths and still born babies. It is no exaggeration that nearly 25,000 British women suffer pre-eclampsia, as per the yearly statistics. During this condition, toxic molecules called free radicals are released by the placenta. Earlier studies had shown the beneficial effects of Vitamin C and E, which releases antioxidants that were thought to stave off pre-eclampsia, now this exhaustive study conducted by Tommy’s baby charity, has discovered the adverse effect of such vitamins that enhance the susceptibility.This was proved amongst 2,400 expectant mothers, who suffered problems of high blood pressure, kidney problems, clotting disorders or diabetes, were subjected to a test when they were given extra vitamin supplements or a placebo. The study reported that pre-eclampsia figured in the women who received the vitamins about a week in advance, increasing their risk of delivering low birth weight Lead researcher Professor Shennan said “In addition, folic acid was not a vitamin used in this trial and still should be taken as it is recommended in the UK prior to conception and in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of spina bifida." Lancet Medical Journal has published the study, which was sponsored by the Wellcome Trust.Medindia on Leptin and inflammatory cytokines in women with pre-eclampsia Recent research shows that in women with pre-eclampsia, the level of maternal serum leptin is increased and correlates positively with the level of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-á. Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pre-eclampsia-pronounced-with-intake-of-vitamins-in-large-doses http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/raspberries-may-be-tops-in-anti-oxidants Raspberries may be tops in anti-oxidantsSource: www.upi.comDutch researchers say raspberries may have 10 times more anti-oxidants than tomatoes or broccoli, and may contain anti-oxidants rarely found elsewhere. Researchers from Plant Research International in Wageningen, the Netherlands, said flash freezing raspberries in liquid nitrogen and storing them at minus 20 degrees Celsius destroys much of the vitamin C, but the anti-oxidant capacity remains. Processing the berry into jams may alter some of the anti-oxidants, but most of the valuable compounds remain, the researchers say. "Raspberries contain vitamin C and anthocyanines, but these can also be found in other products," says Jules Beekwilder. "However, approximately 50 percent of the anti-oxidant effect of raspberries is caused by ellagitannins. These you find in small doses in strawberries and practically nowhere else." Some Chinese herbs may also be a source of those compounds, said the study published in BioFactors Wed, 03 May 2006 23:59:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/raspberries-may-be-tops-in-anti-oxidants http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-6-and-vitamin-e-could-cut-mnd-risk Omega-3, -6 and vitamin E could cut MND riskSource: Althealth NewsOmega-3 and -6 fatty acids and vitamin E in the diet could slash the risk of motor neurone disease (MND) by 60 per cent, say new research from the Netherlands.According to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the disease affects about seven people in every 100,000, with life expectancy of only two to five years. The disease characterized by the gradual death of motor neurones in the brain, which then stops muscles from working. The cause is unknown and there is no cure. The new study, published on-line in the Journal of Neurology (doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.083378), reports that a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and vitamin E could reduce the risk of developing the disease.The researchers, from the University Medical Centre, Utrecht, investigated the diets of 132 people with a form of MND called amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Their dietary habits were compared to 220 control subjects who did not have the disease. Dietary habits were evaluated using a validated 104-item food frequency questionnaire.While energy intake and supplement intake was similar between the groups, the researchers found that intake of vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was noticeably lower in the ALS cases, which agreed with the original hypothesis.People whose intake was more than 32 grams of PUFAs per day had a 60 per cent lower risk of ALS than those who consumed less than 25 grams per day. No differentiation between omega-3 and omega-6 was performed by the researchers.A daily intake of vitamin E over 18 milligrams was associated with a 60 per cent reduction in the risk of ALS.No relationship between flavonol, lycopene, or vitamins B2 and C were observed by the researchers.“This study shows that higher premorbid dietary intake of PUFAs and vitamin E was associated with a 50 to 60 per cent decreased risk of developing ALS,” wrote lead author Jan Veldink.The mechanism, say the researchers, is more than just the nutrients' individual benefits. The omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linoleic acid, for example, has been reported to protect neurones. Docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) is involved in the membrane of ion channels in the brain, making it easier for them to change shape and transit electrical signals. Vitamin E, say the scientists, inhibits lipid peroxidation which leads to oxidative stress.The nutrients' protective activity, says Veldink, is a case of the sum greater than the parts.“The combined analysis, including the interaction term, indicates that vitamin E and PUFAs increase their separate protective effects. Vitamin E may act directly to reduce the risk of ALS as a known inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, but it could also act indirectly through inhibition of peroxidation of PUFAs.As a result, a higher level of PUFAs will be available biologically,” said Veldink.Although further research is clearly needed, the results do fit with reports on the benefits of this nutrient combo for cognitive diseases. According to other studies, the risk of Alzheimer's disease could be reduced by a diet risk in plant lipids, fish, or by eating a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in both PUFAs and vitamin E.The study has several limitations, including being non-population based and depending on dietary recall of both the cases and controls. Veldink and his colleagues are currently conducting a population-based case-control study to further test their hypothesis.Famous people with MND include the actor David Niven and Professor Stephen Hawking Wed, 03 May 2006 23:32:02 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-3-6-and-vitamin-e-could-cut-mnd-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/neglect-your-bones-and-youll-regret-it Neglect your bones and you'll regret itSource: www.telegraph.co.ukA new study stresses the importance of feeding babies' bones, but adults should look after their scaffolding too, says Christine DoyleFor the enjoyment of the long life that most people now expect, good bones are every bit as crucial as a good pension. And, as with pensions, it is never too soon to think about the future. Neglect your internal scaffolding, and you run an increased risk of enduring stooped twilight years, punctuated with fractured limbs and a loss of independence. It's never too early to start thinking about protecting yourself from osteoporosis This week, a new study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlighted the importance of milk - one of the best sources of vitamin D and calcium - in the growth of the foetus. Women who drank a cup or more of milk a day had heavier babies. But vitamin D is vital throughout life, and crucial for bone health.Each year in the UK, about 200,000 fractures are caused by osteoporosis, or thinning, crumbly bones, which affects one in three women and one in 12 men after 50; yet, most perceive it as a disease of ageing - and less important than heart disease.However, weak bones can develop at any age. Family genes, drugs such as steroids or disease all increase the risk. And, protracted bouts in bed can cause a rapid decline of calcium in bones - especially the hip, lower spine and wrist.How to prevent these from fracturing has become a major health concern; aside from the personal misery, they cost the health service about £1.7 billion a year.Critical to protecting yourself against osteoporosis, say specialists, is the amount of bone you "bank" when young. A less active lifestyle, less time exposed to the sun's rays and severe dieting are leading to a legacy of weak bones in later life. With spring in the air, it is a good time for everyone to invest in their bones.Eat and drink properlyDrinking a glass of milk is an often-ignored adage, but milk is rich in calcium, which, with vitamin D, is essential for bone renewal. Loss of bone density starts from around the age of 35, and, in women, accelerates after the menopause, when supplies of oestrogen dwindle. Men fare better, as their bones are larger.Between the ages of 11 and 18, which is the peak period for building strong, high-density bones, the recommended daily intake is around 1,000mg of calcium (about 900ml of milk). This drops to around 700mg for most adults, but rises after the age of 65.Eat two to four portions of calcium-rich dairy foods a day; good sources include cheese and yogurt. Non-dairy options include spring greens, nuts and dried fruits.Make the most of the sunOnce, we all considered sunshine to be supremely healthy. Today, though, we cover up and apply creams with sun-protection factor to minimise our risk of skin cancer. However, some researchers say we have gone too far. Covering up prevents the sun's rays from converting an enzyme in the skin into vitamin D, which is essential for ferrying calcium around the body and into the bones. More than 90 per cent of our vitamin D - often called the "sunshine vitamin" - comes from sunlight.To get the entire daily requirement of about 10 mcg without exposure to sunlight, you would need to eat nine eggs and/or drink 30 litres of milk a day.How much sun we need is controversial and, officially, the advice to cover up remains. Scottish research, however, links inadequate levels of vitamin D to broken hips. "Most people who are out and about and active will get the 10 to 20 minutes of sun a day necessary to stock up on vitamin D," says the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS).In winter, take a stroll when the sun is highest in the sky.Give your bones some punishment"Bone is a living tissue," says Matt Roberts, a fitness consultant. "It responds to short but intensive 'stress' or 'trauma' on the surrounding muscles by absorbing higher amounts of calcium and forming new and stronger bone." High impact weight-bearing exercise, such as running, tones legs, hips and lower-spine bones; jumping, skipping, or dancing to music are excellent alternatives.Seize every opportunity for impromptu exercise, advises Roberts: running up and down the stairs, for instance, or carrying shopping bags.Stop smoking"Smoking is not only risky for heart, lungs, skin and arteries - it's bad for bones as well," says the Arthritis Research Campaign. "Recent research shows that smokers have a lower bone density, and that they are less likely to respond well to some treatments for osteoporosis."What about supplements?A vitamin D supplement is advisable for at-risk groups - which includes the over-65s, especially if housebound or living in residential care - says the NOS. Older people absorb calcium less easily and their skin's ability to make use of sunlight also declines. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could be good bone insurance.Pregnant and breastfeeding women might also benefit from a supplement. Never exceed the recommended doses of vitamin D: it is toxic at high levels.Modest alcohol-consumption protects bones.A study of identical twins at St Thomas' Hospital, London, links eight units of alcohol a week (one unit is half a pint of beer, or a 125 ml glass of wine) with significantly denser bone at the spine and hip. Specialists warn that heavy drinking could have the reverse effect.Cut back on caffeineStudies suggest that too much caffeine increases the excretion of calcium in urine. Wed, 03 May 2006 23:30:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/neglect-your-bones-and-youll-regret-it http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sushis-slimming-secret- Sushi's Slimming Secret?Source: sciencenow.sciencemag.orgSushi lovers may now have even more reason to indulge. A Japanese group has found that large supplements of taurine, an amino acid synthesized within the body and also found in seafood, can largely reverse the health hazards of a high-fat diet in mice. Observers caution that more work is needed to prove taurine's protective role and to extend the work to humans. There is evidence that societies with fish-based diets suffer less obesity and related problems than do those that primarily eat meat. Noting that taurine is abundant in fish but not terrestrial animals and that previous animal experiments had shown increased intake of taurine reduced high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Nobuyo Tsuboyama-Kasaoka, a nutritional biochemist at Japan's National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, and colleagues set out to probe the relationship between taurine and obesity.They put groups of mice on high-carbohydrate or high-fat diets. The team found that compared to mice on the high-carbohydrate diet, mice fed a high-fat diet got fat and had lower levels of taurine in the blood and reduced amounts of the enzyme that synthesizes taurine in their adipose tissue, the fat-storing connective tissue found primarily under the skin. The team noted that the decrease in the production of taurine occurred 14 days or more after the high-fat diet was started, leading them to speculate that the reduction resulted from diet-induced changes in the adipocytes. "This creates a vicious cycle promoting obesity," says Tsuboyama-Kasaoka. Her team found, however, that a daily dose of taurine--3 milligrams per gram of a mouse's weight--prevented mice on the high-fat diet from getting obese. By measuring energy expenditure, the team concluded that mice fed a high-fat diet plus taurine burned off the fat because of higher at-rest energy consumption. They reported their findings online in Endocrinology on 20 April."This work raises some very interesting questions," says Martha Stipanuk, a biochemist at Cornell University who studies taurine. She cautions that additional work is needed to determine whether taurine is really involved in the increased fat-burning. She also notes that a human would have to consume a whopping 150 to 250 grams of taurine daily to get a dose equivalent to what was given to the mice. Tsuboyama-Kasaoka says her group is already planning mouse and human experiments to pinpoint the role of taurine and investigate whether lower doses of supplemental taurine are effective in humans. Wed, 03 May 2006 23:24:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sushis-slimming-secret- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acid-in-animal-fats-may-lower-blood-pressure Acid in Animal Fats May Lower Blood PressureSource: paktribune.comA lower intake of arachidonic acid -- a fatty acid found in animal fats -- is related to lower systolic blood pressure, according to a new international study. Systolic blood pressure -- the force created when the heart contracts and pumps blood out to the body -- is the first of the two numbers in a blood pressure measurement. "One standard deviation lower intake of arachidonic acid was associated with [a systolic blood pressure reading of] 1.6 mm Hg lower on average," the study reported. The link persisted after the researchers adjusted for multiple other factors, such as dietary intake of other fatty acids, cholesterol, and animal and vegetable proteins. Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. The researchers concluded that, in a beneficial diet plan, "lower arachidonic acid intake is one (of several) healthy dietary modifications accounting for a blood pressure fall." Previous research has found that dietary fats influence blood pressure, but the latest study is one of the first to identify the effects of an individual fatty acid. Results of the study, which involved 4,680 men and women aged 40 to 59 years, were to be presented Saturday at the American Heart Association’s annual conference on cardiovascular disease, epidemiology and prevention. Wed, 03 May 2006 23:21:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acid-in-animal-fats-may-lower-blood-pressure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-importance-of-fruit-and-vegetable-juices-in-nutrition The Importance Of Fruit And Vegetable Juices In NutritionSource: mathaba.netA man’s health is a very important aspect of his life. To say that “health is wealth” is not only to utter an old, used up mantra, but to mean that for most human beings, staying fit and healthy is parallel to being wealthy, for a person’s everyday life is influenced mainly by the state of his mind and body, especially by the presence and absence of certain diseases.Many people go through various efforts to stay fit, maintain good health, and ensure their longevity. Examples of these practices include engaging in rigorous physical fitness training, eating a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining ideal weight, and employing an effective stress management procedure. It is also important to stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and avoid the use of prohibited substances.Poor health can be caused by a host of different factors, such as poor eating habits, lack of exercise, stress, and excessive smoking and alcohol intake. Unbalanced intake of nutrients, for one, may cause excessive or deficient nutrient intake, which will definitely affect the body’s normal functions. These nutrients are necessary for a person’s growth, metabolism, and other functions. There are about six nutrients, which are needed by the human body in different amounts to perform its various processes. These are: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, or nutrients that are known to provide energy to the body; and minerals, vitamins, and water, or those nutrients that support the body’s metabolism.Water, the last nutrient in the list, is sometimes called the forgotten nutrient, but it is considered as the most important. Water is necessary for the body’s growth and metabolic processes. It runs through the blood and lymphatic system, carries oxygen and distributes nutrients to the cells, and rids the body of toxins and wastes in the form of urine and sweat. If water and its other liquid substitutes are not present in the human diet, food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion would be impossible.The human body is made up of two-thirds water. It needs eight to ten glasses of water or caffeine- and alcohol-free liquids to replace the water it loses during the day. The body’s need for water is satisfied by the intake of other drinking liquids free from caffeine and alcohol, such as juices; fruits and vegetables, which are made of 80 to 95% water; meat products, which are made of 50% water; and cereals like rice and oats, which can contain as much as 35% water.Fruit juices, on the other hand, have been scientifically proven to give certain health benefits, provided that they are taken in moderation. Nutritionists also suggest that fruit juices should be taken in their pure state, and people should only drink 100% fruit juice. Cranberry juice is believed to prevent urinary tract infections; grape juice is believed to lower the chances of blood clots in the heart; and orange juice is believed to prevent stroke and reduce the risk of heart attacks.Though these popular beliefs have no scientific basis to their therapeutic claims, most scientists say that many fruit juices are indeed healthy to drink. Pure orange juice, for example, is very rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid. Other fruit juices that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and anthocynanins (water soluble pigments found in plants which act as antioxidants) include grape juice (purple), pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. It is believed that juices that are made from fruits with rich colors such as grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, and blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. New juices from black currants and Tahitian noni have also found their way in the international market.Recent scientific studies have also claimed that the antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetable juices can help lower a person’s risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances found in most plants and have the potential to help combat heart diseases and fight cancer.Freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins which catalyze chemical reactions occurring in the body. These enzymes also produce the energy needed for digestion, absorption, and conversion of food into body tissues. An increased intake of fruit and vegetable juices ensures that the body will efficiently absorb more minerals and vitamins.Another helpful benefit of fruits and fruit juices is their ability to promote detoxification in the human body. Fruits help to cleanse the body, especially those with high acid levels. Tomatoes, pineapples, and citruses such as oranges, red grapefruits, and lemons are known for their detoxifying properties. While these fruits promote cleansing, they still provide the body with a high boost of Vitamin C! Sat, 22 Apr 2006 23:01:41 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-importance-of-fruit-and-vegetable-juices-in-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-effective-against-acute-akathasia Vitamin B6 Effective Against Acute AkathasiaSource: www.hsrmagazine.comVitamin B6 combined with the tetracyclic antidepressant drug mianserin can provide some relief of symptoms associated with neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA)--a state of agitation, stress or restlessness--according to recent research published in Clinical Neuropharmacology (29, 2:68-72, 2006).Working under the premise that acute NIA patients often fail to respond to general NIA therapies, including anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agents, dopamine agonists, GABAergic agents, [beta]-blockers, benzodiazepines and serotonin antagonists, researchers designed a study to compare the efficacy of B6, mianserin and placebo in the treatment of acute NIA. They randomly assigned 60 schizophrenia and schizoaffective inpatients, who also had acute NIA, to receive 1,200 mg/d vitamin B6, 15 mg/d mianserin or placebo for five days, in a double-blind design. Both at baseline and daily, they assessed the severity of NIA and psychotic symptoms using the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression.Compared with the placebo group, the vitamin B6 and mianserin groups showed a significant improvement in the subjective, subjective distress and global subscales; the objective subscale did not show significant positive results, but there was a trend toward symptom amelioration in both groups. A reduction of at least 2 points on the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale global subscale was noted in the vitamin B6 group (13/23, 56 percent) as well as in the mianserin groups (13/20, 65 percent), but in only one patient in the placebo group (1/17, 6 percent). The researchers concluded a high dose of B6 and a low dose of mianserin may be effective adjuncts to current treatments of NIA. They added the efficacy of vitamin B6 and mianserin suggests that the pathophysiology of acute NIA is heterogeneous with the various subtypes of acute NIA responding differently to various pharmacological approaches. Sat, 22 Apr 2006 23:00:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-effective-against-acute-akathasia http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/3-herbal-medicines-may-ease-back-pain 3 Herbal Medicines May Ease Back PainSource: www.webmd.comhe herbal medicines devil's claw, white willow bark, and cayenne might reduce back painback pain, according to a new research review.But the review's authors aren't recommending those herbal remedies. Instead, they say more work is needed to sort out the risks and benefits of the herbal treatments.The review was conducted by researchers including Joel Gagnier, ND, of Canada's Provincial Medical Centre in Windsor, Ontario. Gagnier and colleagues reviewed 10 studies with a combined total of 1,567 adults with acute, subacute, or chronic low-back pain.Those studies were done by various research teams. Gagnier and colleagues checked those studies' methods and results, publishing the findings in The Cochrane Library.Review's FindingsThe review showed that standardized daily doses of 50 milligrams or 100 milligrams of devil's claw, taken orally, seemed to reduce back pain more than fake pills (placebo).A 60-milligram daily dose of devil's claw also appeared to cut back pain as much as a 12.5-milligram daily dose of Vioxx, a painkiller no longer on the market due to a rise in the risk of cardiovascular events -- such as heart attackheart attack and strokestroke -- in some patients.Daily oral doses of white willow bark -- at 120 milligrams or 240 milligrams of white willow bark's active ingredient, salicin -- were also found to reduce back pain more than a placebo, the review shows.Cayenne, tested as a plaster applied to the skin, appeared to reduce back pain more than placebo. Cayenne plasters also equaled -- but didn't surpass -- results for a homeopathic gel.Quality of StudiesGagnier and colleagues call the evidence for devil's claw "strong," compared to "moderate" evidence for willow bark and cayenne plasters.However, the review also expresses concern about the quality of some of the studies. Gagnier's team also found possible conflicts of interest in six of the studies, which may have biased those studies' results.All of the studies were short, lasting up to six weeks, so they don't show long-term results. Additional high-quality studies are needed, Gagnier and colleagues write, adding that herbal medicines can vary in preparation and content.Meanwhile, the web site of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) offers this general advice for people considering any type of supplement: * Talk to your doctor first. * If you're already taking a supplement, tell your doctor. * Know that over-the-counter herbal remedies aren't regulated like prescription drugs and that some herbal medicines may interact with other medicines or have harmful side effects. Sat, 22 Apr 2006 22:56:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/3-herbal-medicines-may-ease-back-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-lowering-food-combo-effective Cholesterol-lowering food combo effectiveSource: today.reuters.co.ukEating four cholesterol-lowering foods each day can cut cholesterol levels as effectively as taking a first-generation statin drug, Canadian researchers report.The only side effects seen with the diet, which includes large quantities of fiber and soy along with plant sterols and almonds, was "mild weight loss," the study's lead author, Dr. David J. A. Jenkins of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, told Reuters Health."We're hoping to make cholesterol control within the grasp of the average person more than it has been," he added. "The advice that's been offered so far has left many people with no option other than to take a statin."Jenkins' research, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is unique because some participants had previously participated in a study of statins, so he and his colleagues were able to compare the effects of diet and drugs in the same person.The researchers instructed 66 people with high cholesterol to eat seven servings of foods containing viscous fiber -- for example, a slice of oat bran bread, or two teaspoons of psyllium, or two cups of raw eggplant; seven servings of foods rich in soy protein, such as a cup of soy beverage or a soy burger; 5 teaspoons of margarine containing plant sterols; and 42 grams, or 1.5 ounces, of almonds.Study participants were able to consume close to the required amount of almonds and plant sterols, but had a tougher time eating the full amount of fiber and soy. Fifty-five people completed the yearlong study.At 12 weeks, participants' level of "bad (LDL) cholesterol had dropped by 14 percent. One year later, it remained 13 percent below pre-study levels. Just under one third of study participants had LDL cholesterol reductions greater than 20 percent.Among the study participants who slashed their bad cholesterol more than 20 percent -- who, Jenkins and his team hypothesized, had adhered most closely to the diet --there was no difference in the results seen with the diet and with statin treatment.The 20 percent-plus reduction is similar to that seen with first-generation statin drugs, Jenkins and his team note, which have been linked to a 25 percent to 35 percent reduction in death from heart disease.He and his colleagues conclude that diets like those used in the study will become increasingly attractive to people who choose not to take statins for personal reasons or who experience side effects from the drugs, especially as more foods containing soy, fiber, almonds and plant sterols become available.SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2006. Sat, 22 Apr 2006 22:54:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-lowering-food-combo-effective http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milking-the-benefit-from-camels Milking the benefit from camelsSource: news.bbc.co.ukCamel's milk and other products like camel's cheese, ice cream and camel chocolate could soon be hitting the shelves of Western retailers if a United Nations bid to stimulate the rudimentary industry is successful.It is already widely drunk across the Arab world, but the United Nations says camel's milk has untapped potential to hit the global markets.Tasting slightly more salty than cow's milk, but with three times the vitamin C and up to 10 times the iron content, camel's milk is touted as a powerful tonic against many diseases and as an aphrodisiac.Potentially it could provide more food to people in dry areas, and also give nomadic herders from Mauritania to Mongolia a rich source of income. Many people believe the camel is a dirty animal, but that is not true. If you think there is not a high quality product coming from these animals, that is not true either. Hodner Mardach Camel Dairy Milk LtdTo do that, the fledgling industry needs to overcome numerous humps in production.A camel typically produces about five litres of milk per day, but that could be easily improved with changes to the low-tech business, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation."The potential is massive. Milk is money," says FAO dairy and meat expert Anthony Bennett."No-one's suggesting intensive camel dairy farming, but just with improved feed, husbandry and veterinary care daily yields could rise to 20 litres."Fresh camel milk fetches about a dollar a litre on African markets.Mr Bennett says that with the right investment, a global market worth $10bn (£5.6bn) is entirely possible.'Camel-bert cheese'British-born Nancy Abeiderahmanne has run a camel dairy in Mauritania for about 15 years. MILK FROM THE DESERT World population of camels is about 20 million Somalia is home to largest herd About 5.4 million tonnes of camel milk produced annually But just 25% is consumed by humans It tastes slightly saltier than cows' milk And it is three times as rich in vitamin C Source: UN FAOBack in 1992 the FAO helped her develop a camel cheese-making process, sending a scientist to show her how to use a special enzyme to give her products the right consistency.The result was a soft cheese with a white crust, "Caravane", and nicknamed Camelbert.Ms Abeiderahmanne says she has had interest from upmarket stores like Harrod's and Fortnum and Mason, in London, and is trying to find an acceptable certification system in a bid to get an export licence.Other ventures from the Western Sahara to Mongolia hint at the industry's potential.Nomads in Kazakhstan exploit a centuries-old method of storing camel milk in places lacking electricity, processing fresh milk into fermented milk, Shubat, a local delicacy.In Kazakhstan's old capital of Almaty, a modern factory produces Kourt, a hard cheese, and a range of camel's milk sweets.Meanwhile a Vienna-based chocolatier, Johann Georg Hochleitner, is preparing to launch a low-fat, camel milk's chocolate - prepared in Austria with powdered camel milk.Mr Hochleitner wants to tap into what he says is a potential market of 200 million in the Arab world.Taste testThe BBC's Wanyama wa Chebusiri visited the Camel Dairy Milk factory in Nanyuki, Kenya - a country where many see the camel herd as a traditional symbol of wealth."Caravane" cheese Some upmarket Western stores are said to be interested in "Caravane" cheeseOwner Hodner Mardach is hoping to tap the commercial potential of milk and related products like ice cream and yoghurt."Many people believe the camel is a dirty animal, but that is not true," he said."Many think there is not a high quality product coming from these animals, that is not true either."The company talks up the health benefits of its products, coming as they do from an animal which eats a diverse range of vegetation.Yet a taste test hinted what may be a battle to convince consumers."Camel's milk compared to cow's milk... I like camel's milk very much," one man told the BBC.But a young woman added: "Camel's yoghurt is not so sweet. I compare it with cow's milk and with goat's - not only is it too heavy, the taste is not so good." Sat, 22 Apr 2006 22:52:35 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milking-the-benefit-from-camels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warning-on-vitamins-and-pregnancy Warning on vitamins and pregnancySource: www.irishhealth.comHigh doses of vitamin supplements may raise the risk of pre­eclampsia in pregnancy rather than protecting against it, according to new research.Pre­eclampsia causes blood pressure to rise to levels which can threaten both the mother and the baby.The study has found that women at high risk from this condition should not take large doses of vitamins C and E.A previous study had claimed that these vitamins could help prevent pre­eclampsia.The latest study, funded by the Wellcome Trust contradicts this.The researchers said it is still important that pregnant women and those trying for a baby continue to take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.The research is published in the Lancet journal. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:34:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warning-on-vitamins-and-pregnancy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-deficiency-often-overlooked Vitamin B-12 deficiency often overlookedSource: www.kentucky.comTired and run down? No appetite? Trouble walking? Depressed or irritable? Do your hands or feet tingle?These symptoms describe dozens of different disorders, yet many people are not tested for one possible cause: a deficiency of B-12, a vitamin essential to health that is found in meat and dairy products.Those vulnerable to potentially serious complications from B-12 deficiency are senior citizens, strict vegetarians or vegans, bariatric and other stomach-surgery patients, and people who take certain diabetes, heartburn and ulcer medicines.Others particularly at risk are people who lack a protein that helps absorb the vitamin. This occurs in those with some autoimmune disorders and pernicious anemia, a blood disorder.There's controversy about the wisdom of routine testing because of costs and concerns that doctors might find people with low levels of the vitamin who don't warrant therapy.Nine out of 10 people with low B-12 levels are healthy and don’t need intervention, said Dr. Ralph Carmel, a leading B-12 expert who is widely published on the topic and who has treated thousands of patients with the problem.The trouble is distinguishing those with real problems from others with lower levels that “have no clinical implications,” said Carmel, director of research in the Department of Medicine at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. Once a true B-12 deficiency is established, doctors need to treat patients promptly and aggressively, because if the problem goes untreated, “it can be disastrous,” he said. “If it goes untreated for too long, the damage doesn’t go away.”A recently published book, Could It Be B-12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses (Quill Driver Books, $12.95) by Sally Pacholok and Dr. Jeffrey Stuart, argues that B-12 deficiency frequently is under-diagnosed.“I’ve worked in the same hospital for 23 years, and I see so many people with signs and symptoms,” said Pacholok, a registered nurse who published the book last year with her physician husband.Pacholok, 42, was diagnosed at age 19 with a hereditary form of pernicious anemia, a disease that causes B-12 deficiency. Over the years, when she urged that patients be tested, “they looked at me as if I was some kind of nut,” Pacholok said. She got some of her physician and nurse colleagues at Mt. Clemens General Hospital to explore further if patients showed symptoms.Some doctors question the cost-effectiveness of testing people in high-risk groups or people who have diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis, with symptoms that mimic B-12 deficiency. Routine blood tests are inaccurate. A more accurate urinary test costs $90 to $200.Dr. Jeffrey Halter, chief of geriatrics at the University of Michigan Medical Center, said the center doesn’t routinely test for B-12 deficiency unless an elderly person is malnourished. Testing people with slightly low B-12 levels or who have memory loss is controversial and not cost-effective, he said.Estimates vary about the incidence of B-12 deficiency, but two leading experts agree that the consequences of not treating those with the problem can be devastating.Research by Katherine Tucker, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University and a veteran B-12 researcher, found that as much as 16 percent of the population has B-12 deficiency or low levels of B-12.“It’s a real problem,” she said. “The awareness of it certainly needs to be raised.”Thousands of people with the problem have called, written and e-mailed her about their B-12 deficiency in recent years, she said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”Among vegetarians or vegans, B-12 deficiency “is a viable concern,” said Suzanne Havala Hobbs, a registered dietitian with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a recognized writer on vegetarian issues.She and others said there’s now good information about the deficiency.Other causes of B-12 deficiency:HyperthyroidismPregnancyCancerIntestinal disorders such as Crohn’s or celiac disease.Certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs, such as the diabetes medicine metformin; H2-blockers and antacids, including Pepcid, Prilosec, Tagamet, Zantac, Nexium and Tums.Anesthesia, particularly nitrous oxide (so-called laughing gas), during surgery or dental procedures.A look backB-12 deficiency was common 100 years ago. Discovering that daily consumption of half a pound of liver led to the dramatic reversal of B-12 deficiency won the Nobel Prize in 1934 for George Minot, William Murphy and George Whipple.Work with B-12 also played a role in three subsequent Nobel Prizes in chemistry in 1964, 1965 and 1981.By the 1950s, many doctors routinely gave patients B-12 supplements.Doctors serving celebrity clients mixed the shots with amphetamines, causing controversy and alarm, until the practice fell into disregard, said Dr. Howard Markel, a University of Michigan medical historian.On the WebU.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service: www.ars.usda.gov.National Institutes of Health:www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000574.htm.Vegetarian Resource Group: www.vrg.orgFor the American Dietetic Association position paper on vegetarian diets, go to www.eatright.org, then search for “vegetarian diets.” Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:08:51 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-deficiency-often-overlooked http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-new-fountain-of-youth- A new fountain of youth?Source: www.health24.comMove over Botox. Collagen injections, step to the side.The road to the fountain of youth is about to be repaved, as a host of new injectable, anti-ageing treatments sit poised to return your weathered, baby-boomer face to a kinder, gentler time. Click here Advertisement "Volume fillers" hold promise Among the most promising: Treatments known as "volume fillers" - compounds that promise to replace those laugh lines and angry wrinkles with smiles."These are various compounds that are injected just under the skin and work to fill out the indentations that appear as age lines and wrinkles," says Dr Neil Sadick, professor of dermatology at Weill Medical Center of Cornell University in New York City.Unlike Botox injections, which get rid of wrinkles by paralysing the tiny muscles that help form the line, the new volume fillers work more like the original bovine collagen shots first popularised more than 20 years ago. They simply plump up the tissue that lies just under the surface of the wrinkle.Longer lasting, safer compounds The big difference between then and now? The new compounds are longer lasting and, many dermatologists say, safer for a greater number of people.Some dermatologists, however, warn the new treatments may pose potential risks."One to two percent of people have an allergy to bovine collagen - you don't see that with these newer treatments," says Sadick. In addition, most last twice as long as collagen, which is good for about three months, and some even longer than that.Treatments that have caused the "beauty buzz" Some of the new volume-filler treatments generating the loudest "beauty buzz" are Artecoll, Restylane, Radiance and Hylaform. Although none is currently approved for cosmetic use in South Africa or the United States, they're likely to be available soon. The clinical trials conducted here, combined with approved use in Europe and Canada, have some doctors excited about their potential."I'm extremely impressed with both the result and the safety profile of Restylane. It works extremely well," says Dr Robin Ashinoff, an associate professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center.Hylaform: No risk of allergic reaction A gentle treatment derived from hyaluronic acid - a fluid found naturally in human joints - it's essentially non-toxic with virtually no risk of allergic reaction, so no pre-testing is needed, Ashinoff says."It also gives longer-lasting results - from seven months to a year," says Ashinoff, who conducted some of the clinical trials for Restylane.Hylaform is a slightly different form of hyaluronic acid. And it's derived from rooster combs. It also has an excellent safety profile, with results that last longer than collagen - from three to six months or more, Sadick says."Agents such as hyaluronic acid represent a major advance because patients can have treatments with increased safety and greater longevity," says Sadick, who worked on clinical trials of Hylaform.Because it's an animal by-product, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) warns that the risk of allergic reaction to Hylaform is slightly greater than for Restylane. But the risk is still considered low.Radiance: Can cause skin reaction Radiance is another volume filler, but it's comprised of tiny particles derived from calcium. Currently, the FDA has approved its use for treating vocal cord paralysis and some types of incontinence. However, "off-label" use - prescribing a drug for a reason other than what it was originally approved - means it's available to any doctor to use as an anti-ageing treatment.On the plus side, Radiance treatments are reported by dermatologists to last anywhere from two to five years, with the potential for allergic reaction very small. On the down side - a small but significant risk of "granuloma," a localised skin reaction to a foreign body that can result in hardened, sometimes itchy bumps just under the skin. And, the problem can last months or even years, studies show.The lumps can also migrate to other parts of the body with a potential for complications that doctors know little about, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Artecoll: Immediate and permanent Still one more volume-filling option is Artecoll, an injection that combines 75 percent collagen with 25 percent micro beads made of a synthetic material similar to Plexiglas.The big plus here: Permanent wrinkle removal because it works on a slightly different principal than other volume fillers."The collagen gives you the immediate fill and the micro beads help initiate a body response that gives you the permanent fill," says Ashinoff.The micro beads settle in just below the surface of the wrinkle, kicking off the body's natural inflammatory response. This, in turn, initiates the production of a kind of scar tissue to grow around the bead. It's this tissue that ultimately forms the permanent filling for the wrinkle or line, explains Ashinoff.While results are said to be remarkable, studies also show a risk of granuloma, which can be permanent.More safety studies needed Artecoll's manufacturer says the body does not absorb the micro beads. But the American Society of Plastic Surgeons cautions that, like Radiance, the beads in Artecoll can migrate to other areas of the body - and there's almost no information on what consequences, if any, this might cause.Some American doctors are calling for more safety studies on Artecoll before the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives it its blessing. Recently, however, an FDA advisory panel voted to recommend that Artecoll get that approval now - which could mean it might be available for use in the United States as early as September. Restylane, Radiance and Hyalaform are under similar consideration.A gold standard for anti-ageing care As intriguing as the new options are, some doctors continue to believe the tried-and-true bovine collagen injections remain the gold standard for anti-ageing care."Collagen has a safety profile that goes back more than 20 years," says Dr Tewodros Gedebou, director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery/Trauma at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles."And with the proper pre-treatment testing to rule out allergic reactions, it offers both predictable results and few, if any, complications. And I don't think we can say that about these newer treatments," he says. – (HealthDayNews) Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:06:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-new-fountain-of-youth- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/raising-vitamin-d-intake-could-cut-risk-of-many-cancers Raising vitamin D intake could cut risk of many cancersSource: www.nutraingredients.comRaising the RDA of vitamin D from 400 IU to 1500 IU could cut the number of deaths from cancer by 30 per cent, say the US scientists investigating the link between vitamin D levels and cancer risk.The link between vitamin D intake and protection from cancer dates from the 1940s when Frank Apperly demonstrated a link between latitude and deaths from cancer, and suggested that sunlight gave “a relative cancer immunity.”Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors – D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive. The latter is derived from plants and only enters the body via the diet.Both D3 and D2 precursors are hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the non-active ‘storage' form, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the biologically active form that is tightly controlled by the body.There is growing evidence that 1,25(OH)2D has anticancer effects, but the discovery that non-kidney cells can also hydroxylate 25(OH)D had profound implications, implying that higher 25(OH)D levels could protect against cancer in the local sites.The Health Professionals Follow-Up study, a prospective study of over 50,000 US male health professionals, is the first study to examine total cancer incidence and factors that determine 25(OH)D levels.The research, led by Edward Giovannucci from Harvard School of Public Health, used data from 1095 participants who had plasma 25(OH)D levels measured, and then computer-predicted levels for the whole cohort.The scientists then linked the 25(OH)D levels to determinants of vitamin D exposure, like dietary and supplemental vitamin D, geographical residence, skin pigmentation and leisure-time activity.Vitamin D levels were strongly linked to physical activity and skin colour – darker skinned people produce less vitamin D on exposure to the sun, relative to fair-skinned people.Dietary vitamin D was also a strong predictor of vitamin D levels, but supplements had only a slight effect, consistent with the common use of the less active vitamin D2 in multivitamins, say the researchers.“In this cohort analysis, a 25(OH)D increment of 25 nanomoles per litre (nm/L) was associated with a 17 per cent reduction in total cancer incidence, a 29 per cent reduction in total cancer mortality, and a 45 per cent reduction in mortality of digestive-system cancer,” wrote Giovannucci in the April issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (vol. 98, pp. 451-459).The RDA of 400 International Units (IU), equal to 10 micrograms per day, raises plasma levels of 25(OH)D by a modest 7 nm/L.“Achieving a 25(OH)D increment of 25 nm/L may require a vitamin D supplementation of at least 1500 IU per day, a safe but not generally encouraged level,” said Giovannucci.The best source of vitamin D is from sun exposure, with a fair-skinned person estimated to produce up to 20,000 IU after 20-30 minutes in the sun. However, sun exposure is discouraged due to the risk of skin cancer.In an accompanying editorial, Gary Schwartz from Wake Forest University and Willian Blot from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center said clinical trials of high dose vitamin D supplementation and the risk of cancer should be “undertaken speedily”.“The potential for cancer prevention by vitamin D (in pill form) must now proceed to the clinical trial testing arena,” said the editorial.Schwartz and Blot said that the cohort results were likely to boost enthusiasm for the vitamin for cancer prevention, but cautioned that observational epidemiological studies had limitations that should not be overlooked.Unlike beta-carotene and vitamin E, both of which were heralded as cancer preventatives only to be questioned by further studies, the evidence for vitamin D is strong, said the editorial.“The biological evidence for inhibition of carcinogenesis is strong and, often, was predicted by the prior epidemiological findings on sunlight exposure.”The vitamin's protection is proposed to be multifaceted, by reducing the formation of blood vessels in tumours (angiogenesis), stimulating the mutual adherence of cells, and enhancing intercellular communication through gap junctions. All this adds up to stop proliferation of cancerous cells by contact inhibition.Sara Hiom, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said that the study was one of the most robust that suggested an association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cancer incidence and mortality in men."The authors suggest that it may be wise to review daily recommended doses of vitamin D as these may currently be too low. As the sun is also an important source of the vitamin, Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign will continue to advise safe enjoyment of the sun without burning," she said.Calls for raising the recommended daily allowance of the vitamin based on a growing body of science is also reaching consumers, whose awareness of these health links is increasing and outlets have reported massive boosts in sales.Britain's largest supermarket chain, Tesco, said in January that it had witnessed a 400 per cent increase in the sales of vitamin D supplements since the end of December. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:04:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/raising-vitamin-d-intake-could-cut-risk-of-many-cancers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-antioxidants-vitamin-d-fight-breast-cancer Food Antioxidants, Vitamin D Fight Breast CancerSource: www.forbes.comA range of foods such as soybeans, fruits and green tea contain powerful antioxidants that help reduce a woman's risk for breast and ovarian cancer, new studies find.Researchers presenting data this week at the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting, in Washington, D.C., also found that vitamin D lowers risks for these cancer.The new studies build on previous research and do look promising, but it's too soon to change dietary advice, said one expert, Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, a medial oncologist at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Calif."None of the four studies warrant a public health change," Chlebowski said. Still, he called all four studies interesting and valuable.In one study, postmenopausal women who consumed high levels of flavonoids, a class of antioxidants found in plants, had a 45 percent lower risk of breast cancer, said Brian Fink, a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who led the study.He and his colleagues evaluated data from a Long Island study conducted in 1996-1997. That effort looked at the health records of 1,434 women with breast cancers and those from 1,440 women without breast cancer. Those with the highest percentage of total flavonoid intake were at a 45 percent lower risk of breast cancer, although this benefit was restricted to post-menopausal women, the researchers added."Flavonoids are in fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee," he said. "We're not sure how much is needed to reduce the risk. We don't really know the exact levels."Exactly how the flavonoids might work to reduce cancer risk isn't certain, either, he said. Antioxidant properties are thought to play a role, and the flavonoids may be "anti-estrogenic, as well," Fink said. Estrogen activity has long been linked to breast cancer.Another study found that high intake of flavonoids results in a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.A team from the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed food intake surveys and data on ovarian cancer from more than 66,000 participants in the Harvard Nurses' Health Study. The researchers zeroed in on a flavonoid called kaempferol, found in caffeinated tea, broccoli and kale. Those who had the highest levels of intake of kaempferol had a 38 percent decrease in the incidence of ovarian cancer compared to women with the lowest levels of this flavonoid.Another study found that women exposed to the highest levels of vitamin D -- which is manufactured by skin after sun exposure -- had a significant reduction in breast cancer risk.The researchers, from the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada, interviewed 576 people who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,135 women without any history of cancer. They asked each woman if she had worked at outdoor jobs, taken part in outdoor activities or consumed high levels of cod liver oil or milk (both sources of vitamin D) while young.Those who worked outside between the ages of 10 to 19 had a 40 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, and those who spent a lot of time outdoors between ages 10 to 29 had a 35 percent lowered risk, the researchers found.Those who took cod liver oil from ages 10 to 19 had a 25 percent lower risk, while women who drank at least nine glasses of milk a week between ages 10 to 29 reduced risk by 35 percent.In another study focused on vitamin D, a University of California, San Diego, team evaluated the results of two studies and confirmed that those with the highest blood levels of a vitamin D metabolite known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D had a 50 percent reduced risk of breast cancer. The two studies included 1783 women."The higher the level of vitamin D, the lower the risk of breast cancer," said Cedric Garland, adjunct professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and the Moores Cancer Center at the university. Right now, 320 IUs is about average for Americans, according to the researchers, and 2,400 IUs daily is the upper limit thought to be safe."Adding 1000 IUs to ordinary daily intake will decrease your risk of breast cancer by about 10 percent," Garland said. Depending on age, an adequate intake of vitamin D ranges from 200 to 600 IUs. Vitamin D3 is the best form, he said.The UCSD team also conducted a review of many studies published last year and found that high levels of vitamin D can reduce colon, breast and ovarian cancer risk by as much as 50 percent Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:01:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-antioxidants-vitamin-d-fight-breast-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-a-high-fiber-diet-reduce-risk-of-colorectal-cancer- Will A High-Fiber Diet Reduce Risk Of Colorectal Cancer?Source: www.wmdt.comColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, according to the American Cancer Society.For more than 30 years, researchers thought a high fiber diet might reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. In a study of more than 700,000 men and women, researchers found that colorectal cancers were 16 percent less common among people consuming the most fiber than among those getting the least. But the study also says it's not the fiber that's protecting those people."It's just that they're healthier people, healthier lifestyles. They eat better foods, more grains, more fruits, more vitamins. They exercise more," said Dr. Victor Gong. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:00:21 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-a-high-fiber-diet-reduce-risk-of-colorectal-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-protect-eyes Fish oils protect eyesSource: www.saga.co.ukForget carrots: fish oils may help save your eyesight say scientistsOmega-3 fatty acids in fish oils may help protect the retina from blinding eye diseases, according to scientists from Louisiana State University.Reporting in the journal Trends in Neuroscience Professor Nicolas G Bazan, explains how omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help protect retina cells from degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of loss of vision in the over-65s.In these blinding eye diseases, photoreceptor cells in the eyes degenerate and die, but a fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may protect cells within the eye called retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.Part of the RPE cells' response is to activate the production of a derivative of DHA that protects brain cells. This compound, known as NPD1, slows the activity of genes that cause inflammation and cell death.RPE cells contain the omega-3 fatty acid family member, DHA, which Dr Bazan and colleagues found is a precursor to NPD1. RPE cells regulate the uptake, conservation, and delivery of DHA to the photoreceptor cells.DHA, known to be in short supply in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and Usher's syndrome, promotes protective cell signalling by aiding the expression of helpful rather than destructive proteins as well as stimulating the production of NPD1. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:59:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-protect-eyes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-may-help-protect-against-retinal-degenerative-diseases Fish Oil May Help Protect Against Retinal Degenerative DiseasesSource: www.medicalnewstoday.com A invited paper published in Trends in Neuroscience this week by Nicolas G. Bazan, MD, PhD, Boyd Professor and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, reports on the role that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil play in protecting cells in the retina from degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of loss of vision in those older than 65. The paper is titled, Cell survival matters: docosahexaenoic acid signaling, neuroprotection and photoreceptors.In these blinding eye diseases, photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) degenerate and die. Although this process can be triggered by many different things, one of the most significant protective factors may be the close association of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in them. The main role of RPE cells is photoreceptor maintenance-they conduct the daily shedding, internalization, and degradation of the tips of the photoreceptor outer segments. It now appears that RPE cells are also key to the survival of photoreceptor cells.Both photoreceptor and RPE cell types are normally exposed to potentially damaging factors such as sunlight and high oxygen tension. How the cells avoid damage from these factors and others has been a mystery, up to now. Dr. Bazan's LSUHSC group, in close collaboration with colleagues at Harvard, has made several key discoveries that are beginning to provide answers to this complex riddle. One of them is the importance of DHA. RPE cells cope with sunlight and oxidative stress, as well as trauma, by using antioxidants like Vitamin E, present in the cells. Part of the RPE cells' response is to activate the synthesis of a major neuroprotective compound, which Dr. Bazan and colleagues discovered, called neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1). NPD1 inhibits genes causing inflammation and cell death that oxidative stress and other triggers turn on. RPE cells contain the omega-3 fatty acid family member, DHA, which Dr. Bazan and colleagues found is a precursor to NPD1.RPE cells regulate the uptake, conservation, and delivery of DHA to the photoreceptor cells. DHA, known to be in short supply in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and Usher's syndrome, promotes protective cell signaling by facilitating the expression of helpful rather than destructive proteins as well as stimulating the production of NPD1. DHA and NPD1 also decrease the production of damaging free radicals. DHA has been shown by Dr. Bazan to promote survival and inhibit cell death not only of photoreceptor cells, but also of neurons in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease.Questions remain, including the identification of another receptor believed to be an important pathway for NPD1, more information about the signals that control the formation of NPD1, and if NPD1 or a synthetic counterpart might be effective when administered therapeutically.“Because the early clinical manifestations of most retinal degeneration precedes massive photoreceptor cell death, it is important to define the initial crucial events,” notes Dr. Bazan. “This knowledge might be applicable to the design of novel therapeutic interventions to halt or slow disease progression.”LSU Health Sciences Center at New Orleans Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:52:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-may-help-protect-against-retinal-degenerative-diseases http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-like-birds-and-live-longer- Eat like birds and live longer!Source: www.hindu.comCalorie-restricted diets appear to improve the heart function and reduce two key signs of ageing - fasting insulin levels and body temperature, according to two new researches.An investigation by Professor Luigi Fontana of Washington University found that after an average of six years on calorie restriction, people's hearts functioned like the hearts of much younger people.His research follows up previous studies that showed rats on a strict low calorie diet increased their lifespans by about 30 per cent and were less likely to develop atherosclerosis and cancer.Fontana studied members of a group called the Calorie Restriction Society who call themselves CRONies (Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition), and have developed ways to eat low calorie/high nutrition diets.In a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Fontana revealed that the hearts of CRONies were able to relax between beats in a way similar to the hearts of younger people.Meanwhile, a team from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University reports that six months of a diet with 25 percent fewer calories reduces two key markers of ageing: fasting insulin levels and body temperature. The two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:40:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-like-birds-and-live-longer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/barley-grass Barley GrassSource: Althealth NewsBarley grass is one of the green grasses - the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age. Barley has served as a food staple in most cultures. The use of barley for food and medicinal purposes dates to antiquity. Agronomists place this ancient cereal grass as being cultivated as early as 7000 BC. Roman gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. In the West, it was first known for the barley grain it produces. Astounding amounts of vitamins and minerals are found in green barley leaves. The leaves have an ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. When barley leaves are 12-14 inches high, they contain many vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll. These are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving our bodies instant access to vital nutrients. These include potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, beta carotene, B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. Indeed, green barley juice contains 11 times the calcium in cows' milk, nearly 5 times the iron in spinach, 7 times the vitamin C in oranges, and 80 mg of vitamin B12 per hundred grams. Barley also contains a -glucan, a fiber also found in oat bran and reported to reduce cholesterol levels. The root contains the alkaloid hordenine which stimulates peripheral blood circulation and has been used as a bronchodilator for bronchitis. Barley bran, like wheat bran may be effective in protecting against the risk of cancer. Part Used: Grain, left when barley hull is removed. Common Use: Barley is widely cultivated grain used as a food and in the brewing process. It is an additive for human and animal cereal foods. It also makes a flavorful flour for use in baking breads and muffins. Care: It is a very hardy plant and can be grown under a greater variety of climatic conditions than any other grain, and a polar variety is grown within the Arctic Circle in Europe. DESCRIPTION Cereal grass is the young green plant that grows to produce the cereal grain. Grasses belong to the Gramineae family that provides all the world's cereals and most of the world's sugar. Wheat grass and barley grass are popular nutritional supplements. These cereal grasses, along with spirulina (see Spirulina), chlorella (see Chlorella), oat grass and alfalfa are sometimes referred to as "green foods." Wheat grass and barley grass are rich sources of chlorophyll (see Chlorophyll/Chlorophyllin), which is believed to have some health-promoting activities.ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY ACTIONS Wheat grass and barley grass have putative anticarcinogenic activity.MECHANISM OF ACTION Wheat sprout extracts have demonstrated antimutagenic activity in vitro. The mechanism of the antimutagenic effect is unclear. Wheat sprouts and wheat grass are rich in chlorophyll, and the antimutagenic activity of wheat sprouts may be accounted for by the presence of this substance, which is known to have antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities (see Chlorophyll/Chlorophyllin). Other substances, including flavonoids, may also play a role in these possible activities. Barley grass extracts have been found to protect human fibroblasts against carcinogenic agents. Again, chlorophyll may, in part, account for this effect. Barley grass contains several substances other than chlorophyll that have antioxidant activity and that may contribute to its possible antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities.PHARMACOKINETICS The proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in wheat grass and barley grass are digested, absorbed and metabolized by normal physiological processes.INDICATIONS AND USAGE Wheat grass/barley grass supplements are promoted for multiple uses. Claims have been made that they help prevent and fight cancer, lower cholesterol, detoxify many pollutants, protect against solar and other forms of radiation, boost energy and immunity, enhance wound healing, help with digestion, fight tooth decay and bad breath, promote healthy skin, reverse graying of hair and lower blood pressure, among other things. There is no credible evidence to support any of these claims at this time.RESEARCH SUMMARY Research is lacking on the possible effects of wheat grass and barley grass. Given that they contain chlorophyll, it is possible that they might have some of the activities exhibited by that substance, including antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. See Chlorophyll/Chlorophyllin.CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS Wheat grass and barley grass are contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of a wheat grass- or barley grass-containing supplement.PRECAUTIONS Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid wheat grass- or barley grass-containing supplements.Wheat grass supplements may contain high amounts of vitamin K. Those on warfarin should exercise caution in the use of wheat grass supplements.ADVERSE REACTIONS No reports of adverse reactions.INTERACTIONS Some wheat grass supplements may be rich in vitamin K and may affect the INR of those on warfarin.DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION There are various forms of wheat grass and barley grass supplements. Both are available as a powder, in tablets and as a juice. It is also available as a juice. Wheat grass and barley grass are also found in combination "green food" products with spirulina, chlorella, oat grass and alfalfa. Those who use wheat grass typically take 3.5 grams daily. The typical dose of barley grass is also about 3.5 grams daily. Fri, 24 Mar 2006 23:35:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/barley-grass http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-arnica-gel-may-help-banish-bruises Herbal arnica gel may help banish bruisesSource: www.bradenton.comI recently had a slow-motion tumble off my bike onto my knees on the way home. They were bruised, but I was able to pedal home and get arnica gel on them in about 10 minutes. I also took some homeopathic arnica pills. After one day, one knee shows NO effects of having been bruised, and the other is not black and blue and barely hurts at all. I am stunned by the effectiveness of this arnica. Have studies been done? Arnica montana is a flower that grows in Europe. It has traditionally been used for bruises and sprains. There is relatively little scientific evidence to support its use, but your report is not the first we've heard. A recent study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (January/February 2006) found that homeopathic arnica pills seemed to have a small but measurable effect on bruising following a face-lift. Homeopathic tablets contain very little arnica. At higher doses, though, arnica should not be taken orally since it can be quite toxic. Is there a book with all the great health ideas that I read in your column? We have gathered many of these tips about herbs and inexpensive approaches into our book "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." It can be purchased at your local bookstore or from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com. A year ago, your column mentioned the benefits of low-sodium V8 juice for muscle cramps. For years I had suffered from severe leg cramps almost nightly. After seeing your column, I immediately began drinking 8 ounces of low-sodium V8 every day. Now, more than a year later, I have not had one episode of muscle cramping. It has fewer calories than bananas (which I don't care for), little sodium and the solution to a painful problem. Several readers mentioned the high potassium content of low-sodium V8 juice (840 mg in 8 ounces). This offers more potassium for fewer calories than either bananas or orange juice. We're glad it has prevented your leg cramps. My mother died of breast cancer, so I am careful to avoid estrogen. Vaginal dryness is a problem, though, so my doctor prescribed Vagifem, which is a vaginal tablet. He implied that it would act locally and that I need not worry about estrogen exposure. Is this true? Vaginal estrogen, whether in cream or tablet form, is absorbed into the bloodstream. A study published online in the Annals of Oncology (Jan. 26, 2006) shows that Vagifem raises estradiol levels significantly. This action might undo the benefit of medications prescribed to prevent breast-cancer recurrence. Such an exposure to estrogen could well give you pause. Women have reported success alleviating vaginal dryness by applying nonhormonal lubricants directly to the vaginal tissue. Olive oil, vitamin E capsules and Sylk (containing kiwi vine extract) are natural products that some readers have found helpful. Try a test on your forearm to make sure you are not allergic to any product before applying it. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 23:04:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-arnica-gel-may-help-banish-bruises http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-ways-to-lower-cholesterol Natural Ways To Lower CholesterolSource: www.dailyindia.comHigh cholesterol levels can greatly increase the risk of heart disease including potentially fatal heart attacks. Heart disease can be caused by a number of factors but lowering cholesterol can have many positive effects and reduce risk. High cholesterol causes hardening of the arteries. Blood flow is then reduced to the heart which may result in chest pains or a heart attack. Lowering the possible causes of hardening or blocking the arteries will help maintain a healthy heart. For severely high cholesterol it is recommended to seek consultation with a physician for the best course of treatment. Traditionally, this is treated with prescription medication. However, the majority of people can lower cholesterol naturally without the use of prescription drugs. Natural remedies are abundantly available. With a few changes in eating habits and lifestyle, one can easily lower cholesterol. Eating foods that are low in fat will help as well as avoiding those with high fat content, especially foods containing trans-fat. Spreads such as butter and margarine have high levels of trans-fat. Packaged foods and frozen foods generally contain high levels also. Potato chips, crackers, baked goods and fast foods are all types to avoid. Instead concentrate on foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and garlic are great to use in your daily diet. Lifestyle changes are important if you are not leading a fairly healthy life. Smoking can increase the chances of having high cholesterol. Quitting not only will help this but will also reduce several other medical risks. Regular exercise will help promote a healthy heart. Partake in some form of aerobic exercise several times each week. Vitamin E may help reduce fatty formations on arteries. Artichoke leaf extract helps produce bile while assisting in eliminating cholesterol from the body. Chromium is a proven method of maintaining correct blood sugar levels, which will help control cholesterol. Niacin in high doses has shown benefits for reducing cholesterol. However, if taking other medications, consult a physician as niacin can react adversely to other medications. High cholesterol is a condition that affects many people throughout the world. It can increase chances of heart disease and potentially shorten life. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating healthy and exercising can reduce these risks significantly. Adding supplements can also help reduce cholesterol levels. Although the risks of high cholesterol are serious, it is easily controlled. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 23:02:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/natural-ways-to-lower-cholesterol http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/japanese-company-develops-improved-seaweed-extract-for-cosmetics Japanese company develops improved seaweed extract for cosmeticsSource: www.cosmeticsdesign.comUBE Industries claims to have devised a new way of processing the seaweed extract Fuicoidan, an active ingredient used as a softener in hair and skin care applications.The new process, which will be unveiled at the forthcoming In-Cosmetics show held in Barcelona, Spain in April, is said to turn a once dark-colored gloopy extract into a pale yellow viscous substance that is significantly more compatible to formulate. The company says that its process involves treating the seaweed with ethyl alcohol, which removes the carotenoids that give the extract its thicker consistency and darker color. The ingredient then undergoes a further extraction process under alkaline conditions and a fine filtration process.After undergoing this process, the extract's higher viscosity makes it far more compatible with a host of other base and active ingredients, easing the formulation process considerably.Further to this it is odorless, non-irritating and anti-allergic, attributes that are key to the success of most ingredients within the sector.The resulting extract, known as UBE-Fucoidan is said to promote the softness and moisture of both hair and skin. More specifically the company also claims that it inhibits oxidative degeneration of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which in turns can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.As the ingredient is both natural and it has anti-aging properties it is hitting on two of the biggest trends in the industry at the current time, something that is bound to add to its appeal.Fucoidan is a type of glyconutrient and is being developed as a specialized type of nutraceutical. The main effective ingredient in Fucoidan is the fucose, one of the eight essential biological sugars.It has been been included in the diet of Okinawa islanders for centuries and is attributed as one of the reasons why the region has one of the world's highest rates of longevity. Japanese Fucoidan is extracted from the two brown seaweeds, Cladosiphon okamuranus and is grown in farms under controlled conditions that ensure its purity and that it maintains high levels of nutrients. Another form of the plant is also cultivated in the Norwegian Fjords.Once harvested it is used for food, supplements and could now become a significant ingredients in cosmetic applications, if it proves successful. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 23:00:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/japanese-company-develops-improved-seaweed-extract-for-cosmetics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-food-should-my-mother-have-after-cancer-treatment- What food should my mother have after cancer treatment?Source: www.timesonline.co.ukMy mother, 68, has recently undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy for bowel cancer. She was also admitted to hospital with dehydration, and blood clots in the lungs. Since coming home she has totally lost condition, is very weak and has had several falls; indeed, she can hardly climb the stairs. What can we do with her diet and supplements to help her gain strength and condition? Sarah High, by e-mail I am sorry to hear of your mother’s plight. You are right to make nourishing food a priority as this will provide essential nutrients to help with recovery and repair. Major illness and surgery can deplete the body’s reserves of fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, proteins and glycogen. This can continue during recovery — often hospital food is inedible because it’s been sitting around for too long, or because it just isn’t what the patient fancies. And a lot of hospital food is now produced in cook-chill facilities, away from the ward, which means that nutrient levels will be far too low. Now that your mother is home she needs three meals a day, with small snacks in between. She probably won’t feel up to eating a lot at mealtimes, as her stomach will have shrunk and will quickly feel full. But it’s important to structure the day so that her body starts to anticipate food and drink, and produces the enzymes and digestive juices to break down food. I stress the structured mealtimes because the opposite (snacking any time) will take away the appetite for a nourishing meat-and-veg-style meal. It will also mean that your mother is sitting down and participating in the social aspect of eating, which can play an important role in recovery. Smelling good nourishing food as it’s cooked, and seeing you eating it with her, might help her appetite. Try to ensure that she has some protein — lean red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans or lentils — along with starch, such as pasta, rice or potatoes. If she fancies something cold, give her a cheese sandwich on fresh bread — protein plus carbohydrate. Although the body needs fresh fruit and vegetables for fibre, vitamins and the other healing nutrients, I’d make proteins and starches a priority as your mother needs the calories from more substantial foods. These will also help her to feel stronger. But offer her whizzed-up fresh fruit or vegetable juices between meals, and tempt her with a mug of home-made soup mid-afternoon. Dried fruits such as dates, apricots and figs are good for snacks. Don’t worry about using cream, butter or Greek-style yoghurt in cooking to boost calories. Adding a little cream to the potato and lean minced beef in shepherd’s pie can be a good way of increasing the calories without increasing portion size. Texture can influence how much someone with a poor appetite eats: pies, crumbles, puddings, casseroles and fish pies can be very comforting. I’d also recommend a good multivitamin and mineral supplement such as Centrum, Boots’ own make, or Solgar, to help to replenish her body’s stores while her appetite builds up. Taking a probiotic, such as Acidophilus 8 Billion, once a day to restore gut function might reduce her chances of falling prey to a stomach bug. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 22:59:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-food-should-my-mother-have-after-cancer-treatment- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-acupuncture-vitamin-d Benefits of Acupuncture, Vitamin DSource: www.ksbitv.comFor centuries there have been people who swear by acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of treating ailments by sticking needles into the skin.But researchers who looked at 900 migraine sufferers and treated them with false acupuncture, real acupuncture or medication found little difference between the three methods.Those undergoing "real" acupuncture reported feeling better. So did those who were given drugs. But patients who received the false acupuncture, where the needles are inserted in non-traditional acupuncture points in the body, said they felt better, too.Researchers involved in the study say this shows that Chinese acupuncture is not a very specific treatment.In other health news, doctors have known for some time that Vitamin D can help women absorb calcium faster, but can it help prevent bone-breaking falls?Swiss researchers asked almost 250 men and women to take either Vitamin D or a placebo along with their calcium supplements for three years. All of the patients were at least 65 years old. Researchers found that women who took Vitamin D fell less than half as frequently as those taking the placebo.Doctors believe that many elderly women develop lower muscle weakness, making them more likely to fall. Doctors say Vitamin D helps those muscles become stronger. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 22:54:20 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-acupuncture-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-peel-extract-has-more-potential-as-supplement Pomegranate peel extract has ‘more potential’ as supplementSource: www.foodnavigator.comPomegranate peel yields double the amount of antioxidants than the pulp, and has ‘more potential as a health supplement’ claim Chinese researchers.The fruit has commonly been linked to improved heart health, but other varied claims have been made including protecting against prostate cancer and slowing cartilage loss in arthritis. For example, Pomegreat pomegranate juice is approved by the charity Heart UK, and has seen sales increase ten-fold, to 500,000 litres a month, from mid-2004 to mid-2005.The majority of research has focussed on the pulp and juice of the fruit. But now scientists from the Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China, have reported that the peel offers higher yields of phenolics, flavonoids and proanythocyanidins than the pulp.Published in the May issue of Food Chemistry (Vol. 96, pp. 254-260), the researchers investigated the method of extraction using a variety of solvents: methanol only; ethanol only; acetone only; and a mixture of methanol, ethanol, acetone and water.“The mixture of different solvents is more powerful in recovering antioxidants than the individual solvents,” reported lead author Yunfeng Li.The pulp yielded 24 milligrams per gram (mg/g) of phenolics, while the peel yielded a whopping 250 mg/g. Flavonoid content was also significantly greater in the peel than the pulp (59 versus 17 mg/g), as were proanythocyanidins (11 versus 5 mg/g).Interestingly, the vitamin C content was similar for both the pulp and peel (0.99 versus 0.85 mg/g).The exact details of the extractions, like the ratios of solvents, was not described by the authors as the extraction procedure has been submitted for Chinese patent protection.Different measures of antioxidant activity were used, like FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assay, the superoxide radical-scavenging activity, the hydroxyl radical prevention activity, and the inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.Pomegranate peel performed significantly better than the pulp in all of the tests of antioxidant activity - a results that is not so surprising given the relative concentrations of antioxidants in the extracts. “As compared to the pulp extract, the peel extract acted more dramatically in protecting LDL against oxidation,” reported Li.Oxidation of LDL has been proposed to play a key role in hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which is linked to heart disease – the cause of about 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and 34.2 percent of Americans (70.1 m people) are reported to have suffered from some form of heart disease in 2002.The scientists could not conclude if the flavonoids or proanythocyanidins contributed to the antioxidant activity and proposed that the phenolics were the active species.“We concluded that pomegranate peel extract appeared to have more potential as a health supplement rich in natural antioxidants than the pulp extract and merits further study,” said Li.The study supports previous reports about the heart benefits of pomegranate and pomegranate juice. Numerous pomegranate extracts are commercially available, some of which are made from whole fruits, including the peel. However, extracts using the peel only, normally a waste product in the juicing process, could offer an alternative source of antioxidants. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 22:53:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-peel-extract-has-more-potential-as-supplement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-can-help-reduce-depression-after-stroke Exercise can help reduce depression after strokeSource: today.reuters.comStroke patients who partake in a therapeutic exercise program may experience a reduction in depressive symptoms, according to the results of a study published the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.Along with physical disability, depression is common in stroke patients, Dr. Sue-Min Lai, of the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, and colleagues point out. Previous studies have found that physical exercise can reduce symptoms in depressed patients, but the effect of exercise on stroke patients is unknown.To further investigate, Lai and her associates assessed the effect of physical exercise on depressive symptoms in 100 stroke survivors who had completed rehabilitation. The patients were randomly assigned to participate in an exercise program or to receive the usual care.The exercise program consisted of a progressive, structured, three-month regimen that targeted strength, balance, endurance and arm function. The researchers conducted tests for depression and physical function before the study began and again after three months and nine months.The average patient age was 69.8 years old. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of depressive symptoms and other effects of the stroke before the study began.After three months, depressive symptoms persisted in 14 percent of patients in the exercise group and 35.6 percent in the usual care group. After nine months, the rates of significant depressive symptoms were 7.5 percent in the exercise group and 25 percent in the usual care group.The team found that the presence of depression did not affect the physical gains achieved with exercise.Lai and colleagues conclude that the effects of stroke on physical function and mood are interrelated and should be considered together. "Optimal recovery after stroke may be best achieved by integrating physical exercise with monitoring for and treatment of depression."SOURCE: The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, February 2006 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 22:49:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-can-help-reduce-depression-after-stroke http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/atkins-diet-may-not-be-safe-for-every-dieter Atkins diet may not be safe for every dieterSource: www.foodconsumer.orgAtkins diet may not be safe for every dieter, suggests a case study reported in the March 17 issue of The Lancet, a prestigious medical journal. A woman who had strictly followed the low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet developed a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis and rushed to a hospital emergency room for help, according to the report.Ketoacidosis can occur to an individual who follows a low carbohydrate, high fat, and high protein diet such as Atkins diet. Followers of Atkins diet actually monitor their ketone levels in their urine to confirm strict adherence to the diet. Such a diet has been known for a long time to promote formation of acid/ketones in the body, potentially causing a wide spectrum of health problems.The report, by Klaus-Dieter Lessnau, M.D., of New York University and Lenox Hill Hospital here, and colleagues, says the 40-year-old woman had been successful in terms of weight loss after she started the Atkins diet regimen – eating meat, cheese, and salad, and taking vitamin supplants. In a month before the condition showed up, she was able to lose nine kilograms. She started having low appetite and short breath, feeling nauseated, vomiting four to six times daily five days before she was rushed to a hospital emergency room.A spokesman for Atkins Nutritional Inc. founded by Dr. Robert Atkins, the originator of Atkins diet, which sells lots of Atkins diet products, denies there is any link between use of Atkins diet and the severe ketoacdosis saying that millions of Atkins diet dieters don’t have the problem and the patient must have had some unknown condition.Previous studies have confirmed that Atkins diet can effectively help people lose weight, just like other weight loss regimen or programs. A one-year clinical trial of 160 overweight individuals reported in 2005 in Journal of American Medical Association that the Atkins diet dieters lost 2.1 kilograms, Weight Watchers dieters lost 3.0 kilograms, Zone dieters lost 3.2 kilograms, and dieters following the Ornish program lost 3.3 kilograms.Atkins diet has drawn a lot of criticism from many respected scientists and clinicians as well as many nutrition and medical organizations. The American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association, and the American Kidney Fund all have posted warnings against use of Atkins diet as a weight loss approach.Adverse effects associated with use of Atkins diet have been well recognized. In a six-month study by Nestel PJ and colleagues and published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2001;37:1929-35, researchers found 68 percent of Atkins diet experienced constipation, 60 percent headache, 38 percent bad breath, 35 percent muscle cramps, diarrhea 23 percent and 25 percent weakness.No long term study on the safety of Atkins diet has been conducted. However, critics emphasize that the adverse effects of high fat and high protein in a diet are well known. One of the most obvious is cholesterol. Studies have found that about 30 percent Atkins diet dieters may increase their serum cholesterol even though the dieters experienced weight loss. A diet with high fat and high meat (protein) was linked to an elevated risk of colon cancer, heart disease, impaired kidney function, complications of diabetes, and osteoporosis, according to atkinsdietalert.org.A scientist affiliated with foodconsumer.org, who does not want to be named, comments that many Atkins diet followers may not know a crucial fact that high intake of fat and protein can lead to a dangerously low body pH which causes dysfunctional cellular functions which in turn cause many diseases. The low pH explains why Atkins diet followers often have a high excretion of calcium in urine and why many these people do not feel as normal. Many experts agree that it is not healthy to use too high fat and protein in a dietAnother downside with Atkins diet is that people who use Atkins diet may experience deficiencies in vitamins and minerals among others. Atkinsdietalert.org cited The American Heart Association as stating, "High-protein diets are not recommended because they restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and do not provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet nutritional needs. Individuals who follow these diets are therefore at risk for compromised vitamin and mineral intake, as well as potential cardiac, renal, bone, and liver abnormalities overall."Editor's note: Patients suffering from many chronic diseases or receiving medical treatment may experience weight loss. But that does not mean people should get disease or medical treatment to lose weight. It may not be easy for any Atkins diet dieters to develop a major disease in a short period by using Atkins diet. But it's reasonable to say that long term use of Atkins diet can be harmful to one’s health. Tue, 21 Mar 2006 22:47:01 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/atkins-diet-may-not-be-safe-for-every-dieter http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-trial-and-bowel-cancer-patients Fish oil trial and bowel cancer patientsSource: Researchers at a Sydney hospital have found that fish oil can help patients with advanced bowel cancer.Scientists at Concord Hospital say that in a trial, bowel cancer patients who took fish oil with Omega 3 fatty acids respond better to chemotherapy.Professor Stephen Clarke says cancers produce inflammatory markers in some patients that cause problems in the ability to tolerate chemotherapy.They also cause malnutrition.But he says the anti-inflammatory and nutritional value of the fish oil has led to a better chance of successful chemotherapy."We've just completed a trial using fish oil supplements in this circumstance and what we found in that trial is that we were able to get patients to maintain their weight, we were able tor reduce some of these inflammatory markers and they tolerated the chemotherapy, when we treated them with it, fairly well," he said."So that needs to be taken onto a randomised trial now."Professor Clarke says the findings could also apply to people suffering from a range of cancers.He says more research will now be done."There are a range of other things that we want to look at," he said."We want to look at just nutrition by itself, we want to look at nutritional programs combined with exercise, we want to alter the type of nutrition, you know fish oil-type nutrition versus just standard nutritional supplements."This is a fairly new field so there are a whole range of trials that can be undertaken." Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:51:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-trial-and-bowel-cancer-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-rich-foods-vs-supplements Calcium-rich foods vs. supplementsSource: news.cincinnati.comCalcium and vitamin D supplements -- long recommended for post-menopausal women as a way to protect their bones -- were found not to reduce the risk of hip fractures in a large, closely watched study published last month. This has left some women confused about the value of taking the pills.The Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a 15-year federally funded study involving more than 36,000 women ages 50 to 79, found that taking calcium (1,000 milligrams daily) and vitamin D (400 international units daily) improved hip-bone density, but didn't decrease the risk of hip fractures.While the findings may influence the direction of future studies, researchers admit they offer limited practical guidance for physicians and patients. ADVERTISEMENTHow should women respond meanwhile? We put that question -- and others -- to experts.Q. Am I the only one confused by the new findings?A. Hardly. The study has "generated a lot of questions from patients," said Ethel Sirus, director of the Toni Stabile Osteoporosis Center at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. But she and other experts said they don't expect the findings to change doctors' advice that patients get calcium and vitamin D through diet, sun exposure and, if necessary, through supplements.Q. Didn't the study find there's no value in taking calcium supplements?A. That's an overstatement. As far as bone health - the primary focus of the study - goes, there are still too many unknowns to reach a solid conclusion. A subgroup of older women - age 60 and over - who took the supplements did show some reduction of hip fracture risk, but benefits in the overall group were not statistically significant. On colorectal cancer - a secondary focus - the supplements also appeared to offer no benefit. The study didn't look at other possible benefits of calcium supplementation including cardiovascular health.Q. Weren't there some caveats?A. There were, and that's why many doctors aren't telling patients to stop taking their calcium and vitamin D supplements. Not all study participants took the supplements as directed. Some began taking prescription medications to ward off bone thinning. And some women in the placebo group took supplements on their own, making it harder to discern differences between the intervention group and the placebo group.Researchers also raised questions as to whether the vitamin D dose was high enough or the study large enough to detect differences in fracture risk.Q. Why do doctors recommend women take calcium supplements as they approach menopause?A. The idea is to protect bones against age-related thinning thought to make them more susceptible to fracture. Calcium is the "most abundant mineral in the human body," according to the federal Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), and more than 99 percent of it is stored in the bones and the teeth."Bone undergoes continuous remodeling," the ODS explains, with constant bone breakdown and formation, which involves the depositing of calcium into the newly formed bone. With age, says the ODS, eventually "bone breakdown exceeds formation, resulting in bone loss, which increases the risk for osteoporosis," a condition that increases the risk of fractures. Vitamin D, whether from food, sunlight or supplement, is recommended to promote calcium absorption.Q. This isn't the first study to cast doubt on the value of taking calcium supplements, is it?A. Previous findings have been mixed, said Joan McGowan, a project officer for the WHI study and director of the musculoskeletal diseases branch at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Researchers say additional study is needed.Q. How could calcium be shown to increase bone density but not decrease fracture risk? Aren't they tied?A. Not necessarily. "Low bone density is only one of the risk factors for fracture," McGowan said in an e-mail interview. Other factors include age, genetics and propensity to fall, she said.Q. So, how much calcium and vitamin D am I supposed to get daily?A. The Institute of Medicine recommends adults ages 51 and over take in about 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. Recommended intake for vitamin D is 10 micrograms (400 international units) for adults ages 51 to 70, and 15 micrograms (600 international units) ages 71 and over.Experts also recommend regular weight-bearing exercise to maintain bone density.Q. I read that women who took supplements in the study were more likely to have kidney stones. Do benefits of calcium supplements outweigh risk?A. "We certainly don't want to be in a position to trade one benefit for the risk of painful kidney stones," said McGowan. Still, she said, "there certainly is a lot more pain and suffering and disability and even death associated with hip fractures."The kidney stone link also needs to be explored further, McGowan said, especially since earlier studies showed that increasing dietary calcium - that is, the calcium you get through food and fluids - was protective against kidney stones, while taking a calcium supplement did not offer a similar benefit.Q. Can I get all the calcium and vitamin D I need from my diet alone?A. "Absolutely," advised Sirus. Supplements are recommended only for people who aren't getting enough in their diet, she said. A calcium intake of up to 2,000 milligrams per day, including diet and supplements, appears to be safe, according to MedlinePlus, a Web site run by the National Institutes of Health. The best way to gauge how much you're getting is by reading food labels.Q. So what do I need to eat?A.: Here are some common foods that contain these nutrients: Dairy foods - including milk, cheese and yogurt - are a major source of calcium, reports the ODS. Others include sardines, tofu, orange juice, salmon, pudding, cottage cheese, spinach, instant breakfast drinks, fortified cereal, turnip greens, kale, ice cream, calcium-fortified soy beverages, Chinese cabbage, tortillas, sour cream, bread and broccoli.Most milk products are fortified with 10 micrograms (400 international units) per quart of vitamin D, according to the ODS, though other dairy products generally don't contain the vitamin or have only small amounts.Some breakfast cereals may contain vitamin D, as do cod liver oil, cooked salmon, cooked mackerel, tuna fish, sardines, margarine, fortified pudding, eggs, cooked liver and beef, and Swiss cheese.These are some Cincinnati Post recipes for calcium-rich dishes.SWISS SPINACH CASSEROLE5 eggs 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 pint small-curd cottage cheese (16 ounces) 1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 3 tablespoons melted butter 1 (10-oz.) package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed Option: Marinara sauce, heated Yield: 6 to 8 servingsHave oven heating to 350 degrees. Beat eggs until blended (a wire whisk in a large mixing bowl is adequate to do the job). Whisk in the flour, baking powder and salt. Switch to a mixing spoon and stir in the cottage cheese (with its creamy liquid), all the shredded Jack cheese, the melted butter and thawed spinach that has been squeezed or pressed to rid it of excess water. Blend well and turn into a 9-inch square baking dish that has been greased or coated with nonstick cooking spray. Level the top of the spinach-cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees, middle oven rack, for 35 minutes or until the top is beginning to turn light brown at the edges and the center appears firm. Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes, then cut into squares to serve. As a supper dish, offer heated spaghetti sauce or bottled tomato salsa as a topping.BASIC, NO-BOX MAC AND CHEESE2-1/2 cups fat-free milk 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces) Large amount of boiling, salted water 1 tablespoon butter Option: Finely chopped red bell pepper or mini broccoli florets 3 tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 2-1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided Yield: 6 servingsHave oven heating to 375 degrees. Boil the elbow macaroni in boiling, salted water, according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat the milk or just take off the chill in a large glass measure in the microwave. Melt butter in a large saucepan and saute the bell pepper or broccoli in it a couple minutes, if using any vegetables at all. Stir in the flour, salt and dry mustard and let cook a minute. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk and cook a couple minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the sharp cheese until melted. Drain the macaroni and toss with the cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to an 8- or 9-inch rather shallow baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees, uncovered, until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional shredded Cheddar, at least 1/2 cupful. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. — Adapted from the American Dairy AssociationCHOCO-BANANA BLAST1 cup low-fat chocolate milk 1 ripe medium banana 1 cup chocolate or coffee frozen yogurt 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup Yield: 2 servingsPour milk into a blender jar. Peel the banana and place banana chunks into the jar. Add the frozen yogurt and syrup. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses and add tall straws. — From the American Dairy Association Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:48:19 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-rich-foods-vs-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-healthier-with-flax-seed Eat Healthier With Flax SeedSource: mathaba.netA simple addition of flax seed can change your lifeFlax seed is a small seed that is easily ground and sprinkled over your food. It has a subtle nutty taste that will excite any salad or yogurt dish. The miracle of the flax seed is the omega-3 fatty acid that it provides and how it aids in weight loss, cancer prevention, digestion and also helps your heart be healthy. If this sounds good it gets better. Recently a flax seed customer contacted me to say that he was turned on to it by his neighbor who lost 150 pounds and claims the only change to his lifestyle was the addition of flax seed to his diet. This has not been the case with every person that consumes flax seed but it is quite common. The flax seed helps stabilize blood sugar so that you feel full longer and you have the energy to live an active lifestyle in between meals instead of snacking.Flax seed for the ultimate health nutOrganic flax seed is very common and there is no better way to get a home grown natural product. The most popular flax seed is the golden flax seed which is what has the great nutty flavor.What else does it offer?Along with omega-3 there you get fiber, protein and lignans. Lignans are natural plant chemicals contained in the outer shell of the flax seed. These are what help fight hormone sensitive cancers. This is the reason for needing freshly ground flax seed which would have the omega-3 and lignans present.Flax seed is also easy to include in your everyday diet. It tastes good and can offer more for your body than any other one natural food.Please visit our recommended source for Flaxseed. http://www.flaxseedpro.com has the lowest prices on the internet for organic flaxseed. They offer organic and non-organic flaxseed. They sell grinders and different flax oils also.About the Author: Flaxseed, Life Insurance Quote, Homeowners Insurance Quote, Auto Insurance QuoteSource: www.isnare.com http://www.2health.net Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:40:20 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-healthier-with-flax-seed http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ageing-with-grace-starts-on-your-plate Ageing with grace starts on your plateSource: www.djournal.comAs we age, our bodies go through many changes. Our sense of taste changes, as well as our energy needs and appetite. These changes make it hard for us to get the nutrients we need to stay healthy. As we age, our desire to eat may diminish. You may think that if you're not hungry, your body doesn't need fuel. This assumption may very well be false. If you notice that you are much less hungry than usual and are unintentionally losing weight, you may not be getting enough to eat. To eat so that you stay well nourished, start with smaller, more frequent meals and plan quick and easy meals like sandwiches, soups or salads. As we age, our nutrient needs change accordingly. It is estimated that 30 percent of senior citizens lose their ability to make stomach acid. This interferes with the absorption of many important nutrients, including vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid. These particular nutrients are important because they affect the way the brain functions. This may cause you not to be as alert as you usually are and to have trouble remembering. Numbness in your hands and feet may also be caused by deficiency in these nutrients. Vitamin B12 is found exclusively in foods that are of animal origin like meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products. Be sure to eat these foods often and maybe even take a supplement. Remember that before you start taking a supplement, you should always consult a doctor and/or pharmacist. Vitamin B6 and folate are found in green leafy vegetables like turnip greens and spinach. Many grain products, such as cereals and breads, are fortified with folate. If grain products are fortified with folate, it will be written on the label. Osteoporosis is also a major health concern as we age. Research suggests people over age 50 whose bones are rich in calcium are less susceptible to fracture. It is recommended that healthy Americans should consume 1,200 mg of calcium per day (with an upper limit of 2,500 mg/day). In other words, healthy people need about four servings of dairy per day. Examples of different serving sizes of dairy products include 1/2 cup milk, 1 slice of cheese and 1/2 cup of yogurt. Here is a quick and easy recipe that will stimulate your senses and nourish your body.Bran Cereal Muffins 1 cup whole bran cereal 1 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1/4 cup honey 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (unsifted) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix bran cereal and milk in a bowl, and let stand 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg, oil and honey. Beat well. Combine remaining ingredients. Stir until mixed well. Add to liquid mixture and stir only until mixed. Spoon into 12 greased muffin tins. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 12 medium muffins. Treat your senses to a healthy and delicious breakfast! Try adding a tender slice of honey ham and a tantalizing bowl of fresh fruit to your meal. Top it off with a cold glass of 2 percent or skim milk. Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:18:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ageing-with-grace-starts-on-your-plate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-take-a-vitamin- Why Take a Vitamin?Source: www.dailyindia.comDespite the fact that people are living hectic lifestyles more than ever, they are following a more healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis. You might wonder if the recommendation by the health industry to take a multivitamin every day is still valid in light of the trend of people becoming healthier. If you are eating a variety of foods, there's a good chance you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to perform routine functions to keep your body healthy. However, you're not completely out of the woods.When you use heat to cook your food (grill, fry, bake), the heating process removes some of your food's beneficial nutrients. In addition, if you are plagued with stress or you if you are taking medication there's a chance that you are losing a significant amount of vitamins and minerals that you consume. Taking vitamins on a regular basis can increase your chances of getting all the nutrients your body needs.The benefits of taking vitamins go beyond meeting the recommended dietary allowances. How healthy you are depends on more than just diet and the amount of exercise you obtain. There are other outside factors that can predispose you to develop certain health issues. For example, how much of a risk you have for developing cancer of heart disease is largely dependent upon whether or not others in your family developed these conditions. For some time it was believed that an individual had very little recourse in these situations. Studies conducted by Harvard University researchers revealed that taking a multivitamin every day can reduce an individual's risk to develop these conditions.To determine your specific needs, you should visit your doctor for a complete evaluation of your dietary needs. Your doctor will be able to recommend the type of vitamins that are best for you. It may very well be the case that a common multivitamin is all that you need. If this is the case, you can visit any nutrition center or grocery store and find aisles of multivitamins. While these preparations will contain the same basic set of vitamins, the amount of each will differ. You can determine which preparation is for you by considering which nutrients you lack. For example, if you're not a fan of milk products, you may want to choose a multivitamin that contains more calcium. Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:16:55 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-take-a-vitamin- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rhubarb-generated-25-000-for-wakefield-during-this-years-annual-celebration-of-the-vegetable- RHUBARB generated £25,000 for Wakefield during this year's annual celebration of the vegetable.Source: www.wakefieldtoday.co.ukThe week-long Rhubarb Festival attracted nearly 10,000 people from outside the district – more than for any other single event apart from the Liquorice Festival.More than 500 people booked in for events – making £8,000 – and extra spending during last month’s festival boosted the economy by £17,000.Coun Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said the event had become more and more popular in its eight-year existence.She said: “The amount of money it brings in isn’t massive, but when you consider it’s only a few days, it’s a real boost.“To be honest I’m amazed at its popularity. People in this area grew up with rhubarb, so it’s not something they think of as special, but because it’s scarce it’s now attracting a lot of interest elsewhere.”The organisers had been contacted by people from as far afield as Ireland, Japan and Sweden, she said.Next year’s events will include a ‘rhubarb ball’ at Nostell Priory.Fifth generation rhubarb grower Janet Oldroyd, of E Oldroyd and Sons, said rhubarb had enjoyed a recent resurgence.She added: “We are now being told to cut down on sugar because it’s bad for you and people have developed a taste for sharp flavours. Celebrity chefs are starting to use it more and more.“People are using rhubarb for special dishes and dinner parties.“They have also found that it has health benefits – it has been proven to prevent deep vein thrombosis and can help people detox. It’s perfect for slimmers.“Rhubarb will always be relevant to this area because it’s part of our heritage.” 17 March 2006 Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:11:46 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rhubarb-generated-25-000-for-wakefield-during-this-years-annual-celebration-of-the-vegetable- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/which-vitamins-the-best- Which Vitamins The Best?Source: www.dailyindia.comPharmacies throughout the world have been going through growing pains over the last several decades. When our grandparents went to the pharmacy, they chose from only a handful of different vitamins to supplement their diet. For children, there were a few chewable vitamins to pick from and for adults, even fewer choices existed. Most of these multivitamins were taken on the advice of their doctor who told them they “would feel better” if they took them. Today, your pharmacy likely has an entire aisle devoted to vitamins. The sheer number of vitamin options makes for confusion in even the most savvy customers.To choose a vitamin or vitamins that are best for you, it helps to be clear on the reasons why you want to take them. Think about your situation and explore these possibilities:• Do you have a specific vitamin deficiency that your doctor wants you to correct?• Do you have a particular illness and your doctor has recommended a vitamin supplement to treat that illness?• Are you planning to take vitamins in the hopes of improving your general wellbeing?• Have you been told that a certain vitamin can help prevent an illness from developing in the future?All of these are valid reasons to take vitamins. Choosing the best vitamin, however, takes a big more research. Let’s explore the different ways that vitamins can be formulated and packaged in the hope that it becomes less confusing for you.Many vitamins are sold as single vitamin sources, such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C. Vitamin E, for example, is believed to have an anti-oxidant property which means that it has the potential to reduce your risk of developing certain kinds of cancers. If this is all you are looking for, buying Vitamin E as a single ingredient makes sense. Similarly, if your doctor tells you that you have a Vitamin D deficiency, taking a single-source vitamin D preparation is likely all that is necessary.A few vitamins are prepared using only a few ingredients. The B vitamins, for example, are commonly packaged as a complex. This is because they generally share physiological responsibilities and work together to maximize your metabolism. It makes sense to buy them as a complex. Calcium, which is not technically a vitamin, is almost always prepared and sold as a complex with Vitamin D. This is because your absorption of calcium depends on the presence of Vitamin D. Taking calcium without vitamin D can mean that you are not absorbing the calcium you have paid good money for.Multivitamins have their place primarily for children or adults with highly unbalanced diets and for those who feel that a multivitamin will give them more energy and a sense of wellbeing.Children’s vitamins are easy. Once you find a vitamin whose taste they like, the rest involves reading the back label to make sure the vitamins within contain nearly100% of the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for children. The only exception to this is iron. Some parents prefer to have less than 50% RDA of iron in the vitamin because their children get adequate iron in their diet and too much iron from food and vitamin sources can lead to iron toxicity. The rest of the vitamin choices can safely be taken at 100% RDA.Adult vitamins today have increasingly become tailored to the specific needs of adults who differ from each other in several ways, including age and gender. There are vitamins for men, for women and for seniors. These multivitamins can even be tailored to the type of diet you’re on. Most adult multivitamins have a long list of vitamins, mostly provided at 100% RDA. Senior versions are nearly identical except for the addition of more Vitamins E and D as well as lycopene for the prevention of heart disease. The brand you choose rarely matters as long as the labeling reflects nearly 100% RDA of the bulk of the vitamins. Certainly, some brands are better known than others and likely have labeling that is complete and accurate. Choosing a well known brand is probably the safest plan.Is it risky to take vitamins? Generally, no. Your body takes from a vitamin supplement what it needs and discards the rest. The biggest exceptions are the fat-soluble vitamins, namely Vitamins A, E, K and D. These vitamins can build to toxic levels in your system, especially if you take a multivitamin along with another supplement containing even more of these fat soluble vitamins. Reading the labels is your best defense against this complication.Vitamins are taking an increasing role in healthcare. More and more people are taking vitamin preparations every day. When making your own choices, keep in mind what you’re looking to achieve and read all labels carefully before making your choice.Jerrick Foo has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you. Visit http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com for essential skin care tips.contact@dry-skin-care-guide.com Wed, 08 Mar 2006 20:20:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/which-vitamins-the-best- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-vitamin-e-debate-rumbles-on The vitamin E debate rumbles onSource: www.nutraingredients.comGamma-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E consumed in the American diet, and becoming more popular in dietary supplements, produces metabolites that are toxic to cells, claims a new study.The results of the study, published in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Vol. 103, pp. 3604-3609), were released two days before the Mayo Clinic recommended that consumers take most of their vitamin E from the diet and not from supplements.The consumer is receiving yet more mixed messages that will lead to more confusions about this antioxidant. In the past 18 months there has been considerable debate over the safety of vitamin E from the industry and media, much of which was spurred by a widely publicised meta-analysis at the tail end of 2004 that linked vitamin E with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (Annals of Internal Medicine2005 Jan 4;142(1):37-46).There are eight forms of vitamin E: four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). Alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) is the main source found in supplements and in the European diet, while gamma-tocopherol (gamma-Toc) is the most common form in the American diet.Gamma-Toc is consumed from vegetable oils such as corn and soybean, and also from nuts. Sources of alpha-Toc include olive oil and sunflower seeds.Most of the stored form of vitamin E in the body is also alpha-Toc. Previous studies have estimated that more than half of the ingested gamma-Toc is converted to a water soluble metabolite called 2,7,8-(beta-carboxylethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (gamma-CEHC) and then excreted.The new in vitro study claims that the reason the gamma-Toc is excreted is because in its fully metabolised form, proposed to be gamma-tocopherol quinone, it is toxic to cells.The corresponding alpha-Toc quinone is not toxic, say the researchers, which is why we naturally store alpha-Toc.In a communication from Ohio State University, entitled “Vitamin E: Nutritional friend or foe?” study co-leader David Cornwell explained: “In the United States we tend to eat a diet rich in corn and soybean oil, so we consume much greater amounts of gamma-tocopherol than alpha-tocopherol.But most of the vitamin E coursing through our veins is alpha-tocopherol – the body selects for this version. We want to know why that is, and whether the selection of the alpha-tocopherol confers an evolutionary benefit in animal cells.”The study looked at the effect of alpha-Toc, gamma-Toc and the corresponding quinones on possible poisoning of rodent cells, as well as stress induced on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an organelle found in eukaryotic cells that is responsible for, amongst other things, protein modification.“As little as five micromoles of gamma-Toc quinone is sufficient to cause 70 per cent of cells to lose viability,” reported the researchers.In contrast, the alpha-Toc, gamma-Toc and alpha-Toc quinone were not toxic to cells, even at concentrations as high as 50 micromoles.The gamma-Toc quinone was also linked to inducing ER stress, and by doing so prevents the proper folding of proteins in the cell.Although the researchers limited their studies to mice brain and skin cells, as well as kidney cells from monkeys, study co-leader Jiyan Ma said: “We think that gamma-tocopherol may have this kind of damaging effect on nearly every type of cell in the body.”“Animals selectively retain the only phenolics antioxidant precursor in the vitamin E family that produces a nonarylating quinone, alpha-Toc, as about 85 per cent of tissue tocopherol,” concluded the researchers.No comparison was made by the researchers with actual tocopherol concentrations that could be found in human cells.In a review by Bruce Ames and colleagues (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2001, Vol. 74, pp. 714-722), gamma-Toc concentrations in various human tissues with respect to rats and mice are given.The typical concentration of gamma-Toc found in rodent skin is only three nanomoles per gram, while human skin typically contains 180 nanomoles per gram.“Gamma-tocopherol concentrations are substantially higher in human than in rodent tissues,” wrote Ames and colleagues.Despite the researchers not having considered the health effects for humans, Ohio State University's statement maintained that there are ‘mixed messages' about vitmain E.Moreover the researchers failed to consider that previous human studies have linked increased levels of gamma-Toc in faeces to the elimination of faecel mutagens and a reduced risk of colon cancer (Journal of National Cancer Institute 1997 Vol. 89, pp. 1006-1014).Ames and colleagues reported that gamma-Toc was superior to alpha-Toc for removing species like reactive nitrogen oxides that cause cell damage, as well having anti-inflammatory activity.“A nascent body of epidemiological data suggests that gamma-Toc is a better negative risk factor for certain types of cancer and myocardial infarction than is alpha-Toc,” wrote Kenneth Hensley, from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, in Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2004, Vol. 36, pp. 1-15).The Mayo Clinic also issued a statement entitled: “Vitamin E: No disease prevention benefit, possible risks”, which could further confuse consumers.Ames and colleagues said: “Controlled intervention studies in humans are required to clearly establish the benefits of gamma-tocopherol supplementation… Potential synergistic effects between alpha-tocopherol and other antioxidants should also be explored.” Wed, 08 Mar 2006 20:19:01 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-vitamin-e-debate-rumbles-on http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-a-vegetarian-diet-not-only-healthier-but-safer-says-adventists A Vegetarian Diet Not Only Healthier but Safer, says AdventistsSource: news.adventist.orgRecent news reports from the Food and Drug Administration in the United States indicate that meat companies sometimes use carbon monoxide to keep beef looking red and more attractive to consumers. While many doctors agreed that carbon monoxide used in small amounts is not unsafe, the concern is that it can cause even rotting meat to look red and fresh.This is in addition to mounting meat-related concerns over the last several years, such as, the detrimental Mad Cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which can be lethal in humans; a concern that an increase in Mercury in certain types of fish can cause brain damage to fetuses and in young children; and, the most recent meat-related health threat, the Avian flu that is spreading through chickens and other birds. Though meat has long been considered by many societies central to a healthy diet, the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to recommend a vegetarian diet primarily for nutritious and spiritual reasons."The safety of a carbon monoxide enriched environment in packaged meat probably does not greatly increase the hazard of eating meat as long as the meat has been stored at a safe refrigeration temperature for no longer than the accepted storage time, and then properly cooked," said Kenneth I. Burke, Ph.D., R.D. He added that slowing the browning of meat is not an unusual practice. Burke, a food scientist and an emeritus professor at the Adventist Church's Loma Linda University, has taught classes in food science for more than 20 years. He notes that while any food -- meat or vegetable -- can be contaminated, "disease-causing organisms thrive on meat, [and] the possibility of contamination and disease transfer has always been a safety issue."Knowing that carbon monoxide can keep rotting meat looking fresh "[reinforces] my commitment to stay away from meat," commented Grazyna Dabrowska, a lifestyle trainer and a member of the Adventist Church. "We are visual where it comes to buying food and can easily tell what looks fresh and what is spoiled. If I can't rely on my eyes to tell the difference, then I have no control over my choices. I highly recommend the wholesome diet of organic grains and legumes, colorful fruits and vegetables, which give a high quality of nourishment to our bodies without the damaging effects of growth hormones and chemically-treated meat products."In the United States steps have been taken to increase the safety of meat for human consumption. A year ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented new methods to prevent the spread of Mad Cow disease, which include stopping the practice of "the feeding of most mammalian protein to ruminant animals, including cattle, and ... banning the use of 'poultry litter' as a feed ingredient for ruminant animals." Poultry litter consists of bedding, spilled feed, feathers and fecal matter that are collected from living quarters where poultry is raised."The issue of clean and uncontaminated flesh food is one that is of concern to many, including the meat industry, and by and large they try hard to preserve a good quality product," said Dr. Allan Handysides, Health Ministries director for the Adventist world church. However, "the problem we have with meat is less to do with issues of its contamination and freshness, which applies to vegetable foods as well, but with the intrinsic factors such as saturated fat content and, in the case of fish, its pollution with compounds of mercury and other heavy metals before it ever comes to be handled. There is little doubt that the less flesh food is eaten and the more the diet contains whole plant foods, the healthier an individual is likely to be."Handysides' comment reflects the Adventist position statement on a vegetarian diet. In 2000 the church's nutrition council explained "for more than 130 years Adventists have practiced a vegetarian dietary lifestyle because of their belief in the wholistic nature of humankind. Whatever is done in eating or drinking should honor and glorify God and preserve the health of the body, mind and spirit."A 1960s study performed by Loma Linda University sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed the lifestyles of Adventists. The study found that Adventists, in general, have 50 percent less risk of heart disease, certain types of cancers, strokes and diabetes."I don't want to say that being a vegetarian will cut out all diseases, but vegetarians live longer and the Adventist Health Study backs that up," said Dr. Burke.NIH is sponsoring a second study on Adventists to see if there is a link between diet and cancer. Wed, 08 Mar 2006 20:17:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-a-vegetarian-diet-not-only-healthier-but-safer-says-adventists http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warfarin-ups-fracture-risk Warfarin ups fracture riskSource: www.health24.comA widely used blood thinner, warfarin, may raise risks for osteoporosis-linked fractures in the elderly, a new US study finds.The findings suggest that doctors need to carefully monitor the bone health of people taking warfarin and that these patients should take steps to reduce their risk of osteoporosis, the researchers said.Click here Advertisement Warfarin is often prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation (irregular heart contractions). The condition is often accompanied by dangerous blood clots. Warfarin interferes with vitamin K's role in clotting and prevents formation of blood clots.May interfere with bone formation But vitamin K also interacts with a protein that's vital for bone formation, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. That means warfarin's interference with vitamin K can affect bone strength.The researchers pored over the Medicare records of more than 15 000 patients hospitalised with atrial fibrillation, noting those cases where patients had also been treated for osteoporotic bone fractures.25% increase in fracture risk "Long-term use of warfarin - longer than one year - led to a 25 percent increase in the incidence of fracture," study author Dr Brain Gage, an associate professor of medicine and medical director of Barnes-Jewish Hospital's Blood Thinner Clinic in St Louis, said in a prepared statement.Patients taking warfarin for less than a year did not have an increased risk of fracture and patients taking beta-blockers had fewer fractures than those who did not take beta-blockers."The results of the study have important implications for treatment of atrial fibrillation," Gage said. "To maintain bone strength, elderly patients taking warfarin should exercise regularly and have adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D. Those who are prone to falling could use walking aids and proper footwear. Smokers should quit, which will decrease their risk of osteoporosis and other diseases."The findings appear in the January 23 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. – (HealthDayNews) Tue, 21 Feb 2006 23:07:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warfarin-ups-fracture-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/want-to-live-longer-eat-fish Want to live longer? Eat fishSource: www.northernlife.caA renowned nutritionist says Canadians are dying prematurely because they don’t get nearly enough nutrients found most commonly in fish.HOLUB Bruce Holub, a professor emeritus in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, presented a symposium Thursday at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine called Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain and Cardiovasular Care. Holub was born and raised in Sudbury.The key ingredients found in fish-based fatty acids are called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Medical science is finally acknowledging just how crucial these acids are to brain development and preventing heart disease, said Holub.He said it’s troubling Canada’s medical community has been so slow in recognizing the crucial importance of Omega-3 fatty acids as part of a healthy diet.While most EPA and DHA is found in fish and fish oils, it can also be found in dairy products, numerous dietary supplements and new products like emulsified eggs. Of the 100 grams of fat the average Canadian consumes per day, less than one percent is in the form of Omega-3 fatty acids and most come in the unhealthy Omega-6 category, said Holub.The Japanese and Greenland Inuit consume the most fish and fish oil on average of any society in the world. Their mortality rates and incredibly low rates of heart disease are directly related to their massive intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, said Holub.Most Canadians simply don’t eat enough fish and other products high in DHA and EPA, and this is a big reason we have such a high death rate of heart disease, said Holub.“It’s very difficult to get people to eat more fish,” he said. “It smells, it stinks up the kitchen, it’s greasy...there are any number of reasons.”Holub has made it his mission as president of the Nutrition Society of Canada to speak at about the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids.Vegetarians who don’t eat fish or dairy products are not receiving any Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, and this is very unhealthy, said Holub.Scientific tests clearly indicate children who consume large amounts of DHA score much higher in mental development results, said Holub.Until a year ago, there was no DHA in the infant formula being sold in Canada, said Holub.The average Canadian woman consumes only one good portion of Omega-3 fatty acids every 10 days, when the recommended amount is three or four times that amount, he said.Medical journals are now recommending an average intake of 300 milligrams per day through various sources is appropriate, and much higher levels will not cause any side effects and provide even more benefits, he said.Most Canadian youngsters between ages one and three are sorely lacking in Omega-3 fatty acid intake resulting in stunted brain development, Holub said.The average three-year-old child consumes an average of only 18 milligrams of Omega-3 acids, which is nowhere near the recommended 150 milligrams, he said. But one glass of high-fat cow’s milk increases the intake 100 percent and two glasses by 200 percent.Pregnant women should consume at least 300 milligrams of Omega-3 fatty acids each day, but scientific tests indicate they now consume only 80 milligrams per day on average, he said.The increasing rate of heart disease among North Americans over age 50 has become an epidemic, one that could be stemmed significantly by using more Omega-3 fatty acids, said Holub.The healthiest diet recognized by medical professionals, the Mediterranean diet, doesn’t come close to improving heart health as compared to regular Omega-3 fatty acid intake, he said.Our health-care system has been woefully lacking in providing funding to study the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, he said.The average Inuit from Greenland consumes up to 7,000 milligrams of Omega-3 fatty acids per day and they have one of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world, he said. Tue, 21 Feb 2006 23:02:59 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/want-to-live-longer-eat-fish http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mystery-vitamin-helps-body-mind Mystery vitamin helps body, mindSource: www.news14charlotte.comAre you looking for an easy way to prevent memory loss and lower your blood pressure? If so, there is a mystery vitamin that just might do the trick.Popeye has the right idea. Spinach makes your body strong. Part of the reason is because it contains folate. And now doctors are discovering folate-rich foods like bananas, tomatoes, lentils, nuts and whole grains are also good for your mind and heart.In a Tufts University study, men on a high-folate diet had sharper cognitive skills three years later. The study measured the men’s verbal skills and their ability to copy complex figures – difficult tasks for those with failing memories."You have to visualize it spatially, locate it in your brain and then tell your hand to draw it," explains nutritional epidemiologist Katherine Tucker.Doctors say folate opens up blood vessels, which helps your brain function and can prevent another health problem.In another study, younger women who consumed at least 1,000 micrograms of folate a day were 46 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who consumed less than 200 micrograms. In a study of men with failing memories, those who ate a folate-rich diet showed better cognative skills."It's a huge cardiovascular risk factor, and the idea that folate may be able to reduce the risk of high blood pressure is very exciting,” said Dr. John Forman, a kidney specialist.One cup of raw spinach contains 60 micrograms and just a handful nuts has 40. Add some bread and fruit, and you'll be on your way to getting the recommended 400 micrograms a day.Not getting enough folate is also linked to a number of cancers.Experts say a high-folate diet can cause seizures for those taking anti-convulsion medications. Tue, 21 Feb 2006 22:54:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mystery-vitamin-helps-body-mind http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calculate-beta-carotene-into-proper-vitamin-a Calculate beta carotene into proper Vitamin ASource: www.contracostatimes.comQ: I'm a 59-year-old female smoker. You wrote that high daily doses of beta carotene in supplement form (20 mg) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and cancer in smokers. I take two "50 Plus Super Aytinal" vitamin tablets daily, each containing 3,500 IU of Vitamin A (29 percent beta carotene). How many mg of beta carotene is this?A: Beta carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A as needed.By the way, you said that you take two tablets of this vitamin-mineral formulation. The recommended dose is one tablet daily.The quick answer to your question: One tablet of Super Aytinal provides 0.61 mg of beta carotene. Two tablets would provide 1.22 mg, well below the higher doses (e.g., 20 mg) that would be a concern for you.Such multivitamin products provide only smaller, nutritional amounts of beta carotene.So how did I figure out the amount of beta carotene in each tablet (0.61 mg)?Converting between vitamin A and beta carotene can be confusing. Many of my readers will want to know the nitty-gritty math steps so they can do it for themselves, so it's worth going over."Mathophobics," on the other hand, may proceed directly to the next topic.Calculators ready, here goes:Each tablet provides 3,500 international units of vitamin A. Of that, 29 percent is in the form of beta carotene, and the remaining 71 percent is in the form of vitamin A.So this product provides 2,485 IU of vitamin A (0.71×3,500) and 1,015 IU of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene (0.29×3500).Here's the catch: IU is a measure of vitamin activity in the body, so there's no such thing as IU of beta carotene itself. As above, beta carotene is expressed in terms of IU of vitamin A.beta carotene can be expressed in milligrams, however, and IU of vitamin A can be converted to mg of beta carotene using the following rule:Conversion rule: 1 IU of vitamin A equals 0.0006 mg of supplemental beta carotene.Result: 1,015 IU of vitamin A (as beta carotene) equals 0.61 mg of beta carotene (1,015 IU×0.0006).Suppose you want to go in the other direction and convert mg of beta carotene to IU of vitamin A. Use the following rule:Conversion rule: 1 mg of beta carotene equals 1,667 IU of vitamin A.Result: 0.61 mg of beta carotene equals 1,015 IU of vitamin A (0.61 mg×1,667). Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:50:42 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calculate-beta-carotene-into-proper-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/colorectal-cancer-risk-not-reduced-by-calcium-plus-vitamin-d Colorectal Cancer Risk Not Reduced by Calcium plus Vitamin DSource: patient.cancerconsultants.comAccording to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, use of calcium plus vitamin D supplements does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The disease develops in the large intestine, which includes the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and the rectum (the last several inches).Some studies have suggested that higher intake of calcium and vitamin D is linked with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Evidence from large randomized clinical trials, however, has been lacking.To evaluate the effect of supplementation with calcium and vitamin D on the risk of developing colorectal cancer, researchers conducted a clinical trial among 36,282 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79. Half the women received calcium and vitamin D (500 mg of elemental calcium and 200 IU of vitamin D3) twice daily, and half the women received a placebo. Treatment continued for an average of seven years. The following results were reported: * Colorectal cancer developed in 168 of the women taking calcium and vitamin D and 154 of the women taking a placebo. * Tumor characteristics were similar in the two groups. * Self-reported frequency of colon polyps was similar in the two groups. * Risk of death from colorectal cancer or other causes was similar in the two groups. * Kidney stones were more common in women taking the calcium and vitamin D supplements. Kidney stones were reported by 449 of the women taking the supplements and by 381 of the women taking the placebo. The researchers conclude, “Daily supplementation of calcium with vitamin D for seven years had no effect on the incidence of colorectal cancer among postmenopausal women.” They note that longer follow-up may reveal a benefit, but that current results “do not provide support for the general use of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation to prevent colorectal cancer.”Reference: Wactawski-Wende J, Kotchen JM, Anderson GL et al. Calcium plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer. New EnglandJournal of Medicine . 2006;354:684-96. Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:39:31 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/colorectal-cancer-risk-not-reduced-by-calcium-plus-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-improve-smokers-blood-circulation Vitamin C May Improve Smokers’ Blood CirculationSource: paktribune.comA dose of vitamin C may give a quick boost to the poorer-than-average blood circulation seen in healthy young smokers, a Japanese study suggests.The study of 25 healthy men found that although smokers initially showed poorer results on a test of blood flow to the heart, that changed after they took a large dose -- 2 grams -- of vitamin C. Shortly after taking the vitamin, the 13 smokers showed blood circulation on par with that of the 12 non-smokers, according to findings published in the American Heart Journal.However, lest smokers think they can undo heart damage by chasing a cigarette with a vitamin C pill, the researchers say their findings underline the dangers of smoking.Study co-author Issei Komuro told that the "clear" message from the results is that smokers need to quit.Komuro and colleagues at Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine report the findings in the American Heart Journal.Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, a substance that helps clear the body of cell-damaging molecules called oxygen free radicals. Because of this, it’s thought that the vitamin may counter the "oxidative stress" that smoking puts on the lining of the blood vessels -- a mechanism by which smoking leads to artery disease.The new study looked at the effect of oral vitamin C on coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), a measure of how well blood flow speeds up to help the heart when it’s under high demands. Past research has shown that smokers show poorer blood-vessel dilation in response to blood flow, and have a diminished CFVR.Komuro’s team used a non-invasive ultrasound technique to measure CFVR in smokers and non-smokers, before and after they took vitamin C.They found that before taking the vitamin, smokers had a lower CFVR than non-smokers did. Two and four hours after the dose of vitamin C, however, smokers’ average CFVR was "restored" to a more-normal level. Though the men in the study were given a large dose of vitamin C, Komuro pointed out that it’s probably useless to take doses beyond 200 milligrams, because the body will excrete the excess.Moreover, it’s not clear that loading up on vitamin C can benefit smokers. Some trials have found that taking C supplements does not improve smokers’ blood vessel function, at least in the short term. Komuro said further, large-scale trials should look at whether daily vitamin C supplements cut smokers’ long-term risk of coronary artery disease. Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:38:39 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-may-improve-smokers-blood-circulation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplements-could-cause-surgery-problems Herbal Supplements Could Cause Surgery ProblemsSource: www.nbc5i.comHerbal supplements some plastic surgery patients take before their procedures could cause healing complications during or after the surgery, according to an NBC 5 report.Scientists say that chondroitin, typically taken to treat osteoarthritis, could lead to excessive bleeding during surgery.Another popular supplement, echinacea, could lengthen the healing process after surgery and trigger an infection, according to medical experts. Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:36:35 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplements-could-cause-surgery-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-and-crohn-s-disease Vitamin-D and Crohn´s DiseaseSource: communitydispatch.comStudy Type: Interventional Study Design: Treatment, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Control, Parallel AssignmentOfficial Title: Remission Keeping and Remission Inducing Effect by Vitamin-D in Crohns Disease, and in Vitro Vitamin-D Mediated T-Cell Immunomodulation Further study details as provided by University of Aarhus:Expected Total Enrollment: 100Study start: September 2005Crohns Disease is an inflammatory disease of primarily the small intestine and colon.Recent years scientist has hypothesized low blood vitamin-D levels playing a role in the development of autoimmune disease, including Crohns disease. The purpose of this study is to examine whether vitamin-D is effective in keeping remission in inactive Crohns Disease (double blind placebo controlled trial). The patients who have active disease in the placebo group (reach primary endpoint), will in an open setting receive a higher single dose vitamin-D and the effect will be measured within weeks.Eligibility Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years - 90 Years, Genders Eligible for Study: Both CriteriaInclusion Criteria: * Crohn´s disease * Inactive Crohn's disease for at least 4 weeks * Crohns Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:31:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-and-crohn-s-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dangers-of-too-much-vitamin-d The dangers of too much Vitamin DSource: www.tenerifenews.comSome recent news reports have stated that high doses of Vitamin D can reduce the risk of cancer, however, some scientists say that too much could also harm the kidney and liver.Professor Cedric Garland and a research team at the University of California in San Diego investigated the relationship between blood levels of Vitamin D and cancer and found that taking high doses - 1,000 international units (IU) or 25 micrograms - of the vitamin daily could lower the risk by 50 percent for colon cancer and by 30 percent for breast and ovarian cancer. Whilst this sounds good news, taking more than 2,000 IU - 50 micrograms - a day could lead to the body absorbing too much calcium and possibly damaging the liver and kidneys. The easiest and most reliable way of getting the appropriate amount of Vitamin D was from food. Vitamin D is also gained by exposure to sunlight and it is also obtained from certain foods such as oily fish, margarine and from meat. Steve Andrews Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:30:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-dangers-of-too-much-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-long-do-wrinkle-fillers-last- How Long Do Wrinkle Fillers Last?Source: www.webmd.comMore Than 4 Months, States Report on Fillers Using Hyaluronic AcidWrinkle fillers containing hyaluronic acid smooth out wrinkles for more than four months, according to researchers.New York plastic surgeon Sydney Coleman, MD, wrote the report which appears in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Three products containing hyaluronic acid have been approved by the FDA in recent years, Coleman notes. Those products are Restylane, Hylaform, and Hylaform Plus.Coleman's report is not a head-to-head comparison of those products. Instead, it sums up current knowledge about safety and duration of results.Coleman writes that the products are "clearly effective at diminishing wrinkles and folds for longer than four months.""It is generally believed that hyaluronic acid injection fillers are safe and have no occurrence of serious adverse reactions or allergic reactions," Coleman writes.However, he mentions a "low incidence of risks," such as temporary discoloration, bruising, and redness at the injection site. Occasionally, some symptoms last more than 10 days, including swelling, redness, darkening of the skin, blue discoloration, and lumpiness, the report states.Patients should be informed about any risks, however rare, before getting the wrinkle fillers, Coleman notes. He adds that the fillers aren't intended to be injected into blood vessels because of the potential risk of serious side effects, including blood clots. Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:24:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-long-do-wrinkle-fillers-last- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-questions-arise-over-vitamin-d-and-calcium-health-benefits New Questions Arise Over Vitamin D And Calcium Health BenefitsSource: www.allheadlinenews.comhe most comprehensive study of calcium and vitamin D supplements for older women released this week showed they offered only limited protection against broken bones.Prompting questions over what has long been much preached by health care professionals and nutritionists.The recent studies have created some confusion regarding the importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements, but consumers need to understand a simple fact: Vitamins and other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D, are necessary to our health and well-being.Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, a world-renowned neurosurgeon says, "Vitamin D and calcium are essential in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. This fact is not disputable, and a large number of studies over many decades have shown vitamin D and calcium supplementation to be effective in building and maintaining healthy bones. I will continue to recommend these critical supplements to my patients because I continue to believe in their effectiveness."Many notable studies have found benefits from calcium and vitamin D supplementation. A recent meta-analysis of double blind, randomized controlled trials, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed a 26% risk reduction in hip fractures in elderly consuming vitamin D at doses above 700 IU.While another three year study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, of elderly men and women supplemented with calcium and vitamin D showed they too had reduced bone loss of the hip and spine as well as a reduced incidence of vertebral fractures. Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:22:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-questions-arise-over-vitamin-d-and-calcium-health-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-supplement-may-combat-pica Iron supplement may combat picaSource: www.theeagle.comAbout five months ago, I started craving ice. I think the condition is called pica, but I don't know what it means. Before this, I would always order my drinks with no ice, and I couldn't stand drinks if they were too cold. I objected to the sound of anyone chewing ice. But now that person is ME.I started taking Centrum Silver in October, thinking I was lacking something in my diet. I've been taking Protonix (an acid suppressor) daily for the past three years. Please help.Answer: Pica is the name doctors use when people eat things that are not considered food. Examples include clay, baking soda, laundry starch or ice. Despite this technical definition, we have also heard from readers with abnormal cravings for popcorn, carrots, orange peels or tomatoes.Although the cause is not well understood, pica is frequently associated with an iron or zinc deficiency. It was perceptive of you to suspect something lacking in your diet. The multivitamin you selected, however, contains no iron.Low iron levels might be linked to the acid-suppressing drug you are taking. Stomach acid is essential for the absorption of certain nutrients, including iron and vitamin B-12. Medications such as Prilosec, Protonix, Aciphex, Prevacid or Nexium might make it harder to get adequate amounts from food. Ask your doctor whether an iron supplement might be helpful.Q: My wife and I both have cholesterol issues. I take Lipitor, and she's on Crestor. During the winter, we always have grapefruit for breakfast.I work out nearly every day. Soon after starting Lipitor, my arm muscles became sore. I continued to work out and didn't think much of it. I just lightened the weights that I use for the bicep exercises.A few weeks later, the muscles around my knee began to ache. Now my lower back also hurts. The doctor said that muscle pain from Lipitor is rare, but I wonder whether the grapefruit is part of the problem. If so, why hasn't my wife had trouble?A: Your symptoms might be related to a higher dose of Lipitor brought on by an interaction with grapefruit. Crestor is not affected.Grapefruit can raise blood levels of dozens of different medicines and increase the possibility of side effects. The grapefruit effect can last up to 48 hours, so an interval of just a few hours between taking the drug - for instance, if you take it at night - and ingesting grapefruit or its juice will not be long enough to stop the interaction.• In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. E-mail them at their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:18:58 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-supplement-may-combat-pica http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-f2-diet-rules THE F2 DIET RULESSource: www.dailyrecord.co.uk1 Breakfast on half a grapefruit for its GI-lowering impact and vitamin C. Pink grapefruits are sweeter, so they help you resist adding sugar.Have a bowl of a high fibre cereal which includes Kellogg's All-Bran Original. It contains the most wheat fibre which helps speed waste through the gut. It is also one of the lowest-GI cereals. Slice a just ripe greenish banana into your cereal.2 Have a low-fat probiotic drink or yoghurt each day. The word 'probiotic' means they contain live bacteria capable of surviving the journey through your digestive system to supplement the good bacteria in your gut.3 Eat one or two servings of an F2 soup or salad each day. Red lentil and tomato soup or carrot, almond and raisin salad are excellent.4 Eat large quantities of vegetables and pulses. Beans, parsnips, chickpeas, broccoli and spinach are beneficial.5 In addition to a banana and grapefruit, eat at least two pieces of fruit daily. Berries, pears, oranges and apples are the richest in fibre. 6 Eat two slices of fibre rich wholemeal bread daily.7 Feel free to enjoy grain-based foods like wholewheat pasta, brown basmati rice, couscous, noodles, barley and bulgur wheat.8 Ration the fat containing foods which were making you overweight.Fats lurk in ready-meals and fastfood meals, cheesy dishes, crisps, dips, pastry products, biscuits, cakes, chips, chocolates, creamy soups, oily sauces, mayonnaiseheavy sandwiches. The list is endless.Unfortunately, chocolate has an addictive quality and the more you eat, the you want it.If given a box of chocolates, pass it on to someone who is thin, or to someone you don't like.Cheese is also high in fat. Nearly every restaurant pizza, unless there's a cheese-free option, costs around 1000 calories. A shop bought deep pan meat feast contains 1300 calories and enough fat to give a bullock a heart attack.9 Choose to eat fish in preference to meat or follow a vegetarian menu. Limit any red or processed meat to a maximum of two portions a week and select only organic or free range animal products.10 Drink water, teas and most low calorie drinks freely and coffee in moderation. Alcohol is high in calories. Cut out fruit juice too while you are shedding weight.When you eat whole fruit it impacts upon your appetite. When you only drink the juice it doesn't. Lemon juice is the only exception. Drink as much as you can. Squeeze it on fish, stir it into soups. Vitamin C and has a major effect in lowering the GI of meals.Why is fibre so important?By adding more fibre to your diet you are likely to lose about a hundred more undigested calories a day, giving a useful boost to weight loss.The saying 'a second on the lips, a lifetime on the hips' is all too true of fatty foods.Hundreds of calories can be digested in fatty foods before they begin to register on appetite-control mechanisms.It takes up to five minutes for food to even start to satisfy the body and up to 20 minutes for it to fill the stomach and send out the physical signals.Studies have also shown that people who are overweight eat faster than people who are slim. Combine fast eating with high-fat diets and you begin to understand the modern phenomenon of sofa-sized people.Highly-refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, white bread and other cereal foods which have been stripped of their fibre, are fast foods too. But when carbohydrates retain their cell-wall material - because of their fibre - more chewing is involved.Just consider how long it would take to chomp your way through four apples, compared to the speed at which you could swig their juice and you get an excellent illustration of yet another major weight-loss benefit of high-fibre diets.Dietary fibre is a sponge-like material which absorbs and holds water as it is chewed. This means that fibre-rich foods swell to a greater bulk than other foods, making them more effective in filling the stomach.Once digested in the intestine, all carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of sugar to provide fuel for body and brain.Some carbohydrates - mainly those that are highly processed and stripped of fibre - tend to be absorbed too fast, raising blood-sugar levels too quickly.Others - those natural foods you will be eating on this diet - are absorbed at a more desirable rate for health and weight control. Sun, 19 Feb 2006 13:32:46 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-f2-diet-rules http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/you-may-gain-muscle-fast-using-gakic You may Gain Muscle Fast Using GakicSource: www.prweb.comNow there’s a new nutritional supplement shop for everyone including female bodybuilding and teen body building enthusiasts who want to gain muscle fast with products such as Gakic the revolutionary pre-workout bodybuilding supplement.Northborough, MA (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 –- Is there room for another online nutritional supplement company? Nutri-King.com owner Brian Szucs says “yes” and opens his new store with confidence that Nutri-King can succeed in the highly competitive online supplement market and will be of special interest to those who are searching for female and teen body building supplements.“We’re all about nutrition, convenience and low prices,” says Nutri-King owner Brian Szucs. “We offer a large selection of top brand nutritional products in four basic categories: vitamins and minerals,  weight loss,  sports nutrition  herbal blendsCustomers can compare supplement products, compare pricing and make their selections quickly and easily. We want the process to be simple. We’re not trying to sell customers a lot of things they don’t want and we’re not offering a business opportunity,” he stated.“You can Google ‘supplement’ and get over 96 million sites,” according to Brian. You can search Yahoo and pull up over 91 million sites. Many, if not most, of these supplement sites sell some kind of nutritional supplement,” said the owner of the new Nutri-King site. “That tells you there’s a huge market for supplement products and wellness information. These are people who want to just click and buy supplement products without going to a traditional store,” Brian added.“Nutri-King wants to help wellness and fitness consumers get their products easily and cost-effectively,” Brian emphasized. “Nutri-King will build a loyal following because our customers will like our selection, pricing and service.” That’s a triple threat to any store that isn’t giving customers their best, whether those supplement customers are online or in a regular retail setting.“Nutri-King will satisfy the wellness consumer with a dietary supplement and herbal blend selection that provides a one-stop-shop for bodybuilders shopping for a sports performance or fitness supplement such as hot new products like Gakic,” said Brian, who is a bodybuilder. “I personally think that our product selection will make us a natural choice for male and female natural bodybuilders and any individual who takes fitness and performance very seriously,” he added.I believe we will attract informed fitness and wellness customers who already know what they want,” said Nutri-King’s owner. They just want to find the lowest prices and best service. I personally invite you to shop with us for tremendous grand opening specials and regular monthly specials, said Brian. “Your friends will be glad to hear about Nutri-King, too, so share our address www.nutri-king.com with them.Media Contact: Dot Anderson 972-978-5057Gain Muscle Fast using discounted nutritional supplements at Nutri-King, where nutrition rules.Nutri-King.com is a new privately owned online supplement company whose mission is to provide a large selection of nutritional supplement products, including top brands, at very competitive prices. Owner Brian Szucs, is 100% committed to customer satisfaction and growing a successful online business. Nutri-King, where nutrition rules. Tue, 31 Jan 2006 22:24:59 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/you-may-gain-muscle-fast-using-gakic http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reviewing-the-abcs-of-vitamin-d Reviewing the ABC's of vitamin DSource: www.twincities.comQ. I hear vitamin D has been found to help prevent cancer and that "vitamin D3" is recommended. The label on my multivitamin supplement says vitamin D, not D3. Are they the same thing? A. This news is based on a recent review by researchers at the University of California, San Diego. Vitamin D is commonly called the "sunshine" vitamin. Along with calcium, it helps prevent osteoporosis. The news releases I saw, including those from the university itself, mentioned vitamin D3 without explanation. We'll clarify the puzzlement shortly. Researchers noted vitamin D deficiency is widespread and said their findings suggest boosting daily intake of vitamin D3 to 1,000 IU would substantially cut the risk of cancers of the colon, breast, ovaries and prostate. The findings are based on an analysis of dozens of vitamin D observational studies. It should be said observational studies can detect associations but don't prove cause and effect. In this way, they fall short of double-blind placebo trials, a limitation the researchers readily admitted. Even so, they reasoned, 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily is considered safe, so increasing intake to this level would be good insurance. (The recommended safe upper intake level is 2,000 IU.) Now to unravel the puzzlement. There are two relevant forms of vitamin D: D2 and D3. D2 (ergocalciferol) is present in plant sources. D2 is our primary dietary source of vitamin D and is the form used in vitamin D-fortified milk and cereal products. D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form our body synthesizes when skin is exposed to sunlight. Both forms are converted to active vitamin D by the body. However, studies have determined vitamin D3 is about three times more potent than vitamin D2 in the conversion process. This is likely the reason researchers recommend the D3 form of vitamin D. In most cases, brief periods of unprotected (without sunscreen) sun exposure to face and arms can meet the body's vitamin D needs. But researchers think most people, particularly those with darker skin or who live in northern states, can more easily meet the target level of 1,000 IU through diet and vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is available in both multivitamin and vitamin D-only supplements. Standard multivitamin supplements supply 400 IU of vitamin D, considered a low-end amount. The catch is, the vitamin D may be either D2 or D3, and 400 IU of D2 is far less potent than the same amount of D3. As you pointed out, the Supplement Facts label typically just says "Vitamin D." So, how to tell which form you're getting? You'll have to peruse the "Ingredients" section of the label, which is not alphabetized. With some products, this is an ordeal that cries for a magnifying lens. If the product provides D2, you'll see either "vitamin D2" or "ergocalciferol." If D3, you'll see either "vitamin D3" or "cholecalciferol." My hunch is that supplement manufacturers now using D2 may feel pressured to switch to D3. Richard Harkness is a consultant pharmacist, natural medicines specialist and author. Write him at 1224 King Henry Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:28:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reviewing-the-abcs-of-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/large-study-finds-link-between-vitamin-d-and-lung-health Large study finds link between vitamin D and lung healthSource: www.newstarget.comHighlight: Dr. Peter Black led a team of researchers at the University of Auckland in a lung study that determined higher levels of vitamin D in the blood are related to improved lung function. Auckland team found in a study of 14,091 people. "Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer," said lead researcher Dr Peter Black. Dr Black said the difference in performance between those with the highest and lowest concentrations of vitamin D was more marked that the difference between non-smokers and those who had given up. The team found that those people with the highest concentration of vitamin D in their blood significantly outperformed others in tests to measure their lung function. However, he said: "Although there is a definite relationship between lung function and vitamin D, it is unclear if increases in vitamin D through supplements or dietary intake will actually improve lung function in patients with chronic respiratory diseases." * The FEV1 test which measures the volume of air that can be forced in one second after taking a deep breath. Dr Peter Black said he was not sure why vitamin D has this effect on lung function. But he suggested it may be because vitamin D affects the repair and remodelling of lung tissue, which goes on throughout life. "The effects of vitamin D are not limited to bone and there is evidence that it can affect the growth of a wide variety of cell types." Dr Mark Britton, a spokesman for the British Lung Foundation, told the BBC News website that it was likely that vitamin D had an impact on the development of the rib cage, rather than the lung tissue itself. Dr Michael Alberts, president of the American College of Chest Physicians, said: "Chronic lung conditions compromise quality of life for millions of people around the world. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:27:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/large-study-finds-link-between-vitamin-d-and-lung-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthy-nutrition-means-a-colorful-plate Healthy nutrition means a colorful plateSource: www.edmondsun.comNew Year’s resolutions to lose weight have already begun to fail for many. However, dietary experts with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center say colorful changes on the play can point to healthy and lasting weight loss.If people will avoid fad diets and “color their plate” with a good variety of foods, they can lose weight and get or stay healthy thanks to the extra vitamins and minerals some foods pack, said Karen Funderburg, a registered dietitian, assistant professor and chair of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Oklahoma College of Allied Health.Funderburg urged adding more so-called functional foods, or foods that provide health benefits beyond nutrition to the diet. Functional foods are usually rich is one or more type of phytochemicals, natural chemical compounds in food that act much like vitamins and minerals. She cautioned that functional foods should not be eaten alone, but as part of a normal, healthy diet.“Some people are calling these foods ‘superfoods’,” she said. “No food in isolation can work wonders, but consciously adding a variety of functional foods to your diet may contribute to your health and provide protection from disease.”Functional foods are primarily plant foods, so fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, she said. Many of these foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients that some nutrition experts can slow aging or disease. Of course, she added, these foods should be steamed, poached, baked or eaten raw without fattening sauces or dips.Many of these functional foods include foods with flavonoids (red grapes, black and green tea, apples and blueberries), vitamin C (orange juice, broccoli, grapefruit and red peppers), Vitamin E (nuts, avocados, oils and olives), and carotenoids (carrots, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and corn).By coloring the plate, Funderburg said it means to ensure there are multiple types of food in a variety of colors on the plate: the dark green leaves of romaine lettuce are better than the pale leaves of iceberg lettuce and the orange of sweet potatoes have more nutrients than white potatoes. People should also look at colors such as cherries, strawberries and blueberries. The exception, she said, is garlic, which is also considered to be a functional food, but is not especially colorful itself or usually eaten by itself.“Health claims are regulated by the FDA, but products are now being labeled as functional foods,” she said. “Oatmeal was the first and the chocolate industry has certainly taken the message to heart.”The American Dietetic Association (ADA) said in its position paper on functional foods that, “functional foods, including whole foods and fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods, have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis, at effective levels.”The ADA is supporting additional research into functional foods. In the meantime, the organization recommends people eat a varied diet that includes five servings of fruits and vegetables a day with as many whole foods as possible.As to specific functional foods, Funderburg listed several with specific properties:• Oats: soluble fiber in oats can help lower total cholesterol, but it does not reduce the HDL cholesterol. For the benefit, she said a person needs to eat 1-1/2 cups of oatmeal, 1 cup cooked oat bran cereal or 3 cups of Cherrios brand cereal per day.• Soy: Soy is recommended to promote heart health. The soy can come from soy beans, soy milk, soy nuts, tofu or soy powder, she said.• Tea: Tea leaves contain polyphenols called catechins which some literature supports as heart healthy. For the best benefit, Funderburg said the tea should be brewed.• Grapes: Grapes contain a variety of antioxidants and have shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, inhibit the stickiness of platelets (possibly preventing plaque build-up) and promote the relaxation of blood vessel walls. The research was on 2 cups per day consumption.• Nuts: Research has shown that eating nuts can help lower the risk of heart disease and nuts have a beneficial impact on blood lipids when eaten in moderation. In addition, she said, nuts are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, fiber and phytochemicals.• Tomatoes: Both tomatoes and tomato products are high in lycopene, an antioxidant, and may help the body protect itself if tomatoes are eaten several times a week. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:23:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthy-nutrition-means-a-colorful-plate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-vitamin-c-treats-avian-flu-better- Can Vitamin C treats avian flu better?Source: www.foodconsumer.orgOn Dec. 17, 2005, customs agents intercepted 40 plus shipments of counterfeit Tamiflu. On Jan. 7, federal agents seized fake antiflu drugs in New York and Chicago. The feds suspected the drugs were made in China because the print on the package is Chinese. The fake drugs did not contain any Tamiflu, only some vitamin C. If that is true, the fake drug may be more effective than Tamiflu in treating influenza.The antiflu drug Tamiflu cannot treat flu. It can shorten the duration of suffering by 1.5 days. It works by preventing the virus from invading into nearby cells. Vitamin C at a sufficient dose can treat flu. Obviously, fake Tamiflu does not contain sufficient vitamin C, but the manufacturer might know more about the flu treatment than medical experts.Public fear of flu is due to propaganda of worldwide outbreaks of avian flu. So far, avian flu has been able to transmit only among birds. There is a concern that once a mutated variant develops and spreads among humans, there will be a disaster. One way to fight the virus is to develop an effective vaccine. Tamiflu can only shorten the duration, but cannot treat flu. The efficacy of Tamiflu on avian flu is subject to suspicion. The only answer lies with vitamin C, which is the only drug that can deal with a variety of viruses.The majority of mammals make vitamin C in their liver for maintenance of their health. Because of this, the animals seldom get infected with flu viruses. Only guinea pigs, apes, and humans cannot make vitamin C, thus making outsourcing vitamin C a necessity. Because of the inability, colds and influenza mostly inflict humans only.Amphibian animals such as cold-blooded snakes and frogs live in a cold environment. Their biochemical reactions are slow, and thus they have a lower demand for vitamin C than warm-blooded mammals. In cold blood animals, a small amount of vitamin C in the kidneys is enough for the needs of the whole body. Mammals need high levels of vitamin C, which must be bio-synthesized in the liver to meet the need.Birds such as swallows and wild ducks can make vitamin C in their liver. Some birds such as chickens synthesize vitamin C in their kidneys. Because the size of the kidneys is small, it cannot make a large amount of vitamin C. This is why chickens get infected with viruses more easily. Outbreaks of avian flu can strike an area with a radius of hundreds of miles because wild ducks carry the virus without any symptoms, due to its capability of making vitamin C in their liver. That is why they can fly with the virus hundreds of miles without any illness. Once the virus spreads to chickens, the low amount of vitamin C cannot help defend against the virus. This is why chickens were killed by hundreds or thousands on one occasion.Studies of the animals that can synthesize vitamin C in the liver suggest that a person with 70 kg needs 5 grams (a day) of vitamin C. Sick people need even more vitamin C to overcome illnesses. People with a common cold need 30 gms per day. People with flu need 50 gms per day.For people suffering an epidemic cold, 100 grams are needed. For those who cannot take much orally, they may consider IV administration of sodium ascorbate solution. IV injection of 350 mg/kg body weight subdues fever in one day, and the patient recovers within three days.The same methodology should be used to treat those who suffer avian flu. Vitamin C is an extremely safe compound. The only side-effect is diarrhea induced by a large dose. The body can only absorb a certain amount of vitamin C through small intestines. When the level of vitamin C in the body reaches the threshold, the small intestines stop absorbing any more vitamin C. The unused vitamin C is fedback to the large intestines causing them to not absorb water. That is why diarrhea occurs. Intake of vitamin C slightly lower than that causing diarrhea proved the only effective way to maintain health and cure common cold, flu, epidemic cold, SARS, hepatitis B infection, meningitis and even Polio (small paralysis sickness).The writer believes that if chicken farmers supplement enough vitamin C in the chicken feed at a level of 50 to 100 mg /kg, avian flu can be prevented in chickens. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:20:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-vitamin-c-treats-avian-flu-better- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calls-to-boost-vitamin-b12-rda Calls to boost vitamin B12 RDASource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comThe recommended daily allowance (RDA) levels for vitamin B12 should be increased by 500 per cent, according to Danish researchers - a recommendation which, if taken up, could lead to reformulation of multivitamins that contain small quantities.The current RDA in Europe is only 1 micrograms for adults, while the US dietary reference intake (DRI) is 2.4 micrograms. In order to correct all vitamin B12-related variables a RDA of 6 micrograms is needed, according to research published in the January 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 83, pp. 52-58). Vitamin B12, found in meat, dairy products and eggs, is essential for life, working with folate in the production of red blood cells, as well as helping the body in the use of fatty acids and certain amino acids.“When establishing the RDA, a major concern is to ensure the minimum of the vitamin required to avoid the risk of developing vitamin deficiency,” wrote lead researcher Vakur Bor.The current study calculated dietary and supplemental intake of vitamin B12 for 98 post-menopausal women with an average age of 57 using three-day diet records, a method that does not rely heavily on memory and widely believed to give the most valid estimated of intake.After dividing the volunteers into quintiles depending on B12 intake, the researchers measured four different vitamin B12-related serum markers.Despite the range of intake varying from three to 15 micrograms, the researchers observed that the curves leveled off at a daily intake of about six micrograms for all the variables analysed.“A daily vitamin B12 intake of six micrograms appears to be sufficient to normalize all of the vitamin B12-related variables, which suggests that this dose might be more adequate for the general adult population than the current RDA,” concluded Bor.The results may have implications for vitamin producers and supplement makers. Average commercial multivitamin supplements in Denmark contain only 1 microgram of vitamin B12, while in the Netherlands the average is 2 micrograms. Some multivitamin formulations in the UK contain as little as 0.5 micrograms.Vitamin B12 deficiency is believed to be rare, except amongst vegetarians. A balanced western diet normally contains five to seven micrograms of the vitamin. Vegetarian and vegan diets however require vitamin B12 supplements to maintain healthy levels. According to a 2002 Datamonitor study there are approximately 13 million vegetarians in Europe. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:19:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calls-to-boost-vitamin-b12-rda http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/irritable-bowel-syndrome-herbal-help- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Herbal Help?Source: www.webmd.comStudy: Some Traditional Chinese, Tibetan, Indian Herbal Medicines May Help Some traditional Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian herbal medicines may improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, researchers report.The finding comes from a review of 75 studies on irritable bowel syndrome. The herbal medicines that stood out in the review were:Standard and individualized Chinese herbal formulations including "STW 5" and "STW 5-11" A Tibetan herbal formula called "Padma Lax" An Indian formula of two unnamed herbs used in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian health system However, the review doesn't endorse or recommend any herbal medicines for irritable bowel syndrome, since many of the studies weren't of top-notch quality.The report appears in The Cochrane Library, a health care research journal. The scientists included Jianping Liu, MD, PhD.Liu works at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine's Evidence-based Chinese Medicine Centre for Clinical Research and Evaluation. He is also on staff at the National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Norway's University of Tromso.Helpful or Not?The studies, which were mainly done in China, had a combined total of nearly 8,000 patients with IBS."Some herbal medicines may improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome," the researchers write. For instance, IBS patients in nine studies either got herbal and conventional medicines or conventional medicines alone. Those who got herbal and conventional medicines reported greater improvement of their IBS symptoms, the researchers note.None of the studies reported serious side effects from any of the herbal medicines. But the researchers note that that doesn't mean that the medicines are safe for everyone.Liu's team urges "caution" in considering positive findings from studies with poor design, small numbers of patients, and unconfirmed results.Quality QuestionsThe researchers' main criticisms were:Most studies were of low quality. Various formulas were used. Many studies didn't check long-term results. For instance, some studies compared herbal medicines with conventional medicines, not all of which are proven to help irritable bowel syndrome. In other trials, herbal medicines were compared with placebos, which don't contain any conventional or herbal medicine.Also, herbal medicines were often tailored to each patient, a typical practice in traditional Chinese medicine. Using similar formulas would have made comparisons easier, note Liu and colleagues."There is a great need for further rigorously conducted trials that look to see whether it is possible to replicate these positive effects," Liu says in a news release."For these trials to be useful, they must also improve the description of the herbal medicines being tested," he says.The researchers' bottom line: "Some herbal medicines deserve further examination in high-quality trials," they write. Meanwhile, they call it "premature to recommend herbal medicines for routine use in irritable bowel syndrome." Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:26:12 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/irritable-bowel-syndrome-herbal-help- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-benefits-of-coconut Health benefits of coconutSource: www.sunstar.com.phCRAIG Elevitch, an agroforestry expert in Hawaii, notes: "The amazing thing about the coconut palm is that it provides almost all the necessities of life: food, drink, oil, medicine, fiber, timber, thatch, mats, fuel, and domestic utensils, as well as serving important environmental services such as soil erosion control in coastal regions, wind protection and shade for other crops." With multifarious uses, coconut is touted as a "tree of life." Coconut is known scientifically as "Cocos nucifera," but in the Philippines it has several names: "niyog" (among Tagalogs and Ilokanos), "lubi" (Bisaya), "ngu-ngut" (Pampangueño), and "ongot" (Ibanag). "My Dinagyang". Post your Dinagyang experience here Coconut water is good for people with kidney problems. One Filipino doctor claimed that "two glasses of fresh buko juice every day can reduce one's chance of having kidney or ureter stones." Daily "bucolysis"--renoculsis with "buko" juice--result in a 10 percent reduction in size of all kidney stones. Diabetics can also benefit from drinking coconut water. The Philippine Coconut Authority informs: Potassium content of water is remarkably high at all nut ages. Together with sodium and phosphorus, potassium content also tends to increase with the ages of the coconut to peak at nine months. This characteristic of coconut water makes it a very good drinking water for diabetics. Diabetics waking from a coma recover quickly after drinking coconut water." A joint study by the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and the Department of Science and Technology found that coconut water from nine-month-old nuts can be safely injected into a healthy person. But here's a warning: Patients with weak kidneys may not be able to tolerate high doses of fluid due to its high potassium content. This can lead to heart attack! Coconut water has been used for centuries as a remedy for a lot of ailments. Occasionally by itself, or often mixed with coconut milk, it has been used to treat intestinal worms and relives stomach and urinary problems. It is also said to diminish rashes caused by smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. It is also thought to be beneficial to the skin. Celeste Tanchoco, nutritional science and technology division chief of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, explains: "I think it's because of the belief that saturated fat is hypercholesterolemic, and coconut oil is saturated fat. But what we should consider in classifying fats and oils is not just whether they are saturated or unsaturated, but it should be more on the fatty acid composition--whether it's short-chain, medium-chain or long-chain." Coconut oil is medium-chain, which is saturated. More explanation: "Now, what has been considered before was that saturated fat raises blood cholesterol. Coconut oil is saturated, therefore it can increase hypercholesterolemia. And they backed this up with previous studies that when patient was given a diet that contained coconut oil, indeed his cholesterol levels went up. But they focused only on the change in the fat in the diet. They failed to consider the composition of the diet." Now sweeping the Philippines is virgin coconut oil, which is said to be anti-viral and anti-bacterial and touted to treat the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids). "Virgin coconut oil is coconut oil," explains Dr. Conrado Dayrit, professor emeritus of the College of Pharmacology in the University of the Philippines. "The difference is just that when you say virgin, it did not pass the copra process." Generally, coconut oil is considered virgin when it is not heated, and when no additives or chemicals are used, according to Dr. Teresita M. Espino, director of the Laguna-based Biotech Institute. Once it has been heated or "cooked" and other materials are added to the mixture, the natural qualities are compromised and the oil may no longer be considered virgin. The production of virgin coco oil, says Dr. Espino, starts from the grating process, followed by the extraction of the coconut milk. The extraction results in the leftover coconut meat called "sepal". This is mixed with enzymes that separate the oil from the aqueous matter. The separated oil goes through a centrifugal (movement away from the center) process and comes out pale yellow in color. This is the color one should look for in virgin coco oil. The entire process does not involve heat and takes place only in room temperature. "This is the traditional method of coconut oil extraction that has been used in the Philippines for hundreds of years," points out Joey Villa, a businessman whose product - cold-pressed flavored extra virgin coconut oil sold under the brand name "Wild Country"--is getting rave reviews and with orders from both the domestic and offshore markets. "Laboratory tests show that (virgin coconut oil) is a very high quality coconut oil, with the lauric acid content measured at 54.9 percent, which makes it an excellent anti-viral, antibacterial and antifungal agent. This oil is not mass-produced, but made by hand just as it has been done for hundreds of years. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:23:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-benefits-of-coconut http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-for-macular-degeneration Supplements for macular degenerationSource: www.fortwayne.comQ: My ophthalmologist prescribed Viteyes, a vitamin formula, to help prevent macular degeneration. Each capsule contains 7.5 mg of Vitamin A (100 percent beta carotene). The label says to take 2 capsules daily. My multivitamin also contains vitamin A. Will I be getting an overdose of vitamin A, which I understand is harmful? I am older than 65. A: The eye disease called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD is a leading cause of blindness in older people. The macula, a small yellow area in the retina, enables central vision. Actually, the Viteyes supplement contains beta carotene, not vitamin A. The two-capsule recommended daily dose supplies 15 mg of beta carotene. You need not worry about a vitamin A overdose since this product contains no "straight" vitamin A at all. Beta carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A only in the amounts it needs. However, there is a potential downside to consider. Supplemental beta carotene in high doses (20 mg daily) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and cancer in smokers and those with a history of asbestos exposure. It's not known whether this risk might apply generally, or occur at lower doses, so its best to be wary. Standard multivitamin supplements provide beta carotene at much lower, nutritional doses, typically 1.2 mg or less. Viteyes supplies 15 mg of beta carotene, along with zinc (40 mg), copper (2 mg), vitamin E (200 IU), and vitamin C (250 mg). This is similar to the formulation that appeared to slow the progression of ARMD in people at high risk for developing the advanced form of the disease. This formulation, on the other hand, did not seem to benefit those with early ARMD. Your ophthalmologist might wish to consider a product with lutein instead of beta carotene. Lutein is in the same family as beta carotene. Lutein and its cousin zeaxanthin are present in the macula and retina of the eye. Some studies suggest that a lutein-rich diet may reduce the risk of developing ARMD and cataracts. Though lutein in supplement form has not been studied, getting 6 mg daily through either diet or supplements has been suggested. Foods high in lutein include kale (44 mg/cup), spinach (26 mg/cup), and broccoli (3 mg/cup). Substantial amounts of both lutein and zeaxanthin are present in spinach, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. Your current multivitamin supplement should be OK. For people older than 50, though, I generally recommend a multivitamin-mineral supplement such as Centrum Silver (or equivalent store brand), which contains extra vitamin B12. The amount of zinc in standard multivitamin supplements (typically 15 mg) combined with the 40 mg in Viteyes pushes you above the adult safe upper intake level of 40 mg daily. However, some evidence suggests that zinc in higher doses than this (in combination with copper) may be used safely for an extended time without significant adverse effects. Copper is included because high-dose zinc can lead to copper deficiency. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:20:13 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-for-macular-degeneration http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-science-focuses-on-hydration Nutrition science focuses on hydrationSource: www.sunherald.comNutrition science led one of the first revolutions in enhancing performance with something utterly basic: water. A high school or college football player in the 1960s typically would be told not to drink water during workouts or games. "It wasn't science," says Saunders. "It was macho." Then came the proof that not only did dehydration harm performance, it could be dangerous - even deadly. In the 1970s and '80s, it was further established that dosing the water with carbohydrates during prolonged physical activity improved performance. On the cusp of hydration research today is the promising evidence that adding a dose of protein to those athletic drinks gives people an additional boost. Saunders had 33 male and five female cyclists get on exercycles and drink half to 4 and three-quarters of a cup of water every 15 minutes as they pedaled as hard as they could until they could pedal no more. Half the cyclists drank water with about 7 percent carbohydrates added. The other half drank the same water/carbohydrate mix but also with protein added, in the form of whey powder. All cyclists did the test twice after ample days of rest, switching what they drank, so each was measuring the effect of different drink formulas against his or her own performance. With protein added to the mix, all the riders trained harder and lasted longer. And they had less muscle damage afterward, which meant they recovered faster. Saunders can only speculate about why that is. "The protein could be providing extra fuel. Or it could be helping the uptake of other fuels, like carbohydrates," he says. It could even be that the amino acid in protein could retard the brain's ability to signal the muscles that they're getting tired. Researchers are seeking the optimal mix of carbohydrate and protein - as well as when and how much to eat before a competition. Scientists are testing nutritional variations on heavyweights, on lightweights, on people whose race is over in a dash, and on those who will run or cycle for hours. Each of them probably needs a different recipe. Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:11:37 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-science-focuses-on-hydration http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-helps-get-the-chi-flowing Acupuncture helps get the chi flowingSource: www.statepress.comStudents who want to unblock their "chi" can now visit the Campus Health Service for acupuncture therapy.Dr. Stefanie Schroeder, chief of medical staff at the ASU Health and Wellness Center, has offered acupuncture clinics three days a week for treatment of a variety of health conditions since September.Acupuncture can treat depression, migraines, muscular-skeletal pain, allergies, menstrual pain, asthma and flu symptoms by getting the patient's "chi" flowing, Schroeder said.The "chi," she explained, is the life energy that flows through the patient's body. It's a spiritual force that can have biological expressions. "It's what's making us tick," she said. "It's very closely related to blood, but not the same thing as blood."Schroeder said she hopes students will use acupuncture to complement - not replace - their traditional Western medical therapies."To me, acupuncture is complementary medicine; it's not alternative medicine," she said. "Plus, there are certain conditions, like chronic pain or tennis elbow, that traditional Western medicine doesn't help very much."One condition that may be best treated with acupuncture is what's referred to as "student syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine, Schroeder said."We see a lot of students get sick a lot," she said. "They're tired and exhausted and depressed, but not to the point that they want to go see a counselor and get on medication."Schroeder said she plans on researching acupuncture's effect on "student syndrome" during the semester. In that research project, student volunteers with fatigue and depression would have their hormone levels measured before and after acupuncture therapy.Schroeder said many of the student patients who have received acupuncture treatments since last semester have experienced positive results.The hardest part for the patient, she said, is getting over any misconceptions about acupuncture or fear of needles."I'm afraid of needles," said Ashle Johnson-Brandstrom, a freshman architecture major. "But I know acupuncture is good for you and it releases anger. Maybe I would do it."Unlike syringe needles that cut muscle fibers and can cause a lot of pain, acupuncture needles are non-cutting, causing minimal damage and little pain, Schroeder said.The cost for a one-hour acupuncture session at ASU is $60 for the first treatment and $40 for each following treatment. Schroeder said most patients need less than 12 treatments.Off-campus costs in Arizona typically range from $45 to $100 per session, depending on the practitioner. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:38:12 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-helps-get-the-chi-flowing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-rise-of-vitamin-d The rise of vitamin DSource: www.foodnavigator.comA growing body of research is driving strong growth in supplements and foods fortified with vitamin D, inversely linked in several studies to lower risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is synthesised in the body on exposure to sunlight and only small amounts can be obtained from food. As much as 60 per cent of the UK population - exposed to little sunlight during the winter months - is estimated to be vitamin D deficient. Yet although recent studies have linked deficiency of the vitamin to higher risk of serious disease, cancer campaigners continue to warn consumers about the dangers of exposing skin to sunlight for long periods. This has prompted scientists to urge greather intake of the vitamin from the diet. Sue Fairweather-Tait, head of nutrition at the UK's Institute of Food Research, told NutraIngredients.com in 2004: “Fortification, if done sensibly, is the only way to achieve optimum vitamin D levels. The best source of vitamin D at the moment is fortified cereals.”It appears that food makers are already increasing the number of products with added vitamin D available to consumers interested in boosting their uptake. Mintel's Global New Product Database showed 186 launches worldwide in 2003 for foods described as vitamin/mineral fortified and containing vitamin D as a key ingredient. Worldwide product launches rose to 286 in 2005. The US accounted for 180 of these over the period 2003 to 2005, while the EU-15 saw 134 products launched in the same period. The majority of the new products were breakfast cereals, milk or baby foods. New research out of the US last week looks set to further boost the demand for vitamin D fortification. Researchers reported that intakes of 1000 IU of the vitamin - significantly higher than most people's typical intake - could reduce the risk of certain cancers by as much as 50 per cent. The research triggered a flood of new demand for supplements in the UK. Britain's largest supermarket chain, Tesco, said it had witnessed a 400 per cent increase in the sales of vitamin D supplements since the end of December. Health and beauty retailer Superdrug said that it had seen a 100 per cent increase in sales of supplements containing vitamin D in the two days following the media's reports about the new study. Most of the studies done on vitamin D's link to cancer risk are epidemiological and therefore cannot confirm a direct cause and effect relationship with lower risk of the disease. However there is significant evidence to show that vitamin D plays a major role in bone health and could therefore be key to preventing osteoporosis, one of the world's growing publich health problems that remains uncurable. Both Denmark and the UK have recently launched public health campaigns to encourage consumers to increase vitamin D levels in their diet or through supplements. But although much of the vitamin D fortification foods has so far been designed to improve bone health, work on mechanisms for cancer risk reduction is ongoing and is likely to further increase demand for this vitamin. The vitamin's protection is proposed to be multifaceted, by reducing the formation of blood vessels in tumours (angiogenesis), stimulating the mutual adherence of cells, and enhancing intercellular communication through gap junctions. All this adds up to stop proliferation of cancerous cells by contact inhibition. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:36:17 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-rise-of-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whole-grains-may-reduce-heart-risk-in-elderly Whole grains may reduce heart risk in elderlySource: today.reuters.co.ukOlder adults who regularly eat whole grains like high-fiber cereals and cooked oatmeal may be less likely to develop a cluster of conditions that raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests.Researchers found that among 535 adults between 60 and 98 years old, those who ate more whole-grain foods were less likely to develop a group of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome or to die of cardiovascular disease over the next 12 to 15 years.The findings, say the study authors, suggest that young and old alike should follow experts' advice to bump up their whole-grain intake to at least three servings a day.Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels, and abdominal obesity, which raise a person's risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.Some research has suggested that middle-age adults can lower their risk of metabolic syndrome by favoring whole grains such as bran, oats and brown rice over highly processed grain products like white bread.But until now, no studies had looked specifically at an elderly population, Dr. Nadine R. Sahyoun, the lead author of the new study, told Reuters Health.Yet, any effects of diet on metabolic risk factors may be even more evident in older adults, because with aging comes a greater susceptibility to abnormal blood sugar control, according to Sahyoun, an assistant professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland in College Park.She and her colleagues report their findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.All of the study subjects underwent a physical exam, completed a 3-day food diary to track their eating habits, and provided information on other lifestyle habits such as exercise, smoking and drinking.Overall, the researchers found that men and women with the highest whole-grain intake -- typically three servings a day -- were less than half as likely to have metabolic syndrome as their peers who consumed less than one serving of whole grains per day.Similarly, whole-grain eaters were about half as likely to die from cardiovascular disease over the next 12 to 15 years.Men and women who ate more whole grains also tended to have lower blood sugar levels and to weigh less than those who favored refined grains.Even when factors such as weight, overall diet and exercise habits were considered, whole-grain intake was still independently associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and death from cardiovascular disease.Sahyoun and her colleagues point to a number of potential reasons for these whole-grain benefits, including improved sensitivity to the blood-sugar-regulating hormone insulin, healthier cholesterol levels and better blood vessel function.Getting more whole grains in the diet can be a confusing task, Sahyoun acknowledged, since people may assume label phrasing such as "wheat bread" and "stone-ground" is synonymous with whole grain.Consumers, she said, should look specifically for the words "whole grain" on cereals, breads and other grain products. Because the Food and Drug Administration allows products rich in whole grains to make certain health claims, many manufacturers tout their products' whole-grain content prominently.According to Sahyoun, replacing refined grains with whole ones -- whole-grain bread rather than white, brown or wild rice instead of white -- is the way to fit in the recommended three servings of whole grains without tacking on calories.SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2006. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:18:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whole-grains-may-reduce-heart-risk-in-elderly http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-alert-sonoma-diet Health Alert: Sonoma DietSource: kyw.comMove over South Beach, the latest diet craze is coming out of sunny California and it is now a New York Times best seller. Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has the details.Sonoma County is wine country, a gourmet's paradise and now the inspiration for a new diet. The diet is based on combining healthy low calorie foods that are tasty.“Enjoying flavorful foods is so important to the success because you are going to stay motivated,” said a Sonoma dieter.The Sonoma diet stresses 10 power foods: almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains. And instead of calories, measuring, and weighing, the Sonoma diet centers on the plate.“We have a way to visualize what your plate should look like in terms of amounts and smart combinations to boost your weight loss,” said author, Dr. Connie Guttersen.For breakfast, your cereal bowl should be 50-percent dairy and 50-percent whole grains or a breakfast plate should be 25-percent grains and 75 percent-protein.At lunch, it should be 40-percent protein and 60-percent vegetables while dinner can be 30-percent protein, 20-percent grains and 50-percent vegetables. And yes, wine is an essential.“When you have a glass of wine with your meal, you are enjoying and you are savoring,” said Dr. Guttersen. The food compliments the flavors of the wine, so do not be surprised at the end of the meal that you have eaten less and you are a lot more relaxed. The author says people can lose about 5 pounds in the first week and she says Sonoma dieters will notice weight loss first, around the waistline. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:17:03 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-alert-sonoma-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warts-and-walnuts Warts and walnutsSource: www.manilatimes.netAuthentic Italian pesto. Roast stuffed turkey with walnut sage dressing. Broccoli walnut noodles. Orange trout salad with spiced walnuts. And of course, creamy vanilla ice cream with decadent chocolate syrup, topped oh-so-divinely with chopped roasted walnuts. Only one key ingredient makes all these scrumptious dishes unique in texture and flavor. The nutrients in walnuts garnered them a niche in herbal medicine books, as well as science books of early physicians. Check out the latest cookbooks, Discovery Channel’s mouth-watering cooking demos and even family recipes dating back from when Lola had teeth—and there’s no mistaking the versatility of the walnut. But besides providing texture and flavor to a limitless number of entrees, soups, salads and desserts, the walnut has also been found to treat, not the palate, but the human skin. Yes, even the most annoying viral skin infection known to humans—warts. Going nuts Besides drying frescos made by Renaissance painters and adding the extra kick to an ice cream sundae, walnuts are known for their nutritional content and medicinal properties. Since they provide many of the elements that the body requires but cannot manufacture, walnuts are deemed one of the most essential foods to put in a diet. The nutrients in walnuts garnered them a niche in herbal medicine books, as well as science books of early physicians. They are a very good source of manganese and source of copper, two minerals essential in antioxidant defenses. The black walnut in particular has a lot of medicinal and nonfood usage. Its tincture is said to kill adult and developmental stages of at least a hundred parasites. Because the black walnut contains juglone, which also fights dermatomycosis (skin fungi), as discovered by the Greeks and Romans. Juglans insularis is used in Cuba to treat various skin diseases in children. The National Institute of Health claimed that: “Crushed unripe walnut hulls have been used for generations in various types of folk medicine […] to treat fungal, bacterial or viral infections such as herpes or warts.” Warts, those bumpy growths on the skin that are generally painless, are common but not necessarily normal. They affect all age groups and are quite contagious, depending on the severity of the wart. There are flat warts (found on the face and back of the hands), genital warts (found on the external genitalia, pubis and in between the thighs but can appear inside the vagina and in the anal canal), plantar warts (found on the soles of the feet) and the common warts that can appear anywhere. Some warts disappear without treatment, although it can take as long as six months to two years. Whether treated or not, warts that disappear often reappear. Since warts are caused by a common virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV), people with poor immune system are more prone to develop warts. The walnut’s high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants make for a very effective defense, making it an immuno-builder. Nut so fast Walnuts provide nutritional and herbal support, which enhance immune function and minimize recurrence of HPV. Researchers, however, caution that there is still no concluding scientific research that proves walnuts’ ability to cure warts. As such, people are still advised to seek professional treatment. Drug therapy is the top choice of doctors, but patients can opt for cryosurgery, which involves freezing the wart to destroy its tissues; electrosurgery; lasers; and scalping, which uses a sharp instrument to cut the growth. Patients should be wary of treatments that cause scarring. Research shows that so far, the black walnut tincture does not develop scars after application. However tempting it to do some treatments by yourself, homemade medicines and do-it-yourself methods should always be done with a thorough understanding. Sometimes, all it takes is changing one’s diet to prevent HPV from being contracted. This includes eliminating caffeine, alcohol, refined foods, sugar, saturated fats (animal protein and dairy); and eating more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and essential fatty acids (nuts, seeds and cold-water fish) to strengthen the immune system. Ultimately, everything still all boils down to proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. And that’s not such a hard nut to crack. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:59:36 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warts-and-walnuts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mental-health-affected-by-diet Mental health 'affected by diet'Source: www.channel4.comChanges to our diets over the last 50 years could be linked to the UK's rising mental health problems, a new report reveals. Growing scientific evidence has emerged in recent years linking the type of food people eat to mood and behaviour. The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and Sustain, which campaigns for better food and farming, says that food can have an immediate and lasting effect on a person's mental health and behaviour because of the way it affects brain function and structure. The Feeding Minds report says that changes in the way food is produced and manufactured have not only reduced amounts of essential fats, vitamins and minerals which are consumed, but have also disturbed the balance of nutrients in foods. Research suggests that this unequal intake, combined with a lack of vitamins and minerals, is linked with depression and concentration and memory problems. The MHF and Sustain said that new substances such as pesticides, additives and trans-fats have been introduced into diets which could, alone and in combination, prevent the brain from functioning effectively. As a result the organisations are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the links between diet and mental health. They are urging the Government to increase financial and political support for measures to ensure people have access to affordable and attractive nutrient-rich foods. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:58:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mental-health-affected-by-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hidden-secrets-of-vitamin-d-finally-brought-to-light-with-full-spectrum-lighting Hidden Secrets of Vitamin D Finally Brought to Light With Full Spectrum LightingSource: www.prweb.comVitamin D holds the key to preventing many common diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Due to our inability to produce the vitamin D we need through adequate sunlight exposure, full spectrum lighting is a practical solution to our light-related vitamin D deficiency.(PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- Although everyone knows that vitamin D is important to health, very few people understand the critical importance of light to our production of this essential nutrient. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, founder of the world's #1-ranked natural health website www.Mercola.com, very few people are able to get sufficient vitamin D through their diet. As Dr. Mercola states, “Nature intended for you to make vitamin D in your skin, not put it in your mouth.”But even this is impossible for most of us. Unfortunately, an estimated 80-90% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Why? Most people do not receive adequate exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays -- particularly the UV-B rays -- the most important source of vitamin D. For these millions of vitamin D-deficient people, Dr. Mercola recommends a practical solution: the use of full spectrum light, the closest thing to natural sunlight.Full spectrum lighting, invented by pioneering photobiologist Dr. John Ott, provides a way to replicate the natural color spectrum of sunlight -- indoors. Dr. Mercola advocates the use of full spectrum lights at home and at work, if possible, to make up for those missing rays of sunlight.Why should we have to go to all this trouble just to get some light rays? Sadly, the amount of sun reaching most of the U.S. is only sufficient to generate enough vitamin D production for three months of the year. Besides the seasonal element, other factors working against us include latitude, time of day, smog and pollution, cloud cover, working indoors and use of sunscreens. All of these decrease our ability to receive enough sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D. Additionally, Dr. Mercola considers our unhealthy “indoctrination” with a sun avoidance philosophy to be an important element in our vitamin D deficiency.Most people think of vitamin D in terms of its role in forming and maintaining strong bones. It is commonly known that vitamin D deficiency contributes to greater incidence of osteoporosis and bone fractures, especially in the elderly and particularly in post-menopausal women.However, Dr. Mercola shares a few of many other little-known ‘secret’ reasons why vitamin D is vital to our health:1. Clinical and scientific research suggests that vitamin D protects against many cancers, particularly cancer of the breast, prostate, colon and skin. 2. Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be a likely factor in the development of diabetes. 3. Chronic fatigue and depression, especially SAD or seasonal affective disorder in the wintertime are all linked to low vitamin D levels. 4. Autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with low vitamin D levels. 5. Vitamin D deficiency has now been linked to obesity, as it has been shown to lower leptin secretion. (Leptins are hormones produced by fat cells which are involved in weight regulation.) 6. Anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D help to prevent diseases such as heart disease and Parkinson’s.Dr. Mercola, bestselling author of The Total Health Plan, recommends moderate outdoor exposure to sunlight as one’s ideal source of vitamin D, avoiding prolonged exposure leading to sunburn.However, since sunlight exposure is usually inadequate for most people, he also recommends:• Supplementing natural sunlight by using full spectrum lights. Readers are cautioned that many lights purported to be full spectrum are not; true full spectrum lighting must contain the entire spectrum of color as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. • Having your blood levels of vitamin D tested by a nutritionally-oriented physician before taking any vitamin D supplements. • Taking a high quality cod liver oil from fall until early spring. • Increasing omega-3 oils and decreasing omega-6 oils in your diet. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:57:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hidden-secrets-of-vitamin-d-finally-brought-to-light-with-full-spectrum-lighting http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/know-your-tea-types Know your tea typesSource: www.southbendtribune.comThe nomenclature of tea has its roots in the color of the leaves. All teas (with the exception of herbal teas) come from the same plant, called Camellia sinensis. But each type of tea gets its distinctive characteristics from the way the fresh tea leaves are processed.Black tea is made from leaves that are harvested, then left to wither, dry and fully ferment before they are heated. There are black teas flavored with bits of dried fruits such as peach, strawberry, raspberry, black currant and citrus. The most famous black tea is Earl Grey, which is flavored with the oil of bergamot, a small citrus fruit from southern Italy.Green tea is favored among Asians and is made from leaves that are steamed and dried but not fermented. The slightly grassy taste of green tea more closely resembles the fresh leaf than black tea. Herbal tea is an infusion of herbs, spices and citrus that is not really tea at all. Rather, herbal tea is what the French call tisane (from Old French, meaning "barley water").Oolong falls somewhere between black and green teas. It is only partially fermented before it is heated. It is clear and fragrant like green tea, but it also has some of the strength and power to refresh typically found in black teas. White tea is made from leaves and buds that are not fully opened. It, like green tea, is steamed and dried but not fermented and has an exceptionally delicate, light, sweet flavor. Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:38:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/know-your-tea-types http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/easing-the-pain-of-arthritis-naturally Easing the Pain of Arthritis NaturallySource: openpr.comWhat is Glucosamine? Glucosamine, together with a related ingredient called Chondroitin, are substances which exist naturally in your body. It is believed that glucosamine helps to build and repair cartilage (the soft, spongy material between your joints), while chondroitin lends to the elasticity and flexibility of joints. A deficiency of either one can lead to increased wear and tear on the joint, and cause redness, swelling and stiffness as a result. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin act as a tag-team of arthritis fighters, improving flexibility, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling caused by achy joints. Where Can I Buy Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements? You can find these products in virtually any pharmacy or health goods store. But you’ll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs. Here’s what you need to know when comparison shopping for a glucosamine supplement: · Read the ingredients label on the bottle to determine the dosage. Approximately 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin have been safely used in clinical trials. Depending on your individual medication tolerances and the severity of your arthritis, you should consult your physician or rheumatologist to find the right dose for your individual needs. · Select supplements manufactured by a well-known, reputable company. Recommended brands include: Health Perception, Solgar, Viridian, Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About? As with any medication or supplements, there are a few warnings you should know: · If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, as no long-term studies have been done to gage what materials (if any) are passed on to the baby either internally or through breast milk. · If you are diabetic, chondroitin (a form of sugar) may cause your blood sugar to rise. · Chondroitin also acts as a mild blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication or are taking an aspirin regimen, have your blood clotting time checked more frequently by your doctor. Recommended Websites: www.solgar.co.uk www.ethicalvitamins.co.uk and www.health-perception-store.co.uk Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:32:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/easing-the-pain-of-arthritis-naturally http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-supports-effectiveness-of-biocell-collagen-ii-r-in-promoting-skin-health Research Supports Effectiveness Of Biocell Collagen II(r) In Promoting Skin HealthSource: www.npicenter.comA new bioassay report states the effectiveness of BioCell Collagen II(r) with hyaluronic acid (HA) in inhibiting hyaluronidase. This enzyme degrades hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan extracellular matrix constituent which can contribute to signs of aging on the skin. HA is found in varying levels in the dermis. Variations in levels account for natural skin alterations associated with aging, such as decreased turgidity, less support of microvessels, wrinkling, and altered elasticity. By inhibiting hyaluronidase, levels of HA in the skin can increase, reducing wrinkling while enhancing natural collagen production. The bioassay was commissioned by AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc., Puyallup, WA, due to their interest in HA. The study found that BioCell Collagen II(r) with HA shows a concentration dependent inhibition of hyaluronidase in concentrations ranging from 250 to 4,000 micrograms/milliliter. Alex Schauss, Ph.D., Director of Natural and Medicinal Products Research at AIBMR Life Sciences, explained that aging causes variations in natural HA concentrations in the skin. He points out that collagen is also known to be an important component in reducing wrinkles. HA has been shown to promote fibroblast proliferation. Since fibroblasts are an important source of collagen, inhibition of hyaluronidase may enhance HA levels and increase collagen production."The bioassay demonstrated that BioCell Collagen II(r) inhibited hyaluronidase production by 88 percent in vitro within the concentration range of 250 to 4,000 micrograms/milliliter. This finding provides in vitro evidence that BioCell Collagen II(r)'s natural occurring combination of collagen and hyaluronic acid may promote skin health via enhancement of skin elasticity possibly resulting in a reduction in wrinkles," said Dr. Schauss. BioCell Collagen II(r) is a natural type II collagen dietary ingredient that provides a naturally existing matrix of bioavailable hyaluronic acid (10%), depolymerized chondoritin sulfate (20%), and collagen type II (60%). With a patented process, BioCell Collagen II(r) was developed as a molecularly optimized ingredient that could be easily absorbed by the body. The unique ingredient contains a generous amount of hyaluronic acid, gaining increasing interest as an important joint and skin nourishing element that allows skin to retain moisture and promote healing and skin tissue rejuvenation."This research further supports scientific findings supporting BioCell Collagen II(r) with HA as an effective ingredient essential to maintaining skin health and keeping skin younger looking longer," said BioCell Technology's vice president of marketing, Asma Ishaq. "The findings from this in vitro bioassay strengthens BioCell Collagen II(r)'s marketplace position as a leading ingredient in the quest to boost skin health and prevent aging naturally." BioCell Collagen II(r) can be found in dozens of dietary supplements and complex health formulas worldwide. For more information on this innovative dietary ingredient visit www.biocelltechnology.com. ### Founded in 1997, BioCell Technology, LLC pioneered the applications of Sternum Collagen Type II, the highest concentrated natural source available of type II collagen. It is the exclusive supplier of BioCell Collagen II(r). BioCell Technology, LLC owns the exclusive rights to market BioCell Collagen II(r) under the United States Patents #6,025,327, 6,323,319, 6,780,841. BioCell Collagen II(r) is a branded registered logo that is available for display on its client's labels to market under their own brand name or formulas. For more information on BioCell Collagen II(r), please contact Asma Ishaq at BioCell Technology, LLC at (714) 632-1231, or visit them at www.biocelltechnology.com Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:28:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-supports-effectiveness-of-biocell-collagen-ii-r-in-promoting-skin-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bioassay-supports-skin-benefit-of-biocell-ingredient Bioassay supports skin benefit of BioCell ingredientSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comBioCell Technologies has released the results of a bioassay which supports the effectiveness of its dietary ingredient BioCell Collagen II in preventing wrinkles.The ingredient provides a matrix of bioavailable hyaluronic acid (HA, 10%), depolymerized chondoitin sulphate (20%) and collagen type II (60%). HA is a glucosaminoglycan extracellular matrix constituent which occurs naturally in the human body up until the age of 30, after which levels start to decrease. This decrease is understood to play a large role in the aging process. Hence, it is often used as an ingredient in both joint and skin health formulations. Degradation of HA is thought to be the work of an enzyme called hyaluronidase.The study, commissioned by AIBMR Life Sciences, showed that Biocell Collagen II inhibits hyaluronidase by between 250 and 4,000 micrograms/milliliter in vitro – up to 88 percent - depending on the concentration. Alex Schauss, director of natural and medicinal products research at AIBMR said: "This finding provides in vitro evidence that BioCell Collagen II's naturally ocurring combination of collagen and HA may promote skin health via enhancement of elasticity, possibly resulting in a reduction in wrinkles." What is more, HA is understood to promote the proliferation of fibroplasts, an important source of collagen. Collagen is known to help aid skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. "This research further supports scientific findings supporting BioCell Collagen II with HA as an effective ingredient essential to maintaining skin health and keeping skin younger looking longer," said BioCell Technology's vice president of marketing, Asma Ishaq. "The findings from this in vitro bioassay strengthens BioCell Collagen II's marketplace position as a leading ingredient in the quest to boost skin health and prevent aging naturally." BioCell Collagen II is already used in a range of dietary supplement products around the world. Although small at present, the market for oral supplements to boost external appearance is growing fast. Its size and growth is not yet measured by the major market researchers, but the sector had its first dedicated trade show, Inside Beauty, last September as part of Health and Beauty America. Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:25:45 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bioassay-supports-skin-benefit-of-biocell-ingredient http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-has-a-measurable-effect-on-the-brain Acupuncture has a measurable effect on the brainSource: news.webindia123.comThe treatment of aches and pains through the ancient Chinese medicine, commonly known as acupuncture, has always been doubted by the scientists, as to whether it really works.But, with a study revealing that the technique can turn off parts of the brain involved in pain, neuroscientists now seemingly believe that deep-needle acupuncture can combat pain as an anaesthetic.The study, carried out on a set of volunteers by scientists at Hull York Medical School as part of a new BBC TV series called Alternative Medicine: The Evidence, found that an acupuncture technique using deep needling led to the deactivaton of part of the brain's limbic system, which helps the body to be conscious of pain."The particular area of the brain that MRI shows deactivation for during acupuncture is part of the pain matrix which is involved in the perception of pain," The Independant quoted Professor Kathy Sykes of Bristol University, as saying. "It helps someone decide whether something is painful or not. So it could be that acupuncture in some ways changes a person's pain threshold," Sykes added.The study tested two forms of acupuncture on separate sets of volunteers. One involved inserting needles into the skin on the back of the hand by about a millimetre, which showed nerve activation in the motor cortex of the brain, the area that normally responds to touch or pain. However, a measurable deactivation in the brain's limbic system was found in the brain scanning images of the group that underwent deeper needling (insertion up to a centimetre into the same pressure points). When asked about the sensation, people who experienced deep-needle acupuncture said that they felt a tingling sensation but not pain. Mark Lythgoe, a neuroscientist at University College London said that the findings were significant because they demonstrated a physical effect on the brain. "This may account for the way it works. This is a possible novel neurobiological mechanism for the action of acupuncture," said Dr Lythgoe.The scientists said they were used to seeing drugs or other medical treatments activating parts of the brain and they were surprised to see something that had the opposite effect."I'm just thrilled that we managed to do a real scientific experiment, shaped and run by scientists and acupuncturists together, where we found something quite unexpected - that acupuncture is having a measurable effect on the brain," said Professor Sykes.(ANI) Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:18:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-has-a-measurable-effect-on-the-brain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-vitamin-d-helps-from-the-start Study: Vitamin D helps from the startSource: www.indystar.comChildren of women who maintained high vitamin D levels while pregnant have bigger, stronger and more calcium-rich bones than those of other children at age 9, new research finds. The study suggests vitamin D levels in pregnant women may have a greater impact on children's eventual risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures than drinking more milk or other common approaches to building bones. Previous studies have shown that women with larger bodies, better nutritional habits and good exercise habits have babies with greater bone mass -- a major protective factor against bone-weakening osteoporosis later in life. At least one study had also shown that vitamin D supplements given to prematurely born babies during their first year resulted in stronger bones at age 12. But no one had tested the effects of prenatal vitamin D levels. Researchers in England measured bone mass and density in 198 9-year-olds born to women who had participated in an unrelated clinical study that collected information on dietary and other habits while they were pregnant. That analysis had found that about half the women had lower than optimal vitamin D levels. The new tests showed that children of the vitamin D-deficient women had significantly lower bone mineral content and density. But neither milk intake nor physical activity in childhood was correlated with later bone strength. How to get maternal vitamin D levels up? Only two factors appeared useful in the study: living in a place with a high number of sunny days (the body needs ultraviolet light to make vitamin D) or taking vitamin supplements. Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:16:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-vitamin-d-helps-from-the-start http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-healthy-diet-foods- What Are Healthy Diet Foods?Source: mathaba.netWhat you eat and what you eat will have a big effect on how quickly you take off pounds, and more importantly, how long you keep those pounds off. There are certain foods that you really should be eating on a regular basis, for lots of good, healthy reasons. They come from all food categories, but every one of them has one thing in common: they pack a lot of nutritional punch into their calories. Here's a list of five diet foods that will help you stay healthy and lose weight. 1. Whole grain breads If you've been paying attention, you know that evil carbs are the current diet buster. If you just stay away from all carbs, some of the diets proclaim, you'll lose weight no matter what else you eat. That's not only wrong, it's downright dangerous for both your health and your diet. There's a reason that the Bible refers to bread as 'the staff of life'. Instead of cutting out carbs, you should be aiming to reduce them to a healthy portion of your diet - which most doctors agree is about 50-60% of your caloric intake. That means that if you're on a 1500 calorie a day diet, you should be striving to get about 900 calories a day from grains, fruits and vegetables. Whole grain breads pack a lot of nutritional value. Replace your two slices of white toast with 1/2 a cup of oatmeal or whole grain cereal, and for about the same number of calories, you'll be getting three times the vitamins, amino acids and roughage that your body needs to function. You'll feel full far longer, too - because you've given your body something to work on that will take a while to digest. 2. Fish Eat at least three servings of fish per week, say many major medical associations. Fish is low in fat, as high in protein as red meat, and provides something that most other proteins don't - omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is one of the main building blocks in your cells. If your body doesn't get enough Omega 3, it will try to build cells from other fatty acids. The problem is that those cells are not as flexible, and not quite the right shape. Among the cells that aren't quite right are the ones in your brain that help control impulses and tell your body what it needs. By providing enough Omega 3 for your body to use, you'll be healing the damage done through years of poor diet. And since fish, as a general rule, has fewer calories than most meats, you'll be saving calories, too. Just remember that you're REPLACING portions of meat with fish, not adding them to what you already eat. 3. Spinach At 13 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrate in 2 cups of chopped raw spinach, this is one of the lowest cost sources of nutrition you can give your body. Every serving gives you folic acid, manganese,beta-carotene, protein, lutein (a potent anti-oxidant), magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin K. You can eat it raw in salads, steamed as a side dish, or sautéed in a tiny bit of oil for a different taste, and still get all the nutritional benefits. 4. Olive Oil Your body does need a little fat to process vitamins and use them properly. Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat that is the primary source of fat in the so-called Mediterranean diet. It contains antioxidants, flavonoids, beta-carotene and vitamin E, among other things. One tablespoon has a whopping 125 calories, but drizzled on a 13 calorie spinach salad with a little lemon juice and some garlic, you still have a meal with less than 150 calories - and a whole lot of healthy fuel for your body. 5. Pink Grapefruit With only 40 calories in half a grapefruit, you're getting 45 mg of vitamin C, lycopene, pectin, beta-carotene and potassium. It's versatile and tasty. Eat it as is for breakfast, or toss it into a salad with spinach for an extra punch to perk up the nutritional quality of your diet. Most importantly, don't base your diet around any single ONE ingredient. The best way to lose weight is to eat a healthy variety of foods to make sure that you get all the essential nutrients that you need each day. About the Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets. Source: www.isnare.com Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:13:28 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-healthy-diet-foods- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/6-more-reasons-to-exercise-in-2006- 6 more reasons to exercise in 2006.Source: msnbc.msn.comIt's not just about weight loss, as a look back at the year's headlines showsOnce again it's that time when many Americans will resolve to lose weight. Health clubs will run membership specials, hoping to draw in legions of people freshly committed to making 2006 the year they finally shape up and slim down.But if history repeats itself, most people will have fallen off the weight-loss wagon before spring — some even before the Super Bowl.More than half of people who begin exercising drop their program within three to six months, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.We know why. Exercise is work, and weight loss doesn't happen overnight. People get frustrated because they don't see immediate results, and they hit the couch.That's precisely why health and fitness experts say it's important to remember that exercise does a lot of other good things for us, things that aren't measured in pounds but that still are key for our overall health and well-being.The last year brought some new and interesting findings that are worth taking note of as we ring in 2006 and recommit to our health. Here are six reasons to exercise that go beyond the quest for smaller-sized jeans:Live longer A recent study on exercise and longevity found that people who were active on a regular basis lived longer than their couch-potato counterparts, and the more they exercised the longer they lived.The analysis, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that participants who reported exercising the most had a life expectancy at age 50 that was more than three years longer than those in the lowest activity group. Make work more tolerable A British study of about 200 workers at a university, computer company and life insurance firm found that people who took exercise breaks during the day said they felt more productive and more tolerant of job stress than when they didn't exercise.Even half an hour was enough to do the trick, and the exercise didn't have to be strenuous. Participants typically spent 30 to 60 minutes at lunch engaging in yoga, aerobics, strength-training or playing sports like basketball.In the study, presented at a meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., 60 percent of workers said their time management skills, mental performance and ability to meet deadlines was better on the days when they exercised. The overall improvement was about 15 percent.Help out your heart Another study in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirmed that exercise is heart-healthy — and that you don't have to run a marathon to derive benefit. tips Excuse-proof your exercise plan 1/8 You might have plenty of reasons for not working out, but we're not letting you off the hook very easily. Here, we give some of the most common exercise excuses -- and solutions for getting around them. Source: MSNBC.com research • Print this Even briskly walking for half an hour on three or four days a week improved cardiovascular health, according to the study of nearly 500 sedentary adults.Defeat diabetes Two-thirds of Americans with type 2 diabetes do not have their disease under control, which puts them at risk for early death, blindness and limb loss, according to research released this year.Diabetes cases have soared in recent years, as people have become more sedentary and overweight. Experts say most cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented with a healthy diet and regular exercise. In people who already have type 2 diabetes, exercise can help lower blood sugar and prevent the disease from worsening.Build a better back Being a desk jockey takes a toll on our backs. So get moving to keep your spine in shape.Yoga, in particular, seems to help, according to a study of about 100 people with chronic low-back pain.While other forms of exercise also eased back pain, yoga did so more quickly, according to results published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.Get rid of the hidden fat OK, so this one is about weight and fat. But it's not the fat you can pinch; it's the deep, even more dangerous kind that accumulates around internal organs and contributes to diabetes, heart disease and other problems. More fitness coverage Read additional Smart Fitness columns The latest news on diet and fitness But just like the fat that leads to belly rolls and love handles, internal fat — called visceral fat — also can be prevented and eradicated with regular exercise.Duke University research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that overweight, sedentary adults who began exercising lost visceral fat or at least didn't pack on more. Those who didn't exercise, however, gained more in just six months during the study.So there you have them — six more reasons to get off the couch in 2006. Keep them in mind as you embark on your fitness plan in the new year, and remember them if you find yourself making all sorts of excuses for not exercising. Thu, 05 Jan 2006 20:35:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/6-more-reasons-to-exercise-in-2006- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-food-body-testing-for-contaminants-in-supplements UK food body testing for contaminants in supplementsSource: www.nutraingredients.comA small number of supplements on the UK market have been found by authorities to contain amounts of iron, manganese or zinc above levels recommended by experts, said the Food Standards Agency yesterday.The food authority surveyed 200 supplements and said that most had levels of metals within safety guidelines. But eight products were found to have levels of metals above those amounts recommended by an expert group on vitamins and minerals in 2003. There is currently no legislation in place controlling the maximum levels of nutrients in food supplements. But following the expert group's report, member companies of the trade association HFMA agreed to label any supplements containing higher doses of nutrients with an advisory statement about potential side effects. The Food Standards Agency said sampling for the survey was undertaken soon after advisory statements were agreed in 2004 and therefore not all products carried these labels. However it warned that it will do a further survey in early 2005 to check the extent to which these statements are being used. In the future, the EU food supplements directive will set maximum levels for nutrients. But the UK food authorities have told the government to push for national exceptions to permitted levels of vitamins and minerals under the new European law. The results released yesterday came from a survey done last summer that measured levels of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, thallium and zinc in supplements bought from supermarkets, pharmacies and health stores across the UK, as well as from mail order and internet companies overseas. Brands including Galens Choice, Health Aid, Solgar and Vitabiotics had iron levels about the recommended daily amounts of 20mg. Asda's Glucosamine & Chondroitin, Musahi ZMA+ and Nature's Life manganese had higher levels of manganese than the RDA, and Nature's Plus Ultra Mins had levels of both metals as well as zinc well above the RDA. The FSA also said it has tested a similar-sized sample for PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), a group of chemicals present in the environment as a result of burning fuel and other pollution, which can find their way into foods. Scientific experts have warned that they can be carcinogenic. The FSA said there was no threat to consumers from PAHs in supplements, based on its survey. The highest levels of PAHs were found in plant-derived products, such as ginseng, but were found less often in multivitamin or single vitamin products. Low levels were generally found in fish oils and plant oils. The companies whose products contained the highest levels were advised to investigate ways to reduce them. “The Agency does not recommend that consumers change their current food supplement choices on the basis of this survey,” said the Food Standards Agency. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:20:39 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-food-body-testing-for-contaminants-in-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/after-gastric-bypass-surgery-important-to-check-vitamin-b1-deficiency After Gastric Bypass Surgery, Important to Check Vitamin B1 DeficiencySource: www.newswise.comA deficiency in vitamin B1 can be a serious complication following a popular surgery to treat obesity, according to a case study published in the December 27, 2005 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. If untreated, vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to Wernicke encephalopathy, a severe neurological condition.In the study, a 35-year-old woman developed many difficulties after gastric bypass (bariatric) surgery for obesity. Difficulties included nausea, anorexia, fatigue, hearing loss, forgetfulness, and ataxia, or an inability to coordinate muscle movements. By the 12th week following surgery, she had lost 40 pounds and had difficulty walking and concentrating.“This case highlights the variability of Wernicke encephalopathy where the classic trio of eye movement abnormalities, confusion, and ataxia are seen in less than 20 percent of patients,” said Heidi Schwarz, MD, who wrote a related commentary. “It is unusual because the patient also had hearing loss.”An MRI scan showed abnormal signals in various parts of the woman’s brain, indicating a deficiency in vitamin B1. Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and normal functioning of the nervous system. When her intravenous dose of vitamin B1 was increased to 100 mg every eight hours, her eye muscles gradually returned to normal and her confusion decreased.Eleven days after her dose of vitamin B1 was increased, a follow-up MRI scan showed the abnormal signals had decreased. The scan also indicated spots in the premotor and motor regions due to hemorrhaging, which is another sign of Wernicke encephalopathy.“The neurological complications following gastric bypass surgery are diverse,” said co-author Raul N. Mandler, MD, a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and neurologist at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “Vitamin B1 deficiency and Wernicke encephalopathy should be carefully considered in surgically treated obese patients.”The American Academy of Neurology, an association of nearly 19,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as epilepsy, dystonia, migraine, Huntington’s disease, and dementia. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:15:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/after-gastric-bypass-surgery-important-to-check-vitamin-b1-deficiency http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/experts-offer-possible-hangover-cures Experts offer possible hangover curesSource: www.ctv.caWhile heavy drinkers prepare to raise a few glasses of champagne to toast the new year, health experts disagree whether the elusive hangover-cure actually exists."I think the answer is yes, if you understand what alcohol does to the body," nutritional biochemist Aileen Burford-Mason told CTV's Canada AM."Unfortunately, we don't have good data that has tested the remedies. Nobody's going to spend research dollars testing something that's largely self-inflicted. But we do understand some of the mechanisms whereby alcohol might cause us to feel pretty wretched the next day."Because alcohol dehydrates the body and increases the need to urinate -- taking away crucial nutrients needed by the brain and muscles -- Burford-Mason suggests a routine of healthy foods, vitamins and mineral water.Food should be eaten before drinking, so as not to indulge on an empty stomach."Plenty of food and protein in particular will slow down the rate at which you absorb the alcohol into your bloodstream," Burford-Mason advised."Secondly, drink lots of water. I happen to like a nice mineral water, which actually replaces some of the minerals in the body."Some brands of mineral water contain calcium, magnesium and potassium, which alcohol depletes.Burford-Mason's other recommendations for restoring the body's nutrients include:Take a multi-vitamin before going to sleep and in the morning, especially capsules that contain vitamins B and C. "A multi-vitamin actually can be an amazing little boost for you," Burford-Mason said. Eat chocolate for magnesium, specifically brands that are more than 70 per cent cocoa. Many North Americans suffer from a magnesium deficiency, and alcohol further depletes the body's supply of the nutrient, which can account for headaches and tremors. Finally, drinkers should slowly ingest sugar, because binge-drinking can cause hypoglycemia. "You're blood-sugar levels are low and it doesn't do to gulp back some orange juice," she said. "It's better to have the whole orange, or the whole banana. It's a slow, steady input of sugar into the blood." Scientists find discouraging resultsMeanwhile, a team of British and Dutch scientists claim there is no such thing as a perfect hangover cure.The researches explored the Internet for common remedies, such as aspirin, paracetamol, cabbage, green tea and even "hair of the dog" -- a small amount of alcohol taken the morning after."No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover," the team wrote in the British Medical Journal.The team also found that excessive drinking can have deadly consequences. In Britain during the Christmas holidays, a raise in alcohol consumption resulted in a 0.4 per cent increase in fatal poisonings for every one per cent increase in liquor sales. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:09:38 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/experts-offer-possible-hangover-cures http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lots-of-vitamin-d-may-curb-some-cancer-risk Lots of vitamin D may curb some cancer riskSource: www.indystar.comIngesting about three times as much vitamin D as the norm may lower an individual's risk of developing colon, breast or ovarian cancer, a study says. Americans typically ingest 320 units a day of the vitamin, consisting of 200 units from food and 120 from supplements. Daily intake of about 1,000 units may cut the odds of getting colon cancer by about half, and the chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer by about a third, according to the researchers. Vitamin D supplementation could reduce cancer incidence and mortality "at low cost, with few or no adverse side effects," the researchers said in an article appearing in the February 2006 issue of the American Journal of Public Health. "The strongest effect is for colorectal cancer," said lead author Cedric Garland, 59, an adjunct professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California-San Diego. "There's also a substantial effect for breast and ovarian cancer." The substance involved is vitamin D3, usually called just vitamin D, although there is also a vitamin D2 that doesn't have the same effects, Garland said. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences recommends daily vitamin D intake of at least 200 units for adults 50 or under; 400 units at ages 51 to 70, and 600 units for people 71 or higher. The upper limit for safe intake is 2,000 units daily. Thus, the dose recommended by the researchers exceeds what most people now get and what the government recommends. A glass of milk contains about 100 units of the vitamin, Garland said. While cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D, it also contains a lot of vitamin A and the two vitamins compete for reception by the body, Garland said. He doesn't recommend cod liver oil as a source of vitamin D. To ensure getting 1,000 units of vitamin D, most people probably can take two 400-unit tablets, with the other 200 units coming from foods such as salmon, orange juice, yogurt and cheese, Garland said. Getting enough vitamin D through supplements would cost less than 5 cents a day, he said. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:08:28 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lots-of-vitamin-d-may-curb-some-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-in-the-ancient-world Food In The Ancient WorldSource: scotlandonsunday.scotsman.comWHAT would the food have been like at an ancient Greek banquet? Moussaka would certainly have been off the menu - there were no aubergines or tomatoes back then. In fact, many of the items we now take for granted as being part of the Mediterranean diet were quite unknown in ancient times. Plato never ate an orange or squeezed a lemon; the knobbly citron was the nearest thing on offer. There were, however, other foodstuffs available which have since fallen out of use, such as silphium: a herb that tasted of "sulphur mixed with garlic". Add in some liquorice-flavoured lamb, thistles soaked in honey and lots of wine, and you begin to get an idea of what Wilkins and Hill consider to have been one of the world's great cuisines. Greco-Roman cookery, they claim, was on a par with Indian or Chinese. The soy sauce or mango chutney of the Roman dining table was garum, a sauce made from fermented fish. It was probably much like the Thai condiment nam pla: "quite delicate, not the stinker that the idea of rotting fish conjures up at all". So if you want to try some ancient-style cookery, this is the first thing to get hold of. After that, though, it all gets trickier. Cookery books were highly popular in ancient times (one poet complained that they outsold Homer), but manuals which take you step-by-step through food preparation are a fairly recent invention. The 'aspirational' food book - tempting you with mouthwatering descriptions and illustrations evoking posh dinner parties or rustic foreigners - are actually the more traditional kind, and this is what the Greeks and Romans had. The reason is simple: cooks were illiterate slaves who learned their skills through apprenticeship, and cookery books were aimed at rich diners wanting to know how best to impress their guests. Consequently, Wilkins and Hill have to piece together a picture built largely from literary quotations and archaeological remains. It amounts to an enormous pile of evidence, but the missing factor is what it all really tasted like. That is the first problem with this book - it provides, in an appendix, only three very basic recipes, and readers expecting to learn how to cook authentic Greco-Roman food will be left disappointed. The other problem is the writing. This is an absolutely fascinating subject, but it is presented in a singularly unappetising way. Wilkins, a professor of Greek, writes the main chapters, while Hill, a chef, contributes brief introductions to each. Wilkins' tone is meticulously scholarly, but the frequent repetitions suggest a work pulled together from lecture notes and conference papers. I lost track of the number of times I read that apricots were introduced in the first century BC, but by the fourth or fifth time I was sick of apricots. This book is best treated as a kind of mezze, dipped into at random. Every page offers something interesting, even if the whole thing taken together results in a bad case of indigestion. While it cannot enlighten us on exactly what a Greek or Roman meal was like, it does raise intriguing questions about the way we regard food, and why we eat the things we do. For example, the Roman physician Galen described a village that suffered a particularly hard winter. First the people slaughtered all the pigs and ate them. Then they dug up the acorns stored as pig food, and ate those too. The acorns, Galen noted, were nutritionally superior to the peasants' usual diet, but they never normally ate them because of their low status as animal food. Our diet is a statement about where we see ourselves in nature's pecking order. In one ancient Greek play, a woman illustrates her poverty by saying she has eaten a cicada. Insects are a potentially rich source of protein, but Greeks and Romans ate cicadas only in desperation (though they tolerated locusts). They turned up their noses at camel meat but happily tucked into puppy, hedgehog and fox (the latter fattened with grapes). We tend to forget the link that has always existed between food and medicine. Plato distinguished between the doctor who prescribes food for health, and the cook who entertains the palate. Many familiar foodstuffs were initially eaten for medicinal reasons, then found attractive in their own right. Garlic and onions came into this category, as did the noxious silphium, which apparently became one of the classic flavours of ancient cooking. Puppy meat, too, was originally a medicine. Some familiar images turn out to be true - the Greeks and Romans really did recline on sofas while dining, and dormice were a delicacy. But Wilkins and Hill say nothing about the legendary vomitoria of Roman orgies. In Greece, men and women dined separately - and nothing at all is known about what the women ate. For the men, meat was the most prized food, with athletes being the biggest eaters. One supposedly got through an entire bull, having carried it on his shoulders first. For the Greek hoi polloi, the staple meal was mazza, a barley porridge flavoured with olive oil and vinegar. On this, the authors take a tone reminiscent of Samuel Johnson. "Porridge has a deeply unappealing image. Made from oats, it forms the traditional breakfast in Scotland, where it is considered part of the country's heritage, but is little eaten by choice elsewhere." Maybe Wilkins and Hill should be force-fed thistles by way of punishment for this slur, but in any case they reckon mazza was more like polenta, used as a base for a variety of dishes. The other great factor of food that we have largely lost is its religious dimension. Sacrifices were part of daily eating - the slaughtered animals were all consumed. Our choice of particular festive meals, such as Christmas turkey, is a last puny vestige of something that endures more strongly in Greece, where the lambs roasted on a spit and eaten at Easter time - along with delicious dishes made from the entrails, such as kokoretsi - are a direct link with the pre-Christian past. So too is kolyva, a boiled wheat dish still eaten at funerals, exactly as it has been for thousands of years. As for the liquorice-flavoured lamb, the authors confess there is some ambiguity in the recipe preserved from ancient Greece. The word used could mean anise or dill, the latter giving a dish that would pass muster in any modern-day taverna. Maybe Greco-Roman food was not so weird after all. Given the potential appeal of its subject matter, this book does feel rather like a missed opportunity. Academics will appreciate the level of detail and thoroughness, but with only a little more warmth and a lot less needless repetition, Food In The Ancient World could have been a must-read for adventurous gastronomes. As it is, this is an interesting curiosity to add to the shelf: good for a browse but leaving many questions tantalisingly unanswered. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:06:45 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-in-the-ancient-world http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritionist-advises-readers-on-how-to-get-more-b-12-in-their-diets Nutritionist advises readers on how to get more B-12 in their dietsSource: www.newstarget.comHighlight: Dietitian Karen Collins provides readers with a set of measures to determine whether or not they are getting enough B-12 in their diets and what to do in case they find themselves lacking the vitamin. Original source: http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/11621/ Summary: As long as basic blood counts didn't show any anemia, even these people were considered safe. Vitamin B-12 is the shorthand term for a group of substances called cobalamins. Strict vegetarians - those who avoid meat, poultry, fish and dairy products - are among those most likely to lack vitamin B-12, because animal foods are the primary sources. According to surveys, most Americans do meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12 per day. The average consumption ranges from 2.9 to 5.1 mcg. However, if people cut back on animal foods, as they should, to eat a mostly plant-based diet that will lower their cancer risk, careless choices could leave them short. Two modest servings of poultry, lean meat, or seafood plus two cups of lowfat, skim, or nonfat milk or yogurt allow a person to meet this RDA. Children need less vitamin B-12, too, but their ability to store less means that they can develop health problems more quickly with an inadequate diet. Since acids in our stomachs' digestive juices release the bonds that bind vitamin B-12 to protein in food, we need enough of these acids for proper absorption. Studies suggest that 10 to 43 percent of people over the age of 50 may lack the acids to release vitamin B-12 from protein so it can be absorbed. A high intake of folate from fortified grains can hide the changes in red blood cells that show a lack of vitamin B-12. If you are at risk of not getting enough vitamin B-12 - either because of your food choices or your inability to absorb it - you should discuss the matter with your doctor. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:03:45 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritionist-advises-readers-on-how-to-get-more-b-12-in-their-diets http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-deficiency-can-hinder-weight-loss Vitamin C deficiency can hinder weight lossSource: www.ohio.comLong before I ever dreamed of becoming a registered dietitian, I saw my first case of nutritional deficiency. My pet guinea pig died of scurvy -- a fatal disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. I never saw his receding gums, joint pain, neuropathy (nerve pain) or swollen, discolored ``black legs.'' I saw (too late) his lack of energy and vigor only before he died. Over the years, I have known of just one human case of scurvy -- a man who ate only canned and packaged foods where vitamin C does not reside. Everyone gets enough vitamin C these days, right? Wrong, according to research by registered dietitian and vitamin C researcher Carol Johnson of Arizona State University. She found more than a third of supposedly healthy college students she tested had low levels of vitamin C in their blood. Big deal? Literally. Research by Johnson suggests that even slight deficits of vitamin C may be one reason for our continued battle with obesity. Vitamin C affects how our body uses fat, explains Johnson. It is used in the body to make carnitine -- a substance that helps our cells burn fat for energy. When vitamin C is lacking, carnitine cannot do its job. Johnson instructed one group of college student ``guinea pigs'' not to eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli or sweet bell peppers. Another group was given a daily supplement of 500 milligrams vitamin C. In just two weeks, the students on low intakes of vitamin C had less measured energy levels and burned less fat during exercise than the students with adequate vitamin C. Could it be, suggests Johnson, that our typical diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables is making us too tired to exercise and less able to burn fat when we do? We need more research in this area, says Johnson. But it's interesting that overweight people tend to have lower levels of vitamin C in their blood. Age factor in how much How much do we need? Children need 15 to 65 milligrams of vitamin C a day, depending on age. Adult women and men need 75 to 90 milligrams, respectively. Smokers need 125 milligrams a day. Higher intakes up to 2,000 milligrams a day are probably not harmful, although body tissues are well-saturated with just 200 milligrams a day. Where do we get it? Good sources (in milligrams) include: 1 red or yellow bell pepper (340), 1 cup cooked broccoli (120), 1 cup strawberries (80), 1 orange (70). And that morning glass of O.J.? Be careful, says Johnson. Any process that introduces light, air or heat destroys vitamin C. She found the most vitamin C retained in reconstituted frozen orange juice; the least in cartons and jugs of fresh orange juice. Whatever juice you drink, finish it within a week. So what's the best way to get the most active form of vitamin C from our food? ``Peel an orange and eat it,'' says Johnson. If only I had known that for my guinea pig. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:03:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-deficiency-can-hinder-weight-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/could-vitamin-d-actually-be-a-miracle-in-a-bottle- Could Vitamin D actually be a miracle in a bottle?Source: news.scotsman.comIT'S KNOWN as the sunshine vitamin and, last week, you could have been forgiven for thinking it was the miracle vitamin: Vitamin D, it transpired, could prevent cancer. It can also, according to a 40-year review of research published in the American Journal of Public Health, play a role in preventing heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, rickets and osteoporosis. So can the world's drugs companies pack up and go home? Well, no. According to the research, the daily dose of Vitamin D needed to maintain health is 25 mg - five times the current recommended daily allowance (RDA) in the UK. For a vitamin that isn't even specifically recommended for most - The Food Standards Agency only advocates a specific dose if you are pregnant, elderly, Asian, get little sun exposure or eat no meat or oily fish - that's a lot to start pumping into your body. Vitamin D works by maintaining blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which help to regulate cell growth and form strong and healthy bones. It is formed naturally by the body when skin is exposed to UVB radiation in sunlight and is easily sourced from a range of foods. It is, according to Marcus Webb, naturopath at the Jan de Vries clinic in Troon, "a strong little vitamin. It shouldn't be taken lightly". The cancer community is welcoming the new research cautiously. Sara Hiom, head of health information at Cancer Research UK says: "There is evidence to suggest that the vitamin plays a role in keeping cells healthy. But further research is needed to understand what role vitamin D may play in preventing cancer in humans." Webb says he would only recommend a vitamin D supplement to clients under certain circumstances. "If a person had a higher instance of family cancer then that would be a case for taking Vitamin D as a specific supplement. "In general, though, if you're looking at minimising concerns with cancer and other illnesses, the best thing you can do is take a broad spectrum antioxidant that has all of the vitamins and minerals in it that you need." In other words, knock back a good multivitamin tablet every morning. But vitamin D isn't only to be found in a bottle at the chemists, it's also a common feature at the supermarket. Oily fish - including herring, pilchards, salmon, kippers, sardines, tuna and mackerel - are where vitamin D is most prevalent. You'll also find it in eggs, cheese, milk and liver. So why bother to stock up on vitamin pills when we can just eat more sensibly? Aren't we just creating "expensive urine"? "If you eat a good diet, with a reasonable amount of fish and dairy products, you'll be giving your body dietary vitamin D, which it needs," says Webb. "But if someone was eating that sort of diet, they might be less likely to need a specific supplement in the first place." It stands to reason, given that numerous research has proven a good balanced diet can, in itself, protect against heart disease and cancer. The "Vitamin D as wonderdrug" story highlights the ongoing debate about the merits or otherwise of putting our faith in such supplements. Experts point out that taking double the dose which the new research suggests can guard against cancer and other ills - 50mg, ten times the RDA - could cause the body to absorb too much calcium, resulting in liver and kidney damage. And although Vitamin D is a standalone nutrient - meaning that it does not work in tandem with any other vitamin - supplementing our diet with tablets is not always so simple. Many other vitamins only work if taken with other supplements. Vitamin E, for example, is no use without selenium because selenium transports the vitamin around the body, and calcium supplements are ineffective unless you are getting enough Vitamin K, which helps your body to absorb calcium in the first place. "It can be difficult to know where to stop," says Webb. "There are so many different supplements out there, and our bodies are all so different, that it can get incredibly complex. Generally speaking, if you have a good diet and no specific genetic problems, then a broad-based supplement which includes vitamin D will help underpin your good health." So the drug companies may yet be in business for some time to come. Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:02:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/could-vitamin-d-actually-be-a-miracle-in-a-bottle- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/debunking-of-detox Debunking of detoxSource: www.telegraph.co.ukThe public is being fooled into a series of misguided views about natural and man-made chemicals and their effects on human health, according to a report to be published later this month.Celebrities, lifestyle magazines, the growing alternative health industry and environmentalists are conspiring to spread a series of harmful myths about the nature of chemicals, the scientists claim.It is such misunderstandings about chemicals and the way that the body processes them that have led to the proliferation of "detox" products, which the report condemns as mostly a waste of money.Some of the language used to sell expensive detox feet pads and body wraps, herbal extracts and infusions and curative waters amounts to unscientific "mumbo jumbo", according to the authors of the report, Making Sense of Chemical Stories, to be published by the charity Sense About Science on Jan 26.Scientists who contributed to the study believe that the detox diets promoted in books and videos by celebrities such as Carol Vorderman would do better to advise us to drink more tap water and go to bed earlier.One misconception confronted in the report is the notion that "you can lead a chemical-free life". This is clearly wrong because everything is made of chemicals, and so claims that products are "chemical-free" are not true.A report on the Greenpeace International website states: "If someone came into your house, mixed you a cocktail of chemicals and offered it you, would you take them? Of course not."You wouldn't want untested chemicals in your home, your drink or your body. You don't want them but, shockingly, they're already there."Derek Lohman, an inorganic and radio chemist, said: "If someone came into your house and offered you a cocktail of butanol, iso amyl alcohol, hexanol, phenyl ethanol, tannin, benzyl alcohol, caffeine, epigallocatchin and inorganic salts, would you take it?"It sounds pretty ghastly. But tea is a complex mixture containing the above chemicals in concentrations that vary depending on where it is grown."Another mistaken but popular view challenged in the report is that man-made chemicals are dangerous.In reality, henna tattoos can cause allergic reactions, water can kill and rotting fruit contains toxins that can make people very ill, while a chemical being synthetic tells us nothing about whether it is safe or otherwise.Andrew Cockburn, a toxicologist, said: "It is worth noting that although it is popular to complain about 'all those synthetic chemicals', this runs alongside increasing demand for them in the form of the contraceptive pill and hydrocortisone cream."A third widespread misconception is that synthetic chemicals are causing cancers and other diseases.Many claims about chemicals being "linked" to diseases simply tell us that a chemical was present when an effect occurred, rather than showing that it causes the effect.It is sometimes reported that exposure to a "cocktail" of chemicals is some kind of ticking "time bomb". However neither the presence of chemicals nor the bioaccumulation of them means they are doing any harm. Nature itself is a "cocktail of chemicals".The fifth misconception dealt with in the report is that it is somehow beneficial to avoid man-made chemicals in favour of natural ones.In reality, the use of synthetic chemicals has given societies a huge range of choices and freedoms that need to be looked at as a balance of costs and benefits.The final view the scientists who contributed confront is that because the effects of the use of many chemicals are unknown in the long term, we are the subjects of a large unregulated experiment.The report argues there is an extensive regulatory system that strictly controls which chemicals can be used, what experiments can take place, and how materials should be transported and disposed of.Dr Robert Verkerk, the executive and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health, criticised the report yesterday and defended natural detox products.He said: "Sense About Science is utterly misinformed if it thinks there is limited or no scientific evidence showing that particular natural products are able to promote particular metabolic processes that accelerate detoxification or excretion."There is convincing literature showing the effectiveness of specific herbs and forms of fibre. In an ideal world, a nutritionally sound body will have a fully functioning detoxification system with gut, liver, other organs and cells 'capable of clearing out harmful substances'."However, in the modern world this is not always the case." Wed, 04 Jan 2006 22:59:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/debunking-of-detox http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/punch-up-nutrition-for-breakfast Punch up nutrition for breakfastSource: www.kansas.comLet oats help you make a breakfast that's as healthy as it is tasty. Pancakes spiked with fruits and nuts, pumpkin-flavored muffins and good-to-go granola bars are three recipes that incorporate oats, which are high in soluble fiber that's good for your heart. As the recipes indicate, you can use either quick or old-fashioned oats; old-fashioned oats will produce a heartier texture. The payoff, besides a great eye-opener: Studies show that people who eat a nutritious breakfast weigh less because they are less likely to binge at lunch. -- Joe Stumpe FRUITY NUTTY OATMEAL PANCAKES 1 cup pancake mix 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup milk 1 egg 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 ripe pear or apple, cored and chopped (about 1 cup) ¾cup quick or old-fashioned uncooked oats 2 tablespoons chopped pecans In a large bowl, stir together pancake mix and cinnamon. In medium bowl, combine milk, egg and oil until blended. Add to pancake mix, stirring with wire whisk until just combined. Gently stir in pear or apple, oats and pecans. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes to thicken. Cook pancakes on griddle according to package directions. Serve with maple syrup and additional pear slices and pecans, if desired. Makes 4 servings (12 pancakes). Nutrients per serving (with 3 tablespoons maple syrup): 360 calories, 10 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 60 mg cholesterol, 690 mg sodium, 58 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams dietary fiber, 10 grams protein. Source: Quaker Oats PUMPKIN SPICE OAT MUFFINS Topping: ¼cup quick or old-fashioned oats, uncooked 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar 1/8teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Muffins: 1 ½ cups flour 1 cup quick or old-fashioned oats, uncooked ¾cup firmly packed brown sugar ¼cup chopped pecans 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice ½teaspoon baking soda ½teaspoon salt (optional) 1 cup canned pumpkin ¾cup fat-free milk 3 tablespoons canola oil 2 egg whites or 1 egg Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups or spray bottoms only with cooking spray. For topping, combine all ingredients; set aside. For muffins, combine dry ingredients in large bowl; mix well. In medium bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, oil and egg whites; mix well. Add to dry ingredients; mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not overmix.) Fill muffin cups almost full; sprinkle evenly with topping. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Cool muffins 5 minutes in pan on wire rack; remove from pan. Serve warm. Makes 1 dozen. Nutrients per muffin: 190 calories, 4 grams fat (0.5 gram saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams protein. Source: Quaker Oats RAISIN GRANOLA BREAKFAST BARS Granola: 2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats ¾cup coarsely chopped almonds ¼cup brown sugar ¼cup apple juice 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ¼cup honey ¼teaspoon salt ¾teaspoon cinnamon ¾teaspoon vanilla 1 cup raisins Bar: ½ cup butter or margarine 1 cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 ½ cups flour ½teaspoon baking powder ½teaspoon baking soda ½teaspoon salt ½teaspoon cinnamon To make the granola: Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine oats and almonds in a large bowl; mix and set aside. Mix sugar, apple juice, oil, honey, salt, cinnamon and vanilla in large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes. Do not boil. Pour mixture over oats and nuts. Toss to coat evenly. Spread mixture in large baking pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until granola is dry. Remove from oven. Cool, stirring once or twice. Mix in raisins. Set aside. To make bars: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. Add to creamed mixture; mix well. Stir granola into mixture. Spread dough evenly in greased pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pan. Cut into 15 bars. Source: California Raisins Wed, 04 Jan 2006 22:57:03 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/punch-up-nutrition-for-breakfast http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-is-a-diet- What Is A Diet?Source: www.wsbtv.comThe word "diet" probably brings to mind meals of lettuce and cottage cheese. By definition, "diet" refers to what a person eats or drinks during the course of a day.A diet that limits portions to a very small size or that excludes certain foods entirely to promote weight loss may not be effective over the long term. Rather, you are likely to miss certain foods and find it difficult to follow this type of diet for a long time. MENU MAKER Plan A Healthy Meal Instead, it is often helpful to gradually change the types and amounts of food you eat and maintain these changes for the rest of your life. The ideal diet is one that takes into account your likes and dislikes and includes a wide variety of foods with enough calories and nutrients for good health.How much you eat and what you eat play a major role in how much you weigh. So, when planning your diet, you should consider:What calorie level is appropriate?Is the diet you are considering nutritionally balanced?Will the diet be practical and easy to follow?Will you be able to maintain this eating plan for the rest of your life? The following information will help you answer these questions.Calorie Level Most weight-loss diets provide 1,000 to 1,500 calories per day. However, the number of calories that is right for you depends on your weight and activity level. At these calorie levels, diets are referred to as low-calorie diets. Self-help diet books and clinical and nonclinical weight-loss programs often include low-calorie diet plans.The calorie level of your diet should allow for a weight loss of no more than 1 pound per week (after the first week or two when weight loss may be more rapid because of initial water loss). If you can estimate how many calories you eat in a day, you can design a diet plan that will help you lose no more than 1 pound per week. You may need to work with a trained health professional, such as a registered dietitian. Or you can use a standardized low-calorie diet plan with a fixed calorie level.The selected calorie level, however, may not produce the recommended rate of weight loss, and you may need to eat more or less.Good NutritionMake sure that your diet contains all the essential nutrients for good health. Using the Food Guide Pyramid and the Nutrition Facts Label that is found on most processed food products can help you choose a healthful diet. The pyramid shows you the kinds and amounts of food that you need each day for good health. The Nutrition Facts Label will help you select foods that meet your daily nutritional needs. A healthful diet should include: Adequate vitamins and minerals. Eating a wide variety of foods from all the food groups on the Food Guide Pyramid will help you get the vitamins and minerals you need. If you eat less than 1,200 calories per day, you may benefit from taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement.Adequate protein. The average woman 25 years of age and older should get 50 grams of protein each day, and the average man 25 years of age and older should get 63 grams of protein each day. Adequate protein is important because it prevents muscle tissue from breaking down and repairs all body tissues such as skin and teeth. To get adequate protein in your diet, make sure you eat 2-3 servings from the meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts group on the Food Guide Pyramid every day. These foods are all good sources of protein.Adequate carbohydrates. At least 100 grams of carbohydrates per day are needed to prevent fatigue and dangerous fluid imbalances. To make sure you get enough carbohydrates, eat 6-11 servings from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta group on the Food Guide Pyramid every day.A daily fiber intake of 20 to 30 grams. Adequate fiber helps with proper bowel function. If you were to eat 1 cup of bran cereal, 1/2 cup of carrots, 1/2 cup of kidney beans, a medium-sized pear, and a medium-sized apple together in 1 day, you would get about 30 grams of fiber.No more than 30 percent of calories, on average, from fat per day, with less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat (such as fat from meat, butter, and eggs). Limiting fat to these levels reduces your risk for heart disease and may help you lose weight. In addition, you should limit the amount of cholesterol in your diet. Cholesterol is a fatlike substance found in animal products such as meat and eggs. Your diet should include no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day (one egg contains about 215 milligrams of cholesterol, and 3.5 ounces of cooked hamburger contain 100 milligrams of cholesterol).At least 8 to 10 glasses, 8 ounces each, of water or water-based beverages, per day. You need more water if you exercise a lot. These nutrients should come from a variety of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods. One way to get variety -- and with it, an enjoyable and nutritious diet is to choose foods each day from the Food Guide Pyramid.Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Wed, 04 Jan 2006 22:56:06 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-is-a-diet- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranates-crowned-the-jewel-of-nutrition- Pomegranates Crowned the Jewel of Nutrition.Source: www.14wfie.comResearch recently published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows patients with coronary artery disease who drink one glass of pomegranate juice per day, may improve blood flow to their hearts. The co-owner of Maxine's Cafe and Bakery, Lowery Iglehart, has been enjoying pomegranates since childhood. She says her mom would send them in her school lunch, and of course, she would spray seeds all over the classroom. As an adult, Lowry figured out it was easier to the separate the seeds underwater. Unlike other fruits, the seeds are what you want to eat. She says not to get too weirded out because it does have a tiny seed, but it's not hard like a grape. It's a little bit softer than that, so you're not going to take out a filling. Lowry likes to add them to salads. She says they are like little gems ...little gems that have been powerful symbols in Christianity, Greek mythology, even Buddhism. These days, health experts consider them the crown jewel of nutrition. Pomegranates contain antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals, molecules that can cause premature aging, heart disease, alzheimer's and even cancer. You can use the seeds for main dishes, desserts and drinks. And when they're out of season, you can drink pomegranate juice to get your daily vitamin c and potassium fix. Research recently published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows patients with coronary artery disease who drink one glass of pomegranate juice a day may improve blood flow to their heart. Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:22:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranates-crowned-the-jewel-of-nutrition- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/collagen-nutraceuticals-launches-cosmetic-grade-ha Collagen Nutraceuticals launches cosmetic grade HASource: www.cosmeticsdesign.comCollagen Nutraceuticals, an established nutraceuticals player, is launching a cosmetic grade hyaluronic acid (HA) aimed at a variety of skin and hair care formulations, primarily as a means of retaining moisture.The company says the formulation is ideal for a broad spectrum of creams, lotions, cosmetic water, essence, facial cleansing milk, bath and shower products, an agent for shampoo and conditioners, mousses and lipsticks. HA is a mucopolysacharide that exists naturally in all living organisms. In humans it is found in larger concentrations in the articular joints, eye fluid and, most abundantly, in the skin. As the protein can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water it is known to play a vital part in the ageing process once levels are depleted in the skin. Maintaining levels of HA, whether it be through supplements, topical applications or injections, is said to reduce wrinkles caused by dehydration and general ageing.Specific to skin care formulations, the company claims that cosmetic grade HA is considered to be one of the best natural moisturizing components available, which also helps to give it high compatability. This is because, when applied to the skin, HA can form an air permeable thin layer and keep the skin smooth and moist, with the added functionality of protecting from bacteria, dust and ultraviolet rays.HA's water solution has outstanding moisture retention capacity and very high viscosity and lubricity. Because it can be added without dissolving, it is said to be easy and convenient for fomulators to use.Its multi-functionality should make it ideal for anti-aging formulations, where the combination of UV protection alongside moisturizing properties should make it a particularly useful ingredient as part of a formulation.“The primary force behind cosmetic grade HA is market demand, first prompted by FDA approval of injectible HA, and later, when an ABC television special featured the residents of a Japanese village who were living remarkarbly long lives,” a company spokesperson told CosmeticsDesign.com. ”After studying these residents, it was discovered that their diets stimulated and supplied high quantities of HA in their bodies,” the spokesperson added.The company says it is expecting to supply a variety of cosmetics manufacturers, including medium-sized specialty dermatology businesses and specialty skin care makers, together with many of the main beauty mass marketers.The cosmetic grade is also said to be very affordable. For example, 1 oz of PureHA Serum ranges from $24.95 to $49.95 retail. The manufacturer claims that cosmetic grade HA should have tremendous potential as it continues to gain credibility based on clinical studies.Collagen Nutraceuticals is simultaneously launching a medical grade HA which can be used as a viscoelasticity agent in artificial crystal planting in ocular surgery, as a filling agent in osteoarthritis and as an agent in eye drops. It is also said to have good action towards adhesion prevention in surgical operations and for healing cuts on the skin.Previously the company has pioneered food grade HA, which it has now been manufacturing for more than 20 years. During this time HA has become a common ingredient in the nutraceutical industry as a means of replacing a variety of deficiencies in the human body. Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:15:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/collagen-nutraceuticals-launches-cosmetic-grade-ha http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-finds-smoking-and-alcohol-consumption-lower-throat-cancer-survival-rate Study Finds Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Lower Throat Cancer Survival RateSource: www.newsinferno.comA new study shows people with cancer of the larynx or lower pharynx who continue to smoke or drink alcohol have a lower survival rate than people who eat a diet rich in vitamin C and vegetables who are more likely to survive.Dr. Rasesh P. Dikshit from the International Agency for Cancer Research in Lyon France, and his team looked at patients with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers to assess the role of smoking and drinking may have on their survival rate. The researchers followed 931 patients from a previous cancer study that had started in the early 1980s, and looked at the role of tobacco, alcohol, and diet on cancer outcome in these patients for up to 21 years. They reported their findings in the International Journal of Cancer. The team found that smoking was the most harmful factor affecting a patient’s survival, particularly if the individual had tumors in the larynx. In a statement to Reuters Health, Dr. Dikshit said: "This is a very important finding. We knew that smoking is a cause of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, but now it's clear that it affects survival as well." Drinking alcohol also had a negative effect on survival, but to a smaller degree than tobacco. Dr. Dikshit also found that some dietary choices, however, worked to protect a patient’s health. "We found that a high intake of vitamin C significantly improved the patients' survival." A diet rich in vegetables also had a strong protective effect. According to these findings, the researchers believe that cancer patients should consider eating a diet rich in vegetables and vitamin C. "Doctors are prescribing this already, but now we have demonstrated that these diet components improve the patient's survival, and perhaps make the treatment more effective." Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:07:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-finds-smoking-and-alcohol-consumption-lower-throat-cancer-survival-rate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-diet-boosts-weight-loss Protein Diet Boosts Weight LossSource: www.vhi.ieExercise could be more effective if it is combined with a protein-rich diet, a new study has suggested.US researchers examined 48 women over four months. The women were divided into two groups: the first ate a diet rich in protein; the second ate mostly carbohydrates. Both groups consumed the same amount of calories and engaged in set exercise programmes, which included walking and weightlifting. While women in both groups lost weight, those in the protein group lost more."Both diets work because when you restrict calories, you lose weight. But the people on the higher protein diet lost more weight . . . when a protein-rich diet is combined with exercise the two work together to correct body composition; dieters lose more weight and they lose fat, not muscle," said one of the researchers, Professor Donald Layman of the University of Illinois. The study also found that while the protein-rich diet worked for everyone, it was particularly effective in people with high triglyceride (blood fats) levels who carry excess weight around the abdomen."The diet works because the extra protein reduces muscle loss while the low carbohydrate component gives you low insulin, allowing you to burn fat," Dr Layman explained. Details of this study are published in the Journal of Nutrition. Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:04:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-diet-boosts-weight-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/medical-news-tea-vitamin-d-brain-boost Medical News: Tea, Vitamin D, Brain BoostSource: www.thebostonchannel.comBOSTON -- In Monday's medical news, NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported on Vitamin D's ability to help you breathe easier, a boot camp for your brain and tea's protective powers against ovarian cancer.Tea and Ovarian CancerThere is new evidence of the protective power of tea.According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Swedish women who drank two or more cups of black tea per day lowered their risk of ovarian cancer by 46 percent compared with non-tea drinkers. But the study failed to control for all other variables, so it is unclear whether tea actually prevents ovarian cancer or if tea drinkers simply tend to live healthier lifestyles.Brain Boot CampDoctors are always telling us to exercise our bodies, but now one researcher said exercising your brain can improve your memory.Dr. Gary Small, of the University of California at Los Angeles, studied 17 people who scored normal in a baseline memory test.Half were put on a healthy diet with physical fitness and stress reduction programs, as well as daily memory training using brainteasers, crossword puzzles and memory exercises.After two weeks, participants in the memory improvement group showed a 5 percent reduction in brain metabolism, suggesting they were using their brains more efficiently.Small said more research is needed to determine what combinations of the plan's components produce the most memory improvement.Breathe Easier With Vitamin DWe already know Vitamin D helps to build strong bones, but now research shows it may also help build better lungs, even among those who smoke.A study of more than 14,000 American adults found those with a high level of Vitamin D in their blood tended to have a higher lung function that those with low levels of Vitamin D.The sun is the most important source of Vitamin D, but soaking it up is a lot harder during the dark winter months. Experts recommend eating foods rich in Vitamin D -- like salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as fortified milk and cereal. Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:02:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/medical-news-tea-vitamin-d-brain-boost http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/common-herbal-supplement-can-reduce-cocaine-cravings Common herbal supplement can reduce cocaine cravingsSource: www.newkerala.comWashington: A common herbal supplement can help reduce the cravings associated with chronic cocaine use, a new study has found. This study is among the first to identify N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a potential agent to modulate the effects of cocaine addiction. There is also early evidence in animal models of addiction to suggest that this chemical works similarly in the treatment of heroin addiction, and possibly alcoholism. “Cocaine is highly addictive and can have devastating effects on the health and well being of users. The discovery that a readily available herbal supplement can reduce the intense cravings associated with cocaine use is an important finding for individuals undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction. Reduced craving might help addicted individuals restrain from abusing cocaine,” says lead researcher Peter Kalivas. During the course of study, the researchers conditioned rats on a regimen of cocaine to establish their addiction. The rats in the treatment group were then treated with NAC. After treatment, the cocaine-addicted rats exposed to NAC were significantly less likely to seek out cocaine than those without NAC. Those treated with NAC ceased to actively seek cocaine, but showed normal food-seeking behaviors. In the second phase, NAC treatment was investigated in a small inpatient study (n=15) involving non-treatment seeking cocaine-dependent subjects. Subjects were asked to look at pictures that were either neutral (e.g., trees, boats) or cocaine-related (e.g., drug paraphernalia). Those individuals treated with NAC reported less craving for cocaine and spent less time looking at the cocaine-related pictures. In addition, when using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) test, subjects treated with NAC had reduced brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain activated during cocaine craving and used to modulate the addictive behavior of chronic cocaine use. An open label trial, which was recently completed, indicated that cocaine-dependent patients could take NAC on an extended outpatient basis, with minimal side effects. More importantly, patients taking higher doses of NAC were more likely to complete the trial, providing further indication of the potential benefits of NAC. “The potential to use NAC for the treatment of individuals addicted to cocaine is a major finding. For those individuals who have the desire to end their addictive habit, a NAC supplement might help to control their cravings,” said Dr. Kalivas. Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:57:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/common-herbal-supplement-can-reduce-cocaine-cravings http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-for-hepatitis- Herbal remedy for hepatitis?Source: www.sunherald.comDear Readers: Several months ago, Dr. Alfred McNair, a board-certified gastro-enterologist on the Coast, wrote a guest column about hepatitis. I've never received as many responses to a column as I received from this column. Some responses were congratulatory and some were critical of his views and presentation of his interpretations. When I talked to McNair about the responses, he was excited to hear so many people read the column, and it helped him spread the message. He has kindly agreed to answer some of the letters to clarify his position. Here is one of the letters of that series. Dear Dr. Sangani: I am a Hep C sufferer who lives in B.C., Canada. I cannot take the Pegatron cure, and I am very grateful for this. Alternative medicine is not recognized by the medical plan here, and licenses revoked if practitioners prescribe such. The only recognized cure, by the health plan, is life-threatening Pegatron. I point directly to the North American Pharmaceutical companies for this. Alternative medicines are suppressed to such an extent that literature is non-existent, except via the Internet. I have found a cure for myself, via the Internet, using herbs. The medicines have no side effects and are relatively cheap. I use sterols and sterolins and milk thistle seed. I obtain the products pre-packaged from the local health food store. They are also available pre-packaged through the Internet. If people type their ailment in the search box on the Web browser they will be able to chose the information that is pertinent to them. Thanks for your time, there are alternative medicines people should consider. Dr. McNair's response: We are excited about your development of what sounds like spontaneous sustained viral response. These cases do occur. They are more common in Hepatitis B than they are with Hepatitis C, but they do occur in a small percentage of patients with Hepatitis C. As to whether the alternative medicine you have used has played a role, that remains unclear. As far as I know there are no double-blind randomized controlled trials looking at alternative medical therapies in treatment of Hepatitis C. If you are aware of any published data, I would greatly appreciate any information to share with other hepatologists treating the disease. Our recommendations basically come directly from the CDC guidelines Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:52:06 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-for-hepatitis- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-rid-the-skin-of-barnacles How To Rid the Skin of BarnaclesSource: www.canadafreepress.com"Vanity, thy name is woman", wrote the immortal bard William Shakespeare hundreds of years ago. He was right. I know, because two years ago I wrote a column dealing with "cosmeceuticals" and mentioned Reversa, a cream that helps aging skin. The avalanche of mail from female readers stunned me and gave the postman a backache.So this week let's forget about cholesterol and other depressing problems and talk about another cosmeceutical that gets rid of aging spots. Let's hope it also alerts everyone to the dangers of excessive sun exposure and saves needless deaths from skin cancer.The way our skin ages depends on several factors. The most controllable factor of all is "photo-aging". Excessive exposure to the sun results in coarse, pebbly, rough wrinkled skin. But it also causes irregular pigmentation due to ultraviolet radiation.The time clock also plays a major role in skin aging. Like ships, the skin acquires barnacles such as spots, lumps and bumps. None of us like it when we see these imperfections in the mirror and we sympathize with Shakespeare's Macbeth when he remarked, "Out, damned spot, I say".Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, a noted Montreal dermatologist, says, " The skin breaks down due to several factors. In the top layers of the skin each individual cell is held together by a substance like the mortar that binds bricks together. Deeper, collagen and elastin make the skin flexible. And as years pass the mortar becomes less efficient and the collagen-elastin system is in short supply so the skin becomes thin and wrinkled."This is why women's antennas lit up when I wrote about Reversa corrective night cream. This skin cream contains glycolic acid that helps to shed the outer layer of aging skin. It also has an anti-wrinkle micro-collagen along with vitamin C that acts to regenerate collagen and elastin. It's a far cry from grandmother's cold cream.Another cream, Reversa UV, carries skin care a step further and may be the answer for many of my patients. The ones who point out brown spots on their skin to me, wondering why they've suddenly appeared, and begging me to get rid of them. These imperfections are often referred to as sun spots, age spots or liver spots. And they're usually first noticed by women over 40 years of age.Age spots are due to an abnormal increase in the amount of melanin in the epidermal layer of skin. Since melanin production is stimulated by an enzyme, tyrosinase, the goal is to decrease the activity of this enzyme.Reversa UV anti spot cream contains Rumex, which is very effective in inhibiting tyrosinase. It's an extract derived from plants native to the Canadian prairies with a long botanical history as a medicinal agent for the skin, a good choice for cosmetics due to its scarcity of side effects.To increase the moisture level of the skin Reversa UV anti spot cream also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerine, vitamin E and panthenol. And to protect against further ultra-violet damage from the sun, the cream also contains UVAUVB sunscreen (made by the original formulators of Ombrelle). These are important additions because the sun causes brown spots faster than any agent can de-pigment the skin.Remember there's no harm in a touch of vanity. By using these two creams we might all retain healthy and more attractive skin. This makes more sense than lining up for Botox injections that only last a few months or submitting to plastic surgery. I believe these measures represent the height of human folly.What's more hazardous is ignoring medical pleas to guard against excessive sun exposure. This is why death from malignant melanoma is at an all time high.Since I'm not a dermatologist I'll no longer look foolish when patients point to aging spots and ask me what to do. Perhaps I've also retained a little beauty in this country and that's not a bad idea. But, above all, I'm preaching sun sense that will save lives.One plea. Please spare me requests for information about these products. They're available in drug stores. If you want more facts, call the toll-free number 1-800-465-8383or visit the web site www.reversa.ca Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:50:51 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-rid-the-skin-of-barnacles http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-holds-key-for-improved-lung-function ''Sunshine'' vitamin holds key for improved lung functionSource: www.whatistheword.comResearchers at the University of Auckland have found that having low levels of Vitamin D adversely affects the health of the lungs. Reporting in the current issue of the journal Chest, the researches found that substantial levels of the "sunshine" vitamin were associated with improved lung function."Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer," said Dr Peter Black of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. "Our research shows that vitamin D may also have a strong influence on lung health, with greater levels of vitamin D associated with greater and more positive effects on lung function."However, researchers added that more work was needed to assess exactly what role the vitamin played in keeping the lungs healthy. The researchers arrived at these conclusions after conducting lung function tests on 14,091 people. They found that people with higher vitamin D in their blood delivered improved test results than those with low levels of the vitamin. In fact, Dr Black said that the difference as akin to that found in smokers and non-smokers. Two tests namely, the FEV1 test and the FVC test were preformed on the participants. The former measures the volume of the air that can forcefully breathed in one second of deep breathing, while the latter measures the total volume of the air breathed out after a deep breath.The study also found that men had higher levels of the vitamin than women with the levels decreasing in obese persons as well as smokers. "The effects of vitamin D are not limited to bone and there is evidence that it can affect the growth of a wide variety of cell types," Br Black concluded.His colleague and co-author f the paper, Dr Robert Scragg has been working on vitamin D since the 1980s. He said that previous studies have also highlighted the beneficial effects of vitamin D in breast cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer. He said that a 10-minute exposure to sunlight was good enough to build reserves of the vitamin in the body."It doesn't cost anything to get out into the sun," he pointed out. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D since the UV rays in the sun trigger the synthesis of this vitamin on the skin. Experts say that 15 minutes of going out into the sun is very beneficial from a health perspective. Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:48:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-holds-key-for-improved-lung-function http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/have-a-daily-dose-of-omega-3 Have a Daily Dose of Omega-3Source: AltHealth NewsFrom food to floss: how to stay in good shape in 2006 and beyond What do my dog, horse, and husband all have in common--besides me? All three will toast the New Year with a sprinkle of omega-3 in their breakfast bowls. Maybe you will, too. Don't swallow everything! Pick the right pain pill Soak up vitamin D A little more pedaling pays off The animals are sublimely unaware that they consume it (in the form of flaxseed) or why (because of evidence it may ease arthritic aches and pains and put a shine on their coats). But my husband is on to the health benefits. He has a daily, 2-tablespoon, 3,500-mg dose of ground flaxseed on his granola. He says it has a "nutty" taste.Cardiologists praise omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel as well as in flaxseed, canola oil, and walnuts, they protect the heart against inflammation that can result in blocked arteries and can prevent irregular heartbeats that can lead to a sudden heart attack. And there's growing evidence that these polyunsaturated fats avert strokes, reduce inflammation and joint pain from arthritis, and promote brain and vision development in infants. Statistics even link omega-3s to broader health benefits--for example, they may ward off complications from diabetes. They're being used to treat depression and Alzheimer's disease. Better skin, stronger fingernails, and more energy are also possible perks.Unfortunately, there are data to suggest that farmed salmon, the fish most of us trust as a great source of omega-3s, can pose a health risk. Farmed salmon are raised on fish oil pellets derived from local fish, which are often contaminated with cancer-causing PCB s. The most recent study, in the November issue of the Journal of Nutrition, reports that contaminant levels in farmed salmon from certain regions increase the risk of cancer enough to outweigh benefits.The study concluded that as a whole, risks exceed benefits for farmed Atlantic salmon. Farmed salmon from South America, specifically Chile, had the lowest level of pollutants, followed by North America. Europe had the highest level, according to David Carpenter, coauthor of the study and director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany's School of Public Health. Pacific wild salmon also have contaminants, but at a low enough level that the benefits outweigh the risks.If you're unsure where the salmon is farmed, or still wary, consider canned salmon, which usually uses wild fish. You can also find omega-3 fatty acids to a lesser degree in leafy green vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach, as well as in tofu. And new sources are popping up on grocery shelves. These include free-range, grass-fed beef, which has omega-3 levels higher than those in grain-fed animals, and enhanced eggs, baby food, and cereal.There are also omega-3 supplements from fish oil or flax. But high intakes of supplements could cause bleeding in some people, according to the American Heart Association. And more studies are needed to confirm the benefits of supplements. "Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable," says Alice Lichtenstein, professor of nutrition at Tufts University.Acid dose. How much omega-3 is enough? The ideal amount isn't clear. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week, about 8 ounces total, along with other omega-3-rich foods in your diet. A quarter cup of walnuts, for example, supplies about 2.3 grams of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, slightly more than found in 4 ounces of salmon. Even better, those two tablespoons of flaxseed supply 3.5 grams.So when it comes to a healthy new year, you might just want to eat like my horse. -Kerry Hannon Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:46:45 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/have-a-daily-dose-of-omega-3 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruit-and-vegetable-in-nutrition Fruit and Vegetable in NutritionSource: www.bellaonline.comEating nine daily servings of colorful fruits and vegetables is fundamental for excellent health. They’ve been shown to lower the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. Every single public health agency recommends you eat at least 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables every day. But two bananas and three orders of French fries are not what they’re talking about. You especially need dark-green leafy vegetables, plus bright yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables. Why? Because they’re nutrient dense – low in fat and calories, but rich in the essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, complex carbohydrates and phytochemicals humans need to look and feel their best. Not all fruits and vegetables are created equal. Some are far more nutritious than others and it’s wise to include the healthier varieties when planning your meals. Berries, for example, are probably the most nutritious fruits. They’re high in vitamin C and fiber, low in sugar and are excellent sources of phytochemicals (carotenoids and flavonoids) that provide important antioxidant protection. Cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, guava and grapes are all also excellent choices. Apples and bananas, the two most popular fruits, though nutritious, provide very little antioxidant protection. Bananas also have a high glycemic rating.There are many excellent healthy vegetables to choose from. Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, swiss chard and romaine lettuce) and cruciferous varieties (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cauliflower and cabbage) are your best choices. They’re high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, folate and antioxidant carotenoids, flavonoids and cruciferous factors. Tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, beans, garlic and onions are also healthy choices. Corn and white potatoes, like apples and bananas, may have some nutritional value, but they’re also high in calories and low in antioxidant protection.To get healthy and stay healthy, set an intention to eat a variety of the healthiest fruits and vegetables. You can start your day with berries on sugar free whole grain cereal for breakfast. For lunch you could have a romaine lettuce salad with lots of cut up vegetables and/or home-made vegetable soup. Choose raw veggies for snacks and fruit for dessert. Include a salad and a couple of steamed vegetables with dinner. When you fix whole grain pasta serve it with lots of lightly stir fried vegetables. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:57:36 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruit-and-vegetable-in-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-the-skinny-on-sugar Nutrition: The Skinny on SugarSource: www.runnersweb.comWe have all looked at a nutrition label to find out exactly how much sugar our mid-afternoon snack has or have opted for a diet drink, because regular ‘has too much sugar’. But what exactly are sugars and what role do they play in an athlete’s diet? Sugars are simple carbohydrates, and although there are numerous sugars that exist, there are a few that stand out in the athletic diet. First and foremost is glucose. Also known as blood sugar, or dextrose, glucose is a main source of energy for the body and the only source of energy that can be used by the central nervous systems. Fructose, or fruit sugar, is another monosaccharide (single sugar) the body uses after it is converted to glucose in the liver. Sucrose, an important disaccharide (double sugar) is a polymer of glucose and fructose and is easily recognizable to most of us as common table sugar. Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide (multiple sugar), a long-chain polymer of glucose. It is important because it provides glucose for energy, but as a long chain polymer, it does not have the sweet taste that is characteristic of the other sugars mentioned. All of these sugars are high glycemic index (HI GI) carbohydrates, meaning that they will cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. As an athlete, this is important for both “quick energy” during exercise and muscle glycogen restoration after exercise. During exercise an athlete should be consuming about 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour. This applies to both training and racing events. A good portion of these carbs should be HI GI, especially later in a workout, and easily digested and absorbed into the body. Sugars are perfect for this. In most sports drinks, bars, and gels, including PowerBar products, you will find some combination of the sugars discussed previously. The key to differentiating between all of these products is to look at what specific combination of sugars they are using. All four sugars have been individually proven to increase performance when consumed during exercise, however a combination of sugars will have a synergistic effect. Fructose alone can be hard to digest and can even lead to GI disturbance, while glucose alone does not give the maxiumum amount of performance increase. When glucose and fructose are combined, they lead to the largest increase in performance. It is also important to consider that for optimal rate of carbohydrate absorption to occur there must be an appropriate amount of sodium present. This combination of sugars can also be found in most post exercise recovery drinks. The ultimate goal of these drinks may be different form sports drinks, but the concept is the same: rapid carbohydrate digestion and absorption. The quicker carbohydrates are absorbed after exercise, the faster muscle glycogen restoration will take place. Sugars are not only beneficial to the athletes in the form of powder and gel. There are lots of sugar-containing foods that are essential to an athlete’s diet as well. The energy that comes from fruits and vegetable is derived from sugars. This does not mean that we can replace our daily servings of broccoli with cupcakes. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense; their sugars arrive in our bodies together with water, fiber and, and many vitamins and minerals. It is the foods that have large amounts of refined sugars and very few nutrients that you should be cautious about. Refined sugar is delivered in a concentrated form to the body, almost completely devoid of nutrients. They key to eating the right sugars is knowing what your body needs and when it needs it. During exercise, foods that contain a combination of at least two of the aforementioned sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltodextrin) will quickly provide you with clean-burning energy. When snack time comes around, fruits and vegetable provide energy as well as the important nutrients your body needs. Refined sugars and nutrient-barren foods are fun and sometimes a tasty treat, but they shouldn’t make up a significant part of an active person’s nutrition program. Stick to the right sugars and you’ll have all the energy you need for a productive day and a great workout. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:53:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-the-skinny-on-sugar http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/too-much-vitamin-c-not-good-for-diabetics-hearts Too Much Vitamin C Not Good for Diabetics` HeartsSource: www.paktribune.comOlder women with diabetes who take high doses of vitamin C for the sake of their hearts may be doing more harm than good, new research suggests. The study, which followed nearly 2,000 postmenopausal women with diabetes for 15 years, found that those who took heavy doses of vitamin C supplements -- 300 milligrams (mg) a day or more -- were roughly twice as likely to die of heart disease or stroke compared with women who took no supplemental C. The researchers did find statistically weak evidence that lower supplement doses -- up to 99 mg per day -- curbed the risk of cardiovascular death, and high intakes of vitamin C from food were not related to a greater risk of death from cardiovascular causes. The findings appear in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. According to the researchers, their results suggest that taking supplements to correct the lower blood levels of vitamin C commonly seen in diabetes is not necessarily the right choice. And though the research focused on older women, the findings may apply to men as well, according to the study`s senior author. "Our results, if confirmed by other research, would suggest that diabetics should be more cautious than others about taking supplements," says Dr. David R. Jacobs Jr., of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. That additional research is important, Jacobs cautioned, because public health recommendations cannot be made on the basis of one study. The current recommended dietary intake for vitamin C is 90 mg a day for men and 75 mg per day for women. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize potentially cell-damaging substances known as oxygen free radicals, which are a normal byproduct of metabolism. While the vitamin is clearly necessary for good health, studies have garnered conflicting results on whether supplements help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, Jacobs and his colleagues note in the report, although people with diabetes often show subnormal vitamin C levels in their blood, it remains unclear whether using supplements to raise those levels has health benefits. For their study, the researchers recorded deaths from cardiovascular disease among 1,923 postmenopausal women who had diabetes at the study`s start. At the outset, the women completed surveys on factors that sway cardiovascular disease risk, including diet, exercise levels, high blood pressure and smoking habits. Over the next 15 years, women who reported taking 300 mg or more of vitamin C each day had just over a two-fold higher risk of dying from coronary artery disease or stroke than women who did not take vitamin C pills. According to Jacobs, past lab research offers some potential explanations for the findings. For example, vitamin C has been shown, in the test tube, to damage cell proteins in the same manner that high blood sugar harms diabetics` body cells. Jacobs also pointed to the complexity of the "antioxidant defense system." When antioxidants interact with free radicals, he explained, they become "pro-oxidants" that must be detoxified by other antioxidants. It`s possible, Jacobs speculated, that this detox process happens more slowly in diabetics -- both women and men -- and that under certain circumstances, the altered vitamin C molecules are able to harm body cells. Jacobs said he and his colleagues favor getting vitamin C, along with the full complement of nutrients, from food rather than supplements. Whereas the antioxidants in the food may be "balanced biochemically," the researchers write, any vitamin pill would lack such balance. Taking high doses of a single antioxidant, they speculate, may "perturb" the body`s balance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants. The findings follow study results reported last week showing that high daily doses of another antioxidant, vitamin E, may not extend life, and instead may slightly raise the risk of dying earlier. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:51:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/too-much-vitamin-c-not-good-for-diabetics-hearts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/secret-tips-to-avoid-the-flu-this-winter Secret Tips to Avoid the Flu This WinterSource: www.prweb.comMost people believe that you catch the flu from contact with other people who already have it. This is a common misconception, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, who discusses the true origin of influenza (including the bird flu) and offers tips to avoid getting the flu virus.(PRWEB) November 29, 2005 -- True or false? People catch the flu from contact with others who are already infected with the flu virus. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, founder of Mercola.com, the world’s most visited natural health website, this is false. Dr. Mercola states that, contrary to popular belief, the real cause of the flu - even the so-called bird flu - is even simpler: not enough sunlight. He has just released a free 11-page report discussing this little-known but true cause of influenza, along with specific ways for people to protect themselves and their family from getting the flu -- without resorting to dangerous drugs or vaccines.Dr. Mercola, a medical physician and New York Times bestselling author, states that the science of epidemiology does not support the widely-held theory that influenza is spread between people just like diseases such as measles. He notes that even one of the CDC’s own researchers, Dr. Carolyn Buxton Bridges, published a review on the transmission of influenza that could find no human experimental studies supporting this theory. Instead, Dr. Mercola points to the work of R. Edward Hope-Simpson. One of the world’s pioneering epidemiologists, Hope-Simpson was the researcher who discovered that shingles was caused by a reactivated chickenpox virus. In 1979, he turned his attention to the influenza A virus. His research findings led him to believe that the flu virus was not primarily spread by transmission from actively infected to well individuals. Hope-Simpson’s studies led him to conclude instead that influenza is distinctively seasonal. People are more apt to get influenza in the winter or with decreased sun exposure. Accordingly, Dr. Mercola states: “There is a preponderance of evidence suggesting that decreased sun exposure and subsequently lower vitamin D levels are closely related to your risk of acquiring the flu.” Vitamin D has a profound effect on one's immune system, and is therefore involved in the epidemiology of influenza. Dr. Mercola, author of the popular wellness guide Total Health Program, recommends a vitamin D supplement during the winter, in the form of a high quality cod liver oil that contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In his free report, he also tells people which foods to add to their diet, which foods to avoid, and lists four other specific ways people can reduce their risk of catching the flu.Although the Bush Administration is expecting an influenza pandemic this winter, no one should panic just yet. Dr. Mercola recently discussed how Bush’s prediction that up to 2 million people will die from this purported avian flu pandemic is a hoax perpetrated for the financial gain of his political crony Donald Rumsfeld. However flimsy his justification, President Bush is preparing for this bird flu pandemic with a $7.1 billion emergency plan. This includes $1.2 billion for 20 million doses of an experimental vaccine for H5N1 bird flu and $2.8 billion to speed development of new flu vaccines.According to Dr. Mercola, flu vaccines are ineffective -- even in populations for which they have been highly promoted, such as the elderly or those with cystic fibrosis or asthma. Additionally, Dr. Mercola has long warned his patients that vaccines can do more harm than good, largely because of their “toxic cocktail” of ingredients. In his report, he discusses six common questions about flu shots and why everyone should know the right answers in order to protect their health. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:46:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/secret-tips-to-avoid-the-flu-this-winter http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prenatal-vitamin-with-fish-oil-not-cause-for-concern Prenatal vitamin with fish oil not cause for concernSource: www.contracostatimes.comQ: You wrote that over-the-counter fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements may not be safe to take during pregnancy. My doctor prescribed a product called Duet DHA, a prenatal vitamin formula that includes DHA. Should I be concerned?A: Probably not. Fish oil supplements contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which appear to be heart-protective.Prescription-only Duet DHA provides a tablet (the regular Duet prenatal multivitamin-mineral) as well as a separate capsule containing 250 mg of omega-3 fatty acids "with at least 200 mg derived for DHA."DHA plays an important role in nervous system and eye development in the fetus (and in infants), so it's important that pregnant women get adequate amounts.Duet DHA is intended for pregnant women, and the package insert carries no pregnancy statement. Presumably, the product and insert were approved by the FDA. The insert does caution that the prescribed dose of DHA should not exceed 1,000 mg daily.The recommended dose of this product likely provides adequate amounts of DHA, but you may want to get more EPA. There are two reasons pregnant women should be wary of OTC fish oil supplements:First, as I've noted before, the OTC supplements market is only loosely regulated. You can't always be sure you're getting what's promised on the label, free of unwanted contaminants, unless the product has been certified by an independent testing organization such as consumerlab.com, USP or NSF.Second, there's not enough evidence on safety during pregnancy to grant OTC fish oil supplements an across-the-board green light. A certain dose range may indeed be safe; it's just not known.The alternative to fish oil supplements is dietary fish, but caution is warranted here as well. In this case, the concern is contamination with mercury, which is neurotoxic at certain levels.For perspective, let's look at the approximate omega-3 fatty acids content (per the USDA) and methylmercury levels in four types of fish (light tuna, catfish, salmon and shrimp). Based on a 6-ounce serving size, the list is in order of decreasing average amounts of methylmercury:• Canned light tuna: 460 mg of EPA/DHA and 20.4 mcg of mercury.• Catfish: 470 mg of EPA/DHA and 8.5 mcg of mercury.• Salmon (fresh, frozen): 3,250 mg of EPA/DHA and 1.7 mcg of mercury. Canned salmon has undetectable mercury levels (less than 1.7 mcg of mercury).• Shrimp: 820 mg of EPA/DHA and undetectable mercury levels.FDA guidelines classify all four as "low-mercury" fish and suggest it's OK for pregnant and nursing women to consume up to 12 ounces weekly (two average meals).As you can see, the differences are striking. Salmon provides the most bang (omega-3 fatty acids) for the least buck (mercury content), followed by shrimp. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:45:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prenatal-vitamin-with-fish-oil-not-cause-for-concern http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-with-a-natural-health-remedy Acne With A Natural Health RemedySource: www.newkerala.comIf you have acne, you might feel like there is nothing else you wouldn't rather have in place of it. And with the acne scarring that comes afterward, it is no wonder that so many people find themselves desperately jumping from one product to another.The best news that any acne sufferer can hear is that acne is curable with time and dedication; and that with the right product, acne treatment can meet all your acne removal needs. Natural health remedies are usually the best way to go. All you have to do is to know your skin type. This is to help prevent you from buying products that will not help you in any way. And another crucial thing to remember is that there is only one way to treat acne permanently--and that is to be proactive!With natural health remedies, you will be able to remove your acne through natural treatment. And with the limited side effects that natural health remedies cause, you will be pleased to know that you will not break out in any allergies. Natural health remedies are there to give you the best of nature with their natural ingredients that will work to feed and nourish your skin while, at the same time, provide you with the painless treatment you need. Having acne can erode an acne sufferer’s confidence; and with the help of natural health remedies, that sufferer can regain her confidence as well as her beautiful skin. The natural health remedies for acne that you need to purchase are face wash and facial scrub; cleanser; toner and day and night cream. And in order for these natural health remedies to work, you need to use them. Make a daily routine so that you can give your skin the best treatment available. Natural health remedies will help to remedy your acne and you can be happy again, just as long as you make that commitment to your skin and yourself. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:41:11 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-with-a-natural-health-remedy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-wonders-of-vitamin-c The Wonders Of Vitamin CSource: www.click2houston.comDo you really know the benefits of vitamin C? Vitamin C plays an important role in good health:It helps to form the connective tissue that holds the many parts of your body together.It keeps capillaries healthy so you don't bruise easily.It helps gums stay healthy so they don't bleed.It aids in the absorption of iron. Vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables, with citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits and their juices having the highest content. Don't just reach for the vitamin C when you feel a cold coming on make it a part of your daily healthful eating plan. Content provided by the American Dietetic Association. For more nutrition tips, visit www.eatright.org. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:38:10 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-wonders-of-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/princess-gives-tips-on-how-to-exercise Princess gives tips on how to exerciseSource: www.bangkokpost.comThe Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) yesterday launched its new book, Exercising is a Magic Remedy , featuring articles by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and experts to encourage people to keep fit through regular exercise.The princess' article was the highlight of the book's launch at Vajirabenjathas Park. It tells of her exercise experiences, which began when she was young, with the hope that all Thais will realise the importance of exercising.In the article, the princess recounts that she was encouraged by Their Majesties the King and Queen to exercise, and was taught to play badminton by the King with "Count to 100" tactics as strict as those for professional athletes.She later learned that Their Majesties had been strict with her sporting activities because they wanted her to be healthy and strong enough to carry out tasks upcountry, it says.She lightheartedly reveals that she might have been "hyperactive" in her childhood and that she was poor at dancing. However, she was good at various sports, especially badminton."If trained more, I could have been a substitute player of the national badminton team," she says.The princess also admits being secretly happy every time she hears loud music from a nearby shopping complex while jogging in her Sapathum Palace, saying the noise adds spice to her jogging.She provides exercise tips for people of different age groups through stories from her first-hand experiences.Also in the book are articles about exercises such as running, tai chi, aerobic dancing and Buddhist-style exercise, written by experts Prof Prakit Vatheesatokit, Prof Udomsilp Srisaengnam, Dr Supakorn Buasai, Suchart Somprayoon and Dr Krisda Ruang-areerat.ThaiHealth won royal permission to use all the proceeds from the book's sale to promote exercise among Thais.It will be available at leading book stores from Dec 15 and can be ordered from the Mor Chao Baan Foundation via fax number 02 271 1806. Sun, 04 Dec 2005 15:34:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/princess-gives-tips-on-how-to-exercise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sweet-potatoes-pack-flavor-nutrition Sweet potatoes pack flavor, nutritionSource: www.norwichbulletin.comSweet potatoes are a nutritional bargain. They are rich in flavor and natural sweetness and are packed with immune system boosting beta-carotene, the chemical that gives the sweet potato its orange color.According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, fresh sweet potatoes have more beta-carotene than carrots and more vitamin C than tomatoes.Not just a holiday side, sweet potatoes are great to serve throughout the year, but they pair particularly well with fall fare such as pork roasts, turkey, duck and Cornish hens.Every family has its favorite recipe for a brown-sugar-and-pecan or marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole. The food staff of The Advocate tweaked a couple of those oldie but goodie recipes for readers to try, and tested a less-rich sweet potato and apple casserole that would taste good alongside a bowl of spicy chicken and sausage gumbo.Here are the sweet potato dishes we liked best:Sweet Potato Casserole (Advocate-tested recipe) 29-ounce can cut sweet potatoes, drained 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1⁄2 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (or vanilla) Praline Topping (recipe follows) Preheat oven to 350 F.Dump can of drained sweet potatoes into large bowl. Mash sweet potatoes. Mix in butter, sugar, beaten egg and Grand Marnier. Spoon into a greased 8-inch round casserole dish. Sprinkle Praline Topping over sweet potatoes. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes or until Praline Topping is caramelized and sweet potatoes are heated through.Praline Topping: 5 tablespoons butter, melted 3⁄4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2⁄3 cup coarsely chopped pecans Mix topping ingredients together until crumbly. You may have to work the mixture with your hands.Makes 6 servings.(Recipe from Tommy C. Simmons, food editor of The Advocate) This holiday recipe has been a family favorite 60 years. Especially good when served with pork.Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole 4 medium sweet potatoes 1 to 2 sticks butter 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon 2 to 3 medium Granny Smith apples MarshmallowsPreheat oven to 350 F.Bake sweet potatoes at 350 F until able to pierce with a fork. Peel and slice into 3⁄4-inch slices.Grease a 9-by-9-by-2-inch casserole dish with butter. Place layer of sweet potatoes in dish. Cut 1 stick butter into 3⁄4-inch slices and distribute over potatoes. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over butter. Peel and core apples. Cut into 1⁄8-inch slices and layer over butter. Repeat layers once more.Place in oven at 350 F for 15 minutes. Remove and cover with marshmallows. Return to oven until marshmallows’ tops are brown. Makes 8 to 10 servings.—Recipe is by Paul R. Roy, from “The LSU Rural Life Museum Rural Life Cooks” cookbook.This recipe is requested every time I prepare it for guests on television or at home. It’s low in saturated fat and high in fiber. For a sweet variation, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon each cinnamon and nutmeg.Sweet Potato Oven Fries (Advocate-tested recipe) 4 medium to large sweet potatoes 3⁄4 cup olive oil Salt to taste Parsley, for garnish Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1⁄2-inch-thick strips and toss with the olive oil. Coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and arrange the potatoes on the baking sheet. Bake the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Turn the potatoes over, and bake for 15 to 20 more minutes, or until golden brown all over. Sprinkle with the salt, add the parsley for color and serve.Makes 4 to 6 servings.Nutritional analysis per serving: 166 cal., 1 g pro., 22 g carbo., 9 g fat, 3 g dietary fiber, 0 mg chol., 30 mg sodium. (Recipe from “Trim & Terrific Cookbook” by Holly Clegg)Rather than baking yams with sugary marshmallows, using honey and dried apricots gives this dish a pleasing balance of sweet and tartness. Use the moist sweet potatoes, sometimes called yams, like Jewel, Garnet or Beauregard from Louisiana for this recipe.Scalloped Sweet Potato With Apple 2 pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 12 California dried apricot halves, chopped 3⁄4 cup honey 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate 1⁄2 cup apple cider 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 4 to 5 grinds black pepperPreheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray, or brush it lightly with oil, and set aside.Cover the bottom of the baking dish with a layer using half of the potato slices, arranging the slices in four overlapping rows, like roof tiles. Cover the potatoes with the apple. Add a second layer of potatoes. Sprinkle the apricots over the potatoes.Whisk the honey, orange juice concentrate, cider, salt and pepper together until the honey dissolves. Pour the mixture over the potatoes. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. They will still hold their shape. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.Makes 8 servings.(Recipe is from “12 Best Foods Cookbook” by Dana Jacobi)This family favorite began years ago when I first married. My children always insist that I fix it for our family gatherings.Sweet Potato Casserole 6 sweet potatoes, parboiled 2 medium apples 2 navel oranges 1 to 11⁄2 sticks butter (no substitute), cut into pats 1 cup dark brown sugarPreheat oven to 350 F.Parboil sweet potatoes until fork can be slightly inserted in the middle. Drain and peel.Core apples, do not peel. Squeeze oranges (need 3⁄4 cup juice). Layer potatoes cut 3⁄4-inch thick in greased casserole dish. Next add sliced apple rings, butter pats and brown sugar. Continue layering in same order, finishing with brown sugar on top. Pour juice over the top layer.Bake at 350 F until potatoes and apples are cooked, about 20 to 30 minutes.Makes 6 servings. (Recipe by Genevieve Floyd from “The LSU Rural Life Museum Rural Life Cooks” cookbook)(Tommy C. Simmons is food editor of The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.) Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:27:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sweet-potatoes-pack-flavor-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-could-change-lives Supplements 'could change lives'Source: www.dailymail.co.ukTaking a simple food supplement could permanently change your behaviour for the better or even stop the advance of illnesses like schizophrenia, research suggests. Normal rats were made to behave differently after being injected with a specific food supplement in the form of an amino acid, according to the study published in New Scientist. The amino acid Methionine, which promotes healthy hair, skin and nails, altered the way the rat's genes were expressed. It raises the possibility that the genetic effects which predispose people to mental or physical illness could be halted, scientists say. Although the rat's behaviour was altered for the worse in the experiment, the reverse is also possible, according to the study. Moshe Szyf and colleagues at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, said subtle nutrients and supplements have an important role in the study of DNA. "Food has a dramatic effect," Szyf said. But he warned: "It can go both ways." Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:26:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplements-could-change-lives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/petal-pusher Petal pusherSource: observer.guardian.co.ukWith coughs and even bird flu closing in, a study says we should give echinacea the cold shoulder. But Dr John Briffa thinks the herb is not to be sniffed at Sunday November 13, 2005 The Observer As the cold season is upon us, and bird flu neurosis reaches fever pitch, increasing numbers of us will be looking at ways of protecting ourselves from viral invasion. One commonly used natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of infections such as cold and flu is the herb echinacea. However, earlier this year a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found echinacea did not protect against the common cold after all. Moreover, an editorial concluded that it is, essentially, a useless anti-infection remedy, and one consumers should leave out in the cold. The editorial's author, Dr Wallace Sampson, a cancer specialist based in California, went even further by suggesting that natural remedies, such as echinacea, are not actually worthy of study, on the basis that they are 'implausible'. The suggestion is that there is no scientific basis for the anti-infective claims made for echinacea. However, echinacea has been shown to activate immune cells, which have anti-viral action. This herb has also been shown to boost the production of a substance called interferon, which should also help the body ward off viral infections. Dr Sampson acknowledges echinacea's immune-stimulating potential, which leaves me wondering what it is about this herb's ability to ward off infection that he finds so implausible.My personal belief is that the methods used in the study are open to considerable question. For instance, the cold virus was instilled directly into the noses of test subjects - a technique that doesn't necessarily accurately represent how we are exposed to it and acquire colds in the real world. Also, there has been criticism from some herbalists that the dose of the type of echinacea used in the study (Echinacea angustifolia) was less than a third of the accepted effective dose.The results must also be taken in the context of the wider evidence. In 2000, a review of dozens of studies found the majority showed echinacea had positive effects in preventing and/or treating colds, and concluded that 'overall, the results suggested that some echinacea preparations may be better than placebo'.Dr Sampson refers to this review in a way which suggests echinacea was not found to be at all beneficial. It seems his apparent distortion of the facts may have come from an ingrained scepticism of natural medicine: the last line of his editorial describes the 'alternative-medicine movement' as an 'errant social-medical trend'. Despite such cynical comments, my experience and a significant amount of evidence suggests echinacea does have the potential to provide cold comfort.Dear JohnIn a recent article on salt, you stated that sodium must be multiplied by 2.5 to calculate the amount of salt. Can you explain why? Also, why do manufacturers often list the sodium, rather than salt, content of foods? Brian MoleEach molecule of salt is made up of sodium and chloride. About 40 per cent of salt's weight comes from sodium, the rest from chloride. To convert an amount of sodium into the equivalent amount of salt, it must therefore be multiplied by 2.5. I do not know why manufacturers often list the sodium, rather than salt, content of foods. However, I suspect some factions in the food industry believe that at least some people will confuse sodium and salt and believe a food contains far less salt than it does. The Food Standards Agency recently mounted a campaign encouraging us to eat less salt. As well as taking a harder line on permitted salt levels in processed food, I think the government should compel manufacturers to list the salt (not sodium) content. Then there would be far less risk that people will underestimate the amount of salt they are eating.· If you have any issues you would like Dr Briffa to address in his column, please email him on john.briffa@observer.co.uk. Please note that Dr Briffa cannot enter into any correspondence. You can also visit www.drbriffa.com. Before following any recommendations in this column, you should consult your own medical adviser about any medical problems or special health conditionsNutrition newsUnduly dry eyes are a relatively common problem which can be uncomfortable, and can make wearing of contact lenses nigh on impossible. Some natural health practitioners recognise that dry eyes may be the result of a deficiency in the so-called omega-3 fats found in oily fish and some nut and seed oils. Recently, researchers in America assessed the relationship between omega-3 intake and susceptibility to dry eyes in a group of more than 32,000 women.This study, which was published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that women with the highest levels of omega-3 fats in their diets were at significantly reduced risk of suffering from dry eyes compared to those with the lowest omega-3 intakes. The results appear to support the experience of practitioners who find that supplementation with omega-3 fats can help relieve dry eyes. Flaxseed oil, which is very rich in a type of omega-3 fat known as alpha-linolenic acid, is often used for this purpose. In practice, supplementing with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil (liquid flaxseed oil can be found in health food stores) each day is often effective in relieving dry eyes over time, and also usually helps to combat dry skin (which often accompanies dry eyes). Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:23:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/petal-pusher http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/selenium-slow-start-in-functional-foods Selenium - slow start in functional foodsSource: www.nutraingredients.comEmerging research suggests that selenium, a trace mineral, may have numerous health benefits but no-one is educating consumers about them.Just last week US scientists presented the findings of a study that linked incidence of osteoarthritis with low selenium levels. Although they have not yet proved a direct cause and effect relationship between the two, their study points to a potential benefit from the mineral, already shown to have anti-cancer activity. Last year, a UK trial demonstrated selenium's positive effects on the immune system. Yet the first mainstream food to be marketed for its high selenium content has been pulled from store shelves this week after disappointing sales. The selenium-enriched bread, available in upmarket British retailer Waitrose, was launched in February this year and initially generated good press coverage. But a Waitrose spokesperson said that “it hasn't sold well enough to stay on the shelf”.The firm behind the product, agritechnologist group Nutrilaw, blame a lack of consumer awareness of the role of selenium in health. “Consumer awareness is very, very low,” manager Mark Law told NutraIngredients.com. This is probably why few companies have followed Nutrilaw's move. A search in Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows that, excluding babyfood, only 10 products launched by August this year contained selenium, and the Waitrose bread was the only one to highlight selenium in its product name. The number has not grown on last year's new products. Again, only one product launched in 2004 referred to selenium in its front packaging – Vitale Cappuccino Koenzyme Q10 + Selenium, made by Polish cappuccino firm Mokate. Nor is the lack of definitive research holding back industry from marketing the nutrient, according to Dr Margaret Rayman, a selenium expert based at the University of Surrey in the UK. She suggests that because selenium has been around for a long time, and cannot be patented, companies are not interested in it. The mineral is most commonly derived from the copper smelting industry, for which it is a byproduct. Yet Dr Rayman believes that there could be a need for increasing levels of the mineral in our diet. There is promising evidence to suggest that selenium may play a role in prostate cancer prevention and also in lung cancer, and the role in the immune system is well-established, she says. Studies have also shown selenium to stop viruses from mutating. “With selenium there are very real claims that are backed up by evidence," she added. "I think the government should be looking into using fertilisers and looking at different soil types." The situation is very different in the supplements market where a significant number of selenium products are available, both in combination with other nutrients and alone. This suggests that there is potential for food makers if they can improve consumer understanding of the mineral's benefits. Solgar has five different selenium products in its range, and has a long tradition with this mineral, thanks to the work of one of its researchers in the 70s, Dr Richard Passwater. His research on selenium contributed to the recognition of that element as an essential part of the RDA adopted in 1989. Marie Kendall, marketing manager of Solgar in the UK, said: “We wouldn't keep these products in the range if there wasn't demand for them." But she added: "We market ourselves through independent health food stores so the people coming in are very educated and they are often advised by registered practitioners running the stores.""Your average supermarket doesn't have shop staff giving out his kind of information,” she said. Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:20:44 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/selenium-slow-start-in-functional-foods http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-facts Vitamin factsSource: icwales.icnetwork.co.ukVitamin A Good for - eyesight, growth, appetite and taste.Signs of vitamin A deficiency - night-blindness.Good sources of vitamin A - liver, fish-liver oil, carrots, green leafy vegetables.Recommended daily amount (RDA) - 800 microgramsPoisoning - Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and so it is stored for a long time in the human body, especially in pregnancy. An overdose may be dangerous. Vitamin B12 Good for - making red blood cells and the formation of the nerves. Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency - tiredness due to anaemia, abnormalities of nervous tissue function. Good sources of vitamin B12 - fish, liver, beef, pork, milk and cheese. RDA - 1 microgram. Poisoning - no danger as the vitamin dissolves in water, so excess is excreted in the urine. Vitamin C Good for - immune defence system, protection from viruses and bacteria, healing wounds, reducing cholesterol content of the blood and preventing scurvy. Signs of vitamin C deficiency - tiredness, bleeding gums and slow-healing wounds. Good sources of vitamin C - citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes and green leafy vegetables. RDA - 60mg. Poisoning - Large doses can cause diarrhoea and nausea. Some scientists have recently argued that 1g to 5g a day may influence your genes. Vitamin D Good for - strong bones and teeth. Signs of vitamin D deficiency - unhealthy teeth and rickets in children. Good sources of vitamin D - cod-liver oil, sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, milk and milk products and sunlight. RDA - 5 micrograms. Poisoning - this vitamin is fat-soluble so can accumulate in the body and overdoses are dangerous. Vitamin E Good for - fighting poisons Signs of vitamin E deficiency - weak muscles and fertility problems. Good sources of vitamin E - nuts, soya beans, vegetable oil, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, wholemeal foods and eggs. RDA - 10mg Poisoning - there is a theoretical but slight risk of overdose, as vitamin E is fat soluble. Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:19:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-facts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/adults-over-50-may-have-problems-absorbing-it-new-research-shows Adults over 50 may have problems absorbing it, new research showsSource: msnbc.msn.comMost Americans don't worry about vitamin B-12. Health experts once thought that only strict vegetarians were likely to have a shortage. As long as basic blood counts didn't show any anemia, even these people were considered safe. Now research shows that vitamin B-12 may be a concern for many more people.Vitamin B-12 is the shorthand term for a group of substances called cobalamins. Cyanocobalamin is the major form in supplements. We need this vitamin for healthy nerve and blood cells and the production of DNA. Researchers are also studying its role in brain function. It is possible that it could help prevent Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.Strict vegetarians - those who avoid meat, poultry, fish and dairy products - are among those most likely to lack vitamin B-12, because animal foods are the primary sources. Plant foods like cereal, soy products, nutritional yeast and meat substitutes (for example, veggie burgers) only provide the vitamin if they are fortified with it.According to surveys, most Americans do meet the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12 per day. The average consumption ranges from 2.9 to 5.1 mcg. However, if people cut back on animal foods, as they should, to eat a mostly plant-based diet that will lower their cancer risk, careless choices could leave them short.Two modest servings of poultry, lean meat, or seafood plus two cups of lowfat, skim, or nonfat milk or yogurt allow a person to meet this RDA. But if you skip dairy products and have only a moderate serving of meat at one meal, you could fall short without including fortified cereal or soy products in your daily choices. Falling below the RDA occasionally isn't a problem for most adults, because the body can store enough to cover days with a low intake for several years. Children need less vitamin B-12, too, but their ability to store less means that they can develop health problems more quickly with an inadequate diet.Supplements encouraged Now, a new concern about vitamin B-12 has arisen. It seems that adults over the age of 50 may have a reduced ability to absorb it. Eating sufficient amounts of animal foods daily won't help these people. Since acids in our stomachs' digestive juices release the bonds that bind vitamin B-12 to protein in food, we need enough of these acids for proper absorption. As we get older, however, we secrete less digestive acids. Studies suggest that 10 to 43 percent of people over the age of 50 may lack the acids to release vitamin B-12 from protein so it can be absorbed. To meet the RDA of 2.4 mcg, people over 50 are encouraged to take a multivitamin supplement, or eat fortified foods, where vitamin B-12 is not bound to protein.Others who may have trouble absorbing this vitamin are people with digestive disorders such as Crohn's and celiac disease, those who have had substantial portions of their stomach or lower intestine removed, and those who take certain medications for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), ulcers, or diabetes. Individuals who have had gastric surgery for weight control may also be at risk.Although it was thought that a simple test for anemia would show a lack of vitamin B-12 before any other damage could occur, health experts no longer agree. A high intake of folate from fortified grains can hide the changes in red blood cells that show a lack of vitamin B-12. Studies also indicate that nerve and brain changes can occur without blood cell variations.If you are at risk of not getting enough vitamin B-12 - either because of your food choices or your inability to absorb it - you should discuss the matter with your doctor. To be on the safe side, you could undergo tests that measure the function of vitamin B-12 through blood levels of homocysteine or methylmalonic acid (MMA). Or you could have a test that measures blood levels of vitamin B-12 using updated standards. Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:17:36 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/adults-over-50-may-have-problems-absorbing-it-new-research-shows http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tap-protein-suppresses-prostate-cancer-enhances-effects-of-vitamin-e TAP protein suppresses prostate cancer, enhances effects of vitamin ESource: www.xagena.itResearchers have identified a protein that disrupts an important signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells and suppresses growth of the cancer. The protein also assists in the retention of vitamin E in prostate cancer cells and increases the effect of vitamin E in limiting the proliferation of cancer cells, the researchers found.The researchers, led by ShuYuan Yeh, at the University of Rochester Medical Center, are the first to describe the role of a protein known as alpha tocopherol associated protein or TAP in prostate cancer. Expression levels of TAP are significantly lower in prostate cancer than in a normal prostate, the researchers found. High expression of TAP protein in prostate cells may have a physiological role in normal prostate development and vitamin E-related functions, Yeh said.The findings are reported in the journal Cancer Research.Restoring TAP levels in men with prostate cancer could produce a therapeutic effect, but Yeh described the process as "difficult and limited." She and her research team are investigating whether specific substances can increase the expression of TAP.While TAP itself someday could become an effective avenue of treatment for prostate cancer, it has immediate potential as a new prognostic marker." If research continues to show the important role of TAP, we could use TAP expression levels to better assess and predict the aggressiveness of the cancer," said Edward M. Messing, at the University of Rochester Medical Center. " We may be able to use TAP levels to predict whether a patient will respond to treatment."TAP is a binding protein that performs important cellular functions. In the liver, for example, TAP plays a role in regulating the synthesis of cholesterol.Yeh and her research team found high levels of TAP in epithelial cells of normal prostate tissue. But in clinical human prostate cancer samples and in several tested prostate cancer cell lines, the researchers found TAP at significantly reduced levels.The high levels of TAP in normal prostate cells suggest that TAP facilitates the transport of vitamin E into prostate tissue and helps retain high concentrations of the vitamin in the cells.In prostate cancer cells, the researchers showed for the first time that TAP supports the retention of vitamin E. Yeh also found that TAP increases vitamin E's capacity to control the rapid growth of the cancer cells." Vitamin E and TAP have distinct pathways to modulate prostate cancer cell growth and we hypothesize that vitamin E and TAP can work together to elicit better tumor suppression effects," the researchers wrote in the Cancer Research article.But Yeh also discovered that TAP by itself suppresses prostate cancer cell growth. A cell can send messages from its surface to the nucleus through a set of chemical reactions known as a signaling pathway. Yeh and her team identified a specific pathway disrupted by TAP. The disruption by TAP suppresses cancer cell growth.The pathway involves two proteins, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and constitutively active Akt." The pathway is very active in cancer, giving the cells a growth and survival advantage" Yeh said. " This pathway is not the only factor in prostate cancer, but it is an important one."The Rochester researchers reintroduced TAP into the prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. They also injected mice with cancer cells and cancer cells with restored TAP." Reintroducing TAP expression in prostate cancer cells may have a therapeutic effect," Yeh said. " Proliferation of the cancer was reduced in cells with the reintroduced TAP. In mice with restored TAP, there was significantly reduced incidence of tumors and reduced size of tumors."In addition to investigating which substances boost the expression of TAP, Yeh and the research group now are focusing on why, in prostate cancer, cells lose the capacity to express TAP." This research has great promise," Messing said. " Why is TAP expression low in cancer cells ? Is it one of the things that drives cells to become malignant ? If TAP expression is important, we might be able to interfere and restore TAP expression and affect the progress of the cancer."Yeh's research has focused on prostate cancer for several years. In an article in 2002 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ( PNAS ), Yeh and her research team showed that vitamin E interferes with two proteins that play a central role in the development of prostate cancer. The researchers found then that vitamin E disrupts the ability of prostate cancer cells to make both prostate-specific antigen ( PSA ) and the androgen receptor, a key player in the development and progression of the disease.Source: University of Rochester Medical Center, 2005 Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:14:25 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tap-protein-suppresses-prostate-cancer-enhances-effects-of-vitamin-e http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sex-diet-promises-weight-loss-to-the-frisky Sex diet promises weight loss to the friskySource: calorielab.comMy stomach and buttocks were the flabbiest they had ever been,” says New York model, actress, and research expert Kerry McCloskey. But within three months of meeting her future husband she had lost ten pounds without even trying because of an “increased metabolism due to our intense sexual activity.” “Aerobically, a half-hour romp in the sheets burns approximately 150–200 calories and sometimes even 350 calories if you are really frisky,” says Ms. McCloskey. “This is roughly the equivalent of briskly walking, running, or lifting weights for thirty minutes,” she says. “My husband and I have sex about eight times per week. You do the math.”After losing another 13 pounds over the next three months, Ms. McCloskey documented her weight loss regimen in The Ultimate Sex Diet: The Secret Scientific Formula for a Slimmer, Healthier, More Passionate Life. She described her diet to a national audience on the November 11 broadcast of the Oprah Winfrey Show that also featured weight loss advice from “fat actress” Kirstie Alley. Ms. McCloskey cites no source for the 150–200 calorie estimate, but she credits an October 15, 2003, article in The Guardian for the higher figure: “A half-hour session can burn up to 350 calories — the same as a 30-minute run.” The article does not appear to be archived in The Guardian’s online archives for 2003.According to CalorieLab’s Calories Burned database, derived from authoritative sources, a 150-pound person will only burn 10 calories per half hour during moderate sexual activity and 17 calories per half hour during vigorous sexual activity. No calories are burned during light sexual activity such as hugging and kissing. Running at an 8-1/2 minute-per-mile pace will burn 357 calories per half hour. All these figures are for calories burned in excess of normal resting metabolism, which are the calories you burn anyway just sitting around watching television.Using the CalorieLab figures, a 150-pound person who has 30 minutes of sex seven days per week, comprising ten minutes each of light, moderate, and vigorous sexual activity, will burn 9 calories per day. Over a year this level of activity will allow you to lose almost a pound.But even though the calories burned during sex are not significant, there are other benefits to dieters. Howard Shapiro, M.D., a New York City weight-loss specialist, says, “If someone has a healthy sex life, they will be less frustrated and people eat less when they are not frustrated.” Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:10:28 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sex-diet-promises-weight-loss-to-the-frisky http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whole-foods-diet-using-cla-macaroni-and-cheese Whole Foods Diet; Using CLA; Macaroni and CheeseSource: www.infozine.comQ: Should I eat a "whole foods diet"? Q: What does the current research say about using CLA to reduce the risk of cancer and control weight? Q: Does macaroni and cheese count as one serving of dairy foods? Washington, D.C. - American Institute for Cancer Research - infoZine - Q: Should I eat a "whole foods diet"? A: Nutrition recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research and many other health authorities emphasize choosing whole, unprocessed vegetables, fruits and grains instead of processed products that have reduced fiber and nutrients or increased amounts of fat, sugar and sodium. Whole foods, which are higher in nutrients, phytochemicals and fiber, lower your risk of cancer, heart disease and other age-related health problems. Although processed foods don't have to be avoided completely, they should play a minimal role in your meals and snacks. Some definitions of a "whole foods diet" say that the vegetables and fruits you eat should be fresh (not frozen or canned), locally grown and in season. But following this kind of diet would drastically narrow your range of vegetable and fruit choices. If you live in the northern half of the U.S., you would deprive yourself of many sources of valuable nutrients and phytochemicals for many months of the year. This kind of diet has no scientific support. Another definition of "whole foods" without any research backing says you should eat full-fat foods like whole milk and regular cuts of meat. Choosing foods with less saturated fat, however, like skim milk and lean cuts of meat, is a basic part of healthful eating. Q: What does the current research say about using CLA to reduce the risk of cancer and control weight? A: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a group of substances that are all slight variations in chemical structure of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. Animal studies have suggested that CLA may act at several different stages to prevent the formation, growth and spread of various types of cancer. However, the effects of CLA seem to vary among different animals. We also have no studies that show CLA prevents cancer in humans. As for controlling weight, CLA does reduce weight and fat gain in animals, but the results from more than fifteen human studies are inconsistent and show much less benefit. Although the form of CLA may make a difference, since different forms may have different effects, we still don't know how to translate the effects seen in animal studies to humans. If you want to eat more CLA, small amounts of it are in meat and milk products that contain fat. The type and amount of CLA in foods vary with the animal's diet. CLA is also sold as a supplement. Although there are no safety concerns about taking a CLA supplement yet, there is also no good evidence for any short- or long-term benefit either.Q: Does macaroni and cheese count as one serving of dairy foods? A: It depends on how much you eat. If you prepare a standard-size box mix of macaroni and cheese according to the label's directions, a one-cup serving of it will have the same amount of calcium as one-third of a dairy serving. If you ate all of the macaroni and cheese from the box, you would get the same amount of calcium as in a cup of milk. But you would also consume 870 to 1,140 calories and 18 to 45 grams of fat. A one-cup serving of homemade macaroni and cheese, on the other hand, can have the equivalent of one to two servings of milk. However, its calorie and fat content will also be high, unless you make it with a reduced-fat cheese and replace the butter with a reduced-fat spread. Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:05:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whole-foods-diet-using-cla-macaroni-and-cheese http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-your-brain-for-mental-balance Exercise your brain for mental balanceSource: www.chieftain.comMaintaining balance is a crucial element to good health, helping us to feel our best both physically and mentally. We know it’s important for good health to eat a balanced diet, to balance work and pleasure, or to ensure that we feel balanced and steady when we walk or carry a heavy object. But what does "mental balance" mean?Mental balance involves your ability to think and comprehend, as well as how you perceive and react to your environment. If your thinking is fuzzy, you feel extremely stressed, anxious or unhappy, or you react negatively to events, you may be mentally imbalanced. The good news is that you have the power within you to achieve balance in all aspects of your life - both physical and mental. You can rebalance your mental "lopsidedness" by acknowledging that it’s possible to change, and then challenging your brain cells to learn new thinking patterns.Think of your brain as similar to your muscles. You strengthen it by using it more. If you’re constantly sitting or lying down, your muscles will weaken and won’t perform for you when necessary. Likewise, if you constantly perform monotonous or repetitive work, your brain will be unchallenged and unable to complete more difficult tasks. You can strengthen your brain by learning a new language, working different puzzles, developing new skills, performing certain tasks in a different order, allowing yourself to experience new things, or by challenging your normal thought responses.Challenge your normal thought responses. That’s the one thing that can help you achieve emotional stability and mental balance. Do you typically feel stressed at work or when you’re caught in a traffic jam? Do you often burst out angry expletives when someone says something that offends you? Do you feel unhappy because co-workers don’t gravitate to you and socialize with you after work hours? Or, do you feel extreme anxiety over current news events?If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you need to challenge your typical thought responses. It’s easy to feel stressed at work or on the highway, or to get back at someone for offending you, or to allow current events to get you down - if that’s the way you’re used to responding. But remember that not every one reacts to external stimuli in this way, and it’s in your power to change your reactions. You were not born to be more stressed, anxious, unhappy or angry most of the time. You’ve gotten in the habit of thinking and responding in certain ways to your environment, without realizing that there are many different ways to respond. Telling yourself "that’s just the way I am," or believing that your stress and anger are caused by others will convince you that you have no control over how you feel, and will certainly prevent you from ever changing your typical responses and being able to achieve mental balance.Remember that whenever you learn something new, your nerve cell endings change slightly, enhancing the transmission of nerve impulses and improving the functioning of your brain. Your brain becomes sharper and better developed through regular use and mental exertion and thrives on being challenged. People who challenge their muscles and their brains regularly are generally healthier, both physically and mentally. Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:08:28 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-your-brain-for-mental-balance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-plus-statins-help-protect-heart-study Fish oils plus statins help protect heart - studySource: www.alertnet.orgTaking fatty acids commonly found in fish along with cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins provides additional protection against heart attacks and other heart risks, according to a large Japanese study presented on Monday.The 18,645-patient long-term study tested the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) -- a form of omega-3 fatty acid -- plus statins versus statins alone in patients with high cholesterol.The study, presented at the American Heart Association's annual scientific meeting, found a 19 percent reduction in a variety of adverse heart events in the EPA-plus-statins group, researchers said."These results appear to justify the use of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids since they can add to the beneficial effects of statins," said the study's lead author, Dr Mitsuhiro Yokoyama, chief of cardiovascular and respiratory medicine at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine.Cholesterol-lowering statins, such as Pfizer Inc.'s Lipitor and Merck & Co.'s Inc.'s Zocor, are the world's most widely used prescription drugs.In addition to taking statins, the fish oil group in the study received 1,800 milligrams of highly purified EPA in capsule form per day.The statin-only group had a 3.5 percent incidence of adverse heart events over the course of more than 4-1/2 years of follow-up study, while the EPA-plus-statins group had only a 2.8 percent incidence of negative heart outcomes.The adverse events included in the primary goal of the study were sudden cardiac death, heart attacks, unstable angina or sustained chest pain, and the need to undergo procedures to reopen clogged arteries.The patients were further divided into those with histories of heart disease and those with no such history.When broken out, there was only a significant benefit from EPA demonstrated in the heart disease patients, researchers said."The beneficial effects of EPA plus statins is more convincing in patients with coronary artery disease, as they are more prone to have major coronary events" compared with those with high cholesterol but no heart disease, Yokoyama said. Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:03:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-plus-statins-help-protect-heart-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ayurvedic-herb-can-halt-leukemia-spread Ayurvedic herb can halt leukemia spreadSource: www.newkerala.comAn extract from the root of an ornamental plant found in India can suppress the progression of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center has found.The ayurvedic herb, called forskolin, which comes from the root of the plant Coleus Forskohlii (Makandi), is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family, and has been a part of Indian medicine for centuries.The study, published in the recent issue of Cancer Cell, may yield new treatment options for people who are expected to develop CML, especially those with advanced disease, or those who become resistant to the drug Gleevec.Early results on CML patient cells both in culture and in mice showed that forskolin reduced the cancer cells' ability to grow by up to 90 percent.“We believe these are significant findings. We have uncovered a key process that underlies progression in CML and identified an agent that can block it. We also have shown that forskolin can reinstate normal cell functioning, even in Gleevec-resistant cells that do not respond to any treatment currently available,” said Dr. Danilo Perrotti, a member of the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center's Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics Program.Patients with the earliest form of the disease, called the chronic phase, may not even be aware they are sick. If the disease is discovered early, it almost always responds to the drug Gleevec. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gleevec as a treatment for CML about five years ago and it was initially hailed as the first ‘wonder drug' for cancer.But since then, a significant minority of patients who initially responded well to Gleevec have acquired additional mutations and developed resistance to the drug. In these patients, white blood cells continue to proliferate. If left unchecked, it leads to the final, acute stage, called the blast crisis, where immature white blood cells infiltrate the blood and the bone marrow.Clinicians are well-versed in the signs and symptoms of the different stages of CML, but until now, they have had few clues about what actually causes the disease to progress. Perrotti said his studies show that it may be due to the increased activity of Bcr-Abl itself.The researchers tested the effects of forskolin on normal, Gleevec-sensitive and Gleevec-resistant CML cells, and discovered that the extract reduced the cancer cells' ability to grow by up to 90 percent and induced leukemic cell death and differentiation. It had no adverse effects upon normal cells. Tue, 15 Nov 2005 23:46:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ayurvedic-herb-can-halt-leukemia-spread http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-another-day-the-three-apple-a-day-diet Diet another day: the three-apple-a-day dietSource: www.telegraph.co.ukHow to drop a dress size in seven days. This week: Melissa Whitworth looks at the three-apple-a-day dietWhat is it? This quaint-sounding diet, developed in Wenatchee, Washington, a small town on America's west coast, is simple but has staggering results. 'I don't think there is any trick hidden in the apple,' says dietician Bonnie Taub-Dix Tammi Flynn, the nutrition director at a local gym, had a client who was stuck at a certain weight after months of dieting. Flynn recommended she eat an apple before every meal and as a snack in between meals. Within a week, she lost 1.5 lbs, despite having increased her calorie intake. Flynn's other clients soon followed suit and, in one year, 351 people lost 6,453 lb of fat.Sample menu The rest of the diet - aside from the apples - comprises carbohydrates, lean proteins, fruit and vegetables, plus small amounts of essential fats. Breakfast: a cheese omelette and a cup of porridge. Mid-morning: half a cup of non-fat yogurt and half a cup of cottage cheese. Lunch: chicken breast with steamed broccoli and half a cup of brown rice. Dinner: grilled salmon salad. You eat apples before or with each meal. There is an exercise plan and a shopping list available on Flynn's website. They sayThe apples act as a fat-loss accelerator. They are high in fibre - 4-5 grams per apple - which helps to stop hunger pangs. The natural sugar in apples also cuts cravings for sweets. Flynn believes the 3-Apple-a-Day Plan is successful because the diet is based on eating, rather than feeling deprived. She urges us all to go out and buy a huge bag of Granny Smiths today. We sayThere is some science to support this - apples do contain both soluble and insoluble fibre which will dampen the appetite. The soluble fibre, or "pectin", turns into a sticky gel in the stomach and stops the body from absorbing sugar too quickly, says a study at Cambridge University. And according to research by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, pectin stops the body craving food for up to four hours.Bonnie Taub-Dix, a dietician and spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, says: "Telling someone to add a nutritionally dense food - it could be an apple, it could be a yogurt - to the diet, and cutting out an unhealthy, high-calorie snack is always good. You are eating more fibre and adding more water with that apple, along with the benefits of eating additional fruit. I don't think there is any trick hidden in the apple - it could just as well be a peach or a pear or a grapefruit. The apple might make you feel a bit more full because of the fibre, but carrots could do that, too. I recommend that any fruit should be eaten along with a meal or another food such as protein, especially for diabetics. Most people do feel better when they combine foods together." Mon, 07 Nov 2005 23:01:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-another-day-the-three-apple-a-day-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/novel-protein-found-to-enhance-effect-of-vitamin-e-and-suppress-prostate-cancer Novel protein found to enhance effect of Vitamin E and suppress prostate cancerSource: www.medindia.netResearchers have identified a protein that disrupts an important signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells, thereby suppressing the tumor. The protein also enhances the retention of Vitamin E that limits the proliferation of cancer cells. The researchers of the present study are the first to describe the role of a protein known as alpha tocopherol associated protein or TAP in prostate cancer. Expression levels of TAP are significantly lower in prostate cancer than in a normal prostate. Restoration of the levels of the protein in individuals with prostate cancer can be extended to have a therapeutic effect. The approach however would be technically very difficult. Therefore, the present practical solution is to investigate whether specific substances can increase the expression of TAP. TAP is a binding protein that performs important cellular functions. The high levels of TAP in normal prostate cells suggest that TAP facilitates the transport of vitamin E into prostate tissue and helps retain high concentrations of the vitamin in the cells. In prostate cancer cells, the researchers showed for the first time that TAP supports the retention of vitamin E. It was also found that TAP increases vitamin E's capacity to control the rapid growth of the cancer cells. cancer. If research continues to show the important role of TAP, we could use TAP expression levels to better assess and predict the aggressiveness of the cancer. We may even be able to use TAP levels to predict whether a patient will respond to treatment.Medindia on Prostate cancer:When a person is affected by prostate cancer, the cancer cells may spread outside the gland to other parts of the body. Most prostate cancers grow very slowly and never cause symptoms or spread. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:59:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/novel-protein-found-to-enhance-effect-of-vitamin-e-and-suppress-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-notes-lower-your-cholesterol-and-fight-cancer-too Nutrition Notes: Lower Your Cholesterol and Fight Cancer, TooSource: www.infozine.comKaren Collins, MS, RD, CDN - As studies show the impact blood cholesterol has on rates of heart attack and stroke, experts keep lowering the blood cholesterol levels people should strive for to stay healthy. Although some people say they've tried everything to lower their cholesterol, they may not realize how many of the foods they eat affect it. With smart food choices, most people can lower their cholesterol significantly and reduce their risk of cancer, too.The most vital step you can take in lowering your blood cholesterol is to eat less saturated fat. If you think you've been doing this and your blood cholesterol still remains high, keep a diary of everything you eat and drink for a few days. Then consult an online diet analysis site or a registered dietitian to check your saturated fat total for those days. Recommended saturated fat levels vary with a person's blood cholesterol level and calorie intake. Most people can keep their saturated fat daily tally below 18 to 27 grams, but people with a hard-to-budge cholesterol problem may need to stay under 12 to 19 grams.You can limit saturated fat by choosing lean cuts of meat and nonfat or lowfat dairy products. However, regardless of the fat content of the red meat you eat, too much red meat increases the risk of colon and possibly other cancers, so you should have no more than one three-ounce serving a day of red meat. Choose lean poultry, seafood, beans and nuts for protein in other meals. You shouldn't skip dairy products, unless you consume several servings of other foods fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which seem to work together to inhibit colon cancer.The second step for lowering cholesterol is to minimize trans fat. Major sources are deep-fried foods like French fries and donuts and commercial bakery products made with hydrogenated oils. To lower your cancer risk, don't switch to snacks made of refined flour and sugar. Better alternatives are vegetables, fruits and whole grain products because they contain antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals that help block different cancer stages. These plant foods also help reduce calories for weight control and even greater protection against cancer.Instead of butter or stick margarine, rely mainly on oils like olive and canola, and soft-tub margarine if you want a spread, to control your saturated and trans fats intake. If your cholesterol still doesn't drop, try margarines with plant sterols or stanols that help reduce the absorption of cholesterol.A variety of polyunsaturated oils like vegetable oil do fit into a cholesterol-lowering diet, but don't overdo them. Research suggests that too much of these oils, which are high in omega-6 fats, throw off your body's balance with omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats appear to help avoid inflammation that can damage blood vessels and promote cancer. Experts encourage eating fatty fish like salmon and tuna twice a week because they're high in omega-3 fats.For the best diet to lower cholesterol, include other heart-protective foods, like soy and nuts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests having 25 grams of soy protein a day. Two to four servings of soymilk or yogurt, soy nuts, tofu or edamame (green soybeans) supply this amount. Some sausage and burger alternatives supply a serving of soy, too. Besides lowering your heart risk, the phytochemicals in soy may lower your risk of cancer, too. Nuts provide sterols, fiber and phytochemicals that can lower cholesterol and cancer risk.You can also eat 10 to 25 grams of soluble fiber daily to reduce your cholesterol level 10 percent more on top of the steps above. Soluble fiber decreases the amount of cholesterol we absorb from food, causing more of our body's cholesterol to be broken down. Concentrated sources are oats, oat bran, dried beans, peas, lentils, barley and ground flaxseeds. Vegetables and fruits also contain soluble fiber. All of these foods also offer protective phytochemicals.The final, vital step for lowering your risk of heart disease and cancer is regular exercise. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:57:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-notes-lower-your-cholesterol-and-fight-cancer-too http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herb-scene-ginkgo Herb Scene: GinkgoSource: www.clarionledger.comGinkgoThe medicinal parts of this herb (Ginkgo biloba) are the fresh or dried leaves, and the seeds.This herb is indigenous to China, Japan and Korea and also is found in Europe and the U.S.Gingko, which comes from a tree that doesn't flower until after it is between 20 and 30 years old, also is called Maidenhair tree.Primary usesIn Chinese medicine, this herb is used to treat asthma, tinnitus, hypertonia and angina.Homeopathic uses include tonsillitis and cephalgia.Some unproven uses for this herb include treating disturbed brain functions that result in dizziness and headache with emotional liability and anxiety. Ginkgo has shown to improve concentration and memory deficits as a result of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.Some proven uses include symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction, vertigo and tinnitus.SafetyPossible side effects include mild gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, blood pressure problems, allergic reactions and phlebitis.There also have been several cases of bleeding complications reported with the use of this herb. Other possible side effects include palpitations and cardiac arrhythmia as well as dizziness, headache, nausea and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, an adverse drug reaction that causes skin eruptions resembling burns.Consider discontinuing this herb prior to elective surgery as it may increase the risk of postoperative bleeding.Some studies have shown it carries a risk of lowering the seizure threshold for people who have a history of seizures.Research findingsIn studies, this herb has been ineffective in treating cocaine-dependency, depression, multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis.However, it has been proven effective in treating peripheral occlusive arterial disease. One recent study showed it also may be a promising herb to help treat cardiovascular disease, but well-controlled trials are needed.In studies, this herb was shown to benefit cognitive function in elderly patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. At least 12 weeks of this herb is necessary before improvement occurs.AvailabilityThis herb is available in liquid of solid form. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:56:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herb-scene-ginkgo http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mix-pomegranates-salmon-for-a-super-food-combination Mix pomegranates, salmon for a 'super-food' combinationSource: Althealth NewsFRESH pomegranates have been called the "jewel of winter," and are usually available from September through December. The pomegranate's history goes back to Biblical times, but its current popularity is thoroughly modern — it's in increasing demand because of studies that have shown it's loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, high in potassium and fiber, and contains vitamin C and niacin. In this easy-to-assemble dish, the pomegranate is combined with another "super food," salmon, for an elegant lunch or dinner entree. - Source: Pomegranate Council. For more information: http://www.pomegranates.org Roasted Salmon with Pomegranate-Avocado Salsa 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste Seeds of one pomegranate 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeno pepper, or to taste 1 large garlic clove, chopped finely 2 avocados, cut in 1/2-inch dice 1 head heart of romaine, about 7 ounces 4 center-cut salmon fillets, the same thickness, 6-7 ounces each 1 lime, cut in eighths, for garnish Mix coriander and salt; reserve. Mix pomegranate seeds, onion, lime juice, jalapeno pepper and garlic; gently fold in avocado. If holding for more than 30 minutes, cover the salsa with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Remove about 30 minutes before serving. To prepare the salmon, rub a generous amount of the reserved seasoning mixture over each piece. Arrange salmon on a baking sheet, skin side down. Roast at 500 degrees (F) about 11 minutes for medium rare. While the salmon cooks, mound 1/4 of the shredded romaine on each of 4 serving plates. Top with 1/2 cup salsa. When salmon is done let it cool slightly; it should be warm, but not hot. Put a piece of salmon on each plate; garnish each with a reserved romaine leaf and 2 lime wedges. Makes 4 servings. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:55:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mix-pomegranates-salmon-for-a-super-food-combination http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-fertility-diet The fertility dietSource: www.dailymail.co.ukFollow an organic, wholefood diet, avoiding additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners. Modern methods of food production mean that much of our food is grown in soil robbed of nutrients by intensive farming, with the result that we no longer receive the correct amount of vitamins and minerals. In addition, the preservatives and additives found in most processed food can upset blood sugar levels and disrupt the body's hormonal balance. This can lead to an increase of oestrogen, which can affect a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. Eat a balanced diet and include plenty of fresh fruit and green leafy vegetables. Less meat, more carbs Don't miss today Report: Coping with asthma Support: Talk about cancer here Factfile: Bird flu latest Join our diet centre Sign up to our health newsletter Have your say Are probiotic drinks good for your health? Yes - they boost the immune system No - they are a marketing con More polls » Boards & chat Have you been abroad for dental treatment?Join the debate » Avoid eating large quantities of red meat, which can increase the amount of ammonia in our bodies. Too much ammonia can interfere with the implantation of the egg in the uterus. Too much rich protein may also increase the body's acidity and affect sperm activity. Sperm are at their most efficient in alkaline conditions. Realise, too, that a diet rich in healthy carbohydrates is important to maintain energy for couples trying to conceive. Reduce wheat and dairy consumption. Intolerance to wheat is very common for thousands of women, though you may not even be aware that you are affected by it.You can eat wheat in moderation, but try to substitute wheat with other grain foods, such as rye and sour dough, to maintain a balanced diet. No drink, drugs or nicotine Like wheat, dairy products are generally fine in moderation, but try to stick to organic milk and cheeses. These have lower levels of animal hormones, which can affect your own hormonal balance. Avoid smoking and drugs, and drink alcohol only in moderation. Even as little as two units of alcohol per week can increase your levels of the sex hormone prolactin, adversely affecting your hormonal balance. Smoking is bad for ovarian health and can lower a man's sperm count dramatically. Both recreational and over-thecounter drugs such as diuretics, antibiotics and painkillers also negatively affect fertility. Painkillers can disrupt ovulation and deplete the body's store of vital nutrients. Cut out coffee and avoid fizzy drinks full of caffeine and other chemicals, including artificial sweeteners. Caffeine is a stimulant that upsets the body's natural blood sugar levels and has been linked to miscarriage during the first three months of pregnancy. Decaffeinated coffee is not a healthy substitute as it is still processed and pumped full of chemicals. Replace soft drink with water Many of the popular diet fizzy drinks contain aspartame, which should be avoided if you are trying to conceive. Once in the body, aspartame breaks down into formaldehyde, the substance used to preserve dead bodies. Avoid fizzy drinks altogether and drink lots of filtered water instead. Both partners should try to reduce stress levels as best they can. There is great emotional pressure on any couple who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive. If either partner is overstressed, the pituitary gland responsible for the distribution of hormones throughout the body can be affected, resulting in an imbalance of hormones and reduced fertility. Take a high quality multivitamin daily to ensure that your body is receiving the vital nutrients it needs for conception. A good pro-natal vitamin containing B vitamins, zinc and folic acid is a simple place to start, combined with an essential fatty acid supplement. Fertility vitamins B vitamins are very important for fertility - especially B6 and B12.Together with zinc, folic acid (B6) is essential for the formation and function of female sex hormones. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of an unborn baby developing spina bifida. Vitamin B12 maximises the absorption of folic acid and is essential for the synthesis of the RNA and DNA that form the basis of our genetic make-up. Zinc helps to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle and is vitally important for growth and proper cell division in a developing foetus. A zinc deficiency can also slow down the production of good quality eggs prior to conception. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:53:32 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-fertility-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/addressing-common-skincare-needs Addressing Common Skincare NeedsSource: www.mia-magazine.comMaster esthetician Christine Heathman, CME, LMT, has practiced with the medical profession for more than 25 years. The CEO/president of GlyMed Plus, Inc. has authored several educational manuals and travels extensively to lecture on progressive skincare worldwide. Recently she sat down with Mia to address commonly asked skincare questions. Mia: How are facial hydrators and moisturizers beneficial for preventing wrinkles? Heathman: The lipids of the epidermis play a vital role in healthy skin and help regulate natural water loss. Healthy skin cells can only be produced in a water environment, resulting in healthier skin. There are two major moisture components the skin requires: No. 1 is hyaluronic acid. Aging skin loses hyaluronic acid daily, which is an essential intercellular component to maintain skin hydration. No. 2 is the critical ceramides—the important skinidentical lipid—juxtaposing hyaluronic acid, that together reduce wrinkles and elevate the correct level of hydration the skin demands. These components are native to our skin, and when lost, the skin wrinkles. To maintain the highest level of hydration for the skin, always use hyaluronic acid and ceramides together, then seal in the moisture with an antioxidant moisture cream. Hyaluronic acid should never be less than 10 percent to be effective, and ceramides must be human-identical. Mia: How do topical antioxidants protect skin? Heathman: Topical antioxidants act as armor, protecting the skin and preventing cellular and tissue damage. Antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals. For instance, vitamin E, a lipid-soluble vitamin, defends the cell against lipid peroxidation—rancidity of the membrane—and increases SPF protection. Water-soluble vitamin C acts primarily in the cellular fluid. Alpha lipoic acid, both water- and lipid-soluble, is up to 400 times stronger than most antioxidants. Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. The most commonly recognized of these naturally occurring antioxidants is superoxide dismutase [SOD], a strong UV neutralizer. Always look for both water- and lipid-soluble antioxidant ingredients in your skincare, and know the origin. Natural antioxidants are superior. Avoid chemical antioxidants. Mia: What are AHAs, and how do they improve skin? Heathman: AHAs are natural fruit acids classified by molecular weight as glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, etc., used in skincare products and professional peels for aging, acne, pigmentation and other skin disorders. These natural wonders provide smoother, brighter and healthier skin. AHAs remove the micro-thin damaged layer, increase activity of lazy skin cells, boost internal skin moisture, remove transient pigmentation and help repair photodamaged skin. AHAs are used to treat fine superficial wrinkling, dryness, acne and rough, dry skin. I prefer lactic acid, a milk extract, because it has natural moisturizing factors [NMFs] and is the most compatible with the skin. Ask your esthetician about having a series of lactic acid peels to improve the youthful look of your skin. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:48:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/addressing-common-skincare-needs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/potatoes-pack-sweet-nutrition Potatoes pack sweet nutritionSource: 2theadvocate.comLouisiana sweet potatoes are a nutritional bargain. They are rich in flavor and natural sweetness and packed with immune system boosting beta-carotene, the chemical that gives the sweet potato its deep orange color. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, fresh sweet potatoes have more beta-carotene than carrots and more vitamin C than tomatoes.Not just a holiday side, sweet potatoes are great to serve throughout the year, but they particularly pair well with fall fare, such as pork roasts, turkey, duck and Cornish hens.Every family has its favorite recipe for brown-sugar-and-pecan or marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole. The Advocate food staff tweaked a couple of those oldie but goodie recipes for readers to try and also tested a less rich sweet potato and apple casserole that would also taste good with a bowl of spicy chicken and sausage gumbo.Above are more recipes for the sweet potato dishes we liked best. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:47:31 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/potatoes-pack-sweet-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prostate-cancer-preventable-by-vitamin-d-analogs Prostate Cancer Preventable By Vitamin D AnalogsSource: www.medindia.netThe most common cancer of men is prostate cancer. New research studies point towards its being preventable . Calcitriol, an active metabolite of vitamin D and other vitamin D analogs, may help prevent prostate cancer, according to a study presented Nov. 1, at the American Association for Cancer Research's 4th annual Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research meeting in Baltimore. The study funded by the National Institute of Health and conducted at Roswell Park Cancer Institute was meant to examine the effect of calcitriol and two analogs, QW-1624-F2-2 and paricalcitol, on the prevention of prostate cancer. Calcitriol has already been clinically used to treat many disorders. Trials are under way to test its chemotherapeutic effect on established cancer. QW and particalcitol (Zemplar) have shown to reduce parathyroid hormone levels, which regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. The study of the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model, which develops prostate cancer as the mice age, found that both calcitriol and QW slowed the progression of prostate cancer after 14 weeks of treatment. Additionally, chronic treatment of mice with calcitriol reduced tumour burden, although side-effects manifested in some mice. However, the anticancer effect of calcitriol and QW was not found on hormone refractory prostate cancer in castrated mice. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:31:58 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prostate-cancer-preventable-by-vitamin-d-analogs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-examines-anticancer-effect-of-herbal-medicine-in-cancer-cells Study Examines Anticancer Effect of Herbal Medicine in Cancer CellsSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comCategory: Complementary Medicine News Article Date: 06 Nov 2005 A new study in cancer cell lines has found that the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)--a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in several plant oils that has been used as an herbal medicine--affects the expression of the Her-2/neu oncogene. The study found that GLA inhibited Her-2/neu in a different way from that of trastuzumab (Herceptin), the monoclonal antibody approved for treatment of breast cancer patients with high levels of Her-2/neu. The Her-2/neu oncogene is involved in the development of many types of cancer, including breast cancer. Javier A. Menendez, Ph.D., of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute in Illinois, and colleagues found that treating cancer cell lines that overexpressed Her-2/neu with GLA reduced Her-2/neu protein levels. In addition, GLA exposure in these cell lines led to a decrease in Her-2/neu promoter activity and an increase in the levels of a transcriptional repressor of Her-2/neu. The researchers also found that treating the cancer cell lines with both GLA and trastuzumab led to a synergistic increase in apoptosis and reduced cell growth. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute is published by Oxford University Press and is not affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. Attribution to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute is requested in all news coverage. Visit the Journal online at jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:31:01 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-examines-anticancer-effect-of-herbal-medicine-in-cancer-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-be-key-in-ms-rate Vitamin D may be key in MS rateSource: www.examiner.com.auResearchers believe that vitamin D deficiency could be the reason why Tasmania has a higher rate of multiple sclerosis sufferers than mainland Australia. Pinpointing why Tasmanians are twice as likely to suffer from the disease as other Australians could help in the search for a cure.About 75 people in every 100,000 have MS in Tasmania, compared to 36 in Newcastle, 30 in Perth, 21 in sub-tropical Queensland and 12 in tropical Queensland.It is thought that many people have a genetic susceptibility to the disease, which is triggered by unknown environmental factors - one of which researchers believe may be a deficiency of vitamin D.The latitudinal impact on MS susceptibility has been documented worldwide, but Australia's MS population is an ideal group to study because of its wide latitude gradient, combined with a population sharing a common health care system.Latest findings from a national study into the latitudinal impact on MS were discussed at a genetics conference in Sydney yesterday.Epidemiologist Robyn Lucas, of the Australian National University in Canberra, said the researchers were studying patients showing the first symptoms of MS before diagnosis and comparing them with a healthy control group. The case-control study involves a detailed interview with the participants, blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging brain scans and even casts of the backs of their hands. "We put some silicon on and when you peel the silicon off, you actually get a cast of all the skin lines on the back of the hand," Dr Lucas explained in an interview. "If you look at that under the microscope you can get an idea of cumulative sun damage over a number of years. "We're interested in looking at as wide a range of environmental effects as we can, and particularly those that vary by latitude." Previous epidemiological research of MS sufferers in Tasmania, which has Australia's highest rates of the auto-immune disease, found a lack of winter sun exposure between the ages of six and 15 seemed to put a person at increased risk of developing the disorder. Scientists also say MS, which affects three times as many women as men, is uncommon in people with deeply pigmented skin. But they are unsure why. MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young Australians. About 16,000 Australians have MS and the rate is increasing by 7 per cent a year. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:15:32 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-be-key-in-ms-rate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-in-venomous-snake-battles-wrinkles-euoko-takes-lead-on-age-killing-skin-care-innovation-with-new-tri-peptide Protein In Venomous Snake Battles Wrinkles: Euoko Takes Lead On Age-Killing Skin Care Innovation With New Tri-PeptideSource: newsroom.eworldwire.comEuoko, Inc., a pioneer of zero-compromise prestige skin treatments today announced the introduction of its exclusive Louvre Collection. For Immediate ReleaseMARKHAM, Ontario/EWORLDWIRE/Nov. 7, 2005 --- Euoko, Inc., a pioneer of zero-compromise prestige skin treatments, today announced the introduction of its exclusive Louvre Collection. The collection is a new synthetic tri-peptide that mimics the activity of Waglerin-1, a protein found in the venom of the Temple Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). This safe tri-peptide, developed in Switzerland, has been clinically shown to reduce the size, depth and number of wrinkles - particularly expression lines - by relaxing facial muscles in a way similar to medical injections but without the risk, expense or inconvenience associated with those treatments. Six times more effective than the leading competitive product, this new tri-peptide has demonstrated the ability to reduce forehead wrinkles by 52 percent and crow's feet by 38 percent in 28 days or less. Euoko's Louvre Collection combines this tri-peptide with trusted ingredients like Antarticine, APT, Argireline, MDI Complex, Aldenine, Pepha Tight, EUK 134 (an antioxidant superior to the famous Superoxide Dismutase) and a unique Hyaluronic Acid from Denmark that is biotechnologically produced without the involvement of Strepp bacteria. Third-party clinical studies that stand behind each of these ingredients are documented and available upon request. The Louvre Collection is one of Euoko's five clinically-proven treatment collections designed to combat various skin conditions from lines, wrinkles and cellulite to under-eye dark circles and pigmentation irregularities. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:13:55 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-in-venomous-snake-battles-wrinkles-euoko-takes-lead-on-age-killing-skin-care-innovation-with-new-tri-peptide http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-way-to-a-healthy-heart Eat Your Way To A Healthy HeartSource: www.nbc11.comBalanced Diet Can Lower Three Heart Risk Factors According to the American Heart Association, a healthy diet can help alleviate three major risk factors for heart disease: high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight.The AHA recommends a balanced diet that includes foods from all the major food groups but emphasizes fruits, vegetables and grains.Fruits And VegetablesThe AHA advises that people eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Not only do these foods contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, they're usually low in calories. That can help you lose weight or make maintaining your weight easier.Breads, Cereal, Grains And PastaA healthy heart diet includes at least six servings of grain products, according to the AHA. Keep in mind that starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn and peas are included in this group.Grains are often low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber. In fact, oats contain high amounts of soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower cholesterol.Dairy ProductsAdults should include three or more servings of low-fat dairy products in their daily diet. Children should have two or more servings, and teens and older adults need four or more servings every day.It's important to choose low-fat dairy products, the AHA says, because milk fat is high in saturated fats that can raise cholesterol levels.Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, EggsThe AHA recommends eating no more than 6 ounces of cooked, lean meat, fish or poultry each day. Poultry should be eaten without the skin and meat should be trimmed of as much fat as possible.The American Dietetic Association suggests including fatty fish in your diet. Fish like salmon, tuna, herring or sardines are rich in a type of fatty acid called omega-3, which thins the blood and makes blood cells less "sticky" and less likely to clot and cause a heart attack. Both the AHA and the ADA suggest you include fatty fish in your diet at least twice a week.Diet Can Help Lower High Blood PressureYour diet can also help keep your blood pressure low. The AHA suggests eating less than 2,400 milligrams of sodium a day. Keep in mind that many prepared foods contain high amounts of sodium.Alcohol consumption should be limited to one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:12:19 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-your-way-to-a-healthy-heart http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alternative-therapy-for-chronic-diseases Alternative Therapy for Chronic DiseasesSource: english.donga.com“Are you depressed? How about singing and painting?” Singing and painting are some of the therapies Lee Seong-jae, a professor at Gachon Medical School and the president of the Korean Society of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, suggests to treat depression. To some, music and painting might sound silly, but they really are effective treatments for the depressed people. “It is a dangerous idea to think that complementary and alternative medicine is superior to modern medicine. Complementary and alternative therapies are just complementary to modern medicine,” warned Lee. Lee is a pediatric cardiologist by trade, and the following are his ideas about the use of alternative therapies to treat chronic diseases. Depression – Music and painting therapies can be applied to individual patients or groups of patients. Their purpose is to make patients spend time together and create a cheerful atmosphere themselves. They cut colored paper into shapes, sing together or play musical instruments. In addition, there is herbal medicine. St. John’s work is known for its efficacy against depression. Kava and valerian are used to alleviate anxiety, but are effective only against mild symptoms. Another type of complementary or alternative therapy is aromatherapy with herbs such as marjoram and bergamot. Aromatherapy helps produce more serotonin and works for patients with mild symptoms. In winter, patients with more serious cases of depression receive light therapy. Diabetes – There is little difference between complementary and alternative therapy treatments and modern medicine in their approach to diabetes. A regimen of regular exercise and good food is their advice. Complex-sugar foods such as brown rice or whole wheat are recommended. The longer these whole grains stay in the mouth, the sweeter they taste. Other medicinal herbs include fenugreek and American ginseng. They are known to help lower blood sugar levels without causing any side effects. One drawback is that they do not work well in serious cases. According to research, eating chromium-rich foods and taking exercise can lower sugar levels in the blood. As for garlic and its medical benefits, there is little scientific data. Atopic Dermatitis – Complementary and alternative medicine offers almost the same remedies as those of modern medicine. A point of difference is that in complementary and alternative medicine, medicinal herbs are frequently used. According to a study conducted by foreign researchers, the seed oil from evening primrose has healing benefits because of its omega fatty acids. According to another study, taking 20-minute baths in water with potato starch or dextrin and soda is good for atopic patients. The healing effects are because the mixture of water, dextrin and soda moisturizes the skin and helps medicinal elements soak into the skin. Elidel, a prescription medicine used in modern medicine, will further increase the efficacy of herbal treatments. If atopic patients put on Elidel in the morning, their benefits will be maximized. High blood pressure– The consumption of potassium is recommended for high blood pressure sufferers. This causes osmotic action, and is hence a remedy for high blood pressure. A study found that the blood pressure of 70 percent of patients went down eight weeks after they started consuming potassium. Potassium is abundant in sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkins and bananas. Laver, seaweed, and sea tangle are also good for people with high blood pressure. Seaweeds are slippery and sticky because of alginic acids, which help discharge sugar and fat, contributors to high blood pressure, out of the body. But excessive consumption of seaweed is harmful to one’s health because of too much iodine, a potential cause of thyroiditis. Chronic Fatigue– Ephedra and the root bark of various araliaceous shrubs are often used to ease chronic fatigue. Researchers have discovered that ephedrine in ephedra and ginsenocide in root bark boost the capacity for locomotion and help people feel less tired. Other remedies are ginseng, Maximowiczia typical fruits, apples, lemons, milk vetch roots, tomatoes, garlic, lettuce, and sesame. Their efficacy is proven to some extent. Eating vitamins B and C can also be beneficial to chronic fatigue patients. The symptoms of chronic fatigue are similar with those of chronic fatigue syndrome, which appears when blood magnesium levels are low. For this reason, the consumption of magnesium is another way to fight chronic tiredness. Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:10:58 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/alternative-therapy-for-chronic-diseases http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healing-dry-skin Healing dry skinSource: www.dailynews.comDuring the winter months, people wear layers of clothes to protect their bodies from the elements, but they don't always take steps to protect their skin. Some may end up paying for this oversight: The lack of humidity in the air, combined with dry indoor heat, can lead to dry, itchy and even flaking or cracked skin. And while a long hot shower sounds like just the thing to warm yourself up in cold weather, it might be just the wrong thing to do to your skin. Below, Robin Ashinoff, MD, chief of dermatologic and cosmetic surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University, discusses how to manage common dry skin conditions and how moisturizing skin daily can usually keep skin smooth and soft.What causes dry skin?First of all, genetic background. Certain people just have a genetic predisposition to having drier skin or even worse, what we call eczema, which causes flaking and itching. In general, very fair-skinned, light-eyed people have a tendency towards drier skin.Certainly humidity may play a role. You may not notice that you have dry skin if you live in a place like Florida or Louisiana, whereas if you live in the Northeast, especially in the wintertime, you'll experience your predisposition to dry skin. You can worsen any sort of predisposition by using harsh cleansers or irritants, or by washing frequently, which removes the protective barrier on our skin and increases what we call transepidermal water loss. You lose more water through the skin if you break that barrier down. For your average person, taking more than one quick shower a day in the wintertime would probably dry you out.How can people distinguish between regular dry skin and a skin disorder?Basically, with one thing: their comfort level. If you're starting to feel uncomfortable and itchy, or you're noticing redness, you may have a skin disorder. For example, eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a type of inherited dry skin condition. It can start in childhood, and usually affects the face and the areas where your body bends.Psoriasis is another defined condition with strong genetic and environmental components. People with psoriasis usually have thick, red plaques with a very thick white scale on top of them. Initially, these are on the scalp, elbows, knees, but they can spread. There are also nail changes, and you can have arthritis with psoriasis.Why is dry skin more of a problem in the winter?Certainly, in the Northeast, the ambient humidity drops in the winter, so there's less moisture in the air. So through evaporative processes, you're losing moisture through your skin.What is dermatitis?Contact dermatitis is a dry skin condition that you can usually identify with a precipitating event. The most common contact allergen is probably nickel. Because nickel alloy is in a lot of jewelry worn around the wrist and fingers, you can actually see the outline of the material in red; sometimes you can even get little blisters.Irritant dermatitis is something different. It may be more insidious in the sense that you may not realize that you're constantly exposing yourself to an irritant. It doesn't cause an explosive reaction like having poison ivy, but it can cause constant low-grade flaking, dryness, itching and redness, and eventually from the chronic scratching and rubbing of the affected area, the skin actually starts to thicken. So you see people with this leathery-like skin.If people have hand dermatitis, they know that in the late fall, their hands will immediately start to dry out. You're constantly using your hands, and if you have fissures in your hands and -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- you get water in them, it burns like crazy. For people with bad hand dermatitis in the wintertime, I may tell them to use Vaseline and sleep with cotton gloves on to try to rebuild that moisture barrier. And I tell them to try to keep their hands out of water and to use cotton-lined gloves to wash dishes.What are other types of dry skin conditions?At this time of year, many people will notice that they get sort of chicken skin or bumpiness on the backs of their arms, upper arms and thighs and buttocks, and this is something called keratosis pilaris. I will tell people with this condition that it's time to really start laying on the moisturizers, taking quick, cooler showers, putting on a moisturizer when your skin is moist so that the skin absorbs it better, and then if that doesn't help, we can go on to prescription medications.What does a good skin care regimen involve, during the winter especially?Quick, cool showers. You don't want to sit in a bathtub because it will dehydrate your skin more. You want to use a mild soap, preferably a moisturizing soap. There are also body washes now that have petrolatum in them, and when you use a puff to apply the body wash, it will coat you with sort of a lipid barrier, and that may be helpful for a lot of people.When people come out of the shower, they should pat, not rub themselves dry with a towel, and then they can start out with an over-the-counter moisturizer. I also tell people when they get undressed to go to sleep, put moisturizer on again. And for bad hands, I tell people to keep a tube of moisturizer in their pockets.What should people look for in a moisturizer?People with dry skin should look for moisturizers that contain lactic acid, which is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin. There are over-the-counter products with lower concentrations of glycolic acid, which acts as an exfoliant, and moisturizers that contain urea, another humectant. Urea may help for badly dry skin, especially on cracked heels in the wintertime.You want to look for ones that say "for heavy use" or "for body use" because the facial moisturizers typically have less petrolatum in them, so that people won't break out on their face. On your body, you care less about breakouts. You want something heavier. The best moisturizer, though we don't like it because it's not very cosmetically appealing, is something like Vaseline (petrolatum). It is very moisturizing, but it's very greasy.Will drinking more water prevent dry skin?Unless you are dehydrated, excessive drinking of water is not going to help dry skin. And unless you are deficient in some sort of essential fatty acid, eating certain types of fats is also not going to moisturize your skin.Are there any other behaviors to avoid other than baths or long hot showers?What can make a lot of people who have eczema and dry skin itch more in the wintertime is wearing wool or wool-like products. They're better off with cotton and cotton-like products, which breathe more.At what point someone should visit the doctor?If they're scratching, if they're uncomfortable, if they're losing sleep, if they don't like what their skin looks like, it's worth a trip. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:56:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healing-dry-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-lowering-diet-helps-mom-and-fetus-study Cholesterol-lowering diet helps mom and fetus: studySource: today.reuters.co.ukPregnant women who stick to a cholesterol-lowering diet may reduce their risk of delivering prematurely, Norwegian investigators report."These results indicate that dietary intervention in pregnancy can modify cardiovascular risk factors in pregnancy and may result in health benefits for mother and child," Dr. Janette Khoury from the National Hospital in Oslo and colleagues write in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.They researched the effects of a cholesterol-curbing diet on levels of lipids in maternal, cord, and neonatal blood, as well as on pregnancy outcome, in 290 nonsmoking pregnant women ages 21 to 38 years.From gestational week 17 to 20 until birth, the women either maintained their usual diet or adopted a diet rich in fish, low-fat meats and dairy products, oils, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.Compared with the usual diet, the cholesterol-lowering diet led to a modest reduction in maternal cholesterol levels.Moreover, the cholesterol-lowering diet was associated with a lower risk of preterm delivery. Only one of 141 women on this diet delivered before 37 weeks gestation, compared with11 of 149 women on the usual diet.In this study, "lowering LDL concentrations, together with other dietary changes in the intervention group, may have lowered the risk of premature delivery," Khoury noted in comments to Reuters Health."We found that LDL ("bad") cholesterol concentrations at baseline tended to be associated with premature delivery," she said. "Thus, the difference in total and LDL cholesterol observed in our study may have contributed to the reduction in preterm birth."Khoury's team hopes the results encourage future larger studies to clarify the role of a cholesterol-lowering diet in the prevention of preterm delivery in both low- and high-risk pregnancies."Though the intervention diet had no adverse effects, future larger studies are needed before we can recommend the diet for the prevention of preterm birth," Khoury emphasized.SOURCE: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, October 2005. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:51:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cholesterol-lowering-diet-helps-mom-and-fetus-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reducing-gi-does-not-boost-effects-of-low-calorie-diet Reducing GI does not boost effects of low-calorie dietSource: www.nutraingredients.comA low-glycaemic index diet may not be any help for obese people trying to lose weight, contrary to growing popular belief, suggests a new study out of the US. Researchers from the University of Minnesota tested whether reducing the glycaemic index of a diet already low in calories would have any further benefit for a group of obese adults. But although the new trial confirmed the benefit of lowering glycaemic index on insulin sensitivity, it did not impact the subjects' weight, they write in this month's issue of the Journal of Nutrition (135:2387-91). Consumers are increasingly interested in the glycaemic value of foods after some studies suggested that a low-glycaemic diet could help control weight. But experts have questioned whether there is enough evidence to demonstrate that low GI diets can cause weight loss. The US researchers used a randomized, controlled feeding trial to compare the effects of three low-calorie diets with different glycaemic loads on 29 obese adults. All of the diets - high glycaemic index (HGI), low glycaemic index (LGI) or high fat (HF) - provided 3138 kJ less than estimated energy needs. For the first 12 weeks, all food was provided to subjects and then 22 subjects were instructed to follow the assigned diet for 24 additional weeks (free-living phase). At 12 weeks, weight changes from baseline were significant in all groups but not different among groups, said the researchers. All groups had improved insulin sensitivity. During the free-living phase, all groups maintained their initial weight loss and their improved insulin sensitivity but weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity scores were independent of diet composition. "In summary, lowering the glycaemic load and glycaemic index of weight reduction diets does not provide any added benefit to energy restriction in promoting weight loss in obese subjects," conclude the researchers. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:49:32 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/reducing-gi-does-not-boost-effects-of-low-calorie-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-reduces-infant-deaths-from-measles-studies-confirm Vitamin A Reduces Infant Deaths from Measles, Studies ConfirmSource: www.hbns.orgTwo megadoses of vitamin A reduce the risk of dying from measles for children under age 2, according to an updated review of studies. The results bolster the World Health Organization recommendation that an oral dose of vitamin A be given for two consecutive days to children who live in areas where vitamin A deficiency may exist.However, the study also found that a single megadose of vitamin A is not effective, although still being used in some parts of the world, according to lead researcher Yang Huiming, associate professor of pediatrics at Sichuan University in China.Huiming and colleagues looked at eight trials encompassing 2,574 participants age 15 and under. Six of the studies were done in Africa, one in Japan and one in England.The systematic evidence review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.Pneumonia was most common cause of death in children with measles in the four studies that specified cause. Pooling data from studies that used two doses of vitamin A, comprising 429 hospitalized children, the reviewers found a 67 percent reduction of mortality from pneumonia. However, when taking into account all studies, which included outpatients with mild disease, vitamin A did not significantly reduce measles-related mortality for children above age 2.Vitamin A cut the risk of post-measles croup by 41 percent (722 children studied), and of the two studies that addressed post-measles diarrhea (474 children), the one using two doses of vitamin A showed a 65 percent lower risk of developing diarrhea, while the single-dose study did not show reduction. In developed countries, children are protected from measles by routine vaccination, given as part of the three-way MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. In other parts of the world, proper measles vaccination is difficult. “It’s not that the vaccine isn’t available; it’s that delivery and the cold chain (keeping the vaccine refrigerated) is an issue,” said Diane Griffin, chair of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.Another problem is that a single dose of vaccine isn’t sufficient: “About 5 percent to 15 percent of the population don’t respond,” Griffin said. “That leaves enough susceptible people to keep measles in circulation. In many developing countries, the second dose of vaccine is given as part of huge nationwide campaigns that can be difficult to sustain”Vitamin A deficiency puts unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children at higher risk for measles. In turn, measles can contribute to acute vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is found in foods like fish oils, liver, butter and egg yolk. Although vitamin A deficiency is often thought to be dietary, Huiming said, there is no single cause. “Vitamin A deficiency could also be due to inadequate absorption through malfunctions in our bodily system or excess wastage when drained off through infections or diarrhea,” Huiming said.The mega-dosing is done in populations with vitamin A deficiency for other reasons, including prevention of blindness, Griffin said. Vitamin A deficiency is not an issue in the United States or most other developing countries. However, for some 60 countries worldwide, vitamin A programs are in place or planned for the prevention and treatment of measles, according to the study authors.“Measles is the greatest cause of vaccine-preventable death in the world,” Griffin said. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:43:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-reduces-infant-deaths-from-measles-studies-confirm http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-vegan-diet-may-help-weight-loss Low-fat vegan diet may help weight lossSource: www.msnbc.msn.comA diet free of animal products and low in fat may help trim the waistline without the task of strict calorie watching, a new study suggests.Researchers found that of 64 postmenopausal, overweight women, those assigned to follow a low-fat vegan diet for 14 weeks lost an average of 13 pounds, compared with a weight loss of about 8 pounds among women who followed a standard low-cholesterol diet.The weight loss came despite the fact that the women were given no limits on their portion sizes or daily calories -- and despite the fact that the vegan diet boosted their carbohydrate intake. “People imagine carbohydrates to be fattening, but they are not,” said lead study author Dr. Neal D. Barnard, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.He is also president of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit group that advocates vegetarianism as part of preventive medicine.The greater weight loss among women on the vegan diet may stem from specific metabolic effects, Barnard told Reuters Health.He pointed out that the diet improved the women’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that ushers sugar from the blood and into cells to be used for energy. This was also accompanied by an increase in what’s known as the thermic effect of food -- the amount of calories the body expends to process and store food.The vegan diet improved women’s insulin sensitivity to a greater a degree than the comparison diet did -- though the difference was not statistically significant, meaning the finding could be due to chance. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:37:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-vegan-diet-may-help-weight-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/which-herbal-medicines-combat-colds- Which herbal medicines combat colds?Source: 50connect.co.ukAfter a long warm summer, this winter is set to be much colder than normal, which is bad news for those who get the sniffles as soon as the weather turns chilly. It is estimated that most adults catch between two and five colds a year.Contrary to popular belief, getting wet or chilled does not cause a cold, only a cold virus can cause a cold, but there are more than 200 of these viruses. Colds are easily spread, they can be caught by small droplets being sprayed out of an infected person’s mouth and nose when he or she sneezes or even laughs, they can even be caught by touching a surface that has been contaminated by a touch from someone who has a cold.There are many ways to avoid colds however, simply by taking a few precautions. Infection is most likely to occur when your immune function is low because of tiredness, stress, poor diet or lack of exercise. Washing your hands frequently, a healthy diet, a high intake of water and plenty of sleep can help you avoid picking up an infection. Making sure your house or office is well ventilated will also reduce the risk of infection.Folk and herbal remedies are often used in the hope that they will prevent the common cold or reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Many swear by echinacea, but there is in fact a wide choice of ways to combat colds. Some of the plants and flowers that are found in our hedgerows and fields, along with a few more exotic herbs, could be just the thing to help you get back to good health.LobeliaMany gardeners use Lobelia to great effect in their own gardens throughout the spring and summer months. However, the leaves of this little plant have been used in both complementary and orthodox medicine for decades, to relieve the symptoms of coughs, catarrh, blocked sinuses and rhinitis. Many in the UK are largely unaware of the merits that Lobelia is prized for overseas, although leading herbalists have been using it for years.IIts efficacy as a respiratory stimulant and expectorant herb have led Bio-Health’s Lobelia Compound - a licensed herbal medicine - to become one of the best-selling herbal remedies in Greece. It is a particularly popular remedy in Athens where the incidence of respiratory conditions is high due to the notorious pollution levels. Lobelia is used in traditional herbal medicine for treating coughs, blocked sinuses and catarrh and is also cited by leading herbalists as a useful herb that may relieve asthma and bronchitis. Lobelia contains piperidine alkaloids, the chief of which is the Lobeline alkaloid, which stimulates the respiratory centre within the brain stem, producing stronger and deeper breathing. Its expectorant action promotes the discharge of mucus from blocked passages in the sinuses and lungs - it helps to stimulate breathing and encourage coughing up of phlegm - effecting speedy relief of symptoms. In addition, the Lobeline alkaloid has a similar pharmacological activity to nicotine and it is thought that Lobelia may therefore aid those suffering withdrawal from tobacco addiction.Bio-Health’s Lobelia Compound is the only Lobelia remedy available in the UK and is licensed by the MHRA. The unique phytotherapeutic formulation contains 60mg of Lobelia, 30mg of Gum Ammoniacum and 30mg of Extract of Squill that are taken in tablet form, 3 times a day. Gum Ammoniacum is a herb with expectorant and antispasmodic activities, it relaxes the muscles of the lungs. Extract of Squill is also an expectorant herb that assists in the breaking down of mucus.People may find it useful to combine Lobelia with other herbs to relieve specific ailments, like liquorice and thyme for asthma, echinacea for bronchitis, or valerian for tobacco withdrawal.PrimulaIf you have a chronic productive cough or bronchitis, the Primula plant could help you to combat it. Primula (primula veris), often referred to as Cowslip, is a common sight in fields and meadows as the summer approaches, but this flower also has some very useful qualities. The root of the plant is known for its expectorant properties and is often used to effectively clear the chest of phlegm and has a mild, anti-inflammatory effect, helping to soothe the respiratory tract which often becomes painfully inflamed after a prolonged cough. Bio-Health produces it in capsules.MossYou may have come across another remarkable plant if you’ve spent time on holiday in Scandinavian countries, and in particular Lapland. Iceland Moss (centaria islandica) is a low-growing, lichen which, in pure herbal form, may help you to win the battle against an aggravating, dry, tickly cough. The plant has expectorant qualities that can help to clear the chest, whilst also containing polysaccharides that are thought to form a soothing, protective layer in the respiratory tract, helping to prevent it from becoming damaged. Bio-Health produces it in capsules.GinsengResearch published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed that people who take ginseng suffer substantially fewer colds. Only one in ten of those given daily doses of ginseng root extract (panax quinquefolius) suffered two or more colds in a four month period during winter, compared with almost a quarter of those taking placebo. The severity and duration of symptoms were also lessened.With its unique combination of ginseng and ginkgo biloba, Potter's Actimind has not only been clinically proven to help improve your memory but the ginseng may also assist in the fight against colds! Ginseng contains the mineral zinc, a crucial component of the immune system which has also been credited with speeding up recovery from colds. Early research has also indicated that zinc may help prevent cold viruses from reoccurring especially in the nose and sinuses.RosehipRosehip is extremely rich in vitamin C and, therefore, improves immunity to infections, especially the common cold. It boost energy levels, enhanced wound healing, and helps prevent heart disease and the formation of cancer cells. It is anti-allergic and an antioxidant.RosemaryHerbalists have long regarded rosemary as a potent tonic and believe it can stimulate the nervous system and help cure aches and pains. It is also thought to improve concentration and memory. Rosemary is also anti-inflammatory, stimulates the gall bladder and aids digestion. It also helps good circulation and strengthens weak blood vessels.Vitsmart Defence citrus fruit flavoured drink contains vitamin C, essential minerals, Echinacea and botanical extracts, including rosehip and rosemary to stimulate your immune system. It also contains a selection of essential minerals including calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium.OreganoTraditionally, oregano was used to support digestive, respiratory and joint health. Recent in vitro research however indicates that carvacrol, could in fact be one of nature’s most important immune defenders.GarlicGarlic is the most versatile, powerful and widely used medicinal plant in the world and has historically been used as an anti-fungal and antibacterial. Garlic is especially effective for the treatment of chest infections.PeppermintNowadays well-known as a digestive tonic, Peppermint can be particularly effective for the treatment of headaches associated with colds and flu.EucalyptusThere are about 300 varieties of Eucalyptus and the plant is best known as a decongestant for colds and catarrh.GingerGinger is one of the greatest natural medicines of all, used by Chinese doctors since 1,000 BC and a common 15th Century cure for the cold - this herb remains indispensable in the treatment of colds. New Chapter’s Supercritical Cold ‘n Flu contains oregano, garlic, peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger and echinacea. The supplement has been extensively researched to ensure it contains the medicinal properties of several time-tested herbs. Bottled to just the right proportion of immune-stimulating herbal extracts, the formula could see you through winter. It provides greater comfort from cold ‘n flu symptoms and speeds recovery, whilst strengthening the immune system and optimising health and wellbeing throughout the rest of the ‘cold’ season.Bacteria, Parsley, Spinach Antibiotics cannot cure colds because they are caused by viruses not bacteria, in fact bacteria could actually help combat colds! Recent research has shown that by taking capsules of probiotic friendly bacteria, the symptoms of a cold can be shortened to seven days as opposed to nine, as well as causing a 25 per cent reduction in symptoms. They help to boost the defence cells in the immune system so as to help improve the body’s ability to fight infections, as well as enabling the friendly bugs to remain in the body, instead of being wiped out with the bad.New Chapter’s Probiotic Immune Support fuses together the powerful cleansing benefits of specially selected ingredients including ginger, parsley and spinach, to enhance the body’s immune resistance during the cold and flu season and help prevent the onset of nasty symptoms that the cold weather can bring. It contains multiple cultures for immune-boosting support and features the best researched probiotic species with immune-active and digestive health benefits. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:36:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/which-herbal-medicines-combat-colds- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stricter-rules-for-herbal-drugs Stricter rules for herbal drugsSource: news.bbc.co.ukFirms which make herbal medicines must now get their products approved by an independent agency after the introduction of a new law. The EU directive, designed to ensure that people who buy the products will have a guarantee of their quality and safety, came into effect on Sunday. Until now, the government says, consumers have not known which herbal remedies are of an acceptable standard. Companies will now have to provide evidence of a new product's safety. Before new remedies can be registered and sold, information about how they should be used must also be approved. The government adds that before the directive was introduced, reputable companies following high standards were left at a commercial disadvantage while consumers were potentially at risk from unsafe products. Access calls Last month, a report commissioned by the Prince of Wales said that complementary therapies, including herbal medicines, should be given a greater role in the NHS. The report, by economist Christopher Smallwood, said patients with conditions such as back pain and stress can benefit from some of the therapies. And back in August, a leading patients' group called for access for all to alternative medicine on the NHS. The Patients Association called for all GPs to provide patients with the choice of using complementary medicine where it had been proven to work. Provision is patchy currently with well under a half of family doctors providing some sort of access to alternative therapies. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:33:35 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stricter-rules-for-herbal-drugs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/shaddock-plus-green-tea-to-fight-bird-flu- Shaddock plus green tea to fight bird flu?Source: www.chinapost.com.twGermans are buying white shaddock and green tea from Taiwan to help fight bird flu, according to the China Times Express, which will close today. In an exclusive story, the afternoon paper reported yesterday the University of Hamburg is importing 100,000 "shaddock plus green tea pills" from Nantou.A food-processing factory owner, who happens to be a licensed herb doctor, was quoted as saying German university researchers have found the Nantou tea concoction effective in preventing as well as curing avian flu.Nantou is a county in central Taiwan known for shaddock and green tea. Shaddock is also known as pomelo, a citrus fruit the people of Taiwan love to eat at this time of year.Chang Chun-mei, the herb doctor cum factory operator, said she earned a lot by selling the custom-made Nantou tea mixture. She sold a pill for US$2."The cost was very low," Chang added.But the fact is that Chinese medicine has no effective cure for influenza of any kind. It is an acute, contagious infection of the respiratory tract, the treatment for which is only symptomatic and includes rest, pain relievers and fever reducers, and increased fluid intake.Herb medicine specialists doubt that the German researchers have come up with the special cure.One of them, Dr. Lin Chun-yu at the Taipei City Hospital Group, said shaddock peel and tea have been prescribed by herb doctors to help relieve flu symptoms, which include fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and often signs of the common cold.Typical signs of the common cold are watery eyes and runny nose."However," Dr. Lin said, "we've never heard of the mixture of the two (shaddock and green tea) could ever cure influenza or prevent it."Aside from shaddock and tea, Lin added, there are many "relievers." The best known of them all is the "cuidium officuale tea." Others include ginseng, licorice, ginger, chiretta, bupeulrum, and cured tangerine peels. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:30:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/shaddock-plus-green-tea-to-fight-bird-flu- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-levels-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-low-risk-of-gum-disease High levels of vitamin D linked to low risk of gum diseaseSource: www.foodconsumer.orgPeople with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood may be less likely to develop gum disease, according to a new study that appeared in the September issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.The study only finds an inverse correlation between blood levels of vitamin D and gum disease. It does not mean vitamin D definitely helps prevent gum disease.In the study, Dr. Thomas Dietrich from Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine analyzed data from a U.S. nationwide health survey involving 6,700 Americans between 1988 and 1994.Researchers found those in the quintile with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood were 20 percent less likely to have gingivitis than those in the quintile with the lowest levels.Gingivitis is a milder gum disease that causes gums to swell and bleed.Vitamin D is well known for its role in calcium absorption and bone health. Recent studies have also suggested vitamin D may help the immune system to fight inflammation. Researchers do not know whether or not vitamin D has a preventive effect on gum disease. But there is a possibility that vitamin D may benefit the gum health through its anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies are needed to confirm vitamin D as a marker or a cause for the lower risk of gum disease. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 22:25:41 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-levels-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-low-risk-of-gum-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-estrogen-treatments-help-prevent-wrinkles- Will estrogen treatments help prevent wrinkles?Source: msnbc.msn.comQ: My mother’s skin looks great! It turns out she’s been on estrogen since her hysterectomy. Does estrogen prevent wrinkles?A: Quite possibly, yes. There are estrogen receptors everywhere in a woman’s body, including her skin. Studies have shown estrogen increases skin thickness, capillary blood flow, collagen content, certain proteins and water content in post-menopausal women treated with the hormone. A recent study in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility assessed the severity of wrinkles at 11 facial locations using a new dermatologically developed scale, and the researchers did indeed document that the average wrinkle scores were lower in hormone users than in non-hormone users by about 40 percent. Many dermatologists and doctors who deal with women as they age have noted that hormone therapy seems to improve the appearance of aging skin. In addition, some studies show that estrogen, when applied in the form of a cream, can penetrate the skin due to its small molecular size. It then increases production of collagen, mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. (The latter are both important in maintaining skin hydration.)Any skin cream that contains estrogen must be prescribed by a physician. Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Dr. Judith Reichman addresses your questions about women's health.• LAST WEEK: My boyfriend is worried I'll give him herpes! • GO TO ALL HEALTH TUESDAY COLUMNS Certain over-the-counter creams containing phytoestrogen (a type of estrogen contained in plants) claim to help reduce the “appearance” of fine lines and wrinkles. That claim may be valid, but only because moisturizers alter light reflection from the skin’s surface and create a sort of optical illusion of youthful skin. True changes in collagen production or increased dermal thickness, however, have not been shown to come from these over-the-counter products.On a personal note, I’ve used an estrogen cream on my face for years and have prescribed such creams to numerous patients. Anecdotally it “would appear” to help, or at least we hope so!Dr. Reichman’s Bottom Line: New studies suggest that estrogen therapy in early menopause helps prevent the plaque deposition that leads to heart attack and stroke. We know it reduces hot flashes and vaginal dryness and decreases bone loss and risk of colon cancer. I’m sure there will be some women who will be even more likely to try it if they know it can also reduce wrinkles. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:26:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/will-estrogen-treatments-help-prevent-wrinkles- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-rich-plants-improve-vitamin-a-status-shows-study Beta-carotene rich plants improve vitamin A status, shows studySource: www.nutraingredients.comA new technique that allows researchers to track carotenoids consumed in plant foods through the body’s bloodstream confirms the role of plant beta-carotene in raising vitamin A levels. But people who start off with higher vitamin A tend to be better at making more of the vitamin from the plant beta-carotene, found the researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). This points to the considerable challenge for health officials trying to raise vitamin A levels in people with a deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is the most serious nutritional deficiency problem worldwide, causing blindness in up to 500,000 children each year, according to World Health Organisation figures. Yet although scientists are working on creating plants with enhanced levels of beta-carotene – which is converted by the body to vitamin A - to combat this problem, it has been difficult to assess how successful plant sources of beta-carotene actually are at improving vitamin A status. “Vitamin A is tricky to measure as it stays at the same level until you start to become deficient,” explained Janet Novotny, physiologist at the ARS. “Therefore it is difficult to show how much beta-carotene is being converted to vitamin A,” she told NutraIngredients.com. Novotny and colleagues at the ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC) used a stable isotope to tag carotenoids in kale plants. The plants were grown in a chamber supplied with a rare form of carbon dioxide where the carbon molecules were heavier than usual. When the plants formed beta-carotene, the nutrient was made with these heavier carbon molecules, which could then be easily tracked in blood samples taken from seven healthy volunteers fed with the kale. The vitamin A made by the body from this tagged beta-carotene was also visible, according to the researchers' report in the September issue of the Journal of Lipid Research (vol 46, issue 9, pp1896-903). “We don't yet have a specific number for the rate of absorption but it helps us to understand more about how the body makes vitamin A,” said Novotny. The work also revealed lutein was much better absorbed than beta-carotene, despite being structurally very similar. Further, those people who absorbed lutein well, were also good absorbers of beta-carotene, suggesting there may be a shared mechanism. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:25:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-rich-plants-improve-vitamin-a-status-shows-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-important-for-strong-healthy-bones-experts Vitamin K important for strong healthy bones: expertsSource: www.channelnewsasia.comFor years, calcium-rich products such as milk have been recommended to help build strong bones. But now Vitamin K is also thought to help prevent the brittle bone disease - osteoporosis. Green leafy vegetables like lettuce and chye sim are rich in Vitamin K, which activates a protein that helps in bone development. But it is difficult for the body to extract the vitamin from plants during digestion. So experts recommend taking food and drinks supplemented with Vitamin K which are easier for the body to absorb. Early stages of osteoporosis have no side-effects, so people usually do not realise they have the disease until they break a bone. Women are four times more likely to get it than men. Dr Ngian Kite Seng, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, said, "After the age of 50, you begin to lose bone more than you form, and especially in ladies when you hit menopause, you lose the protective effect of oestrogen and for about 5 to 8 years after that, you lose bone much faster than men." - CNA/ms Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:22:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-important-for-strong-healthy-bones-experts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/memory-loss-is-second-greatest-health-fear Memory Loss Is Second Greatest Health FearSource: www.prnewswire.comMemory loss is Americans' second greatest health fear -- second only to cancer -- but few people are consuming enough DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an essential nutrient to maintain optimum brain health as they age, according to national survey results released today by Martek Biosciences. Martek representatives will be available at booth #1244 during the American Dietetic Association's Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo October 22-25 to discuss survey findings. Nearly 83 percent of survey respondents say they are doing something they believe will promote brain health, such as physical exercise (60 percent) or mental exercise (53 percent), but only four in 10 claim to eat foods they believe will help their brains, such as those rich in DHA. Several studies have associated a high dietary intake of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA with a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. "DHA is the most important fat for your brain. While brain degenerative diseases are not curable, they may be preventable, and studies have shown that DHA may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease regardless of genetic history," says David Perlmutter, M.D., FACN, board-certified neurologist, Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and internationally recognized leader in the field of nutritional influences in neurological disorders. Survey results also indicate that it is difficult for consumers to get enough DHA in their diets. This may be because dietary sources of DHA are primarily limited to fatty fish and organ meat. Although the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that people eat two servings each week of fatty fish to help fuel a healthy brain, survey results show that the average American is consuming fish less than once a week. What's more, survey results found a large majority (64 percent) of those surveyed say they need to incorporate even more fish into their diet. Some respondents say they are not eating fish at all because they don't like it. And, others have concerns about contaminants found in fish. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) and International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) sponsored workshop recommended a daily DHA intake of 220 mg a day for healthy adults, the equivalent of more than four cans of light tuna a week. While most survey respondents (78 percent) are aware that fatty fish is important for the brain, just about half (51 percent) say they are not familiar with the health benefits of DHA. DHA is a major structural fat in the gray matter of the brain that supports brain development and ongoing function throughout life. Incorporating DHA the Easy Way Martek DHA(TM) is made from algae, the only vegetarian source that provides a meaningful amount of DHA. The algae are grown in stainless steel fermentors and the oil is produced under tightly controlled manufacturing conditions, eliminating any risk of oceanic pollutants and toxins that may be present in DHA derived from fish or fish oils. Martek DHA can be found in foods including Gold Circle Farm Eggs and Oh Mama! Nutrition Bars for pregnant and nursing women. Martek DHA is also available in dietary supplements, including Neuromins DHA, Expecta LIPIL for pregnant and nursing women, and OptiNate Rx prenatal vitamins. Martek DHA is currently added to more than 75% of U.S. infant formula. It is the only DHA accepted by the FDA for use in U.S. formulas. For more information on where to find Martek DHA, visit http://www.dhadepot.com. Other survey findings: * Survey respondents chose the following health concerns as their greatest fear as they age as: cancer (29 percent), memory loss (22 percent), heart attack (12 percent) and heart disease (11 percent). * Respondents ages 18-24 are more concerned about developing cancer (39 percent), while respondents older than 35 are most concerned about memory loss issues (32 percent). * Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) say they would take one or more proactive measures if they knew it would maintain memory or prevent Alzheimer's or dementia. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:18:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/memory-loss-is-second-greatest-health-fear http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/avoiding-migraines-with-wheat-free-diet Avoiding migraines with wheat-free dietSource: www.bradenton.comI suffered from migraine headaches for more than 10 years. I saw several neurologists, but my intense headaches forced me to take early retirement.In the fall of 2002, I went from three headaches a week to almost nonstop. That November, I had only three days without headaches. I took migraine meds like Frova, Maxalt and Imitrex, but I mostly lay in bed in a dark room.I was at my wits' end. Then my family doctor suggested a gluten-free diet. Gradually my headaches became less frequent, and after several months I was 98 percent headache-free.I feel I was given a new life! Please share my story so others can benefit.Migraine is not often recognized as a symptom of celiac disease, but we have heard from others like you who suffered until they eliminated gluten from their diets. Celiac is more common than many physicians realize.In this condition, sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) can result in symptoms such as fatigue, anemia, nerve pain, memory loss, osteoporosis, infertility, flatulence, diarrhea and digestive-tract distress.We recently spoke with Peter Green, M.D., director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. He confirmed that migraines can be a symptom of celiac disease. Anyone who would like a CD of this hour-long interview show may send $15 in check or money order to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. CD-558, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.My wife used to get sore throats every winter. They'd hang on for weeks and develop into a loud, hacking cough. Until she recovered, neither of us would get much sleep.Then I remembered that my sister had had a similar problem with her four growing boys. In desperation, she tried a remedy she read about: drinking "red" grape juice regularly.Both my wife and I started drinking a glass of Concord grape juice every day, fall through spring, and the problem vanished. Since then, we've almost never had a sore throat or bad cough.We drink half a glass of grape juice and add half a glass of water. We make the juice from frozen concentrate. Do you know why this works?Purple grape juice has a surprising number of potential health benefits. Research has shown that it can reduce bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help keep blood vessels flexible. There is even some data to suggest that ingredients in grapes may affect the immune system. Whether this effect would help ward off sore throats and coughs we do not know.Are there any foods or supplements that are especially bad for people who get kidney stones? I would like to know what to avoid and what would be helpful. I never want to experience the pain of passing a stone again.The most important recommendation for avoiding kidney stones is to drink plenty of fluids. But the type of beverage you choose makes a difference.Grapefruit and cranberry juices may actually increase the risk of kidney-stone formation. Orange juice and lemonade lower the chances of developing a stone. They increase citrate in the urine, and that reduces the crystallization of calcium oxalate into kidney stones.Recent research (Journal of Nutrition, July 2005) suggests that high doses of vitamin C (2,000 mg daily) can increase the risk of oxalate kidney stones. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:16:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/avoiding-migraines-with-wheat-free-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/going-veggie-how-to-stay-healthy Going Veggie? How to stay healthySource: www.berkeleybeacon.comWhile many Americans have recently experimented with the carnivorous Atkins diet, others are sticking to a meat-free vegetarian plan. Just by observing the many options available in Emerson's dining hall, it is evident that vegetarianism is common on campus. Vegetarian choices abound, with entrées including eggplant parmesan, potato casserole, Szechwan tofu with noodles and veggies and the basic garden salad offered daily. So what are the benefits of being a vegetarian, and why have many people chosen to forego meat? When it's done right, vegetarianism can have great health benefits for individuals. According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Web site (www.eatright.org), a vegetarian diet should consist of mainly whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts. The ADA also said that following a vegetarian diet reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, among many other health conditions. Many vegetarians are healthier because they also consume more fiber (found in fruits, vegetables and legumes) than non-vegetarians, the ADA said. The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that a higher intake of fiber can decrease one's chances of contracting coronary disease by 40 percent. The HSPH also shows that regular fiber intake is linked to a decreased likelihood of diabetes, diverticular disease (an intestinal condition) and constipation.Still, vegetarians do face some health risks. According to Carolyn Hintlian, a registered dietician who works for a private nutrition clinic on Washington Street, vegetarians are prone to experiencing deficiencies in protein, iron, vitamin B-12, Omega-3 fatty acids and calcium. She said, however, that there are several ways to avoid these deficiencies."Most vegetarians can find adequate protein from beans, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds," Hintlian said. "However, these protein sources are often incomplete. They should be combined with other types of protein, such as eggs or dairy."This can be difficult for vegans because they generally choose not to eat any animal products whatsoever (some vegans also restrict honey from their diet). Hintlian recommends soy milk or rice milk as alternative protein sources. "Soy protein is an excellent substitution for dairy," she said.Hintlian said that vegans need to make sure they also include vitamin B-12 in their diets. "Vitamin B-12 affects your energy level in the same way that iron does," Hintlian said. "A deficiency can take a long time to develop, but you can prevent it by taking a vitamin supplement or eating [B-12] fortified foods." Furthermore, deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty acids are common in vegetarians, Hintlian said. Vegetarians can get Omega-3 (which is found in eggs and fish) from flax seeds and oil, walnuts, canola oil and soybeans, she said. Another major concern for vegetarians and vegans is calcium intake, Hintlian said. Since vegetarians-and particularly vegans-may not be getting calcium from dairy, they need to be especially vigilant in making sure they are getting it from alternative sources, she said."In vegetarians and vegans, calcium is not absorbed as well [since they don't get calcium from animal sources]," Hintlian said. "Drinking calcium-fortified juices can help, and all women, regardless of their diet, should take a calcium supplement daily. Vegans and vegetarians can get calcium from dark greens, kale and spinach." So are college kids eating enough of this green foliage? Vegetarian Lana Cucchiella, a senior writing, literature and publishing and political communication double major, said, "Most of the vegetarians I know are prone to eating more greens and fresh produce, which are obviously great for our bodies."While some students enjoy the health benefits of vegetarianism, others like the gratification of doing animals a favor. The multi-billion dollar meat industry-or what has been labeled "factory farming" by animal rights activists-is one of the reasons why people choose vegetarianism. Freshman Matt Czerwinski, a writing, literature and publishing major, has been a vegetarian since the eighth grade. "I don't like the way animals are treated as items instead of living creatures," Czerwinski said. "Healthy eating is just a benefit for me." The book Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser and Morgan Spurlock's more recent movie Super Size Me have also raised more awareness about America's fast food culture, the heavily subsidized meat industry and "mad cow disease" (officially known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE). Regardless of the type of diet you choose, it is always important to make sure to get the proper nutrition. For vegetarians and vegans, there are a number of different educational materials available, not only to the make sure you eat your fill and get your share of nutrients, but also to avoid potential health risks that may come with any lifestyle change. The Vegetarian Society (www.vegsoc.org), an educational charity, and The Healing Sun (www.thehealingsun.com) company, which sells vegetarian supplements and offers free advice from certified nutritional consultants are two of many sources of information about how to stay in tip-top shape-inside and out.On Saturday, the 10th annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival will be held at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at 1350 Tremont St. (MBTA Orange Line to Roxbury Crossing) from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event is free for everyone and includes food samples, registered dietician consultants, discounted shopping opportunities and more. Visit www.bostonveg.org/foodfest for more information. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:15:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/going-veggie-how-to-stay-healthy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/questions-and-answers-about-fats-and-oils Questions and Answers About Fats and OilsSource: www.infozine.comShould someone with high blood triglycerides eat less fat? Are the claims about coconut oil being a good fat true? Is olive oil a source of antioxidants? Q: Can the new Enova oil really help people lose weight? Washington, D.C. - American Institute for Cancer Research - infoZine - Q: Should someone with high blood triglycerides eat less fat? A: A high triglyceride count usually comes from an over-production within the body, not from food. For overweight people, weight loss is usually the key to reducing triglycerides. A permanent loss of 10 to 20 pounds is often enough. However, too little physical activity or too much alcohol could also stimulate triglyceride production. In addition, genetic disorders, as well as certain diseases and drugs, can cause high blood triglycerides. To find a solution to your triglyceride problem, a registered dietitian can help. Ask your physician for a referral, or find one using the American Dietetic Association website (www.eatright.org).Q: Are the claims about coconut oil being a good fat true? A: No. First, coconut oil is almost completely saturated fat. Sound research clearly shows that coconut oil raises blood cholesterol. Second, although the main type of fatty acid in this oil might stimulate the immune system, the result could be harmful. Part of the way omega-3 fats (the fat found in fatty fish) work to promote health is by keeping the immune system from becoming too active. Third, controlled scientific studies do not support any significant weight control benefits from coconut oil. A variety of other fats like canola and olive oil have proven health advantages and can be used instead.Q: Is olive oil a source of antioxidants? A: Yes. There are primarily two kinds of antioxidants in olive oil: phenols and vitamin E. The amount of phenols, which are phytochemicals, depends upon how the oil is produced. Extra virgin oil has more phenols than light olive oils. Although olive oil contains less vitamin E than several vegetable oils, olive oil is mostly composed of monounsaturated fat. This is an important difference. Human studies suggest that olive oil, because of its monounsaturated fat, can help prevent LDL ("bad") cholesterol from converting to its most damaging form. By raising the antioxidant content of blood, olive oil could possibly lead to less of the DNA damage that causes cancer.Q: Can the new Enova oil really help people lose weight? A: Specially processed from soybean and canola oils, Enova oil is mostly fat with an unusual chemical structure called a diacylglycerol (DAG). The body seems to handle DAG fat differently, sending it directly to the liver to be burned for energy. Available studies suggest that substituting one to three tablespoons of Enova oil for the oil or margarine you use each day might produce four to six pounds of weight loss per year. Since the possible weight impact is so slight, you may benefit more from using canola or olive oil. Canola oil has a higher proportion of healthy omega-3 fat, while olive oil contains powerful antioxidant phytochemicals. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:45:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/questions-and-answers-about-fats-and-oils http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/many-women-are-turning-to-natural-remedies-to-cope-with-menopause-but-what-is-the-evidence-to-support-these-methods-by-dr-vicki-kotsirilos Many women are turning to natural remedies to cope with menopause, but what is the evidence to support these methods? By Dr Vicki KotsirilosSource: news.australiandoctor.com.auWHILE the standard therapy for hot flushes is still HRT, there is increasing resistance to the treatment among women. Since the Women?s Health Initiative and Millenium study findings linking long-term HRT with an increased risk of breast cancer, more women are turning to non-pharmacological and complementary medicines for relief of menopausal symptoms. Many women are reluctant to accept hormonal treatments, except when symptoms are severe, because they see this stage of their lives as a ?natural event? and not a disease. Although more high-quality research is needed, this article outlines the evidence on efficacy and safety for non-pharmacological approaches to treating menopausal symptoms.Several review and position papers have been published by the NHMRC, the Cochrane collaboration and the North American Menopause Society on the evidence for hormonal and non-hormonal therapies for symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in menopausal women.The North American Menopause Society recommends women with mild symptoms first consider ?lifestyle changes, either alone or combined with a non-prescription remedy, such as dietary isoflavones (either derived from soya or red clover), black cohosh or vitamin E?.While clinical trial results for these remedies are insufficient, the society concludes ?no serious side effects have been associated with short-term use of these therapies?. Women planning to cease HRT should be warned that hot flushes are likely to return, even after five years, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Med ical Association.The prevalence of menopausal symptoms in many cultures is low. In Hong Kong, the rate is 10-22%, in Japan it is 17%, in Thailand 23%, with the lowest reported prevalence in Mayan women from Mexico. This lack of symptoms was not attributable to endocrinological differences, but may partly be due to the high concentrations of phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) in their diet, the women?s attitude towards menopause and lower stress levels.According to the North American Menopause Society, differences in BMI in women may be a more important predictor of hot flushes than ethnic differences.BODY TEMPERATURE Some evidence suggests small temperature elevations may trigger hot flushes, thus keeping cool may reduce their frequency. Suggestions include cooler environments, air-conditioning in houses, swimming, and avoiding spicy food and drinks. PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT In a study of 78 menopausal women with hot flushes and breast cancer randomised to education and psychosocial support groups or a control group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in symptoms compared with the control group. RELAXATION THERAPIES Nervous tension may affect the thermoregulatory centre, leading to transient peripheral vasodilation in cutaneous vessels and therefore the sensation of flushing, according to several studies published in the Lancet. Interestingly, even excitement, such as laughter, can have this effect. Three randomised control trials identified by the North American Menopause Society found that paced respiration (slow, controlled, diaphragmatic breathing) reduced hot flushes, particularly if done at the onset of a hot flush. Compared with controls, hot flushes reduced by about 50% in women who practised regular paced respiration. LIFESTYLE CHANGES According to the literature, low levels of physical activity, low socioeconomic status, and smoking (past and present) increase the relative risk of hot flushes in menopausal women.DIET Isoflavones Isoflavones are often called phytoestrogens because they bind to oestrogen receptors and are found in whole food. A typical Asian diet contains high levels of isoflavones (50-200mg daily). The low rate of menopausal symptoms and some cancers, such as breast and prostate, in these countries have been attributed by some to this diet. Foods rich in phytoestrogens include legumes (soya beans, tofu, chickpeas), nuts and seeds, celery, fennel, green and yellow vegetables, parsley, yams, sweet potato, rice, peas, beans, cucumber, corn, paw paw and liquorice. HERBS Phytoestrogen supplementation Phytoestrogen supplements containing the active ingredients rich in isoflavones may be extracted from red clover, black cohosh root or soya beans. According to the North American Menopause Society, the general consensus is that phytoestrogen supplements are safe for most women, although there is some uncertainty about safety in several sub-groups of women, such as those with breast cancer. Soya A randomised placebo-controlled trial published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that soy isoflavones supplements up to 100mg daily for four months in postmenopausal women reduced cholesterol and menopausal symptoms by 21%. At this dose, there were no reported serious adverse effects.Other studies have only demonstrated soy?s effectiveness when the diet increases phytoestrogen intake. One study found that after three months of soy flour supplementation, women had a 40% reduction in hot flushes compared with controls fed wheat flour, who had a 25% reduction. Advising patients to add two tablespoons of soy grits, available at health food stores and supermarkets, to their cereal may be comparable. Red clover ( Trifolium pratense ) Three randomised controlled trials of daily red clover supplementation (Rimostil 57mg isoflavones) or Promensil (40mg isoflavones) found no benefit for hot flushes in peri- and postmenopausal women. Another trial of 30 women aged 49-65 years reported reduced hot flushes after four weeks? supplementation with 80mg Promensil daily. In a further study of red clover (Promensil), 73% of women experienced a significant improvement in menopausal symptoms, 50% a reduction in hot flushes and 47% a reduction in night sweats within six weeks of treatment. These results would need to be reproduced.Five trials assessing the effects of T pratense isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women were identified in a systematic review. It concluded there was a small reduction in hot flush frequency in women receiving active treatment (40?80mg/day) compared with those receiving placebo. However, a large US trial published in JAMA concluded that red clover extract had no ?clinically important effect on hot flushes or other symptoms of menopause?. Black cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa ) Black cohosh has been used in traditional North American Indian medicine to treat gynaecological disorders including menopausal symptoms. The German Commission E, which acts as a regulatory agency and reviews the safety and efficacy of drugs and herbs, lists short-term treatment with black cohosh for menopausal symptoms, PMS and dysmenorrhoea for up to six months because of the lack of long-term safety data. However, an article in the Medical Journal of Australia described six patients who presented with severe hepatitis after taking herbal remedies containing black cohosh. One patient who took black cohosh alone developed fulminant hepatic failure. Another report of liver failure has since appeared for a herbal tonic containing black cohosh. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is now conducting a safety and efficacy review of the herb in menopausal women. It is unclear how black cohosh works, but it may have a mild oestrogenic effect. Again, this may be of concern in women with a history of gynecological and breast cancer.To date, there have been seven randomised controlled trials published on the effects of black cohosh on hot flushes and night sweats. The NHMRC concluded from level II studies that ?there is a paucity of good-quality evidence on the efficacy of black cohosh against vasomotor symptoms? but no effect on sleep disturbance. In a literature review, three of four trials found black cohosh was useful for the control of hot flushes and mood disorders. There was no oestrogenic effect on vaginal epithelium. A 12-week study of 304 postmenopausal women (mean age 54 years) found compared with placebo, women taking black cohosh showed a significant improvement in hot flushes, urinary symptoms, vaginal dryness and mood. Liver function tests did not alter in either group.There have also been some conflicting results. A trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology randomised 85 patients to receive black cohosh or placebo. The differences between the two groups was not statistically significant for most menopausal symptoms. Of interest, the overall decline in hot flushes in both groups was about 27%, and this figure is similar in the placebo groups observed in other clinical trials, indicating the role of placebo. Generally, black cohosh is well tolerated and the most common adverse reaction reported is GI symptoms (nausea, dyspepsia and abdominal upset).Other herbs Herbs believed to be beneficial for menopausal symptoms, with little or no supporting research, include wild yam, dong quai, fennel, red sage, Panax ginseng, liquorice root and sarsaparilla root. Although traditionally used by Chinese women, two randomised controlled trials of dong quai, including one published in the MJA, found it was ineffective. To date, there has been only one trial of wild yam cream, which demonstrated no effect. Evening primrose oil is popular, but there has only been one trial published in the BMJ, which showed it was ineffective. VITAMIN E One small placebo controlled trial of vitamin E supplementation showed a statistically insignificant improvement in menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. ACUPUNCTURE The WHO supports the use of acupuncture for the management of menopause, but few trials exist endorsing its use.Dr Kotsirilos is a member of the Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Therapeutic Goods Administration; Australian Drug Reactions Advisory Committee; an honorary research fellow, faculty of medicine, Monash University, Melbourne; and a GP in Clayton, Victoria. Further reading Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Summary of the Evidence. NHMRC, Consultation Draft, October 2004. www.health.gov.au/nhmrc/References available on request. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:42:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/many-women-are-turning-to-natural-remedies-to-cope-with-menopause-but-what-is-the-evidence-to-support-these-methods-by-dr-vicki-kotsirilos http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-rich-diet-may-reduce-lung-cancer-risk Soy-Rich Diet May Reduce Lung Cancer RiskSource: www.medpagetoday.comA diet rich in phytoestrogens such as those found in soy as well as spinach, carrots and broccoli appears to reduce the risk of lung cancer, researchers report. Researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center here say they have found evidence that food-derived compounds called phytoestrogens, nonsteroidal substances that weakly mimic estrogen, have a protective effect. Phytoestrogens are divided into three main classes -- isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans -- and are found in a range of fruits, grains, and vegetables, said Margaret Spitz, M.D., senior author of the study in the Sept. 28 Journal of the American Medical Association. In the study, participants whose diets included the most phytoestrogens had a 46% reduction in the risk of lung cancer, said study author Matthew Schabath, Ph.D. Although there are animal and in vitro data that suggest phytoestrogens may help prevent lung cancer, the human data are conflicting, Dr. Spitz said. "To our knowledge, this is the first large study looking at phytoestrogen intake as a protective agent against lung cancer," she said. The research is part of an ongoing case-control study of genetic susceptibility to lung cancer. Between July 1995 and October 2003, the researchers recruited 1,674 lung cancer patients and 1,735 matched healthy controls. The subjects were interviewed to obtain demographics, socioeconomic status, and smoking history, and a food-frequency questionnaire that was used to get information on 12 dietary phytoestrogens. The main findings were: Patients with lung cancer had diets with lower amounts of phytoestrogens than controls.There were sex-specific differences both in intake and protective effects. For example, men tended to have more phytoestrogens in their diets and all classes were protective, whereas this distinction did not hold for women.The apparent benefits were seen in both smokers and those who had never smoked, but were less evident in former smokers. The apparent benefit for smokers "does not give you a license to keep smoking," Dr. Spitz cautioned. "The main message," Dr. Schabath added, "is quit smoking. And then have a healthy lifestyle and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables." The study adds to the options for clinicians, said Lawrence Dacey, M.D., and David Johnstone, M.D., both of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. In an editorial accompanying the research, they advise that patients "should be informed that they may further reduce their risk of developing cancer by adopting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables." People who have never smoked seem to get the most benefit from phytoestrogens, they note, adding that "this group has a very low baseline risk of lung cancer," but even that risk "can be further reduced by dietary choices." In a concluding caveat, Dr. Spitz noted that the study has some basic flaws. It is observational, not experimental, she said, and it is retrospective, which opens the possibility of recall bias among participants. "We need a case-control study, nested in a prospective study, in which diet histories are taken before people come down with the disease," Dr. Spitz concluded. Primary source: Journal of the American Medical Association Source reference: Schabath MB et al. Dietary Phytoestrogens and Lung Cancer Risk. JAMA. 2005;294:1493-1504. Additional source: ,Journal of the American Medical Association Source reference: Lawrence J. Dacey and David W. Johnstone. Reducing the Risk of Lung Cancer. JAMA. 2005;294:1550-1. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:40:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-rich-diet-may-reduce-lung-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-backs-up-claims-over-vitamin-e-and-anti-ageing Study backs up claims over vitamin E and anti-ageingSource: www.thematuremarket.comA new study confirms the efficacy of vitamin E skin care formulations under exposure to ultraviolet radiation, claiming that it can help to prevent or minimize free radical-induced damage. With skin care specialists increasingly emphasizing that prevention, rather than repair, is the key to maintaining young-looking skin. This means that formulators are constantly looking for proven ways of incorporating natural ingredients to help protect skin.Vitamin E has been increasingly incorporated into both anti-aging and sun screen formulations as a means of upping a product's anti-oxidant efficacy. For this reason, and the fact that is easy to manufacture, readily available and inexpensive, it has now become the number one selling anti-oxidant ingredient.The study, which was published online in the September issue of Skin Pharmacology Physiology, shows that supplying topical exogenous antioxidants to the skin may prevent or minimize free radical-induced damage.Researchers determined the antioxidative capacity of a topical skin care treatment - an oil-in-water vitamin E-containing formula – on human skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by using a photochemiluminescence device and biophysical methods.In a randomized, double blind study, either a pH-balanced vitamin E emulsion or a control lotion was applied onto the forearm skin of 10 healthy Caucasian participants.Thirty minutes after application, test sites were exposed to a UV light to induce erythema; one untreated site served as a control. Visual scoring and instrumental measurements were recorded at baseline and thereafter at 24 hours and 48 hours to determine antioxidant capacity.At day two and day three after UV exposure, vitamin E emulsion and the vehicle control significantly suppressed visual scores when compared with the blank control. More specifically, vitamin E emulsion showed significantly lower visual scores when compared with vehicle control; and vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control significantly diminished skin color measurement values when compared with a blank control, the researchers reported. Furthermore, vitamin E emulsion significantly reduced skin blood flow volume when compared with blank control at day two; and at day three, vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control showed significant reduction of blood flow volume when compared with blank control.From the test results the researchers concluded, vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control proved effective in preventing induction of erythema and reducing inflammatory damage caused by UV exposure, and the effect of vitamin E emulsion exceeded that of an 'active control'.The results lend further credence to the belief that vitamin E is a valuable antioxidant, which in turn makes it a good means of providing protection to the skin and preventing visible signs of skin aging. All of the above text is a press release provided by the quoted organization. TheMatureMarket.com accepts no responsibility for their accuracy. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:39:33 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-backs-up-claims-over-vitamin-e-and-anti-ageing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-ingredients-and-research-boost-natural-joint-health New ingredients and research boost natural joint healthSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comThe recent safety scandal over Vioxx and the withdrawal of the drug from the market left a huge void in the joint care market. But manufacturers of natural products have been jumping in with both feet, eager to prove the safety and efficacy of Cox-II alternatives. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in three Americans – almost 66 million individuals – suffer from daily joint discomfort, representing a massive opportunity for companies that can provide them with safe respite. Currently, glucosamine is the most popular ingredient: according to Mintel's Global New Products Database it is contained in 48 percent of joint health supplements launched in the US since 2000. Chondroitin is contained in 24 percent. But that is not to say there are no opportunities for other ingredients, which may have different actions and benefits. Last month Next Pharmaceuticals announced that it is stepping up marketing of its Nexturine anti-inflammatory, which is derived from the bark of the Chinese phellodendron tree. It is currently looking for partners in Europe. EuroPharma is introducing Litozin, from specially-bred rosehips, to the US and is claiming that it could be “quite explosive” in the market within the next two to three years. Dynamic Nutritional Products is marketing its milk protein supplement Microlactin, and claims that clinical studies have shown it to be 60 percent more effective than glucosamine in relieving the inflammatory pain of osteoarthritis. Also this month the results of the first US double-blind, placebo-controlled study into the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) were announced. Sulfur, the main active component, is known to be beneficial for the body's connective tissue. MSM is by no means new. Cardinal Nutrition's OptiMSM is already contained in products by major manufacturers such as Schiff, Solgar, Natural Factors, Vitamin Shoppe, Jarrow, Source Naturals, Nature's Way and Enzymatic Therapy. But the Vancouver-based company clearly thinks more research will lead to more success. The study at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona and the Arthritis Health Center in Arizona, involved 50 men and women, all aged between 40 and 76 years, and measured the effects of three grams of OptiMSM taken twice a day over a 12-week period, compared to a placebo. The MSM was found to have a statistically significant effect on pain and stiffness, as measured by the WOMAC scale. This result was expected, but a secondary measurement of homocysteine levels threw up more surprising results. Those who took the MSM had “significant reductions” in plasma homocysteine, an amino acid thought to cause damage to the lining of arteries, increase clotting of the blood, and cause blockages in the arteries when it occurs at high levels. “The highly significant reduction in homocysteine is important, especially when several mainstream osteoarthritis drugs have been pulled off the market because they increase the risk of stroke and heart attack,” said Jeremy Appleton, Cardinal's director of scientific affairs and R&D. “By lowering homocysteine, MSM may actually reduce those risks, which is highly desirable in a joint supplement." The MSM study was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Nutrition at the weekend, and has also been presented to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American College of Nutrition is anticipated in the near future. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:37:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-ingredients-and-research-boost-natural-joint-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/side-effects-of-hyaluronic-acid Side Effects of Hyaluronic AcidSource: www.pressbox.co.ukAccording to e-hyaluronicacid.com, there are no known side effects for most hyaluronic acid products including pills, serums, creams and liquids. However, there are some side effects associated with knee and facial injections. Some of the less common side effects for knee injections of hyaluronic acid include: blue color or flushing or redness of skin, cough, difficulty in swallowing, dizziness or feeling faint, fever, redness or pain at place of injection, skin rash, hives, and/or itching, stuffy nose, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, as well as tightness in chest, troubled breathing, and/or wheezing. e-hyaluronicacid.com also tells us that some of the more common side effects for knee injections of hyaluronic acid include: diarrhea, headache, itching of the skin, large blue or purplish patches in the skin, loss of appetite; nausea and/or vomiting, stomach pain and swelling of the knee. Facial injections of hyaluronic acid gel to combat aging do not pose an allergy risk for patients. However, hyaluronic acid gel does not contain lidocaine, an anesthetic, so injections can be painful. In addition, there is usually temporary inflammation that produces swelling and redness following injection with hyaluronic acid gel – especially in the lip area. Hyaluronic Acid promotes an understanding of hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase related products. Hyaluronic Acid is the sister site of HGH Web. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:34:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/side-effects-of-hyaluronic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-for-cancer-patients Nutrition for Cancer PatientsSource: www.theopenpress.comRarely do cancer patients or their families receive any information about which foods, vitamins, minerals or supplements they can eat or take while combating cancers or tumors from their oncologists, physicians or nurses. Too often while in chemotherapy or radiation, patients suffer debilitating mouth sores, wasting, and general overall poor health. Statistics now show that too many chemotherapy patients now die from the effects of chemotherapy, rather than die from cancer. Patients, who undergo radiation, too often have secondary cancerous tumors at the site of the radiation within 5-10 years. These are the statistics that are rarely discussed with the patient when the cancer "victim" "signs up" for chemotherapy and radiation. Furthermore, the "chemotherapy" patient is often not told of the neurological, heart, embolism, and subsequent death statistics associated with chemotherapy, but instead feels lucky there is some treatment for their cancer. There is now a great body of peer-reviewed university research that indicates there are a number of "amino acids," and natural substances that not only inhibit tumor growth, but also have been shown to actually cause "apoptosis" (cell death) in tumors and cancer cells. This newsletter will discuss and summarize these issues and research in a readable style for cancer patients, researchers and physicians. For example, L-glutamine, one of the most prevalent amino acids in the body, has been found to not only stop "mouth sores," but increase NK (natural killer cells) which attack cancer cells, by causing tumor cells to act as a "glutamine trap" which cause the body to increase NK cells then attack and kill cancer or tumor cells. There are now hundreds of studies proving that L Glutamine alone causes "apoptosis" or cell death in tumors. Other natural plants which increase NK cells that attack tumors have been found and used by the Orientals, and include Shitake and Reishi mushrooms, which are now sold as easily in health food stores in capsule form as ice cream is sold in grocery stores. In fact, cancer rates in Asian countries are much lower, possibly due to Asians making many mushrooms a part of their daily diet. As a result, it is no longer just the "Four Basic Food Groups" being sufficient for cancer patients, or anyone, anymore. Much more information must be given and proliferated in a society in which 1 out 4 persons is now diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Furthermore, it now appears that the causes of cancer include not only genetics, but also exposure to toxins, including pesticides, which make a difference in the age that one's cells turn into "cancer." Studies and research now show there are strong indications that it is the foods one eats, (or does not eat) the supplements one takes, one's life style, and what one smokes, (or does not smoke) that makes a difference in the age one gets cancer. Research from all over the world, including the United States, indicates that individuals outside of traditional medicine (not using chemotherapy and radiation) are curing their own cancers at an increasing rate, using alternative methods. These methods and the university and medical research, which explore these methods, will be discussed in this newsletter. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:33:35 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-for-cancer-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-launch-of-natural-skincare-revolution UK LAUNCH OF NATURAL SKINCARE REVOLUTIONSource: www.prleap.comScience & Nature is a company set up by well known Scots entrepreneur Bill Fleming to bring to British consumers high quality health and beauty products currently available only in overseas markets. The first of these is Nutural One Step, a product unlike any other on the market. It is an anti wrinkle cream, moisturiser and exfoliator in one. “Nutural One Step was originally developed in the USA 10 years ago for airline cabin crew, whose working environment in pressurised aircraft can be particularly detrimental to skin,” explains Bill Fleming. “We refer to Nutural One Step as a skin therapy, and it is the vanguard product for a portfolio that we are collecting from specialist sources around the world. We have already secured 20 products, around half of which will be produced in Scotland.”The natural ingredients in Nutural One Step work together to moisturise, firm and nourish the skin, rebuilding the collagen and elastin essential to youthful looking skin. It has over 70 vitamins, minerals, natural extracts and antioxidants, and is so natural that it could actually be eaten. The only ingredient that is not natural or naturally derived is oxybenzone, and this is included because of its importance in helping provide protection from the sun – Nutural One Step has a skin protection of SPF15.The unique blend of ingredients in Nutural One Step shape how it works. A combination of sea kelp and algae acts as an exfoliant and also feeds the skin with amino acids and antioxidants. With a high concentration of Vitamin C, the natural exfoliation is much gentler than alpha-beta hydroxyl products.It contains no oil, and uses three moisturising agents; Sodium PCA, Oat Betaglucan and Hyaluronic Acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. One bottle of Nutural One Step will last for eight to ten weeks, as only a small pearl-sized amount is used, twice a day. Users report seeing firmer, younger-looking skin, with a more even skin tone and fewer dark spots. The pH of the product also breaks down and helps kill the skin bacteria that contribute to most acne problems. Customers can also use the product on their hands, arms, throat and neck and on stretch marks. A 60ml bottle will retail at £39.90 and the associated herbal cleanser will be £15.90 for 118ml.Nutural One Step does not work like other products, and no other competing product uses as many natural ingredients. In clinical trails under supervision by a dermatologist, 93% of those tested saw noticeable improvement within three weeks. Bill Fleming continues: “Products will be launched in the UK before being rolled out into other European markets. We are not putting it into high street stores, but are dealing directly with the consumer.“It is a relatively expensive product to produce compared to rival brands, due to the high number of natural ingredients and the means by which they are combined, so dealing direct means we keep the cost to the consumer competitive."Consumers can purchase Nutural One Step by telephoning 0800 652 3836 or online at www.nutural.comNutural One Step has not been tested on animals. Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:22:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-launch-of-natural-skincare-revolution http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/superfoods-diet superfoods dietSource: entertainment.news.com.auIf you could ensure a longer and healthier life by changing your diet, would you do it? Well, you can start here. By Joanna Bounds.We're all searching for the ultimate eating plan. And the latest one promising high-quality health, shining eyes and glowing skin is the Superfoods diet. It works on the premise that there are 14 super foods that can help you live a longer and healthier life, slow the ageing process and help prevent cancer and diabetes. Great - where do we sign up?It all started when a book called Superfoods: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life (Random House) was published in the US, fast becoming the latest grazing craze. And, unlike many faddish eating plans, the Superfoods diet is based on proven scientific evidence - even though it does mean dramatically changing the contents of your shopping basket.So, what can you eat? The Superfoods diet dictates that you need to eat the following every day - at least one or two cups of blueberries, half-a-cup each of broccoli and pumpkin, five to seven servings of oats, one of tomatoes, one orange, at least half an ounce of soy, one cup of steamed spinach or two cups of raw, one cup of tea and two cups of yoghurt. Every week, followers must also have four servings of beans, two to four of wild salmon, three or four of turkey and five ounces of walnuts."Each food was selected based on gold-standard research of healthy dietary patterns around the world," says Dr Steven Pratt, ophthalmologist and co-author of Superfoods. "The right foods can actually change the course of your biochemistry. They can help to stop damage at cellular levels that can develop into disease. You feel better, have more energy and look better." Advertisement: So is it too good to be true? Well, not necessarily. Meredith Kennedy, a dietitian for Nutrition Australia says that all of the components of the Superfoods diet are nutrient-dense foods which are fantastically good for you - just don't be put off by the rigidity of the plan. "We'd recommend all of these foods as healthy choices," she says.But don't fret if you can't stand broccoli, or if oranges turn you off. "You can substitute cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower or cabbage for broccoli," says Kennedy. "And grapefruit, limes or lemons will give you similar nutrients to oranges." The most important part to remember is to consume a wide variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet if you want to make sure you really are eating a super diet. Here's what our experts have to say about the 14 super foods.oats Oats are a low GI carbohydrate, meaning that a bowl of porridge in the morning could be the ideal body booster. "Oats are high in soluble fibre," says Kennedy. "This helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. Along with that, bacteria in the gut ferment soluble fibre, reducing the risk of bowel cancer."beans Perfect for those battling the bulge, the high fibre content of beans and legumes means it's great to get into chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans. "They are a great source of protein and iron, plus a type of fibre that lowers blood cholesterol," says Jenny O'Dea, author of Positive Food For Kids (Doubleday) and nutritionist at the University of Sydney.salmon This fishy wonder has a multitude of health benefits. "It's been proven that salmon helps prevent a second heart attack if you've previously suffered from cardiovascular disease. There's also evidence that it eases the symptoms of arthritis sufferers," say Barbara Meyer, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Wollongong. That's along with boosting brain power and possibly preventing postnatal depression.blueberries These are at the top of the American agriculture department's list of health-giving fruits and vegies. They've been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease and are packed with vitamin C and E and disease-fighting compounds. "Blueberries are very high in antioxidants," says Aloysa Hourigan, senior nutritionist at Nutrition Australia. "They're also associated with memory, feelings of alertness and clear thinking."oranges This fruit comes armed with heaps of goodies. "Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, fibre, beta-carotene, folic acid, are low GI and low in fat, and contain high levels of antioxidants," says Kennedy. "A recent study shows an orange contains more than 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 antioxidants."pumpkin This spooky orange vegetable is perfect for warding off evil diseases. "It's high in the carotenoid family, which are protective against some cancers, along with the B vitamins, which are important in releasing energy, and will give you a good feeling of get up and go," says Hourigan.soy Soy has it all. It contains a wide variety of nutrients, protein and fibre and as a complete protein, supplies the full gamut of amino acids to the body. "Some evidence suggests soy gives a reduced risk of breast cancer," says Meyer. "There's also ongoing research about its effect on improving bone health."spinach So Popeye was right. It's been shown that spinach contains heaps of antioxidants which help protect against different types of cancer. "Spinach is also high in iron," says O'Dea. "It's best if you toss it in a wok with meat or capsicum, as that converts the iron into a type which is more easily absorbed by the body."green tea Drink up, as antioxidants in green tea help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and may prevent rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancer. In fact, antioxidants have been hailed as the wonder compound in recent times. "Green tea contains more antioxidants than most other foods," says Meyer. "They prevent oxidation, which causes cells in the body to be attacked."broccoli This cruciferous vegetable has been shown to be the green deal in terms of health benefits. "Broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C and folate," says Kennedy. "It's also rich in phytochemicals, which have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers."turkey Lean, white meat is the protein of choice. But it seems that turkey, in particular, will give your body a boost. "Turkey contains high levels of tryptophan and creates mood-altering chemicals, which give you a feeling of wellbeing," says Hourigan.walnuts Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats and omega-3s, along with being packed full of fibre and vitamin E. "Studies have been done with people suffering from Type 2 diabetes," says Kennedy, "which show that including walnuts in their diet reduced bad cholesterol in the blood by 10 per cent."tomatoes Fresh or canned, it's been shown that a regular intake of tomatoes is one of the best things you can do for you health. "Tomatoes are a bit special," confirms Hourigan. "They're one of the richest sources of lycopene, which protects against heart disease, and also reduces your risk of breast and prostate cancer."yoghurt Add a splash of yoghurt to your oats in the morning for a double health hit. "It's a great source of calcium and protein," says O'Dea. "It contains lactobacillus bacteria which colonises the large bowel and keeps acidity nice and even and helps prevent bowel cancer. All in all, it's a very nutritious food." Sun, 16 Oct 2005 19:20:38 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/superfoods-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pms-and-diet PMS and dietSource: www.health24.comStep 1: Understanding the relationship between Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and food About 80% of women experience some features of PMS. Fortunately, only a minority (estimated at 10%) of women have severe enough PMS symptoms to impact their work, relationships or lifestyle in a significant way. Proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can help symptoms before resorting to over-the-counter or prescription medications. Most women can control their PMS symptoms successfully so that they do not interfere with their leading healthy and productive lives.Step 2: Adopting new healthy habits Make dietary changes (see Step 3). Exercise regularly. Exercise can help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS. Aerobic exercise for 30 minutes should be done three to five times a week. Swimming, walking, and dancing are "low-impact" aerobic activities. They avoid the muscle and joint pounding of more "high-impact" exercises like jogging and skipping. Benefits include cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, weight control or reduction, decrease in fluid retention and increase in self-esteem. Avoid smoking. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and refined sugars. Increase intake of complex carbohydrates, magnesium and zinc, vitamins A, E and B6. Do daily relaxation and breathing exercises to reduce stress. If there is no relief of symptoms and PMS significantly interferes with functioning, medication may be necessary.Step 3: Understanding the basic principles of a diet to reduce symptoms of PMS Never skip meals. To maintain your blood sugar levels, it is better to eat small amounts more often. When you are premenstrual, your calorie requirements increase by 500 Calories a day. Eat two snacks per day in addition to your usual three meals. Eat protein at both lunch and supper. Keep your dairy consumption as low as possible. Reduce fat and sugar consumption. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Make sure you eat at least three portions of fruit and vegetables (preferably green leafy ones) every day. Avoid eating large amounts of refined sugar (sweets, cakes and biscuits). Rather stick to dried or fresh fruit. Keep salt consumption to a minimum as salt makes your body water-retentive. Make sure you eat a diet rich in magnesium, iron, zinc and chromium, essential fatty acids and vitamins B, C and E. Eat fish at least twice during this time. Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (for example, pasta and rice). Avoid caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. - (Dr I.V. van Heerden, DietDoc) Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:20:37 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pms-and-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hoodia-tea-is-the-slimming-product-the-world-has-been-waiting-for- Hoodia Tea is the slimming product; the world has been waiting for!Source: i-newswire.comHoodia Tea is the slimming product; the world has been waiting for! The hoodia cactus is native to the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa, and used by African bushmen to ward off hunger during long hunting expeditions. Now it has been developed into a remedy to fight obesity. The six foot plant, called Hoodia cactus, contains an active ingredient which research has shown could reduce appetite by up to 2,000 calories a day.Integrating Hoodia Slimming Tea into any diet is easy. Simply enjoy two or three freshly steeped cups a day between meals or when you experience cravings. You should immediately notice a difference in the frequency and intensity of your in between meal cravings, making it easier to help break the habit of ritual snacking, and to resist the temptation of overeating.In order to normalize your weight, you need to control your appetite so your food calorie intake is not excessive over your daily need. A normal person finds it difficult to control their appetite. Hoodia Slim Tea is an all natural, ephedrine free, and stimulant free product to help control your appetite to reduce caloric intake.It is very effective to boost your metabolic rate and burn stored fat or calories while working on your brain and liver chemistry to make you feel full of energy while having a very full and satisfied feeling with a reduced amount of food in your daily diet.Jacob Samual is an associated editor to the website www.hateweight.com. The Weight Loss Portal. Hateweight is committed to provide visitors with complete information on weight loss, obesity, healthy recipes, obesity diseases, latest news, personal views, articles and online community board on weight loss related topics. Your feedback & comments will be highly appreciated at jacobsamual@gmail.com If you have questions regarding information in this press release contact the company listed below. I-Newswire.com is a press release service and not the author of this press release. The information that is on or available through this site is for informational purposes only and speaks only as of the particular date or dates of that information. As some companies / PR Agencies submit their press releases once per week/month or quarter, make sure check the official company website for accurate release dates as our site displays the I-Newswire.com distribution date only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on or available through this site, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in that information or for actions taken in reliance on that information. Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:18:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hoodia-tea-is-the-slimming-product-the-world-has-been-waiting-for- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/controversy-over-vitamin-jab-for-autism Controversy over vitamin jab for autismSource: www.sundayherald.comA CONTROVERSIAL vitamin injection claimed to help autistic children recover is to be promoted in Scotland by its American developer. Dr James Neubrander, who will discuss the injection at a conference on autism in Edin burgh this week, has a private clinic in New Jersey where he says he has given more than 75,000 shots of methyl cobalamin B12 since May 2002, with, he claims, 94% of children showing improvement.Methylcobalamin B12 is a type of vitamin B12 produced naturally by bacteria in the colon and then absorbed. Some scientists believe that people with autism are unable to absorb this material.Neubrander said one injection is given every three days and the effects can be seen within five weeks. “My kids can lose their diagnosis [as autistic] within a year and a half to two and a half years and be in a normal classroom where nobody would know they had autism. When they stop the shots they regress in the same manner a diabetic who stops taking insulin would regress.“When we first see these kids they can’t talk and now they are totally recovered. This is to the autism world what antibiotics was to the modern world.”The doctor will discuss his work at the Treating Autism Con ference, organised by Action Against Autism, at the Royal College of Physicians, this Friday and Saturday . However, he points out that he is not suggesting his injection is the only treatment.“I believe in other treatments, like behavioural therapy and speech and language therapy and I tell my patients to continue with them.”Some UK doctors are already experimenting with the treatment, which is currently undergoing clinical trials in the US.Dr Jean Monro, medical director of Breakspear Hospital in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, said the private hospital has been using the injections on autistic children for several months. She said: “I saw one boy in his early teens who, from having been a chap who couldn’t even sit down, can now co-operate with people. We’ve also not found any side-effects yet.”But other medics are sceptical. Dr Iain McClure, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with NHS Argyll and Clyde, is scathing of Neubrander’s claims. “Dr Neubrander’s website claims his study provides ‘scientific validation for use of methyl B12’ in autism. I feel this cannot be scientifically justified,” he said.Neubrander’s paper, published last year, reports findings from a study which compared 20 autistic children to 33 healthy children .But McClure said: “Crucially, the study does not demonstrate any scientific evidence of clinical improvement in the autistic profile of children following these injections.”However, a Hampshire mother whose seven-year-old son Alex has been having the injections – bought from a doctor in Chicago – since last November, claimed to have seen improvements. Christina Wood said: “We started to see more language, that’s been the biggest thing. He’d stutter at the start of a sentence but not anymore.”A spokesman for the National Autistic Society (NAS) said many interventions for the complex condition had been developed, with various claims of success. “An intervention that may help one individual may not be effective for another . It would not be appropriate for the NAS to recommend any one practice or therapy.” 09 October 2005 Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:14:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/controversy-over-vitamin-jab-for-autism http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-dietary-intake-of-vitamin-e-by-type-2-diabetics-for-prevention-of-atherosclerosis Dietary intake of Vitamin E by type 2 diabetics for prevention of atherosclerosisSource: www.medindia.netDiabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in both men and women, which increases the risk by 2-6 fold relative to nondiabetic subjects and that 80 percent of all type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients will die of an atherosclerotic event.In these patients hyperglycemia per se confers increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and so the presence of even borderline-high-risk LDL-C signals the need for more aggressive LDL-lowering therapy. Most of the lipid-lowering agents, currently in use in the treatment of dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetics, have a host of side effects. The tocotrienol isomers are naturally occurring analogues of tocopherol isomers (Vitamin E) found mainly in cereal grains and palm oil, and have effective lipid lowering property in addition to their potent antioxidant activity.A recent study, conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, A.M.U., Aligarh, was published in the October issue of Atherosclerosis, in which the therapeutic impacts of tocotrienols on serum and lipoprotein lipid levels in type 2 diabetic patients were investigated. The effect of tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) was investigated on elevated blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1C in diabetic rats. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled design involving 19 type 2 diabetic subjects with hyperlipidemia was used. After 60 days of TRF treatment, subjects showed an average decline of 23, 30, and 42% in serum total lipids, TC, and LDL-C, respectively. The goal in type 2 diabetics is to reduce LDL-C levels ¡Ü100 mg/dl. In this study tocotrienols mediated a reduction of LDL-C from an average of 179 mg/dl to 104 mg/dl. The study concludes that daily intake of dietary TRF by type 2 diabetics will be useful in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. In addition, therapy with TRF is both efficacious and highly cost effective. Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:13:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/-dietary-intake-of-vitamin-e-by-type-2-diabetics-for-prevention-of-atherosclerosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/trying-to-weigh-the-benefits-of-the-many-skin-care-creams-is-enough-to-age-a-person Trying to weigh the benefits of the many skin-care creams is enough to age a personSource: www.signonsandiego.comWith squinting eyes and furrowed brow, Linda Morrison stood in the middle of the drugstore skin-care aisle, rubbing the forehead crease she hoped to banish. "All I want is something to make my skin look a little better. But, it's so confusing," says the petite 46-year-old San Diego woman. "I see the ads, I read the labels, but I'm not sure which (ingredients) really work or if anything really works. How am I supposed to know what's best for my skin?" Welcome to the agony and the ecstasy of modern skin care. Today there are more anti-aging skin-care products with potentially beneficial ingredients than ever before. Unfortunately, the stress of deciphering the labels and determining which are right for you is enough to cause new wrinkles. "This is a very exciting time for skin care. The product research is very impressive," says Paula Begoun, cosmetics watchdog, author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" and maker of Paula's Choice products. "The problem is, it's become rocket science and very difficult to understand." Try reading the ingredients list on the back of a jar of skin cream. The long list of multisyllabic words can be barely pronounced, let alone understood by the average consumer. To ease confusion and boost sales, marketing-savvy manufacturers promote ingredient buzz words like retinol, vitamin C, antioxidants, copper and peptides. But, nowhere on the label is an explanation of what these agents are, how they work or if they're really major players in the formulation. "Too often, the skin creams that are most popular are the ones with the most marketing, not with the most research," says Dr. Mitchel Goldman, a La Jolla dermatologist who has his own skin-care product line, Spa MD, available in some dermatologists' offices. Advertisement The widely hyped StriVectin-SD cream, which has run full-page advertisements in magazines and newspapers touting its anti-wrinkling ability, has been the No. 1-selling prestige skin cream in the world for the last two years. Originally used as an antidote for stretch marks, the patented peptide solution asks the question, "Better than Botox?" Not only do dermatologists often disagree with product advertising claims, but they also frequently disagree with one another on the effectiveness of certain ingredients. Goldman calls copper a "meaningless" skin-care ingredient, while Del Mar dermatologist Dr. Deborah Atkin believes it can be beneficial in preventing the degradation of collagen and decreasing inflammation. So what's a poor consumer who just wants to minimize her crow's feet supposed to do? First, make sure your expectations are realistic. There is no magic potion that will erase 20 years from your face. If there were, it'd be available only by prescription, and we'd all be knocking down our doctors' doors to get the stuff. "These anti-aging creams won't so much reverse the aging process and make you look younger as much as they simply slow down the aging process," Atkin says. "It's usually very subtle and gradual." Even with the very best products and ingredients, the most improvement anyone can hope to see is about 30 percent after six to eight weeks, skin experts say, and that's only as long as you continue to use the product. It's also important to do your homework. Although it can be tough to get definitive information about popular skin-care ingredients, at least become familiar with what they are and what they possibly can offer. "If you want anything more than that, you'll need to come to us for more than a skin cream," Goldman says. SOME INGREDIENTS' IMPACT MAY NOT EVEN BE SKIN DEEP To aid you in your anti-aging skin-care quest, the following list offers definitions of some of today's hottest skin-product ingredients along with claims, skin experts' opinions and product examples. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------PEPTIDES The short chains of amino acids are supposed to stimulate skin metabolism and signal the skin to repair itself. Some dermatologists are doubtful. "It's more likely peptides work as carrier agents, helping other ingredients get absorbed into the skin," says Dr. Deborah Atkin, a Del Mar dermatologist, who has seen little clinical evidence that peptides can stimulate collagen. However, cosmetics consumer advocate and author Paula Begoun says peptides are "cell communicating ingredients that can tell the skin cells to behave better and start making healthier skin. And, the skin cells listen," she says, crediting peptides for making Olay Regenerist "one of the best anti-aging products on the market." Products: Olay Regenerist, 2.5 ounces, $20; L'Oreal Age Perfect Anti-Sagging and Ultra Hydrating Night Cream, 2.5 ounces, $16.59; Lancome Renergie Microlift, 1.7 ounces, $74; StriVectin-SD Intensive Repair, 6 ounces, $135. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------COENZYME Q10 (COQ10) An antioxidant that's supposed to scavenge for free radicals, cell-destroying elements from the sun, smoke and other environmental pollutants that can cause wrinkling, irritation and even cancer. CoQ10 may also decrease sun damage in the skin. "This valuable antioxidant is commonly placed in skin creams and meant to rejuvenate the skin," says La Jolla dermatologist Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, whose product line is called SkinMedica. "But, just how much clinical effect it has on the skin is debatable." Products: Nivea Visage CoEnzyme Q10 Wrinkle Control, 1.7 ounces, $11.50; Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Lotion, 4 ounces, $10.99; Juvena Power Night, 1 ounce, $58. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------AHA Acronym for alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic and lactic acid, AHAs help exfoliate the skin. Beta hydroxy acid or salicylic acid is a bit more drying and used as an exfoliant and anti-inflammatory for acne-prone skin. Dermatologists agree that AHAs do a decent exfoliating job, but they don't give them much credit as an anti-aging ingredient. "Alpha hydroxy acids increase cellular turnover and give a temporary clearing of the skin by unclogging pores," says Dr. Mitchel Goldman, La Jolla dermatologist. "But, it hasn't been found to produce collagen, and it can be very drying and irritating. It's not for sensitive skin." Products: Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Creme Anti-Wrinkle Exfoliant, 2 ounces, $10.99; SkinCeuticals C+AHA, 1 ounce, $115. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------RETINOL This derivative of vitamin A is the weaker sister of tretinoin (retinoic acid) in prescription wrinkle creams Retin-A and Renova. Under the right conditions, retinol can become tretinoin in the skin and may improve the skin's appearance by regenerating collagen. Retinol may also lighten freckles and dark spots associated with aging and sun damage. According to skin experts, retinol is one the most effective anti-aging ingredients. "Retinoic acid can positively reverse signs of aging on a molecular level and help rejuvenate the skin. The problem is it's irritating," Goldman says. "Retinols are a less-irritating version, but it's difficult to get them to penetrate the skin to act at a cellular level." For best absorption, Atkin recommends that retinol be in the proper form, retinyl palmitate, a combination of retinol and palmitic acid. Products: L'Oreal Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Cream, 1.7 ounces, $14; Roc Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, 1 ounce, $20; N.V. Perricone Evening Facial Emollient, 2 ounces, $85. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------GREEN TEA/WHITE TEA Tea (black, green and white) is a potent antioxidant that can fend off free radicals. Dermatologists are optimistic about teas as a beneficial skin-care ingredient. "I like both green tea and white tea very much, and I'd look for either of them in skin-care products," Goldman says. Atkin adds that green tea may cause a decrease in inflammation and swelling, while white teas have been known to decrease the effects of UV exposure. Products: Denise Austin Skin Cell Serum, 1.7 ounces, $11.99; Origins A Perfect World, 1.7 ounces, $35; Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer, 35 doses, $65. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------COPPER This metal in the form of copper peptides is supposed to aid in wound healing. Skin doctors give it mixed reviews. Some believe it can help prevent the degradation of collagen and reduce skin inflammation. Others are skeptical because there's a lack of clinical evidence. And, Goldman calls it "just a marketing blitz." Products: Neutrogena Visibly Firm, 1.7 ounces, $20.99; Osmotics Blue Copper 5, 2 ounces, $55. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------VITAMIN C This potent antioxidant protects the skin from free radicals, unstable molecules that are believed to be the source of much of the skin-cell damage that leads to skin aging and cancer. Topically applied vitamin C and other antioxidants may boost collagen, improving skin texture, tone and firmness. Vitamin C is one of skin experts' favorite skin-care ingredients. "Never buy a a skin cream that's not loaded with great potent stable antioxidents like vitamin C," Begoun says. Fitzpatrick agrees, calling it "essential in any skin cream" and "significantly beneficial in stimulating collagen and helping protect against sun damage." Goldman recommends using the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C for best absorption. Products: L'Oreal Transformance Skin Solution, 1 ounce, $16.59; Murad Essential C Daily Renewal Complex, 1 ounce, $82; Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum, 30 milliliters, $90. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------KINETIN A plant hormone that acts as a humectant and may offer some temporary hydrating benefits. Atkin has seen no long-term benefits with kinetin use. Two other dermatologists interviewed were unfamiliar with it, noting that there are no published clinical studies on kinetin. Products: Almay Kinetin Age Decelerating Cream, 1.6 ounces, $14.99; Kinerase Cream, 2.8 ounces, $117. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------HYALURONIC ACID A component of connective skin tissue, it's been used successfully as an injected lubricant to counter osteoarthritis and other physical maladies. It acts as a powerful humectant, attacking 1,000 times its weight in water. Applied topically, it may plump up the skin. Currently only in high-end skin products, some skin pros think hyaluronic acid has real potential. "I'm a big fan of hyaluronic acid," Fitzpatrick says. "It's a complex sugar that binds water and is a good hydrating agent." Atkin and Goldman are doubtful about its long-lasting value. Products: Murad Night Reform Treatment, 1 ounce, $58; DDF C3-Plus Serum, .5 ounce, $60; Remede Complete Treatment Anti-Aging Wrinkle Control, 1.7 ounces, $95. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------SOY This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent may soothe the skin when applied topically. Skin experts aren't overly excited about soy, noting that it's botanically-based estrogen and there's some evidence that it may have some mild skin rejuvenating effects. Products: Neutrogena Visibly Even, 1.7 ounces, $12.99; Aveeno Positively Radiant, 4 ounces, $13.99; Roc Age Diminishing Daily Moisturizer, 3 ounces, $16. All skin-care cream prices may vary. Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:08:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/trying-to-weigh-the-benefits-of-the-many-skin-care-creams-is-enough-to-age-a-person http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-alternative-remedies-can-harm-kids Some 'alternative' remedies can harm kidsSource: www.usatoday.comWestern medicine doesn't have the market cornered on making children feel better: Some products from health food stores work like a charm with sick children, an expert on "alternative" remedies told fellow pediatricians Tuesday. But other widely available supplements can sicken or kill kids, Cora Collette Breuner said at the American Academy of Pediatrics meeting here.Unfortunately, pediatricians can't warn most families of dangers, she says; surveys show only about one-third of parents tell doctors about these alternative medicine purchases. The Denver Post via AP The Echinacea Plant "Pediatricians should ask and parents should be open about what they're giving kids," says Breuner, a pediatrics professor at University of Washington Medical School in Seattle. "We docs tend to downgrade the entire field of herbal and health food products because some of it is contaminated, and that's not fair."Studies suggest 11% to 15% of parents use some form of complementary medicine with their children, she says. Herbal supplements are commonly used, and some work.Herbs such as peppermint and chamomile can soothe children's upset stomachs, she says. Ginger capsules or tea made from fresh ginger also help, says Wake Forest University pediatrician Kathi Kemper, author of The Holistic Pediatrician.And probiotics in capsule or powdered form can ease children's diarrhea, Kemper says.On the other hand, there's no evidence that the wildly popular herb echinacea prevents or shortens children's colds, Breuner says. Want to learn more? Herbs and supplements don't need to be proven safe and effective before they're sold. Some lack any evidence for claims made on their labels. Others, however, have been studied in adults or children.To help sift evidence from claims about products in health food stores, pediatrician Cora Collette Breuner recommends these websites:www.holistickids.org www.nccam.nih.gov www.consumerlab.com Some seemingly harmless natural products may hurt children and teenagers. Garlic, for example, lowers cholesterol up to 10%, but it also thins blood, Breuner says. That can increase bleeding in young athletes, she says. Saint-John's-wort interacts with many medicines, for example lowering the potency of birth control pills, she adds.Some so-called natural weight loss products favored by girls might upset their balance of electrolytes, predisposing them to heart arrhythmias, Kemper cautions. Also, certain diet supplements have dangerous stimulants such as ephedra, she says.Teenage boys who want to "bulk up" might convince their parents it's OK to try innocent-sounding products such as protein powders that turn out to be laced with steroid hormones, according to Kemper. Sometimes these products are harmless, but contaminated supplements can cause kids to stop growing and even be toxic to the liver, she warns. Parents should avoid herbal products from developing countries, "particularly China, India and Mexico," Kemper advises, as many contain lead or other dangerous heavy metals."If parents can't read the label, they probably shouldn't give it to their child," she says. "We've even seen these 'teething tablets' that look so innocuous, and they end up containing lead." Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:02:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-alternative-remedies-can-harm-kids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoporosis osteoporosisSource: www.foxnews.comReal men may not eat quiche, but they might want to drink milk. The number of older men getting osteoporosis, making them susceptible to bone fractures, is increasing. But a large glass of fortified, low-fat milk may aid in warding off that brittle-bone disease.“A large glass a day of fortified milk may provide a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to slow or stop the age-related bone loss in men,” says Robin Daly, a research fellow in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.Walking Your Way to Better Bones Less Bone Loss With MilkAustralian researchers took 167 men over the age of 50 and randomly assigned them to either drink a glass of milk fortified with 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D a day or continue on their usual diet.The men’s bone mineral density -- an indicator of bone strength -- was checked every six months over a two-year period.The findings were presented at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research meeting.Researchers found that 88 percent of the men in the milk group were compliant in drinking their fortified milk. The men had no weight gain.At the end of the study, the rate of bone loss was about 1.6 percent less than the comparison group. There was no difference in bone density in the spine.The milk drinkers also had higher levels of vitamin D and lower levels of parathyroid hormone, a hormone that breaks down bone.“The rate of bone loss was less in the milk drinkers,” says Daly. “Men are living longer and more are being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Yet grown men don’t usually drink a lot of milk.”Do Vitamin D and Calcium Prevent Bone Fractures? Giving Milk a PunchThe milk used in the study contained much higher levels of calcium and vitamin D than milk on store shelves.A glass of milk contains about 300 milligrams of calcium and close to 100 international units of vitamin D. Milk isn’t fortified in Australia, says Daly.Calcium helps keep bones strong. And vitamin D helps the body better use calcium.Supplementing milk and other food products with calcium and vitamin D not only would increase bone density in men but in the general population as well, he says. “People need to get more exercise and drink more milk.”Though women, who are more prone to osteoporosis, have been advised for decades to drink milk and take calcium supplements, men have not received the same message, he says.Elizabeth Shane, MD, Columbia University professor of clinical medicine, agrees.“No one drinks enough milk,” she says.New dietary guidelines recommend drinking three 8-ounce glasses of milk daily. In place of a glass of milk, other dairy options include 1 cup of yogurt or 1.5 to 2 ounces of cheese. This would offer about 900 milligrams of calcium and about 300 international units of vitamin D.In the past, medical research involved primarily male participants. However, osteoporosis research places more emphasis on women because of their higher risk for osteoporosis, Shane says.“This is one of the few areas where women trumped men. Now researchers are looking at both men and women in terms of osteoporosis,” she says.Bone-Breaking DiseaseOsteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis.Many times, osteoporosis is not discovered until weakened bones cause potentially debilitating fractures, usually in the back or hips.Until about age 30, a person normally builds more bone than he or she loses. During the aging process, bone breakdown begins to outpace bone buildup, resulting in a gradual loss of bone mass. Once this loss of bone reaches a certain point, a person has osteoporosis.Five Steps to Saving Your BonesExercise. Exercise makes bones and muscles stronger and helps prevent bone loss. It also helps you stay active and mobile. Weight-bearing exercises, done at least three to four times a week, are best for preventing osteoporosis. Walking, jogging, playing tennis, and dancing are all good weight-bearing exercises.Eat foods high in calcium. Getting enough calcium throughout your life helps to build and keep strong bones. The U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults with a low to average risk of developing osteoporosis is 1,000 milligrams. For those at high risk of developing osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women, the RDA increases to 1,500 milligrams. Excellent sources of calcium are milk and dairy products (low-fat versions are recommended), canned fish with bones like salmon and sardines, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, collards, and broccoli, calcium-fortified orange juice, and breads made with calcium-fortified flour.Calcium. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good forms of calcium supplements. Be careful not to get more than 2,000 milligrams of calcium a day very often. That amount can increase your chance of developing kidney problems.Vitamin D. Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium. Being in the sun for 20 minutes every day helps most people's bodies make enough vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cereal, and milk fortified with vitamin D, as well as from supplements. People aged 51 to 70 should get 400 international units each day and those over age 70 should get 600 international units. More than 2,000 international units of vitamin D each day is not recommended because it may harm your kidney and even lower bone mass.Alcohol. Too much alcohol can damage your bones and increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone. Sun, 02 Oct 2005 22:44:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoporosis osteoporosisSource: www.foodnavigator.comThe UK’s Food Standards Agency said yesterday that people at risk of osteoporosis should avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A, including fish liver oils.The advice is based on a review of evidence on vitamin A carried out by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), prompted by the findings of an expert panel on vitamins reported in May 2003 that said there was evidence to link high intakes of the vitamin over many years with increased risk of osteoporosis. SACN's report out yesterday concluded that there was insufficient evidence of a link between bone health and vitamin A intakes to justify a change in dietary advice to all consumers but people who eat liver more than once a week should not increase this amount and should avoid taking vitamin A supplements. Liver is much richer in the vitamin than most other foods. Of more concern to the supplements industry, the agency said it may also be advisable for people at risk of osteoporosis to not consume more than 1.5mg of vitamin A a day. These include women who have been through the menopause and men over 65 years. Many supplements including fish liver oils contain vitamin A. The UK trade body Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) said in a statement that it responded to the SACN consultation in April by proposing "carefully thought-through proposals for advisory statements" based on a detailed analysis of the review. "Some of the FSA's new advice seems to go beyond the evidence and conclusions presented in the SACN review. The HFMA will now consider the detail of the FSA advice and discuss this with both HFMA members and the FSA itself," it said. Women who are pregnant or thinking of having a baby are already advised to avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A and avoid eating liver or liver products due to the fact that large amounts of vitamin A can harm an unborn baby. But in July, UK trade officers and a charity issued calls for industry to include labelling about the risks of vitamin A to pregnant women on all multivitamin supplements, saying that many were unaware of the risks. David Adams, director of the HFMA, said at the time that industry had agreed to review vitamin A labelling when the SACN study on the vitamin was completed. "The HFMA itself, in its submission to SACN, has suggested significant extension of the advice given on vitamin A labels," he said. Sun, 02 Oct 2005 22:43:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/e-hyaluronicacid-com-explains-the-side-effects-of-hyaluronic-acid e-hyaluronicacid.com Explains the Side Effects of Hyaluronic AcidSource: www.pressbox.co.ukAccording to e-hyaluronicacid.com, there are no known side effects for most hyaluronic acid products including pills, serums, creams and liquids. However, there are some side effects associated with knee and facial injections. Some of the less common side effects for knee injections of hyaluronic acid include: blue color or flushing or redness of skin, cough, difficulty in swallowing, dizziness or feeling faint, fever, redness or pain at place of injection, skin rash, hives, and/or itching, stuffy nose, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, as well as tightness in chest, troubled breathing, and/or wheezing. e-hyaluronicacid.com also tells us that some of the more common side effects for knee injections of hyaluronic acid include: diarrhea, headache, itching of the skin, large blue or purplish patches in the skin, loss of appetite; nausea and/or vomiting, stomach pain and swelling of the knee. Facial injections of hyaluronic acid gel to combat aging do not pose an allergy risk for patients. However, hyaluronic acid gel does not contain lidocaine, an anesthetic, so injections can be painful. In addition, there is usually temporary inflammation that produces swelling and redness following injection with hyaluronic acid gel – especially in the lip area. Hyaluronic Acid promotes an understanding of hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase related products. Hyaluronic Acid is the sister site of HGH Web. Sun, 02 Oct 2005 21:58:57 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/e-hyaluronicacid-com-explains-the-side-effects-of-hyaluronic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/picky-eaters-may-need-vitamin-supplements Picky Eaters May Need Vitamin SupplementsSource: www.thekansascitychannel.comLike so many children, Lilley, 4, lives in a very busy household. Sometimes her mother worries about her eating habits.Dr. Beth Simpson says with picky eaters, a daily vitamin is a good idea."It should be tailored to a child's specific needs. Generally, a multivitamin with iron is nice if they are not good meat eaters," Simpson said.If the child is not a good milk drinker or falls short on calcium, that is another consideration for taking supplements, KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported. But don't be fooled by product labels touting extra calcium. "It's not 100 percent of the daily calcium. It's only equivalent to about one small glass of milk, so to get enough calcium, you really have to rely on your diet and not a vitamin," Simpson said.Pediatricians say parents are probably the best judge of the child's eating habits and the best ones to choose the right vitamin."She doesn't eat a lot of foods, I think, that have a lot of iron. They don't taste too good, so probably just a multivitamin with an iron supplement at this point," said Lilley's mom, Amy Berry.Vitamins are not candy and Simpson reminds parents to keep them locked up like medicines because iron can be toxic to children in large doses. She also says that parents should pay attention to dosing instructions, which can vary from a half tablet to two tablets per dose, depending on age Sun, 02 Oct 2005 21:55:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/picky-eaters-may-need-vitamin-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-hottest-health-remedy-fad-or-fact- Pomegranate Hottest Health Remedy: Fad or Fact?Source: www.seniorjournal.comWhat’s all this hype about a little known and rarely seen fruitBy Tucker Sutherland, editorSept. 29, 2005 – So what’s with this surge of pomegranate hype. This fruit is being touted as a miracle drug for aging, Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, arthritis and even protecting unborn babies from brain injuries. It cures about anything that can ail an aging senior citizen. It has become a popular ingredient for mixed drinks, ice cream and even bottled water. It’s now a popular decoration for table displays. President Bush even brought it up in his meeting in May with Afghanistan President Karzai, suggesting they grow these trees rather than poppies. The Centers for Disease Control honored it by naming it the fruit of the month.Pomegranate is now a color, there’s a band named Pomegranate and even a blog called Pomegranate afternoon.“Is there anything that pomegranates don't do,” asks writer Chloe Rhodes in the London Telegraph. “As well as being achingly fashionable - pomegranate martinis were served at the Oscars and Jo Malone's new fragrance is called Pomegranate Noir - the fruit has achieved "superfood" status.” Related Stories Centers for Disease Control Names Pomegranate Fruit of MonthHow to prepare it, recipes, more - click here Maybe this all got started in 2001, when the San Jose Museum of Art presented a monumental installation entitled Pomegranate Wall as the centerpiece and highlight of a photo exhibit by noted artist Catherine Wagner. The wall, an 8 x 40 foot curved arc dramatically displayed a series of interior images of a pomegranate. No one really knows how this fad got started, but certainly it has been pushed along by Pom Wonderful and their marketing team. “Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice is the closest thing to a miracle in a bottle we've found yet,” wrote Reader's Digest in May of this year.“The deep purple juice is loaded with antioxidants, and doctors at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, have found even more to love about it,” continues the magazine.“Their study was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in March. Heart disease patients on cholesterol-lowering drugs were randomly assigned to drink eight ounces of Pom a day for three months or a placebo beverage. The Pom drinkers had improved blood flow to the heart; heart disease worsened for those who drank the placebo. Statins can help many, but the may not always be enough. There's no substitute for diet and exercise, says researcher Dr. Dean Ornish. And now it looks like pomegranate juice is a good start,” concludes the digest. Pom Wonderful has cocktail recipes on their site - click Pom Wonderful, which describes itself at “The Antioxidant Superpower,” has squeezed the juice out of the pomegranate and squirted it into about everything.VitaZest Vitamin and Fruit Enriched Water, has no sugar, no carbs, no calories, and no caffeine; and comes in eight refreshing fruit flavors including pomegranate.But they have not gone as far as SheerBliss, an ultra super premium gourmet ice cream. They offer seven flavors: California Pomegranate, Vanilla with Pomegranate Swirl, Pomegranate with Dark Chocolate Chips, Freedom (Vanilla, Pomegranate and Blueberry), Mediterranean Coffee, Chocolate, and Vanilla; and a Pomegranate Bar (Pomegranate ice cream coated in rich, dark chocolate). They note an exclusive agreement with POM Wonderful for creating their pomegranate-based ice cream flavors. History & Legend of the Pomegranate From www.pomwonderful.comThe pomegranate is one of the earliest cultivated fruits. Historical evidence suggests that man first began planting pomegranate trees sometime between 4000 B.C.E and 3000 B.C.E.Although Pomegranates grew in the wild before the dawn of agriculture, they were one of the first five domesticated crops along with olives, grapes, figs and dates. Believed to be first domesticated somewhere in northern Iran or Turkey, pomegranates still occur in the wild. However, the first archeological evidence of domesticated pomegranates isn’t until around 3000 B.C. at Jericho. Soon after their appearance at Jericho, they turned up in Mesopotamia and Egypt.Throughout history, this richly-colored and delicious fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility, and rebirth. Some cultures also believed it held profound and mystical healing powers. Still others chose to use it in more practical ways, as a dye or decoration.The pomegranate’s irresistible appeal and legendary medicinal properties have also made it the subject of countless myths, epics and works of art, from Raphael and Cezanne to Homer and Shakespeare.Many scholars now suggest that it was a pomegranate, not an apple, depicted in the biblical Garden of Eden; a theory that is given further support throughout ancient and medieval times. In the mythical tale of the unicorn, pomegranate seeds "bleeding" from its horn symbolized Christ. The pomegranate tree, to which it was bound, represented eternal life.From the EncyclopediaThe Pomegranate is a handsome deciduous and somewhat thorny large shrub or small tree (Punica granatum) belonging to the family Punicaceae, native to semitropical Asia and naturalized in the Mediterranean region in very early times. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental and for its edible fruit. The fruit, about the size of an apple, bears many seeds, each within a fleshy crimson seed coating, enclosed in a tough yellowish to deep red rind. Pomegranates are either eaten fresh or used for grenadine syrup, in which the juice of the acid fruit pulp is the chief ingredient. Grenadine syrup, sometimes made from red currants, is a flavoring for wines, cocktails, carbonated beverages, preserves, and confectionery. The astringent properties of the rind and bark have been valued medicinally for several thousand years, especially as a vermifuge. The pomegranate is now cultivated in most warm climates, to a greater extent in the Old World than in America; in North America it is grown commercially chiefly from California and Arizona south into the tropics. The fruit has long been a religious and artistic symbol. It is described in the most ancient of Asian literature. In the Old Testament, Solomon sang of an "orchard of pomegranates." Because of its role in the Greek legend of Persephone, the pomegranate came to symbolize fertility, death, and eternity and was an emblem of the Eleusinian Mysteries. In Christian art, it is a symbol of hope. Pomegranates are classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Myrtales, family Punicaceae. There’s a lot of hype here, but clearly a lot of substance, too.Pom Wonderful says research has shown that just “about everyone may benefit from drinking an 8 oz. glass of POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice daily.” With the highest levels of polyphenol antioxidants, “pomegranate juice is showing promising benefits for the heart: it’s 60% better than other juices at preventing the formation of plaque-forming oxidized LDL in the arteries… and has been shown to reduce build-up of plaque by up to 30% in a pilot study of 19 elderly patients with atherosclerosis.”“In fact,” the say, “research indicates that the high level of antioxidants found in pomegranate juice is effective in combating free radicals that may cause a number of afflictions, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, premature aging, Alzheimer’s disease…even cancer.”And, there is research to back up their claims, and then some. “Pomegranates have beneficial effects on heart disease, haemorrhoids, fertility and blood pressure - among other things - and this week, scientists have discovered their usefulness in treating prostate cancer and osteoarthritis,” notes Rhodes in the Telegraph. “A single pomegranate,” she reports “provides 40 per cent of an adult's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, and is a rich source of folic acid and vitamins A and E. One pomegranate also contains three times the antioxidant properties of red wine or green tea.”She observes that there is evidence to support the healing and protective benefits in these diseases:“Cancer: pomegranates contain high levels of flavenoids - a type of antioxidant - which are exceptionally effective at neutralising cancer-causing free radicals. Research published this year suggests that the fruit may be effective at fighting both breast and skin cancer, and this week American scientists found that pomegranate juice slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice injected with the human form of the disease.“Heart disease: new research has found that one glass of pomegranate juice a day could improve blood flow to the heart by more than a third. The fruit's antioxidant properties prevent bad cholesterol from forming, which keeps the arteries clear and reduces the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. A separate study found that drinking pomegranate juice regularly can also dramatically reduce the size of atherosclerotic lesions, which narrow the arteries and cause heart failure. “Osteoarthritis: the most recent revelation about the pomegranate's health benefits suggests that extracts of the fruit could prevent the onset of osteoarthritis. Scientists in America treated samples of human cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis with the extract and found that it inhibited the production of the enzyme responsible for causing the damage. Further research is needed to establish whether consuming the extract could protect cartilage as effectively.”But that is only a partial list. Pomegranate has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of diseases. And here may be a key - a bonus with the native Persian fruit is that its antioxidant constituents are rapidly absorbed by the body and are non-toxic, researchers say. And here are more success stories.Unborn babies: Expectant mothers at risk of premature birth may want to consider drinking pomegranate juice to help their babies resist brain injuries from low oxygen and reduced blood flow, a mouse study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests last June.Skin Cancer: According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, one promising agent against skin cancer may have been found in the extract of the pomegranate fruit. "For the first time, we have clear evidence that pomegranate extract possesses anti-skin-tumor-promoting effects," said Dr. Farrukh Afaq, lead investigator of the study.What is clear from all this research is that it is the antioxidant qualities in pomegranates that are effective in fighting disease. An antioxidant is substance that prevents or slows the breakdown of another substance by oxygen. In the body, nutrients such as beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have been found to act as antioxidants. They act by scavenging free radicals, molecules with one or more unpaired electrons, which rapidly react with other molecules, starting chain reactions in a process called oxidation. Free radicals are a normal product of metabolism; the body produces its own antioxidants (e.g., the enzyme superoxide dismutase) to keep them in balance. However, stress, aging, and environmental sources such as polluted air and cigarette smoke can add to the number of free radicals in the body, creating an imbalance. The highly reactive free radicals can damage healthy DNA and have been linked to changes that accompany aging (such as age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older people) and with disease processes that lead to cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Studies show that the antioxidants that occur naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables have a protective effect. For example, vitamin E and beta-carotene appear to protect cell membranes; vitamin C removes free radicals from inside the cell. Antioxidants do come in the form of dietary supplements but there is concern by many that regular consumption of such supplements interferes with the body's own production of antioxidants. The American Heart Association, for example, says, “the scientific evidence supports a diet high in food sources of antioxidants and other heart-protecting nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts instead of antioxidant supplements to reduce risk of CVD.So, it sounds like things are going the way of the under-recognized pomegranate and we are sure to hear more - much more - in the years ahead.Most of the pomegranates sold in the U.S. are produced in California. You have to wonder if there will soon be a “Tour of the Pomegranate Country” available there to compete with the highly successful wine country tours.And, this time President Bush may be right - Afghanistan may find this an even more profitable crop than poppies. Sun, 02 Oct 2005 21:55:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-hottest-health-remedy-fad-or-fact- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-of-the-month-cinnamon Supplement of the Month - CinnamonSource: www.diabeteshealth.comThe active ingredient in cinnamon may enhance the effect of insulin Laura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, BCPS, FASCP, BC-ADM, CDE November 2004 There is growing interest recently in the potential benefits of using cinnamon for treating diabetes. Although cinnamon bark and cinnamon flowers are used medicinally, Chinese cinnamon, or Cinnamomum aromaticum,is the form used for diabetes. The active ingredient in cinnamon includes the chemical hydroxychalcone, which might enhance the effect of insulin. Specifically, hydroxychalcone may work on insulin receptors to increase insulin sensitivity and help promote glucose uptake into cells and tissues and promote glycogen (the storage form of glucose) synthesis. Cinnamon has been used for type 2 diabetes and for gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, including flatulence, GI spasms, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Other common uses include treatment for common infections, the common cold, menopausal symtoms, rheumatic conditions, hypertension, angina and kidney disorders. Cinnamon, of course, is a popular flavoring agent for foods and beverages and is a common ingredient in chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwash, liniments, nasal sprays and suntan lotions. Cinnamon may cause blood glucose to be excessively lowered when combined with agents that can cause hypoglycemia, such as sulfonylureas (Amaryl, glyburide or glipizide) or insulin. If you take any of these medications, your dose may have to be adjusted to prevent excessive lowering of blood glucose from reacting with cinnamon. Note: There is a lot of exciting research underway evaluating the effects of cinnamon in type 2. When using cinnamon, it is important to check blood glucose frequently to make sure that it is not lowered excessively. If it is lowered too much, causing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), contact your healthcare provider to discuss changing the dose of diabetes medications. Longer term effects on blood glucose control can be assessed by checking A1C levels. Cinnamon Therapy for Type 2? Eating Cinnamon Buns Isn’t the Answer! In a December 2003 Diabetes Care study, cinnamon was found to improve glucose and lipids in people with diabetes. Sixty patients with type 2 who were taking a sulfonylurea (glyburide) were given one of three doses of cinnamon (1, 3 or 6 grams per day) or a placebo for 40 days. Fasting blood glucose declined by 18 to 29 percent after 40 days in all three cinnamon treated groups. Specifically, 1 gram per day decreased glucose from 209 to 157 mg/dl, 3 grams per day decreased glucose from 205 to 169 mg/dl and 6 grams per day decreased glucose from 234 to 166 mg/dl. Patients then went without any cinnamon for 20 additional days, but their fasting glucose was still lower than at baseline for the previously cinnamon-treated groups, indicating that cinnamon had a sustained benefit. Furthermore, total cholesterol decreased by 12 to 26 percent, triglycerides decreased by 23 to 30 percent, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol also declined from 7 to 27 percent. Taking cinnamon did not improve HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Barking up the Right Tree Cinnamon comes from the bark of an evergreen tree that grows to more than 20 feet. The tree has white aromatic bark and angular branches. Its leaves are about 7 inches long, and it has small yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. The tree grows in tropical climates. The bark is removed in short lengths and dried. There are no serious side effects associated with the use of cinnamon. Hypoglycemia may occur; as a preventive measure, the dose of diabetes medications may have to be lowered by the healthcare provider. Adverse effects include skin irritation or contact dermatitis, if used topically. Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:42:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-of-the-month-cinnamon http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/grant-will-let-mining-museum-show-pictures Grant will let mining museum show picturesSource: www.yorkshiretoday.co.ukAN unpublished collection of photographs is to be opened to the public gaze using money from a Lottery grant awarded to the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield. The museum is using a £350,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to conserve its collection of coal cutting machinery and to save a collection of photographs from British Jeffrey Diamond, a Wakefield manufacturer of mining equipment, which charts the development of the machinery. The photographs will go on display at the museum but both collections will also be catalogued and put online so information is available to a wider audience. The grant is the latest in a series of almost 100 Lottery awards to Wakefield. Over £7m has been awarded to the National Coal Mining Museum and over £4m to Nostell Priory. Baroness Lockwood, chairman of the National Coal Mining Museum, said: "We are really excited at the prospect of working with engineers, conservators and the community to bring these machines back to life, and are most grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for showing their support for this project." The museum has become one of the most popular visitor attractions in the region. Other recent Lottery awards in the Wakefield area include nearly £25,000 for the Pontefract Liquorice Trust's The Root of Pontefract project which is working with almost 100 young people to uncover the history of the liquorice industry in the area. Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:31:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/grant-will-let-mining-museum-show-pictures http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/british-women-urged-to-increase-vitamin-d-intake British women urged to increase vitamin D intakeSource: www.nutraingredients.comWomen are being encouraged to protect their bones from osteoporosis by ensuring they get enough vitamin D, in a campaign launched yesterday in the UK. The Women's Health Concern campaign is being sponsored by pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dome Limited, and will distribute patient leaflets and nutrition guides to doctors' surgeries around the country. "We want to make women aware of osteoporosis, let them know about the benefits of vitamin D and encourage them to make sure they are getting enough," said Karen Winterhalter, executive director of Women's Health Concern. Vitamin D currently only makes up 4 per cent of all vitamin sales and lags well behind calcium in terms of bone health supplements. But increasing evidence underlines its importance in protecting against fractures. A recent UK study revealed that 97.8 per cent of hip fracture patients had vitamin D levels below normal. "It may be that vitamin D represents a correctable risk factor for fragility fracture in the elderly, possibly specifically for the hip,” said the researchers. Further research recently presented in the US at a meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), suggested that more than half of osteoporosis sufferers do not consume sufficient quantities of vitamin D – an oversight that could make them more vulnerable to falls and fractures. Bone health is set to become a major segment of the supplements and functional foods market based on an ageing population. Worldwide, the lifetime risk for a woman to have an osteoporotic fracture is 30-40 per cent and in men the risk is about 13 per cent. The Scientific Committee for Food at the European Commission recommends that all women over 65 should have a daily intake of 400 IU (10 micro g/d) of vitamin D. "Vitamin D inadequacy does appear to be a risk factor for bone fractures as people get older, and simple steps can be taken to correct this," said Dr Richard Keen, director of the Metabolic Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London. "Even if post-menopausal women are already being treated for osteoporosis, vitamin D is often overlooked,” he added. Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:29:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/british-women-urged-to-increase-vitamin-d-intake http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-use-garlic-in-your-diet- Why Use Garlic in Your Diet?Source: www.bellaonline.comGarlic (Allium Sativum) is probably the most widely recognized medicinal herb. Much has been written on the healing effects of garlic and new studies are continually being published throughout the world. It is one of the most researched plant medicines. Garlic has been used for thousands of years both as food and as medicine (Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, India, Russia.) Most people around the world, especially those known for their excellent health and long life, have used garlic extensively in their daily diets. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. Scientific data reveals that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of heart attacks. Today, many countries often rely on garlic in the treatment of tuberculosis, bronchial disorders, lupus, pulmonary gangrene, and inflammation of the trachea. Garlic is widely known as "Russian penicillin",because Russian physicians have long used it for respiratory disorders, giving children with whooping cough garlic ingredients via inhalation. Russians have also used garlic preparations for flu, sore throats, and mouth sores. Without a doubt, garlic provides the body with protection against cardiovascular disease. The Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association publicly acknowledged garlic's potential in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Garlic may also help the body to protect itself from heavy-metal accumulation, which can result from eating fish that may be high in mercury, or whenever you are exposed to smog and heavy air pollution. You can find more therapeutic uses of garlic at: http://www.starthealthylife.com/page241.htm Anti Aging TipIn 1971 A recipe for “the elixir of youth”, a type of garlic extract, was found by a UNESCO team in a Tibetan monastery and was dated about 4-5 centuries B.C. The extract cleans accumulated fat out of the body, rinses out insoluble calcium, radically improves metabolism, cleanses blood vessels, prevents heart attacks, arteriosclerosis, and paralysis, removes the sensation of buzzing from the head, improves sight, and regenerates the entire body. You can find recipe how to make it in the book titled “Can We Live 150 Years?” by Mikhail Tombak http://www.starthealthylife.com Garlic in other languages:French -Ail Italian – Aglio Spanish - Ajo German -Knoblauch Dutch – Knoflook Polish - Czosnek Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:22:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-use-garlic-in-your-diet- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cows-milk-may-help-fight-cancer Cows’ milk may help fight cancerSource: www.timesonline.co.ukBY feeding cows sunflower oil, Irish researchers have produced a milk rich in a fatty acid that they have shown can help to reduce cancerous tumours. Scientists from Teagasc, Dublin City University (DCU) and University College Cork have succeeded in boosting the level of a fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in cows’ milk by supplementing their normal diet with the oil. When they tested the CLA produced in laboratory studies they found it killed human cancer cells. Dairy products such as cheese and yoghurts enriched in CLA could be produced with anti-cancer properties, say the scientists. “It’s a very natural product and it has this very potent biological activity,” said Rosaleen Devery, a lecturer in biotechnology in DCU, who has been working on the project with a team of researchers at Teagasc’s Moorepark Food Research Centre. CLA is present in dairy products and the meat of ruminant animals — cattle, sheep and goats. The researchers conducted tests to see what food supplements could naturally boost the levels of the fatty acid in cow’s milk and found that sunflower oil produced the highest levels. The animals were fed 100g of sunflower oil a day as part of their feed and kept on grass. The researchers used the CLA-enriched milk to make cheese, adding bacteria that they found were good at producing CLA during the cheese-making process to increase the levels of the fatty acid still further. The cheddar made from animals fed on sunflower oil contained almost 2.5 times the amount of CLA than that made from cows fed a normal diet. Supplementing the cows’ diet with sunflower oil did not affect the flavour of the cheese. The project, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture and Food, then tested the effects of the fatty acid on human cancer cells in Devery’s laboratory in DCU. “We looked at the effect of this CLA in its natural format in milk fat, how it affected breast and colon cancer cells,” said Devery. “We were able to show that the milk fat inhibited growth of these cancer cells. This highlighted its potential for reducing cancer cell growth.” Some previous international studies had shown that purified or synthetic CLA had anti- cancer properties, but this project was the first to show that fatty acid taken in its natural form from milk was able to reduce the growth of cancer cells. The research team is looking for more funding to continue the project to work out the mechanisms behind how CLA kills cancer cells. Devery said she hopes that dairy products enriched in CLA will be made available to the public in the near future. As part of another project, Devery is looking at combining a synthetic form of CLA with a chemotherapy drug. Early laboratory data show that CLA enhances the efficacy of the drug. It has not been tested directly on humans yet. “We now have to look at the mode of action to understand how it is killing the cells,” said Devery. Mon, 26 Sep 2005 22:19:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cows-milk-may-help-fight-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ha-finds-its-way-into-a-range-of-anti-aging-products HA finds its way into a range of anti-aging productsSource: www.cosmeticsdesign.comThe rise of hyaluronic acid and cheaper supplies from China means that the anti-aging protein is now starting to be incorporated into a wider range of skin care products.Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a mucopolysacharide that exists naturally in all living organisms. In humans it is found in larger concentrations in the articular joints, eye fluid and, most abundantly, in the skin. As the protein can hold up to 1000 times its own weigh in water it is known to play a vital part in the ageing process once levels are depleted in the skin. Maintaining levels of HA, whether it be through supplements, topical applications or injections, is said to reduce wrinkles caused by dehydration and general ageing.Estee Lauder has been the first to launch a mass market version of the treatment, which first featured as a rather expensive injection filler treatment in the US and was approved by the FDA in early 2004. Since then production of HA has expanded significantly and now, with supplies of cheaper HA coming on line from China, the potential for the ingredient is expanding significantly.The Perfectionist line first hit retail shelves in 2004, but priced at around $80 for the CP+ product, it certainly is not accessible to all consumers. However, cheaper supplies of HA have led to a growing number of more accessible products.A look at Mintel's GNPD shows that three quite different anti-aging products containing HA have been launched on a worldwide basis recently, all of which area priced to be more accessible to consumers.The first is from Japanese company Orbit, which is launching Super Essence Emulsion under the Kesho Wakusi brand. Priced at $11.60, this is a moisturizing skin care emulsion containing HA as well as extracts of mugwort and yuzo, vitamin E and lavender oil.Smoothing Comfort Cream by Nina Ricci has been launched on to the French market, one of the world's leading for high-end skin care products. HA is said to help add moisturizing properties to the cream, which has been designed for very dry skins.Priced at $48.46 for a 50 ml jar, this product is definitely aimed at the premium end of the market, but it is significantly cheaper than the Perfectionist line and it does contain a host of other important ingredients, such as oat kernel, cotton seed oil, avocado oil and lactic acid.At the other end of the market, Avon has recently expanded its Avon Solutions skin care line in a host of European and US markets to include a facial skin care products that include HA in the ingredients.Priced at under $10, the range includes an Alcohol-Free Toner for Dry Skin, Hydrofirming Bio6 Night Cream for Dry Skin and Clean Cream Cold Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin.It again relies on HA to bring relief to extra dry skins, with the Bio 6 Night Cream promising to increasing skin hydration and firmness significantly. It also claims to retain moisture in the skin for up to eight hours after treatment. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:31:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ha-finds-its-way-into-a-range-of-anti-aging-products http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-to-protect-smokers-lungs Vitamin C to protect smokers' lungsSource: timesofindia.indiatimes.comConsumption of 500 mg of Vitamin C a day, in the form of tablets, leafy vegetables or citrus fruits can protect chain smokers from lung damage.This has been discovered by scientists at Calcutta University's Dr B C Guha Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.The scientists of this Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-funded institution have for the first time isolated the actual compound that is most dangerous in cigarette smoke — Para Benzo Semi Quinone — that causes massive oxidative damage to lung tissues.Then, after months of tests, the scientists have also discovered how Vitamin C acts as a very good antioxidant, saving the lungs. The American Patent Office has recognised this discovery and granted the centre exclusive patent rights (US Patent number 6,929,012).The scientists have also found that per smoke, a man inhales 200 gms of PBSQ, which according to them is a very high amount.Speaking to TOI, project head Dr I B Chatterjee said: "Cigarette smoke has over 4,000 different compounds, 3,000 of which are present in the gas phase and about 1,000 components in the tar phase.But nobody knew which of these are most harmful for our body. That's what... Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:27:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-to-protect-smokers-lungs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-slow-cataract-progression Vitamins slow cataract progressionSource: www.macleans.caVitamin E, riboflavin and thiamin are good for seniors' eyes, but dietary fat findings are inconsistent Vitamins can slow the development of age-related cataracts, but certain types of fats may increase the risk seniors will develop the cloudy areas on the lenses of their eyes.Dr. Paul Jacques of Tufts University in Boston led a five-year study of 408 women who were between the ages of 52 and 74.The results showed the use of vitamin E supplements for at least 10 years was associated with a slower progression of cataracts during the next five years. Intake of thiamin (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) was also associated with slower cataract progression.Jacques and colleague Minyi Lu also looked at dietary fat intake and cataract risk, but this time the findings were inconsistent.In the same group of women, high intakes omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts at certain locations on the lens of the eye. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:21:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-slow-cataract-progression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/indonesian-researcher-finds-herbal-formula-to-curb-bird-flu Indonesian researcher finds herbal formula to curb bird fluSource: news.xinhuanet.comAn Indonesian researcher has found a herbal formula to ward off bird flu virus on chicken, saying that there is a possibility of using the formula to other poultry and human. Sumardi, 42, a researcher at the Food Technology School of Semarang's Soegipapranata Catholic University, accidentally found the formula in July. In a telephone interview with Xinhua from the capital of Central Java Province of Semarang on Thursday, Sumardi said, the formula basically comprised four traditional medicinal plants: Java chili powder (piper retrofactum), white turmeric extract (curcuma xanthorriza), temu ireng extract (curcuma aeruginosa) and powder of fragrant wild ginger (zingiber aromaticum). Sumardi mixed these four materials with honey bees, cane sugar,and some water. Among the four basic materials, zingiber aromaticum had the strongest effect to avoid the attack of the lethal virus, he said. "The zingiber aromaticum has ion of OH minus and OH plus that can easily react. It is strongly predicted that the ion curbs the growth of H5N1 virus," he added. The researcher cited that in a normal condition, one virus of H5N1 could develop into four within two seconds. "So the scores of the bird flu virus in chickens being attacked will not increase, and the number of virus can be declined as the virus has life cycle," he said, "So the chickens can survive, despite they grow slower." These chickens are safe to be consumed as long as they are cooked with at least 80 degree Celsius, he said. Sumardi said, in July he tried this formula with 400 chicks, which were places close to carcasses of chicken that had died of the H5N1 virus, somewhere in East Java province. He divided these chicks into four groups of 100 each. The first group was given no medicine at all. The second group was given a low dose of 10 percent, the third group of 20 percent and the fourth 30 percent. "On the fourth day, all the chicks treated with the formula with various doses are survive, but those without having the treatment all died," said Sumardi. But, he said that if the formula treated to the poultry in too high doses it could decline chickens' desire to eat. Regarding to using the formula for other poultry such as goat, pig, and cow, he said, "I believe so, it needs an examination." He said that the culling method recommended in Indonesia was developed from the experience of developing countries, where poultry racing is very concentrated in almost factory-type situation. But in Indonesia there are millions of chickens live in backyards. Enditem Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:19:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/indonesian-researcher-finds-herbal-formula-to-curb-bird-flu http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/drinking-red-wine-healthier-than-not Drinking red wine 'healthier than not'Source: www.int.iol.co.zaIf, in the interests of good health, you're avoiding wine and reaching for the vitamin bottle instead, you could well be doing yourself more harm than good.Rather take the lead from the enormous benefits of diets that closely mimic "Mediterranean" diets, complete with generous helpings of fruits and veggies, with olive oil as the prominent "lipid" and wine the most common alcoholic beverage.Local medical pharmacologist Dr John Straughan told an international wine conference outside Stellenbosch this week that a regular intake of good wine had been shown to offer "considerable health benefits" - particularly in reducing the development and severity of heart disorders.Straughan was vocal about the dangers of taking vitamin tablets His view was supported by a fellow speaker at the Vindaba International Congress on Health and Wine, UCT heart specialist Professor Lionel Opie, who reportedly told the conference that people who drink two to three glasses of wine a day were more healthy than people who didn't drink at all. However, if you drink more, your health will suffer, Opie warned.Straughan was vocal about the dangers of taking vitamin tablets indiscriminately and said good, whole fresh foodstuffs were really what was needed to keep our bodies as healthy as our genes and the effects of our environment and lifestyles would permit."Most whole foodstuffs provide a wondrous array of anti-oxidants. We need to take the lead from the enormous benefits of diets that closely mimic Mediterranean diets, and put the emphasis on whole foods," he said.Taking Vitamin C as an example, he said the suggested regular daily intake was not more than 400mg to maintain good body tissue levels. Too much could make it a "pro-oxidant" that aggravated illness and disease.Beta-carotene, he said, had been shown to cause lung cancer when taken in large regular doses."No whole foodstuffs provide just beta-carotene. Hundreds of carotenoids are found in foodstuffs that are rich in beta-carotene, but in our un-wisdom we fixate on beta-carotene and expect it to work wonders - when in fact in can provoke tragedies."Wine, he said, was the most common alcoholic beverage in a Mediterranean-type diet.When the juice of the grape was allowed to ferment - so its sugar content was reduced and some alcohols (especially ethanol) generated - it had a low glycaemic index. The fermentation process also worked "magic" in concentrating a wide spectrum of anti-oxidants from the grape."And these are especially evident in red wines," he said.Opie said those with high blood pressure who drank two to three glasses a day of red wine - which had more health benefits than other kinds of alcohol - suffered fewer heart attacks than those who did not drink at all. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:17:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/drinking-red-wine-healthier-than-not http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-rich-in-beans-may-help-prevent-cancer Diet rich in beans may help prevent cancerSource: news.xinhuanet.comA new study suggests that eating a diet rich in beans, nuts and cereals may help prevent cancer because these foods contain an natural compound that inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors. A new study suggests that eating a diet rich in beans, nuts and cereals may help prevent cancer because these foods contain an natural compound that inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors. (Photo source: baidu) Scientists at University College London (UCL) said on Thursday that the substance called inositol pentakisphosphate, which is also found in lentils and peas, could also help researchers develop new therapies against the disease. Foods particularly rich in the compound include cashews and peanuts and beans such as kidney, pinto and navy beans, the pulse commonly used in baked beans. Beans and nuts that have been cooked are a better source because the heating process generates more InsP5 as it breaks down other compounds. Marco Falasca, of the UCL Sackler Institute, said the discovery was particularly exciting because InsP5 was a natural compound that, unlike most anti-cancer agents, was not toxic even if used in large quantities. “This compound is potentially very interesting as a prevention against cancer,” Dr Falasco said. “Our study suggests the importance of a diet enriched in food such as beans, nuts and cereals which could help prevent cancer.” In the current study, the scientists proved the anti-cancer properties of inositol pentakisphosphate in mice and cancer cells in the laboratory. It was found that this compound killed tumor cells and boosted the effect of drugs used against cancer cells such as ovarian and lung cancer cells. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:11:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-rich-in-beans-may-help-prevent-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/understand-shiatsu Understand ShiatsuSource: 50connect.co.ukRachael Hannan interviews Katharine Hall (mrss(t), a London based Shiatsu practitioner, to mark European Shiatsu week running from September 17th- 25th. More...You can contact Katharine Hall mrss(t) via her website at www.shiatsuplus.co.uk. To find an event taking place in your area for European Shiatsu Week, or to contact your nearest qualified practitioner and for training information, contact the Shiatsu Society 0845 130 4560, or visit http://www.shiatsu.org. What Is Shiatsu?: Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy.Yoga Helps Cancer Patients: Tibetan yoga improves sleep in cancer patients.How long have you been a shiatsu practitioner?I qualified in 1990.What was it that sparked your interest in this side of alternative medicine?I went to China after being incredibly taken by a picture lying in mould under my desk, left by my predessesor who was designing a book on China. I became interested in Chinese philosophy and painting, and medicine. The themes of balance are a common thread in all of those, and not a million miles from my previous graphic design work. I have always liked language and literature and some of the names of the acu-points are very beautiful and lyrical, for example, Lake of Energy on the Corner, and Gate of Hope.Then I studied Thai Chi, yoga, meditation, and Thai Massage in temples in Thailand. I was in my early- mid 20’s when I travelled. An age of dramatic change and development for many people.My mother had recently died very suddenly, which though I didn’t realize at the time was a great catalyst.Returning to UK, I went through a very traumatic time emotionally. I found alternative medicine incredibly helpful and hope inspiring. It helped me understand and appreciate myself at a very low time and offered a perspective that made real sense to me, and that was very empowering.I wanted to be able to offer people the care that I had received, and went on to study at the Shiatsu College in London for 2 years, and then had another year before becoming a Registered Shiatsu Society Practitioner. What exactly is shiatsu?Shi is finger in Japanese, atsu is pressure. Shiatsu is a hands on therapy, involving some stretches, and acupressure along the meridians (energy lines) and acu-points. It has a clear diagnostic framework and is compatible with western medicine. Energy - ‘ki’ in Japanese- like electricity - cannot be seen by the eye, but has literally, a very powerful effect. Shiatsu works on the energy of the body. It is a deeply calming treatment and helps circulation and joint mobility.What is the philosophy behind it? Shiatsu originates from Japan and like many things Japanese, the origins are Chinese. It was originally practised by blind people, who have highly developed sensitivity in their hands.The philosophy is that health depends on energetic balance in the body. The body and mind are intimately connected. Shiatsu Practitioners diagnose what is out of kilter, and the work helps bring body back into balance. Some areas of the body may be low in energy and some may have stagnation or excess energy. Shiatsu helps redistribute this appropriately.Preventative care, the ‘stitch in time’ principle, is encouraged by alternative practitioners as a very sound investment. In ancient Chinese times your doctor was paid to keep you well. If you fell ill he was not paid - as he wasn’t doing his job! It is a lot easier resolving issues when they are small - by noticing and working on the energetic level - before problems get set into the body and start manifesting physically.Shiatsu is a very humane, and holistic approach. It takes into account factors such as climate, a client’s activities and environment, heredity, emotions and diet. A Shiatsu treatment is designed according to each person’s unique circumstances. Thus 2 people who might, in Western medicine, be prescribed the same medication for depression for example, will not receive exactly the same Shiatsu session. The causes of, and the way that depression is manifesting is likely to be slightly different in each person, and this is carefully considered and Shiatsu treatment is tailored for each individual.Worth noting here is that there have been no reports of any detrimental side effects. Touch and compassionate human connection are very healing in themselves, and are the cornerstone of Shiatsu.How is it different from Acupressure? They have many similarities. Shiatsu has an Oriental background, drawing on the thousands of years observation of how humans both work and don’t work (healthwise) and how to remedy imbalances.What happens when someone comes to you for a session? How long does it last?When someone comes for a session I will take a medical history, ask about their current health and reasons for having a treatment. A first session is one hour fifteen minutes, thereafter sessions are 1 hour. Shiatsu can be done in any position really- but normally we work on a futon (supportive mattress) on the floor. The client remains clothed throughout. I will do a touch diagnosis on the hara (the abdominal and energetic centre of the body), and ascertain what is going to be most helpful to work, and then get on with the treatment. Afterwards I will explain to the client what I have been doing and why, and may offer recommendations to help them support their well being for example, on food, breathing, activity, visualization. The client is always free to give feedback if they wish.I encourage people to come for a set of 4 sessions, though people in my experience have always felt real benefits from just one treatment. Often people come with one issue, for example, migraines, and then find that Shiatsu benefits them in other, unexpected ways- for instance sleeping soundly, and greater sense of clarity and ability to manage things. So though initial problem may be resolved many people like to come for a ‘tune up,’ perhaps on a monthly basis. In an age when doctors’ time is often limited and there are locums working , I think clients really appreciate having a practitioner who is interested in the fabric of their life, and follows their particular progress through it. This is a valuable aspect of Shiatsu.Modern medicine has made many advances in mechanistic, chemical realms, but it can be very alienating and people still need heart in healthcare (now more than ever perhaps in busy, complicated, and sometimes lonely lives). Shiatsu provides a supportive environment where people feel listened to, and can really relax. I find that clients very often sense on a deep level what is or is not working in their life. The quiet, safe space that Shiatsu offers allows people to reconnect with who they are and what they need.What conditions can it treat / help with? Shiatsu Practitioners treat a range of problems: specific physical ailments like backache, digestive trouble, or emotional ones such as anxiety, panic attacks, and when people are going through major life transitions - perhaps, job and relationship changes, menopause, bereavement.Chronic and very serious health disorders do of course exist. Sometimes people are not looking for or expecting a cure, but looking for ways of living with their particular circumstances with more energy and positivity. Clients may come for Shiatsu in this instance.People also come when they are well for a general MOT, to maintain good health.Practitioners sometimes have a speciality eg pregnancy, sports injuries. I work a lot with people experiencing emotional distress.The word for ‘crisis’ is made up of 2 symbols in Chinese: one represents ‘danger’, one represents ‘opportunity’. Illness is often a gateway to better health, and/or wisdom!Can you tell us a personal success story you have had treating someone with shiatsu? One woman in her fifties came to me feeling a tremendous loss of energy, waking early and having a sense of vertigo and problems with her ears. She was divorced, and her father - with whom she had a difficult history- had recently died. Her daughter was expecting a baby. So there was a real mix of emotional and physical issues there, all interwoven. She was scared of ending up in hospital on medication.From a Shiatsu point of view her basic core energy was very depleted. Building this up took some time (though she reported feeling much better after our first session). She has followed recommendations I have given, and has spent time doing personal, psychological work, and seen me weekly for 1 year. A small investment in, possibly another 50 years of life on this planet. Her confidence and general energy level, and ability to tackle problems in a way she never was able to before are markedly different. Much improved!She is a real success story: she was in a major transitionary time and recognised she wanted to make some changes and improve her health. This lady has actively worked to do that, and been rewarded. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:01:24 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/understand-shiatsu http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dont-give-in-to-arthritis DON'T GIVE IN TO ARTHRITISSource: www.mirror.co.ukHow to ease that pain and get on with your life By Madeleine BaileyYOU may only be in your 40s when osteoarthritis hits but the stiffness and pain it causes make sufferers feel old before their time.It affects about about eight million people in the UK, with 81 per cent in constant pain and as many as 64 per cent finding it difficult to get out of bed.The condition is caused when cartilage, which cushions bones, degenerates through wear and tear.Eventually, the bones at the joints grind against each other. Although it can't be cured, there's a lot you can do to make life easier.WATCH YOUR WEIGHTExcess weight puts more strain on the joints so, if you need to, it's time to start that diet. Even losing a few pounds can significantly ease the pressure on your hips, knees and feet, according to the Arthritis Research Campaign. If you're struggling, get advice from your GP.Advertisement Falk AdSolutionBUILD UP MUSCLEStrengthening your muscles will improve shock absorption around the joints. Swimming's a great choice as it exercises your joints while supporting them."In the gym, go for weight and strength training, or get on your bike and opt for some gentle peddling," says Dean Hodgkin, fitness consultant."But avoid high-intensity or high-impact exercise such as aerobics or jogging as this puts too much pressure on the joints."See your GP for advice and ask about prescriptions for exercise sessions. You may also be referred to a physiotherapist, who'll help you improve your activity level.TRY FANCY FOOTWORK"Wear insoles made from a special material called Sorbothane, available from sports shops," says Dr John Dickson, President of the Primary Care Rheumatology (PCR) Society."They act as shock absorbers, reducing wear and tear on joints. And always wear supportive shoes."GET PAIN RELIEFStandard medications include Cox-II inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). But GPs will no longer give these to anyone at high risk of stroke or heart attacks. So, if this includes you, ask about your suitability for opioid tablets, which can be helpfulbut may give initial side-effects including nausea. From October, opioid patches will be available - with these, the active drug bypasses the stomach, so you won't feel sick.TURN BACK TIMEAnother option is having Durolane injections. They contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in the fluid that surrounds the joint. The treatment has a cushioning effect and you only need injections every three to six months.HEAT IT UPHeat treatment stimulates blood flow to the affected area, helping it to heal. Try hot compresses for on-the-spot pain relief.Or try Thermoskin supports, which combine joint support with heat treatment - from £8.99, from pharmacies, or log on to www.thermoskin.co.ukGO HI-TECHTry a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine, which studies have found can help a range of painful conditions.Pads are placed over the area then a low-voltage stimulation causes a tingling, which interferes with pain signals to the brain and boosts feel-good endorphins. Boots' TENS Pain Relief Unit costs £69.99.OIL YOUR JOINTSOmega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring, have an anti-inflammatory effect on damaged cartilage.If you prefer supplements, try Cardiozen (£11.99, 30 capsules) from pharmacies. Glucosamine sulphate can also control osteoarthritis pain. Log on to www.health-perception.co.uk for tablets and patches.GO NATURALArnica gel has natural pain-relieving effects. In a Swiss trial, A.Vogel Arnica Gel (£8.95/100g) was found to be just as effective as ibuprofen gel. Call 01294 277344 or log on to www.avogel.co.uk Alternatively, try Boswellia and Commiphora cream (£24.99/100ml), which contains the anti-inflammatory spices frankincense and myrrh. For stockists, contact the Skin Shop on 0871 871 9975.GET FRUITYA recent US study found pomegranate extract inhibits an enzyme that contributes to cartilage degeneration.More research is needed but they're packed with nutrients - so you've nothing to lose! Look out for pomegranate juice in supermarkets.THE LAST RESORTIf pain relief isn't working, ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for X-rays and advice. Cartilage may have completely worn away, and you could need a joint replacement.Depending where you live, you might have to wait for around eight months on the NHS while private operations cost around £10,000.For more information, log on to Arthritis Care's website at www.arthritiscare.org.uk or call 0808 800 4050.Log on to Arthritis Research Campaign's website at www.arc.org.uk or call 0870 850 5000. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 15:56:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dont-give-in-to-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/launch-of-natural-skincare-revolution LAUNCH OF NATURAL SKINCARE REVOLUTIONSource: www.responsesource.comA unique natural skincare product that has been available only in the USA is now to be brought to UK consumers, and will be launched first in Scotland on September 22.Science & Nature is a company set up by well known Scots entrepreneur Bill Fleming to bring to British consumers high quality health and beauty products currently available only in overseas markets. The first of these is Nutural One Step, a product unlike any other on the market. It is an anti wrinkle cream, moisturiser and exfoliator in one.“Nutural One Step was originally developed in the USA 10 years ago for airline cabin crew, whose working environment in pressurised aircraft can be particularly detrimental to skin,” explains Bill Fleming.“We refer to Nutural One Step as a skin therapy, and it is the vanguard product for a portfolio that we are collecting from specialist sources around the world. We have already secured 20 products, around half of which will be produced in Scotland.”The natural ingredients in Nutural One Step work together to moisturise, firm and nourish the skin, rebuilding the collagen and elastin essential to youthful looking skin. It has over 70 ingredients, 97% of which are natural – in fact, it is so natural that it can actually be eaten. The only ingredient that is not natural or naturally derived is oxybenzone, and this is included because of its importance in helping provide protection from the sun – Nutural One Step has a skin protection of SPF15.The unique blend of ingredients in Nutural One Step shape how it works. A combination of sea kelp and algae acts as an exfoliant and also feeds the skin with amino acids and antioxidants. With a high concentration of Vitamin C, the natural exfoliation is much gentler than alpha-beta hydroxyl products.It contains no oil, and uses three moisturising agents; Sodium PCA, Oat Betaglucan and Hyaluronic Acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water.One bottle of Nutural One Step will last for eight to ten weeks, as only a small pearl-sized amount is used, twice a day.Users report seeing firmer, younger-looking skin, with a more even skin tone and fewer dark spots. The pH of the product also breaks down and helps kill the skin bacteria that contribute to most acne problems. Customers can also use the product on their hands, arms, throat and neck and on stretch marks. A 60ml bottle will retail at £39.90 and the associated herbal cleanser will be £15.90 for 118ml.Nutural One Step does not work like other products, and no other competing product uses as many natural ingredients. In clinical trails under supervision by a dermatologist, 93% of those tested saw noticeable improvement within three weeks.Bill Fleming continues: “The Scottish market is seen as an ideal stepping stone to Europe, and products will be launched here before being rolled out in the rest of the UK and then into other European markets.“We are confident that the choice of launching in Scotland will be provide us with an important gateway to the rest of the UK and we are already planning to bring our next product, Neem Nail Oil, to the market here in the near future.”Customers will be able to purchase Nutural One Step online or by telephone.“We are not putting it into high street stores, but are dealing directly with the consumer,” Bill Fleming states.“It is a relatively expensive product to produce compared to rival brands, due to the high number of natural ingredients and the means by which they are combined, so dealing direct means we keep the cost to the consumer competitive. Users should also note that it has not been tested on animals.”The brand name, Nutural One Step, and the new packaging for the UK market have been created by Livingston Associates, the Scottish brand boutique, and distribution will be handled from Scotland.We have developed elegant, simple packaging that will show the product to its best advantage, and it will look good on the user’s dressing table or bathroom shelf,” Helen Livingston said. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 15:54:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/launch-of-natural-skincare-revolution http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pep-up-your-anti-ageing-regime Pep Up Your Anti-Ageing RegimeSource: www.newswire.caWith recent advances in skincare products using peptide technology, consumers no longer have to rely on cosmetic procedures for youthful-looking skin TORONTO, Sept. 20 /CNW/ - It's the latest star to join the anti-aging arsenal, and you don't have to visit your cosmetic surgeon to get it. Products using the latest in peptide technology are changing the face of skincare as we know it, and they're as accessible as your drugstore shelf. Peptides are chains of naturally occurring amino acids, building blocks of proteins that stimulate the production of collagen, the lack of which is one of the major causes of aging skin. As we grow older, collagen production slows down, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and a decrease in the skin's ability to hold moisture as the protein-based collagen-elastin network weakens over time. As the levels of proteins in the skin decline, lines and wrinkles become more visible. Peptides, and the proteins they make up, trick older skin into producing collagen along with hyaluronic acid - another key factor in providing moisture to the skin - in order to repair itself like younger skin. This results in a plumping effect and a smoother, softer and younger looking complexion. Because peptide molecules in products are small enough to penetrate the top layer of the skin versus their topical collagen and elastin cream counterparts, they are not only able to target collagen-producing cells to stimulate regeneration from the bottom up, but will also work on the surface layers of the skin to repair fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage. Virtually every skin type and colour can tolerate peptides because they are found naturally in the body. And compared to Retinol-based products, they cause little or no irritation, nor do they cause any sun sensitivity. Here in Canada, companies such as VitalScience and their Dermaglow NuVectin line, which includes products such as Advanced Wrinkle Therapy and Advanced Eye Therapy, have made use of peptides in their products by combining skin firming agents, hydrators, and skin elasticizers with the power of peptide Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - a peptide that acts as a messenger to increase the repair activity of the collagen-producing cells - along with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, a peptide that works to relax facial muscles allowing the skin on top of the muscles to relax as well. Participants in a clinical study saw an up to 50% reduction in the depth of their wrinkles and fine lines and a 4% increase in the thickness of their skin after using the products continuously over a two to four month period. Participants also saw a 32% reduction in under-eye bags, a 40% increase in lip volume, and a dramatic improvement in the smoothness of their skin, all contributing to a younger looking appearance. "This technology makes anti-aging treatments available to anyone who has reservations about toxic injections and cosmetic surgery," says Calvin Davies, research pharmacist M.R.P.S. M.Sc. "The results are really very remarkable." Laura Klayman, a 59-year-old Toronto-based writer, has been using over-the-counter products containing peptides for the past four months and has seen positive results. "I did notice a lifting and tightening effect especially around my eyes," she explained. "The lines around that area have pretty much diminished." As peptides are generally more reparative than preventative, a good time to start using peptide products is at around age 30. However, if you've been negligent about applying daily sunscreen, start earlier to repair that damage. These products should generally be used day and night for maximum benefit. With a broad range of skincare products containing peptides on the market the key is to look for a brand with the highest concentration of peptides in the formulation, such as the Dermaglow NuVectin line. Dermaglow NuVectin is available at drugstores across Canada or through the company's website. For more information, visit www.dermaglow.ca. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 15:53:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pep-up-your-anti-ageing-regime http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fight-back-with-nutrition Fight back with nutritionSource: www.montereyherald.comYou're sick. You're hacking and coughing and away at college without your mom to take care of you. It's that time of year, dear, when more than 200 viruses hit their peak and make you feel miserable... right when school starts.Your doctor said antibiotics don't help viruses. What will? Besides listening to your mother, here's a list from health experts:• Eat (a word that means "put into your mouth, chew and swallow") at least 2 cups of fresh fruit each day. Peel that orange! Bite into those strawberries! Your blood will soon be streaming with nutrients such as vitamin C to fight that nasty cold. Vitamin C also inactivates histamine, the substance responsible for your runny nose and congestion.• Eat (see previous definition) at least 2 cups of something green or red or bright orange (M&Ms don't count) for lunch or dinner. Brightly colored greens and other vegetables contain large doses of immune-enhancing substances that fight off disease.• Crush a couple of cloves of fresh garlic into your food or salad dressing each day. It may not help your love life, but can stimulate your immune system to better fight off viruses.• Wash your hands. With soap and warm water. Often. It keeps viruses from spreading.• Take a daily multivitamin with 100 percent of the daily value (DV) for the major vitamins and minerals listed on the label. Supplements can't take the place of a good diet, but they can fill in the gaps on those days when you choose deep-fried mozzarella sticks over vegetables.• Add nutrient-rich foods to your diet -- foods that give you a nutritional bang for a smidgen of calories. Spinach, for example. (It's in that section of the grocery store known as "produce.") Put a handful on your sandwich or as a colorful addition to your macaroni and cheese. Voila! One cup is just 7 calories and is loaded with vitamin A from beta carotene -- a potent antioxidant that protects your precious cells from infections.• Practice eating a wide variety of foods. According to the American Dietetic Association, this is the best strategy to keep you healthy for life. Like that stir-fry place you took me to on my last visit. The waitress gave each of us a bowl to fill with our choice of assorted fresh vegetables, fruit, lean meats, fish, chicken, tofu, nuts and seasonings. A guy sizzled our food selection on a hot grill and served it back to us over rice or noodles. Yummy variety!• Get enough protein. Foods such as lean meats, chicken, fish, tofu, eggs and dairy foods release protein into your blood to reinforce your body's disease-fighting front line. Zinc -- a mineral found abundantly in lean meat -- works with protein to strengthen your immune system as well.• Eat two cups of non-fat yogurt -- it contains "good" bacteria that battle the growth of harmful germs in your intestinal tract -- and call your mother in the morning. Thu, 22 Sep 2005 15:44:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fight-back-with-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/medieval-potion-hope-for-slimmers Medieval potion hope for slimmersSource: www.nzherald.co.nzAn 800-year-old potion used by medieval monks to curb the appetite could soon tempt the tastebuds of modern-day dieters. Archaeologists investigating an ancient hospital site founded by Augustinian monks about 845 years ago have found evidence that they used to chew on the bitter vetch plant to stave off hunger pains. Now the component of the plant that suppresses appetite could be turned into a wonder pill for dieters. Experts identified the remains of tubers from the plant in the drains of a 12th century monastery at Soutra Aisle, south of the Scottish capital. The monks, who used to run the retreat as a hospital and medical research facility, are believed to have used the plant extracts to make a potion to stave off hunger. "According to more than 300 reports, these tiny tubers, which have a leathery liquorice taste, were chewed to help people forget to eat and drink," said Brian Moffat, the director of the Soutra Aisle dig. "They feel no need to eat and drink and this lasts for weeks, sometimes into months." The managing director of Highland Natural Products, Richard Constanduros, said it was "very early days" in the plan to produce a new dieting aid. The monastery was founded in about 1160 and was dedicated to looking after the poor, travellers and pilgrims, as well as the sick and infirm. The monks have been credited with recognising the benefits of blaeberries in the treatment of cryptosporidium food poisoning, the value of juniper berries for inducing childbirth and the effect of hemlock as an anaesthetic. Other evidence found at Soutra has indicated that the monks also knew how to amputate limbs, make surgical instruments, stop scurvy and even cure hangovers. Fragments of pottery vessels contained traces of medicines, such as an analgesic salve made from opium and grease and treatment for parasitic and intestinal worms. Scientists also discovered quicklime (calcium oxide), which they believe was used as a disinfectant and a deodorant. Moffat said the monks' knowledge was so great it could be used to influence medicine today. "These medieval brothers knew what to do. They knew more about plants than anyone alive today," he said Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:28:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/medieval-potion-hope-for-slimmers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-fruit-shown-to-slow-cartilage-deterioration-in-osteoarthritis Pomegranate fruit shown to slow cartilage deterioration in osteoarthritisSource: www.eurekalert.orgPomegranate fruit extracts can block enzymes that contribute to osteoarthritis according to a Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine study published in the September 2005 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. The study looked at the ability of an extract of pomegranate fruit against Interleukin-1b (IL-1b), a pro-inflammatory protein molecule that plays a key role in cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. Current treatments for osteoarthritis – which affects 20 million people nationwide, according to the National Institutes of Health – offer limited effectiveness and do little to slow joint destruction and disease progression. "This has generated considerable interest in the identification and development of new approaches and reagents to treat and inhibit, if not abolish, the progress of the disease," said Tariq M. Haqqi, Ph.D., professor of medicine at Case. "Arthritis is one of the foremost diseases for which patients seek herbal or traditional medicine treatments. However, all the extracts and herbs have not yet been scientifically evaluated for their efficacy and safety. Indeed, some of them may even interfere with the current treatments," Haqqi said. "Therefore, careful use of supplements and herbal medicines during early stages of disease or treatment may be made to limit the disease progression." Plant-based flavonoids found in fruits, leaves and vegetables have attracted a lot of attention for their beneficial health effects in various diseases. Pomegranate, in particular, has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of diseases. The Case study demonstrated for the first time the ability of pomegranate fruit extracts to slow the deterioration of human cartilage. "It has been revered through the ages for its medicinal properties," said Haqqi. "Studies in animal models of cancer suggest that pomegranate fruit extract consumption may be anticarcinogenic, whereas studies in mice and humans indicate that it may also have a potential therapeutic and chemopreventive adjuvant effect in cardiovascular disorders." A bonus with the native Persian fruit is that its antioxidant constituents are rapidly absorbed by the body and are non-toxic. Using tissue samples of human cartilage affected by osteoarthritis, researchers added a water extract of pomegranate fruit to the culture using a well-established in vitro model. The findings showed a new activity for pomegranate fruit extract – namely cartilage protection – in addition to its previously discovered antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The IL-1b protein molecules create an overproduction of inflammatory molecules including matrix metalloproteases (MMP), which are tightly regulated enzymes necessary for tissue remodeling. When overproduced in a disease state, such as osteoarthritis, they degrade the cartilage resulting in joint damage and destruction. The Case study results indicate that pomegranate fruit extracts inhibit the overproduction of MMP enzymes in human cartilage cells. "This suggests that consumption of pomegranate fruit extract may help in protecting cartilage from the effects of IL-1b by suppressing cartilage degradation in OA," Haqqi said. More studies are needed to determine the absorption rate of pomegranate fruit extracts in the joints. Future plans include animal model studies in osteoarthritis to determine whether the fruit extract promotes cartilage repair, and whether it can also be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:24:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pomegranate-fruit-shown-to-slow-cartilage-deterioration-in-osteoarthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-dose-vitamin-c-reduced-colds-in-japanese-study High dose vitamin C reduced colds in Japanese studySource: www.nutraingredients.comTaking a high-dose vitamin C supplement everyday reduced the number of colds experienced by people in a Japanese trial, although intake of the vitamin appeared to have no impact on the severity or duration. The new results add to the ongoing debate about vitamin C's efficacy on colds. A recent review by researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland found no evidence to support reduced risk of colds after analysing 23 studies done in the general population, using doses of up to 2g daily. However they did find tha people who were given vitamin C and then caught a cold experienced a small reduction in the duration of the cold compared with those taking a placebo. The authors also found that the vitamin could help prevent colds in people exposed to extreme physical exertion or cold weather. In the Japanese trial, reported in the 24 August issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (DOI:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602261), researchers gave 244 people living in Akita prefecture, one of the regions in Japan with the highest mortality from gastric cancer, a daily supplement of either 50mg (low-dose) or 500 mg vitamin C for five years. After adjusting for external factors, they found that risk of suffering from a common cold three or more times during the survey period was 0.34 for the high-dose group. Total number of common colds (per 1,000 person-months) was 21.3 and 17.1 for the low- and high-dose groups, respectively. In contrast with the Helsinki researchers however, no apparent reduction was seen for the severity and duration of the common cold. They warned however that "considering several limitations due to protocol amendment, the findings should be interpreted with caution". Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:23:33 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-dose-vitamin-c-reduced-colds-in-japanese-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wheat-grass-therapy-for-cancer-cure- Wheat grass therapy for cancer cure:Source: www.newkerala.comCancer patients in Jaipur are turning to natural therapy to fight the deadly menace. Therapists say that the juice of wheat grass cures cancers as the anti-oxidants in it fights cancer cells. Therapists also claim that the organic product has no side effects and its efficacy is above 50 percent. “It is supposed to destroy cancerous cells selectively. Like in some other procedures both the cancer cells and the healthy cells are also destroyed, whereas, in this the healthy cells are promoted. It brings up the immunity and so since a very long time we’ve been using wheat grass therapy along with homeopathy of course to fight cancer and lots of patients we are getting from all over Rajasthan and even out of the state,” said Alok Mehara, a wheat grass therapist at the SN Hospital. The response from the patients has also been quite good. “After taking wheat grass I’m hale and hearty, as you see me, and I think I would advice everyone to take this juice instead of the normal tonics that people go after. I think this works miracles,” said Padma, a cancer patien. Wheat grass juice for cancer treatment was first used in the US, by a doctor Dr. N. Virgis, who himself was a cancer patient. Wheat grass used for cancer treatment is grown organically under controlled temperature. Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:11:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wheat-grass-therapy-for-cancer-cure- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/goldenseal GOLDENSEALSource: Althealth NewsLately, more and more people have begun to understand just how limited—in both variety and nutritional value—our “modern” diets have become. This realization has sparked a new and wide-spread interest in the culinary and therapeutic uses of herbs…those plants which—although not well-known today—were, just one short generation ago, honored “guests” on the dinner tables and in the medicine chests of our grandparents’ homes. In this regular feature, MOTHER will examine the availability, cultivation, and benefits of our “forgotten” vegetable foods and remedies… and—we hope—help prevent the loss of still another bit of ancestral lore.A handsome perennial, gold-enseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is native to cool, shaded woodlands in the eastern United States . . . particularly the rich, well-drained highlands of Appalachia. It grows from 6 to 12 inches tall, with a single main leaf and two secondary leaves of five to seven lobes each. As the leaf stems die back, they mark the fleshy, yellow rhizome (rootstock) with scars that resemble seals and give the plant its name.Each stem is graced by a solitary greenish white flower in May or June, followed by a rasp-berrylike aggregate fruit that's about half an inch in diameter. Each one of a berry's small "globes" contains two or three hard, black, shiny seeds about the size of buckwheat grains. The plant's rhizome—usually about three-quarters of an inch thick and two inches long, with a profusion of long yellow rootlets—is, when dried, the part most often used in medicinal preparations.Goldenseal has an acrid, bitter taste and a disagreeable odor, but its purported uses are so varied that it has been called "the universal herb" for over 300 years. The powdered rootstock— considered a general tonic for the mucous membranes—can be applied as a snuff or an antiseptic dust ... in washes and infusions ... or in capsule form. In combination with other herbs, goldenseal has been used—at various times and, we must assume, with varying degrees of effectiveness—to treat ulcers, sinus conditions, dyspepsia, worms, bowel irregularity, gonorrhea, prostate and vaginal infections, and morning sickness . . . among other problems.However, goldenseal should be taken only in small and infrequent doses ... no more than 0.5 to 1.0 gram, and not more than three times daily. The ingestion of large quantities can overstimulate the nervous system and produce convulsions, miscarriage, and the excessive buildup of white corpuscles in the blood.Once foraged almost to extinction, goldenseal can still be found (in late spring and summer) growing wild in some areas. But the herb is also relatively easy to cultivate. Select a spot that comes as close to duplicating the plant's natural environment as possible . . . that is, a site under trees (or lath) that will be shielded from direct sun but still get enough light to promote leaf and root growth.Next, condition the soil—which will ideally be a clay-based medium—with sand, leaf mold, bone meal, and cottonseed meal until it's naturally moist (but well-drained) and fairly light. Do not add fertilizer.You'll want to cultivate the conditioned soil to a depth of ten inches before planting either seeds, rootlets, or (the preferred method) budded pieces of rhizome. Mulch the bed in winter with leaves, hay, cowpeas, or bean vines . . . and in summer with hardwood sawdust. Given regular care, the plants should mature in three or four years.Autumn is the best season for planting or harvesting this herb. After the tops have died down, uproot the rhizomes very carefully. Clean off the dirt and replant any small or undeveloped roots. Then dry the rhizomes on racks in a warm, shaded area or in mild sunlight. Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:07:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/goldenseal http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-indicates-vitamin-e-has-more-health-benefits Study indicates Vitamin E has more health benefitsSource: www.wistv.comA study in mice shows taking high doses of vitamin "E" can increase lifespan and improve brain function. In the study male mice given vitamin "e" performed better during maze tests and lived longer than mice not given the antioxidant. However, too much vitamin "E" can be harmful. Researchers recommend talking with your doctor before adding vitamin "E" to your diet. Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:05:07 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-indicates-vitamin-e-has-more-health-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-longevity-diet The longevity dietSource: www.timesonline.co.ukAVOCADO Often vilified for being high in calories, they are also mainly monounsaturated fat (the rest being mainly polyunsaturated), which can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease. Avocados contain folate, needed for cell division and blood-cell formation, essential for cell regeneration, and antioxidants. They include the antioxidant vitamin E (good for the skin); lutein, a carotenoid that protects against eye diseases; and beta-sisterol, a plant compound that can inhibit absorption of cholesterol and help to lower cholesterol. I eat half an avocado most days. BLUEBERRIES One of the most health-protective, anti-ageing foods — their vitamin C content is high and their beta-carotene means they are good for dealing with free radicals. They contain potassium, very important in keeping blood pressure in check. Blueberries are best eaten raw, when their vitamin C content is at its highest — they are delicious with muesli, or added to live yoghurt. I’d suggest a couple of handfuls every other day. BROCCOLI High in fibre, with lots of beta-carotene, folate and vitamin C to help to prevent and fight heart disease. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals (glucosinolates), important for the prevention of and in tackling cancer. Try a handful every other day — steamed or boiled lightly. CARROTS High in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant — we absorb more beta-carotene from cooked carrots than from raw, but since vitamin C is highest in raw carrots I'd make sure you have raw or cooked daily. Carrots are delicious grated in salads, with a little lemon or orange juice and roasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top, or try carrot and orange soup. HEMP OIL If you’re a non-fish-eater, hemp oil is a good vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids. It's also rich in vitamin E, a great antioxidant, and useful in preserving youthful skin. And if you think you may start getting high on it, fear not, the cannabinoid levels are far too low. I use hemp oil almost every day — don't heat it, as this breaks the omega fats down — in a 50:50 ratio with olive oil in salad dressings, or with a little mustard and vinegar or lemon juice. I think the best, both quality and taste, is Good Oil (available from good food shops including Waitrose and Selfridges). Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:01:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-longevity-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-rich-diet-boosts-benefit-of-exercise Protein-rich diet boosts benefit of exerciseSource: www.nutraingredients.comPeople following advice to cut calories and increase physical activity to lose weight will see greater benefits if their diet is rich in protein, reveals a new study. The trial on almost 50 overweight women confirms previous studies showing that a high-protein diet can lead to greater fat loss than a low-calorie, high carbohydrate diet. But the researchers from the University of Illinois have also demonstrated that when both regimes are combined with an exercise programme, the protein-rich diet is still more effective at reducing body fat. "There's an additive, interactive effect when a protein-rich diet is combined with exercise. The two work together to correct body composition; dieters lose more weight, and they lose fat, not muscle," said author Donald Layman, professor of food science and human nutrition. Layman's team recruited 48 women aged around 46 years old with a body mass index of 33 kg/m(2) during weight loss. Half the women ate a protein-rich diet containing specific levels of leucine, one of the essential amino acids, for four months. The others followed a diet based on the US food guide pyramid, which contained higher amounts of carbohydrates. Both groups consumed the same number of calories, but the first group substituted protein foods, like meat, dairy products, eggs, and nuts, for foods high in carbohydrates, such as breads, rice, cereal, pasta, and potatoes. "Both diets work because, when you restrict calories, you lose weight. But the people on the higher-protein diet lost more weight," said Layman. High-protein diets have been controversial as they counter the accepted weight-loss diet and there is little information on their impact on health over the long-term. But recent studies suggest that they may indeed work better than low-calorie, high-carbohydrate diets by increasing satiety and reducing fat mass. In the current study, published in the August issue of the Journal of Nutrition (vol 135, issue 8, pp1903-10), the subjects were also required to follow one of two different exercise programmes. The first involved walking two to three times a week, while the second group included five 30-minute walking sessions and two 30-minute weightlifting sessions per week. In both groups of dieters, the exercise helped spare lean muscle tissue and target fat loss. But, the protein-rich, high-exercise group, lost even more weight, and almost 100 per cent of the weight loss was fat, report the researchers. In the high-carbohydrate, high-exercise group, however, as much as 25 to 30 per cent of the weight lost was muscle. The protein-rich diet seems to be even more effective for people at higher risk of heart disease. "The protein-rich diet dramatically lowered triglycerides and had a statistically significant effect on trunk fat, both risk factors associated with heart disease," said Layman. "Exercise helped dieters lose an even greater percentage of body fat from the abdominal area." The protein-rich diet is thought to work well because it contains a high level of leucine. The amino acid works with insulin to stimulate protein synthesis in muscle. "The diet works because the extra protein reduces muscle loss while the low-carbohydrate component gives you low insulin, allowing you to burn fat," explained Layman. Tue, 30 Aug 2005 22:55:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/protein-rich-diet-boosts-benefit-of-exercise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hay-fever-butterbur-herb-may-stop-the-sneezing Hay fever? Butterbur herb may stop the sneezingSource: www.indystar.comFor the one in five Americans who suffer from hay fever, the herb butterbur may be an effective alternative to an antihistamine, according to what is called the largest trial on the plant extract done so far.Researchers from Switzerland and Germany compared butterbur extract with fexofenadine (Allegra), an antihistamine commonly used to treat intermittent allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever.The investigators assigned 330 patients to one of three groups: the first group took 8-milligram tablets of a butterbur extract (also called petasites) three times a day; the fexofenadine group took a 180-milligram antihistamine tablet in the morning; and the third group received placebo pills.The butterbur group reported slightly higher relief from symptoms than the antihistamine group. The placebo group reported very little relief.The findings were published online Monday in Phytotherapy Research, an international journal on medicinal plant research.Study: Ovarian cancer's signs often misattributedAbdominal pain and swelling can be early symptoms of ovarian cancer. But they are often attributed to other causes, potentially delaying an earlier diagnosis of the disease when it could be treated more effectively, a new study finds.After reviewing the medical records of nearly 20,000 women, researchers found that as early as 12 months before diagnosis, women with ovarian cancer were twice as likely as women without the disease to report these symptoms to their doctors. But they were initially treated for stomach problems rather than given tests for the cancer.If the symptoms can't at first be attributed to another cause, it would be wise for a doctor to recommend that a woman be administered pelvic imaging and a serum test, called CA125, that can indicate ovarian cancer, the study's author said.The study results appear in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal Cancer.Technique can rule out surgery for lung cancerA new technique for taking tiny tissue samples from the chest reduces unwarranted surgery for people suffering with advanced lung cancer, Dutch surgeons say.The method goes under the cumbersome name of transesophageal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration -- abbreviated EUS-FNA.A study of 107 patients with non-small cell lung cancer showed that, when used in combination with another diagnostic technique, EUS-FNA identified cases in which surgery was unnecessary based on the extent to which the cancer had spread.The findings appear in the Aug. 24-31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.Drug is found to help sleep-deprived monkeysShift workers, hospital staff clocking long hours, and other sleep-challenged people someday may have a means of restoring alertness even if sleep-deprived.Researchers at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., say an experimental drug called CX717 temporarily improved performance and reversed the effects of sleep deprivation in the brains of monkeys.The drug works on a type of brain receptor involved in cell-to-cell communication, boosting the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate.The study was reported this past week in the online edition of the Public Library of Science-Biology. Tue, 30 Aug 2005 22:48:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hay-fever-butterbur-herb-may-stop-the-sneezing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-supplement Arthritis SupplementSource: www.ivanhoe.comA common sulfur-containing dietary supplement can help ease pain and improve physical function in patients with arthritic knees, according to a new study from Arizona researchers.The researchers gave either three grams of methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, or a placebo to 50 osteoarthritis patients twice a day for 12 weeks. Patients taking the MSM reported slightly more improvement in pain and physical function compared to patients on the placebo.There were no significant differences in stiffness and other symptoms between the two groups."The findings suggest MSM may be considered for short-term use in osteoarthritis pain when other treatments are ineffective," say researchers from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Ariz., who presented the study over the weekend at the annual meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.More than 20 million Americans have osteoarthritis. The condition is characterized by the wearing away of cartilage that serves as a cushion in the joints and often leads to joint replacement. About 381,000 knee replacements were performed in 2002.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/SOURCE: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Annual Meeting, in Phoenix, Ariz., Aug. 24-27, 2005 Tue, 30 Aug 2005 22:18:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-supplement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milk-thistle-found-to-stimulate-growth-of-new-liver-cells Milk thistle found to stimulate growth of new liver cellsSource: Althealth NewsIt has been called the “silent epidemic.” This virus can take from 10 to 30 years to show outward symptoms. Outside the obvious high-risk groups, it is often first detected as part of life insurance physicals. By the time hepatitis C is discovered, cirrhosis and liver failure can be imminent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.8 percent of the American population is infected. There is no vaccination, only treatment with Interferon, which is physically difficult, quite expensive and not always effective.The search for a less costly treatment for hepatitis C has, for better or worse, led many sufferers back to herbal supplements. Throughout history one plant has long been known for “carrying off bile.”This is first century herbal language for restoring liver function. In past times the primary killer of livers were wild mushrooms, which even today remain so toxic that modern medicine has few options for treating poisonings.The one plant traditionally used as an antidote to the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is milk thistle. This wayside weed, Silybum marianum, can be found naturalized through much of America. A native of the Mediterranean, it enjoys warmer dry climates, but like most thistles, it is remarkably tough and adaptable.Science has isolated the active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, which is believed to stimulate the growth of new liver cells. It is commercially extracted from the seed, but the chemical is present in other parts of the plant, too. A number of studies related to chronic liver disease treated with silymarin have produced mixed results. Although the statistics do not support its efficacy, many hepatitis sufferers continue to hope that milk thistle supplements, widely sold in capsule form, are beneficial.Milk thistle relatives fall under a more well-known thistle genus Carduus. They are first-class colonizers that hail from as far away as Africa and Asia. Their presence has become a sign of ill-kept ground. This is in part because sharply thorned leaves makes grazing animals steer clear of them. An indolent farmer is likely to ignore a small colony, giving it time to infest an entire pasture in a handful of seasons. Many exotic thistles have naturalized in America. This includes the artichoke thistle, a wild form of the cultivated vegetable, globe artichoke. Artichoke thistle thrives in coastal grassland communities of California.Thistle is a weed often spread by livestock or feed. Thistles harvested with hay can travel a long way before being released from the bale at a new destination. Grain bags, as well as the animals themselves, help thistle travel whenever they are sold and transported. This explains why thistles can often be imported into gardens with unsterilized or insufficiently composted manures.When introduced to a new location, the seed quickly germinates. In farms and gardens, a single parent plant can quickly produce countless progeny in their first year. This speed of infestation caused great alarm in early 20th century Australia, where the weeds, introduced from Europe, ran rampant. Eventually an act of parliament was required to force land owners to promptly control thistles before they get out of hand.Milk thistle cousins, the artichokes and globe thistle, make somewhat better candidates for gardens. But they, too, can naturalize and become weeds. The edible artichoke flower bud resembles that of milk thistle but is much larger.In the garden, let an artichoke bud bloom, and it becomes a giant purple thistle flower. As the plants grow tall, they develop a thick stalk. In Italy, the interior flesh of the thistle stalk is called cardoon, a delicacy named for their genus, Caruus.Thistles are a remarkable story of survival and colonization. They also tell a tale of invasive exotics that naturalize too easily in America. The plants pepper the herbals back to the time of Dioscorides for their medicinal values. In various forms, the stems, flowers and leaves have been valuable food.An English herbalist once said of rediscovered old thistles, romantically if not scientifically, “It is a friend to the liver and blood ... but as the world decays, so doth the use of good old things and others, more delicate and less virtuous brought in.” Mon, 22 Aug 2005 22:17:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/milk-thistle-found-to-stimulate-growth-of-new-liver-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ashwaganda-an-herb-that-can-help-infertility-and-impotence Ashwaganda: An Herb that Can Help Infertility and ImpotenceSource: www.prweb.comAshwaganda is an herb native to India and is somewhat similar in use to another popular Asian herb – Ginseng. The Ashwaganda is like the Ginseng of India and it is a part of the nightshade family although it is not a poisonous variety.(PRWEB) August 21, 2005 -- Ashwaganda is an herb native to India and is somewhat similar in use to another popular Asian herb – Ginseng. The Ashwaganda is like the Ginseng of India and it is a part of the nightshade family although it is not a poisonous variety. It is normally used to together with Ayurvedic medicine to treat stress related discomforts and hypertension. Since the herb is easily grown and cultivated in India, it is now being tapped to treat impotence and infertility in men. Ashwaganda is also known by its botanical name Withania somnifera and consists of glycosides, alkaloids, and withanolides. Although it is grown mostly in India, making it an Eastern herb, it is used in both Eastern and Western medicine. It has been widely used for more than a thousand years. The dried roots and berries of the Ashwaganda are known to have a very slight effect on the gastrointestinal tract and the stomach. It’s basically the whole of the plant, although there were no studies done to find out what are the benefits of using the leaf. Usually, the herb’s roots are used in tea forming a liquid herbal extract, while it can be taken directly or as herbal capsules, powdered roots, or dried and crushed which can be mixed with food. Many manufacturers such as http://www.penispills.com sell the herb in these forms. The root of the herb itself is used to treat infertility in India. However, the Ashwaganda should not be taken as a daily supplement but as an aid when having difficulty. It should also be taken in a considerable amount of time only. In China, it has been used as an astringent, sedative, a “yang” tonic, and for back and joint pains, nerve pains, arthritis, insomnia, neurasthenia, during recuperation, children with slow growth, aging, and an aphrodisiac. It is also used for its sexual relief and for treating infertility and impotence. The Ashwaganda is also said to strengthen the sperm and to increase the sexual experience based an Ayurvedic medicine. The Ashwaganda is the most powerful of all the aphorodisiac herbs. It can help revive sexual drive or libido, increase and enhance overall strength making its user last longer in bed and to have a longer endurance. It also helps clear the mind since it is used to relieve stress and the strain of too much activity. It is also called the “adaptogenic” herb since it gets rid of the stress in your nerves making your body stronger and more adapted to stress. Since stress contributes a great deal in losing sexual appetite, the loss of stress also helps you restore your sexual energy. Your body can now produce the hormones that you need to help you function well –sexually and even mentally while having intercourse.The reproductive and the respiratory system are also enhanced by taking this herb. This includes the treatment of impotence and infertility, as well as erectile problems and premature ejaculation. Although the herb is used to treat infertility, it should not be taken by pregnant women to prevent damages, especially to the child. Mon, 22 Aug 2005 22:12:02 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ashwaganda-an-herb-that-can-help-infertility-and-impotence http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-show-of-hands A show of handsSource: www.dailynews.comIt's easy to damage delicate skin, more difficult to restore it By Elizabeth Hayt The New York Times The face gets more than its share of attention. Creams and lotions are specially made to moisturize it, protect it from the sun and erase its wrinkles. Cosmetic surgery techniques are designed to keep it looking youthful for a lifetime. And it stands to reason: Your face is what looks back at you from the mirror and what everyone else sees first. But what about your hands? They get noticed eventually, when they rise to shake another's hand, to wave or gesture, to give or receive. And then they, too, can make an indelible impression. And so it is not surprising that hands have become a new battleground in the great cosmetic war against aging. Lotion makers have begun to put the same sunscreen and anti-aging ingredients they use in face creams - antioxidants, retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, collagen and the like - into new, more expensive hand treatments. Spending at nail salons continues to rise: In 2004, it reached nearly $7 billion a year, up 8 percent from 2001, according to Nails, an industry trade magazine. And beauty spas are coming up with services that go well beyond the basic manicure - including "hand facials" (clay masks meant to firm the skin), paraffin wax treatments and applications of anti-aging serums."You'd be hard pressed to find a day spa that doesn't have a $40 to $70, 70-minute luxury hand ritual," said Melissa Felula, the beauty editor of Luxury SpaFinder magazine.Baree Fehrenbach is among those feeling a new need for hand pampering. She recently spent $45 at Just Calm Down day spa in Manhattan for "the grape Gatsby," which involves soaking the hands in red wine and grapeseed oil to dissolve the top layer of dead skin cells, and then having them gently scrubbed to remove that skin and diminish superficial wrinkles. Then Fehrenbach, 43, a graphic designer, invested $20 in a jar of Barielle 60-Second Manicure, a solution of oils and sea salt that she rubs on and rinses off three times a week."They're soft all the time," she said of her hands. "I'm not embarrassed to let my boyfriend hold my bare hand anymore."Men are also paying more attention to their hands. Bob Wainright, a computer animator in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., started by borrowing his wife's products - including One-Minute Manicure (an oil and salt treatment) and L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. It's the heavy-duty stuff," said Wainright, 37. "I'm obsessed with my hands. I want to look good for work, and my wife has noticed my hands are way softer."Not all of the esoteric spa treatments may be worth the cost, dermatologists say. They provide a "fleeting feel-good experience," but they work no better than a good moisturizer, said Dr. David Colbert, a Manhattan dermatologist.But there are plenty of useful strategies - old and new, cheap and costly - that can help keep hands looking good.The most common problem is dryness. Because hands do not have as many oil glands as other areas of the body - the face, for instance, and the back - and because they so often are washed in soap (or worse, detergents) and exposed to air and sun, the protective top layer of skin cells is easily stripped away. That causes a loss of moisture, making the skin feel tight, rough and possibly itchy, and making it look dull, scaly or cracked.Moisturizing creams and lotions contain humectants, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which attract moisture from the air and from the deeper layers of skin. And they have emollients - like petroleum jelly, mineral oil, lanolin or shea butter - to soften the skin and provide a protective coating. Prices vary wildly, from a few dollars for drugstore brands to as much as $85 for Dr. Perricone's Hand & Body Lipid Replenishment. Is there a difference? Many dermatologists say no. "Read any cream label," said Dr. Marinos Petratos, a dermatologist in New York City. "There will be emollients, lubricating agents and preservatives."Three drugstore moisturizers doctors often recommend are Aquaphor, Vaseline Intensive Care lotion and Cutemol cream (all under $10).To gauge how well any lotion or cream hydrates, try the "heel test," said Dr. Robert Weiss, an associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in Baltimore: For one week, apply one brand to your right heel and another to your left. Whichever one does the best job of softening this very thick and impermeable skin is the one that will work best on your hands.Doctors advise applying moisturizer when the hands are still damp from washing, so that it can trap the water in. Another trick, recommended by Dr. Frederic Brandt, a dermatologist in New York and Miami, is to apply moisturizer to the hands before bedtime and then wear a pair of cotton gloves overnight to increase penetration.In addition to dryness, hands suffer from overexposure to sunlight and from aging. Symptoms include wrinkles, brown spots and an increasingly leathery texture. Darker-colored skin tends to be better protected from these problems than lighter skin. And women's skin, which is thinner and drier than men's, typically shows signs of aging at least 10 years earlier, starting around age 40.To address this damage, hand creams now include a variety of special ingredients - alpha hydroxy acids (to exfoliate), vitamins A, C and E (to reduce oxidative damage), amino acids and fatty acids (to block moisture loss), retinoids (to stimulate the production of collagen, which makes skin firm) and skin lighteners (to fade brown spots).How can a consumer know whether any such anti-aging ingredients really work? "That's the million-dollar question," Brandt said. And the answer depends in part on how much of the ingredient the cream contains. "Ingredients are listed from the highest concentration to the lowest," he said. "You'd know if it's a fairly high concentration if it's at the top of the list."Certain ingredients are unlikely to be beneficial no matter how concentrated they are. Collagen itself, for example, cannot penetrate the skin. "Those molecules are too big," said Dr. Mark Jewell, the president of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.Plastic surgeons and dermatologists have their own ways of beautifying the hands. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing can make skin smoother, even out its color, promote the growth of collagen and get rid of rough patches, dark spots and shallow wrinkles.Wrinkle fillers used on the face, including Restylane and Sculptra, can also plump up the skin on the backs of the hands. "As you age, you lose subcutaneous fatty tissue," Jewell said. "You start out with not very much fat in the hands anyway, so when you lose some, the hands look hollowed out."One of the most natural-looking injectables is the patient's own fat, removed via liposuction from, say, the stomach or the inner thighs. The cost of injections ranges from an average of $539 for Restylane injections to $1,226 for fat.Sclerotherapy can reduce the appearance of veins on the backs of the hands. The treatment involves injecting a chemical solution into the blood vessels that causes them to contract. The average price is $325.Of course, the best way to have beautiful hands is to prevent damage in the first place. Keep them out of hot water whenever possible. And remember that nothing short of gloves beats the daily use of a high SPF sunscreen. Just like the one you would put on your face.How to repair damaged handsThe FarmerDoug Allen, the owner of Long Acre Farms in Macedon, N.Y., spends his days operating heavy machinery, welding and handling chemicals. "My hands are a mess," said Allen. "I've had problems with my hands cracking and not being studious enough to use lotion every night."Recently he has begun to take better care of them, slathering them with Bag Balm, a century-old ointment created to soothe abrasions on cows' udders and horses' hooves. Savvy humans know Bag Balm ($6.50) is also good for overworked, abused hands. "My hands don't crack anymore," Allen said. The Hand ModelEllen Sirot of Mount Kisco, N.Y., does not operate machinery _ or do anything else that might jeopardize her hands."I don't play any sports. I don't garden," said Sirot, whose hands have appeared in ads for Burger King and Listerine. She owns 100 pairs of white gloves for day (to prevent sun damage) and 100 pairs of elegant gloves for night (because you can't be too careful)."The skin on your hands is as delicate as the skin on your eyelids," she said.She also moisturizes "at least 20 times a day" with Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($4) and at night, with Aquaphor ($5.50). For nail polish, she uses Sally Hansen ("not as drying," she said) and softens her cuticles with vitamin E oil. The ChefRobert Carter, the executive chef at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston, S.C., discovered a low-cost remedy for dry skin that can be found in most kitchens: oil. His hands are often immersed in it, whether he is marinating a dish with olive oil or cleaning salmon, which has its own natural oils."I never have to moisturize," Carter said. "My wife tells me my hands are as soft as a doctor's hands." The BartenderWhether they are rinsing glasses or wiping down the bar, Michelle Prendergast's hands are perpetually damp. "So I try to pamper them at home," said Prendergast.Her treatment of choice is Johnson's Nourishing Milk Lotion for babies ($4) and, for the rash that sometimes develops on her fingers beneath her rings, fresh juice from her 20-year-old aloe plant. The Room AttendantAnother olive oil acolyte is Yvonne Neal, a room attendant at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York for 27 years, whose hands are exposed to cleaning products and chemicals. She warms olive oil on the stove before soaking her hands in it. Neal also recommends the Neutrogena lotion that comes in the miniature bottles in the Waldorf's bathrooms (free).The Surgeon"I probably wash my hands 30 times a day," said Keri Greenseid, an obstetrician and gynecologist at New York University Medical Center. "It dries them out; it's awful." The surgical gloves she often wears only make matters worse. But Greenseid said she has found that shea butter hand cream from L'Occitane ($23) makes her hands soft again.The GardenerMobee Weinstein, the assistant forewoman of gardeners at the New York Botanical Garden, plunges her hands into soil almost every day and damages her skin with repetitive plantings. "After 8,000 tulips, you're bound to get a blister," Weinstein said. "I love what I do, but I don't want my hands to look like what I do."So she loosens ground-in dirt with a nail brush, removes calluses with a pumice stone, treats unopened blisters with vitamin E oil and applies unscented Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion ($8) throughout the day and Reviva's Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream ($23) at night. The QuilterPinpricks are an occupational hazard for Cathy Izzo, owner of the City Quilter in Manhattan. And like many other quilters, she treats her fingertips with Bag Balm. The lanolin it contains acts like a wax coating to help soothe minor cuts and scratches. The CarpenterGreg Cote said his hands suffer countless abrasions and cracks, not to mention the occasional splinter. So he uses Neosporin to treat open wounds and, to soothe his irritated skin, a tin of Burt's Bees Farmer's Friend Hand Salve ($6)."In a pinch I'd use anything," Cote said, "but I try to keep those things in the truck." Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:40:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-show-of-hands http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-may-improve-sperm-quality-say-researchers Acupuncture May Improve Sperm Quality, Say ResearchersSource: www.fertilityneighborhood.comAcupuncture may be beneficial for men who have certain types of infertility, suggests a new preliminary study.1 But after some inconsistent findings, the research team also stressed that more study is necessary before this can be applied in the clinical setting."The use of traditional or complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) for health care has been increasing, including the use of acupuncture for the treatment of infertility," wrote Jian Pei, PhD, of Christian-Lauritzen-Institut in Ulm, Germany, who led the study, and his colleagues. Encouraging results from other studies prompted Pei and his team to find out if acupuncture could improve the structure of sperm in men with infertility.An Ancient Approach The use of acupuncture dates back more than 2,000 years in China, but became more common in the United States in the early 1970s. The approach involves stimulating anatomical parts of the body using a variety of techniques. The more common approach used in this country involves penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles that are manipulated by a practitioner's hands or through electrical stimulation.2The use of acupuncture has surged in popularity in the United States in the past 20 years. According to a government survey, about 8 million American adults reported that they had used acupuncture at some point in their lives, and an estimated 2 million reported they had used the approach in the previous year.3Achieving and Maintaining a Balance Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the body comprises two opposing yet inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, active principle. Acupuncture is designed to maintain a balance between these two states, which disease tends to disrupt, according to TCM principles. Creating this imbalance blocks the flow of qi (chee), according to Chinese medicine. The blockage occurs along pathways known as meridians, and more than 2,000 points on the human body connect with these meridians.2While it's not completely understood how or why acupuncture works, studies have suggested that it helps regulate the nervous system, which results in the production of pain-killing biochemicals like endorphins,4 or it may alter brain chemistry by releasing beneficial chemicals that target the nervous system.5 Does Acupuncture Benefit Infertile Men? Male patients were recruited for this study from a group of infertility patients who were seeking treatment at the researchers' medical institution. All study participants underwent a complete workup, which pointed to an unknown male factor responsible for each couple's infertility. Each man in the study was assigned at random to a group receiving acupuncture therapy for a total of 5 weeks, or a group receiving no treatment. Then, outcomes of both groups were compared.A semen sample was collected from each patient before the study began, and then again after the study concluded. After separating the sperm from the semen, the researchers determined whether their structure was normal or not. To eliminate the possibility of bias, none of the researchers knew whether the sperm they were observing were from men who underwent acupuncture or no treatment.More Healthy Sperm Reported When sperm were analyzed before the study began, the researchers noted that the numbers of healthy sperm in all patients were very low, "confirming the presence of male factor infertility." However, after five weeks of acupuncture therapy, the numbers of healthy sperm in the men receiving treatment significantly improved, Pei's group wrote. The average percentage of healthy sperm improved by about a quarter percent following acupuncture, they noted. Next, the study team wanted to know which parts of the sperm directly responded to acupuncture therapy. They did this by comparing the structure of certain sections on the sperm before and after treatment. They found that the normal position of the acrosome (AK-roh-sohm), a membrane-enclosed section on the head of the sperm that contains enzymes used in fertilization, improved an average of about 8% in the sperm from men who underwent acupuncture. That compares to about a 6% improvement, on average, in the sperm from men who received no treatment. The normal shape of the acrosome also improved up to 38%, on average, Pei and his colleagues reported. Inconsistent Findings Other measures of sperm structure varied, however. In some cases, there was an improvement in certain structural defects in the sperm from the men undergoing acupuncture, but in other analyses, no differences were found between the treatment or non-treatment groups.Despite the non-congruent results, Pei's group concluded that the use of acupuncture may improve sperm quality. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings. "Our future aim is [to] strengthen our findings by enlarging the study group for more investigations," they wrote. 1. Pei J, Strehler E, Noss U et al. Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Fertil Steril 2005 Jul;84(1):141-7. 2. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). National Institutes of Health (NIH). Get the Facts: Acupuncture. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/#2. Accessed August 9, 2005. 3. Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004. 4. Hsu DT. Acupuncture: A review. Reg Anesth 1996 Jul-Aug;21(4):361-70. 5. Chen GS. Enkephalin, drug addiction and acupuncture. Am J Chin Med (Gard City NY) 1977 Sprin;5(1):25-30.John Martin is a long-time health journalist and an editor for Priority Healthcare. His credits include overseeing health news coverage for the website of Fox Television's The Health Network, and articles for the New York Post and other consumer and trade publications. Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:38:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-may-improve-sperm-quality-say-researchers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/daily-glass-of-juice-keeps-arthritis-at-bay Daily glass of juice keeps arthritis at baySource: www.dailymail.co.ukDrinking a glass of orange juice a day may help stave off arthritis, new research suggests. Certain carotenoids, compounds commonly found in some fruits and vegetables, appear to be responsible for the positive effects. The findings from previous studies have suggested that dietary carotenoids, the chemicals responsible for the orange and yellow coloring of fruits and vegetables, can reduce inflammation through antioxidant effects. Dr. Alan J. Silman, from The University of Manchester in the UK, and colleagues analyzed data from a study of more than 25,000 subjects to investigate the association between dietary carotenoids and arthritis risk. Between 1993 and 2001, the subjects were followed to assess the occurrence of arthritis affecting multiple joints. Look here too... Skip gossip links to more articles News: Arthritis drug linked to skin disorders Report: Major trial of new childhood arthritis drug announced Story: Arthritis drug may have killed thousands Article: Acupuncture can relieve arthritis pain Don't miss today Comment: Damning tale of fatal ineptitude Photos: Beauty treatments with bite Pictures: The flab jab - before and after Chat: Talk about today's health stories Have your say Should parents be able to choose the sex of their child? Yes - they should have the right to choose No - it is unethical More polls » Boards & chat Are you addicted to tanning? Share your thoughts on our message boardsTalk here » The researchers' findings appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Eighty-eight subjects developed arthritis during follow-up and they were matched to 176 healthy comparison subjects. Average daily intakes of the carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin were 40 and 20 percent lower, respectively, for arthritis patients compared with healthy subjects. By contrast, consumption of two other well-known carotenoids, lutein and lycopene, did not seem to protect against arthritis. Further analysis showed that subjects with the highest beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin intake were about half as likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis than those with the lowest intake. "These data add to a growing body of evidence that some dietary antioxidants, such as the carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin as well as vitamin C, may be protective against the development of" arthritis, the authors conclude. Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:33:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/daily-glass-of-juice-keeps-arthritis-at-bay http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/for-whom-a-tan-tolls For whom a tan tollsSource: www.timesonline.co.ukDr Thomas Stuttaford Essex is Britain's skin-damage hotspot, but a new cream might help sun addicts ADDICTS AWAITING a fix become notoriously irritable if they are frustrated. Research from the University of Texas suggests that some people become addicted to sunbathing, and it’s highly likely that among the 100,000 stranded while waiting for BA to solve its catering problems were many who were kept from their annual fix of holiday sun. As they fumed in the departure lounges, Professor Rino Cerio, of the Royal London Hospital and Bart’s, one of Europe’s experts on the effect of sun on the skin, was celebrating his first day as a professor of dermatopathology. At a lunch in London he was speaking on solar keratosis, which is the most common form of suninduced skin damage. He is a dermatologist and pathologist and has been appointed to hold the first chair of dermatopathology in the UK. The Royal London Hospital has a large dermatology unit and is one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Britain. Every year 62,000 people have skin cancer diagnosed; many, but not all, of these cases are related to excessive exposure to the sun. Too much sunlight also results in a many other skin problems, and the number of such patients seen at the hospital is greater than at any other centre in the UK. Cerio has his own theories on why the Royal London sees so many patients with sun-damage. Actinic or solar keratosis is the term for sun-blitzed patches of skin that may turn malignant. As this hospital is the centre for treating serious skin problems for the part of Essex that is home to Essex Man and Woman — an inordinate number of them sun enthusiasts — there is no shortage of patients. Cerio has found that many Essex men and women have a deep love of sun and the tan that goes with it. He is concerned about their use of tanning centres and the hours, BA willing, that they spendlying in the Mediterranean sun. His Essex patients are prone to two other risk factors: they minimise problems and report significant skin changes late. Also, although many have spread outwards from London, others have migrated from what were once the Viking areas of northern East Anglia. Some of the latter group are unusually fair-skinned. Actinic keratoses are the (usually multiple) red, scaly, rough patches that appear on sunbaked skin. You often see them on the backs of a persistent sunbather’s hands, arms and, perhaps above all, on the bald heads of fair-skinned, ageing men. They are not life-threatening per se but, other than being unsightly, the principal problem is that they may undergo malignant change. Most don’t, and some probably disappear spontaneously. However, enough turn malignant to become squamous cell carcinomas to make it wiser to have actinic keratosis removed. The prevalence of actinic keratosis varies: it affects 60 per cent of over-forties who live in the sunnier climes of the US, and around 68 per cent of older men and 49 per cent of older women in Australia. There is a more modest prevalence in the UK. In the Liverpool area, for example, 15 per cent of older men and 6 per cent of women have solar keratosis. Among the sun or sunbed worshippers in southern England the rate is higher, but a long way from reaching Australian or southern American figures. The keratosis is induced by irradiation, by the ultraviolet light of UVA or UVB rays. There are almost certainly other factors that predispose to trouble ahead and act as co-carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) with the sun’s rays. One of these is likely to be HPV, the human papilloma or wart virus, which, when present with sun damage, may trigger the change in the rough, red patch from a simple solar keratosis to a malignant squamous cell carcinoma. The advantages of the treatments available for actinic keratosis have been investigated in many centres, including the Royal London and Bart’s. Small lesions can be treated by freezing and curettage (scraping off the affected skin). Curettage is often used with electro-surgery, too. It is effective but may leave scarring or white skin patches. Dermabrasion and chemical peels are popular in some clinics, although chemical peels can be painful and may increase sensitivity to sun and cause changes in pigmentation. A few hospitals have facilities for photodynamic (light) therapy applied to an area of skin already sensitised by a cream. This can be effective but may be painful. At last week’s talk Cerio discussed the role of topical therapy, a gel that can be applied to the affected skin and possibly used as an adjunct to other treatments such as freezing. It has proved to be remarkably successful and, as with so many medical advances, its discovery was a matter of serendipity. Australia — as a result of the thin and patchy ozone layer over the continent that increases the danger of excessive irradiation — has one of the most skin-damaging climates in the world. Australian tennis players have a high incidence of solar keratosis and of painful elbow joints caused by damage ranging from arthritis to tennis elbow. Many of the players applied an anti-rheumatic gel containing diclofenac — the anti-inflammatory agent better known as Arthrotec — and hyaluronic acid. Not only did their joints feel better but, surprisingly, nearly eight out of ten of those who had scaly patches of solar keratosis noticed that their skin also improved. A combination of diclofenac — 3 per cent in 2.5 per cent hyaluronic acid — resulted in at least a 75 per cent improvement within three months, and more than 40 per cent had a 100 per cent clearance. After four months nearly 60 per cent were clear. The diclofenac and hyaluronic acid gel is marketed as Solarase (available on presription only). It will have an important use in primary care, assuming that any unusual presentations of the keratosis are referred for expert opinion. Care must be taken to exclude any lesion that has already turned malignant. Cerio recommends that if a patient’s lesion hasn’t changed after 90 days of this treatment, they should see a consultant. Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:31:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/for-whom-a-tan-tolls http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-treatment-and-solutions-include-vitamins-herbs-holistic-health-says-myvitaminguide-com Acne Treatment and Solutions Include Vitamins, Herbs & Holistic Health, Says MyVitaminGuide.comSource: i-newswire.comMy Vitamin Guide (MVG), an online review of vitamins, herbs and alternative medicine, adds an enhanced acne section to its website. Found at www.myvitaminguide.com/acne.html, MVG reports on natural acne treatments as well as conventional approaches. (I-Newswire) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Barbara Keddy Be Great! Marketing, LLC 703-759-7529 bkeddy@begreatmarketing.comAcne Treatment and Acne Solutions Include Nutritional Supplements and Holistic Health, Says MyVitaminGuide.comEnhanced Acne Treatment Section of My Vitamin Guide Recommends Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs, and Alternative Medicine for Acne Prevention Virginia Beach, VA - August 18, 2005 - My Vitamin Guide ( MVG ), an online review of vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies and alternative medicine, announced today it has added an enhanced acne section to its website. Found online at www.MyVitaminGuide.com, MVG provides consumers free information on vitamins and supplements as well as resources, news, advice, and content from medical professionals on more than 650 health concerns and illnesses."Teens aren’t the only age group concerned about acne. We find many adults are searching for information about acne treatments, acne products, acne prevention, and acne solutions." We’re pleased to offer information that includes natural acne treatments as well as conventional, medicinal approaches," said MVG CEO Sam Knoll. "By providing information in a clear and easy-to-use way, we are helping teens and adults make informed decisions about how to treat their acne effectively."The MVG acne section, found at http://www.myvitaminguide.com/acne.html , offers a checklist that rates the effectiveness of nutritional supplements and herbs to help treat acne, as well as helpful dietary and lifestyle changes, and several recommended alternative health treatments.Holistic treatments like acupuncture can be very helpful for treating acne. Several preliminary studies have reported that a series of eight to fifteen acupuncture treatments is markedly effective in 90% to 98% of patients.Besides traditional Chinese acupuncture using needles alone, a technique called “cupping” is frequently used in the treatment of acne. Cupping refers to the use of cup-shaped instruments to apply suction to the area being needled. Two preliminary trials of cupping treatment for acne reported marked improvement in 91% to 96% of the study participants.My Vitamin Guide’s acne section also recommends that teens and adults with acne should * Keep skin clean with the help of astringent lotions, oil-removing pads, and medicated soaps * Use acne-fighting lotions that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide gel ( 4% ), and tea tree oil ( 5% ) * Take 60 to 90 mg of zinc each day to improve acne * If taking extra zinc, add 1 to 2 mg each day of copper to avoid a copper deficiency * Prevent new breakouts and treat existing cysts with products containing tea tree oil or salicylic acidAbout MyVitaminGuide.com ( MVG ) MVG provides articles and reviews on vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, and alternative health therapies. MVG was founded by Sam Knoll, a vitamin industry veteran and author of the e-book, How to Buy Vitamins. All information is available to the public at http://www.MyVitaminGuide.com Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:27:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acne-treatment-and-solutions-include-vitamins-herbs-holistic-health-says-myvitaminguide-com http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-care-for-tired-muscles HERBAL CARE FOR TIRED MUSCLESSource: www.motherearthnews.comBy Lindsay Cobb There's not much anyone can do to lessen the workload that comes with these busy, chilly months . . . but I can tell you about a few treatments that'll help you relax your fatigued body and perhaps make tomorrow's chores seem just a bit easier. When muscles tighten (as they do when they're overworked), they hamper the circulatory system, thereby preventing nutrients from reaching the muscle cells in adequate quantities. Moreover, lactic acid builds up in the stressed tissue, causing soreness. It makes sense, then, that the first step toward bringing some vitality back into your aching frame is to get the blood pumping to those undernourished cells again. As most folks know, heat causes blood vessels to enlarge, thus encouraging circulation. However, as anyone who had, labored on a hot afternoon will likely attest, excessive heat can cause a feeling of sluggishness . . . so be careful not to overdo this type of "cure". In coping with minor muscle pain, for example, two or three applications of heat a day should be more than adequate. (If swelling accompanies the soreness, though, your muscle may be torn or sprained . . . and in such a case the area should be elevated to encourage draining, and cold compresses should be used to reduce the inflammation. Keep in mind that the following remedies are for sore—not swollen—muscles.)You'll find that heating pads—the usual means of applying soothing warmth to aching limbs—come in various styles. I prefer strip (as opposed to the more traditional rectangular) warmers, because the scarflike shape is ideal for wrapping around a sore area. Some brands even come equipped with an insert that can be moistened and safely attached to the heating unit, and this feature provides penetrating wet heat. Balms and ointments are also popular means of applying heat to sore muscles. And, since the main ingredient in the various commercial products (Ben-Gay, Absorbine, Tiger Balm) is wintergreen oil, homemade balms are easy to prepare . . . and will save you a bit of money, too. To make your own rub, simply put one tablespoon each of several herbs—lavender, rosemary, calendula, chamomile, camphor, ginger, eucalyptus, and wintergreen are all good choices—in the top of a nonmetal double boiler. (Note: Never use iron, brass, copper, zinc, or aluminum containers for preparing herbal remedies, as the plant ingredients may chemically react with the metal . . . corroding the vessel and contaminating the solution.) Each of the herbs mentioned here falls into one of three medicinal categories: external tonics, anti-inflammatory agents, and counterirritants. Lavender and rosemary, for example, which both have camphor in their leaves that helps draw blood to the skin surface (as does the oil of camphor available at drugstores), are considered external tonics ... ginger, calendula, and chamomile are anti-inflammatory agents ... and eucalyptus and wintergreen are penetrating oils, which irritate and stimulate the muscle, causing lactic acid to be flushed out. Therefore, to prepare an effective balm, herbs from all three categories should be included. Once you've measured out the herbs you've chosen, cover the mixture with two to four cups of oil—corn, safflower, sesame, sunflower, peanut, olive, or almond oil will work—and gently simmer the concoction for about an hour. Then strain the blend through a finemeshed cloth—pressing the herbs as you do so—and store the oil in a sterilized jar. (You can add two to three tablespoons of beeswax or paraffin if you'd prefer an ointment.) Because rubs ofer only surface relief, they're unable to tackle deep muscular pain. You can, however, obtain greater heat penetration—with these same salves—using a homemade hot pack. To do so, put the oil or ointment on your tender spot and cover that area with gauze or a piece of lightweight cotton cloth. Next, cover the bandage with a sheet of plastic wrap, thereby creating a vapor trap, and secure the clear film with skin-sensitive tape (it's available at most drugstores). Finally, enclose the whole shebang in an Ace bandage. (You'll find this pack particularly useful when circumstances force you to go on working after doctoring your ills.) The herbal bath is yet another common means of treating aches and pains. I've found that a mixed infusion of stinging nettle, yarrow, and pennyroyal (don't use pennyroyal oil . . . the herb is too potent in liquid form) is extremely effective for relaxing sore muscles. You'll probably want to experiment with other herbal recipes, too. For example, try substituting mint, chamomile, calendula, comfrey, mullein or marigold flowers, hops, mugwort, or wild marjoram for the herbs listed above. Chamomile and mint are valuable for their antiseptic properties ... mugwort, wild marjoram, mullein, hops, and chamomile are "nervines", or substances that have a calming effect . . . and the remaining herbs mentioned here are known for their effectiveness as anti-inflammatory agents. To brew up your herbal soak, fill an enamel, earthenware, or glass pot with two quarts of water and add a handful each of pennyroyal, yarrow, and stinging nettle (if the latter is fresh, you'll want to wear gloves when handling it). Use plants that are no more than a year old (if possible, harvest your own fresh herbs), as their potency does generally diminish with age. Bring the concoction to a boil and let it simmer for three minutes, then turn off the heat and allow the pot to sit—covered—for another 20 minutes. After it's had time to steep, strain out the plants and add the infusion to your bath. The temperature of the water in the tub should be comfortably warm, rather than piping hot, to prevent a shock to your system and to be sure you're left feeling refreshed rather than fatigued. To obtain the best possible results, soak in the herbal brew for a good 20 minutes . . . and, while doing so, gently massage your body until you feel a comforting warm glow all over. This treatment should cause you to perspire more than usual and will slightly raise your body temperature, so avoid employing it if you have a heart condition. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Herbs, like any other medication, should be applied cautiously and in moderation. Remember, too, that a treatment may have different effects on different people. For instance, most experts agree that pennyroyal—in any form—should be avoided by pregnant women. In short, thoroughly research any plant before you use it.] No amount of herbal care can make firewood cut, split, and stack itself, of course. But by treating your body to a bit of afterwork attention, you might just find that many of winter's chores will once again become rewarding—and even enjoyable—tasks. EDITOR'S NOTE: Two excellent books on practical herb lore—including information about the specific plants, remedies, and recipes for liniments, oils, and ointments—are Dian Dincin Buchman's Herbal Medicine (David McKay, 1979, $8.95) and Herbs & Things by Jeanne Rose (Grosser & Dunlap, 1972, $6.95). Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:25:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-care-for-tired-muscles http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/e-hyaluronicacid-com-releases-the-key-benefits-of-hyaluronic-acid e-hyaluronicacid.com Releases the Key Benefits of Hyaluronic AcidSource: www.pressbox.co.uke-hyaluronicacid.com explains that, with so many applications for hyaluronic acid (also known as “HA”), it is helpful to have a grasp on exactly what HA is, what it does, and what uses and benefits HA provides. For that reason, an in-depth description of the uses and benefits of hyaluronic acid is required to answer the public’s questions about this extremely popular natural molecule. Hyaluronic acid helps to store water in the skin, providing essential moisture to body processes. HA helps control cell migration, which protect cells and also activates white cells in the blood. Because HA is an endogenous substance, it can be used to reduce the need for antibiotics by stimulating the immune system. HA helps reduce bacterial infections and has been found to inhibit the growth of a variety of strains of bacteria. It has also been concluded that HA even reduced the number of chronic bronchitis infections in patients. According to e-hyaluronicacid.com, there are many different options for supplementing your natural supply of hyaluronic acid. Currently, the most popular uses of hyaluronic acid supplements and products are to combat signs of aging such as wrinkles and as therapy for certain joint ailments. Hyaluronic acid supplements also boast the ability to combat and help with everything from sexual dysfunction to sleep problems. The benefits of using hyaluronic acid treatments and supplements include: increased mobility, softer skin, faster wound healing, fibromyalgia relief, retinal lubrication, and clearer vision. In addition, users of HA have been known to enjoy dry skin relief, improved sleep, stabilized emotions, reduced fine lines, hair growth, hair color restoration, tissue reconstruction, and improved bone density. Other HA benefits include increased mental alertness, improved muscle strength, increased sexual potency, and strengthening of internal organs. Hyaluronic Acid promotes an understanding of hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase related products. Hyaluronic Acid is the sister site of HGH Web. Sun, 21 Aug 2005 21:22:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/e-hyaluronicacid-com-releases-the-key-benefits-of-hyaluronic-acid http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/do-you-know-of-any-foods-that-might-help-alleviate-psoriasis- Do you know of any foods that might help alleviate psoriasis?Source: Althealth NewsPsoriasis is believed to be caused by more rapid than normal proliferation of skin cells, or keratinocytes. Sufferers have raised levels of an inflammatory fat known as arachidonic acid and some scientists believe that it may be an important factor in psoriasis. This acid can be formed from omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in many margarines, vegetable oils, processed foods and fast foods. These are worth limiting in the diet, as are foods that contain arachidonic acid naturally, such as dairy products and red meat. While this acid may worsen psoriasis, omega-3 fats (which have anti-inflammatory effects) have the reverse effect. Eat oily fish (such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring and sardine) two or three times a week. Also, supplement with 1tsp a day of cod-liver oil. This offers significant amounts of vitamin D, which also seems to benefit psoriasis sufferers. Another natural agent that may help is mahonia aquifolium, a herb that reduces keratinocyte proliferation, and thus may help to heal your psoriasis.· If you have any issues you would like Dr Briffa to address in his column, please email him on john.briffa@observer.co.uk. Please note that Dr Briffa cannot enter into any correspondence. You can also visit www.drbriffa.com. Before following any recommendations in this column, you should consult your own medical adviser about any medical problems or special health conditions Mon, 15 Aug 2005 22:39:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/do-you-know-of-any-foods-that-might-help-alleviate-psoriasis- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/putting-a-lid-on-it Putting a lid on itSource: Althealth NewsAs a radical European directive bans many nutrients from being used in supplements, Dr John Briffa wonders whether a lack of pills will make us ill Sunday July 31, 2005 The Observer Tomorrow sees the coming into force of the Food Supplements Directive - a piece of eurocratic legislation which is likely to see the banning of dozens of nutrients from use in supplements, and also threatens to impose strict limits on the permitted dosages of the nutrients that remain. This is said to be an effort to protect consumers from the potentially adverse effects of vitamin and mineral supplements. However, some have questioned this legislation on the basis of evidence which suggests that vitamin and mineral pills are not only generally safe, but may have supplementary benefits, too. Some believe that the directive has been driven by a pharmaceutical industry keen to protect its patch. What is not in doubt is the fact that the directive will restrict people's abilities to do something potentially positive for their own health. Others say that we get all we need nutritionally from a 'healthy' diet. Yet many of us have diets that are far from healthy, for reasons including affordability, convenience and taste.Even those who have nutritious diets may not get optimal levels of nutrients. The nutrient content of fruits and vegetables appears to be in perpetual decline. A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition discovered significant reductions in levels of calcium, iron and vitamin C over the past 50 years in American fruit and veg. A study published in the British Food Journal unearthed marked reductions in several minerals in British fruits and vegetables, too. One explanation is the emphasis on high-yielding crops, which fall short nutritionally.Another factor that may influence our need for nutrients concerns the widespread use of pesticides and other chemicals in our food supply and environment. Such alien-to-nature compounds have the potential for toxic effects in the body and may increase the risk of chronic health issues such as cancer (rates of which are on the rise). Many nutrients have disease-preventing properties, and in view of our polluted planet, our need for replete nutritional status in the body is perhaps greater than ever.When one considers the evidence of a declining nutrient content in our diet and an increased need for disease prevention from these nutrients, there does seem quite a strong argument for supplementation. The new directive is likely to do little else than increase the disease burden in the UK. Some cynical commentators have suggested that this side-effect of the legislation will be another boon for the industry some believe cooked up this piece of legislation in the first place.For more details, go to www.healthchoice.org.uk Mon, 15 Aug 2005 22:38:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/putting-a-lid-on-it http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/millions-hit-as-eu-bans-high-dosage-health-pills Millions hit as EU bans high-dosage health pillsSource: news.scotsman.comTHOUSANDS of vitamin and food supplements are set to be removed from store shelves after a court yesterday upheld new European-wide laws banning them. Campaigners including Carole Caplin, Cherie Blair's former personal assistant, and Jenny Seagrove, the actress, had hoped moves to outlaw certain vitamins and minerals would be abandoned. But the European Court in Luxembourg rejected their calls, and upheld an existing EU directive that will affect millions of consumers. The campaigners argued the new rules were unnecessarily restrictive. But some health experts wanted to see vitamins and minerals controlled in the same way as conventional medicines. The affected products are mostly high-dosage vitamin supplements sold through health food stores rather than everyday tablets available at High Street pharmacies. Antioxidants such as selenium and minerals such as boron which are sold in tablet form will be affected. Boots yesterday said it had already taken steps to comply with the new rules and none of its current products were affected. Ms Seagrove, who takes high-dosage vitamin C tablets and zinc supplements, told The Scotsman: "This is a black day for health in Britain. This will reduce consumer choice and cause disruption to the health food industry. I am devastated by the ruling, and disappointed the decisions have to be taken on a European level. The UK has perfectly good agencies for ensuring the safety of products on the shelves." Peter Aldiss, managing director of health food shop Holland and Barrett, added: "There are hundreds of nutrients which are already very safely on sale with very strict laws in the UK. This directive just takes those nutrients out of the reckoning." But the British Dietetic Association backed the restrictions, claiming patients had been admitted to hospital suffering liver failure and severe stomach problems after taking high doses of vitamins. Sue Davies, chief policy adviser for consumer magazine Which? said: "Finally, people who take supplements will be properly protected. It will ensure that products are safe, that they contain forms of vitamins and minerals that offer some benefit, and that they are clearly labelled." The rules surrounding the sale of vitamin supplements are now bewilderingly complex. Under the EU Food Supplements Directive, due to come into effect next month, supplements will only be able to include vitamins and minerals taken from an approved list. Yesterday's ruling upholds the existence of the approved list, but makes it easier for health food firms to get their products included. The European Commission said products submitted for approval before yesterday would be allowed to stay on the market until at least 2009, unless they were ruled unsafe. "It is not our aim to take products off the shelves," said Philip Tod, EU spokesman for health and consumer protection. "It is our aim to make sure these products are safe." Dr Robert Verkerk, executive director of the Alliance for Natural Health, said yesterday's ruling also relaxed the restrictions on vitamins which had been naturally sourced. He said: "All we have ever wanted is for regulation in natural health to be based on good science and good law." Public health minister Caroline Flint said the government was concerned that some of the provisions in the directive could be "unduly burdensome", particularly for small companies.BANNED LISTHERE is just a short list of some specialist products that will be have to be reformulated or banned. SOLGAR VM-2000 Tablets, multi-nutrient formula, rich in antioxidants. Contains many nutrient sources not on the approved lists. NATURE'S PLUS - SOURCE OF LIFE Tablets, multi-vitamin and mineral formulation. SOLGAR PRE-NATAL NUTRIENTS Tablets for pregnant and lactating women. VIRIDIAN TRACE MINERAL COMPLEX Contains many nutrient sources not on the approved lists. VITABIOTICS MENOPACE Tablets for women during and after the menopause. BIOCARE TRACE LOW ACIDITY VITAMIN C POWDER Contains Magnesium ascorbate. HOLLAND & BARRETT VITAMIN C-1,000 mg WITH BIOFLAVONOIDS Britain's most popular single vitamin. Mon, 15 Aug 2005 22:31:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/millions-hit-as-eu-bans-high-dosage-health-pills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treatments-can-improve-appearance Treatments can improve appearanceSource: Hyaluronic NewsI am often asked how people can improve their general appearance without major surgery. The options to achieve this have expanded and improved significantly over the past several years. Many people can improve their skin by using appropriate topical products. The core ingredients are a retinoid, which actually improves the skin cells and helps reverse damage to them; a color evener; and an acid to help remove old skin cells. A regimen including these products can result in smoother, softer, clearer skin with a more youthful appearance. The over-the-counter products continue to improve, but they are limited in the strength of the key ingredients they include. Facial hair can be a significant problem for women, and there are several options available. Laser treatments are available for permanent removal of hair and can be used on nearly all areas of the body. These require a series of treatments separated by a few weeks and have been shown to be highly effective. Chemical peels or light lasers can be used to remove some superficial imperfections of the skin. The depth of these can be controlled; deeper treatments can result in more improvements but take longer to recover from. Superficial blood vessels on the face or exposed leg can be unsightly. The facial areas are best treated with specialized lasers which can remove then without scarring. The legs are often best treated with sclerotherapy. Botox use has exploded in the last several years. Small injections into the muscle are used to paralyze it and prevent it from causing wrinkling and creasing. Horizontal forehead wrinkles, frown lines between the eyebrows and crows feet respond well to this treatment. It typically lasts about three months. Use of a filling material to fill in wrinkles and creases is good option in many cases. Collagen has been the most commonly used of these. Hyaluronic acid is a newer material and is found naturally in the body. Like collagen, it is injected directly into the area being treated, but it tends to feel softer and last longer. Restylane, Hylaform and Captique are the best known of these products. They tend to last around six months, which is significantly longer than collagen. All of these treatments are options for improvement with little or no down time and can be fairly simple answers to the appropriate problem. They can go a long way towards fighting some of the effects of skin deterioration and aging. Sun, 14 Aug 2005 21:17:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treatments-can-improve-appearance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-rich-folates-significantly-reduce-alzheimer-s-disease-risk Vitamin B Rich Folates Significantly Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease RiskBeats antioxidants, like vitamin E, and other nutrients for health of aging brain in study of senior citizensAug. 12, 2005- A study of senior citizens says those who eat the daily recommended allowance of folates – B vitamin nutrients found in oranges, legumes, leafy green vegetables and folic acid supplements – “significantly reduce” their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, a long-term look at diet and brain aging by the National Institute on Aging, also found that folates appear to have more impact on reducing Alzheimer's risk than vitamin E, a noted antioxidant, and other nutrients considered for their effect as a brain-aging deterrent. Ultimately, 57 of the original 579 participants in the study developed Alzheimer's disease. But the researchers found that those with higher intake of folates, vitamin E and vitamin B6 shared lower comparative rates of the disease. And when the three vitamins were analyzed together, only folates were associated with a significantly decreased risk. In turn, no association was found between vitamin C, carotenoids (such as beta-carotene) or vitamin B-12 intake and decreased Alzheimer's risk. Maria Corrada and Dr. Claudia Kawas of UC Irvine's Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia led the effort, which analyzed the diets of non-demented men and women age 60 and older. "Although folates appear to be more beneficial than other nutrients, the primary message should be that overall healthy diets seem to have an impact on limiting Alzheimer's disease risk," said Corrada, who like Kawas started with the study while at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. They compared the food nutrient and supplement intake of those who later developed Alzheimer's disease to the intake of those who did not develop the disease. It is the largest study to date to report on the association between folate intake and Alzheimer's risk and to analyze antioxidants and B vitamins simultaneously. Results appear in the inaugural issue of the quarterly peer-reviewed research journal, Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. The researchers used data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging to identify the relationship between dietary factors and Alzheimer's disease risk. Between 1984 and 1991, study volunteers provided detailed dietary diaries, which included supplement intake and calorie amounts, for a typical seven-day period. "The participants who had intakes at or above the 400-microgram recommended dietary allowance of folates had a 55-percent reduction in risk of developing Alzheimer's," said Corrada, an assistant professor of neurology. "But most people who reached that level did so by taking folic acid supplements, which suggests that many people do not get the recommended amounts of folates in their diets." Folates have already been proven to reduce birth defects, and research suggests that they are beneficial to warding off heart disease and strokes. Although folates are abundant in foods such as liver, kidneys, yeast, fruits (like bananas and oranges), leafy vegetables, whole-wheat bread, lima beans, eggs and milk, they are often destroyed by cooking or processing. Because of their link to reducing birth defects, folates have been added to grain products sold in the U.S. since 1998. But even with this supplement, it is thought that many Americans have folate-deficient diets. Recent research is beginning to show relationships between folates and brain aging. Earlier this year, Dutch scientists showed that adults who took 800 micrograms of folic acid daily had significant improved memory test scores, giving evidence that folates can slow cognitive decline. "Given the observational nature of this study, it is still possible that other unmeasured factors also may be responsible for this reduction in risk," said Kawas, the Al and Trish Nichols Chair in Clinical Neuroscience. "People with a high intake of one nutrient are likely to have a high intake of several other nutrients and may generally have a healthy lifestyle. But further research and clinical studies on this subject will be necessary." Judith Hallfrisch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Denis Muller with the National Institute on Aging and Ron Brookmeyer with Johns Hopkins collaborated on the study, which was originally undertaken at the Gerontology Research Center of the NIA and the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins. Study funding came from the Extramural Programs of the NIA. Begun in 1958 by the NIA, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging is America's longest-running scientific study of human aging. BLSA scientists are learning what happens as people age and how to sort out changes due to aging from those due to disease or other causes. More than 1,400 men and women are study volunteers. For more information, see: www.grc.nia.nih.gov/branches/blsa/blsa.htm. About the source:About the University of California, Irvine: Celebrating 40 years of innovation, the University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked public university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students and about 1,400 faculty members. The second-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3 billion. For more UCI news, visit www.today.uci.edu. UCI maintains an online directory of faculty available as experts to the media. To access, visit www.today.uci.edu/experts. Sun, 14 Aug 2005 21:06:49 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-rich-folates-significantly-reduce-alzheimer-s-disease-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/testosterone-therapy-linked-to-prostate-cancer- Testosterone therapy linked to prostate cancer?Source: Althealth NewsProstate cancer developed in 20 men within months to a few years after they began testosterone supplementation to correct a deficiency of the hormone, investigators report.“There are several anecdotal case reports, small studies, and observational studies like ours which raise concern but do not provide conclusive evidence yet,” Dr. Franklin D. Gaylis told Reuters Health.The issue is a concern because prostate cancer is usually driven by testosterone. Sun, 14 Aug 2005 21:05:24 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/testosterone-therapy-linked-to-prostate-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-supplements-prevent-pregnancy-complication Vitamin C supplements prevent pregnancy complicationSource: Althealth NewsTaking a little extra vitamin C will reduce the risk of pregnant women "breaking their water" too early, according to a study by Esther Casaneuva, md at the National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City. 109 pregnant women were given either 100 mg of vitamin C or placebo daily, starting about half way through their pregnancy. Women taking the vitamin C were far less likely to suffer from a premature rupture of the chorioamniotic membranes (PROM), or the placenta. Only four (8%) of the 52 women taking vitamin C suffered from a premature rupture of the membrane."Because PROM may trigger approximately 40% of all preterm labour, supplementation could be a valuable tool in sustaining pregnancy to term," wrote Casaneuva. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005; 81:859-863 Thu, 04 Aug 2005 22:12:55 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-supplements-prevent-pregnancy-complication http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-may-be-beneficial-for-alzheimers Folic acid may be beneficial for alzheimersSource: Althealth NewsFolic acid may improve the memory of those over 50 according to new research published by Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The Dutch team found that the vitamin B may be able to slow the mental decline of ageing and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.The study divided 818 healthy people aged 50-75 years to take either 800 mg of folic acid or a placebo pill for three years. Those subjects using the vitamin had scores on memory tests comparable to people who are 5.5 years younger. Also, on cognitive speed tests, folic acid helped users perform as well as people 1.9 years younger. It is uncertain whether folic acid would aid Alzheimer's sufferers, since the study was carried out on healthy subjects and the scientists said that further research was needed to determine the exact mechanism behind folic acid's brain protecting effects. Thu, 04 Aug 2005 22:12:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-may-be-beneficial-for-alzheimers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sod-supplement-may-protect-against-sunburn SOD supplement may protect against sunburnSource: Althealth NewsA superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplement could reduce the susceptibility to sunburn, according to a new study presented at the Annual Congress for dermatological Research in France. Researchers at Center Hospital University in Besancon, France carried out a randomized, double blind study on 50 healthy subjects. Each was given an induced UV skin burn on the inner forearm once a week over a four week period. Participants were given either an SOD supplement or a placebo each day, starting three weeks before the first irradiation. For the supplement group there was a significant increase in the minimum exposure needed to produce skin burn and even fair skinned subjects required eight times more exposure to produce burns than the placebo group. Redness also decreased more quickly with the SOD group. Thu, 04 Aug 2005 22:11:05 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sod-supplement-may-protect-against-sunburn http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hot-flashes-and-new-beginnings Hot Flashes and New BeginningsSource: www.metroactive.comNaturopathic doctors offer another option for women seeking alternatives to synthetic hormone therapy By Sarah Phelan Tall and willowy with sun-kissed waist-length hair, Audra Foster looks like she should be a model. In fact, she's a naturopathic doctor. That means she graduated from a four-year accredited medical school, is licensed to practice and carry out medical duties, including mammograms, pap smears and lab work, and specializes in the use of bioidentical hormones. All of which makes her an intriguing option for menopausal women seeking natural alternatives to synthetic hormone therapy. "I see myself as a detective," says Foster, who studied at Bastyr University in Washington State and completed a yearlong residency before setting up her practice in Monterey 7 1/2 years ago. "Every woman's passage is very different. Women ask me, 'When is this going to be over?' and I say, 'No idea.' My role is to support women through menopause, not stop or change it. They ask, 'What's going to happen to my libido? Am I still going be attractive?' and I tell them, 'You have the choice to re-empower yourself.'" Foster has a special empathy for menopausal women, having experienced symptoms of the midlife change--including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness--while she was in her 20s, something she attributes to a combination of factors, including coming off birth control pills, losing her periods for a while and getting overly thin. "I was diagnosed with cancer and sterility and all kinds of crazy things, when all I needed to do was gain weight and change my mind-set," says Foster. "My mother and I were going through menopause at the same time!" When Foster relocated to Monterey, naturopathic doctors weren't licensed in California. That changed in the fall of 2003, when Gov. Gray Davis signed SB 907 into law, shortly before being crushed by Arnold Schwarzenegger's recall machine. Davis' signature made California the 14th state to license naturopathic doctors, thereby doubling the numbers of Americans who have access to NDs like Foster, who lives in Santa Cruz and relocated her practice here a year ago. "The commute was starting to wear, and Monterey is smaller," she explains, "My practice there was starting to plateau and consisted mostly of middle-aged and retired women, whereas I'm open to women and men of all ages." Breaking the Silence Until recently, mentioning menopause was taboo. As Gail Sheehy wrote in The Silent Passage, back in 1992, "women still shrink from mentioning, even to their good friends, the fear they might be menopausal." But as the baby boomers come of menopausal age, the topic is coming out of the closet. "Women are more outspoken and liberal-minded," says Foster. "They're forcing the issue on doctors. They want to talk about bleeding, breasts and moodiness." Much like childbirth, menopause used to be considered a pathology, instead of a natural, healthy event, and Foster believes women's historic fear of menopause stems largely from a male-dominated culture, which has put women into two boxes: the washed-up sage, or the hot young thing. "It's acceptable in our society for men to have a midlife crisis,' says Foster. "It's something they not only think could, but should, happen. And then there's the old cliché that 'men age gracefully, women just get old.' But the truth is, women don't have to have dry vaginas and cracked skin or lose their libido. They can regain and take control of their bodies. They can still be sexual beautiful creative creatures, in spite of not having a fertile body any more." Male Change Not that women are the only ones who going through a midlife change. While not as frequent, dramatic or intense in men, this change, which is sometimes called andropause, involves a fluctuation of hormonal levels, especially of testosterone, which can become lower. "That's why many middle-aged men go for fast cars and hot women, to reassert themselves," says Foster, noting that men experience problems of impotence and premature ejaculation increasingly at this stage. 'For many men under 40, the majority of problems are psychological--stress can damage anyone's libido," she observes. "Then, between 40 and 60, there's a greater chance that their hormones, such as testosterone, will drop. They don't have the same libido, and it's harder for them to get and maintain an erection." Prostate cancer can cause impotence, as can being overweight or having diabetes. But while society has typically cast middle-aged women as the hysterical ones, Foster believes middle-aged men are generally "way more whacked" than their female counterparts. "Women talk about their emotions and problems, whereas men go, 'Everything's fine. I have no problem with sex.'" Earlier and Earlier Foster believes menopause is a very challenging and very rewarding state-- and one that's happening earlier than ever. As the trend to choose career before children has risen, she notes, menopause, which on average happens in your 50s, can now start as early as 35, and perimenopause, the period of hormonal change before menopause--is also happening earlier. "There's a lot of theories for why this is happening, but no definitive studies or proof. It may be because of increased exposure to estrogen in the outside world. There's a theory that it could be coming from animals that have been treated with hormones, whether it's beef or poultry, when they are ingested. And herbicides and pesticides can mimic estrogen, too. Or it could be because of stress, or because of weight. Skinniness may be hip, but women are becoming too thin." As for when perimenopause begins and menopause ends, that's as varied and individual as the women themselves. In general, women start to produce less progesterone, which is what encourages a conception to implant, in their 30s. These falling hormonal levels explain why miscarriage is most common among women in their 30s and 40s. Foster notes that many women enter perimenopause (which begins 1-5 years prior to the onset of menopause) while their daughters are going through puberty, meaning that mood swings, cramps, bleeds and irritability start breaking out on both sides. That may sound hellish, but Foster advises women to use it as an opportunity to bond with their daughters. "That way you have more chance of two chaos moments creating sanity," she says. As for menopause, it isn't said to have occurred until a woman's periods have stopped for a full year, and can go on for up to 10 years with postmenopausal symptoms lasting another 1 to 10 years, depending on a range of factors, including diet, exercise, weight and lifestyle. Natural or Synthetic? A few years ago, when synthetic hormone therapy was found to have serious side effects, including the potential to increase health risks, a lot of menopausal women stopped taking Premarin, an estrogen supplement made from pregnant mare's urine. (The means by which Premarin is harvested from the mares also raises questions of animal cruelty, making it an undesirable choice for vegans and those for whom humane treatment of animals is important.) While the debate over synthetic versus natural still rages, Foster points out that menopausal women who swallow nonbioidentical estrogens and progesterones have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those who ingest them sublingually (by placing them under their tongue), or transdermally (by applying them to their skin), thereby bypassing the liver and so reducing those risks. Self-Medication While it's tempting to wander over to the local health store and self-medicate, Foster warns that most over-the-counter supplements are estrogen-based plants derivatives, and so are generally not recommended during perimenopause. "Black cohosh, soy and liquorice root are plant estrogens, which are great for menopause, but not perimenopause, because that's a progesterone problem." She also cautions that advice dispensed at health food stores is "not always accurate," and then there's the danger of taking things to extremes. "Our society dictates excess, so, if someone says, 'Soy is good,' pretty soon, people are drinking a pint a day, plus they're eating tofu and edamame, all of which causes chaos, just like if you take vitamins and herbs in excess. Second Adulthood It's no secret that the standard American diet includes lots of meat, fats and carbohydrates. What's less well-known is that these ingredients can exacerbate hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats. "Menopause can also go on longer if you're overweight, because then estrogen is released in crazy little spurts, but marathon runners with no body fat and no reserves can experience very intense symptoms, too," warns Foster. That said, she's quick to point out that while body fat is OK, menopausal women need to get enough exercise to maintain metabolic balance, help eliminate toxins and keep their bowel movements regular. "And sex has a lot to do with keeping a woman healthy. So, if you're in a healthy sexual relationship, you're likely to be happier, have less intense symptoms and a better sense of humor." Above all, Foster recommends taking responsibility for your health. "Improved diet exercise and lifestyle are the best medicine. I don't want to give people pills--and I don't have to," says Foster, who recommends eating live foods, like fresh veggies, not skipping meals, keeping caffeine and alcohol to a minimum, drinking plenty of water and avoiding junk food. She suggests working out five or six times a week, including walking, biking and running, going to the gym and lifting weights. As for moving through menopause in a positive way, Foster tells women to seek support from their partners, mothers, daughters and female friends--and to follow their creative urges. "Don't be afraid of fulfilling your dreams, find time for joy and play and go for what makes you happy," she says. Or as Gail Sheehy put it in The Silent Passage, far from being "a marker that means: This Way to the End'" menopause is better seen as the "gateway to a second adulthood." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Navigating Menopause By Hayward Hawkes Marcus Thirty-odd years ago, a pubic hair in my underpants alerted me that something funny was going on down there. America was still a very squeaky-clean place in the late 1960s, and underpants and strange things in them were not openly discussed. Too embarrassed to ask anyone about this hirsute Harbinger of Things to Come, I fretted alone, until later that year, when the whole lot of us fifth grade girls at Monroe Elementary School were rounded up to nervously watch a faded, scratchy film, circa 1950, wherein a male narrator explained by way of simplistic animation that soon some horrible gland in our heads would awaken, dooming us to grow bumpy and hairy and smelly in all the most dreadful places, and, by the way, bleed in our underpants 13 times a year! Eewww! Welcome to menstruation, '60s-style. Thirty-odd years later, funny things are happening down there again, and elsewhere in our bodies, only nobody's rounding us up to watch a film about it, which perhaps is too bad, since few of my female friends who are approaching menopause seem educated and prepared for this next phase of womanhood. Sure, we expect those pesky bleeding spells to lessen and disappear (finally!). But we'll also have moments where we sweat up our best cashmere, and days where our loved ones will want to hide from us. And in this sexist and youth-crazed culture, discovering you're on the menopausal path doesn't exactly feel positive. Among the most common symptoms are menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, bloating, fatigue, headaches, diminishing libido, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety and sleeplessness. Many of the above listed symptoms also make up premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, making it difficult to discern what is going on, especially when perimenopause first begins. You might think, "I'll just have my hormone levels tested," but even that may be unreliable. A woman's hormone levels during perimenopause can look like a profile of the Himalayas, and may fluctuate wildly within the same day. So, what's a girl to do? Perhaps the best starting advice is, track your own symptoms, collect your own data, read about menopause, be your own detective, then make some educated choices. But much of what you find will be conflicting and confusing, so be warned. Let's say you've written a list of unusual symptoms; your periods are coming earlier or later than usual; you feel anxious a lot for no apparent reason; you've suddenly developed migraines and a cute pot belly that won't respond to cottage cheese for lunch; you are 45 years old and are certain this is perimenopause. Now what? Your options are as varied as your symptoms. You can do nothing and ride it out; change your diet and lifestyle; try exercise and maybe yoga for menopause (yes, there is such a thing!); visit an acupunturist (see "The View From China" sidebar); consult a holistic healer; make an appointment with your gynecologist (see "The View From the West" sidebar), general internist, primary care physician, or naturopathic doctor (see "Hot Flashes and New Beginnings"); go to a hormone balancing clinic or specialist; or do all of the above. The variety of options will likely continue to increase, since menopausal women are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. Anyone you visit is bound to have an opinion about what to do, but that decision should be made between you and your care specialist--and you, should have the final say. Above all, make yourself as healthy as you can as you enter this passage. If you're staying up till 3am watching old episodes of Sex and the City, eating cheese puffs for breakfast-- and your only exercise is walking across the street for more cheese puffs--consider some lifestyle changes, or chances are you'll have a crappy old age that could include diabetes, broken bones, osteoporosis, heart disease, achy joints and cancer. Don't wait for others to shove exercycles under your butt and make you eat beets; whip yourself into shape. This sudden, mysterious flux of hormonal activity within us requires yet another whole set of coping skills. It can leave us feeling as confused and embarrassed as fifth-graders, but it can also point the way toward a new and rewarding stage of life. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------The View From China Hormone replacement therapy need not apply Menopause in Chinese medicine is not usually seen as requiring hormone replacement therapy, according to J.J. Walton Hadlock, an associate professor at Five Branches Institute of Chinese Medicine. That said, Walton Hadlock, who has practiced Chinese acupuncture and medicine in Santa Cruz since 1994, adds that it's a myth that women in other cultures don't have menopausal symptoms. At the Chinese medicine college she attended, Walton Hadlock was taught to treat for hot flashes, night sweats and anxiety, which were seen as "lack of Yin." Asian medical treatments for such symptoms, says Walton Hadlock, include herbs and acupuncture and aren't designed to turn back the clock, but to ease discomforts during the months or years it takes a woman's body to adjust. Walton Hadlock questions the long-term safety of hormone therapy replacement and feels it can interfere with nature's course, namely, a decrease in reproductive hormones as one ages. Taking replacement hormones, with their accompanying risks, simply because one wants to stay young looking or be "be sexy for her husband" may be out of sync with nature's ticking clock, she says. Noting that menopausal women have a tendency for light sleeping and a more rapid adrenal response to nearly any unexpected or negative stimulus--Walton Hadlock wonders if these tendencies might have been beneficial in a less industrialized community: post-menstrual women could watch over sleepless infants while younger women could rest. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------The View From the West Propogate more joy; hormones can be helpful Dr. Anne Marie Jackson, ob/gyn, says when you look at menopause cross-culturally, it's pretty much only a "problem" in the Western developed world, in terms of people writing books about it, and discussing it, and Oprah talking about it. Asked what she would change about how American society deals with menopausal women, Jackson, whose undergraduate degree is in anthropology, refers to the scene in Something's Gotta Give in which Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton are going to have sex and he gets worried about birth control and she just starts laughing and says, 'I'm menopausal, I'm taking hormones!' "It's a very joyful thing, and she's not ashamed that she's not young. If we could propagate more of that," Jackson says. "Menopause is like puberty in reverse. Puberty is a time of great turmoil ... but there's all these things ahead of you to look forward to ... As you're becoming menopausal, it almost feels like there's nothing to look forward to, nothing ahead of you, but I would argue that a good, happier life is ahead. People want to go through menopause naturally, but what's natural is to birth all your children and then die. Life expectancy 100 years ago was maybe 50, so the state women are finding themselves in now is unnatural. Our society has changed such that we really haven't adapted to it, and that's where hormones can improve the quality of life for some people." Mon, 01 Aug 2005 22:20:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hot-flashes-and-new-beginnings http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tomato-as-power-food Tomato as power foodSource: news.enquirer.comA gardener's favorite for years, the tomato is hogging the spotlight as a nutrition star as well.With 35 calories, a medium tomato provides 50 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and 20 percent of vitamin A, says Jennifer Paul, a registered dietitian at St. Luke Hospital East in Fort Thomas.More importantly, tomatoes are great sources of the antioxidant lycopene - the carotenoid that gives tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelons and guava their red tones. Research has shown lycopene from tomatoes could help reduce the risk of several diseases.Antioxidants like lycopene - and its cousin beta carotene, also found in tomatoes - help prevent oxidative cell damage, which could explain their disease-fighting role.Among lycopene's benefits:One study showed men who ate 10 or more servings of tomato products weekly had lower rates of prostate cancer.Use of lycopene by pregnant women appeared to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure) and inadequate growth of the fetus in another study.Other studies suggest lycopene might be helpful in treating male infertility and preventing heart disease and exercise-induced asthma.Cooking sometimes destroys nutrients in fruits and vegetables, but not lycopene. In fact, research shows lycopene is more usable in processed, cooked tomato products like ketchup and spaghetti sauce, Paul says. Mon, 01 Aug 2005 22:05:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tomato-as-power-food http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whey-supplement-could-help-blood-sugar-control Whey supplement could help blood sugar controlSource: Althealth NewsTaking a whey supplement with meals can help stimulate insulin release in type 2 diabetics, shows a Swedish study. It tested the effects of adding whey to a meal with a high glycaemic index (GI), meaning that it the carbohydrates are likely to be rapidly broken down, releasing sugar in a spike rather than gradual rate. Whey proteins have already been demonstrated to reduce blood sugar response to meals in healthy subjects. This effect forms the basis of DSM's PeptoPro casein that is said to stimulate insulin release in the body, allowing glucose to be absorbed faster from the blood into the muscle cells and improving performance in athletes. When the diabetic subjects took a whey supplement at the same time as a high GI breakfast or lunch, they too had lower blood sugar response and higher insulin response, report the researchers in this month’s issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 82, no 1, 69-75). The findings suggest that whey supplements could help diabetics improve their blood sugar control. The incidence of type 2 diabetes, accounting for 90 per cent of all diabetes, is rising fast around the world as a result of increasing obesity, bolstering the need to find ways of preventing and controlling the condition. The World Health Organisation predicts that the number of people with type 2 diabetes will more than double over the next 25 years. The mechanism for whey’s action on insulin levels is not yet clear, although the team cited previous findings suggesting that certain amino acids and hormones in the milk protein seem to be involved. The small study included 14 diet-treated subjects with type 2 diabetes. They were served a high-GI breakfast (white bread) and subsequent high-GI lunch (mashed potatoes with meatballs), which were supplemented with whey on one day and lean ham and lactose on another day. The researchers took blood samples before and during four hours after breakfast and three hours after lunch. The insulin responses were 31 per cent higher after breakfast and 57 per cent higher after lunch when whey was included in the meal than when whey was not included. After lunch, the blood glucose response was significantly reduced after whey ingestion. The lesser effect on insulin of whey after breakfast, "in combination with the fact that the insulin resistance may be higher in the morning after the overnight fast, may explain the inability of whey to reduce the blood glucose increment after breakfast," the team explains. The authors are from University Hospital MAS in Malmö, Lund University and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Mon, 01 Aug 2005 21:30:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whey-supplement-could-help-blood-sugar-control http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-deficiency-common-in-people-with-severe-asthma Vitamin C deficiency common in people with severe asthmaSource: www.nutraingredients.comIncreasing vitamin C intake could help people with severe asthma, report researchers today, who call for further investigation of the vitamin’s role in protecting against the disease, writes Dominique Patton.Previous population studies have found an association between with decreased intakes of antioxidants such as vitamin C and incidence of asthma although follow-up studies looking particularly at vitamin C have produced conflicting results. The new study, published in the August issue of the European Respiratory Journal (vol 26, no2), investigated the possibility that decreased levels of antioxidants may also contribute to the development of severe asthma. Neil Misso from the Asthma & Allergy Research Institute in Australia and his colleagues compared the dietary intakes and blood concentrations of antioxidants, including vitamin C, in 28 patients with severe asthma compared with 53 mild asthmatic patients and 43 subjects without asthma. Among all subjects the dietary intakes of vitamin C and carotene, which are mainly derived from fruit and vegetables, were lower in males than in females. Men with severe asthma had a particularly low intake of these antioxidants. The blood concentrations of vitamin C were markedly lower in patients with severe asthma compared to subjects with mild asthma or those without asthma, and this difference was observed in both males and females, said the researchers. The study also identified patients with severe asthma as being more overweight, with a higher intake of fat and a higher blood cholesterol concentration compared with the other subjects. In addition, lung function was better in subjects with high blood vitamin C and low blood cholesterol concentrations. The study suggests that patients, and particularly males, with severe asthma may benefit from making sure they have an adequate intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C in their diet. The researchers noted that in a recent trial, children with mild asthma found no benefit from taking vitamin C. But they write that "the results of the present study, together with recent evidence that the beneficial effects of antioxidants may be influenced by polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase gene, indicate that there is a need for further trials of vitamin C supplementation in patients with more severe asthma". If confirmed in future trials, taking supplements or vitamin-rich foods could be a relatively easy strategy to help decrease the morbidity and socioeconomic burden associated with severe asthma, said the researchers. In the UK, one in eight children has asthma and this figure has increased six-fold in the last 25 years, according to Asthma UK. Mon, 01 Aug 2005 21:27:07 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-deficiency-common-in-people-with-severe-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-b-12-leads-to-bone-loss-in-aging-women Lack of Vitamin B-12 leads to bone loss in aging womenSource: paktribune.comA new study has found that older women with low levels of vitamin B-12 are more likely to experience rapid bone loss. The findings, published this month in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, may help to establish the importance of vitamin B-12 in the bone health of women as they age. Vitamin B-12, which is found in animal products, such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese and eggs, is needed to produce red blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. Still, little is known about the vitamin's affects on skeletal health, specifically among aging women. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, led by Dr. Katie Stone, studied whether elderly women with low levels of vitamin B-12 suffer from more rapid bone loss. Through a random, cohort study of 83 women over the age of 64 who participated in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, researchers archived baseline serum samples and measured hip bone mineral density in study subjects during two and six year follow-up examinations. Test results demonstrated that after adjusting for age, weight and clinic site, women with the lowest levels of B-12 experienced significantly more rapid hip bone loss than women with higher levels of B-12. "While deficiencies in vitamin B-12 are uncommon among younger women, many older women suffer from vitamin B-12 deficiency. Our research shows that the women with the lowest levels of vitamin B-12 are at an increased risk for bone loss in their hips, which could lead to fractures. We knew that vitamin B-12 benefited the nervous system, but our findings suggest that it may also benefit bone health", explained Dr. Stone. The authors note that these results indicate that for some elderly women, simple dietary supplements of vitamin B-12 or multivitamins or dietary modification may slow the rates of bone loss. Mon, 01 Aug 2005 21:21:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-b-12-leads-to-bone-loss-in-aging-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kidney-stone-danger-heats-up-in-summer Kidney Stone Danger Heats Up in SummerSource: Althealth NewsSummer's heat is high time for kidney stones, experts warn.While there are many causes of kidney stones and they can affect anyone at any time of the year, they are most common during the summer.That's because hot weather, combined with heavy sweating and not drinking enough water, can cause people to become dehydrated. That can result in increased concentrations of substances in the urine. Those substances then crystallize to form kidney stones, says the American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD).People who work outdoors in hot weather and don't drink enough fluids may increase their risk of developing kidney stones, the AFUD says. Drinking sufficient fluids may help prevent kidney stones. The Kidney Foundation of Canada suggests you drink a glass of water every hour during the day and whenever you get up during the night. Be sure to drink enough after you exercise and eat.Of course, dehydration isn't the only cause of kidney stones. Other causes include: infections or blockages of the urinary tract; bed rest or inactivity for several weeks or more; too much calcium oxalate, uric acid, or vitamin C or D in your diet; some medications; and certain metabolic diseases. Kidney stones vary in composition, and there are different ways you can prevent them. The Kidney Foundation of Canada offers the following tips:If you have calcium oxate stones, avoid consuming large amounts of dairy products or foods with a high oxalate content. Examples of those are tea and chocolate. Don't take large doses (four grams or more each day) of vitamin C and don't use a lot of antacids. If you suffer with uric acid kidney stones, you can cut down the amount of red meat you eat. Mon, 01 Aug 2005 21:20:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kidney-stone-danger-heats-up-in-summer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/half-of-all-consumers-want-specialist-advice Half of all consumers want specialist adviceSource: Althealth NewsAccording to UK and US surveys, nearly half of shoppers want specialist advice like that given in independent health food stores. “Consumer interest in healthy living and nutrition is at an all time high,” says Michael Peet of Healthnotes UK Ltd. In addition, according to a recent report from the National Consumer Council, there is “…very poor availability and quality of nutrition information, interpretation and advice offered in-store by supermarkets.”This presents retailers with an invaluable opportunity to provide reliable information and solutions where consumers need it most: in their stores and on a website.Peet will be at next month’s Natural Trade Show in Harrogate to demonstrate how to take a shop’s web site to the next level. The Keynote Retailer Session, entitled “Maximize the Internet Opportunity: Learn how easy it is to take your business online,” will be held on Sunday, 18 September. “We will outline simple ways to develop your web site into a great resource for your customers. Case studies and specific examples will be shared by both Healthnotes and an accomplished online supplement retailer. Thu, 28 Jul 2005 22:53:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/half-of-all-consumers-want-specialist-advice http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tension-mounts-in-fsd-ruling-aftermath Tension mounts in FSD ruling aftermathSource: Althealth NewsThe UK supplements industry is in danger of appearing divided following the European Court of Justice decision earlier this month to uphold the Food Supplements Directive.This ruling means that the FSD will come into force as planned on 1 August 2005, but thanks to behind the scenes work by the HFMA and NAHS, supported by Consumers for Health Choice and their agencies such as The Whitehouse Consultancy, many of the threatened products have been given a four year reprieve. These organisations are now turning their attention to the issue of supplement strength, to be decided by the EC in the coming months. The FSD was challenged in two separate cases, the other mounted by the Alliance for Natural Health, which is claiming a victory in Europe and positioning itself as the industry’s champion without reference to the other parties. A press release entitled “Fantastic News” led to items filmed during the day being pulled by Sky and BBC Newsnight as progamme editors became confused by conflicting messages.John McKee, chairman of the NAHS, said: “The fact that most supplements will not be banned from August 1 is due to sustained lobbying of government and the FSA by HFMA, CHC, and NAHS. The fact that August 1 will not see a meltdown is down almost entirely to these three organisations. The HFMA has played a blinder in getting decent dossiers in for the most commercially sensitive products in a very short period of time. The NAHS helped bring up the rear by submitting 160 lighter dossiers before the deadline. CHC has helped open up very important channels of influence which made the simplified dossiers possible.”Health Food Business magazine is currently asking the ANH as well as the HFMA to clarify the impact of the ruling as well as the likely effect of divided lobbying. A full article will appear in the September issue. Thu, 28 Jul 2005 22:52:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tension-mounts-in-fsd-ruling-aftermath http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/most-disagree-with-eu-vitamin-ban Most disagree with EU vitamin banSource: Althealth NewsJust one in five people agree with the EU's decision to ban the sale of certain vitamins and minerals, according to the results of a new poll by irishhealth.com.Many Irish consumers were angered following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, which upheld the European Commission's Food Supplement Directive. This directive, which comes into effect at midnight on July 31, contains an approved list of vitamins and minerals. In theory, those supplements that are not included on this list will be removed from sale from that time. However the directive did allow for a 'derogation' until December, 2009. Member states could allow the sale of supplements that were on the approved list, if their manufacturers submitted a 'safety dossier' containing relevant information by July 12.It is unclear at this time which products did not submit a dossier and will therefore be removed from sale on August 1.We asked our 80,900 plus registered users, do you agree with the EU's decision to ban the sale of certain vitamins and minerals. Of those who answered, 70% said no, they did not.Just 20% said they did agree, while 10% were unsure on the issue. Wed, 27 Jul 2005 22:52:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/most-disagree-with-eu-vitamin-ban http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-most-vitamins-wont-be-banned-by-the-eu-but-its-not-over-yet- Why most vitamins won't be banned by the EU - but it's not over yet.Source: 50connect.co.ukAfter detailed analysis of the European Court of Justice's judgment with its expert EU barrister Paul Lasok QC, the Alliance for Natural Health anticipates that following the ECJ verdict on the EU Food Supplements Directive, the vast majority of vitamin and mineral food supplements will not be banned on 1st August. The Directive now does not apply to natural forms of vitamins and minerals normally found in the diet. Where it is necessary to be on the positive list, gaining admission will now be a much simpler, less time consuming and more affordable process than was previously the case, and the burden of proof for showing an ingredient to be unsafe will now lie with the regulator and not the manufacturer.This successful outcome is, effectively, what ANH has been working towards for over three years. The initial media reaction on Wednesday to the judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Food Supplements Directive (FSD) was one of disappointment. Yet the Alliance for Natural Health hailed it as a victory. ANH’s specialist EU lawyers have now given a more considered interpretation of the ruling and still maintain that ANH has achieved the key objectives it has been working towards in relation to the FSD over the past three years. Crucially, it is highly likely that most vitamin and mineral supplements will continue to be available.It is not a simple question of whether the FSD was lawful or not. The devil, as always, is in the detail. ANH challenged the lawfulness of the FSD because to ANH it appeared to have draconian and quite unnecessary consequences for the food supplements industry and for consumers. In upholding the lawfulness of the FSD, the ECJ has clarified what exactly the FSD actually means and has clearly restricted the scope of the application of the ban on non-FSD compliant nutrients. There are very significant and positive details within the judgment that will be beneficial to the millions of consumers who use vitamin and mineral supplements for their health and are key to everything that ANH has been campaigning for all along.At the heart of the FSD is the ‘positive list’ of vitamin and mineral ingredients that are permitted. On 5th April 2005 the ECJ’s Advocate General described the procedure by which ingredients are added to the positive list as being "as transparent as a black box." Because of the FSD’s lack of clarity and restrictive interpretation by regulators, it was widely understood that to get an ingredient onto the ‘positive list’, manufacturers would have to go through a very time consuming, onerous and costly process for them to prove that each nutrient was safe. This might have cost more than £250,000 per ingredient. With many innovative, leading-edge supplements containing sometimes upwards of 30 ingredients each, this burden upon many leading-edge manufacturers, typically being small companies, would effectively lead to them being put out of business. This would be the case even if the products included natural sources of vitamins and minerals that had been part of the human diet for thousands of years. However, the judgment of the ECJ has now gone a long way to make the ‘black box’ more transparent, and to require - although not define - simplified procedures for getting ingredients onto the ‘positive list’. In summary, the analysis of the ECJ’s judgment by ANH’s legal and scientific team indicates:Bans of natural vitamins and minerals not on the positive list that are "normally found in or consumed as part of the diet" will now not occur. This coupled with the natural health industry’s response in submitting large numbers of ‘simplified dossiers’, the wide-reaching bans that were anticipated to come into force on 1 August 2005, are now unlikely to occur. There must be a greater degree of clarity on what information companies need to submit to admit an ingredient on to the positive list. This is likely to be considerably simpler, shorter and less expensive than previously feared, making it easily viable for companies to get ingredients on to the approved list. Once an ingredient is submitted for inclusion in the positive list, it cannot be refused unless the regulator finds the ingredient to be unsafe. If the regulator believes the ingredient should be rejected, it will have to undertake a full risk/safety assessment, based on "the most reliable scientific data available and the most recent results of international research," that will then prove the ingredient - or dosage - to be unsafe. This transfers a considerable burden of proof from the manufacturer to the regulator, principally the European Food Safety Authority. Furthermore, any rejection can then be challenged in the courts.ANH is very confident of the validity of its view, but is aware that as a result of the ECJ’s judgment, a controversy about the scope of the FSD has emerged. ANH says that the ECJ has limited the scope of the FSD to vitamins and minerals obtained from non-natural sources, while other bodies maintain that naturally sourced vitamins and minerals are covered by the FSD.Commenting, Dr Robert Verkerk, Executive Director of ANH, said, "The fact that the necessary requirements for admission to the positive list have been fundamentally changed now means that the vast majority of high quality and innovative vitamin and mineral food supplements will now, with relative ease and limited expense, be able to join the positive list and thus not face a ban.""These changes to the positive list have been at the heart of what the ANH has been campaigning for over the last three and a half years and indeed, formed the major part of its legal challenge to aspects of the Food Supplements Directive.""In achieving this, ANH has therefore gained a very significant victory for consumers, practitioners, retailers and manufacturers in protecting their right to buy, supply and produce safe, innovative and leading-edge food supplements across Europe." While some organisations have called for an all-or-nothing annulment of the Food Supplements Directive, this has never been the case with ANH. All it has wanted is sensible regulation, which is why it has worked ‘at the coalface’ in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg, with leading scientists, medical doctors and experts in EU law.ANH has always been committed to the Food Supplements Directive properly doing its job as it provides a ‘safe harbour’ for food supplements that maintains them as a category of foods and prevents them from being considered as medicines.In light of the judgment, ANH is ready and willing to work closely with the European Union Institutions and Competent Authorities in Member States, providing its professional expertise to ensure that the processes in the Food Supplements Directive are indeed based on good law and good, leading-edge science, which have been central to ANH’s approach from the outset.ANH was formed in 2002 specifically to contest the Food Supplements Directive, two weeks before it was due to be approved in the European Parliament. Few even knew of this controversial EU legislation at this time. ANH raised awareness of the issues at the time, including the positive list and the prospect that thousands of food supplements could disappear. ANH brought the landmark legal challenge to the FSD in the European Courts. ANH provided the technical, scientific and nutritional data in support of its challenge, also sharing its information with other parties involved in mounting a parallel challenge. Without the efforts of this small, spirited organisation, the situation we are in today, where most food supplements should remain freely available, would not have happened, as the Directive would have been misunderstood and applied incorrectly. On the basis of this interpretation of the ECJ ruling, the ‘David and Goliath’ challenge brought by the Alliance for Natural Health should have a positive outcome for the millions who choose the leading edge in natural healthcare.Good science and good law underpin all of the ANH’s work, and the scientific reports produced by the ANH are endorsed by many of the world’s leading doctors and scientists working in the field of nutrition.Had the ban on vitamins and minerals been implemented without the restrictions imposed now by the ECJ, over 5000 products would have disappeared from the shelves of UK health stores as a result of the ban removing access to over 300 vitamin and mineral ingredients (out of a total of about 420). These include, among others, the main natural forms of Vitamin E, several forms of vitamin C, the key natural form of folic acid, MSM and a range of minerals such as vanadium, silicon and boron, all being products which millions of consumers choose to take as part of their regular health regime and have done so without any ill effects for many years.An individual’s freedom of choice to take safe natural health products would have been removed - 40 per cent of the UK’s population take vitamins and minerals.Products would have been banned with absolutely no scientific justification. Many of the world’s leading scientific and medical experts in nutrition support the absence of any proper basis for the proposed bans.This is not the end of the matter. Further legislative proposals by the EU are due to be considered by the European Parliament later this year and next. These include restrictions on herbal products, on maximum dosages of vitamins and minerals and restrictions on health claims of foods. Again, the ANH is working to help positively shape such legislation using its mantra of ‘good science and good law’.Consumers for Health Choice warns that the directive is a 'two-headed monster'. The next battle is with the setting of dose levels next year, which again, threatens to remove large numbers of products - long before 2009. The campaigning group is concerned that we will see several thousand safe and popular specialist vitamins and mineral supplements compulsorily removed from the shelves of health food shops - with the full backing of the British Government. Consumers risk being denied the right to look after their own health - products are to be swept away, even though they have been safely used for decades. The loss of several thousand products is simply because their ingredients are not ‘permitted’ by the EU - even though they have been used by British consumers for more than 30 years.Actress and TV star Jenny Seagrove expressed sadness at the verdict, but is determined to fight on. She said, “We now have a good minister in Caroline Flint and I know this issue is important to the Prime Minister. His influence in persuading the Commission to grant an enduring national exception will be invaluable to Britain. This is the way forward - I’m certain of it”.The Alliance for Natural Health is a Europe-wide association of consumers, complementary practitioners, distributors, retailers, and leading-edge manufacturers who have an interest in food supplements and natural health. Sun, 24 Jul 2005 21:25:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/why-most-vitamins-wont-be-banned-by-the-eu-but-its-not-over-yet- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nab-those-free-radicals-with-time-defiance Nab those free radicals with Time DefianceSource: thestar.com.myMature skin needs regular protection and an occasional boost. MAJORIE CHIEW browses the products of an established brand. Our skin is capable of self-protection and regeneration. Even so, this might not be enough to prevent premature ageing. What then can we do to stay relatively youthful? Well, a good skincare routine helps. Equally important is the regular use of hydrating treatment products to protect and maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Artistry's Time Defiance is a range of anti-ageing products with Defense Complex 3.0, claimed to be an anti-ageing complex that fights free radical activities at all three stages in the skin. Free radicals are highly energetic molecules, which trigger chain reactions to alter DNA, proteins and lipids, leading to skin ageing. Dr Jim Mayne, senior research scientist of Artistry working on the Time Defiance range. They are formed when common molecules such as oxygen or water absorb excess energy. Sources of excess energy are UV rays, cigarette smoke, stress and pollution. “Damage from free radicals occurs in three stages and the ingredients in Time Defiance attack free radicals at each stage,” says James Mayne, creator of Time Defiance and senior research scientist in the Artistry Global Product Development Group, in an e-mail interview from Michigan in the United States. According to Mayne, prematurely aged skin is caused by free radicals and skin stresses. Time Defiance helps repair and protect prematurely ageing skin and also younger skin. Time Defiance is said to provide 10 hours of continuous antioxidant protection. Under excessive free radical attack, skin gets inflamed and suffers damage, says Mayne, and over time, damage accumulates and leads to breakdown in skin structure. Skin becomes less flexible, leading to fine lines and wrinkles and a gradual loss of firmness and elasticity. UVA rays can penetrate the skin. After the redness is gone, the skin darkens. Areas of the skin not exposed to UV rays are unblemished – fair, smooth and supple. However, damage to the skin caused by free radicals takes years to happen. Time Defiance products stop ageing where it starts, claims Mayne. “They have intensive antioxidants and efficient skin revitalising treatments to help skin recuperate from stress, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restore firmness and elasticity to the skin surface and contribute to younger and healthier looking skin,” he says. After about 12 weeks of using Time Defiance, one can generally see improvements such as fine lines and wrinkles appearing less visible, he claims. Mayne, who is dubbed the Father of Time Defiance, led a team of 17 scientists and technicians in the discovery of Defense Complex 3.0. He has over 25 years’ experience developing Artistry skincare products. The Time Defiance range was launched in 2000 with three products – Time Defiance Daytime Protection Creme SPF 15, Time Defiance Nighttime Renewal Creme and Time Defiance Nighttime Renewal Lotion. The Daytime Protection Creme SPF 15 and the Hydroplenish Foundation are for all skin types, Nighttime Renewal Lotion is for normal to oily skin and Nighttime Renewal Creme benefits those with normal to dry skin. Currently, there are six products in the range including the add-on products such as Time Defiance Vitamin C + Wild Yam Treatment, Time Defiance Intensive Repair Serum and Time Defiance Hydroplenish Foundation. The Intensive Repair Serum, a night repair serum, comes in a box of 14 vials (to be used for 14 nights consecutively) to give skin’s declining natural repair mechanism a boost. The Vitamin C + Wild Yam Treatment is an intensive spot wrinkle treatment to help mature or sun-damaged skin appear more youthful. Recommended for all skin types, it contains botanicals known for collagen renewal and other benefits for aged skin. Mayne says: “The Vitamin C + Wild Yam Treatment is recommended for use two times daily throughout the year for spot treatment while Intensive Repair Serum is recommended to be used three to four times a year when skin (feels fatigued and) can use a boost from environmental changes.” According to him, the Intensive Repair Serum has four key ingredients that claim to help repair and protect skin. Its Deep Night Action complex comprising ultrasomes (a restorative enzyme that helps boost skin’s natural ability to alleviate signs of damage caused by environmental stresses), alpinia leaf extract (to protect skin’s collagen), tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and liquorice root extract (both antioxidants to help protect from free radical damage) “naturally repair the skin and protect it from signs of premature ageing,” he ventures. The Vitamin C + Wild Yam Treatment is another Artistry bestseller in Malaysia. “It’s a serum when you reconstitute the product by combining two parts – powder and liquid. The powder and liquid are kept separately for ultimate freshness and maximum efficacy by the unique design of a two-part packaging system,” Mayne says. Once mixed, the product must be used within 30 days. Sun, 24 Jul 2005 21:24:37 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nab-those-free-radicals-with-time-defiance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-law-will-be-hard-to-swallow Vitamin law will be hard to swallowSource: Althealth NewsThe vitamin and alternative remedy industry is sitting on a time bomb once EU laws come in, according to a Streatham herbalist.Mahesh Dhokia, 52, owner of Nature's Way in Streatham High Road, has been selling herbal and alternative remedies and offering advice to customers for five years.But he fears new EU laws which come into effect on August 1 could put him out of business because they threaten up to 5,000 products currently on sale.He claims expensive licences costing several thousand pounds will be needed for people to sell herbal remedies. And mineral supplements will also be affected because their strength will have to be diluted, making them less effective.He said: "We have only a few weeks to save vitamin and mineral supplements from attempts by the European Union to ban them."The Food Standard Agency (FSA), responsible for upholding the laws, said: "We have received 500 dossiers from the supplements industry for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to make safety assessments."It will consider the dossiers in due course."This process could last until 2009 but all the products containing selenium, yeast, tin, manganese and vitamin K2 will remain on sale in the UK during this process unless there are reported adverse reactions or EFSA require the product be withdrawn following their safety assessment." Thu, 21 Jul 2005 21:57:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-law-will-be-hard-to-swallow http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-rules-of-attraction The rules of attractionSource: www.belfasttelegraph.co.ukAnimal instincts first draw lovers together. But now psychologists say that relying on lust to pick a long-term partner will end in heartbreak. Jane Feinmann reports 19 July 2005 He's tall and dominant, with a craggy jaw and magnificent Healey-like eyebrows. She is five inches shorter, five years younger, wide-eyed, with rather startled eyebrows and a tiny wasp waist above voluptuous hips. It must be love - at least, according to the evolutionary biologist's view of sexual attraction. The theory, popularised in the early Nineties, claims that sexual passion is hardwired into our biological constitution, reflecting an ancestral preference for lovers whose bodies demonstrate robust hormonal health. Never mind sexual equality - fitness in a woman is an hourglass figure with childbearing hips. In men, height, preferably underlined by masculine facial characteristics, marks out the dominant male. The more feminine a woman or masculine a man, the theory goes, the sexier they are and therefore the more attractive as partners.The evolutionary psychologist Dr Bernhard Fink of Goettingen University in Germany has developed a "morphing device", which manipulates faces digitally to replicate the effect of sex hormones, strengthening jawlines and brows to make features more masculine, and widening the eyes and raising the eyebrows to make them more feminine. According to tests on volunteers, this succeeds in making them more attractive to the opposite sex.What a girl must do to get a mate is to accentuate the positively feminine, it seems. Most significantly, says Adrian Furnham, Professor of Psychology at University College, London, women should get as close as possible to the ideal hourglass figure, with a 23in waist and 36in hips. "The fact is that men like curvy women, and accentuating the waist/hip ratio makes you more attractive as a potential partner," he says.But research for a BBC TV programme claims that, while evolutionary psychology may explain what happens when eyes meet across a crowded room, it can be disastrous as a basis for a long-term relationship. The new sexual theorists are claiming that judgements based on immediate physical attraction are likely to lead to tears in the long run, and may be an important contributing factor to the high divorce rate and the increase in long-term singledom."Decisions about whether a member of the opposite sex is attractive are usually made in the first few seconds of seeing that person, yet they frequently lead to people becoming embroiled in a relationship that has no long-term future," says Dr Glenn Wilson, reader in personality at the Institute of Psychiatry. "Surely it makes sense to give some consideration to the long term in a relationship right from the start - rather in the way that people should start thinking about a pension early on."Dr Wilson, a former colleague of Hans Eysenck, the inventor of the IQ test, has developed a compatibility quotient (CQ) test, which is being used by two computer-dating services (cybersuitors.com, matchology.com). Couples can test their compatibility before embarking on, or continuing, a relationship. The CQ test is based on 25 factors, from attitudes to religion, politics, chivalry and sexual experience to preferences for TV, foreign food, smoking and drinking. All are recognised as factors that cause discontent and breakdown in relationships, yet they often remain unknown in the first few weeks and months of dating bliss."Opposites may attract, but all the evidence suggests that the more alike two people are, the more likely the relationship is to succeed," Wilson says. "Obviously it's a good thing if both people are either smokers or non-smokers, and the same is true as to whether they have the same sex-drive - whether they are relatively uninterested or rampant. Similar education, intelligence and social class will also stabilise a relationship. Even enjoying the same kind of TV programmes means that a couple is three times more likely to stay together."Some key differences are not equally important to each partner. Women are eight times more likely to view their relationship as unhappy if there is a difference in attitude to pornography, yet 60 per cent more likely to stay in a relationship with a man who holds similar political views. Neither is true of men - who are, however, likely to be unhappy if their partner is less experienced in bed.Formal CQ tests, Wilson says, are probably going to be more helpful to men - or at least they should be. New research, due to be published later this year, shows that women are already clever at picking out men with a high CQ. "Even on a brief encounter, women tend to glean whatever information they can to find out whether a man will make a suitable mate."Researchers carried out CQ tests to predict whether couples would get together after speed-dating - and found that when the predictions were successful, it was overwhelmingly because of an initiative by the woman."While men remain obsessed with the physical, women are far more interested in finding out about the real person. And if, as seems likely, speed-dating is a cameo of the real world, then it seems likely that a tremendous amount of heartbreak is down to men's preference for a knee-trembling experience as oppose to long-term compatibility," Wilson says.Yet another evolutionary argument claims that it's vive la différence all the way, with opposites attracting as far as genes go, as well as gender. When male volunteers were asked to choose between women who had worn the same T-shirt for several days, they invariably preferred the smell of a woman who had an immune system different from their own, according to a famous study at Newcastle University. It was claimed that this, and similar, research proved that, as with sturdier hybrid plants, the more varied the genetic background the less the chance of harmful recessive genes pairing up in children, resulting in deformity and disease.That argument is now under attack. New research suggests that there are "genetic benefits from inbreeding, and that a man and a woman with a similar face are likely to find each other sexually attractive," says the Viennese zoologist Dr Karl Grammar. "If you have a partner who looks like yourself, you are probably going feel a lot safer, with a feeling that you will have the same ideas, same feelings, same attitudes. It's even proving to predict sexual attraction on the basis of whether people look alike."So are we entering a new phase of falling in love using our heads, rather than other parts of our anatomy? Possibly - though it seems that passion still requires a certain amount of blind faith during the early stages.And websites such as matchology. com are still waiting to catch on. "It should be a great ice-breaker for a couple to meet knowing that they have a whole background in common rather than that he likes the size of her knockers," Wilson says. But he adds that, rather than the CQ idea taking over the world, "we hear about large clumps of people using the website in North American universities - Minnesota and the like."One useful message from the programme, however, might change everything for would-be Casanovas. According to the Chicago neurologist Dr Alan Hirsch, wafts of aftershave actually inhibit female sexual arousal. "During experiments, we found that odours thrown in as controls, such as cucumber and liquorice, were more arousing than cologne or perfume," Hirsch says. "The presence of aftershave actually suppressed the blood flow to the vagina."Choose a mateMEN PREFER A WOMAN...who has a feminine face, with arched eyebrows and eyes set wide apart, with a curvy figure and with large breasts (a 32C or 32D bra size, compared to the UK average of 36B) and, especially, with a high waist-to-hips ratio (a 23in waist and 36in hips is ideal). She should be smaller and younger than they are, and should make the man feel good by focusing on boosting his self-esteem in their early meetings.WOMEN PREFER A MAN...who has a strong brow and jaw-line; who is tall; who has a good sense of humour; who looks as though he is affluent and has a high-status job.AND HOW WE SHOULD CHOOSE A MATE...We should select someone who is compatible; who is well-matched sexually; who sees eye-to-eye with us about money; who has similar feelings about families and about having children; who has similar feelings about who does what around the house; who has similar attitudes to smoking, drinking and other personal habits; and whose genetic background and facial appearance are similar to our own. Ideally, the man should be both older and taller than the woman - this is one of the few evolutionary theories that still hold true, according to psychologists. Thu, 21 Jul 2005 21:52:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-rules-of-attraction http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-warning-for-pregnant-women Vitamin warning for pregnant womenSource: www.dailymail.co.ukExpectant mothers who take multi-vitamin supplements could be causing handicaps in their unborn children, it has emerged. A study by Trading Standards watchdogs and charity BDF (Birth Defects Foundation) Newlife has found that a third of all multi-vitamin suppliers do not label their products with warnings stating that they contain vitamin A, which can damage foetuses. The fear is that many women, pregnant or planning to be, are being misled by inadequate labelling. They may be these supplements in the hope it will benefit the health of their unborn children. In reality, they risk unwittingly taking vitamin A, which can lead to horrific health defects. BDF Newlife chief executive, Sheila Brown, said the risks of vitamin A to foetuses are well-known. She said the issue now was for women to steer clear of multi-vitamin supplements too, until they have made sure they do not contain vitamin A. "Our big message to women of child-bearing age is to look at the packet and to avoid vitamin A like the plague," she said. "Lots of products do not have warnings and they should have." Damages development of cellsVitamin A, present in liver, is a "teratogen", which damages the development of cells in foetuses, leading to the developments of conditions like spina bifida, hydrocephalus and urinary tract malformations. The damage is usually done in the first few days or weeks of a pregnancy. Mrs Brown said she asked Trading Standards to investigate after a pregnant woman contacted BDF Newlife after realising she had been unwittingly taking a multi-vitamin supplement which contained vitamin A. The product did not carry a warning. The woman realised she had been taking vitamin A after her doctor pointed it out. Nigel Strick, boss of Oxfordshire Trading Standards, said that between November last year and March this year, 20 out of 60 multi-vitamin products were found to be without vitamin A warnings. Among the suppliers without warnings on their products were big brands like Sanatogen, Centrum and Quest, he said. He said Boots and Tesco products did carry warnings. Mr Strick, a 42-year-old father of two, said: "People are suing tobacco firms these days so it is not inconceivable that mothers with defected children may sue a manufacturer for not labelling its products." He added that if manufacturers dragged their feet in agreeing to label products, then moves would be made to get legislation imposed to "tighten it (the industry) up." Bayer Healthcare, which owns the Sanatogen brand, said that a number of their multi-vitamin products, those not specifically targeted at pregnant women, "currently do not contain a specific warning regarding vitamin A." In a statement, the firm added: "Bayer Consumer Care agrees with the report that good labelling for all vitamin products is essential, whether these are general vitamins or those specifically marketed at pregnant women." A spokesperson for the PAGB (Proprietary Association of Great Britain), the UK trade association representing manufacturers of over-the-counter medicines and food supplements, said in a statement: "With regards to Vitamin A, our member companies are waiting for Europe to announce recommendations for labelling and usage of Vitamin A in food supplements. "To ensure the safety of the new born child, anybody who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy should always discuss any medication and use of food supplements with their doctor or midwife." Thu, 21 Jul 2005 21:43:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-warning-for-pregnant-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-shown-to-boost-pre-school-learning-skills Fish oils shown to boost pre-school learning skillsSource: Althealth NewsThe learning ability of pre-school children improves significantly when they take a daily dose of fish oils, according to the first results of a new study being carried out in the north of England.The early-intervention trial is an extension of the Sure Start project taking place in County Durham and follows on from the recent groundbreaking Durham Schools Trial. In the current trial 60 children aged between 20 and 36 months have been given a daily fish oil supplement. Although the year-long trial is still at the early stages, initial findings have show positive results for the children’s concentration and behaviour. “The performance of almost 60% of the children has improved dramatically,” said Dr Madeleine Portwood, educational psychologist for Durham Local Education Authority. “We saw children whose learning skills went from six months below their chronological age to age equivalent in just three months. “Some two year-olds went from having a vocabulary of 25 single words to being able to use whole sentences, while others were able to sit down and concentrate for the first time in their lives.” The children in the latest trial have been taking the fish oils in a fruit flavoured sachet form. The product, known as eye q, was donated to trial organiser by manufacturer Equazen. Thu, 21 Jul 2005 21:38:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-shown-to-boost-pre-school-learning-skills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/efsa-to-study-aspartame-cancer-link-study EFSA to study aspartame cancer link studySource: Althealth NewsEurope’s food safety watchdog, EFSA, says it will carry out an urgent evaluation of a new Italian study that links the sweetener aspartame with leukaemias in rodents, reports the BBC. The study, carried out by the European Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences in Bologna, suggests that aspartame, when given to rats over a whole life span, could induce lymphomas and leukaemias in female rats.The long-term study was conducted on 1800 rats (900 males and 900 females) over 30 years. The rats, which were eight weeks old when they entered the trial, were fed levels of aspartame that were designed to simulate daily human intake. The scientists’ report states: “A dose related statistically significant increase in lymphomas and leukaemias (was shown). This statistically significant increase was also observed at a dose level of 20mg/kg of body weight, a dose inferior to the accepted daily intake permitted by current regulations (50-40 mg/kg of body weight).”The aspartame industry responded to the media reports of the study’s findings by saying that there were “billions of man-years of safe use” of the sweetener, and there was “no indication of an association between aspartame and cancer in humans”. The UK Food Standards Agency says it will “study the EFSA’s opinion carefully and consider what, if any, action may be required”. Thu, 21 Jul 2005 21:37:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/efsa-to-study-aspartame-cancer-link-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/homocysteine-and-heart-disease-a-look-at-vitamin-b12 Homocysteine and Heart Disease – A Look at Vitamin B12Source: www.healthsentinel.comRoman Bystrianyk, "Homocysteine and Heart Disease – A Look at Vitamin B12", Health Sentinel, July 15, 2005, An elevated blood homocysteine level is a strong risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Homocysteine is a toxic waste product produced during metabolism of an amino acid called methionine. Diets high in meat and dairy generate excess methionine, which is converted by the body into homocysteine. Folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body. Studies have shown that higher blood levels of B vitamins are related to lower concentrations of homocysteine, and additional evidence demonstrates that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with an increased risk of fatal heart attack and stroke. Folic acid fortification of cereal products began in North America in 1996 and was made mandatory in 1998. Studies have shown that fortification has reduced the number of neural tube defects by 50% however, little impact has been observed in death from heart disease. Now that folic acid fortification is widespread, vitamin B12 has become the next important factor in homocysteine levels. The June 2005 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal examines how many people are low in vitamin B12 and the relationship of vitamin B12 to homocysteine and plaque buildup in the carotid artery. The study authors examined 421 people with an average of 66 years, checking their vitamin B12 levels; homocysteine levels; and build up of plaque in their carotid artery. They found that nearly 1 in 5 of the group had a vitamin B12 deficiency. The authors note that this value may be an “underestimate” as only 10% of the patient group had the specific test measuring for deficiency. The authors also found that, “homocysteine levels fell significantly as vitamin B12 levels rose and that plaque in the carotid artery “increased markedly above levels of homocysteine that would usually be regarded as low (7.7 μmol/L).” Although the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms, one study showed that among elderly patients “1000 micrograms daily is required for adequate absorption.” The investigators also found that creatinine levels to be “a strong a predictor of homocysteine level as were vitamin B12 levels.” Creatinine is the waste product of creatine catabolism and is a by-product of muscle activity normally removed from the blood by the kidneys. The relationship between vitamin B12 and creatinine was strong enough to be “worthy of further investigation.” In conclusion, the authors found that, “vitamin B12 deficiency is surprisingly common among patients with vascular disease.” The “striking” inverse relationship between vitamin B12 and homocysteine “suggests a key role for vitamin B12 in the treatment of elevated homocysteine levels for vascular disease.” Mon, 18 Jul 2005 20:17:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/homocysteine-and-heart-disease-a-look-at-vitamin-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/forever-young-the-scientific-frontier Forever Young: The scientific frontierSource: Althealth NewsDr. Bruce Ames is a leading biochemist who specializes in aging and nutrition. In Part 1 of an interview with United Press International, he discussed the importance of good diet in promoting longevity and keeping mitochondria -- the cells' power plants and the key to vigorous good health -- functioning efficiently. Ames, a hearty and hard-working 76, is a senior scientist at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute in California and scientific advisory board member of Juvenon.com, which markets an anti-aging supplement he developed. In 1998, Ames won the prestigious National Medal of Science, and in 2001 he was awarded Oregon State University's first $50,000 Linus Pauling Institute Prize for Health Research.In this article, Ames talks about research aimed at extending healthy lifespans -- after, that is, people have done everything they can to take care of themselves."There's no sense trying to make people live longer if they're shortening their lifespan by smoking or eating lousy diets, and we're talking about a sizable percent of the country," Ames said.What we've been doing is looking at rats that get a good diet -- much better than people do -- and trying to see what we can do to make the mitochondria in old rats look like more like young rats.Based on some work by Italians and our own advances, we found that if you feed acetyl carnitine, which is a normal biochemical that helps bring fatty-acid fuel into the mitochondria, to old rats, their mitochondria look more like mitochondria of young rats. And the rats function better.But the one thing we didn't solve is the old rats were still putting out more oxidants in their mitochondria than young rats. So we found another mitochondrial biochemical that solves that problem; it's called lipoic acid. It's an antioxidant for mitochondria that does some other good things. Both of these compounds have been sold in health food stores for years. We found that with the combination, these old rats had more energy and their brains functioned better, their immune systems functioned better, so we published a series of papers on that.The university (of California) took out a patent on this combination and I formed a company called Juvenon to sell these pills and use the money for doing clinical trials. All my stock is in a non-profit foundation so I get no money from the company and don't expect to.We did the work in rats. We need to do it in people. I can't afford to do these huge expensive clinical trials, but the company can.A lot of the degenerative diseases that come along with aging have been tracked to mitochondrial decay -- Parkinson's and nerve degeneration and diabetes and cancer. So I think when you tackle aging, you're going to tackle all these degenerative diseases that come along with it.I think if you're an old rat, you can be enthusiastic. If you're an old person, we don't know all the answers yet. But there's lots of evidence these normal biochemicals are pretty safe -- they're not going to hurt you. We have every letter we've ever received from a customer in a database -- we have over 5,000 letters, so we always monitor what people say is good and what people say is bad.Out of those 5,000 letters there are maybe 25 letters with some possible side effect, mostly rashes, so they're all really pretty minor. Plus, there's previous literature on the individual supplements. So I'm pretty confident that it's not going to hurt you. A lot of people say they take it and they feel terrific. I take but I didn't feel any different, but I'm pretty peppy. I'm quite optimistic. In terms of life expectancy, in the early 1930s, when they set up Social Security, people were retiring at 60. So they thought only a small percentage of the population would get to 65.I don't want to retire. I'm having too much fun. The new New Yorker has a cartoon of the doctor telling the patient, "I see you're 57 years old. I'd like to bring that down a bit." Mon, 18 Jul 2005 20:14:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/forever-young-the-scientific-frontier http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-festival-goes-from-strength-to-strength Liquorice festival goes from strength to strengthSource: Althealth NewsIT started as a small fair nine years ago but Pontefract Liquorice Festival has since gone from strength to strength to become a nationally-recognised blockbuster weekend. A team of five town centre managers dreamed up the idea in 1996 to boost the town's tourism but now the festival is run by a charitable trust which works with local schoolchildren throughout the year and boasts links with overseas liquorice companies. Paula McNeill, chairwoman of Pontefract Liquorice Trust, has been involved from the very beginning and recalls how the event has grown into what it is today. She said: "In the beginning, the liquorice fair was a community-based project which lasted a week, with talent competitions and a fair ground. We did it on a shoestring to bring tourists into the town and enhance business. When I took over as chairwoman of the town centre partnership in 2000 the fair wasn't really working, so we looked to see what we could do differently. We decided to change the name from fair to festival and instead of it lasting a week we would put on two really special days for local people as well as tourists." In 2003, the Pontefract Liquorice Trust was set up allowing the festival to be run by local residents through a steering group. Mrs McNeill said: "This took the festival a huge leap forward as we could now apply for funding and support. It has grown at such a huge rate. I think last year we took a big step up in terms of funding and our projects with schoolchildren." The festival has established a relationship with a Japanese pharmaceutical company called Maruzen which creates a range of liquorice-based products. This led to a partnership between Carleton High School and a high school near Hiroshima where pupils have been writing to each other since last year. Some representatives from the Japanese school are flying over to visit the liquorice festival this year and look at developing more partnerships with other local schools. Mrs McNeill said: "I knew the festival had great potential but I didn't envisage the partnership with Japan and how delightful it is to be part of that partnership. I hope we will be able to look at China, Turkey and Spain and other liquorice producers and companies to build a partnership with later on. "The liquorice festival is evolving all the time. It is very close to becoming a regional festival. I look on it as an opportunity to put Pontefract on the map. "World interest in liquorice is phenomenal. People across the world associate Pontefract with liquorice and we should be so proud of that. Not every town in the country is known worldwide for whatever and we should make something of that." Thu, 14 Jul 2005 22:24:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-festival-goes-from-strength-to-strength http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spotlight-turns-on-prime-minister-as-fsd-challenge-is-rejected Spotlight turns on Prime Minister as FSD challenge is rejectedSource: Althealth NewsAs judges at the European Court of Justice this week rejected the legal challenge to the EU Food Supplements Directive (FSD), the UK health industry called on the prime minister to personally intervene on the issue. The legal case against the Directive, brought by the Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA) and the National Association of Health Food Stores (NAHS), along with a separate challenge by the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH), was heard at the court in Luxembourg in January.The judges’ surprise decision, which went against an opinion delivered by the same court’s advocate-general in April, was met with anger from the NAHS. NAHS chair John McKee said: “It is patently obvious to anyone with any brain that the directive offends principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and personal freedom. That the most senior court in Europe has chosen not to see this is frankly mind-bending.”“That said, the industry must not descend into depression and must quickly regroup. We should all push the prime minister to deliver on his commitment to protect consumer choice.”HFMA director David Adams also said that industry and political pressure should now be applied to Tony Blair: “We call on the prime minister, who currently holds the EU presidency … to go to Brussels to get the legislation rewritten in such a way that the UK is allowed to permit onto its national markets products which otherwise lie outside its restrictive scope. There is still a golden opportunity to bring great news to millions of supplement users.”Consumers for Health Choice director, Sue Croft, told NP after a frantic day spent in TV and radio studios: “Consumers will now be demanding nothing short of an enduring national derogation. That’s what we will be telling Tony Blair he must re-negotiate for in Brussels.”Croft vowed that “the fight will go on” and said that two questions had already been tabled for prime minister’s question time, one from the Conservative leader Michael Howard and one from Labour MP Dr Brian Idden. Thu, 14 Jul 2005 11:25:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spotlight-turns-on-prime-minister-as-fsd-challenge-is-rejected http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-supplements-could-protect-brain-from-lead-poisoning Iron supplements could protect brain from lead poisoningSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukUK researchers have begun investigating the link between iron deficiency and lead pollution amongst children in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, reports nutraingredients.com.Scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University, led by Dr Nessar Ahmed, claim iron deficiency, which is common in developing countries, may further childrens’ susceptibility to lead pollution, which in turn can cause brain damage. “In an environment where there are high amounts of lead, and little iron in the diet, lead will be absorbed by young children. And even low levels of lead can cause a substantial reduction in IQ”, said Dr Ahmed.Children in Pakistan are said to be particularly at risk following a study that found the average level of lead in the blood of Karachi children was 38 micrograms. Put into perspective, researchers say just 10 micrograms of lead can result in a drop in IQ levels. The country’s lead pollution is attributed to its lack of lead-free fuels, heavy industry, and types of cosmetics that contain lead ingredients.Researchers believe a daily intake of iron supplements would help to combat the heightened absorption of lead when in conjunction with iron deficiency, and prevent growing levels of brain damage. Thu, 14 Jul 2005 11:23:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-supplements-could-protect-brain-from-lead-poisoning http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/saw-palmetto-nettle-root-supplement-helps-urinary-tract-problems Saw palmetto, nettle root supplement helps urinary tract problemsSource: Althealth NewsA saw palmetto and nettle root combination helps to treat urinary tract problems in older men, shows a new study. The herbal supplement has previously been shown to help with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate thought to affect more than half of all men over 50. In the new research, published on 1 June in the online issue of the World Journal of Urology (DOI: 10.1007/s00345-005-0501-9), 129 men who took the supplement for 24 weeks had a substantially higher reduction in symptoms than a placebo, said the researchers from the Institute of Urology in Moscow. The product, called Prostagutt forte (also known as PRO 160/120) in Germany, is manufactured by the German firm Willmar Schwabe. It is sold in the US as both ProstActive Plus and Prostol by Nature's Way. Each capsule contains 160mg of WS 1473, an extract of saw palmetto berry, and 120mg of WS 1031, an extract of nettle root. In the unconventional design, all men in both groups received the placebo on a single-blind basis (the researchers knew that all men were receiving a placebo, but the men did not), followed by a 24-week double-blind period in which the patients received 2 capsules per day of the herb combination or the placebo. This double-blind period was then followed by a 24-week open-control period during which all patients were administered PRO 160/120. The trial design also included an optional 48-week follow-up period after the control period, creating a total observation period of 96 weeks. To determine the treatment efficacy of the herbal combination, researchers recorded patient assessment of LUTS by using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) test, a self-rating questionnaire, as well as a quality of life index. Measures for efficacy include the maximum urinary flow rate, average urinary flow rate, urinary output, duration of urination and flow increase (all determined by means of an electronic uroflow recorder), residual urinary volume and size of prostate (both determined by ultrasound) as well as uroflow and sonographic parameters. Patients treated with PRO 160/120 exhibited a substantially higher total score reduction after 24 weeks of treatment with a tendency in the same direction after 16 weeks. This applied to men who experienced symptoms of urinary obstruction as well as to irritation and to patients who exhibited moderate or severe symptoms of BPH at the outset of the trial. Patients in the placebo group showed a marked improvement in LUTS after being switched to PRO 160/120 during the open control period. The trial also demonstrates a high degree of safety for the herb combination. The incidence of adverse effects for the men in the herb group was the same as those in taking the placebo. The tolerability of PRO 160/120 was comparable to the placebo. "The clinical literature confirming the efficacy of saw palmetto is extensive and the evidence for nettle root's benefits keep growing," said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, an independent herbal education organisation. "Although the safety and efficacy of an herb or herbal product cannot be determined by the results of only one clinical trial, in the case of the saw palmetto and nettle root preparation, the combination of the literature on each ingredient, plus the new trials on the combined formulation, demonstrate that this phytomedicinal product is both safe and effective for treating many symptoms of BPH." Saw palmetto is widely used in preparations for treating symptoms of BPH. Research on nettle root shows that, like saw palmetto, it too inhibits the enzyme involved with the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a principal mechanism in the development of BPH. Both saw palmetto and stinging nettle root are approved by the Commission E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices as nonprescriptions medications to treat symptoms of BPH. Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:41:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/saw-palmetto-nettle-root-supplement-helps-urinary-tract-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnut-advice-helps-diabetics-protect-their-hearts Walnut advice helps diabetics protect their heartsSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comAdvising type-2 diabetes patients to include walnuts in their diet helps them achieve a dietary fat profile with optimal amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which helps protect against heart disease, say researchers in Australia.A study at the University of Wollongong’s Smart Food Center, published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, set out to test the clinical feasibility of advice strategies aimed at increasing the fatty acid intake of type-2 diabetes patients. Such patients are advised to consume dietary fats that have been shown to deliver cardiovascular health benefits – that is unsaturated fatty acids in place of trans- and saturated fats. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 18.2 million percent of Americans suffer from the disease (6.3 percent of the population), the majority of whom have type-2 diabetes. Only around 13 million of these have actually been diagnosed, however.On a worldwide basis, the WHO reports that at least 171 million people have diabetes, but incidence is on the increase and the figure is expected to reach 366 million by 2030.One of the complications arising from diabetes is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, 65 percent of diabetes patients in the US die of heart disease. Diabetes can also lead to blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.According to lead researcher Lynda Gillen, an important aspect of weight management for diabetics is the achievement of energy balance despite increased intake of high fat foods.Gillen’s trial involved 55 men and women with type-2 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group was advised to follow a general low-fat diet, a second to follow a modified low-fat diet, including foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a third to follow a diet including 30g of walnuts, making up 31 percent of dietary fat, plus 350g of oily fish a day.The team observed that few of the participants were consuming sufficient amounts of PUFAs at baseline, with meat making up 22 percent of total dietary fat. It set out to track whether advice to include walnuts in the diet would result in free-living patients being able to follow a low-fat energy-controlled diet with optimal dietary fat proportions.At three months, the walnut and fish group had the greatest proportion of subjects achieving PUFA targets and these were maintained for longer. After six months, those in the walnut group were consuming almost half their dietary fat intake from PUFA-rich foods. Walnuts provided almost one third of total fat intake and one half omega-3 polyunsaturated fat intake. The low fat group, on the other hand, continued to consume foods rich in saturated fat as the main sources of fat in the diet.The conclusion drawn from this was that specific advice for the regular inclusion of walnuts in the total diet could help type-2 diabetes patients achieve optimal fat intake proportions without adverse effects on total fat or energy intakes.“Individuals consuming walnuts were more likely to achieve a beneficial fat profile than those consuming a larger quantity of oily fish (500g/wk) or those following standard 'low fat' advice," said Gillen. The study results have been commended by professions in the field of diabetes care. "It is important and challenging, for people with type 2 diabetes to eat the right types and balance of fats,” said Marion Franz, former director of nutrition and health professional education at the International Diabetes Center. “The fact that achieving nutrition goals became easier by including walnuts is helpful and useful news for persons with diabetes, and the clinicians and diabetes educators who provide nutrition counsel." Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:37:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnut-advice-helps-diabetics-protect-their-hearts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-makes-an-impact-on-adhd Diet Makes an Impact on ADHDSource: www.healthcentral.comNo parent wants her child taking a daily dose of drugs. But drugs are all many parents of kids with ADD or ADHD are left with. That has many looking to alternative ways to help their children.It wasn't always easy for Austin Armitage to focus, especially in school. Austin has ADD. He says, "Even the tiniest sounds like tapping a pencil on a desk on the other side of the room, I would hear it, and I would just get really distracted, and I couldn't work." But Austin's mom, Melanie, was wary of starting her son on medication. She says, "I wanted to try some things that were natural before we did that and look at the medication as a last resort." She turned to naturopathic doctor Wendy Weber, N.D., from Bastyr university in Seattle. "I find that a lot of parents just aren't comfortable with the medications that are available, and so they really want other options," Dr. Weber says. She says the top five foods that aggravate ADHD are wheat, dairy, citrus, eggs and corn. Eliminating one or more of these foods can make a big difference. Dr. Weber says, "There are some foods that aggravate some kids; the hard part is that not the same food will aggravate every child." Supplements can also help. Dr. Weber says when kids are deficient in essential fatty acids, they can appear to have ADHD. Dr. Weber says about 85 percent of the kids she sees have at least some improvement. Austin is one of them. Melanie says: "Within four weeks he was noticing a difference. I was noticing a difference. His teacher was noticing a difference." Those big changes came by adding Ginkgo and fish oil to Austin's diet. "The fact that he can take supplements and have a notable increase in his performance is just fantastic," Melanie says. Dr. Weber says the results from dietary changes are not necessarily immediate and may take up to eight weeks to show any changes at all. There have been small studies done on a number of dietary changes for kids with ADD and ADHD, all with varying degrees of success. She does say about 15 percent of kids she sees will not respond to dietary changes. Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:34:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-makes-an-impact-on-adhd http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnut-extract-targeted-for-amd-supplement Walnut extract targeted for AMD supplementSource: www.foodnavigator.comAn extract of resveratrol-rich walnuts could offer supplement makers a new ingredient for tackling the onset of age-related macular degeneration, writes Dominique Patton. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss among people over the age of 60, affecting millions of older adults every year. Lutein, a carotenoid found in dark green vegetables, has in recent years become a popular supplement taken to help prevent this condition, based on a growing body of research showing its action on eye health. However a pair of French researchers believe that the resveratrol found in walnuts could also protect against age-related macular degeneration. “Among the antioxidants of edible vegetables, resveratrol has been shown to be a potent angiostatic compound in vitro as well as in vivo and in particular administered orally,” Dr Claude Bonne, honorary professor of pharmacology at the University of Montpellier, told NutraIngredients.com. Resveratrol’s angiostatic mechanism, or that which stops the development of new blood vessels, appears to both inhibit production of VEGF, one of a number of genes associated with angiogenesis, aswell as the effects seen after activation of VEGF receptors. “This unique profile of resveratrol activity represents a scientific basis for a novel nutritional supplement to slow the evolution of AMD to the neovascular form,” Dr Bonne continued. The neovascular, or ‘wet’ form, of AMD affects only 10 per cent of those diagnosed with the disease yet it accounts for almost 90 per cent of the severe vision loss associated with the condition. No tests have yet been carried out on the walnut extract and its effects on AMD, however the researchers claim that there is some support for the product in peer-reviewed literature. “Nuts have been chosen over grapes because they are a more original source of resveratrol and there is also some evidence of their protection against AMD,” said collaborator Dr Daniel Sincholle. In 2003 Harvard University researchers reported in the Archives of Ophthalmology (vol 121, issue 12, pp1728-37) that they had founds nuts to be protective against AMD. This could be a result of their polyphenols, including the compound resveratrol. The French team has filed a patent in France covering the AMD treatment. A process of extraction is described but does not appear in the claims. The researchers are seeking industry partners focused on supplements for the prevention of ageing, particularly in the area of eye health. They already hold several patents for plant extracts used around the world, particularly in cosmetics. Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:28:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnut-extract-targeted-for-amd-supplement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberries-packed-with-sweet-nutrition Blueberries packed with sweet nutritionSource: www.bradenton.comummer is for blueberries and chocolate.When Johnny Depp appears this summer as the candy maker Willie Wonka in a remake of Roald Dahl's childhood classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Violet Beauregarde will, again, find herself puffing up into a giant blueberry.Her nutritionist would be proud.The blueberry, it turns out, is a true powerhouse of nutrition. The Eat 5 to 9 a Day campaign encourages consumers to eat more "blues and purples." The deep, rich color indicates the presence of antioxidants that help reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and even Alzheimer's.Phytochemical research is one of the hottest areas of research in the nutrition world. New studies show blueberries may actually slow down the aging process by helping to prevent and reverse memory loss. Animal studies conducted at Tufts University show rats fed blueberry extract had improved neural, cognitive and motor function.To add to the blueberry's considerable cachet, another study on rats by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that blueberries may lower cholesterol, acting as effectively as commercial drugs on the market.So just what is it that makes blueberries tick?Scientists have found they have an especially high ORAC number, a measure of their oxygen radical absorbance. Fresh blueberries have an ORAC of 2,400. Blackberries come in second place at 2,030, while other berries - including cranberries, strawberries and raspberries - rate above 1,000, according to last month's Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter.Blueberries are a fun twist on the traditional grapes in a tasty low-fat chicken salad recipe. Ah, can't you just hear Violet cracking her gum and sneering "Who's the smart one now?" And they're so good, there's really no need to dip them in chocolate.Blueberry Chicken SaladMakes 4 servings¼ cup fat-free mayonnaise2 tablespoons no-fat sour cream2 tablespoons lemon juice2 teaspoons Dijon mustardDash hot pepper sauceDash salt2 cups chopped, cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast½ cup chopped celery1 cup fresh blueberries2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragonFresh lettuce or spinach leavesMix together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, hot pepper sauce and salt. Stir in chicken, celery and blueberries. Add tarragon and toss lightly. Arrange lettuce leaves on serving plates. Spoon salad over lettuce leaves.Per serving: 159 calories (16 percent from fat), 3 grams total fat (1 gram saturated), 60 milligrams cholesterol, 10 grams carbohydrates, 23 grams protein, 361 milligrams sodium, 1 gram dietary fiber Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:24:37 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blueberries-packed-with-sweet-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-frontier-in-herbal-research New frontier in herbal researchSource: thestar.com.myA clinical study on a herbal formulation (to treat fibroids) was recently carried out by local researchers. It’s the first such study in the country, the researchers say, and the results were positive. The study could pave the way for a larger, long-term trial, a move that the researchers and scientists welcome because traditional remedies, like modern therapies, have to be scientifically validated and be evidence-based. Prof Syed Mohsin Sahil Jamalullail ... ‘There is a difference between studies on plant material and studies on herbal preparations.’ NEWS about an herbal treatment for uterine fibroids may not come as a surprise to some Malaysians. After all, herbs have been used therapeutically in our indigenous cultures long before Western medicine arrived on our shores. A study recently carried out on an herbal preparation for the treatment of fibroids produced rather ambivalent results. The researchers were unable to make a conclusive statement about the efficacy of the product in reducing fibroid size. Nonetheless, the study was noteworthy because “it was the first clinical study done in Malaysia for a herbal formulation,” says Dr Mohd Pazudin Ismail from the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The study, carried out by USM researchers following a memorandum of understanding between the university and the local herbal company producing the treatment, has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Promising result The herbal product is a traditional Malay remedy, containing cassia angustifolia (senna), zingiber officinale (ginger), trachy spermum ammi (bay leaves), glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice root) and several other herbs. Although anecdotal evidence seems to point towards the product’s efficacy in treating fibroids, only scientific evidence will be able to answer the following questions: Can this herbal formulation provide the same efficacy as conventional treatment or provide a better alternative? Is the preparation a safe form of treatment? Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia undertook a phase II, randomised, controlled, single-blinded trial to compare the efficacy and the adverse effects of the herbal formulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists, which is the standard treatment for uterine fibroids. “The primary aim of this study was to compare the reduction of fibroid and uterine size (between both treatments), as well as to compare the difference in changes of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone) and serum oestradiol levels,” says Dr Mohd Pazudin. Thirty five patients with uterine fibroids were randomly given either Gn-RH agonist or the herbal product, and followed up for 12 months. At the end of the study, both treatments were shown to be able to reduce fibroid size, although the herbal treatment was not consistent in its effect. The treatments also differed in terms of side-effects. While GnRH treatment produced menopause-like symptoms, including hot flushes, headache, nausea and abdominal cramping, the herbal treatment had no such side-effects, as it did not reduce hormone levels. The only side-effects recorded in the herbal group were increased bowel movements. Ginger is one of the ingredients in the herbal product tested. Although this preparation shows potential in the treatment of fibroids, it does not mean that all other herbal products containing ginger will have the same effect. “The herbal treatment can reduce fibroid size almost equivalent to standard treatment, with (minimal) side-effects,” Dr Mohd Pazudin notes. “But it is too early to conclude confidently that the herbal treatment can cause significant shrinkage of uterine fibroids, in view of the inconsistent reduction of fibroid volume,” he cautions. “What we have observed is that (the herbal treatment) can reduce the fibroid to a manageable size, so that it can be removed by surgery,” remarks Prof Syed Mohsin Syed Sahil Jamalullail, Deputy Dean of the School of Health Sciences, USM. The professor of pharmacology adds that the herbal product may be a good alternative to standard treatment of fibroids, especially in view of the fact that it has fewer side effects. However, a long-term study over at least two years is required before anyone can conclude that the product is able to completely reduce fibroid size, he says. The researchers are aware that this study does not provide any conclusive answers. In fact, it even raises more questions. Why does the size of the fibroid increase again after four months? How does the herbal treatment affect the fibroid cells? “More studies with larger sample sizes and with the addition of a placebo group will be required,” the researchers conclude in a press statement about the study. “This is the beginning of our interest. We hope that more studies will be carried out to distinguish a true pharmacological effect on the natural course of the disease,” says Prof Syed Mohsin. What is promising about this study is that it paves the way for a larger, long-term trial. This is the way pharmaceutical drugs are tested, and so it should be for herbal products as well. Putting traditional remedies to the test In 1999, Malaysians spent approximately RM3.8bil on herbal products. When it comes to traditional remedies, Malaysians seem to be more comfortable relying on generations-old advice rather than solid science. It is only relatively recently that herbal research has become a priority for local scientists, in recognition of the fact that even traditional remedies, like modern therapies, have to be scientifically validated and evidence-based. Malaysia is no slouch when it comes to research on indigenous herbs, such as eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali), labisia spp (Kacip Fatimah) and centetta asiatica (Pegaga). However, Prof Syed Mohsin points out the difference between research on plant material, and research on specific herbal preparations, which our country is severely lacking. The distinction may not be obvious, but its implications are vast. For instance, the effects of E. longifolia are well documented, but not every Tongkat Ali product is the same, as it may contain different amounts of the root, or other ingredients. In any particular formulation, what produces the results is the unique combination of the ingredients. “If you take the ingredients singly, you would get a different kind of action” compared to a combination of the ingredients, explains Prof Syed Mohsin. The assumption that all herbal products are the same is quite dangerous. This could give rise to dodgy practices, such as manufacturers using low-grade herbs, or producing formulations that are not tested for their effects. “It is the responsibility of the universities to clinically test herbal products to ensure that they can provide the same therapeutic effects as conventional treatment. If you don’t do proper research, some of these complementary treatments can cause harm to people,” says Dr Mohd Pazudin. “There is also a need to seriously look into the active chemicals present in the herbal product. This is to ensure that our herbal products are accepted as reliable, safe and can achieve the standard of quality that is expected for general consumption,” Prof Syed Mohsin urges fellow researchers. If clinical trials on herbal products are so important, this begs the all-important question: why is there so little of it? “Most herbal companies do not have the capacity to fund research ? as they are developing industries,” reveals Prof Syed Mohsin. Funding is the driving force that propels herbal research forward. Universities rely on the government to provide research grants. If such funding is not forthcoming, they collaborate with companies to conduct studies. The USM fibroid study is an example of one such collaboration, supported by the local herbal company that produced the formulation. Hailed by its researchers as the first trial of a herbal product in Malaysia, this study could signal the beginning of many more similar clinical trials. “We need such efforts if Malaysia is to be a developed country,” emphasises Prof Syed Mohsin. Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:21:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-frontier-in-herbal-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/finding-a-solution Finding a solutionSource: icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.ukTrying to lose weight can sometimes seem like an impossible battle, especially when you're a new mother with a tiny baby to look after. Eleanor Gregson talks to a young mum who found the solution. As she stared in disbelief at herself in the photographs taken just a few months after her son's birth, Elaine Fleck wanted to hide away and cry."I stared at the pictures and I just looked terrible. I felt quite big after Oliver's birth but seeing those photos brought it home how much weight I'd put on. I just burst into tears," she says.Most women feel a little overweight after giving birth and Elaine, 26, of Wallsend, North Tyneside, was no different. Putting the extra pounds down to water and swelling, she was convinced the weight would drop off naturally.However, after months of obsessive calorie-counting and starvation, Elaine still weighed a depressing 15-and-a-half stone. She was desperate for a solution to help her lose the three stones she had put on during her pregnancy with son Oliver, now 14 months.With her self-confidence in serious decline and having tried all kinds of diets, including the infamous and, for her, wholly unsuccessful cabbage soup diet, an apprehensive Elaine decided to give Slimming World a go.She said: "I was terrified, really nervous. I didn't know what to expect when I first went to the class. It was a very daunting feeling and I was convinced everyone would judge me and laugh at me."But it was completely different, I walked in and it was all smiles. I felt like I'd come home and didn't feel judged or uncomfortable at all."Losing nearly three stones has been a life-changing experience for the young mum, who believes the eating plan she has now adopted is not just a diet but is a way of life."I think that's why I've found it so successful, it doesn't feel like a diet. It's about food optimising and you're still allowed to eat whatever you want, even fish and chips!" she says.Not only has the super-slimmer benefited from her new healthy lifestyle but partner Mark, 29, and little Oliver have also been able to enjoy the newly confident Elaine, who is now full of energy and enthusiasm."Before I lost the weight, I found it hard to go for walks and I never thought I'd pick up a swimming costume again. But now, I take Oliver swimming at the pool and we go for long walks to the park."And the self-confessed lousy cook says she has found an untapped talent for making fresh meals for her family."I was never much of a cook but I've learnt loads of recipes and now I make dinner for Mark and myself, dishes like pasta with fresh vegetables and proper home-cooked meals like Shepherd's Pie."Partner Mark, who works for Reg Vardy, has even lost a stone, which Elaine claims is simply down to him eating her home-cooked dinners rather than Chinese and Indian takeaways, which they would regularly share four times a week.Although Elaine has enjoyed incredible success in losing such an impressive amount of weight, she insists she still has a little way to go in reaching the three stone mark."I've got a few pounds to go and I'm still following the eating plan."So inspired was Elaine by her Slimming World experience she has set up her own group which she hopes will help others to find health and happiness again the way she did.She said: "I'm really excited about being a consultant, I really want to change people's lives. So many women are obese now that it is such a big issue."There are a lot of health risks associated with being overweight such as heart disease, so it's important for women, not just for their self-confidence but for their health also, that they lose weight."I want to get the word out there that it is possible to lose weight the easy way and there is no point in starving yourself because you just get nowhere."One of the best things about losing weight is being able to shop for gorgeous clothes again, says Elaine."I used to be about a size 18 and it was so upsetting going into shops and not finding fashionable clothes big enough to fit me."Now I get a total ego boost when I go into New Look, Miss Selfridge and younger shops where I can fit into a size 12 to 14. It's given me so much more confidence."Elaine launched her new slimming group last month at North Shields Terminus Social Club. For more information contact Elaine on (0191) 289 2949.Elaine's diet then and nowWhat Elaine used to eat on a typical day before she joined Slimming World:Breakfast: Muffins with butter and jamSausage and egg sandwichLunch: Huge baguette sandwich with everything inAfternoon: More chocolate barsTea: Takeaway of either fish and chips, Chinese, or IndianWhat Elaine eats nowBreakfast: Cereal, Fruit such as a banana or an appleLunch: Sandwich made with Weightwatchers breadLow-fat crisps such as QuaversTea: Slimming World meal or healthy home-made pasta dish or Shepherd's PieThe Slimming World DietThe Slimming World diet is all about optimising food and does not involve portion control. It works in three steps. You alternate between Original and Green days.*Original Days are meat days, which means you can eat as much meat of any kind as you want.*Green Days allow you to eat as much pasta, pulses and potatoes as you want*Fruit is completely `free', meaning you can eat as much of it as you want on any day. Fruits such as pineapple and melon are good as they speed weight loss up.*Healthy extras such as bread, milk, cereals and crispbreads are allowed also.*The third step to the plan is the allowance of five to 15 'sins' a day. These include things considered `naughty' such as alcohol and chocolate. If you don't use any of your sins on one day they can be saved up and carried over to the next day. Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:18:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/finding-a-solution http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skip-breakfast-and-you-ll-be-more-likely-to-gain-weight-and-have-higher-cholesterol-levels Skip breakfast and you’ll be more likely to gain weight and have higher cholesterol levelsSource: Althealth NewsMany people skip breakfast either because they don’t have enough time to eat or because they think it will help them lose weight. But skipping breakfast might actually increase the risk of heart disease, and promote weight gain.Hamid R. Farshchi, PhD, and his colleagues at the University of Nottingham, England, asked 10 healthy and thin women, 19 to 38 years old, to follow two dietary regimes. One plan included eating breakfast each morning over two weeks, and the other involved skipping breakfast for two weeks.Skipping breakfast resulted in a rapid increase in total cholesterol and the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) form of cholesterol. Overall, total cholesterol levels increased by 8.5% and LDL levels jumped by 15%.In addition, insulin resistance – a prediabetic sign – increased among the women when they skipped breakfast, who in turn, actually ended up eating more calories overall.Reference: Farshchi HR, Taylor MA, Macdonald IA. Deleterious effects of omitting breakfast on insulin sensivitiy and fasting lipid profiles in health lean women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005;81:388-396. q Thu, 07 Jul 2005 12:41:01 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/skip-breakfast-and-you-ll-be-more-likely-to-gain-weight-and-have-higher-cholesterol-levels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apples-with-highest-antioxidant-levels-identified Apples with highest antioxidant levels identifiedSource: Althealth NewsNot all Apples are alike when it comes to antioxidant levels suggests new research carried out in Canada. Researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada say that some varieties contain significantly higher levels of polyphenol activity, resulting in more potent disease fighting antioxidants, reports nutraingredients.com.Apples, and especially apple peels, have been found to have a potent antioxidant activity (scavenges free radicals) that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, with the antioxidant activity of one apple equivalent to about 1500mg of vitamin C. The Canadian researchers have identified Red Delicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red as varieties with higher levels of polyphenol activity, with activity five times more prevalent in the skin than in the flesh of the apples. Thu, 07 Jul 2005 12:39:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/apples-with-highest-antioxidant-levels-identified http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exposure-to-pesticides-can-cause-parkinson-s Exposure to pesticides can cause Parkinson’sSource: Althealth NewsNew research carried out at the University of Aberdeen has provided further evidence that exposure to pesticides increases a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, reports New Scientist. Anthony Seaton, principal investigator of the University’s Geoparkinson Study, said that his team’s research “considerably strengthens the case for pesticides being relevant to occupational risk of Parkinson’s disease”. The Aberdeen team questioned 967 people with Parkinson’s disease and 1,989 healthy controls with similar backgrounds, about several risk factors associated with the disease. They discovered that people with Parkinson’s were more likely to have used pesticides regularly. Users with low exposure, such as amateur gardeners, were 9% more likely than non-users to develop the disease, while high exposure users such as farmers were 43% more likely. Thu, 07 Jul 2005 12:38:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exposure-to-pesticides-can-cause-parkinson-s http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/codex-formally-adopts-global-guidelines-on-vms Codex formally adopts global guidelines on VMSSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukGlobal standards for vitamin and mineral supplements were formally adopted by Codex earlier this week (Tuesday 5 July). The guidelines, which were under discussion by Codex committee members for over 10 years, officially recognise vitamin and mineral supplements as a food category and have been broadly welcomed by manufacturer associations who expect them to expand markets around the world for supplement makers.Simon Pettman, executive director of the International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Associations, told nutraingredients.com: “You can’t underestimate the impact of these guidelines. They create a global category of vitamin and mineral supplements — in many countries there is no such category in place.”As well as creating a new global category, the new Codex guidelines also establish the basis for setting permitted levels for vitamins and minerals. An important stage in the development of the guidelines came last year when the Codex committee agreed that maximum levels should be based on risk assessment rather than RDAs (recommended daily amounts). This was welcomed at the time as a move which would prevent the guidelines from restricting the sale of anything other than lowest dose products. The HFMA also supports the Codex initiative on the basis that it rejects the setting of levels based on multiples of RDAs, and that the guidelines serve as a protection for exports by not allowing an importing country to set a maximum below the Codex limit.However some campaign groups fear that the methods used by Codex for setting maximum levels are flawed and will encourage a downward pressure on levels. The Alliance for Natural Health called the guidelines “a retrograde step to health freedom” and said they were “a slippery slope to … regulation of all natural health products, which could interfere with the future availability of traditions of botanical medicine, some of them thousands of years old.” Thu, 07 Jul 2005 12:37:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/codex-formally-adopts-global-guidelines-on-vms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/saw-palmetto-and-nettle-root-combination-effective-for-prostate-and-urinary-problems-in-elderly-men Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root Combination Effective for Prostate and Urinary Problems in Elderly MenSource: www.npicenter.comA new clinical trial supports the efficacy of an herbal combination in treating urinary tract difficulties in older men(a). The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted by researchers at the Institute of Urology in Moscow on 257 men. The herbal preparation combines saw palmetto and nettle root extracts, which have previously demonstrated beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to the occurrence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate and the resulting urinary difficulties that affect many men over 50. Each capsule of the herbal combination consists of 160 mg of WS(R) 1473, an extract of saw palmetto berry, and 120 mg of WS(R) 1031, an extract of nettle root. The therapeutic efficacy of this combination has been confirmed in another recent trial(b). The product, called Prostagutt(R) forte (also known as PRO 160/120) in Germany, is manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards by Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals in Karlsruhe, Germany. It is imported into the United States and sold in health food stores as both ProstActive(R) Plus and Prostol(TM) by Nature's Way of Springville, Utah. In the trial the subjects were randomized to receive either the herb combination (129 men) or placebo (128). In the unconventional design, all men in both groups received the placebo on a single-blind basis (i.e., the researchers knew that all men were receiving a placebo, but the men did not), followed by a 24-week double-blind period in which the patients received 2 capsules per day of the herb combination or the placebo. This double-blind period was then followed by a 24-week open-control period during which all patients were administered PRO 160/120. The trial design also included an optional 48-week follow-up period after the control period, creating a total observation period of 96 weeks. To determine the treatment efficacy of the herbal combination, researchers recorded patient assessment of LUTS by using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) test, a self-rating questionnaire, as well as a quality of life index. Objectively measurable outcome measures for efficacy include the maximum urinary flow rate, average urinary flow rate, urinary output, duration of urination and flow increase (all determined by means of an electronic uroflow recorder), residual urinary volume and size of prostate (both determined by ultrasound) as well as uroflow and sonographic parameters. Using the I-PSS, patients treated with PRO 160/120 exhibited a substantially higher total score reduction after 24 weeks of double-blind treatment than patients of the placebo group (6 points vs. 4 points; P=0.003) with a tendency in the same direction after 16 weeks. This applied to men who experienced symptoms of urinary obstruction as well as to irritation and to patients who exhibited moderate or severe symptoms of BPH at the outset of the trial. Patients in the placebo group showed a marked improvement in LUTS (as measured by the I-PSS) after being switched to PRO 160/120 during the open control period (P=0.01, compared to those who had been treated with PRO 160/120 in the double-blind phase). As with previous trials on saw palmetto and nettle root, the outcomes show a high degree of safety for the herb combination. The incidence of adverse effects for the men in the herb group was the same as those in taking the placebo. The tolerability of PRO 160/120 was comparable to the placebo. "The clinical literature confirming the efficacy of saw palmetto is extensive and the evidence for nettle root's benefits keep growing," said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the nonprofit American Botanical Council, an independent herbal education organization. "Although the safety and efficacy of an herb or herbal product cannot be determined by the results of only one clinical trial, in the case of the saw palmetto and nettle root preparation, the combination of the literature on each ingredient, plus the new trials on the combined formulation, demonstrate that this phytomedicinal product is both safe and effective for treating many symptoms of BPH." Don Brown, N.D., a naturopathic physician and author in Seattle, stated, "Evidence continues to grow for the proprietary herbal combination used in this trial." Dr. Brown, who has published extensively on herbs used for BPH, continued, "Not only has the combination of saw palmetto and nettle root been found to be safe and effective in long-term clinical trials in men with BPH, in some trials it has also been shown to be as effective as standard drug therapy, such as the widely used pharmaceutical finasteride (Proscar(R))." Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) preparations are made from the fruit of a small palm tree which is native to Florida and was a former staple food of Seminole Indians. Meta-analyses of 18 (c) and 21 (d) clinical trials have confirmed the safety and efficacy of saw palmetto preparations in treating symptoms of BPH. Nettle root (Urtica dioica) is derived from the root of the nettle plant, also know as stinging nettle. Research on nettle root shows that, like saw palmetto, nettle root inhibits the enzyme involved with the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a principal mechanism in the development of BPH. Both saw palmetto and stinging nettle root are approved by the Commission E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (analogous to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as nonprescriptions medications to treat symptoms of BPH(e). About the American Botanical Council The American Botanical Council is the nation's leading nonprofit organization addressing research and educational issues regarding herbs and medicinal plants. The 16-year-old organization occupies a 2.5 acre site in Austin, Texas, where it publishes HerbalGram, a peer-reviewed journal. ABC is also the publisher of The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, a continuing education and reference book, which contains extensive monographs on the safety and efficacy of 29 popular herbs, including saw palmetto. More details on saw palmetto, nettle root, and other herbal research on BPH is available on ABC's extensive website, www.herbalgram.org. References (a) Lopatkin N, Sivkov A, Walther C, Schlafke S, Medvedev A, Avdeichuk J, Golubev G, Melnik K, Elenberger N, Engelmann U. Long-term efficacy and safety of a combination of sabal and urtica extract for lower urinary tract symptoms: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. World J Urol. 2005 Jun 1; (Epub ahead of print). (b) Bondarenko B, Walther C, Funk P, Schlafke S, Engelmann U. Long-term efficacy and safety of PRO 160/120 (a combination of Sabal and Urtica extract) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Phytomedicine. 2003;10(Supp IV):53-55. (c) Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, MacDonald R, Lau J, Mulrow C. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. JAMA. 1998; 280(18):1604-1609. (d) Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Cochrane Library 2004, Issue 2. (e) Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS. (eds.). Klein S, Rister RS (trans.). The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998. Thu, 07 Jul 2005 09:49:35 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/saw-palmetto-and-nettle-root-combination-effective-for-prostate-and-urinary-problems-in-elderly-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthy-skin-with-vitamin-a Healthy Skin With Vitamin ASource: www.thejacksonchannel.comWhat do broccoli, carrots and milk have in common? They are all an important part of nature's arsenal to protect your skin from the effects of ageing and the environment. The common element in these foods is that they are all good sources of vitamin A. More from iVillage Test Your Supplement Savvy Skin Health Quiz Better Skin Diet The ABC's of Vitamins: Vitamin B Vitamins 101 Many people equate only eyes and vision with vitamin A. But the health of our epithelial tissue -- skin and the lining of passageways that open to the outside of the body, such as the throat and sinuses -- is directly dependent on the amount of vitamin A in our diet. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful elements in our skin, helping to prevent wrinkles, resist infection and keep our skin youthful.Think green and deep orange Two-thirds of the vitamin A in the typical American diet comes from carotene, which is part of the yellow pigment in fruits and vegetables. Carotene is manufactured into vitamin A by our body, and therefore is crucial to healthy skin. Deep orange? Think sweet potatoes, carrots and apricots. Dark green? Try spinach, collards and broccoli. (Food Sources and Amounts for Carotene). Consuming more foods high in carotene is a simple way to increase your body's vitamin A to healthy levels without reaching toxicity.The negative side of too much vitamin A Vitamin A is a potent fat-soluble vitamin, easily stored in our body tissue. It is known to be toxic at levels above the RDA (800 RE for women and 1,000 RE for men). Symptoms of toxicity are similar to those of brain tumors: headache, blurred vision, pain in the bones and joints, dry skin and poor appetite. It is wise NOT to supplement your diet with Vitamin A pills. Instead, focus on the delicious tastes of those fruits and vegetables high in carotene for a safe way to healthy skin. What happens if my skin turns yellow? Too much carotene can actually turn your skin noticeably yellowish, particularly on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Don't worry: The effects aren't permanent and pose no medical danger. It just means you're eating too much of a good thing, and need to include a broader variety of foods in your diet. This often happens in toddlers who are on a food jag consisting of squash, sweet potatoes or carrots. Too much carotene in their small bodies leads to a yellow baby. Serve green beans and peas more often, and their normal skin color will reappear.Eat your way to healthier skin In addition to the wrinkle creams and sunscreen, add foods rich in carotene or vitamin A to your healthy skin arsenal. Never has beauty tasted so good! Thu, 07 Jul 2005 09:47:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthy-skin-with-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-the-often-missing-link-in-bone-health Vitamin D: The often missing link in bone healthSource: Althealth NewsWomen over the age of 50 may go to great lengths to keep their bones strong, but they may not realize that their bone health regimen may be lacking a key ingredient--vitamin D. A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General listed vitamin D as an essential element to help build strong, healthy bones. However, an analysis based on the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) found that over 70 percent of women ages 51-70 and almost 90 percent of women over 70 are not getting an adequate intake of vitamin D from food and supplements. This analysis was based on the adequate intake, as defined by the National Institutes of Health's Institute of Medicine, of 400 IU (international units) per day for women ages 51-70 and 600 IU per day for women over 70. Other organizations, such as the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), recommend vitamin D intake of up to 800 IU per day.Inadequate intake of vitamin D is a major health risk that threatens the bone health of many Americans. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is necessary for the development of strong bones because it helps increase the intestinal absorption of calcium. Given its effect on calcium absorption, vitamin D insufficiency is an important medical concern for patients with osteoporosis as it can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis, the most common form of bone disease, affects 10 million Americans and the Surgeon General estimates that by 2020, one in two Americans over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in his or her lifetime.Aside from vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D is obtained from two sources: sunlight and diet. The skin manufactures the majority of the body's vitamin D after direct exposure to sunlight, but as adults age, the ability to make vitamin D through the skin diminishes. Avoiding sun exposure or using sunscreen can also limit a person's production of vitamin D. Vitamin D can also come from diet, but there are limited dietary sources that contain the nutrient. Good dietary sources include fatty fish, and vitamin D fortified milk and orange juice. However, for many people, dietary sources alone are not enough.Fortunately, new developments in osteoporosis treatment are giving both physicians and patients a new option. The newly approved Fosamax Plus Dª (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol tablets), marketed by Merck & Co. Inc., provides the proven power of Fosamax¨ (alendronate sodium), with the added benefit of a weekly dose of vitamin D in a single once-weekly tablet. Fosamax Plus D is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and contains 70 mg of Fosamax and 2800 IU of vitamin D3, representing seven days' worth of 400 IU of vitamin D (the recommended intake of vitamin D is 400-800 IU daily). Patients at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g., those who are nursing-home bound, chronically ill, over the age of 70 years) and with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes should receive vitamin D supplementation in addition to that provided in Fosamax Plus D.Fosamax Plus D, like other bisphosphonate containing products should be used with caution in people with certain stomach or digestive problems. Fosamax Plus D should not be used if the patient has certain disorders of the esophagus that delay emptying or if the patient is unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. In addition, Fosamax Plus D should not be used in patients with severe kidney disease or low levels of calcium in their blood, in patients who are allergic to Fosamax Plus D or in patients who are pregnant or nursing. Fosamax Plus D alone should not be used to treat vitamin D insufficiency."Many physicians and patients frequently are unaware of the importance of vitamin D in bone health," said Robert P. Heaney, MD, FACP, FACN, professor of medicine at Creighton University in Omaha and a scientist at its Osteoporosis Research Center. "Having a product like Fosamax Plus D available to help physicians better manage their patients should be welcomed news for the estimated 10 million Americans who have osteoporosis and the physicians who treat them."Additional selected cautionary information aboutFosamax Plus DPatients should talk to their doctor if they have or have had problems with swallowing. In addition, patients should talk to their doctor if they have conditions, that may cause an overproduction of vitamin D (e.g. sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma). Patients should tell their doctor about all medicines they are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.Some patients may develop severe digestive reactions including irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus. The risk of severe esophageal experiences appears to be greater in patients who fail to follow dosing instructions (see the adjacent Patient Product Information for more details). Patients who experience new or worsening heartburn, difficulty or pain when swallowing or chest pain should stop taking the drug and call their doctor right away. Patients who develop severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain at any time should contact their doctor. The most commonly reported side effects with Fosamax in clinical studies have been abdominal pain (3.7 percent), musculoskeletal pain (2.9 percent), indigestion (2.7 percent), regurgitation (1.9 percent) and nausea (1.9 percent).The standard dosing regimen for Fosamax Plus D includes swallowing the tablet with six to eight ounces of plain water the first thing upon arising for the day and at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage or medication of the day. After swallowing Fosamax Plus D, patients should not lie down for at least 30 minutes and not until after consuming their first food of the day. Patients should not chew or suck on a tablet of Fosamax Plus D.To learn more, visit www.fosamaxplusd.com or speak with your doctor about your bone health and appropriate treatment options. Thu, 07 Jul 2005 09:38:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-the-often-missing-link-in-bone-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-indicates-vitamin-e-reduces-the-risk-of-death-from-cardiovascular-disease-in-women Study indicates vitamin E reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in womenSource: www.news-medical.netThe Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) says it is encouraged by the results of a new study involving nearly 40,000 healthy women --- the longest and largest trial ever conducted on vitamin E. The study, published in the July 6 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), shows vitamin E significantly reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and also confirmed that vitamin E is safe, reporting that taking 600 IU of vitamin E supplements every other day did not increase total mortality in healthy women.Other WHS findings:24% reduction in cardiovascular deaths among nearly 20,000 women taking vitamin E supplements over a 10-year period. For women 65 and over taking vitamin E supplements had an even greater positive effect: a 49% reduction in cardiovascular death and a 34% reduction in heart attack. Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:33:51 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-indicates-vitamin-e-reduces-the-risk-of-death-from-cardiovascular-disease-in-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almonds-pack-an-antioxidant-punch Almonds Pack an Antioxidant PunchSource: biz.yahoo.comNew Research Demonstrates Almonds Help Fight the Signs of Aging MODESTO, Calif., June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been said that beauty is only skin deep. But for almonds, the skin is as deep as you may need to go to get a real antioxidant punch. In a study, published in this month's Journal of Nutrition, the antioxidants in almond skins and the vitamin E in almonds were shown to work together as an antioxidant team. The study was co-authored by researchers at the Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and the Almond Board of California. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030228/DCF017 )Researchers tested the brown skins of almonds to determine their antioxidant content. Almond skins have been known to contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which are a large group of plant nutrients found in wine, tea, fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids can act as antioxidants in the body protecting cells from damage. They also can protect LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, from being attacked by oxygen or oxidized, which makes LDL stickier and more likely to clog arteries. Additionally, these plant nutrients are thought to protect the body from the effects of aging.Almonds contain a unique combination of antioxidants. Some of the 20 flavonoids identified in this analysis have been detected in other foods, such the catechins found in green tea, and naringenin, found in citrus fruit. "We have identified a unique combination of flavonoids in almonds," said Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., senior scientist and director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University. "Further blood tests demonstrated that eating almonds with their skins significantly increases both flavonoids and vitamin E in the body. This could have significant health implications, especially as people age."Almond antioxidants really make a heart healthy difference. It is one thing for a food to contain antioxidants but do they actually do anything in the body? The team at Tufts was able to test the flavonoids alone and then in combination with vitamin E, also naturally found in almonds, in the blood. The results suggest that vitamin E and the flavonoids in almond skins work synergistically to prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized. In fact, together vitamin E and almond flavonoids were more than twice as effective as when they were administered separately."The synergy between the flavonoids and vitamin E in almonds demonstrates how the nutrients in whole foods such as almonds can impact health," says Dr. Blumberg. "Given that almonds are among the richest sources of vitamin E in the diet and also provide an array of flavonoids, more research should be done to understand the healthful interaction of these plant nutrients in the human body and the role of almonds in aging."Almonds have long been lauded for their heart health benefit. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (February 2005) found that eating almonds as part of a diet rich in heart healthy foods such as soy, viscous fiber and plant sterols can significantly reduce cholesterol levels as much as first generation statin drugs. And a study published this month in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that almonds, as part of that same heart healthy eating plan, can significantly reduce artery- damaging inflammation similar to statin drugs. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes the heart healthy benefit of almonds as well with a qualified health claim.Almonds are nutritionally dense -- a quality emphasized in the government's latest Dietary Guidelines. Ounce for ounce, almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut. The recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 encourage Americans to choose nutritionally dense foods -- that is, to get the most nutrition possible out of the calories you eat. In addition to its flavonoids, a one-ounce, 164-calorie serving of almonds, or about a handful, is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, and a good source of protein and fiber. It also offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and iron. Summary of Published Study: Published: Journal of Nutrition, June 1, 2005Research Organization: Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and the Almond Board of California. Supported by the USDA Agricultural Research Service under Cooperative Agreement No. 58-1950-4-401 and the Almond Board of California.Authors: C. Chen, P. E. Milbury, K. Lapsley, and J. B. BlumbergStudy Description: Subjects were fed almond skin flavonoids and blood was collected to test antioxidant levels, antioxidant capacity, and the resistance of LDL to oxidation. Healthy volunteers were recruited to provide blood for tests of LDL oxidation.Results: Almond skin flavonoids increased levels of antioxidants and antioxidant capacity in the blood. LDL oxidation was also decreased significantly in samples from human subjects. Vitamin E and almond flavonoids worked synergistically and caused a greater decrease in LDL oxidation, nearly two times as much as flavonoids or vitamin E alone.Conclusions: The flavonoids and vitamin E in almonds work synergistically to promote antioxidant activity and may benefit heart health by reducing LDL oxidation. More research is now being done to understand the nature of the synergistic relationship between flavonoids and vitamin E in almonds.The Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Established in 1950, the Board's charge is to promote the best quality almonds, California's largest tree nut crop. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit http://www.AlmondsAreIn.com. Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:29:47 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almonds-pack-an-antioxidant-punch http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-diet-reduces-pms Calcium diet reduces PMSSource: www.nzherald.co.nzA diet high in calcium and vitamin D could reduce the risk of getting premenstrual syndrome, says a new report. Women who each day consume the amount of vitamin D and calcium in about four servings of skim or low-fat milk, fortified orange juice or low-fat dairy foods such as yoghurt had a "significantly lower" risk of developing premenstrual syndrome, the University of Massachusetts scientists said. Previous studies have shown calcium supplements help treat the problem once it has developed. The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, did not say why the combination worked. Up to 20 per cent of women experience symptoms severe enough to meet the definition of PMS, including anxiety, depression, headaches and abdominal cramps. The study looked at the diets and supplement use of 1057 women aged 27 to 44 years who reported developing PMS and compared them to 1968 women who had no symptoms of PMS or only minimal symptoms. Calcium and vitamin D may also reduce risk of osteoporosis and some cancers. Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:28:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-diet-reduces-pms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-marketers-should-target-teenage-girls Vitamin D marketers should target teenage girlsSource: www.nutraingredients.comTeenage girls living in northern climates should take vitamin D supplements in the winter months to help strengthen bones for later years, say researchers on a new study.The team found that girls who took supplements during the winter had no decrease in vitamin D status during this time and actually improved their bone mineral levels in the femur. Since the sun is the largest source of vitamin D for most people, individuals who live in areas where winter days are shortest synthesize little or no vitamin D on the skin during those months and have to rely on dietary sources of vitamin D. Yet although it is well documented that vitamin D decreases the incidence of fractures in the elderly, this is one of the first studies to investigate vitamin D’s performance in bone accumulation during adolescence. However bone growth during puberty may be important in preventing osteoporosis and fractures later in life. From the age of 50, one in three women and one in 12 men will have an osteoporotic fracture, such as those of the hip, wrist or spine. Speaking this weekend at the second joint meeting of the European Calcified Tissue Society and the International Bone and Mineral Society, lead researcher Dr Heli Viljakainen said: “We believe the current recommendation for adequate vitamin D intake for this age group currently is too low and adolescent girls must receive 10-15 micrograms/day, at least in the northern latitudes.” “To maintain optimal vitamin D status gained during the summer supplementation should begin in autumn to maintain sufficient vitamin D in winter months,” she added. Viljakainen and her colleagues recruited 225 girls aged between 11 and 12 and assigned them to receive a daily dose of 5 micrograms vitamin D3, 10 micrograms of vitamin D3 or a placebo for one year. They also collected data on pubertal development, height and weight, physical activity and dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, as well as bone and urine samples. The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and left femur were measured at the beginning and end of the study with dual x-ray absorptiometry. For study participants who received 10 micrograms/day, no wintertime decrease in vitamin D status was found and parathyroid hormone concentration, which increases during winter due to low vitamin D status and can negatively affect bone, remained stable throughout the year. Bone mineral accumulation in the femur increased in study participants receiving 5 micrograms/day by 14.3 per cent, and by 17.2 per cent in the 10 microgram/day group, as compared to the placebo group. Corresponding results were seen in the lumbar spine. The US Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine currently recommends 5 micrograms/day as adequate intake for vitamin D. In Finland and other Nordic countries, the current recommended rate is higher at 7.5 micrograms/day. However, these recommendations do not fluctuate throughout the year. Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:14:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-marketers-should-target-teenage-girls http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/l-carnitine-and-slimming L-carnitine and slimmingSource: www.health24.comReaders keep on asking me if L-Carnitine will help them to lose weight. L-Carnitine is all the rage at the moment and countless slimming products that contain this compound claim that L-Carnitine will melt your fat away or help you to burn excess fat.Can L-Carnitine help you lose weight?The answer to this question is a resounding no. To understand why Carnitine does not promote weight-loss, we need to have a look at what this compound actually does in the human body.Biochemistry of CarnitineCarnitine is synthesised in humans from two of the so-called ‘essential amino acids’, lysine and methionine. It is also believed that vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of Carnitine.Research has shown that Carnitine plays an important role in transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria. The mitochondria are those parts of body cells, which act like power houses and make energy available to the body.So if Carnitine helps produce energy in the human body, why can’t it help with weight-loss? Carnitine does transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, but it cannot fetch fat stored in the hips and thighs and tummy and burn it up. Sad, but true!The amount of Carnitine made by the human body is generally not sufficient to meet bodily requirements, so we need to obtain some Carnitine from our diet. Meat and dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, are rich sources of Carnitine.Carnitine deficiencyA Carnitine deficiency can cause a condition called acute encephalopathy with vomiting, mental confusion and sleepiness. Patients with a Carnitine deficiency tend to suffer from muscle weakness, as is the case in babies with ‘floppy-baby syndrome’.A lack of Carnitine can also affect brain function and it is essential that baby formulas contains some L-Carnitine to ensure proper brain development.L-Carnitine supplements are used for individuals with a defined Carnitine deficiency, babies with ‘floppy-baby syndrome’ and individuals who develop a deficiency, because they take certain of the anti-epileptic drugs which contain a chemical called ‘valproic acid’. In such cases, the use of L-Carnitine is indicated and plays an important role in improving muscle tone, and brain function and preventing encephalopathy.Children at Risk of Carnitine deficiencyPeople at risk of Carnitine deficiency are mainly children with floppy muscles or hypotonia, failure to thrive, repeated infections, encephalopathy, hypoglycaemia and heart muscle infections. If these children are treated with L-Carnitine their symptoms generally improve.It stands to reason that anyone who eats a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, which excludes all milk, dairy products, meat, fish and eggs, also runs the risk of developing a Carnitine deficiency. It may, therefore, be a good idea for strict vegetarians and vegans to take an L-Carnitine supplement.L-Carnitine and ExerciseL-Carnitine has been hailed as a so-called ‘ergogenic compound’. In other words, L-Carnitine is supposed to increase athletic performance. The logic goes like this - if Carnitine improves fat oxidation (efficient energy release obtained from burning fat) then it should also improve athletic performance.Because of this possible link between L-Carnitine and athletic performance, a number of carefully controlled scientific studies were conducted to determine if supplementation with L-Carnitine boosts muscle levels of Carnitine and therefore provides athletes with more energy. All these studies found no increase in muscle Carnitine levels when athletes took L-Carnitine supplements.There is thus no scientific evidence that L-Carnitine can improve athletic performance. Always remember that the best way of boosting your athletic performance is to eat a high-carbohydrate diet.ConclusionsThanks to scientific studies we now know the following about Carnitine:Carnitine is important to prevent certain diseases like ‘floppy-baby syndrome’ and encephalopathy L-Carnitine supplements can be used for children suffering from the above mentioned diseases, individuals who are at risk of Carnitine deficiency, because they take anti-epileptic drugs or eat a Carnitine-deficient diet L-Carnitine does not promote weight-loss L-Carnitine does not promote athletic performance The promises made by manufactures of slimming products and sports performance boosters that contain L-Carnitine are therefore just so much wishful thinking. You will achieve more weight-loss if you eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet and improve your athletic performance dramatically if you eat a high-carbo diet, than if you swallow all those expensive L-Carnitine supplements. Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:13:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/l-carnitine-and-slimming http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/i-seem-more-prone-to-catching-colds I seem more prone to catching coldsSource: observer.guardian.co.ukTwo years ago I started exercising for a few hours, three times a week. But now I seem more prone to catching colds. Why is this, and what can I do about it? Anna Mackin Studies show that exercise can suppress immune function and therefore increase susceptibility to infection. Prolonged and/ or strenuous exercise is more likely to do this, so it may help to exercise more frequently for a shorter period of time and at lower intensity. Avoid exercise during an infection, as the transient suppression of the immune system that exercise induces is likely to prolong infection. Immune function is dependent on nutrients including iron, zinc, vitamins A and E, and some B vitamins. I'm not aware of research that has looked at the effects of nutritional supplementation on immune function in those who exercise. Yet there is some evidence that taking a multivitamin and mineral each day may be useful for reducing infection risk. Also, my experience in practice is that nutritional supplementation in those engaged in regular, strenuous exercise does seem to help keep them infection-free.If you have any issues you would like Dr Briffa to address in his column, please email him on john.briffa@observer.co.uk. Please note that Dr Briffa cannot enter into any correspondence. You can also visit www.drbriffa.com. Before following any recommendations in this column, you should consult your own medical adviser about any medical problems or special health conditions Mon, 04 Jul 2005 22:29:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/i-seem-more-prone-to-catching-colds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-barbecue-diet The Barbecue DietSource: 50connect.co.ukDr Sarah Brewer, qualified Nutritionist and General Practitioner says that barbecuing is healthy and perfect for those watching their weight. The actual grilling process helps remove saturated fats, as well as generally encouraging people to cook a wider and healthier repertoire of foods, including oily fish which is good for the heart, low fat turkey meat, lean cuts and antioxidant-rich vegetables. Fats don't sit in the bottom of the pan and coat the food as they normally would, but simply drain away. Most importantly the low fat food you cook remains tasty and succulent and allows the whole family to participate rather than having to force down a solitary low fat, tasteless meal for one! Here are Sarah's top barbecue weight loss tips. Grilled meat, Mediterranean-style vegetables and salads are ideal for dieting. Always select lean cuts of meat such as Quality British Turkey, prime steak and lean Welsh Lamb. Did you know grilled rump provides only 168kcal per 100g and an average portion of turkey meat (100g/3.5oz) provides 22.6g of protein, approximately half the daily requirement? Cubed, lean leg of lamb (try tasty Welsh Lamb) is ideal for brochettes on the BBQ, and at 252 kcals per 100g, is more slimming than using fatty breast of lamb (410 kcals per 100g). Lamb is also an excellent source of iron which is essential for red blood cell development. Turkey is one of the lowest fat mainstream meats available, lower than chicken, and as one of Dr Steven Pratt’s 14 SuperFoods should be eaten 3/4 times a week. Take the skin off before eating to reduce calorie content further – 100g of grilled turkey breast meat without its skin contains just 155 calories and 1.7g of fat. Quality British Turkey fillets or steaks guarantee great taste and offer sizeable cuts of meat, which are ideal for the BBQ. More exotic meats such as kangaroo, wild boar, ostrich and buffalo steaks are also low in fat and high in protein, making them ideal for the BarbiDiet. Pelagic (oily fish) such as mackerel, herrings, sardines, salmon and tuna are rich sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids which have a beneficial effect on heart and joint health. Hard cheeses such as halloumi are ideal BBQ options, lower in fat than most cheeses they retain their shape and flavour. Try cooking with vegetables as brochettes using Discover cheeses, which come marinated with delicious flavoured oils. Add flavour to meats by marinating with freshly chopped herbs, lemon/lime juice, black pepper and balsamic vinegar. Or for a quick and tasty ready-made marinade try GrillMasters Revenge sauces – the essential BBQ accompaniment. A potato baked in foil in the embers of a BBQ provide only 77 kcal per 100g compared with 149 kcal if roasted – half the calories but all the taste! Brush food lightly with olive or rapeseed oil before barbecuing – these are rich in monounsaturated fats which are good for the heart and circulation – try using an oil spray to ensure minimum usage. Make your BarbiDiet as colourful as possible by using antioxidant-rich orange, yellow, red and dark green Mediterranean-style vegetables. Liven up salads with freshly chopped herbs – mint, chives, parsley, coriander, oregano or basil for extra flavour, vitamins and minerals. While waiting for food to cook, satisfy hunger pangs with healthy crudités - carrot, cucumber, celery, capsicum peppers, radishes and cauliflower with a low-fat dip. Fill up on BBQ’ed vegetables - chunky sweet potatoes, courgette, onions, mushrooms, celeriac, capsicum peppers and cherry tomatoes – brushed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with herbs before cooking – delicious and nutritious! Weight for weight, red peppers contain three times as much vitamin C as citrus fruits (green peppers have over twice as much). Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against coronary heart disease and cancer. BBQ’ing tomatoes releases more lycopene than eating them raw! Why not try Sutter Home Fre – a fantastic new range of de-alcoholised wines, with all the taste but none of the sugar rich alcohol! Available in three varietals, red, white and rosé, they contain less than 5% alcohol and just 70 calories per 240 ml serving. Mon, 04 Jul 2005 22:11:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-barbecue-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tapas-between-junk-food-and-diet-food Tapas: between junk food and diet foodSource: Althealth NewsTapa is the Spanish word for an assortment of cocktail snacks. The word tapa literally means a ’lid’ that was originally meant to be a slice of bread, which was used to cover a glass of wine. The custom of nibbling tapas while drinking aperitifs is widespread in bars and restaurants in Spain. Tapas can include elegant soups, hearty one-pot meals, short eats, many wonderful seafood dishes, few pasta dishes, unusual vegetable preparations, and many more delightful snacks. Whether of Roman, Moorish, or of peasant origin, all of the dishes are appealing to today’s tastes and exemplify the virtues of the Mediterranean diet — lots of olive oil, lean meats, fish, and vegetables. Tapas is quite ancient in its origination, the ingredients used in Spain for the same dish would vary in flavour due to differences in ingredients found here. Traditionally Malaga, Sherry or Manzanilla go with tapas. Spanish wines like Torres Vina Sol or Sangre De Torro go very well with tapas. The tapas’ recipes vary under the taste and gastronomic traditions of each region. But usually, olives in its many sorts are often used, as well as different dry nuts and all kind of cold cuts. A dining craze that swept across the US a few years ago,” tapas” are little dishes of Spain served before lunch and dinner in bars and taverns. The long time that goes between breakfast, very early in the morning, and the midday eating at the first hours of the evening, forces some Mediterranean countries to take a “tentempii” (snack), an appetiser or the “tapita”, and allow people time for social gatherings. There are as many variations of tapas as there are cooks in Spain, or maybe more. What are they? Small portions of food which are served as part of the social scene. Spaniards go to bars to converse, join friends, argue, joke, flirt. Tapas are provided to keep them going, and are rarely eaten in lieu of the main meal. According to Devraj Halder, executive chef, Uppal’s Orchid, “Spanish snacks are quite popular in India, specially in New Delhi. Residents of the city are adventurous with their food and tapas is actually not unfamiliar. The eating habits in India are changing and heavy meals are actually passe. It is more of short-eats and snacky food, which is getting preference. On the other hand, fried stuff and high calorie snacks are not high on demand as an educated and health conscious generation are the main clientele. Keeping all this in mind, tapas seems to suit the bill very well. Tapas is not bland; it is quite peppy, they are interesting looking, flavoured short eats. It is the perfect answer that lies between junk food and diet food.” Mon, 04 Jul 2005 22:10:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tapas-between-junk-food-and-diet-food http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whey-the-weight-loss-protein Whey – the weight loss proteinSource: thestar.com.myTHE general success of low carbohydrate and “high protein” diets has left some of us looking for more protein sources. There are several proteins sources – meat, fish, milk, fish, egg and vegetable (mostly legumes). Meat and eggs are controversial sources due to the cholesterol issue. Meat has also religious and ethical issues. Vegetable protein, on the other hand, is not a complete protein. However, milk protein is complete, healthy and “clean”. If not for the lactose that accompanies milk, it would be a good protein source. Cheese making It is no wonder that more of the world’s nutrition experts are turning to whey to help supplement diets. This is making whey the value-added food ingredient of the 21st century. “Whey’s potential has hardly been tapped,” says Joe O’Donnell, executive director of the California Dairy Research Foundation. Whey is a natural dairy protein that is derived from the cheese making process. Most commercial whey supplements are derived from cow’s milk, which is comprised of 6.25% protein: 20% in the form of whey. Whey protein utilises the concentrated protein, eliminating the lactose and milk fat, making it a remarkable source of protein. Whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids, which are vital for metabolism, and for making the body function properly for good health. Whey also boasts the highest concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) found in nature. Branched chain amino acids are an important source of energy during exercise and play a key role in protein synthesis. A long time ago ? Whey is not a fad. During the Middle Ages, whey was used in potions to soothe burns, to inspire vitality and to cure a host of illnesses. By the 1600s, whey was used to treat jaundice, infected lesions of skin, gonorrhoea, and epilepsy. Even Hippocrates – regarded as the Father of Modern Medicine – insisted on a daily dose of approximately two litres of whey. Colostrum, or mother’s first milk, which is nearly 100% whey, is one of nature’s strongest immune boosters, protecting a newborn’s fragile health. Even as the composition of breast milk changes, it is still made up predominantly of whey protein. While bovine whey and that of mother’s milk differ in composition, they deliver benefits to your body and health. Nobody knew back then about the wonders of alpha lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, branched-chain amino acids, glycomacropeptides, immunoglobulins and the other elements of whey ? all they knew was it helped fight off disease, promoting a healthy body. Animal feed! For years, this amazing source of nutrition went unnoticed. Indeed, in the United States, up until 1993, whey was primarily used as animal feed because of its great nutrient value and ability to build muscle (meat). It was also used as a functional food ingredient in processed foods to add texture, flavour and nutrients. We do not fully understand the physiology of appetite. However, we are aware that there are various brain messenger substances (neuro-transmitters and neuro-hormones) that affect appetite. A better appreciation of the relationship of these brain messenger chemicals to their nutritional building blocks, particularly the amino acids, may be an important factor to modulate appetite. This would help in our effort to attain and maintain optimal lean body mass. Serotonin is a brain messenger that is known to affect mood and promote a relaxed feeling. Dr Julia Ross, MD, perhaps best describes it as “lightness” to support deep sleep and melatonin production, and to affect appetite, especially for carbohydrates. Tryptophan The amino acid “building block” to serotonin is tryptophan. It is important to appreciate that the ratio of tryptophan to large neutral amino acids (LNNA) determines tryptophan availability to the brain. These LNNA are tyrosine, phenyalanine, and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), namely leucine, isoleucine and valine, all of which compete with tryptophan to cross the protective blood-brain barrier to enter the brain. A recent paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that both the plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios of tryptophan to LNNA were low at all times during and after successful weight-loss programmes that maintained lean body mass. Plasma concentrations of tryptophan, as such, were also reported to be low in dieting patients before, during and after successful weight loss. According to the authors, these two observations and their potential concomitant effects on mood and appetite may be part of the reasons for relapse after diet-induced weight loss. Weight loss These data strongly support the notion that obese persons may do well by supplementing with tryptophan. As both low levels of tryptophan and its availability tend to lead to below-optimal serotonin levels, this may lead to carbohydrate cravings, poor sleep, low self-esteem and mood, and impulsive behaviour. Apart from that, let us take a look at four ways that whey protein can help with weight loss: 1. Protein requires more energy to digest than other foods (called the thermic effect of food). This helps use more calories and hence may help with weight loss. 2. High quality proteins such as whey protein help to preserve lean muscle tissue while you lose fat. If your body doesn’t get enough protein and the important essential amino acids on a daily basis, it will “steal” them from existing muscle tissue. 3. Protein also helps to slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by reducing insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat. 4. Protein has a greater ability to promote satiety than do fat and carbohydrates. Whey protein contains a special component called glycomacropeptide, or GMP. GMP helps promote the release of CCK, which is an appetite-suppressing hormone. This may help you feel full and hopefully stop you eating sooner. Until now, whey protein has been largely used by body builders. However, results of new research into whey protein may indeed make it become the weight loss protein of choice in the 21st century. References: 1. Pearson D, Shaw S, Fat and happy? Tryptophan concentrations reduced in obesity. Life Extension News, February 2004;7(1) 2. Breum L, Rasmussen MH, Hilstead J, et al. Twenty-four-plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios are below normal in obese subjects and are not normalized by substantial weight reduction. Am J Clin Nutr May 2003;77:1112-8. 3. Lands LC, Grey VL, Smountas AA., Effect of supplementation with a cysteine donor on muscular performance. J Appl Physiol 2000 Jan;88(1). Mon, 04 Jul 2005 20:14:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/whey-the-weight-loss-protein http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/learn-the-abcs-of-vitamin-a Learn the ABCs of vitamin ASource: www.fortwayne.comitamin A is important for our health, but it’s a bit complex. Because it’s a fat-soluble vitamin and can be stored in your body, it’s possible to get too much. It also comes in a couple of forms, both with their virtues and their drawbacks.Vitamin A is essential for a strong immune system and is important for healthy epithelial cells, which are found in all the surfaces of your body, inside and out: your skin, the inside of your mouth, your lungs, the lining of your digestive tract, even the corneas of your eyes. If you’re deficient in vitamin A, you may have dry, thick skin, or even little bumps around your hair follicles. You could have digestive problems, dry eyes or poor night vision.Vitamin A plays a role in creating thyroid hormones. This is important to us because a thyroid deficiency makes it nearly impossible to lose weight while also making you sluggish and depressed.Vitamin A is measured in retinol equivalents (REs) or international units (IUs). The RDA is 800 RE for women and 1,000 for men, or 4,000 IU for women, 5,000 for men. There are two forms of vitamin A: preformed vitamin A and pro-vitamin A. In other words, some food contains actual vitamin A, while other foods contain substances your body can convert into vitamin A. Preformed vitamin A is found in animal foods, especially fish liver oil, liver, eggs, whole milk, cream and butter.Pro-vitamin A, or carotene, is found in deep green and yellow or orange vegetables and fruits. Spinach and broccoli are excellent sources, and very low carb; eat them often. Carrots have a bit more carbohydrate, but are so high in carotenes that just five or six baby carrots will supply your RDA with just 3 grams of usable carb. Cantaloupes and apricots are good sources, and low in sugar.You can easily consume twice the RDA of vitamin A without any problem, and some people may benefit. It is possible to get too much vitamin A, but acute poisoning is rare. It’s mostly limited to children who accidentally overdose on vitamin pills that contain preformed vitamin A. This is a very good reason to keep supplements out of the reach of small children. Taking more than 3,000 IUs of preformed vitamin A daily during pregnancy has been known to cause birth defects; many authorities recommend that pregnant women take only supplements containing pro-vitamin A. Mon, 04 Jul 2005 20:13:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/learn-the-abcs-of-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoarthritis-alternatives Osteoarthritis AlternativesSource: Althealth NewsPainkiller drugs are of limited use and may be harmful, so what else can ease osteoarthritis?More...Topical Gels & CreamsOral CollagenGinger Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a progressive, degenerative joint disease estimated to affect around 760,000 people in the UK, producing over 3 million general practice consultations in 2000. The most common symptoms are pain, stiffness, reduced joint range of motion, and limitations to normal activities of daily living such as getting up from a chair, walking, balance and strength, and ascending/descending stairs, as well as limitations to muscle and hand grip strength in patients with osteoarthritis of the upper extremities.Pain reducing medications such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and Cox-2 inhibitors have been common treatments for osteoarthritis. Current guidelines recommend the use of oral NSAIDs in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and they are used regularly by half of all patients with painful osteoarthritis.However, these medications often have painful side effects or do not react well with other medications. Millions of people with arthritis now face further dilemmas as ibuprofen, a painkiller which has long been considered one of the safest drugs on the market has been linked with heart attacks. The research follows closely on the heels of the Vioxx crisis and Coproxamol warnings which were issued earlier this year and may concern many patients who may have switched to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs after concern was raised about Cox-2 inhibitors.Research suggests that NSAIDS may also be an ineffective treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients with knee osteoarthritis should avoid long term use of NSAIDs, according to researchers in a study published on bmj.com. The analysis revealed that NSAIDs can reduce short term pain slightly better than placebo, but it does not support long term use of NSAIDs for this condition. The advantage of oral NSAIDs over placebo for short term pain relief is small and probably clinically insignificant. "As use of oral NSAIDs may incur serious adverse effects, they can only be recommended for limited use in osteoarthritis of the knee," the researchers concluded.Using topical NSAIDS to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis is only beneficial for the first two weeks, found another study available on bmj.com. Topical NSAIDS were superior to placebo in relieving pain due to osteoarthritis only in the first two weeks of treatment. Trials lasting four weeks showed no benefit. A similar pattern was found for mobility and stiffness. Topical NSAIDS were inferior to oral NSAIDS in the first week of treatment and were associated with more local side effects such as rash, itch, or burning. There is no evidence to support the long term use - more than one month - of topical NSAIDS in osteoarthritis, according to the researchers.The cloud of doubt and intense scrutiny which is surrounding these groups of drugs could lead to many patients consulting their doctors about other alternatives available to them. Here we look at some alternative treatments for the osteoarthritis patient.Menthol One proven alternative treatment is the use of oral and/or a topical blend of cetylated fatty acids. Cetylated monounsaturated fatty acids have been shown to provide protection against arthritis in rats.A recent study demonstrated that a topical cream consisting of a blend of cetylated fatty acids significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In that study, the first treatment of the topical cream caused acute improvements in stair climbing ability, timed "up and go" performance, knee range of motion, and a reduction in pain within 30 minutes. Additional improvements were observed after 30 days of treatment. However, this research was for the topical cream in its developmental stage and was only used with patients with knee osteoarthritis.Recently, menthol has been added to this topical cream. Menthol has been shown to possess analgesic properties thereby reducing the sensation of pain. A study extended previous research and examined the effects of a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids, along with the addition of menthol, on pain and mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, several patients with elbow and wrist osteoarthritis were included to examine potential effects on upper-extremity mobility and pain in these individuals.Each patient applied the cream to the affected area twice per day every day for one week and subsequently returned to the lab for post-study mobility testing. Subjects were tested for pain, stiffness, knee range of motion, balance, and ability to rise from a chair, walk, and ascend/descend stairs for patients with knee osteoarthritis; patients with elbow and wrist osteoarthritis were tested for measures of grip strength, elbow range of motion, muscular strength, local muscular endurance, and pain.Across the board, the test measurements revealed that use of a cetylated fatty acid topical cream with the addition of menthol produced significant improvements in physical performance and reduced pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, wrist, and elbow. The researchers presented their findings at the American Physiological Society's annual scientific conference. Topical creams containing cetylated fatty acid are now being sold for knee osteoarthritis, this study demonstrates that adding menthol adds a new pain relief component to the treatment and its effectiveness for osteoarthritis.MagnetsManufacturers of magnetic bracelets claim that they can reduce pain and worldwide sales were estimated at £2.6 billion in 1999, although evidence about their effectiveness is contradictory. Recently, a study in the British Medical Journal found magnetic bracelets reduce the pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School recruited patients aged between 45 and 80 years with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee from five rural general practices in Devon. Patients wore either a standard strength magnetic bracelet, a weak magnetic bracelet, or a non-magnetic dummy bracelet for 12 weeks. Changes in pain were recorded using a recognised pain scoring scale. They found a significant reduction in pain scores between the standard and dummy magnet groups. The results for the weak magnet group were similar to those of the dummy magnets, and this suggests that the magnetic strength of the bracelet is important. They note that high strength magnets (170mTesla or more) seem to be needed.The researchers emphasise that the benefits are in addition to existing treatments, which should not be suddenly stopped without discussion with their doctor. Although factors such as use of painkillers and patients' beliefs about the type of bracelet they were testing did not affect the results, the scientists cannot be certain whether their findings are due to a specific effect of magnets or a placebo effect. Whatever the mechanism, the benefit from magnetic bracelets seems clinically useful. Further work is needed to replicate these findings and determine whether the effect extends beyond 12 weeks. The one-off cost of bracelets, at around £30 to £50, also compares well with that of painkillers, such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs, and larger investigations should now test the safety of magnets relative to the well-known risks of these drugs, the researchers added.HerbsFor many patients looking for a credible and natural alternative, Potter's Tabritis provides arthritis sufferers with relief from rheumatic pain and joint stiffness. Tabritis has been on the market for over 50 years and its well established safety record and lack of known side effects makes it an ideal choice for sufferers for whom the risk of drug interactions or side effects are a major concern.Therapist Gillian La Haye, who has suffered from arthritis for years, said, "I have tried various medications before, but they were all accompanied by bad side effects. I took Tabritis on recommendation from a friend and noticed an enormous difference. My hugely swollen knees returned to normal and best of all the pain has gone." Tabritis contains a unique combination of well regarded herbs, renowned for their anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and detoxifying properties, including Yarrow, Prickly Ash Bark, Elderflowers, Uva Ursi, Burdock and Clivers. Tabritis is available from branches of Boots, Holland and Barrett, Waitrose and most good pharmacies and health food stores, for further information including stockists visit www.pottersherbals.co.uk.Zyflamend is a unique supplement from New Chapter which naturally inhibits the body’s production of the COX-2 enzyme. With 78 known COX-2 inhibiting ingredients in its formula, Zyflamend contains a number of well regarded herbs, renowned and scientifically endorsed for their anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and detoxifying properties, including Turmeric, Rosemary, Ginger, Holy Basil, Green Tea and Oregano. The New Chapter range is available from most leading health food stores nationwide, Mon, 04 Jul 2005 20:12:01 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/osteoarthritis-alternatives http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gi-diet-gives-atkins-a-run-for-its-money GI diet gives Atkins a run for its moneySource: Althealth NewsLondon: The craze for the GI diet has boosted sales of berries, porridge and bananas, as people seem to have reposed their faith in the new diet rather than Atkins. Waitrose recorded a 264 per cent rise in demand for blackberries, while sales of breakfast oats rose 80 per cent. The Glycaemic Index diet has usurped the more controversial Atkins diet. It revolves around choosing low carbohydrate foods and lean meats. Fruit, whole-grain bread and vegetables are good, while white rolls, pasta and crisps are bad. The idea is that low GI foods break down slowly in the body and raise blood sugar at a steady rate over a long period. High GI foods flood the body with sugar quickly - but energy levels soon drop. “The GI diet has definitely had an impact on sales of berries, but there has been a return to old-fashioned fruit we had when we were kids,” said Janey Berry, a spokesman for Waitrose. Mon, 04 Jul 2005 20:09:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gi-diet-gives-atkins-a-run-for-its-money http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fsa-and-hfma-in-joint-action-over-dossiers FSA and HFMA in joint action over dossiersSource: Althealth NewsThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the HFMA have announced a joint action to preserve as much consumer choice as possible in the UK if the Food Supplements Directive is implemented, as currently scheduled on August 1. The positive lists in the Directive omit over 200 ‘ingredients’ that the health food industry says have been safely used in vitamin and mineral supplements for several years. The lists can only be added to immediately via a system of national derogation that requires dossiers to be submitted to the EU by July 12. However, these derogations only last until 2009, unless the dossier is approved by the European Food Safety Authority. To encourage further dossier development, the FSA has agreed to give derogation when dossiers are submitted, either via the UK or another Member State, and to provide up to £20,000 of ‘matched’ funds to pay for external scientists to produce more dossiers for derogation. During June, the HFMA has submitted 33 dossiers on its own behalf, which more than doubles the number of derogations gained in the UK. Further dossiers are in advanced preparation and the HFMA estimates that up to 40 further dossiers may be submitted in the UK taking the total to over 100 nutrient source ingredients not included on the positive lists. This number may be swelled further by the new FSA announcement.However, HFMA director David Adams says that the situation is potentially complicated by the impending verdict from the European Court of Justice on the legal challenges to the Directive, which, coincidentally, will be announced on July 12. Thu, 30 Jun 2005 12:12:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fsa-and-hfma-in-joint-action-over-dossiers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fuel-for-thought Fuel for thoughtSource: observer.guardian.co.ukBarbecues can be bad for you. But don't rake yourself over the coals about it, says Dr John Briffa. There are ways to minimise the potential hazards Sunday June 12, 2005 The Observer I welcome the opportunity of the summer weather to let out the caveman in me through stoking up the barbecue for cooking flesh-based foods. This alfresco eating appeals to my most basic instincts, though it is well known that eating char-grilled foods is associated with an increased risk of several forms of cancer, including those of the colon and stomach. So, while barbecuing may be in keeping with our primal past, there seem to be inherent hazards.American scientists have recently put this down to a group of compounds known as heterocylic amines (HCAs) - potentially cancer-causing chemicals that form as a result of the action of heat on food. HCAs are formed as a result of the action of heat on amino acids (the building blocks of protein) during the cooking process. The higher the heat applied to a food, the greater the amount of HCAs that form. While many foods have some capacity to liberate HCAs, meat has the greatest potential in this respect, mainly on account of its high protein and the searing heat that is often used to cook it.Fortunately, a few culinary tricks may help reduce the risk of us playing with fire. One of these is to keep cooking temperature relatively low - there's a lot to be said for controllable gas-fired barbecuing. However, if charcoal briquettes are used, it will help to ensure these are kept a good distance from the food. There's always a risk that liquefied fat from meat will ignite once it drips on to the hot coals, creating flames with an intense heat that are very likely to boost HCA levels, especially if they come in contact with the food. Dousing the flames with water or beer helps ensure that not too much damage is done.How meat is prepared may also have some impact on its propensity to form HCAs. Thinner cuts are preferable to inch-thick steaks, as they cook more quickly. Marinades can affect HCA formation, too: while those based on honey boost HCA levels, teriyaki dressing and marinades containing turmeric and garlic exert a protective effect.Another tactic for reducing the cancer-causing potential of meat is eating it with something that can counter any adverse effect in the body. Salad provides folate and carotenoid nutrients that are linked with a reduced risk of cancer. So some care in barbecuing meat and a salad accompaniment can reduce the risk of us suffering any ill effect from a sizzling summer.· Is there anything about nutrition you would like to as Dr John Briffa? Email him at john.briffa@observer.co.uk and read his answers in a special Ask the Experts edition of OM at the end of July. Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:45:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fuel-for-thought http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-may-reduce-risk-of-colon-cancer Vitamin B6 may reduce risk of colon cancerSource: Althealth NewsAccording to information published in the American Gastroenterological Association journal, a high dietary intake of vitamin B6, commonly found in fortified cereals, meat, beans, fish and some fruits and vegetables, may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women. Researchers in Stockholm followed 61,433 women in a population based study over a 15 year period. Of the women examined, 805 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a deadly cancer that begins with the formation of polyps in the colon which then metastasize and can spread to the rest of the body. The group of women who consumed the highest level of vitamin B6 over the course of the study was 34 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than the women who consumed the least. Interestingly, the benefit of the long-term, high Vit. B6 diet was accentuated in women who consumed 2 or more alcoholic drinks per week. In this group the risk of colorectal ancer risk was reduced by 72 percent. The study illustrates the importance of maintaining a healthy diet high in vitamin B6, especially for women who drink more than 2 glasses of wine, beer or other alcoholic drink per week. The study's authors also stressed the importance of regular checkups for colorectal cancer and warned against high consumption of vitamin B6 as a substitute for regular screenings. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States each year and it is estimated that 28,000 women will die of the disease in 2005. Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:44:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-may-reduce-risk-of-colon-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-anxiety High anxietySource: observer.guardian.co.ukThe bad news is that genes can affect how tense you feel. But don't worry: how you eat can help to counterbalance your moods, says Dr John Briffa Sunday June 19, 2005 The Observer It seems that not a week goes by without scientists identifying some gene or other that is believed to play a critical role in our susceptibility to a specific illness. Now researchers in Italy have found a gene involved in the production of serotonin - a brain chemical that helps maintain a cheery disposition. It is believed that individuals afflicted with some fault in this gene will be prone to undesirable mood states such as anxiety, and that the early identification of such individuals may give them a head start in terms of finding peace of mind through appropriate psychological support. While psychological approaches have an obvious role in calming an overanxious mind, physiological remedies may have much to offer too. One dietary factor that can heighten feelings of anxiety, or even panic, is caffeine. While some people can seemingly drink several cups of tea or coffee without any ill effect, some unfortunates can be exquisitely sensitive to caffeine. For individuals prone to anxiety, as little as one daily cup of coffee worsens their symptoms. So for those on the anxious side, I generally recommend complete elimination of caffeine from the diet.Another nutritionally related factor that affects mood concerns blood-sugar levels. Should they fall below normal levels, the body may compensate by secreting hormones that stimulate the conversion of glycogen (a carbohydrate fuel store found in the muscles and liver) into sugar. One hormone used to stimulate this conversion is adrenaline - a stress hormone that can induce anxiety and irritability. Stability in blood-sugar levels and mood is more likely if regular meals are taken, perhaps with healthy snacks. Nuts are a good snack choice, as their high-protein and low-carbohydrate nature means they give a very sustained release of fuel into the system. Nuts are also a very rich source of magnesium, low levels of which are thought to predispose to feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Brazil nuts are a good choice for highly strung individuals, as they also offer good levels of the mineral selenium, which studies suggest can quell anxiety. Just three or four Brazil nuts a day may help stabilise mood.In addition to eating nuts, I recommend supplementation with magnesium for those on the nervy side. Taking 400mg per day can have a calming effect, and does seem to help reduce anxiety when taken in the long term. Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:25:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-anxiety http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sauna-and-steam-a-healthy-detoxification-combination Sauna and Steam – A Healthy Detoxification CombinationSource: Althealth NewsModern technology has combined the old herbal and essential oil methods with whole body steam to produce a relaxation of the sweat glands and the increase of perspiration. This aromatherapy steam process opens the pores thereby freely allowing for the emission of body poisons and keeping the blood more clean.Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 24, 2005 - Dr. John R. Christopher of herbalism fame during the mid 20th century promoted the process of diaphoretic perspiration as a means of influencing the peripheral sensory nerves, which relax and dilate the superficial capillaries and vessels. He, as well as many natural healers (Like Dr. Nowell) believed that the sweat glands, when stimulated, can help heal the body. The old herbal practitioners were successful because they sought to equalize the circulation. They made the vapor bath famous, along with herbal diaphoretics; to treat fevers, inflammation, colds and congestions of many kinds.Diaphoretic herbs primarily influence the surface circulation and then the whole circulation, and perspiration is a result of the increased blood flow. Herbs and therapies providing this action are cayenne, mustard, lobelia, ipecac, etc., also vapor baths, Turkish baths, wet packs, cold sheet treatments and the like.In fact, Dr. Nowell states: “In a condition where the system is hot and the skin dry, with a pulse that is full and frequent, a relaxing diaphoretic should be used; but if the heart impulse were weak, and the skin cold, we should use a stimulating diaphoretic working from the center to maintain the heart.”Sebaceous or oil glands work in conjunction with the sudoriferous glands. These give pliancy and softness to the skin. When these glands are not functioning properly the skin becomes hard and chafed. Here we need to do more than produce perspiration; the sebaceous glands must also be stimulated. Conditions requiring this action include most viral fevers and eczema. The seeds of burdock (Arctium lappa) and of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) were used for this purpose as a hot infusion.By combining diaphoretic herbs or therapeutic essential oils to whole-body steam therapy, diaphoresis, or sweating, can help restore health in many cases; for when the millions of pores in the skin are closed, the bloodstream can become “impure”, poisoning the whole system. In the past, when people could not afford a physician, it was common knowledge that they could induce perspiration to help cure their sick.Diaphoresis was used in cases where general circulation was involved such as inflammation of the lungs, pleurisy, peritonitis, inflammation in the stomach, spleen, bowels, kidneys, bladder, uterus or brain. Old natural practitioners would equalize circulation and maintain a frequent outward flow of blood, never reaching the point of patient exhaustion causing oppressed breathing and tremulous pulse.Sudorifics stimulate the sudoriferous or sweat glands, producing profuse and visible sweating that stand as beads upon the surface of the skin when taken hot; and they act beneficially as tonics when taken cold.Modern technology has combined the old herbal and essential oil methods with whole body steam to produce a relaxation of the sweat glands and the increase of perspiration. This aromatherapy steam process opens the pores thereby freely allowing for the emission of body poisons and keeping the blood more clean. Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:23:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sauna-and-steam-a-healthy-detoxification-combination http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-vitamin-d-combat-premenstrual-ills Calcium, Vitamin D Combat Premenstrual IllsSource: Althealth NewsA diet high in calcium and vitamin D could reduce the risk of getting premenstrual syndrome, according to a report published last Monday. Women with an intake of vitamin D and calcium equivalent to about four servings per day of skim or low-fat milk, fortified orange juice or low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt had a “significantly lower” risk of developing premenstrual syndrome, the report from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst said.Previous studies have shown calcium supplements helped treat the problem, but “this is the first, to our knowledge, to suggest that calcium and vitamin D may help prevent the initial development of PMS,” said the report.The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, did not say why the combination provided a protective effect.The report said up to 20 percent of women experience symptoms severe enough to meet the definition of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, including anxiety, depression, headaches and abdominal cramps.The study looked at the diets and supplement use of 1,057 women aged 27 to 44 years who reported developing PMS over the course of 10 years. The same data was compared to that taken from another group of 1,968 women who reported having no symptoms of PMS or only minimal symptoms.“Our findings... suggest that a high intake of calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk of PMS,” the study said. While more research is needed, it is known that calcium and vitamin D may also reduce risk of osteoporosis and some cancers, so doctors may want to consider recommending the nutrients, even for younger women. Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:20:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-vitamin-d-combat-premenstrual-ills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-out-facial-wrinkles IRON OUT FACIAL WRINKLESSource: www.bradenton.comFor many people, going under the knife just to achieve that rested look is not an option. Even if the cost isn't the sticking point, the health risk associated with elective surgery could be.Restylane, a syringe-injected dermal filler for facial wrinkles and folds, may provide a suitable, if temporary, alternative.Meredith Turner, 47, thinks so. An active, outdoorsy mother of two teenage sons, Turner said she uses Restylane because she wants to ease gradually into her mature years. She finds that Restylane makes it gentler by enabling her "to tweak a few things here and there."And while a surgical procedure in the future is not out of the question, "I dread that stretched look so many women get when they're 50 and they've had a full facelift," Turner said.Manufactured in Sweden and used worldwide since 1996, Restylane was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2003 for the treatment of the "moderate to severe wrinkles around the nose and mouth," also known as the nasolabial lines.Medicis Aesthetics Inc., the company marketing and selling Restylane in the United States, claims it is the first completely safe dermal filler made of biodegradable non-animal stablilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA), a naturally existing substance in the human body.Once the thick, clear gel is injected beneath the skin's surface, "Restylane acts like a bowl of sugar in the body," said Dr. Robin Hamlin of Florida Coastal Plastic Surgery, whose practice is located at 5105 Manatee Ave. W. "Over time, it gradually disappears as the body absorbs it."Medicis claims Restylane's positive effects will last up to one year, but Hamlin tries not to be overly optimistic, instead telling her patients they can realistically expect more like four to six months.Dr. Elizabeth F. Callahan, a dermotologic surgeon whose office is located at 7978 Cooper Creek Blvd., said Restylane procedures represent about 30 percent of the cosmetic portion of her practice."Overall, Restylane is very well tolerated," said Callahan, whose board certifications include the American Board of Dermotology and the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology.Of particular note about Restylane is that it demonstrates an advance over collagen injections which, according to the FDA, were approved for the correction of soft tissue deficiencies, such as wrinkles and acne scars.Unlike Restylane, collagen is an animal-based product and has the potential for transmission of disease and allergic reaction in about 3 percent of patients, according to Callahan. "Restylane is natural, not animal based, so you don't need to be skin tested in advance," she said.And, according to Callahan, besides lasting longer, Restylane is a smooth substance and less likely to be lumpy after injection. "But if there's anything you don't like about it, it will be gone in six months anyway," she said."The perfect cosmetic product would be reliable, affordable, have excellent and immediate results, and very little down time," said Callahan. "Restylane fits very nicely into that niche."According to the FDA, other treatments for wrinkles include botulinum toxin, topical creams, chemical peels, and laser and electro-surgical resurfacing.The botulinum toxin, marketed as Botox, is FDA-approved for treating frown lines between the eyebrows. But it smoothes wrinkles by blocking active muscle function, said Hamlin, actually paralyzing muscles.And unlike the gradual absorption of Restylane, "once Botox starts to wear away, it is usually entirely gone in one week," said Hamlin, a plastic surgeon on staff at Manatee Memorial Hospital and Bayfront Medical Center.Restylane comes as a single injection and costs, on average, between $400 and $600."In order to have a satisfying experience with Restylane, it's important to use enough and not try to save money," said Callahan. "The average women in her 50s will require two syringes."And now Restylane is not alone. Captique, another soft tissue dermal filler made of non-animal hyaluronic acid, was approved by the FDA in December 2004. And according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, other similar medical devices are awaiting FDA approval.Along with the product onslaught, boundaries concerning likely candidates for facial procedures are blurring.In Hamlin's practice, her patients range in age from 18 to 84.In Callahan's practice, 99 percent are women. But more men are becoming interested, "particularly older men who are drooping in the lip area," said Callahan.With all its advances, the Restylane procedure is not entirely painless."There is a slight stinging sensation when lidocaine is injected as a pain blocker," said Hamlin. "And if the lidocaine is combined with epinephrine, the heart can race a little."In addition to feeling the racing heart, Turner compares the pain to the soreness remaining in a tooth after dental work has been done. "But it's nothing that a couple glasses of wine won't cure," she said.Turner, with hardly a visible line on her face, uses Restylane along the lip line of her upper and lower lip, a particularly sensitive area of the face, to erase fine feathering wrinkles."Restylane does leave you a little red and puffy temporarily," said Hamlin, "which is why I recommend to my patients that they go home after treatment."And although the needle used is very small, "Some people can get pin-prick bruising from the needle if they're particularly sensitive," said Hamlin.If the idea of any pain is still too much, it might help that the procedure lasts about as long as a quick lunch.Lorraine Morrissey, Hamlin's office manager and esthetician, said she usually blocks out 30-minute intervals for patients wanting Restylane.Morrissey received Restylane before Christmas last year and will repeat the procedure again before going on a cruise in July.At 52, Morrissey didn't want to put herself through something as dramatic as a facelift, especially when her wrinkles aren't a noticeable problem."I did it because of the marionette lines around my mouth," she said. "I didn't like that, and Restylane helped me tremendously." Sun, 26 Jun 2005 14:17:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-out-facial-wrinkles http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-judgement-day Vitamin judgement daySource: Althealth NewsThe European Court of Justice has announced that July 12 is the day on which it will hand out its judgement on the legal challenge to the EU Food Supplements Directive.Advocate General, Leendert Geelhoed has already declared that the Directive is fundamentally flawed, and contravened EU law.The European Court of Justice has now declared that the judgment made by the 13 judges presiding over the case, will be handed down at 9:30am on Tuesday July 12 in the Courtroom at Luxembourg-Kirchberg.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tony Blair has said the EU Directive is ‘wholly out of proportion’ Speaking at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank on May 26, Prime Minister Tony Blair included a swipe at the EU moves against food supplements.While setting out his plans for a "common sense culture, not a compensation culture", Mr Blair said: “Bodies set up to guard the public interest have one-way pressures. It is in their interest never to be accused of having missed a problem. So, it is a one-sided bet. They will always err on the side of caution.”It seems to be part of the DNA of regulatory bodies that they acquire their own interests and begin to grow. Max Weber famously noted the tendency of bureaucracies to tidiness.”Today, a lot of this is reinforced by what arises from Europe. About 50% of regulations with a significant impact on business now emanate from the EU. And it often seems to want to regulate too heavily without sufficient cause.”The EU vitamins directive is a good example. There may be a case for ensuring the public are properly informed and that some rules and order are brought to what is today a major industry. But the way it has been done is wholly out of proportion to the risks run.” Tue, 21 Jun 2005 20:01:03 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-judgement-day http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/big-study-links-red-meat-to-colorectal-cancer Big study links red meat to colorectal cancerSource: Althealth NewsA new study has reawakened the “eat meat/don’t eat meat” debate by suggesting that high levels of consumption of red and processed meat are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, whereas high levels of fish consumption are associated with a decreased risk. "One theory is that the cooking meats at high temperatures may create carcinogenic particles, such as heterocyclic amines. Another carcinogen, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, forms in cured and processed meats or on grilled and barbecued meat”, say the French researchers. Tue, 21 Jun 2005 20:00:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/big-study-links-red-meat-to-colorectal-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dietary-agents-may-help-prevent-cancers Dietary agents may help prevent cancersSource: Althealth NewsNutritionists and naturopaths have been saying for years that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help cut the risk of developing cancer. Now, researchers at the university of Leicester have looked at particular food components which may play a role in reducing risk. A good diet, weight control and physical activity, a healthy environment, avoidance of carcinogens such as those in tobacco smoke, and screening of populations at risk to allow early detection, all play their part in safeguarding against the progression of cancer. However, these scientists feel that the dietary route is attractive because dietary components have a relative lack of toxicity and the fact that they are often eaten on a regular basis. Curcumin and resveratrol are just two examples (editor's note: These are both available in supplementary form). The authors of this study say: "Ultimately it may be possible not only to suppress tumours and to extend quality of life by administering appropriate diet-derived molecules, but also to refine the definition of a cancer chemopreventive diet."From: Recent Results Cancer Res. 2005;166:257-75. Tue, 21 Jun 2005 19:57:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dietary-agents-may-help-prevent-cancers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soya-lowers-blood-pressure- Soya lowers blood pressure!Source: Althealth NewsA massive study conducted in the US and China has found that eating soya-rich foods reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in women. This association was stronger among elderly women. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Results indicated that women who consumed 25g or more of soya protein per day had lower systolic blood pressure of -1.9 mm Hg and lower diastolic BP -0.9 mm Hg (mercury) than women consuming less than 2.5g soya protein per day.The authors concluded that incorporating soya into the diet could help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hence reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.This benefit is increased in older women who were more at risk of suffering from hypertension.From: "http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/81/5/1012" American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 81 (5), 2005, pp1012-1017) Tue, 21 Jun 2005 19:57:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soya-lowers-blood-pressure- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-common-uses Liquorice, Common UsesSource: Althealth NewsWe’re all familiar with liquorice as a sweet – if not, we hope this site will change that. But there are many other uses of liquorice besides the obvious. The confectionery industry mixes water extract of liquorice root with flour (apart from our gluten free range!) and corn syrup to make the many different kinds of sweets we know and love. Because of the great taste, liquorice is often used in the pharmaceutical industry to make medicines taste better. As you can read in the section on health aspects, liquorice is thought to have many medicinal properties, and it is an important ingredient in many cough syrups.In the United Kingdom especially, liquorice is used as an emulsifier to create foam in drinks, both alcoholic and soft. Liquorice is sometimes also used to flavour cigarettes. And sweets aren’t the only way to enjoy the benefits of liquorice; the root can be chewed or made into tea, and the list goes on…..These are just a few examples of the many uses of liquorice, although I hope you’ll agree that the best use of liquorice can be found somewhere on this site! I’m just not sure which one yet… Why not try some yourself, and see which you think is the best? Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:25:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-common-uses http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-health-aspect Liquorice Health AspectSource: Althealth NewsOf course, our interest in liquorice comes from the sheer enjoyment of eating it. However, if you need to justify all that pleasure, then it is good to know that liquorice has a long and distinguished history of medicinal uses.Liquorice contains Vitamin E, B-complex, biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, lecithin, manganese as well as many other trace elements – try saying that with your mouth full. Both the Ancient Greeks and Chinese knew the medicinal properties of liquorice, where it gained a reputation for helping the body during times of stress. By the 14th Century, Liquorice was being used to help relieve colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Even today it can still be found in many cough medicines. And it doesn’t stop in the middle ages! Recent research has shown that liquorice can help to treat and control the pain of certain types of ulcer, and, as it has anti-inflammatory qualities, it can help to relieve the discomfort of arthritic conditions, and, when mixed with other anti-spasmodic herbs, menstrual pain.Of course, all these benefits are retained in liquorice candy – but it doesn’t stop there! We also offer liquorice to fit into your lifestyle. There’s sugar free for diabetics, wheat free for coeliac’s, and gelatine free for vegetarians and vegans! So there you have it – all the excuse you need to have just one more….We should point out thought that pregnant women are advised not to take extract of root liquorice as a herbal supplement. While liquorice candy contains only small amounts of this, perhaps it would be a good idea to limit the number of boxes you order until after the baby’s born! For more information, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:24:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/liquorice-health-aspect http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-to-eat-to-beat-mouth-ulcers What to eat to beat mouth ulcersSource: www.dailymail.co.ukWhy is it that a mouth ulcer always feels enormous, yet when you peer at it in the mirror it turns out to be not much larger than a pinprick, albeit a thousand times more painful? The trouble is, so many things can cause canker sores (the technical term for mouth ulcers) that it can be difficult to pinpoint (sorry!) exactly why they've taken up residence in your mouth. Before talking about the foods that can both lead to and alleviate mouth ulcers, I should mention that there is a frequently overlooked cause: toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Don't miss today Gallery: Travel light Quiz: How brainy is your baby? Special: Surviving the hayfever season Support!: Share your concerns with others Have your say Do you worry about the impact of power lines on your child's health? Yes No More polls » Boards & chat Are you worried about retirement?Tell us here » This is a foaming agent that is thought to wear away the mucin-containing mucus membrane, the protective layer that safeguards the gums, tongue and, in fact, everything inside the mouth. So if you are plagued by mouth ulcers, it may be worth avoiding toothpastes labelled as containing SLS and visiting your health-food store for a non-foaming alternative. There are a few factors to consider when it comes to warding off mouth ulcers. Firstly, have you been forcing your body to endure too many convenience foods, which are low in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, skipping meals or skimping on the fruits and vegetables? All of these habits deprive your body of the antioxidant nutrients found in fresh plant produce, thereby weakening the mucin in your mouth. Along with eating badly, heavy periods can deplete your body's iron stores and expose it to mouth ulcers, so it may help to boost your intake of iron-rich foods, such as green, leafy vegetables, pulses, meat and dried fruits. And if you're suffering from other iron-deficiency symptoms, including feeling exhausted, fed up, pale and breathless, ask your doctor for a blood test to ascertain your iron status. There can sometimes be a more serious reason for developing mouth ulcers, notably coeliac disease, an allergic condition that more commonly causes ulcers to develop in the intestines, resulting in digestive problems, although I have seen people with few digestive symptoms whose condition is betrayed by a mouth full of ulcers. If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease, you'll need to avoid gluten (the protein found in wheat and many other cereal products), the good news being that as soon as you do, your body will return to its normal, ulcer-free self. (Contact the Coeliac Society for details of gluten-free foods and products). Other foods that can trigger an allergic reaction in the form of mouth ulcers include strawberries, tomatoes, dairy products, oranges and even Marmite, and if you suspect that any of these may be the source of your misery, keep a food-and-symptom diary for a few weeks to see if it confirms your suspicions before consulting a doctor or dietician for advice. When your mouth does flare up, the first thing to reach for is something of a mouthful in itself: diglcyrrhirisinated liquorice (DGL, available from health-food stores), which, by increasing the production of mucin, both soothes the ulcer and helps it to heal more quickly. Alternatively, break open a vitamin E capsule and gently dab the contents onto the ulcer or else rub a little set honey, a crushed sage leaf or a peeled garlic clove - all natural antiseptics - over the sore. If raw garlic doesn't appeal, try switching to garlic-rich dishes, along with soft, non-acidic foods, such as my omelette, mashed potatoes, soufflés or mild, sauce-based foods like spaghetti carbonara, but avoid such acidic foods as citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegars, pickles and ketchup while you're waiting for the ulcer to clear up. Having a daily pot of natural live yoghurt containing lactobacillus, acidophilus or bifida bacteria can speed your recovery, too, while some of my patients have found cranberry juice (which is especially soothing when combined with ice cubes) a useful ally when they're feeling run down, overly stressed or otherwise vulnerable to a mouth-ulcer attack. ________________________________________ RECIPE: Italian Cheese omelette Serves 4 7 large organic eggs Pinch of sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 50g freshly grated Parmesan cheese 30g butter Beat the eggs in a bowl until the yolks and whites are blended. Add the salt, pepper and grated Parmesan and beat lightly with the eggs. Melt the butter in a frying pan (about a 12 inch one), over a medium heat until the butter starts to foam, but don't allow it to burn. At this point add the egg mixture and turn down the heat until it's as low as possible. Once the eggs have set and thickened and only the top is runny, which should take about 10-15 minutes of slow cooking, pop the frying pan under a pre heated grill for about 30 seconds, just to cook off the top until it sets but not brown. Loosen the omelette with a spatula and slide it onto a warmed serving plate. Cut into four and serve immediately. Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:14:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-to-eat-to-beat-mouth-ulcers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exposure-to-pesticides-can-cause-parkinson-s Exposure to pesticides can cause Parkinson’sSource: Althealth NewsNew research carried out at the University of Aberdeen has provided further evidence that exposure to pesticides increases a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, reports New Scientist. Anthony Seaton, principal investigator of the University’s Geoparkinson Study, said that his team’s research “considerably strengthens the case for pesticides being relevant to occupational risk of Parkinson’s disease”. The Aberdeen team questioned 967 people with Parkinson’s disease and 1,989 healthy controls with similar backgrounds about several risk factors associated with the disease, including exposure to pesticides. They discovered that people with Parkinson’s were more likely to have used pesticides regularly. Users with low exposure, such as amateur gardeners, were 9% more likely than non-users to develop the disease, while high exposure users such as farmers were 43% more likely. One acknowledged shortcoming of the study was that it did not identify which pesticides were responsible. The study’s authors admit that therefore it is possible that just one or two agents were causing the problems. Thu, 16 Jun 2005 12:44:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exposure-to-pesticides-can-cause-parkinson-s http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eu-health-claims-proposal-could-cost-5-million-per-product EU Health Claims proposal could cost £5 million per productSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukThe government has revealed that the EU Nutrition and Health Claims proposal could cost food operators as much as £5 million per product. Under the proposal all food operators would have to submit dossiers of evidence to support any claims which they make on foods. Without EU authorisation the claims would not be allowed to be made.In answer to a parliamentary question from the Conservative MP Francis Maude, the health minister Caroline Flint said that Food Standards Agency “estimates that where nutrition or health claims underpin marketing of products the food industry might face costs ranging from zero to £5 million as result of the EU proposal”.The HFMA’s political advisor, Chris Whitehouse, commented: “The food sector is already facing enormous and potentially crippling costs for the submission of dossiers for the Food Supplements Directive. The figure of £5 million per product, admittedly right at the top end of the scale, dwarfs anything which we have so far seen in that Directive. “The Government must now listen to the European Parliament and the health food sector who have sensibly called for a notification as opposed to a prior approval system. The European Parliament has provided the window of opportunity; the UK must now press the Council to walk through it.” Thu, 16 Jun 2005 12:43:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eu-health-claims-proposal-could-cost-5-million-per-product http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-should-moms-to-be-eat- What Should Moms-To-Be Eat?Source: www.cbsnews.com(CBS) For lots of pregnant women, eating right can be a real challenge, especially if you suffer from morning sickness or food aversions. Heidi Murkoff, author of the best-selling "What To Expect When You're Expecting," has simplified the choices in her new book, "Eating Well When You're Expecting." In it, Murkoff says there are six foods that every pregnant woman should get to know because they can boost brain development, prevent postpartum depression, stave off nausea and may prevent cancer in your baby later in life. Best of all, they are simple and easy-to-find. She visits The Early Show to talk about the benefits found in DHA eggs, walnuts, mangoes, red pepper, quinoa, and ginger. Read an excerpt from her book: Eating Well: What’s in it for Baby Think you’ll be undergoing a lot of changes during the nine months of pregnancy? Consider what’s happening to your fetus during those 40 weeks. Cells are dividing at an unbelievable rate; organs are forming; the circulatory, digestive, urinary, and other systems are developing; the senses — hearing, sight, taste, and smell — are taking shape. And through your diet, your baby will have to receive all the vitamins, minerals, calories, protein, fluids, and other nutrients necessary for all that growth and development. Though most babies do grow and develop, even when their mothers eat a mediocre diet, study after study shows that, on average, healthier diets yield far healthier babies. Think of healthy eating as one of the best gifts you can give your baby-to-be. And it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Your diet can affect so many aspects of your baby-to-be’s health, including the following: Your baby’s brain development. While the development of most organs is relatively complete midway through pregnancy, your baby’s brain will have its greatest growth spurt during the last trimester. Since protein, calories, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly crucial to optimal brain development, ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients becomes even more important in the last months of pregnancy. Even if you find you’ve gained more weight than you would have liked in your first six months, the last trimester will not be the time to cut back. And even if you haven’t been eating particularly well during the early months of pregnancy (many women find that the first trimester queasies keep them from eating anything, never mind eating anything healthy), making a concerted dietary effort in the last trimester will fuel that amazing brain expansion. Your baby’s personality. Believe it or not, much of your baby’s personality is being formed in your uterus, partly owing to fetal DNA and partly, according to some studies, because of what you’re eating. Researchers have found that babies born to malnourished mothers smile less and are drowsier compared with babies born to well-nourished mothers. There is also evidence that newborns whose mothers consume enough omega-3 fatty acid during the last trimester exhibit healthier sleep patterns than do other babies (something you’ll definitely appreciate come 3 a.m.). Your baby’s eating habits. Research shows that what you eat during pregnancy (and while breastfeeding) affects not only your baby’s health; it also affects your baby’s tastes. Because a fetus can taste and become accustomed to the flavors that make their way from its mother’s meals into the amniotic fluid, a baby’s food preferences can be formed before he or she ever takes a spoonful of solids. In one study, infants whose mothers drank carrot juice while pregnant eagerly lapped up cereal mixed with carrot juice, while infants of mothers who steered clear of the orange stuff were more likely to turn up their little noses at the carrot juice–cereal mixture. The moral of the study: If you’d like your child to eat his broccoli later, you might be well advised to eat yours now. (And since breast milk picks up flavors, too, influencing a nursing baby’s future gastronomic preferences, the same principle holds true during breastfeeding.) Your baby’s birth weight. Eating too little (or not eating enough of the right foods) can keep your baby from growing well in the uterus; eating too much can make your baby grow too big, too fast. Babies who are born small for their gestational age stand greater chances of having health problems after delivery than do babies of normal weight. Babies born too large can complicate delivery, making it more likely that an instrument (forceps or vacuum) or surgical (cesarean) delivery will become necessary. Eating just the right amount to maintain a steady and moderate weight gain for you (see Chapter Three) can keep your baby’s weight gain on target. It’s not only the quantity, but also the quality of the food you eat that can impact how baby weighs in. Inadequate zinc intake is linked to low-birth-weight babies. A diet deficient in folic acid can cause fetal growth restriction (among many other problems). Eating the right amounts of the right types of food can help give baby a good bottom line at delivery. Your baby’s organ development. With all those body parts developing from scratch (the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, just to name a few), and only nine months in which to accomplish this phenomenal growth, the baby-making factory is working at full-steam, day and night. The raw materials needed to turn a fertilized egg into a fully equipped bouncing baby are supplied by you through what you eat. Fortunately, those raw materials aren’t hard to come by. Even the average American diet today provides enough of most nutrients to ensure a healthy bouncing baby—and extra-good nutrition can offer extra insurance that your fetus will receive everything it needs to develop well. On the other hand, a diet that’s severely deficient in the right types of nutrients (and such a diet is thankfully rare during pregnancy in this country) increases the risk that a baby may not develop normally. For instance, a lack of vitamin D and calcium can interfere with proper bone and tooth growth. An inadequate intake of folic acid can result in neural tube defects, such as spina bifida (a condition that has become far less common since folic acid supplementation has become routinely recommended for women of childbearing age). Possibly, your baby’s long-term health. Though still in its infancy —and still somewhat controversial—the study of how maternal nutrition during pregnancy affects a baby’s long-term health has provided researchers and mothers-to-be with plenty of food for thought. Some studies have found that a predisposition to certain diseases (such as cancers and schizophrenia) and chronic conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease) may be programmed while the baby is still developing in the womb, if it received inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. Scientists have found that both babies who are undernourished in the first trimester and those who are overfed in the third trimester may be at greater risk for obesity. Nutrition during pregnancy, say some researchers, not only influences a baby’s health at birth, but also affects his or her health years later, even into adulthood. Eating Well: What’s in It for You Baby’s not the only one who benefits each time you grab a piece of fruit, make time for breakfast, or opt for a grilled chicken salad over a greasy taco. Eating well while you’re expecting isn’t actually as selfless as it may seem. In fact, what many moms forget is that eating well for their baby affects them, too. What you eat will have a profound effect on how well your body copes with and recovers from the physical and emotional challenges of carrying and delivering a baby. A nutritious, well-balanced diet during pregnancy will have an impact on: Your comfort during pregnancy. Let’s face it: Most pregnant women don’t really walk around all nine months with a rosy glow. In fact, in the first few months, they’re more likely to walk around with a greenish tint. And morning sickness is just the tip of the iceberg. Other pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, constipation, hemorrhoids, heartburn, varicose veins, complexion problems, gum problems, swelling, and leg cramps—and that’s just naming a few. While some of these symptoms are par for the pregnancy course (influenced by hormones and other factors, such as fluid retention or genes), many pregnancy inevitables are not inevitable at all. And some that are inevitable don’t have to be inevitably miserable. Good nutrition can minimize, eliminate, and even prevent many unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. A diet with adequate complex carbohydrates, for instance, can reduce fatigue. A diet low in fatty foods can decrease heartburn. One rich in fiber and fluids can relieve (or even prevent) constipation. A diet with enough vitamin B6 can lessen nausea and vomiting. Even complexion problems can be flushed out by adequate fluids and overall good nutrition. For more on minimizing pregnancy discomforts through nutrition, see Chapter Two. The safety of your pregnancy. No controversy here. It’s really as simple and straightforward as this: Research shows that pregnant women who are well nourished are more likely to have a safe and uncomplicated pregnancy than women who are not well nourished. And studies continue to show strong links between deficiencies in diet and pregnancy complications. For instance, anemia, a common pregnancy complication characterized by low levels of red blood cells, is directly connected to iron deficiency. Some cases of another pregnancy complication, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), have been linked to a variety of deficiencies in a pregnant woman’s diet. Researchers have found that high amounts of sugar and polyunsaturated fats increase the risk of preeclampsia. Others studies have found that women who have a low intake of vitamin C are twice as likely to develop preeclampsia. Still other research has linked some cases of preeclampsia to deficiencies in vitamin E and magnesium. The flip side to this research is also the bright side: Eating a well- balanced nutritious diet—adequate in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients—will reduce your risks of pregnancy complications, ensuring a healthier pregnancy. And that’s something to toast your orange juice to. Your labor and delivery. Not only will a good diet benefit you during the 40 weeks leading up to labor and delivery, it may benefit you during labor and delivery, too. First of all, a good pregnancy diet may help prevent labor from striking too early. Though all nutrients in a balanced diet are important in helping a woman carry to term, research links deficiencies in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium to an increased risk of premature labor. Second, childbirth is labor intensive, so to speak, requiring a prodigious amount of energy. Though a well-nourished woman won’t necessarily experience a pain-free or shorter labor, she’s likely to better cope with the labor she’s dealt than the woman whose body lacks sufficient stores of nutrients—in much the same way a well-nourished athlete is able to perform better and endure longer than one who hasn’t been eating well. (And when it comes to athletic events, there’s none more challenging than childbirth. Just ask any Iron Woman who’s also a mom.) Your postpartum recovery. A baby’s not the only thing you can expect after delivery, though it’s definitely the best thing. Whether your labor and delivery turn out to be enviably effortless or disappointingly difficult, the effects of childbirth will be enormous. In the days, weeks, and even months postpartum, your body will need significant resources to recover from a variety of physical insults, ranging from stretching and tearing to blood loss and sleep deprivation—while simultaneously caring for a newborn. One of the best ways to speed that recovery (and find the energy you’ll need to keep up with the endless demands and challenges of new motherhood) is to eat a nourishing diet throughout pregnancy and to continue to do so after delivery. (See Chapter Ten for more on eating during the postpartum period.) Your long-term health. When it comes to most nutrients, nature first takes care of an expectant mom’s nutritional needs from incoming food, then serves up the leftovers to her fetus. But that’s not true when it comes to that essential bone-builder, calcium. If you don’t take in enough calcium when you’re pregnant, your body will drain this important mineral out of your own bones to help strengthen baby’s—possibly setting you up for osteoporosis later on. That’s yet another good reason to eat well for your own health, as well as for baby’s well-being, when you’re expecting. But keep in mind that good eating habits that continue even after your pregnancy ends can do even more to ensure you a healthier future—reducing your chances of developing a wide variety of diseases, from hypertension to diabetes to cancer. By setting up the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy eating, good nutrition during pregnancy offers you and your family benefits that extend far beyond delivery day... Sun, 12 Jun 2005 16:13:40 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-should-moms-to-be-eat- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-cuts-fall-risk-in-nursing-homes Vitamin D cuts fall risk in nursing homesSource: www.macleans.caLarge doses of the nutrient may stimulate the production of muscle proteinVitamin D is best known as a nutrient that helps build healthy bones, but a new study suggests it may also help seniors in nursing homes stay on their feet. Researchers randomly assigned 125 seniors at a Boston nursing home to receive inactive placebo pills or one of four doses of vitamin D. They then compared the number of falls in each group over a five-month period. The seniors getting the largest dose of vitamin D -- 800 international units (IU) -- had a 71 per cent reduction in the risk of falls compared with the other four groups combined. The placebo and lower-dose groups had three to four times the fall risk as those in the 800 IU group. The mechanism by which vitamin D helps prevent falls is what lead author Dr. Douglas Kiel calls the million-dollar question. "Vitamin D, although well recognized as important for the skeletal health of individuals, is also influencing our muscles. The muscle fibres have receptors on them for vitamin D," Kiel says. "One theory is there is something that is occurring rather quickly to reduce fall rates, and it could be through the muscle." Once vitamin D binds to its receptors on muscle, that muscle begins to activate the genes that control the manufacture of muscle protein, Kiel says. Based on the study findings, Kiel recommends nursing home residents take at least 800 IU of vitamin D daily to help reduce fall risks. A higher dose may be required for maximum benefit, since about two-thirds of the study participants were also taking a multivitamin containing 400 IU of vitamin D. Kiel says many seniors in nursing homes get the bulk of their vitamin D from a multivitamin that likely contains 400 IU or less. The study results are probably not applicable to seniors living in the community, whose nutrition and activity patterns are very different from those in nursing homes. With files from The Medical Post. Sun, 12 Jun 2005 16:12:07 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-cuts-fall-risk-in-nursing-homes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/precious-metal Precious metalSource: observer.guardian.co.ukWomen with healthy levels of iron have been found to form a stronger bond with their newborn babies. Dr John Briffa reveals the rules of attraction Sunday June 5, 2005 The Observer While pregnancy is a wonderful thing, it can also be a nutritional drain on the mother. One nutrient that pregnancy can leave a woman short on is iron, and I was interested to read a report regarding the impact that this mineral has on the bonding of new mums with their babies. Scientists have discovered that women found to be deficient in iron relate less well and are less sensitive to their babes. Also, the children of iron-deficient mothers were less responsive to their mothers, too. One way in which iron deficiency may affect mood and behaviour is through its ability to induce anaemia. Iron is critical for the manufacture of haemoglobin - the substance within the red blood cells which ferries oxygen around the system. Iron deficiency can lead to low levels of haemoglobin (anaemia) which is a downer for mood and energy levels, and does nothing to help the interaction of a mother and child.Although iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia, it's not the only cause. This means that if a blood test reveals anaemia, specific testing for iron levels is usually warranted - this is best done by measuring blood levels of 'ferritin'. Ferritin levels are not normally measured unless there is evidence of anaemia. However, iron deficiency can occur in the absence of anaemia, and even in isolation can cause quite debilitating symptoms.For example, iron participates in the reactions that generate energy production in the body, so a lack of this nutrient commonly manifests as physical and mental fatigue.Iron also has a role in the normal functioning of the brain chemical dopamine, which plays a crucial role in physical and mental functioning.Because of iron's critical role in physical and mental health, I believe it makes sense to measure ferritin levels in women around the time of pregnancy, even those who are not anaemic. 'Normal' ferritin levels for women are between 5-150ng/ml (nanograms per ml of blood); ferritin levels need to be above 50ng/ml for optimal functioning.Good sources of iron for women with low ferritin levels include nuts, seeds, meat, fish and seafood (clams and mussels). However, I generally suggest additional supplementation. I find that liquid iron supplements, such as Floradix (from health food stores) are more effective than the most commonly prescribed form of iron (iron sulphate). Recent research on bonding suggests that iron may well end up gaining a reputation as a bit of a mother and babe magnet.Dear JohnFor the past three months I have been getting nasty cold sores on the first day of my period. How can I prevent this? Fiona ECold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once in the body, the virus can lie dormant, but may reactivate at any time. It may be that the time your period starts represents some form of stress on your immune system, which is allowing the HSV to make its presence felt. The HSV virus needs the amino acid (building block of protein) arginine to multiply in the body.Arginine is found in high concentration in nuts (peanuts and cashews) and chocolate, so avoid these on the run-up to your period. While arginine encourages growth of the HSV, another amino acid, lysine, inhibits it. Some studies found that taking lysine in supplement form can reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore attacks. Take 1g of lysine per day; increase this to 1g, three times a day, three days before your period, and stay on this dose throughout your period. Also take 1g of vitamin C a day, as this nutrient helps stimulate the immune system and also has some HSV-inhibiting properties.· If you have any issues you would like Dr Briffa to address in his column, please email him on john.briffa@observer.co.uk. Please note that Dr Briffa cannot enter into any correspondence. You can also visit www.drbriffa.com. Before following any recommendations in this column, you should consult your own medical adviser about any medical problems or special health conditionsNutrition newsIt is well established that where fat is distributed in the body has some influence on its likely effects on health. Fat congregated around the middle of the body - so-called abdominal fat - is known to be particularly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. In a recent study published in the medical journal Stroke, researchers assessed the relationship between fat distribution and stroke risk in more than 9,000 men.Not surprisingly, increased weight was found to be associated with increased stroke risk. However, the correlation between excess weight and stroke risk was found to be much stronger for abdominal fat than fat more evenly distributed around the body. Abdominal obesity is often related to a condition known as 'metabolic syndrome', which itself appears to be related to excesses of the hormone insulin in the body.Foods that help to reduce abdominal fat are those which when consumed tend to give rise to relatively low levels of insulin, such as meat, fish, eggs, green vegetables, nuts, beans and lentils. Sun, 12 Jun 2005 16:06:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/precious-metal http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nicotinic-acid-in-the-management-of-dyslipidaemia-associated-with-diabetes-and-metabolic-syndrome- Nicotinic Acid in the Management of Dyslipidaemia Associated With Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome:Source: www.rednova.comABSTRACT Individuals with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are at markedly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of both conditions poses a major challenge for clinicians in the 21st century. Both diabetes and metabolic syndrome are associated with a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. In particular, dyslipidaemia characterised by low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated triglycerides and an increase in small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (the lipid triad), has been established as the most important modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Current treatment guidelines recognise the increased CHD risk associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome and focus on LDL-C lowering with statin treatment, in addition to dietary and lifestyle modification, as the primary lipid-modifying therapy. However, while there is no doubt that statin therapy significantly reduces CHD risk in these patients, their residual absolute risk remains higher than in individuals without diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Thus, there is a clear need to target other aspects of lipoprotein metabolism, notably low HDL-C and hypertriglyceridaemia, to further reduce CHD risk. Combining statin therapy (targeting LDL-C) with interventions that also modify low HDL-C and elevated triglycerides could be a useful strategy to optimise CHD risk reduction. Cautious combination of a fibrate or nicotinic acid with a statin is useful for the management of combined dyslipidaemia. Nicotinic acid is the more potent agent for raising HDL-C (by up to 29% at clinically recommended doses). It also substantially reduces triglycerides and LDL-C, and promotes a shift from small, dense LDL to larger, more buoyant LDL particles. Preliminary clinical data suggest that combining nicotinic acid with a statin will produce a greater reduction in cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome than statin monotherapy alone. Nicotinic acid is also safe for use in patients with diabetes, with no evidence of clinically relevant deterioration in glycaemic control at recommended doses (≤ 2g/day). On review of the available evidence, this European Consensus Panel recommends the combination of nicotinic acid and a statin, together with lifestyle modification, as a useful strategy to lower CHD risk in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Prolonged-release nicotinic acid with improved tolerability compared with previous formulations may have obvious advantages for use in this setting. Introduction Individuals with type 2 diabetes or the metabolic syndrome are at markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular mortality rates are more than two-fold higher in diabetic than non-diabetic individuals1,2, coronary heart disease (CHD) being the main cause of death3. The risk of any cardiovascular event, not infrequently in younger patients, is up to four times greater among diabetics and is also associated with greater mortality4. Moreover, there is evidence that individuals with diabetes and no history of myocardial infarction (MI) have the same risk of a major coronary event as non-diabetic individuals with a history of MI5, although this was not confirmed in all populations6,7. There is also clear evidence that the presence of metabolic syndrome itself confers an increased risk for development of diabetes, CHD and for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality8-13. Patients with the metabolic syndrome are nearly twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease, and their risk of MI and stroke is three-fold higher than normal14,15. Data from the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S)16, the Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS)16, as well as the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS)17 show that placebo-treated non-diabetic patients with characteristics of the metabolic syndrome had an increased risk of CHD of between 1.5- and 3.7-fold compared with patients who did not have the metabolic syndrome. Even individuals with only one or two characteristics associated with the metabolic syndrome were at significantly greater risk of CHD compared with unaffected individuals (hazard ratios 1.79 and 2.25, respectively)17. Data from WOSCOPS17 also showed that the presence of characteristics of the metabolic syndrome was associated with a 24.5-fold increased risk for diabetes compared with men with none. Additionally, the presence of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)17 and raised alanine aminotransferase levels18 were associated with an increased likelihood of CHD. Data from myocardial perfusion imaging studies, such as the Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) study19, showed that 20-30% of asymptomatic diabetic individuals had abnormal coronary perfusion studies indicative of silent ischaemia, thereby providing further evidence of the high cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes. Current treatment guidelines recognise the higher cardiovascular risk associated with type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines (NCEP ATPIII)20 identify diabetes as a CHD risk equivalent that warrants intensive risk factor management. In the European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention21, diabetes is a multiplier of risk score by two-fold in men and four-fold in women. The International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) Harmonized Clinical Guidelines22 recognise that diabetes is associated with a constellation of risk factors, all requiring attention. Furthermore, the NCEP ATPIII20 recognises the metabolic syndrome as a secondary target for risk reduction after lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Visceral (or intra-abdominal) adiposity i.e., increased accumulation of fat in the abdominal cavity, plays a major role in the development of both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk23. Thus, in the NCEP ATPIII criteria20 for metabolic syndrome obesity is based on assessment of waist circumference as this more closely reflects visceral adiposity than body mass index (BMI). Because of our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, the prevalence of visceral obesity has escalated markedly. As a result, both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome have increased dramatically and will continue to do so in the 21st century. Currently, it is estimated that over 150 million people in the world have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for more than 90% of cases. This figure is expected to double by 202524. Surveys (based on data collected nearly 10 years ago) report that the metabolic syndrome typically affects about 20-30% of middle-aged adults in the USA14,25, and 15% of asymptomatic non-diabetic adults in Europe26; prevalence rates are higher in individuals with clinical vascular disease27, as well as in older women28. In WOSCOPS, 26% of enrolled patients had the metabolic syndrome at baseline17. Hyperglycaemia is a key factor associated with the increased cardiovascular risk in both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome17. Thus, there is a clear consensus that clinicians are facing a pandemic of cardiovascular disease, due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, with serious implications for public health. Clearly, there is a need for comprehensive and aggressive clinical management. This consensus paper, authored by a panel of key opinion leaders in Europe, reviews evidence relating to cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and, arising from this, provides recommendations for new treatment strategies that may further reduce vascular risk in these patient groups. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome: clustering of cardiovascular risk factors Despite evidence from epidemiological studies that population hyperglycaemia corresponds with increased vascular risk29, elevated glucose and insulin concentrations are not the only or even main factors driving this phenomenon. While anti-diabetic treatment does reduce microvascular, and (for metformin), macrovascular complications, the burden of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients remains high, even when they manage to achieve good glycaemic control30. Both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are typically characterised by a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors including visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (in metabolic syndrome) and other cardiovascular abnormalities that promote CHD. The most widely adopted criteria for metabolic syndrome, published as part of the NCEP ATPIII guidelines20, highlight the association of abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and elevated blood pressure together with hyperglycaemia (see Table 1). The World Health Organization criteria for metabolic syndrome differ slightly by requiring obvious insulin resistance and microalbuminuria in association with other metabolic factors (see Table 1)31,32. A unifying definition of the metabolic syndrome will be published jointly by the International Diabetes Federation and NCEP later this year. Irrespective of which criteria are used, it is clear that individuals with metabolic syndrome have higher levels of most cardiovascular risk factors and are at greater risk of CHD than unaffected individuals". Moreover, this risk factor clustering predicts CHD, cardiovascular disease and total mortality more strongly than the sum of the individual elements12,15. Risk is therefore multiplicative rather than additive. Data from the EUROASPIRE II survey demonstrate the significance of CHD risk factor clustering in diabetic patients, specifically highlighting the association between obesity, in particular visceral obesity, elevated blood pressure and dyslipidaemia33. The aggregation of risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome also increases the prevalence of macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. In a cross-sectional study34, diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome had a higher prevalence of peripheral and coronary artery disease than those without these features. Moreover, an increase in the number of risk factors diagnostic of the metabolic syndrome resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion of patients with diabetic complications; in patients with none/one, two, three or four risk factors, the proportions with CHD were 36%, 44%, 52% and 60%, respectively. The co-existence of a number of cardiovascular risk factors implies the need for integrated cardiovascular risk management guidelines and screening to identify higher risk patients. Table 1. Definition of the metabolic syndrome Dyslipidaemia is now clearly established as the most important modifiable risk factor for CHD common to patients with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Analysis of data from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS)35 involving 2693 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who were followed for a median of 7.9 years, identified LDL-C and HDL-C as the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, more so than glycated haemoglobin (HbA^sup 1c^, a measure of glycaemic control), systolic blood pressure and smoking. Epidemiological data from the USA show that 80% of the adult population with diabetes have dyslipidaemia, as reflected by high levels of triglycerides (36%), low HDL-C (21%) and/or elevated LDL-C (59%)14. Common pattern of dyslipidaemia in diabetes and metabolic syndrome The dyslipidaemia common to both diabetes and metabolic syndrome is characterised by low plasma levels of HDL-C and elevated triglycerides. In the Botnia study15, which included 4483 men and women aged 35-70 years, (1697 with diabetes, 798 with abnormal fasting glucose and 1988 with normal glucose tolerance), the prevalence of low HDL-C (< 35 mg/dL [0.9 mmol/L] in men and < 40 mg/ dL [1.0 mmol/L] in women) and/or elevated plasma triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dL [1.7 mmol/L]) was substantially higher in individuals with diabetes (by up to three-fold) and abnormal fasting glucose (by up to two-fold), than in those with normal glucose tolerance (Figure 1). Dyslipidaemia was also more pronounced in women than in men. Data from the Prospective Cardiovascular Munster (PROCAM) Study and the UKPDS are consistent with these findings. Analysis of PROCAM data, including 3737 men aged 36-60 years, of whom 200 developed diabetes within the 4-10 year follow-up period, showed that diabetic men had 35% higher median triglyceride values, as well as 7% lower mean HDL-C levels compared with non-diabetic men (p < 0.001)36. Similarly, data from the UKPDS demonstrated that patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower plasma levels of HDL-C and elevated triglycerides at diagnosis, compared with a control group37. In the UKPDS, a reduced plasma HDL-C level was the second strongest cardiovascular risk factor after LDL-C35. There is also evidence of a change in HDL subfraction composition, specifically an increase in small, dense HDL, that has been shown to have impaired antioxidative activity38 as well as increased renal clearance. Figure 1. Prevalence of dyslipidaemia in adults with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance. Data from the Botnia Study15. Dyslipidaemia was defined as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 35mg/dL [0.9 mmol/L] in men and < 40 mg/ dL [1.0 mmol/L] in women and/or plasma triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/ dL [1.1 mmol/L] Figure 2. Mechanism of atheroprotective action of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Reproduced with permission from Barter (1999)43. LDL = low-density lipoprotein; MCP-1 = macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 Although plasma levels of LDL-C in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome are either normal or only modestly elevated, there is an increase in the number of small, dense LDL particles whose apolipoprotein B-100/LDL-C ratio is increased39-41. These small, dense LDL particles are thought to be highly atherogenic because of their increased susceptibility to oxidation and their greater ability to penetrate the arterial wall42. Together this dyslipidaemic profile - elevated triglycerides, low HDL-C and an increase in small, dense LDL particles - is referred to as the 'lipid triad.' Why is the lipid triad associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis? The risk of atherosclerosis is reflected in the balance between apolipoprotein B (apo B), the major protein component of cholesterol- rich LDL and very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL] particles, and apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), the main constituent of HDL. Apo B is linked to the transfer of cholesterol to the peripheral tissues, and is also associated with the assembly of triglycride- and cholesterol- rich lipoprotein particles. By contrast, apo A-I-containing HDL particles promote cholesterol efflux from peripheral cells and facilitate its transport to the liver for excretion. In addition, HDL may be atheroprotective because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant actions and its ability to normalise impaired endothelial function43 (Figure 2). Intravenous infusion of HDL has been shown to restore endothelial function in hypercholesterolaemic men44. Furthermore, direct infusion of recombinant apo A-I^sub Milano^ phospholipid liposomes into patients with acute coronary syndromes induced a reduction of 4.2% in atheroma volume within 5 weeks45 (compared with a reduction of 0.9% after 18 months intensive atorvastatin therapy in the Reversal of Atherosclerosis with Aggressive Lipid Lowering [REVERSAL] study46). Data from the Apolipoprotein-related Mortality Risk (AMORIS) study47 were among the very first to highlight the relative importance of apo B/apo A for identification of MI risk. Subsequently, the INTERHEART Study48, which assessed the relative importance of different risk factors for CHD in 52 countries worldwide, identified abnormal lipids - specifically the imbalance between atherogenic lipids (reflected in apo B) and atheroprotective lipids (as measured by apo A-I) - as the most important potentially modifiable predictors of MI. In patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance - a core feature of both conditions - increases breakdown of triglycrides in the fat cells, leading to increased plasma free fatty acid levels. This increased supply of free fatty acids to the liver raises triglyceride synthesis, promotes the secretion of large VLDL particles (mainly VLDL^sub 1^ particles)49 and may be a primary event in the development of visceral obesity, leading to hepatic insulin resistance50. The increased secretion of VLDL in turn leads to a rise in fasting and postprandial triglycerides and drives the transfer of triglyceride from VLDL to HDL in exchange for cholesteryl esters via the action of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)49. As a result, VLDL becomes more cholesterol-rich while HDL gains triglyceride and becomes susceptible to the lipolytic action of hepatic lipase, which turns it into smaller, denser particles38,49 less able to accept cholesterol for transfer to the liver and excretion from the body. These smaller particles are more rapidly catabolised and cleared by the kidney, further reducing plasma levels of HDL-C. The key action of CETP as a major determinant of the atherogenic lipoprotein profile in type 2 diabetes has been confirmed by ex vivo studies involving measurement of interlipoprotein cholesteryl ester flux41. CETP may also promote the transfer of triglycerides from VLDL to LDL in exchange for cholesteryl ester49; these triglyceride-rich cholesteryl ester-depleted LDL subsequently undergo lipolytic hydrolysis resulting in small, dense LDL particles, which are highly atherogenic because they are more liable to oxidation and more readily adhere to and subsequently invade the arterial wall. In addition, the reduced affinity of these small, dense LDL particles for the LDL receptor extends their lifetime in the plasma, again facilitating their likelihood of infiltrating the arterial wall and becoming deposited there. Similar processes occur with chylomicron remnants containing apo B-48; increased plasma accumulation of triglyceriderich remnants and exaggerated postprandial lipaemia are common features of patients with metabolic syndrome51. Together with the increased susceptibility of small, dense LDL to oxidation, these processes contribute to plaque formation. Thus, abnormalities in fat metabolism in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome lead to elevated triglycerides and low plasma levels of HDL-C, as well as increased atherogenicity of the circulating LDL particles. The co- existence of these three factors aggravates lipid accumulation in the arterial wall and the development of plaques. The endothelium plays a crucial role in the maintenance of normal cardiovascular system function52. Damage to the endothelium, such as that causedby oxidised LDL52,53, is one of the earliest processes in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Chronic postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia - as in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome - as well as age per se, induce endothelial damage, with oxidative stress the common mediator of this effect52,54,55. In addition, in type 2 diabetes, endothelial insulin resistance is a pathogenetic factor for premature atherosclerosis and promotion of expression of adhesion molecules. Moreover, the close association between endothelial dysfunction and inflammation perpetuates this process. Pro-inflammatory cytokines increase the binding of LDL to the endothelium56 and its subsequent translocation to the subendothelial space where it is taken up by macrophages to form foam cells. At the same time, oxidised LDL stimulates these foam cells to increase production of pro-inflammatory cytokines57. In addition, inflammation increases the secretion by macrophages of anti-fibrinolytic factors such as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)58-60, which in turn increase the extent and severity of cardiovascular events61. Implications for treatment of dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome Current treatment recommendations for the management of the dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome focus on statin therapy, in addition to dietary and lifestyle adaptation, even though plasma levels of LDL-C may be only slightly elevated in such patients20-22. The NCEP ATPIII20 recommends LDL-C lowering in addition to lifestyle changes, such as dietary modification (reduced intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, use of plant stanols and sterols), weight reduction and increased physical activity. Moderate weight loss (by 5-10%) combined with exercise significantly decreases triglyceride levels and increases HDL-C, and has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors62. Recommendations for statin therapy are based on data from major intervention studies, which showed that LDL-C lowering with a statin was effective in reducing CHD risk in patients with diabetes in both primary and secondary settings (Table 2)63-74. In fact, the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS)64, which specifically recruited patients with type 2 diabetes without high LDL-C (≤ 160 mg/dL [4.1 mmol/L]) or history of CHD, demonstrated a 37% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events with statin therapy. Table 2. Reduction in relative coronary heart disease (CHD) risk for all patients (diabetic and non-diabetic) and for diabetic patients treated with statins in major intervention trials Data from these studies consistently show that statin therapy gives a similar relative CHD risk reduction in diabetic patients as in the overall study populations. The absolute reduction in CHD risk was greater in patients at higher baseline cardiovascular risk, such as in 4S (60-70% of patients had a history of MI and baseline LDL-C was 186-189mg/dL [4.8-4.9 mmol/L])67-69, than in those with a lower baseline risk, such as in the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT-LLT)73, the Heart Protection Study (HPS)72 and CARDS64. Aggressive statin therapy, in addition to lifestyle modification, may provide early benefit in patients with diabetes. Subgroup analysis of the GREak Atorvastatin and CHD Evaluation Study (GREACE)75 involving 313 diabetic patients, showed that treatment with atorvastatin (mean daily dose 23.7 mg) in addition to usual clinical care reduced all-cause and CHD mortality and CHD morbidity by more than 50% compared with a control group (usual clinical care alone). Clinical benefits manifested as early as within 6 months of initiating treatment. Although there are few published data relating to the effect of statins on CHD risk in patients with characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, the available evidence from the Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) trial66 and the 4 S study69,76 shows a reduction in CHD risk at least comparable to that observed overall in these studies. In the CARE study66 in 342 patients without a history of diabetes who had an entry fasting glucose of 110-125 mg/ dL (6.1-7.0 mmol/L); treatment with pravastatin led to a 23% reduction in major coronary events, the same as in the overall study population and comparable with that observed in patients with diabetes. However, this same risk reduction translated into a greater number of events avoided as a consequence of higher baseline risk. In a recently published subgroup analysis of the 4S study76, LDL-C lowering with simvastatin reduced the relative risk of a major CHD event by 41% in patients with metabolic syndrome compared with 29% in patients without metabolic syndrome.There is no doubt that statin therapy significantly reduces CHD risk in patients with diabetes (and metabolic syndrome)64,72. Nevertheless, although diabetic patients gained as much relative benefit from statins as non-diabetic patients, treatment did not reduce their absolute risk to the same value as in non-diabetics. For example, subgroup analyses from the Heart Protection Study71,72 showed that the residual risk of a coronary event in diabetic patients remained twice that observed in non-diabetic patients treated with statins (1.48 vs. 0.75) (Table 3). These findings were consistent across all statin intervention studies irrespective of the nature of the statin. Importance of targeting other lipids The high level of residual risk in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome treated with statins highlights the need to target other lipids, specifically low HDL-C and elevated triglycerides77 characteristic of the atherogenic dyslipidaemia associated with both conditions. The NCEP ATPIII identifies non-HDL- C (LDL + VLDL cholesterol) as a secondary target for therapy in patients with high triglycerides (≥ 200 mg/dL [2.3 mmol/ L])20, and both the NCEP ATPIII guidelines20 and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations78 recognise HDL-C as a strong predictor of CHD risk. Therapeutic lipid goals in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, based on these guidelines and modified in accordance with recent trial evidence79, are summarised in Table 4. Table 3. Risk of a major coronary event; subgroup analysis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) alone and CHD and diabetes based on data from the Heart Protection Study71,72 Table 4. Therapeutic lipid goals (mg/dL [mmol/L]) based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel IIP20 and recommendations of the American Diabetes Association78, modified in accordance with recent trial experience79 While statins are effective in reducing plasma levels of LDL-C, they have only modest effects on reducing triglycerides (by 15-35%) and raising HDL-C (typically by less than 10%)20, even with aggressive statin therapy46,80. The Steno type 2 (Steno-2) study81 used a combination of lifestyle intervention and multiple targeted and individually-tailored drug therapy, including intensive statin treatment, to reduce cardiovascular risk. While there was a 53% reduction in the relative risk of cardiovascular events, as well as a significant increase in the proportion of diabetic patients who achieved LDL-C treatment goals (70% vs. 20% in patients treated with conventional therapy, p < 0.001], there was little change in the proportion of patients who achieved triglyceride treatment goals (58% vs. 43%, p = 0.19). Clearly there is a need to target low HDL- C and elevated triglycerides, both of which are usually inadequately managed by statins. HDL-C is clearly established as an independent and predictive risk factor for CHD in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals82. Data from the UKPDS35 and other observational studies demonstrate that HDL-C is a major component of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients and could even be the most consistent predictor of CHD in patients with type 2 diabetes. The beneficial effect of raising HDL- C on clinical outcome has already been demonstrated by a number of studies including the Veterans Affairs HDL Intervention Trial (VA- HIT)83 and the Helsinki Heart Study84. Analysis of data from VA-HIT showed that the reduction in coronary events with gemfibrozil was greater in patients with insulin resistance (both diabetic and non- diabetic) than in those without insulin resistance85. Moreover, the benefit of HDL-C raising associated with gemfibrozil treatment in VA- HIT83 compared favourably with that observed in primary and secondary prevention studies involving statin therapy63-65,67,70,86 (Figure 3). Older data from a subgroup of patients in the Helsinki Heart Study with many features of the metabolic syndrome (BMI > 26 kg/ m^sup 2^, high triglycerides > 220 mg/dL [2.5 mmol/L] and low HDL- C) showed that gemfibrozil reduced cardiovascular events by 55% compared with placebo87. The results of a recent study88 investigating the atherogenicity of LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides in 750 CHD patients (with normal fasting glucose [n = 272], impaired fasting glucose [n = 314] or type 2 diabetes [n = 164]) are consistent with findings from VA-HIT and further highlight the importance of raising HDL-C in patients with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Factor analysis again identified HDL as the key player in generating vascular risk. Overall, the HDL-factor (HDL-C, apo A-I and LDL particle diameter) but not the LDL-factor (total cholesterol, LDL- C, apo B-100) was associated with the presence of significant coronary stenosis. These data highlight the importance of low HDL-C (and to a lesser extent the lipid triad) in the development of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with insulin resistance as in type 2 diabetes. Raising HDL-C is important in increasing reverse cholesterol transport; lowering triglycerides and increasing LDL particle size may also be as important to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes. Figure 3. Clinical benefit associated with raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in major statin intervention studies63-65,67,70,86 compared with the Veterans Affairs HDL Intervention Trial (VA-HIT)83 Taken together, the available data suggest that a combination of lipid-modifying therapy aimed at LDL-C reduction (with a statin), as well as raising HDL-C and reducing triglycerides, is an important strategy to further reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Alternative treatments for raising HDL-C and reducing triglycerides There is consensus20,22,89-91 that the minimum HDL-C goal in patients at high cardiovascular risk should be 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/ L); recent guidelines recommend that target levels should be at least 10 mg/dL (0.26 mmol/L) higher in women78,92. Many physicians would aspire to an even higher target since these two goals barely represent the HDL-C value of the average population14. Lifestyle modification such as losing weight and physical exercise is important93. The effect of these interventions is well established, and more pronounced in individuals with elevated triglycerides and low levels of HDL-C (as in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes). Weight loss, in particular, is an effective intervention for raising HDL-C in overweight/obese individuals, including those with characteristics of the metabolic syndrome94,95, and should be encouraged and sustained. However, in order to achieve the required HDL-C targets in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome and low plasma levels of HDL-C, therapeutic agents capable of raising HDL-C by 20-30%, in addition to lifestyle intervention, are frequently required. There are a number of agents that both raise HDL-C and lower triglycrides, which could potentially be used in combination with a statin. These include the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists (α and γ] and nicotinic acid. Other agents that act specifically to lower triglycerides (such as ezetimibe or omega 3 fatty acids) or raise HDL-C (such as CETP inhibitors, currently undergoing preliminary clinical investigation), but do not act on both HDL-C and triglycerides, are beyond the focus of this paper. PPARα agonists Fibrates, the progenitor PPARα agonist, have been shown to reduce serum triglycerides by 20-50% and LDL-C by 5-20%96 although effects on raising HDL-C are more modest, typically in the region of 10-15%97, depending on lipid phenotype and baseline concentration96. Findings from a recent meta-analysis including data from 53 trials using fibrates are consistent with these findings, reporting an increase in HDL-C of 10% and reduction in triglycerides and LDL-C of 36% and 8%, respectively98. There is some evidence that fibrates may decrease plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels in nondiabetic patients with hypercholesterolaemia99, although further data are needed to confirm this finding. Recent data from the Bezafibrate Infarct Prevention Study show that this fibrate prevents the development of type 2 diabetes; however, data from other agents are currently lacking100. The clinical benefits of raising HDL-C and lowering triglycerides with fibrate therapy in patients with diabetes have been established in VA-HIT83,85 and the Diabetes Atherosclerosis Intervention Study (DAIS)101; furthermore, fibrates may have a potential role in the treatment of metabolic syndrome102. Patients included in VA-HIT had a high prevalence of characteristics of the metabolic syndrome; 50% had high triglycerides (> 150 mg/dL [1.7 mmol/L]), 75% had low HDL- C (< 35 mg/dL [0.9 mmol/L]), 57% had hypertension, 25% had diabetes and 13% had impaired fasting glucose103. Treatment with gemfibrozil for 5 years reduced non-fatal MI and CHD death by 22% (p = 0.006); moreover, treatment was more effective in patients with hyperinsulinaemia and diabetes85. In DAIS, patients with type 2 diabetes treated with fenofibrate for 3 years exhibited reduced angiographic progression of localised coronary stenoses and also tended to have fewer cardiovascular events101. Recent meta-analysis (including studies in patients with type 2 diabetes as well as patients with a range of dyslipidaemias), has demonstrated that fibrates reduce the risk for major coronary events by 25%98. However, there are limited clinical data relating to the combination of a fibrate and a statin. In one study, the combination of rosuvastatin and fenofibrate produced significantly greater reduction in triglycerides than either agent alone, although there was no additive benefit in HDL-C raising with the combination104. In contrast, other studies showed a beneficial effect of statin- fibrate combination therapy105, although as yet there are no published outcome data. Side effects associated with the combination of gemfibrozil and a statin may be a particular issue105,106, although fenofibrate and bezafibrate do not appear to carry this concern. Additionally, whether the fibrates have any effect on glycaemic control has yet to be established (although clinical experience shows that reducing levels of serum fatty acids reduces insulin resistance and in turn improves glycaemic control). PPARγ agonists PPARγ agonists such as the thiazolidinediones rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are oral anti-diabetic drugs, and offer potential for the treatment of abnormalities in both glucose and lipid metabolism. These agents improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as having variable effects on the lipid profile. Summary analysis based on data from 19 placebo-controlled studies showed that treatment with pioglitazone was associated with 18.7% reduction in triglycerides and 9.9% increase in HDL-C, although rosiglitazone produced an overall increase in triglycerides (by 4.4%) and only raised HDL-C by 5.2%107. There is also a frequent tendency for PPARα agonists to induce an increase in LDL-C93,96. Newer glitazones such as ragaglitazar may have greater efficacy in raising HDL-C and reducing triglycerides108. Additionally, the thiazolidinediones have a range of anti- inflammatory properties that may contribute to an improved cardiovascular risk profile in patients with type 2 diabetes and potentially oppose the progression of atherosclerosis109. For example, treatment with rosiglitazone for 26 weeks has been shown to reduce plasma levels of CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as reducing levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, suggesting that treatment may help to stabilise atherosclerotic plaques from rupture, as well as countering the inflammatory processes associated with the early stages of atherosclerosis110. In addition, thiazolidinedione treatment can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in obese, non-diabetic individuals111. Thus, binding to the PPARγ receptor, which is found in fat and muscle tissue, not only mediates the anti-diabetic effects of the thiazolidinediones but is also implicated in the anti-inflammatory actions of these agents109. Although the thiazolidinediones may offer potential for preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications, the extent to which these putative benefits can translate into improved outcome for patients has yet to be established. Finally, the safety and tolerability of these agents in combination with a statin have yet to be evaluated. Nicotinic acid Nicotinic acid is the most potent agent available for raising plasma levels of HDL-C [by up to 29% at clinically recommended doses112), as well as substantially lowering triglycerides and LDL- C. In a recent meta-analysis98, the extent of HDL-C raising with nicotinic acid (all formulations] was 1.6-fold that reported for fibrates. Nicotinic acid was also slightly more effective in reducing LDL-C and slightly less effective in lowering triglycerides than fibrates98. In addition, nicotinic acid favourably alters the LDL composition, shifting the subclass distribution of LDL from small, dense particles to larger, more buoyant (and potentially less atherogenic) particles, as well as enhancing the cardioprotective larger HDL particles113-116. Nicotinic acid is also the most potent lipid-lowering agent available that reduces Lp(a)115-117, an independent marker of cardiovascular risk118. Recent research has established the mechanism of action of nicotinic acid on HDL-C and other plasma lipoproteins119-121. Nicotinic acid inhibits catabolism of apo A-I in the liver while preserving uptake and transport of cholesterol esters in the liver, thereby prolonging the half-life of HDL particles. In addition, nicotinic acid inhibits lipolysis in adipocytes and triglyceride synthesis. These effects lead to a decrease in output of triglyceriderich lipoproteins by the liver as well as an increase in HDL-C122. Experimental studies123,124 have shown that the anti- lipolytic effects of nicotinic acid appear to be mediated by a nicotinic acid receptor in vivo, which may potentially represent a new therapeutic target in the future125. Nicotinic acid also inhibits oxidation of LDL-C, one of the critical early steps contributing to atherosclerosis, as well as reducing vascular inflammation (as indicated by a reduction in CRP levels), thereby improving endothelial function126. Studies have shown that nicotinic acid appears to activate nuclear transcription factors such as PPARγ, possibly via prostaglandin metabolism, and this may in part explain its anti-inflammatory effects127. Furthermore, treatment with nicotinic acid has been shown to reduce plasma fibrinogen levels113,128 (an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events) and potentiate fibrinolysis, as shown by a reduction in PAI-1 activity129 and expression130. Meta-analysis based on data from 30 studies using a range of different nicotinic acid formulations demonstrated an overall 27% reduction in the risk of major coronary events98. Clinical outcome data have also demonstrated the benefits of nicotinic acid therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. The Coronary Drug Project was a prospective study that evaluated the effect of five different lipidmodifying regimens on the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality in 8341 men with previous MI. Treatment with nicotinic acid (average daily dose 2g) for 6 years reduced total cholesterol by 10% and triglycerides by 26% (HDL-C was not measured). These changes were associated with reductions in non- fatal MI and cerebrovascular events of 26% (p < 0.005) and 24% (p < 0.05) compared with placebo131. Follow-up 9 years after the end of the study demonstrated a significant absolute reduction in mortality in patients treated with nicotinic acid (11% vs. placebo, p < 0.001)132. Furthermore, recently published data suggested a greater reduction in non-fatal MI (by 57%) in patients with the highest fasting blood glucose (≥ 126 mg/dL [7.0 mmol/L])133 (Figure 4). Additional data from the Coronary Drug Project suggest that the clinical benefits of nicotinic acid in patients with the metabolic syndrome were at least similar to those in patients without the metabolic syndrome134, although further details of this analysis are required. Clinical studies have investigated the potential of nicotinic acid in combination with clofibrate, colestipol and statin therapy. In the Stockholm Ischaemic Heart Disease Secondary Prevention Study135 in 555 post-infarct patients, combination treatment with nicotinic acid and clofibrate reduced total cholesterol by 13% and triglycerides by 19% (HDL-C was not measured) and significantly reduced total and CHD mortality by 26% (p < 0.05) and 36% (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with a control group. In the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS)136 in 120 patients with established CHD and apo B levels ≥ 125 mg/dL, combination drug therapy (nicotinic acid and colestipol, a bile acid sequestrant) plus dietary counselling for 2.5 years was associated with a 43% increase in HDL-C and a 32% decrease in LDL-C, compared with only negligible lipid changes in the conventional treatment group (dietary counselling and placebo or use of colestipol). This combination also produced atherosclerotic regression in a significantly higher proportion of patients compared with conventional treatment (39% vs. 11%, p < 0.005), and, although not powered to compare clinical outcome, led to a 73% reduction in event rates (death, MI or revascularisation for worsening symptoms). Figure 4. In the Coronary Drug Project, the greatest reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) with nicotinic acid was associated with increased fasting blood glucose. Adapted with permission from Canner et al. (2005)133 Combination nicotinic acid/statin therapy Combining nicotinic acid and a statin would be a logical approach to therapy as it addresses the metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome89; nicotinic acid raises HDL-C by about 25% at clinically recommended doses114, as well as substantially reducing triglycerides, and the statin effectively lowers LDL-C. Studies have shown that addition of nicotinic acid (1- 2 g daily) to primary statin therapy produces additional lipid- modifying benefit137,138. In a recently published study, the combination of prolonged-release nicotinic acid and lovastatin (1 g/ 20mg) produced LDL-C lowering of 32% as well as HDL-C raising of 17%; moreover, nicotinic acid 2 g (the maximum clinically recommended dose) and lovastatin 20 mg gave LDL-C lowering of 39% and HDL-C raising of 25% (Figure 5)139. Figure 5. Changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with the combination of prolonged-release nicotinic acid and lovastatin. Data from Insull et al. (2004)139 The clinical benefits of nicotinic acid/statin combination therapy are indicated by the HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS)140. Treatment with simvastatin (mean daily dose 13 6 mg) and nicotinic acid (mean daily dose (2.4 2.0 g) led to a 26% increase in HDL-C, 38% reduction in triglycerides and 42% reduction in LDL- C. These lipid changes were associated with a 90% fall in the frequency of major coronary events compared with placebo (p = 0.03) in patients with CHD, as well as significant angiographie regression of stenosis by 0.4% on average, compared with progression of 3.9% on placebo (p < 0.001). Recently reported results from the Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol (ARBITER 2) study141, the first atherosclerosis progression study performed with prolonged-release nicotinic acid, provide further support for the atheroprotective effect of the combination of prolonged-release nicotinic acid (final daily dose 1 g) and an efficacious dose of simvastatin in 167 patients with established CHD and low HDL-C (< 45 mg/dL [1.2 mmol/L]), 27% of whom had type 2 diabetes and over 50% of whom had features of the metabolic syndrome. In this double-blind, randomised study, patients were allocated to treatment with nicotinic acid or placebo in addition to background statin therapy. The primary endpoint of the study was the change in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), as assessed by B- mode ultrasonography, a recognised and valid surrogate cardiovascular endpoint142. After 12 months, patients treated with nicotinic acid in addition to a statin had a 21% increase in HDL-C and a 13% decrease in triglycerides, and these lipid changes arrested the progression of carotid intima-media thickening (CIMT change 0.014 0.104, p = 0.23). By contrast, patients treated with statin and placebo had no change in HDL-C and a 5% decrease in triglycerides, associated with a statistically significant increase in mean CIMT (0.044 0.100 mm, p < 0.001), indicative of marked progression of atherosclerosis (Figure 6). Although the study was not powered to evaluate treatment effects on clinical outcomes, clinical cardiovascular events occurred in 3.8% of patients treated with the combination of nicotinic acid and a statin compared with 9.6% of patients treated with statin alone (p = 0.20)141. A further study143 demonstrated the potential for further impact on progression of coronary stenosis with more aggressive raising of HDL-C levels. In this small study (n = 143), patients with CHD and low plasma levels of HDL-C (< 35mg/dL [0.9 mmol/L]) were treated with nicotinic acid (mean daily dose 2.5 1.0g) in combination with gemfibrozil 600 mg daily and cholestyramine (mean daily dose 8.4 6.2 g) (in addition to intensive dietary and lifestyle intervention). After 30 months, this combination treatment led to a 36% increase in HDL-C and decreases of 50% in triglycerides and 26% in LDL-C, and was associated with reduction in angiographic coronary stenosis (by 0.8%) compared with an increase of 1.4% in the control group (no drug therapy) (p < 0.05). Although conclusive evidence of the benefit of raising HDL-C with nicotinic acid in addition to a statin will have to await an adequately powered, large outcome study, data from these studies140,141,143 are very encouraging preliminary data for the validity of such an approach to cardiovascular prevention. Figure 6. Treatment with prolonged-release (PR) nicotinic acid (1 g daily) in combination with a statin produced significant slowing of progression of atherosclerosis, as assessed by carotid intima- media thickness (CIMT), in the Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol (ARBITER) 2 study. Data are given as mean (standard error of the mean [SEM]). Reproduced with permission from Taylor et al. (2004)141 Currently, there is no clear consensus as to which is the most appropriate statin for use in combination with nicotinic acid. It is worth noting that a fixed combination tablet of prolonged-release nicotinic acid and lovastatin (available in doses of 500/20 mg and 1000/20 mg) is now available in the USA; however, as lovastatin is not universally available, simvastatin may be a more appropriate choice for combination with nicotinic acid. Is nicotinic acid safe in diabetic patients? Given the potential for complementary therapeutic benefit, the opinion of this Panel is that the addition of nicotinic acid to primary statin therapy would be a useful strategy in patients with type 2 diabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome. However, until recently, there has been caution about the use of nicotinic acid in diabetic patients in clinical practice due to perceptions that treatment may potentially worsen glycaemic control144. Data from two recent studies have clarified this issue. The Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial (ADMIT)112, which included a subgroup of 125 patients with diabetes (as defined by a history of diabetes treated by diet or medication, or HbA^sub 1c^ > 7%), showed that crystalline (immediate-release) nicotinic acid 2-3 g daily significantly improved diabetic dyslipidaemia (increasing HDL-C by 29% and decreasing triglycerides and LDL-C by 23% and 8%, respectively) without any significant deterioration in glycaemic control. Additionally, there was no significant change in the use of insulin and antidiabetic agents during the study in patients treated with nicotinic acid compared with placebo. More recently, data from the Assessment of Diabetes Control and Evaluation of the Efficacy of Niaspan Trial (ADVENT)145, involving 97 patients with stable type 2 diabetes (mean baseline HbA^sub 1c^ 7.2% and fasting glucose 138 mg/dL [7.7 mmol/L]) treated with prolongedrelease nicotinic acid 1 g or 1.5 g daily for 16 weeks, confirmed these findings. Treatment with nicotinic acid led to dose- related increases in HDL-C (13-19% with 1 g and 22-24% with 1.5 g) and decreases in triglycerides (by up to 36% with 1.5 g). At the end of the study, there were no differences between the treatment groups with respect to mean fasting glucose levels, no clinically relevant changes in HbA^sub 1c^ and no significant differences among the groups in the percentage of patients requiring adjustment of the dose of insulin and/or oral antidiabetic medication. Furthermore, analysis of data from the Coronary Drug Project, involving patients with a fasting plasma glucose level > 100 mg/dL (5.5mmol/L) (about 40% of the study population), showed that although fasting and 1-hour glucose increased slightly but statistically significantly in patients treated with nicotinic acid compared with the placebo group, there were no statistically significant differences at the end of the study in the percentage of patients who were newly prescribed insulin (1.3% vs. 0.9% on placebo) or oral hypoglycaemic agents (4.3% vs. 4.6% on placebo)133. Although the number of patients included in both studies was limited, the available evidence relating to the use of nicotinic acid in diabetic patients is reassuring. Consequently, in view of these data, the 2004 ADA recommendations for dyslipidaemia management in adults with diabetes, emphasise that: 'Low doses of nicotinic acid (≤ 2g/day) may not have much of a detrimental effect on glycaemic control; and any deterioration may be easily remediable by adjustment of hypoglycaemic medications78.' Thus, the overall consensus of this Panel, based on the available data, is that nicotinic acid at clinically recommended doses (≤ 2g/ day) is an acceptable treatment option in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as in patients with metabolic syndrome at high CHD risk. Formulation changes improve tolerability Flushing is one of the most common side effects with nicotinic acid therapy, occurring in up to 70-80% of patients. This effect is attributable to the metabolism of nicotinic acid via the conjugation pathway, resulting in nicotinuric acid, which is associated with prostaglandinmediated vasodilation115. As the immediate-release formulation of nicotinic acid is predominantly metabolised via this pathway, this treatment is associated with a high rate of flushing. Conversely, sustainedrelease nicotinic acid is preferentially metabolised via the nicotinamide pathway, and is associated with significantly increased risk of hepatotoxicity115. The availability of a once-daily prolonged-release formulation of nicotinic acid, in which nicotinic acid is absorbed over an 8-12 hour period leading to more balanced metabolism, offers safety and tolerability advantages over earlier nicotinic acid formulations, as discussed extensively in a previous position paper8'1, as well as in recent reviews93,134. While flushing is still the major side effect of treatment, data from a head-to-head comparison of prolonged- release and immediate-release nicotinic acid showed that there were significantly fewer flushing episodes per patient with the prolonged- release preparation compared with the immediate-release preparation146. Moreover, with time, tolerance to this effect does develop98. To further minimise the risk of flushing, clinicians should advise their patients to take their treatment after a low- fat snack at bedtime and to avoid hot drinks, spicy food and alcohol prior to dosing. The possibility of taking aspirin or a non- steroidal antiinflammatory drug to attenuate flushing has also been suggested93. Considerable elevation of liver function enzymes is also avoided with prolonged-release nicotinic acid. An overview of data from clinical trials, as well as postmarketing experience, indicate a very low incidence of elevated liver function enzymes with prolonged- release nicotinic acid, either alone or in combination with a statin (< 1%)134, and no increase in the incidence of myopathy (when used in combination with a statin) compared with statin therapy alone134. In HATS, patients who received the combination of immediaterelease nicotinic acid and simvastatin (mean daily doses 2.4 g and 13 mg, respectively) for 3 years, showed no significant difference in the frequency of clinical or laboratory side effects compared with placebo147. Nevertheless, clinicians are advised to monitor for evidence of skeletal muscle myopathy, as well as for changes in liver function, measuring liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase at initiation, after 6 weeks of therapy and every 4-6 months thereafter93. Increases in uric acid and/or precipitation of gout have been reported with some nicotinic acid formulations134; however, data from the ADVENT study145 showed no significant differences in uric acid levels between patients treated with prolonged-release nicotinic acid 1-1.5 g daily or placebo at any time point during the study. As a precaution, however, uric acid levels should be monitored at regular intervals in patients treated with prolonged-release nicotinic acid, particularly in patients with gout. Readers are referred to the manufacturer's product information for complete information relating to contraindications and precautions for use of prolonged-release nicotinic acid. Recommendations for potential new treatment strategies Compelling data show that the prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome is escalating dramatically. Given the increased cardiovascular risk associated with these conditions, this European Consensus Panel views aggressive reduction of CHD risk as a priority in clinical management. Current treatment guidelines20-22,78 recognise the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and highlight the statins, in addition to dietary and lifestyle intervention, as the foundation of lipid- modifying in these patients. However, while there is no doubt that statins are effective in patients with diabetes (although there is less evidence in patients with metabolic syndrome), there remains a high level of residual vascular risk. Clearly, there is a need to target other lipids, particularly the low HDL-C, elevated triglycerides and increase in small, dense LDL characteristic of the atherogenic dyslipidaemia associated with both diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The combination of a statin (which targets LDL-C) with another treatment specifically targeting HDL-C and triglycerides would be a logical strategy to optimise cardiovascular risk reduction. The current evidence base supports that the use of combination therapy with a statin and nicotinic acid or a fibrate, in addition to diet and lifestyle intervention, may further reduce cardiovascular risk. Nicotinic acid is the more potent agent for increasing HDL-C; it also substantially lowers triglycrides and LDL- C, as well as promoting a shift in LDL composition from small, dense particles, characteristic of the dyslipidaemia associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, to larger more buoyant (and potentially less atherogenic) LDL particles. Thus, the available evidence indicates that prolonged-release nicotinic acid in combination with a statin would be a useful treatment strategy. Clinical trial data support the potential of this combination in patients with diabetes and (to a lesser extent) metabolic syndrome. Data have shown that this combination reduced the frequency of major coronary events and was useful in slowing of progression of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by reduced CIMT progression rates. Recent studies have clarified that nicotinic acid may be used safely in diabetic patients without any clinically relevant deterioration in glycaemic control. In fact, treatment recommendations produced by the ADA in 200478 state that nicotinic acid (≤ 2 g/day) is a suitable treatment for use in combination with a statin, with any deterioration in glycaemic control easily remediable by adjustment of hypoglycaemic medications. The overall consensus of this Panel is that nicotinic acid combined with a statin is an acceptable treatment option in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome considered at high CHD risk. 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Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Care2001;24:683-9 16. Girman CJ, Rhodes T, Mercuri M, et al. The metabolic syndrome and risk of major coronary events in the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S) and the Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS/TexCAPS). Am J Cardiol 2004;93:136-41 17. Sattar N, Gaw A, Scherbakova O, et al. Metabolic syndrome with and without C-reactive protein as a predictor of coronary heart disease and diabetes in the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study. Circulation 2003;108:414-9 18. Sattar N, Scherbakova O, Ford I, et al. Elevated alanine amino-transferase predicts new-onset type 2 diabetes independently of classical risk factors, metabolic syndrome, and C-reactive protein in the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study. Diabetes 2004;53:2855-60 19. Wackers FJTh, Young LH, Inzucchi SE, et al. Detection of silent myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic diabetic subjects. Diabetes Care 2004;27:1954-61 20. Executive Summary of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA 2001;285: 2486-97 21. De Backer G, Ambrosioni E, Borch-Johnsen K, et al. European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. Third Joint Task Force of European and other Societies on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice. Executive Summary. Eur Heart J 2003;24:1601-10 22. International Atherosclerosis Society. Harmonized clinical guidelines on prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Available from http://www.athero.org [Last accessed 10 Feb 2005] 23. Van Gaal L, Rillaerts E, Creten W, et al. Relationship of body fat distribution pattern to atherogenic risk factors in NIDDM. Preliminary results. Diabetes Care 1988;11:103-6 24. Zimmet P, Alberti KGMM, Shaw J. Global and societal implications of the diabetes epidemic. Nature 2001;414: 782-7 25. Meigs JB, Wilson PWF, Nathan DM, et al. Prevalence and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in the San Antonio Heart and Framingham Offspring Studies. Diabetes 2003;52:2160-7 26. Hu G, Qiao Q, Tuomilehto J, et al. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its relation to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in nondiabetic European men and women. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:1066-76 27. Gorter PM, Olijhoek JK, van der Graaf Y, et al. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Atherosclerosis 2004;173: 363-9 28. Lawlor DA, Ebrahim S, Davey Smith G. The metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease in older women: findings from the British Women's Heart and Health Study. Diabet Med 2004;21:906-13 29. Krentz AJ. Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: do they share common antecedents? Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2002;2:370-8 30. Intensive blood-glucose control with sulphonylureas or insulin compared with conventional treatment and risk of complication in patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 33). UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Group. Lancet 1998;352:837-53 31. Alberti KG, Zimmet PZ. Definition, diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Part I: Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus, provisional report of a WHO consultation. Diabet Med 1998;15:539-53 32. Balkau B, Charles MA. Comment on the provisional report from the WHO consultation. European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR). Diabet Med 1999;16:442-3 33. Pyorala K, Lehto S, De Bacquer D, et al. Risk factor management in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with coronary heart disease. Findings from the EUROASPIRE I and II surveys. Diabetologia 2004;47:1257-65 34. Costa LA, Canani LH, Lisboa HR, et al. Aggregation of features of the metabolic syndrome is associated with increased prevalence of chronic complications in type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med 2004;21:252-5 35. Turner RC, Millns H, Neil HAW, et al. Risk factors for coronary artery dise Sun, 12 Jun 2005 15:36:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nicotinic-acid-in-the-management-of-dyslipidaemia-associated-with-diabetes-and-metabolic-syndrome- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ttraditional-indian-medicine-herb-salacia-oblonga-may-help-treat-diabetes Ttraditional Indian medicine, herb Salacia oblonga may help treat diabetesSource: www.free-press-release.comtraditional Indian medicine, herb Salacia oblonga may help treat diabetes Posted By: News-Medical in Medical Study News Published: Tuesday, 8-Feb-2005 Printer Friendly Email to a Friend : : : : Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports. Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results were promising. The largest dose of the herb extract – 1,000 milligrams – decreased insulin and blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively. : : "These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with prescription oral medications for people with diabetes," said Steve Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of nutrition at Ohio State University. : : Salacia oblonga, which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. These enzymes, called alpha-glucosidases, turn carbohydrates into glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a carbohydrate, then less glucose gets into the blood stream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels. : : "Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of disease-related complications in people with diabetes," Hertzler said. "Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as opposed to a pill." : : The study appears in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. : : Thirty-nine healthy adults participated in four separate meal tolerance tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form, were spaced three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for at least 10 hours before consuming the test beverage. : : Participants were asked to drink about two cups' worth of the chilled beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000 milligrams of Salacia oblonga extract. Afterward, the researchers used the finger-prick method to draw blood samples from each person every 15 to 30 minutes for three hours. These blood samples were used to determine insulin and blood glucose concentrations. Sun, 12 Jun 2005 15:25:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ttraditional-indian-medicine-herb-salacia-oblonga-may-help-treat-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-testing-ginsengs-ability-to-fend-off-diabetes Doctors testing ginseng's ability to fend off diabetesSource: www.news-leader.comA fabled ancient remedy could soon become a new diabetes-prevention therapy. Doctors at Washington University are testing ginseng, a root long used in traditional Asian medicine, to see if it can head off diabetes in overweight adults.Within a year, about 10 percent of adults in the U.S. will have diabetes and about 60 percent of them will have pre-diabetes — higher than normal blood sugar. But studies of animals suggest ginseng may fight insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.Insulin signals cells to take in sugars and burn them for energy. When cells ignore insulin's message, the body churns out more insulin, which causes the liver to release fats that interfere with insulin receptors. That escalates the need for insulin."And where does it all end? Well, the pancreas eventually poops out," said Dr. David L. Katz of Yale University's School of Public Health.The result is diabetes.Ginseng has been used in Asia for about 2,000 years to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes, said Dr. Dominic Reeds, an instructor in medicine at Washington University.He and others are testing the root and one of its ingredients to see if it can improve the body's response to insulin in overweight people who have pre-diabetes. Both the whole ginseng extract and the ginsenoside alone lowered blood sugar in mice.But for all the promise of animal studies, clinical trials of ginseng have failed to improve insulin sensitivity in patients who already have diabetes, said Dr. Chun-Su Yuan, director of the Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research at the University of Chicago. It remains to be seen whether the plant can stop diabetes before it develops, he said. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 22:26:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doctors-testing-ginsengs-ability-to-fend-off-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-anti-tumour-responses-were-noted-in-several-patients- Hyaluronic Acid - anti-tumour responses were noted in several patients.Source: www.medadnews.coma biotechnology company developing new cancer therapies, today announced that the results from two of its Phase I clinical trials were published in the latest edition of Chemotherapy.The paper ‘Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Intravenous Hyaluronic Acid in Combination with Doxorubicin or 5-Fluorouracil’, describes the Phase I study of two HyACT™ drugs, HyDOX™ and HyFIVE™. Patients treated in these studies suffered from no unexpected adverse reactions, demonstrating that hyaluronic acid (HA) could be safely administered in combination with commonly used anti-cancer drugs. Although demonstration of efficacy was not the primary objective, anti-tumour responses were noted in several patients.Chemotherapy is an international cancer journal publishing research and clinical studies on innovative anti-cancer drugs with specific focus on the efficacy, toxicity and interaction of these drugs. Papers selected for the journal offer data about new drugs in single and combined applications in the treatment of cancer.“The publication of clinical trial results of two of our drugs in a peer reviewed journal validates the scientific and clinical aspects of our platform technology,” said Meditech’s Research Director, Associate Professor Tracey Brown. “To demonstrate that we could safely administer high doses of HA intravenously to patients was a critical step in the development of our HA-based drug formulations.”“Publications like this are a key component of our strategic objective to raise international awareness of our technology platform ,” said Dr Ian Nisbet, Meditech’s Chief Executive Officer.An abstract of the article can be viewed at www.karger.com/che; reference Vol. 51, No. 2-3, 2005.A Quarterly Investor Update teleconference has been scheduled for Wednesday, 8th June 2005 at 11.30am (AEST). For information about how to participate in the call, or for more information about the company please visit www.mrl.com.au.About MeditechMeditech is an Australian biotechnology company focused on developing and commercialising drugs that improve the health and quality of life of patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. The company has internationally recognised expertise in carbohydrate-based therapies, particularly products based upon the glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid. Building on this expertise, Meditech has created its patented HyACTTM (Hyaluronic Acid Chemotransport Technology) platform which it is applying to the development of improved formulations of cancer drugs. The lead product from the HyACT™ platform is HyCAMP™. In addition to HyCAMPTM, Meditech has taken the anti-cancer products HyDOXTM (doxorubicin and hyaluronic acid) and HyFIVETM (5-fluorouracil and hyaluronic acid) into clinical testing.About HyCAMPTMHyCAMPTM is Meditech’s proprietary formulation of irinotecan (Camptosar®) with hyaluronic acid, which is currently in Phase II clinical testing in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. It has previously been tested in a 12-patient, uncontrolled Phase I study, the interim results of which were presented at the 29th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in October 2004. Although the number of patients in the Phase I study was not sufficient to draw any firm conclusions, treatment with HyCAMPTM showed a trend towards improved safety with maintained efficacy.HyCAMPTM is the subject of a development and commercialisation agreement with Danish company Novozymes Biopolymer A/S. Novozymes Biopolymer is a 100% owned subsidiary of Novozymes A/S, the biotech-based world leader in enzymes and microorganisms. With its head office in Denmark, Novozymes employs more than 3,900 people in 30 countries. (For further company information visit Novozymes on the Internet at www.novozymes.com.) Under this agreement, Meditech and Novozymes are collaborating in the development of advanced formulations of HyCAMPTM. In addition, Novozymes is providing funding for the Phase II clinical study. Meditech has the right to commercialise intellectual property arising from the collaboration in the fields of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, while Novozymes has the commercialisation rights for cosmetics and nutraceuticals. For products developed under this agreement, Novozymes will be the exclusive supplier of hyaluronic acid. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 22:24:55 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-anti-tumour-responses-were-noted-in-several-patients- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/krabbes-therapy-shows-promise Krabbe's therapy shows promiseSource: Althealth NewsWatching her infant daughter die of Krabbe's disease was horrifyingAt first, the baby cried all the time. Then, LeA Gartzke gagged on her milk - throwing up everything she consumed. Unable to eat, the Shorewood child rapidly began to lose weight, requiring doctors to insert a stomach tube.Soon after, the seizures began, sending her body into spasms, stiffening her muscles, making it all but impossible for her or her parents to bend her arms and legs. And as more of her defective brain cells died, she became blind and unresponsive, said Micki Gartzke, LeA's mother. In 1998, at age 2, LeA died - the same age as the vast majority of babies with Krabbe's.However, an experimental treatment using transplanted umbilical cord blood has produced astonishing results for children like LeA. Indeed, another Wisconsin child is among the first who may have been cured by this novel therapy, reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Although it'll be years before doctors will know whether it actually is a cure, the research suggests that babies born with this genetic neurological defect not only can survive, but also can have a fairly normal quality of life if they are treated early."This can really be lifesaving and life-altering," said Joanne Kurtzberg, senior author of study.Kurtzberg, a professor of pediatrics and pathology at Duke University Medical Center, and other researchers reported that transfusing cord blood from unrelated donors into infants with the disease before symptoms appear resulted in 100% survival for the invariably fatal disorder.Krabbe's disease is from the same family of genetic neurological disorders that includes the disease featured in the 1992 movie "Lorenzo's Oil."About one in 100,000 babies are born with Krabbe's, and about one in 7,000 are born with related nerve cell disorders.More recently, Krabbe's disease got national attention when former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly established a foundation to create awareness and fund research after his son, Hunter, was born with the disease in 1997.Hunter now is 8 years old. He is one of the oldest living children with the infantile form of the disorder, although he is severely disabled, according to Lisa Donato, a spokeswoman for the Hunter's Hope Foundation, which provided partial funding for the study.Lack of crucial enzyme Babies with the disease lack an enzyme that is crucial to the production of myelin, a fatty substance that coats nerve cells. Without the coating, the brain cells can't function properly.The umbilical cord blood contains stem cells that have the gene for the enzyme. The researchers believe that when those cells get into the brain, normal myelination can take place. Four-year-old Jeremy Thoms of Eau Claire was one of the first 11 infants who got the therapy at Duke.In 1988, Jeremy's parents, Randy and Tanys, lost another son, Alex, to the disease. As carriers of the defective gene, the Thomses knew there was a 25% chance that Jeremy had the disease, Randy Thoms said.So Jeremy was tested right after he was born."When Jeremy was diagnosed, we didn't know there was a treatment," Tanys Thoms said. "We thought we were going to go through the same horror again."However, their pediatrician learned of the experimental treatment trial that was going on at Duke in Durham, N.C. They decided to try it even though they knew the treatment would involve a grueling regimen of chemotherapy for nine days before the umbilical cord blood transplant."You have to do it," Randy Thoms said. "It was a chance at life."The chemotherapy was designed to destroy Jeremy's bone marrow and immune system before he got a transfusion of about 1 billion cord blood cells. He spent the next four months recovering in Durham.Today, "He's doing great," said co-author Kurtzberg, who also is Jeremy's physician. "He's one of the kids who walks, runs and climbs and does all the things normal kids do. He's cognitively normal."In fact, Randy Thoms said, Jeremy has developed into a very smart boy, "a little stinker" who loves firetrucks, trains and Thomas the Tank Engine. Jeremy still has a little trouble pedaling a tricycle and walks upstairs slowly, but "I think he'll be fine," Randy Thoms said. "He'll have a job. He'll marry."Lifetime effect unknown Doctors not associated with the study said the therapy was an important advance."It is clear they are surviving better and living longer," said William Rhead, a professor of pediatrics and pathology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and medical director of genetics at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "This is a glass that is way more than half full. This is wonderful."But more time will be needed to learn if the therapy has long-term, lifetime benefit, Rhead said.The oldest child in the study is a girl who is now 6½."It is very striking that you can treat kids so early and get such a good result," said Richard Jacobson, an associate professor of neurology and pediatrics at the Medical College.Very few states test for the disease, said Jacobson, director of neurophysiology at Children's Hospital, and Wisconsin is not one of those.But the success of the treatment, which he described as a crude form of gene therapy, suggests that all babies should be tested for the disease early on. The success of the treatment largely was limited to Jeremy and 10 other babies who received their transplants before symptoms appeared, all between 12 and 44 days after birth. All those babies survived and had improvements in development skills, although a few had mild to moderate delays in language and motor skills.Also, all of them were alive far longer than siblings who died of the disease.Fourteen other babies between the ages of 142 days and 352 days got transplants after symptoms appeared. Only 43% of those babies survived, and the ones who lived had minimal neurological improvement and were extremely disabled. Four died of Krabbe's disease, and four died because of complications from the transplant, said lead author Maria Luisa Escolar."The timing is critical," said Escolar, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "It has to be done early in life."Indeed, the success of early treatment has prompted researchers to consider the treatment as a possible in-utero therapy. Although in-utero procedures have other risks, doing the transplants long before birth would eliminate the need for chemotherapy because immune system rejection likely would not occur, Escolar said.In-utero transplants likely are a few years off, Escolar said. The treatment now costs about $600,000.The transplant, said David Margolis, director of the bone marrow transplant program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical College, is a very straightforward process and is something that could easily be done at his hospital.But, he said, transplants are not slam-dunks - they are risky procedures."There is the sad, realistic possibility that someday soon, a child will die from a transplant-related complication."But the big question is how many will survive and how many years will the treatment last?"Our hope is that it will be a permanent fix," Kurtzberg said.Tanys Thoms said that belief hit home when Jeremy returned to Duke for his first annual follow-up visit.The visit involved a complete physical and an extensive battery of tests, including an MRI, a spinal tap, X-rays and an echocardiogram, she said.Tanys Thoms asked how long the visits would have to continue.When they told her he'd have to keep coming back until he was 50, she was shocked."But then I realized they expected him to live that long," she said. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 22:19:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/krabbes-therapy-shows-promise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gi-diet-pushes-milk-consumption-up Gi Diet Pushes Milk Consumption UpSource: news.scotsman.comMilk consumption has risen for the first time in 30 years as Britons rediscover a taste for porridge, research revealed today.The data, produced for the Milk Development Council (MDC), show sales of the white stuff increased over the past 12 months as people consumed more porridge, tea, coffee and cereals. One possible explanation for the rise of the humble porridge oat is the trendy new low GI – glycaemic index – diet.It advocates low fat dairy products, and in particular extols the nutritional virtues of porridge, which contains slow release carbohydrate.Researchers found that porridge sales this winter went up 25%, while hot drinks – mainly tea and coffee – increased by around 17% and 8% respectively.The trend has also been put down to successful promotion of targeted brands at particular groups including teenage girls, three-quarters of whom do not get enough calcium in their diet, according to MDC.Liz Broadbent, MDC market development director, said: “It’s down to an increase in the frequency of buying milk rather than people buying more during each shopping trip.”Research has also unearthed a growing “black hole” of low milk consumers.So-called “dairy dodgers” never developed a taste for milk because they come from a generation that missed out on free school milk from the late 1970s.They were found among more affluent groups, including single professionals and young parents.“They don’t have a milk-drinking habit and are passing that on to the next generation. “They account for around half of the population but consume only a quarter of the volume. Generic advertising simply doesn’t work with this group – they have no prior experience or nostalgia about milk so we need to give them the reasons why it has a place in their lives,” said Ms Broadbent.“Cost is not an issue but providing milk in a form they like, when they want it and where they want it are all crucial. The other route is through our school milk programmes which are redeveloping the milk drinking habit at an early age.”MDC launched school milk schemes five years ago in primary and secondary schools to try to re-establish a milk-drinking culture.The council says more than a million children now consume 20 million litres of milk at school.Milk is an important source of calcium in the diet, which is the foundation of strong bones and teeth. Lack of it can lead to osteoporosis – brittle bone disease – in later life.According to Dairy Council figures, at least two-and-a-half million young people and women do not consume enough milk.The Dairy Council recommends people have three portions of milk, yoghurt and cheese a day. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 20:53:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gi-diet-pushes-milk-consumption-up http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-may-be-better-than-low-fat-diet Low-glycemic may be better than low-fat dietSource: www.reuters.comFoods with a low-glycemic index, which are digested relatively slowly and cause smaller increases in blood sugar, may protect the heart and blood vessels better than low-fat fare, according to the findings of a small study. Researchers in Boston found that when obese people consumed as many carbohydrates with a low-glycemic index as they wanted, they lost just as much weight in 12 months as people who stuck with a conventional, calorie-restricted low-fat diet. Carbohydrates with a low-glycemic index include foods such as nonstarchy vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and diary products, according to the report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Dieters who watched their glycemic indices also experienced a larger decrease in fatty substances in the blood linked to heart disease and had a drop in levels of a protein that interferes with the body's ability to break down blood clots. In contrast, low-fat dieters had an increase in levels of the same protein, which may put them at higher risk of heart attack. "Reducing (glycemic index) may be more effective than cutting back on fat over the long-term, both for weight loss and also for reducing risk of heart disease," study author Dr. David S. Ludwig told Reuters Health. "Based on our results, and several dozen other clinical trials and epidemiological studies, I would recommend" eating foods with a low-glycemic index, added Ludwig, who is based at Children's Hospital. The glycemic index measures how efficiently the body can metabolize carbohydrates. It ranks carbohydrates by how much a person's blood sugar rises immediately after eating, and tends to favor high-fiber foods that take longer to digest. Ludwig and his team asked 23 obese young adults to follow either a low-fat diet or a diet in which they ate low-glycemic index foods for one year. As part of the low-glycemic index diet, people could eat as much as they wanted of foods with a low index, and got roughly 45 to 50 percent of calories from carbohydrates, and 30 to 35 percent from fat. Low-fat dieters cut their daily intake by 250 to 500 calories, limited fat to less than 30 percent of their total calories, and got between 55 and 60 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Ludwig noted that even though low-glycemic index dieters had no calorie limits, they likely didn't overeat because they felt less hunger after eating foods that take longer to digest. "Numerous previous studies by our group and by others have shown that individuals feel less hunger and greater (sense of fullness) after low-glycemic index compared to high-glycemic index meals," he added. SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2005. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 19:58:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-may-be-better-than-low-fat-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-solution-for-binge-drinking A herbal solution for binge drinkingSource: news.ninemsn.com.auHeavy drinkers who ingested the herbal extract kudzu for one week downed fewer alcoholic drinks than people who received an inactive placebo treatment, according to a new study. Dr. Scott E. Lukas of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical Centre in Massachusetts explained that during the experiment, people drank their first beer right away, but were less likely to want more beer if they had taken kudzu the previous week. "This means that the first beer must have satisfied their initial desire for alcohol," Lukas suggested. He said that kudzu may also help deliver blood to the brain, making people more satisfied with less alcohol. "We can see this in the data because people took more sips in order to finish each beer, but the sips were much smaller," Lukas said. "The net result was that a binge drinker - someone who drinks 4-5 drinks at one sitting - was reduced to just a few beers,". Kudzu is one of the ingredients of the Chinese herbal medicine XJL, otherwise known as NPI-028, used for hundreds of years in China to treat inebriation. Kudzu contains isoflavones, antioxidants believed to confer a variety of health benefits. Previous research has shown that kudzu extracts help discourage drinking in rats and hamsters. In the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Lukas and colleagues note that kudzu naturally contains only 1 percent isoflavones. To investigate further if kudzu might affect humans' desire to drink, the team developed a more concentrated extract of kudzu that contained 25 percent isoflavones. During their study, the researchers asked 14 men and women who averaged 25 drinks per week to try either the concentrated kudzu for one week or a placebo drug. Then each participant visited a small studio apartment, complete with an entertainment centre, where they had free access to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for 90 minutes. Participants had to place their drinks on a specially designed end table that measured how quickly they were downing the drink. After 7 days on either kudzu or the placebo, each participant switched to the other for another 7 days, and returned to the studio apartment. The investigators found that when people received kudzu, they drank 1.5 fewer beers during their time in the apartment, and took more, smaller sips to finish each drink. However, people said they felt no change in their desire to drink alcohol after trying kudzu for 7 days. SOURCE: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2005. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:52:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-solution-for-binge-drinking http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/leading-expert-on-cosmetic-dermatology-praises-new-botox-in-a-cream-idebenone Leading Expert on Cosmetic Dermatology Praises New 'Botox in a Cream', IdebenoneSource: archives.moneyplans.netIdebenone, Allergan's Latest Wrinkle Fighter Gets January 2005 Release - Allergan, the makers of Botox Cosmetic, have announced the January 2005 release of the highly anticipated, breakthrough, anti-wrinkle cream "Prevage." Prevage contains a revolutionary new ingredient called 'Idebenone' (pronounced "eedy b known"), the most effective anti-oxidant discovered to date. "We are extremely excited about this new tool to fight the effects of aging brought on by factors such as age, sun damage, and smoking. It comes from the makers of Botox Cosmetic, so we know it already has a proven pedigree. This topical cream is very cost-effective (about $99) and can be used at home. We were fortunate to get a sample for a patient in November, and she is delighted with the results in just 8 weeks," commented Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D., (Eagan Dermatologist).Dr. Crutchfield is the area's leading expert on Cosmetic Dermatology. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Crutchfield is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He is the Medical Director of Crutchfield Dermatology in Eagan (CrutchfieldDermatology.com) and he is a regular selection in the "Top Doctors" Issue of the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine via a poll taken of 5,000 Twin Cities' healthcare providers. Dr. Crutchfield is an engaging, powerful and entertaining interviewee, with significant media experience. By the end, you will be convinced that Dr. Crutchfield has all the important answers. He is an excellent presenter that will thrill you and your readers or audience with lots of helpful, informative, concise, accurate, timely and authoritative information. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:44:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/leading-expert-on-cosmetic-dermatology-praises-new-botox-in-a-cream-idebenone http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-load-diet-may-improve-ability-to-stay-on-diet-longer Low-glycemic load diet may improve ability to stay on diet longerSource: archives.moneyplans.netU of M researcher also finds the diet may improve cardiovascular risk factors - Low-glycemic load diets, those low in sugars with moderate levels of carbohydrates and not as low in fat and protein, may lower metabolism less when compared with low-fat diets, making the dieters feel less tired, cold and hungry, as well as improve cardiovascular risk factors, according to an article in the Nov. 24 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. The research found that composition of diet, the sources of calories, can affect physiological adaptations that defend body weight. On a low-glycemic load diet, resting energy expenditure (REE) decreased less than with the low-fat diet, which could amount to several pounds of weight change per year, given this effect would persist over a long term. For comparative purposes, a similar effect on caloric expenditure could be obtained by walking a mile per day (80 kcal/d). Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:38:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-load-diet-may-improve-ability-to-stay-on-diet-longer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-help-some-diabetics Vitamin E may help some diabeticsSource: archives.moneyplans.netDespite recent reports that show use of high-dose vitamin E supplements is associated with a higher overall risk of dying, at least one group stands to benefit greatly from the same vitamin. About 40 percent of diabetic patients can reduce their risk of heart attacks and of dying from heart disease by taking vitamin E supplements, according to a Technion-Israel Institute of Technology study published in the November 2004 Diabetes Care. The research team, led by Dr. Andrew Levy of the Faculty of Medicine, had earlier demonstrated that diabetics with a particular form of a blood protein called haptoglobin had as much as a 500% increased risk of developing heart disease. Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:34:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-help-some-diabetics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-diabetes- Lack of vitamin D linked to diabetes?Source: archives.moneyplans.netIn a review of research into diabetes and Vitamin D, three separate studies showed that breastfeeding mothers and children who received Vitamin D supplements were 60% less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes. More black and Asian people may be getting Type 2 diabetes because if you have darker skin you are less able to make your own Vitamin D from the sun. Phil Casey, Care Advisor for Diabetes UK stressed more research is needed before we know for sure whether a lack of vitamin D can trigger diabetes. Scientists need to rule out the chance that something else - rather than Vitamin D - is raising the risk of diabetes in these people."Diabetes UK does not recommend that people take supplements unless clinically diagnosed with a deficiency," he added. "The safety of taking various dosages of supplements, such as vitamin D, and taking them for a prolonged period of time must be rigorously tested." Mon, 06 Jun 2005 22:52:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-diabetes- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-in-the-performance-horse Arthritis in the Performance HorseSource: www.thehorse.comArthritis causes considerable pain in your horse, and understanding the disease cycle is necessary in order to prevent further damage from occurring. "One-third of all lameness is due to arthritis or soft tissue trauma," said Rhonda Rathgeber, DVM, PhD, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. She spoke at an educational event held April 30 during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. "Joint disease occurs from repeated use for training and performance. It is a vicious cycle of damage."Arthritis OverviewThere are three types of joints in the horse’s body: Fibrous (in the skull), cartilaginous (between the sternum and ribs), and synovial (where two or more bones join to allow movement). Joint disease most often occurs in the synovial joints because of the wear and tear that occurs in performance horses from heavy training and exercise."Synovial joints consists of external supportive structures, such as skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which are important to keep the joint in line and contribute to joint health," said Rathgeber. "Damage to them can lead to joint injury."When damage occurs to the support structures, there is a change in the normal movement of the horse," she noted. "There are a lot of nerves in the joint capsule, and a lot of pain can occur when there is damage to the joint capsule."Signs of joint damage include heat, pain, swelling around the joint capsule, and lameness. "The joint capsule encloses the entire joint and contains blood vessels, which are a nutrition source for the joint and a source of synovial fluid," said Rathgeber. The joint capsule provides joint stability, maintains a range of motion, and creates hyaluronic acid and synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates the joint and is mainly composed of hyaluronic acid)."Hyaluronic acid is a big molecule which creates the thickness of the joint fluid," commented Rathgeber. "A change in the hylauronic acid changes the way the joint moves."Force from movement is transmitted evenly across the articular cartilage. "Articular cartilage is like a Tempurpedic pad on the end of each joint. The cartilage is thicker on the end of the joint to absorb force," said Rathgeber. "It is nourished by the synovial fluid, but has no blood supply so it cannot heal."Once damage occurs to articular cartilage, it cannot be reversed. "Normal joint nutrition occurs as the articular cartilage is compressed, new joint fluid comes in as cartilage is released (uncompressed) and sucks in fluid like a sponge," noted Rathgeber. "Freedom of motion is necessary for normal joint nutrition and metabolism. Exercise is needed to keep joints healthy."Subchondral bone is the actual shock absorber in the joint. This bone is in every joint and is beneath the articular cartilage. "The subchondral bone is constantly is a state of remodeling and repair. If the damage exceeds the rate of repair, then damage to the subchondral bone is the end-stage process, and arthritis occurs," noted Rathgeber.Too much heavy exercise and force on the joints leads to inflammation. "Inflammation is our friend because it heals, but it can get out of hand, which is when the damage occurs," said Rathgeber.As inflammation increases, the synovial fluid becomes less viscous (watery), inflammatory mediators are released (molecules released by immune cells that try to clean up small pieces of cartilage that are floating in the joint), cartilage cell function decreases, and articular damage occurs because the normal joint repair process cannot keep up with the damage. "Lameness is the last stage of the disease," she said."As cells and enzymes damage the cartilage, the cartilage begins to resemble the old foamy saddle pad that has been washed too many times and is now lumpy," said Rathgeber. Shock is no longer evenly transmitted, leading to bone damage.Treatments for Arthritis"No drug treatment can lead to the replacement of lost cartilage," explained Rathgeber. Once joint damage has occurred, there is no turning back. However, horse owners must take steps to keep further damage from happening."The most prescribed treatment for arthritis is rest," said Rathgeber. While stall rest is useful, light exercise and movement is necessary for joint health, so a recovery program that involves light exercise (such as hand-walking or supervised turnout) should be discussed with your veterinarian.Physical therapy is also beneficial to horses, just as it is to humans. Rathgeber said types of physical therapy include cold hydrotherapy or ice for acute inflammation, heat for chronic inflammation, support wraps, liniments, poultices, hand walking, therapeutic laser and ultrasound, and passive flexion of joints.There are many pharmaceutical options available that can help relieve pain in your horse and help prevent further damage from occurring. These include intramuscular, intravenous, and intra-articular injections, as well as oral and topical medications. "Adequan, which is harvested from bovine trachea, reduces inflammation in the joint and stimulates production of hyaluronic acid within the joint," said Rathgeber. Peak levels of the drug occur in articular cartilage within 24-48 hours after injection; repeat injections need to be given every four days for one month, then as needed to maintain levels."Corticosteroids are the most potent treatment for relieving inflammation, which is the goal in treating joint disease," stated Rathgeber. She said steroids are best used when hyaluronic acid is administered in the joint simultaneously; inflammation is reduced, and the joint is lubricated. Rathgeber also stressed that the literature does not support the risk that putting steroids in the joint will cause damage."NSAIDs (such as Bute and banamine) are a short-term treatment that are very good and are easy to give," said Rathgeber. Although side effects of NSAIDs include potential toxicity, SURPASS, a new topical cream produced by IDEXX, works well with less potential for serious problems.There are numerous oral joint supplements available to horse owners, but Rathgeber cautions using them as the sole treatment. "Oral joint supplements haven't been proven to work," she said. "Joint supplements don’t treat damage to the subchondral bone, but are thought to be a 'building block' for the proteins needed for joint repair. There is a place for them, but they shouldn't be used freely."Other treatments that are emerging are synovial fluid with serum markers, gene therapy, articular cartilage repair, and stem cell therapy.Rathgeber left horse owners with a simple take-home message: "Degenerative joint disease is a vicious cycle. Unless this cycle is disrupted, it will continue to degrade the joint." Thu, 02 Jun 2005 22:52:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-in-the-performance-horse http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-research-reveals-anti-oxidants-key-to-anti-ageing New Research Reveals: Anti-Oxidants Key to Anti-AgeingSource: www.prweb.comAnti-Oxidants believed to be critical for youthful vigor. Can you start to reverse your aging today?Dublin, CA (PRWEB) June 1, 2005 -- We all seek the fountain of youth, but the fountains location has proven elusive. New research reveals it resides within your own body. The good news? Some believe you can drink from it right now.Cynthia Kenyon - Herbert Boyer Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco has discovered that certain genes in the body appear capable of drastically slowing the aging process and avoiding the accompanying physical decrepitude.In an article recently posted in the San Francisco Chronicle (5/29 issue, David Duncan, Author), Dr. Kenyon is quoted as saying- "Some of the (longevity) genes function as antioxidants -- they stop the damage done to worm cells by free radicals." The article goes on to say- "Free radicals are chemical by-products of cell metabolism, mostly created by the burning of oxygen, that wreak havoc on a cell's mitochondria, DNA, proteins and enzymes" Furthermore, "The daf-2 (gene) in worms and similar genes in humans seem to be involved in repressing the synthesis of free-radical scavenging enzymes"The question is: How can you activate the fountain of youth in your own cells? Is it even possible? The answer: You bet! Detective work by GeroNova Research and Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR), world leaders in formulating anti-aging supplements, has turned up a number of substances with science backed free-radical scavenging ability, and strong antioxidant activity in the human body. Because of its ability to reverse cell damage, support DNA repair and provide mitochondrial protection, many people believe R-Lipoic Acid is the supplement with greatest promise. A Vitamin E Complex (there are eight forms) is another very effective antioxidant. However, there are several approaches to taking advantage of these wonder substances. GeroNova has developed several trademarked R-Lipoic acid formulations, all firmly based upon a proprietary Bio-Enhanced® platform. Their philosophy centers on optimizing blood plasma levels of R-Lipoic. Their Mito-GOLD® and RALA-Gel® formulas offer the added convenience and protection of a "time-release" effect, courtesy of a uniquely designed MCT transport into your bloodstream. Their Mito-GOLD® formulation adds R-Dihydrolipoic Acid, D-Biotin and Delta-Tocotrienol in combination with R-Lipoic Acid to provide a synergistically “supercharged” antioxidant effect.AOR offers their R(+)-Lipoic Acid as a stand alone product, or, in a "Network Synergy" formula incorporating R+ along with Vitamin E Complex, and adds supporting anti oxidants - CoQ10, Vitamin C, NAC, Selenium and Trans-Resveratrol (found in grapes). According to the latest research this is a powerhouse combination, supported by effective dosages.AOR points out that "For the Antioxidant network to work optimally, it's critical to ensure that your lipoic acid supplement is in the form of R (+)-lipoic acid. Supplements labeled “alpha-lipoic acid” or simply “lipoic acid” contain up to 50% S (-)-lipoic acid, an unnatural molecule..." and "As a result, the S (-)-lipoic acid in conventional “lipoic acid” supplement actually interferes with the recycling activity of the Networking antioxidants." The research is compelling. The path to the fountain is now illuminated by science. It is your choice to help your body quench the free-radicals, and support anti-aging at the cellular level. Imagine looking younger, feeling that spark and vitality of years ago, and living longer. Oh yeah, don't expect these pharmaceutical grade products to be found at the corner store or discount vitamin website. These formulations are light years ahead of any other product in terms of formulation and efficacy. Relentless Improvement, specializing in anti-aging and cognitive enhancing substances, is the only supplement supplier in the world to offer such effective products under one roof. Relentless Improvement is located in the geographical hotspot for anti-aging research, Northern California, and is dedicated to making cutting edge, pharmaceutical grade supplements available to the general public. Thu, 02 Jun 2005 22:47:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-research-reveals-anti-oxidants-key-to-anti-ageing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-found-underground-potatoes-make-usdas-list-of-top-20-most-antioxidant-rich-foods Antioxidants Found Underground; Potatoes Make USDA's List of Top 20 Most Antioxidant-Rich FoodsSource: releases.usnewswire.comNow there's one more good reason to eat potatoes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently included potatoes on its list of the top 20 most antioxidant-rich foods. The list included the Russet potato, the most common variety consumed by Americans. Further research by scientists in the potato industry indicates that potatoes of color, particularly red- and purple-skinned varieties and yellow- flesh potatoes like Yukon Golds, contain high levels of antioxidants as well. "The presence of antioxidants is the latest surprising fact about potato nutrition," says Katherine Beals, PhD, RD, FACSM and consultant to the U.S. Potato Board (USPB). "People should be excited to learn this good news about a favorite food, beyond that a 5.3-ounce potato with skin is an excellent source of potassium and a good source of fiber for 100 calories. Potatoes contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium." The term "antioxidants" covers a class of compounds that work in the body to clean up waste products called "free radicals" that are produced when cells react with oxygen, a process called oxidation. Oxidation is a natural part of aging, but it can result in chronic diseases. Thus, it's helpful to keep free radicals in check.Vitamin C is hailed as the most potent antioxidant found in potatoes. One medium-sized potato packs 27 mg or 45 percent of the Daily Value for Vitamin C -- a formidable amount that can contribute significantly to total daily intake. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body's cells. It also helps keep gums healthy and can protect the body from infection by keeping the immune system strong. Other types of antioxidants found in potatoes include plant compounds, known as phytochemicals, that are responsible for the color in many fruits and vegetables. Examples are carotenoids, which give yellow or orange colors to foods, and anthocyanins, which provide purple and red colors. -- Additional Research on Potatoes and Antioxidants --Research by scientists in the potato industry continues to examine ways to increase the antioxidant content of potato varieties. "There are several exciting studies underway on antioxidants and potatoes -- some are showing encouraging results for potatoes already in the marketplace, and others are exploring the creation of new cultivars that will maximize the antioxidant attributes of potatoes," explains Dr. Beals. "It's an area we're tracking closely along with researchers in the field."In a recent study published in the American Journal of Potato Research (2004), Charles R. Brown and colleagues demonstrated that white flesh potatoes had approximately 50 micrograms of carotenoids in a 100 g serving, light yellow-flesh potatoes had about three times as much, while brilliant yellow- and orange- flesh potatoes contained upwards to 16 times this amount. In another study published this year, researchers from the Texas Potato Variety Program at Texas A&M University reported results after screening over 320 specialty potatoes for carotenoid content. They found that a particular breed of red-skinned, yellow-flesh potatoes had the highest amount of carotenoids followed by purple-flesh, purple-skinned potatoes.Research indicates that while white flesh potato cultivars rate similar to published reports for tomatoes and carrots as having a low antioxidant potential, red and purple fleshed potatoes rate about three to eight times higher (average Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of 354 mg); ranking them equivalent to sweet potatoes, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.In addition, research has indicated that potatoes can be bred to contain higher levels of antioxidants. In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Marcin Lukaszewicz and others successfully genetically altered potatoes to produce species with higher phenolic contents. The flavinoid-enriched potatoes showed improved antioxidant capacity. Additional research is currently underway and being conducted in universities nationwide and in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Scotland, Germany, Korea, and Poland. -- Potatoes: A Nutrition Powerhouse --It's reassuring to know that a true comfort food, the potato, that also contributes antioxidants such as vitamin C, is fat-free and a good source of fiber. One serving of skin-on potatoes (5.3- ounces) also contains 720 mg of potassium, making it an excellent source of potassium. As Americans strive to consume low-fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables to help reduce the risk of some types of cancer, they'll be happy to know the potatoes they already love are good for them too. Thu, 02 Jun 2005 22:40:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-found-underground-potatoes-make-usdas-list-of-top-20-most-antioxidant-rich-foods http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/best-food-cut-yourself-some-flax Best Food: Cut Yourself Some FlaxSource: www.ediets.comFlax is a seed that originated in Asia more than 5,000 years ago. Today it can be found everywhere, mainly used as a supplement in the form of seeds, oil or capsules. People take flax because it is thought to ADVERTISEMENT provide many health benefits from the omega-3 fatty acid (alpha linolenic acid) it contains. Omega-3’s in the diet have been shown to reduce heart disease risk and emerging research suggests it may aid in reducing depression, and inflammatory disorders -- eczema/psoriasis, arthritis, etc.Flaxseed also contains more plant lignins (a fiber and a phytoestrogen) than any other seed. The lignins in flax are thought to be protective against many cancers.The experts at the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board say there are not enough studies to prove flax is as beneficial as the more potent omega-3‘s found in fish, called DHA and EPA.The omega-3 fatty acid in flax is one that has to be converted to what are currently believed to be the most potent omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which means flax may be less potent than fish oil."One needs to be cautious, there is a lot of hype," says Alice Lichtenstein, PhD, senior scientist and director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Research Laboratory at Tufts University. "More research is needed," she added.Others agree that more research is needed, but are more positive about flax’s potential benefits."In my opinion, flaxseed is a grain that holds promise," says Beverly Clevidence, Director of USDA’s Phytonutrient Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. "A lot of science-based data needs to be collected and evaluated before its efficacy is proven, but the food, the alpha-linolenic acid and the phytoestrogens are of great scientific interest," says Clevidence. Some people eat flax for omega-3 fatty acids, others for its plant lignins, which contain beneficial phytoestrogens."Even if flax’s omega-3 fatty acids are less potent than fish oil, flax has value," says Allison Sarubin Fragakis, M.S., R.D., author of The Health Professional’s Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements, 2nd Edition (American Dietetic Association, 2003). The lignans in flax may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovary, endometrium), colon cancer, and diabetes. Nutrition Department Chairman of the Harvard School of Public Health, Walter Willett, says there’s no need to wait while the benefits are being sorted out by further studies."I think it is sensible to include sources of both fish oils and plant omega-3's, such as flax, in our diet. I often include flaxseed with my cooked breakfast cereal in the morning," says WillettYou’ll get the most value from the seed in powder form as it contains all the beneficial components: vitamins, minerals, fiber, lignins and omega-3’s. ADVERTISEMENT You can use the oil, but it doesn’t contain the beneficial lignin fiber. Don’t bother with supplements in a pill form.Flaxseed powder or oil should be refrigerated. Another suggestion would be to buy the seed, then grind it at the last minute so it will contain the maximum level of nutrients.Whole flaxseeds can be sprinkled on rolls, muffins, bagels, breads and salads. Flax oil can be used best in cold items such as fruit smoothies or salad dressing. If you cook with it, keep the temperature low -- no higher than 150 degrees.The National Academy of Sciences recommends women get 1.1 grams and men get 1.6 grams of Omega-3’s daily.The negative side of flax: 1. More than 45 grams may have laxative effects. 2. Omega-3’s may have an immunodepressive effect, so if you have a disorder which dampens your immune system, omega-3 supplements may not be the best idea. Thu, 02 Jun 2005 22:33:40 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/best-food-cut-yourself-some-flax http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-solution-for-binge-drinking A herbal solution for binge drinkingSource: news.ninemsn.com.auHeavy drinkers who ingested the herbal extract kudzu for one week downed fewer alcoholic drinks than people who received an inactive placebo treatment, according to a new study. Dr. Scott E. Lukas of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical Centre in Massachusetts explained that during the experiment, people drank their first beer right away, but were less likely to want more beer if they had taken kudzu the previous week. "This means that the first beer must have satisfied their initial desire for alcohol," Lukas suggested. He said that kudzu may also help deliver blood to the brain, making people more satisfied with less alcohol. "We can see this in the data because people took more sips in order to finish each beer, but the sips were much smaller," Lukas said. "The net result was that a binge drinker - someone who drinks 4-5 drinks at one sitting - was reduced to just a few beers,". Kudzu is one of the ingredients of the Chinese herbal medicine XJL, otherwise known as NPI-028, used for hundreds of years in China to treat inebriation. Kudzu contains isoflavones, antioxidants believed to confer a variety of health benefits. Previous research has shown that kudzu extracts help discourage drinking in rats and hamsters. In the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Lukas and colleagues note that kudzu naturally contains only 1 percent isoflavones. To investigate further if kudzu might affect humans' desire to drink, the team developed a more concentrated extract of kudzu that contained 25 percent isoflavones. During their study, the researchers asked 14 men and women who averaged 25 drinks per week to try either the concentrated kudzu for one week or a placebo drug. Then each participant visited a small studio apartment, complete with an entertainment centre, where they had free access to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for 90 minutes. Participants had to place their drinks on a specially designed end table that measured how quickly they were downing the drink. After 7 days on either kudzu or the placebo, each participant switched to the other for another 7 days, and returned to the studio apartment. The investigators found that when people received kudzu, they drank 1.5 fewer beers during their time in the apartment, and took more, smaller sips to finish each drink. However, people said they felt no change in their desire to drink alcohol after trying kudzu for 7 days. SOURCE: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2005. Tue, 31 May 2005 21:49:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-herbal-solution-for-binge-drinking http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hca-may-have-role-in-diabetes-prevention-suggests-animal-research HCA may have role in diabetes prevention, suggests animal researchSource: www.foodnavigator.comA synthetic version of the plant compound hydroxycitric acid (HCA) strongly delayed glucose absorption in rats suggesting that it could help regulate blood sugar levels in people at risk of diabetes, reports Dominique Patton. HCA, extracted from a South Asian fruit called Garcinia cambogia, is already a popular food supplement in the US for weight loss and appetite control. However the new research is thought to be first to show the supplement’s effects on blood sugar control, which may explain the weight loss effects, say the Dutch researchers. Their findings also open up a new application area for supplement makers looking to help tackle the rise in type 2 diabetes. Writing in the June issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, now online, researchers from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands said they administered HCA to a group of rats before mimicking a meal by infusing sugar into the stomach. The synthetic supplement was supplied by HOB Ireland. It is a purer form of HCA (about 97 per cent) than most of the natural extracts marketed as supplements. "Compared with controls, which had no HCA, the test rats' rise in blood sugar was much slower, but over 2.5 hours all the sugar was absorbed,” explained lead author Peter Wielinga. He told NutraIngredients.com that the glucose response was about 40 per cent lower in the rats, with sugar that is normally absorbed rather quickly - within about 20 minutes - taking over two hours after HCA ingestion. “This delay is good because it reduces the high peaks of glucose, which otherwise would require the body to produce a lot of insulin to deal with the meal,” he said. “The good part is that although glucose absorption is delayed, the sugar is all absorbed. Presuming the supplement has the same effect in humans, the slower glucose absorption would lower insulin response and could slow down progression of type 2 diabetes,” he added. Wielinga noted however that the comparable dosage tested in rats is “probably way too high for humans” and that further tests would need to confirm the current findings in a human trial. If clinical trials confirm the findings, the supplement may not only slow progression to diabetes but since people prone to the condition also often have an obesity problem, it could potentially have an additional benefit in the therapeutic field. HCA has long been marketed for its weight loss effects and Wielinga believes that its action on blood sugar levels may account for much of the weight management benefits. “The weight loss effect can be explained by HCA blocking the conversion of glucose to fat (the body stores extra glucose as fat if it is not used effectively),” he said. "We also know that HCA reduces food intake. Our findings might suggest that the intestines remain full for a longer timer, leading to the satiety that prevents people from eating more,” he said. The team does not yet know why HCA affects glucose absorption. However the effects were observed after glucose was administered both into the stomach and into the small intestine. This, according to the researchers, excludes the possibility of a major effect of HCA on gastric emptying. Tue, 31 May 2005 21:45:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hca-may-have-role-in-diabetes-prevention-suggests-animal-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hold-that-shot-oral-b12-works-too Hold that shot -- oral B12 works tooSource: www.reuters.comOral supplements of vitamin B12 appear to correct vitamin B12 deficiencies as well as B12 injections, according to study findings released Monday. However, the group of European researchers found that, in order to correct a deficiency, oral doses need to contain more than 200 times the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin B12. Study author Dr. Lisette C. P. G. M. de Groot of Wageningen University in the Netherlands explained that most people develop vitamin B12 deficiencies as a result of "malabsorption," in which their bodies become unable to extract vitamin B12 from food. The deficiency typically strikes older people, she added, and takes years to develop. In some instances, people who avoid animal products -- such as vegans and followers of a macrobiotic diet -- can also develop a deficiency in vitamin B12 as a result of not eating enough B12-rich foods, de Groot noted. A vitamin B12 deficiency is typically treated by monthly, often painful, shots, de Groot and her colleagues, including Simone J. P. M. Eussen, report in the Archives of Internal Medicine. To investigate whether an oral dose of vitamin B12 works, as well, they tested various daily doses of oral vitamin B12 supplements in 120 people aged 70 and older. They found that daily oral doses of 647 to 1032 micrograms of vitamin B12 appeared to correct the deficiency. The current RDA for vitamin B12 is 3 micrograms per day. Despite the massive doses needed, oral medicine has the advantage of being easy to administer and painless, de Groot told Reuters Health. No side effects have been reported, she added. SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, May 23, 2005. Tue, 31 May 2005 20:56:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hold-that-shot-oral-b12-works-too http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritional-supplement-for-cancer-patients-is-undergoing-first-clinical-trial Nutritional Supplement for Cancer Patients is Undergoing First Clinical TrialSource: www.emediawire.comA nutritional supplement is being tested in a clinical study as an adjuvant therapy to determine if it can enhance survival and quality of life in patients with advanced and metastatic cancers. Early results demonstrate that Lipoic Acid Palladium Complex (LAPd) does prolong cancer remissions.(PRWEB) May 25, 2005 -- A nutritional supplement reported to provide some cancer patients with better quality of life and, in some cases, prolonged remissions is undergoing its first clinical trial as an adjuvant therapy for cancer. This supplement, Lipoic Acid Palladium Complex (LAPd), was created by Dr. Merrill Garnett, a chemist who spent over 20 years in search of a non-toxic form of chemotherapy that could be used to support more orthodox treatments. His search led to the creation of a proprietary blend of lipoic acid, palladium, vitamins B1, B2 and B12, and specific trace minerals and amino acids. Over the last several years a growing number of cancer patients, many with advanced and metastatic disease have used it as a nutritional supplement. Many claim that they have derived a benefit. Today, LAPd, under the brand name Poly-MVA (stands for "Poly Minerals, Vitamins, and Amino Acids"), is undergoing evaluation as an adjuvant therapy for cancer in a clinical study by James W. Forsythe M.D., H.M.D. Early results suggest that, in combination with chemotherapy, it does provide patients with grade IV and metastatic cancers with a remission advantage. Dr. Forsythe explained, "After nine months we had accrued 106 patients and the overall response rate was 77% which means that a little over three-quarters of the patients had either a complete response (all the cancer had disappeared) or a partial response (50% or more of the cancer had disappeared). My conclusion thus far is that Lipoic Acid Palladium Complex is a safe and efficacious adjuvant to either add to chemo or to administer to patients who do not want any further chemo or who have been through all the chemotherapy that is reasonably effective."Mark Olsztyn was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor called oligodendroglioma grade IV in March of 1997 when he was 32 years old. This type of tumor is invariably fatal. Mr. Olsztyn used orthodox treatments (surgery, radiation therapy, and some chemotherapy), but these treatments are generally palliative (focused on symptom management). To enhance his chances of survival, Mr. Olsztyn began taking Poly-MVA immediately after his surgery and has been taking it every day for the last eight years. During this time, he has not had the tumor recur. Mr. Olsztyn believes that LAPd has played a role in his exceptional remission. "Orthodox treatments alone with my type of cancer are scarcely ever successful and I was told if I stopped chemo that I would die. Well, I stopped chemo over seven years ago and I’m still here. Doctors now tell me to keep on doing whatever it is that I’m doing because it seems to be working," Mr. Olsztyn explained.Dr. Antonawich an Associate Professor of Neurology at State University of New York at Stony Brook and Chairperson and Associate Professor of Biology at Saint Josephs College, New York completed some of the first safety studies on LAPd and is now studying the biological mechanisms of what this molecule does to cancer cells. He believes that LAPd kills cancer cells and leaves healthy cells alone because it’s action depends on the oxygen consumption of the tissue and cancer cells have low oxygen. "When Lipoic Acid Palladium Complex is introduced into cells that do not have sufficient oxygen, electrons are being added but these electrons will get backed-up and generate free radicals. These free radicals will in turn initiate apoptosis. In healthy cells the electrons will be grabbed by oxygen creating water molecules so free radicals are not created," Dr. Antonawich explained.More information: · To read the full story http://www.cancermonthly.com · To subscribe to CancerWire http://www.cancermonthly.com/cancerwire.asp · To enroll in Dr. Forsythe’s study, his clinic may be reached at 775-827-3533 or 775-827-0707. · To Purchase Poly-MVA http://www.polymva.net/ · For more information about immune boosting products in cancer http://www.cancermonthly.com/immune.asp · For more information about clinics that treat cancer http://www.cancermonthly.com/clinics.asp · For more information about financial support for cancer patients http://www.cancermonthly.com/financial.asp · For more information about important tests before you start chemotherapy http://www.cancermonthly.com/chemotherapy.asp · For more information about legal options for mesothelioma patients http://www.gpwlaw.com/cm/ Tue, 31 May 2005 20:54:33 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritional-supplement-for-cancer-patients-is-undergoing-first-clinical-trial http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-protect-against-rheumatoid-arthritis Vitamin D May Protect Against Rheumatoid ArthritisSource: paktribune.comWomen with highest levels of vitamin D intake are about one third less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than women with the lowest levels, findings from a new study suggest. Although vitamin D is best known for its role in building bones, it may also have effects on the immune system, senior author Dr. Kenneth G. Saag, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues report in the medical journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. To determine the effect of vitamin D intake on rheumatoid arthritis risk, Saag's team analyzed data from nearly 30,000 women, between 55 and 69 years of age, who participated in the Iowa Women's Health Study. All of the women were rheumatoid arthritis-free at study entry in 1986, and vitamin D intake was ascertained through food frequency questionnaires. During the 11-year follow-up period, 152 confirmed cases of rheumatoid arthritis were identified, the investigators report. Both dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake were inversely linked with rheumatoid arthritis risk, the authors found. High dietary (at least 290 IU/day) and supplemental (at least 400 IU/day) intake were associated with 28 percent and 34 percent reductions, respectively, in the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. However, only the association between vitamin D supplement intake and rheumatoid arthritis risk was statistically significant. No single food item high in vitamin D or calcium was strongly linked to rheumatoid arthritis risk, the researchers point out. However, there was a trend toward a lower rheumatoid arthritis risk with greater intake of milk products. Although the effects of vitamin D on the immune system are not yet fully defined, "the results from this study suggest a possible role for vitamin D in reducing the risk of an immunologic disorder," the authors state. Further studies are needed to verify these findings, they add. Tue, 31 May 2005 20:43:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-protect-against-rheumatoid-arthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kylie-minogue-using-colour-therapy-to-kick-start-her-recovery Kylie Minogue Using Colour Therapy To Kick Start Her RecoverySource: www.gigwise.comrecent operation to remove a cancerous lump from her breast Kylie Minogue is using colour therapy to get better.The pop star has had the walls of her hospital room painted pink, according to the Sun, and insists that having the colour around her could help her get better.Kylie asked bosses at the Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne to redecorate and they were only too happy to oblige her.The Sun is also claiming that Kylie is wearing pink clothes, and friends have been sending her pink get well soon gifts.The tabloid quotes one of Kylie’s friends as saying: "In colour therapy, different colours enhance moods."It's even believed that colours can affect the body." Sun, 29 May 2005 23:49:38 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kylie-minogue-using-colour-therapy-to-kick-start-her-recovery http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/homeopathy-may-help-chronic-pain Homeopathy may help chronic painSource: www.macleans.caBut researchers don't understand the treatment and aren't sure it works A Canadian doctor who has been practising homeopathy for more than a decade says the controversial therapy can help people whose pain isn't adequately controlled with traditional medication.Homeopathy takes the approach of "like cures like." It involves giving extremely small doses of substances that produce symptoms of illness in healthy people when given in larger doses. The treatments can be so dilute that not one molecule of the original substance is left.Dr. Stephen Malthouse, a doctor and homeopath in Victoria, B.C., says that while homeopathy can treat pretty much any type of pain, the approach is holistic, and the pain is seen as a piece of the larger jigsaw puzzle that is the person's overall healthHe gives the example of a 50-year-old woman who experienced burning foot and leg pain, accompanied by numbness in the extremities. She had been seen by neurologists but no one could offer a diagnosis, and conventional pain medications such as Tylenol 3 did not help. When the patient came to see Malthouse, he did a complete history and was told the woman had an allergy to sulfa-based drugs. He gave her a calcium sulfate remedy."She got better. The pain went away, the numbness went away, and she said her energy improved." While Malthouse can point to many such successes, a difficulty in homeopathic medicine's acceptance is that how it works cannot easily be explained. However, Malthouse points out, it took decades to figure out how Aspirin works, even though it had been used for a long time before that.According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a U.S. government research funding agency, homeopathy has been subject to controversy and debate because a number of its key concepts do not follow the laws of chemistry and physics.In particular, scientists do not understand how something that causes illness might also cure it, and they question whether a remedy with a very tiny amount of active ingredient (perhaps not even one molecule) could have a biological effect, beneficial or otherwise.Studies of homeopathy have been contradictory in their findings, the centre states. Some analyses have concluded there is no strong evidence supporting homeopathy as effective for any medical condition. However, others have found positive effects from the treatment. With files from The Medical Post. Sun, 29 May 2005 23:46:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/homeopathy-may-help-chronic-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bad-diabetes-diet-equals-diabetes-symptom-start-a-balanced-diabetic-diet-today Bad Diabetes Diet Equals Diabetes Symptom - Start a Balanced Diabetic Diet TodaySource: www.prudentpressagency.comDiabetes symptoms are directly related to a diabetes diet, and physical activity. A balanced diabetic diet can save you from diabetes symptoms that plague people with diabetes. If you have diabetes symptoms and have been diagnosed with diabetes, your physician has probably mentioned that you should pay careful attention to your diabetes diet as part of your diabetes treatment program. Nutrition experts say that there is no one diet for diabetes, but diabetics should follow the nutrition guidelines in the food pyramid, while paying special attention to carbohydrate intake, as a bad diabetes diet does equal diabetes symptoms. If you have never attempted to eat a healthy, well-balanced diabetic diet before your diabetes diagnosis, it can be difficult to know where to get started. you can get much more information on diabetes diet at:http://www.diabeticsbooks.com After a diabetes diagnosis, consider seeing a dietitian and developing a diabetes diet plan to get started. Taking into account your medication, your physical activity, your weight and any other conditions you have in addition to diabetes. The dietitian will help you create a diabetic diet that will prevent complications of diabetes and still give you the pleasure you've always had in eating. People with diabetes should also eat about the same amount of food at the same time each day to keep blood sugar levels stable. Keeping your eating and exercise habits on a similar schedule day to day will help keep your blood glucose at healthy levels. Experts suggest these tips: - Eat your meals and snacks at about the same times each day. - Eat about the same amounts of food each day - don’t have a large lunch one day and a small one the next. - Do not skip meals or snacks. Sun, 29 May 2005 22:47:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bad-diabetes-diet-equals-diabetes-symptom-start-a-balanced-diabetic-diet-today http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-olive-oil-a-breast-cancer-treatment- Is olive oil a breast cancer treatment?Source: www.macleans.caThe main ingredient, oleic acid, may boost the effectiveness of the anti-tumour drug Herceptin Olive oil not only appears to protect against breast cancer -- it may also have a future role in treatment. In a series of laboratory experiments on breast cancer cells, researchers led by Dr. Javier Menendez of Northwestern University in Chicago showed that oleic acid (the main fatty acid in olive oil) suppressed a gene associated with aggressive breast cancer. Oleic acid also boosted the effectiveness of Herceptin, a drug that targets the gene. The researchers suggest women undergoing treatment with Herceptin may therefore benefit from supplements of oleic acid. The oil may delay or prevent the cancer from developing resistance to the drug. "Our findings underpin epidemiological studies that show the Mediterranean diet has significant protective effects against cancer, heart disease and aging," Menendez says in a statement. Sun, 29 May 2005 21:59:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-olive-oil-a-breast-cancer-treatment- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-and-cancer-green-or-red-bell-peppers-cancer-contagious Tea and Cancer, Green or Red Bell Peppers, Cancer ContagiousSource: www.infozine.comby Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN - Q: How much tea does it take to lower your cancer risk? Q: Is there any nutritional difference between green and red bell peppers? Q: Why are virus infections considered a cancer risk factor? Is cancer contagious? Q: How much tea does it take to lower your cancer risk? A: A few studies have suggested that three to six cups of tea a day could play a role in lowering your cancer risk as part of other healthy eating and lifestyle habits. However, the anti-cancer potency of tea is still not clearly known. Both black and green teas contain active compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. Green tea contains about three times the catechin content of black tea, so it might take fewer cups of this brew to derive benefits, but black tea supplies other flavonoids. In laboratory studies, substances from tea have been shown to slow or prevent cancer development in colon, liver, breast and prostate cells. Population studies have linked greater tea consumption with a lower risk for several cancers, but this type of study does not clearly suggest how much tea to drink. The optimal amount for protection may also vary from person to person, depending upon other dietary, lifestyle and inherited factors. Keep in mind that most cancer-preventive factors, like individual phytochemicals, seem to work best in combination with other phytochemicals, vitamins and other natural substances that come from eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. Furthermore, research does not support the use of supplements such as EGCG, a well-known phytochemical from tea, partly because the correct dosage level is unknown. Excessive amounts can interact with drugs, such as aspirin, which affect blood clotting.Q: Is there any nutritional difference between green and red bell peppers? A: Green bell (or sweet) peppers are simply the less mature form of red peppers. The calorie content of the two is the same, as are some of the nutrients. But red bell peppers contain much more of some nutrients. For example, although both types are excellent sources of vitamin C, red ones contain more than twice as much - more than a whole day's supply in just half a cup. While green peppers supply some beta-carotene, red peppers supply almost eight times as much. Red peppers also supply seven times as much of another carotenoid call beta-cryptoxanthin, as well as some lycopene, which is a carotenoid not found in green peppers. Lycopene may help lower the risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, green peppers are a much better source than red peppers of the carotenoid called lutein. Consequently, you may want to combine green and red peppers in your casseroles, sir-fries, stews and omelets.Q: Why are virus infections considered a cancer risk factor? Is cancer contagious? A: Cancer cannot be caught from a friend or family member in the way you might catch a cold. And virus infections that lead to cancer account for only about eight percent of the cancers in developed countries. In developing countries, almost a quarter of the cancers may be due to virus infections. Viruses related to cancer risk include hepatitis B and C (which are linked to liver cancer), H. pylori (stomach cancer), HIV (Kaposi's sarcoma), Epstein-Barr (Hodgkin's disease) and some human papillomaviruses (cervical and possibly throat and esophageal cancers). Practicing safe sex and avoiding intravenous drug use greatly reduces your risk of contracting some of these viruses. In this country, tobacco use, poor diet and the lack of physical activity are much more significant cancer influences than these viruses. By eating a balanced, mostly plant-based diet, exercising regularly and controlling your weight, the American Institute for Cancer Research predicts that you can lower your cancer risk up to 30 to 40 percent. Sun, 29 May 2005 21:57:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-and-cancer-green-or-red-bell-peppers-cancer-contagious http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acid-flashbacks Acid flashbacksSource: observer.guardian.co.ukIf you have reflux, you know how it feels when food returns to haunt you. Dr John Briffa suggests several strategies for taming heartburn at night Sunday May 29, 2005 The Observer While a good evening meal can send us to bed in a contented state, our last supper may also make its presence felt later in the form of acid indigestion and heartburn. A recent study in the American medical journal Chest has revealed that imbibing carbonated drinks in the evening appears to increase the risk of the acid reflux at night. It has been suggested that the acidic nature of these drinks adds to the stomach's own acidity, thereby increasing the risk of heartburn. My experience is that many other nutritionally oriented approaches can neutralise this problem. A top tactic is to ensure that food is well digested before retiring - food can overstay its welcome in the stomach, increasing the risk that it will leak through the valve between the stomach and the gullet (the gastro-oesophageal sphincter, or GOS). Lying down ups the risk of the stomach content escaping into the oesophagus. One approach for overcoming reflux at night is to avoid overwhelming the stomach with food in the evening. A modest-sized supper is a good ploy - this is more easily achieved if, after a half-decent lunch, you have a snack of, say, fruit and/or nuts in the late afternoon. An earlier dinner may help, too. Although recent evidence suggests that fizzy drinks should be given a miss in the evening, my advice is to keep intake of all fluids to a minimum around the time of the evening meal. Drinking dilutes stomach acid, impairing digestion. Additional fluid also adds volume to the stomach contents, which tends to increase reflux risk. Alcoholic beverages seem to be a particular problem, as they promote laxity in the GOS. For those prone to reflux at night, it seems that a night-cap of whisky and soda is something well worth avoiding. One often-effective strategy for refluxers is to avoid mixing protein-based foods (such as meat, fish and eggs) with starch-based foods (bread, potatoes, rice and pasta) at the evening meal. This means basing meals on either protein or starch, along with cooked vegetables (other than the potato) or salad. Some believe that this makes digestion easier, and my experience is that it is often very effective in the treatment of heartburn. Further digestive aid can be had from thorough chewing, which breaks up food and allows the digestive juices greater opportunity to do their job. A range of natural approaches can do much to help those prone to feeling the burn at night. Dear JohnI have an eight-month-old baby who I have been breastfeeding since birth. In addition, I have recently started to introduce solids to her diet. I'm wondering about the potential risks of food sensitivity with dairy products. Could you comment? Carole Hughes There is increasing recognition that children (and adults) can be prone to food sensitivity. Dairy products (and wheat) tend to be the worst offenders. In theory, introduction of foods when the gut and/or immune system is relatively immature increases the risk of food sensitivity. Studies show that the early introduction of solids can increase the risk of conditions often related to food sensitivity, such as ear infections, eczema and asthma. I recommend avoiding the introduction of solids (and cow's milk formula) before six months of age, and it is probably good news that you have waited. That you have breastfed your child is likely to protect him or her from food sensitivity, as it delays the introduction of dairy products. It is also linked to improved health of the gut and immune system (which helps young bodies cope with new foods). Nutrition newsModerate alcohol consumption, particularly of red wine, is often heartily recommended by health professionals. However, alcohol's ability to increase the risk of conditions such as liver disease and certain forms of cancer means that, all things considered, the optimum level of alcohol consumption for men and women is something close to none at all. Previous evidence has also linked alcohol consumption to raised blood pressure, an area which was recently revisited by Australian researchers. In a study published in the journal Hypertension, the effects of drinking beer (two pints a day) and red wine (about half a bottle a day) on blood pressure were assessed. Each beverage was given for four weeks, and the effects compared to blood pressure measured in a four-week period in which the study subjects abstained from alcohol. The drinking of red wine and beer led to an increase in the higher blood-pressure reading of 2.9 and 1.9 points, respectively. While these increases are small, they would be expected to significantly increase risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke. This research casts more doubt on the proposed health benefits of alcohol, particularly for those with a tendency to raised blood pressure.You ask the questions Is there anything about nutrition that you'd like to ask Dr John Briffa? Email him at john.briffa@observer.co.uk and read his answers in a special Ask the Experts edition of OM at the end of July Sun, 29 May 2005 21:55:32 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acid-flashbacks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scientists-warn-about-lack-of-sleep Scientists warn about lack of sleepSource: Althealth NewsToday’s lifestyle is so hectic that many of us aren’t getting time to rest, or sleep properly, so say researchers at the Department of Visual Neuroscience, Imperial College London. They say that there is a stark contrast between our attitudes to sleep and those of the pre-industrial age. In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar we are told to "Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber", but there seems little chance of this today, as we crave more, work more and expect more, and, in the process, abandon sleep. Our occupation of the night is having unanticipated costs for both our physical and mental health, which, if continued, might condemn whole sectors of our society to a dismal future.From: Nat Rev Neurosci. 2005 May;6(5):407-14. Tue, 24 May 2005 14:19:31 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scientists-warn-about-lack-of-sleep http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-rice-eat-healthy Eat Rice, Eat HealthySource: Althealth NewsA study by Helen Jensen of Iowa State University, US has found that people who consume rice tend to choose a healthier overall eating pattern and generally have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-rice eaters.Jensen evaluated the results of two surveys representing over 35,000 consumers. She found that people who included at least half a serving of white or brown rice per day in their diet tended to choose a healthier diet overall. They generally ate more fruits and vegetables as well as more grains. They also consumed 4.5 g less fat and 3.3 g less sugar per day than non rice eaters. In addition, the rice eaters consumed more nutrients such as folic acid, potassium and iron from the rice products. Rice can be used in many foods such as rice cakes. Rice derivatives, such as rice flour and rice starch, have applications in baby foods, soups, dressings and meat preparations. From: RSSL.com Tue, 24 May 2005 14:19:01 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-rice-eat-healthy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-shows-mysterious-brain-effects Acupuncture shows 'mysterious' brain effectsSource: Althealth NewsAcupuncture has a measurable, if mysterious, effect on the brain, UK scientists have found. The study adds to evidence that patients benefit from acupuncture not simply because of their expectations.The research team used brain imaging to show that treatment with genuine needles activates brain areas beyond the ones that light up when trick needles are used. "This is the first brain-imaging study that has shown an effect beyond placebo", says Dr George Lewith, of the University of Southampton, who led the study.For a better placebo, Lewith's team used a retractable needle that doesn't really penetrate the skin, but tricks the patients into thinking that it does. "It disappears into its handle like a stage dagger," Lewith says. This tricked the patients into believing they were being treated when they weren't." What we have demonstrated is that acupuncture is partially modulated by expectation, but is probably also modulated by a real treatment effect," he says. * Paper: Pariente J et al, Expectancy and belief modulate the neuronal substrates of pain treated by acupuncture. Neuroimage 2005, 25:1161-67. Previous study: White P et al, Ann. Intern Med 2004, 141: 911-9. Tue, 24 May 2005 14:18:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-shows-mysterious-brain-effects http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-kudzu-to-down-fewer-drinks Herbal extract kudzu to down fewer drinksSource: Althealth NewsHeavy drinkers who tried the herbal extract kudzu for one week downed fewer drinks than people who received an inactive placebo treatment, according to new study findings released Monday. Study author Dr. Scott E. Lukas of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical Center in Massachusetts explained that during the experiment, people drank their first beer right away, but were less likely to want more beer if they had taken kudzu the previous week. Kudzu is one of the ingredients of the Chinese herbal medicine XJL, otherwise known as NPI-028, used for hundreds of years in China to treat inebriation. Kudzu contains isoflavones, antioxidants believed to confer a variety of health benefits. Previous research has shown that kudzu extracts help discourage drinking in rats and hamsters. However, a 2000 study of veterans struggling with alcoholism found that kudzu had no effect on drinking patterns or cravings for alcohol, tells Reuters. Earlier kudzu studies have shown reduced consumption among alcohol-swilling monkeys, rats and hamsters. And while Lukas' study is small and preliminary, it is the first to conclude what the Chinese have maintained for centuries: that compounds in the ancient vine, known as ge-gen, can help problem drinkers - human ones - imbibe less. Researchers aren't sure how it works, but Lukas suspects that active ingredients called isoflavones in the kudzu root increase blood flow, which helps alcohol get to the brain faster. This means drinkers "are getting cues that say, `I'm feeling good, I'm OK, no need to suck down this entire beer,'" he said. Binge drinkers don't usually pay attention to those cues. "They drink so darned fast, they don't have the opportunity to perceive the effects of the alcohol," Lukas said. About 1 in 3 adult drinkers in the United States report binge drinking in the previous month, which some define as five or more drinks at one sitting for men and four or more for women, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, publishes the Kansas City Star. Wed, 18 May 2005 00:09:40 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-extract-kudzu-to-down-fewer-drinks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-fights-low-bone-density-in-epilepsy Vitamin D fights low bone density in epilepsySource: www.macleans.caSupplements may combat this unwanted side-effect of anti-seizure medication Drugs that control epileptic seizures have the unwanted side-effect of decreasing bone density, but a recent study shows high-dose vitamin D supplements can help. People with epilepsy have about twice the incidence of fractures compared with the general population, and previous studies have shown this is partly due to decreased bone density in people taking anti-seizure medication. "Everyone knows anti-epileptic drugs are associated with decreased (bone) density, but nobody knows how much vitamin D to give," says Dr. Mohamad Mikati, director of the epilepsy program at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre in Lebanon. To help answer that question, Mikati and his colleagues randomly assigned 72 adults on anti-seizure drugs to take either 400 or 4,000 international units of vitamin D each day. A further 78 children on anti-seizure drugs were randomly assigned to take either 400 or 2,000 international units daily. There was no difference in bone density between children taking the high and low doses of vitamin D, indicating the doses were equally effective or ineffective in children. But in adults, the higher dose proved to be superior, increasing bone density at the lower back, hip and wrist. Mikati says he is now conducting a study using a broader range of doses Tue, 17 May 2005 21:25:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-fights-low-bone-density-in-epilepsy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-protein-low-carb-diet-leads-to-impressive-blood-sugar-reduction-in-diabetics High-Protein, low-carb diet leads to impressive blood-sugar reduction in diabeticsSource: Veterans Administration Medical Center, MinneapolisSwitching to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar, according to a study of eight men with untreated type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis, asked the eight men to follow a high-protein, low-carb diet for five weeks. After five more weeks, they were switched to a more conventional high-carb, low-protein diet.The carb:protein:fat ratio in the high-protein diet was 20:30:50. In the more conventional diet, it was 55:15:30.Overall, the high-protein diet led to a 36% reduction of blood-sugar levels over 24 hours, compared with the more conventional diet, and levels of glycated hemoglobin dropped by 22%, from 9.8 to 7.6By the end of the five-week high-protein diet, the subjects’ glycated hemoglobin levels were still declining, and Gannon projected that the final level would be about 5.4 — almost half the level at the start of the study.She wrote that this type of high-protein, low-carb diet “could be a patient-empowering way to ameliorate hyperglycemia without pharmacological intervention.” Sun, 15 May 2005 18:13:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-protein-low-carb-diet-leads-to-impressive-blood-sugar-reduction-in-diabetics http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-the-mediterranean-way-and-live-longer Eat the Mediterranean way and live longerSource: University of AthensA 60-year old who eats a Mediterranean diet — fruit, fish, olive oil and moderate amounts of wine — can expect to live a year longer than their peer on a typical northern European diet, according to new research from the University of Athens. A trial looking at the diets of 74,000 healthy men and women, over the age of 60, in nine European countries, confirms a link between the Med diet and longevity. Diet, lifestyle, medical history, smoking and physical activity levels were taken into account, with a higher dietary score being associated with a lower overall death rate. Sun, 15 May 2005 18:12:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-the-mediterranean-way-and-live-longer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-a-good-cancer-preventative Olive oil a good cancer preventativeSource: Althealth NewsOleic acid, the chief fatty acid in olive oil, has been shown to dramatically reduce the levels of oncogene — a gene involved in the development of breast cancer — called Her-2/neu, which occurs in over a fifth of breast cancer patients and is associated with more aggressive forms of breast cancer. Reporting in the Annals of Oncology, the researchers say that oleic acid not only reduced over-production of the gene but that it boosted the effectiveness of a cancer treatment that targets the Her-2/neu gene. As well as furthering understanding on the subject, the research also suggests that dietary intervention based on oleic acid may assist with the treatment of Her-2/neu-positive breast cancer patients. Sun, 15 May 2005 18:10:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-a-good-cancer-preventative http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-helps-to-build-better-bones Vitamin D helps to build better bonesSource: Althealth NewsVitamin D may be more effective at protecting bone health in elderly people than bone-building drugs, according to a new study presented at a conference on Experimental Biology in San Diego. The researchers say that elderly patients who consumed 5000 mg of vitamin D along with 320 mg of calcium carbonate through specially formulated bread had a 28% increase in lumber bone mineral density after one year. By comparison, bone building drugs usually show an 8% increase in bone mass density. Sun, 15 May 2005 18:09:49 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-helps-to-build-better-bones http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/teenage-pain-relief-with-vitamin-e Teenage pain relief with vitamin ESource: Tarbiat Modares University, TehranVitamin E may ease teenage girls’ severe period pains according to research from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, reported in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology. The condition, known as dysmenorrhea, significantly reduced in girls given doses of 200mg before periods started and in the early days of menstruation. 137 girls aged 15-17 received vitamin E in a placebo controlled trial over four consecutive cycles. Those taking the vitamin reported far less use of painkillers, a decrease in pain intensity, and less blood loss. Sun, 15 May 2005 18:09:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/teenage-pain-relief-with-vitamin-e http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-report-relatively-high-incidence-of-coeliac-disease-in-osteoporosis Researchers report relatively high incidence of coeliac disease in osteoporosisSource: Washington University School of MedicineA high percentage of people with osteoporosis have undiagnosed coeliac disease, which may interfere with their absorption of calcium and vitamin D. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, evaluated 266 patients with osteoporosis and 574 without the disease. About 20% of each group tested positive for IgA or IgG antigliadin antibodies.When these patients underwent further screening with an intestinal biopsy, nine of those with osteoporosis were confirmed to have coeliac disease, compared with only one person in the non-osteoporosis group. These numbers translated to 3.4% of the osteoporosis group and 0.2% of the non-osteoporosis group.“The prevalence of coeliac disease in osteoporosis is high enough to justify a recommendation for serologic screen of all patients with osteoporosis,” Stenson wrote.Treating patients with coeliac disease – asking them to follow a gluten-free diet – resulted in improved bone-mineral density after a year. “The improvement in BMD for coeliac disease patients on the gluten-free diet was greater than expected for osteoporotic patients receiving standard therapy,” Stenson added. Sun, 15 May 2005 18:08:24 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-report-relatively-high-incidence-of-coeliac-disease-in-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/garlic-supplements-benefit-the-heart-study Garlic supplements benefit the heart - studySource: www.iol.co.zaGarlic supplements can dramatically reduce the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, according to German researchers.In laboratory tests, the formation of early deposits, or "nanoplaques", was cut by up to 40 per cent.The size of existing nanoplaques was also reduced by 20 percent after exposure to the supplement Kwai garlic.The findings were presented at an American Heart Association meeting held in Washington DC.Professor Gunter Siegel, from the University of Medicine in Berlin, who led the study, said: "Of course, the results on nanoplaque build-up have to be confirmed in a clinical trial."A positive outcome of such a study would complement the already existing clinical studies and not only give hope to the millions of men and women especially at risk for cardiovascular disease because they have high cholesterol or blood pressure, or because they are overweight, smoke or engage in low physical activity, but also benefit those with only normal concerns about general cardiovascular health."We expect this research to further garlic's role as significant in helping medical professionals develop effective natural therapies for reducing cardiovascular risk."Nanoplaque formation is the first stage of the deposit build-up that leads to narrowing of the arteries. It is triggered when "bad" cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, binds to the cells lining blood vessel walls.Adding a solution of garlic supplement helped to prevent LDL-induced nanoplaque formation. - Sapa-dpa Sun, 15 May 2005 17:00:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/garlic-supplements-benefit-the-heart-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pupils-revise-their-diet-as-brainfood-sales-soar Pupils revise their diet as brainfood sales soarSource: www.timesonline.co.ukA DEMAND for food to fuel the brain cells has set supermarket tills ringing as the exam season approaches. Leading supermarkets are convinced that parents of A level and GCSE candidates have changed their shopping habits to boost their children’s results. Students embarking on finals and end-of-year exams also appear to be investing in food to boost brain power. Sales of fish, peppers, spinach, avocado, blueberries and other fresh fruit are soaring. Demand for coffee has also risen sharply, especially in university towns and cities. The trend has been spotted by nutritionists working for leading retailers who believe that parents and students are swapping stories about healthy eating for exams. The rise in sales of food linked to strengthening memory is so pronounced that Tesco is planning to introduce a range of “brainfood” during the exam period. A Tesco spokesman said: “We have spotted a marked difference this year and are convinced there is something going on by word of mouth that is boosting sales of brainfood.” Sainsbury’s has also recognised the demand for tuna, cod and haddock, which are high in Omega 3 oils, as school and university students embark on high-pressure revision. The supermarket is now to include “brainfood” sales as part of its annual stock forecasting for stores around the country and next year it intends to market food to feed the brain. Sainsbury’s is to devise a special diet for revision. It said sales have soared in the university cities of Bristol, Manchester, York, Durham and Exeter. Sun, 15 May 2005 15:47:47 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pupils-revise-their-diet-as-brainfood-sales-soar http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-diet-effective-for-reducing-cardiovascular-risk Low glycemic diet effective for reducing cardiovascular riskSource: www.medindia.netResearchers from Children's Hospital, Boston, US, have reported that a diet with low glycemic load will be much beneficial for people suffering from cardiovascular disease than the conventional low fat diet.A Glycemic index measures how the food affects our blood sugar. Glycemic Index (GI) ranks foods on their effect on the blood sugar level. The index ranges from 1 to 100. Some food items raise the blood glucose level more than the others. These are the ones with low GI (less than 55). High GI foods usually rate more than 70. The study had 23 obese adults have any one of the two types of diets; the first one was with foods of low GI without any strict restriction on fat or carbohydrate. The control diet plan was restricted intake of carbohydrates and fat. The results of the study showed decrease in body weight significantly after being on the former diet for six months. There was also a decline in plasma triacylglycerols in the first type of diet than the conventional low fat, low carbohydrate diet. The research shows that food with low glycemic load may benefit the cardiac patients by lowering their cardiovascular risk. Sun, 15 May 2005 15:38:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-glycemic-diet-effective-for-reducing-cardiovascular-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/industry-says-it-s-time-to-take-fsd-battle-straight-to-tony-blair Industry says it’s time to take FSD battle straight to Tony BlairSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukWith Tony Blair back at Number 10 Downing Street for a third term, the natural products industry is determined now to take the Food Supplements Directive campaign straight to the Prime Minister.CHC director Sue Croft told NP: “In some ways a Labour election win could be good for the FSD campaign. The political infrastructure is already in place and Tony Blair is aware of the political significance. And he has promised personally to help seek a positive resolution. It’s up to the industry to ensure he delivers on these promises.”Speaking at Natural Products Europe last month the shadow health minister, Chris Grayling MP, said: “We have been hearing favourable noises from people like Peter Hain, and my view is that if Labour are re-elected they might be more prepared to listen to consumers and industry.” But he added that the industry and campaign groups needed to keep the pressure up on the Government — and within Europe. “Relevant backsides must be kicked to ensure we are at the top table when the decisions are made.” The Labour MP and former sports minister, Kate Hoey, also agreed that the Government could no longer afford to ignore the growing chorus of disapproval for its inaction over the Directive. “People realise this is a case of politics directly affecting their lives, and they are making their views very clear.” Both the CHC and the HFMA were also stressing the need to dampen down excitement over the Advocate General’s recent Opinion that the FSD is “disproportionate” and “invalid” and his recommendation that it should be annulled. HFMA director, David Adams told NP: “The Advocate General’s Opinion is very good news, but there is a danger of over spinning the news. The legal challenge put forward six main legal challenges, but the judge only agreed with one of them, albeit a crucial one. And he still upheld the principle of the ‘positive lists’. Sue Croft added: “We haven’t won anything yet. This is a fight that still has to be won.” Thu, 12 May 2005 12:14:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/industry-says-it-s-time-to-take-fsd-battle-straight-to-tony-blair http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-fight-lung-cancer Vitamin D May Help Fight Lung CancerSource: www.365gay.comGetting enough vitamin D may be a matter of life or death. A provocative new study suggests it plays an important role in surviving lung cancer.People can get the nutrient from their food, vitamin pills or being out in the sunshine. Researchers found that the lung cancer patients with high intake who had surgery during the summer were more than twice as likely to be alive five years later than those with low levels who had operations in winter. It is one of several recent studies to show the benefits of the "sunshine vitamin" against cancer. "There are a lot of data emerging from various areas suggesting it is important," said Dr. Edward Giovannucci, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. He helped conduct what is believed to be the first human study to look at vitamin D and lung cancer survival. The results were reported at an American Association for Cancer Research conference in Anaheim. "This is a very interesting study. It's a new trend - looking at dietary factors as they relate to survival," not just the risk of getting a certain cancer, said Dr. Michael Thun, chief epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, who had no role in the research. Vitamin D is made by the skin from sunlight. Getting enough from diet alone is tough - fish and fortified milk are the main sources. Supplements are controversial because too much D can cause medical problems, but many scientists think the recommended daily level of 400 international units is too low. The nutrient has many features that could explain its possible benefit against cancer, such as stifling cell growth. Doctors had seen evidence suggesting it prevents some cancers, and wanted to know if it also affected survival. Led by Harvard University's Dr. David Christiani, they studied 456 consecutive patients with early-stage lung cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Patients were interviewed about diet, supplements and timing of their cancer surgery, which was thought to be another indicator of their vitamin D levels. Those who had high vitamin D levels and summer operations fared the best: five-year survival was 72 percent versus 29 percent for those who had the lowest levels of the nutrient and winter surgery. This does not mean that people should delay or try to time operations, but taking vitamin D supplements around the time of surgery might be a good idea, said Wei Zhou, a Harvard researcher who presented the study results. If verified by larger experiments, "this would be considered an important gain," said Thun of the cancer society. "A benefit of this size is important for this highly lethal disease." Lung cancer is the world's top cancer killer. About 172,500 new cases and 163,510 deaths are expected this year in the United States, and more than 1.3 million cases and nearly 1.2 million deaths worldwide. Thu, 05 May 2005 23:48:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-fight-lung-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gene-study-suggests-vitamin-e-helps-blocks-alzheimers Gene study suggests vitamin E helps blocks Alzheimer'sSource: www.foodnavigator.comScientists have found genetic proof that vitamin E can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, said DSM yesterday.The nutritional products division of the company announced that through the use of nutrigenomics, scientists have identified a number of genes associating vitamin E with protection against Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a growing public health concern as the number of people suffering from it is increasing rapidly. Estimates suggest that around 4.5 million people in the US alone live with the disease for which, at present, there is no cure or prevention. A number of epidemiologic studies have suggested the benefits of vitamin E in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease, with one clinical trial showing a significant delay in the onset of the disease in a vitamin E supplemented group. However, as DSM pointed out, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, to help determine whether vitamin E may play a protective role against Alzheimer’s, DSM scientists used animal genes to investigate the molecular mechanisms of vitamin E in the rat hippocampus, a brain region considered the principle side of dysfunction in Alzheimer’s.DSM scientists found a number of genes to be regulated by vitamin E – namely those involved in the regulation of hormones and hormone metabolism, nerve growth factors, apoptosis and the clearance of amyloid beta, a significant hallmark of Alzheimer's.The researchers therefore concluded that vitamin E appeared to have a protective role in the prevention/onset of age-related neurologic diseases, in particular Alzheimer's.However, it might be difficult to demonstrate a beneficial effect of vitamin E on Alzheimer's disease in humans, because of the severity of the disease, cautioned the scientists. Studies of diet-gene interactions have been underway for a number of years but until now researchers have generally been limited to investigating one, or at most, a handful of genes, at any one time and single or simple groups of nutrients rather than whole foods. However the human genome project has provided the background information and new tools that enable researchers to take a much more global perspective. There are, however, huge challenges to be faced. Many of the technologies are relatively new and still developing or being refined and for practical and theoretical reasons, researchers are having to rethink their standard approaches. Coping with, and interpreting, the vast quantity of data generated is another other major issue. Although specialised computer tools are available more development is needed. This most recent study was published in Nutritional Neuroscience (February 2005, 8;21-29). Thu, 05 May 2005 23:47:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gene-study-suggests-vitamin-e-helps-blocks-alzheimers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-cuts-colon-cancer-risk Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer RiskSource: Althealth NewsHigh daily levels of vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of getting colon cancer by 58 percent, claims a new study from Harvard Medical School.The research, published in the May 4 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, builds on other studies that have already indicated a strong preventive effect from the vitamin."There are several smaller studies that have found a protective effect from dietary intakes of B6," said lead researcher Esther K. Wei, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. However, "this is the first large study of women to look at blood levels of B6" and find a protective effect, she added.Wei and her colleagues evaluated nearly 33,000 women who were participants in the Nurses' Health study, a long-running study that began in 1976. Since then, researchers have focused on subsets of the original 121,700 participants, all nurses between 30 and 55 years of age when they enrolled, to study various health issues.Among this subset, Wei and her team analyzed blood samples collected in 1989, looking for levels of a substance called PLP (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) -- the main active form of vitamin B6 in the blood. Then they looked at medical records to determine who contracted cancer of the colon or cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal).They found a total of 194 colorectal cancer cases and 410 cases of colon polyps, which often precede colorectal cancer. After dividing the women into four groups, from lowest to highest blood levels of PLP, the researchers found that the highest quartile group had a 44 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer and a 58 percent lower risk of colon cancer. The same associations held for the development of polyps.The associations between high blood levels and lower risk held even after Wei's group controlled for other colon cancer risk factors, such as family history of the disease.Women in the group with the highest blood levels of B6 had about six times the blood levels of the nutrient as those in the lowest group, Wei said.Dietary intake of Vitamin B6 was also associated with reduced risk. Women in the lowest intake group got a median of 1.6 milligrams a day compared to 8.6 milligrams in the highest intake group. The recommended daily intake of B6 for most adults varies from 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams a day, depending on age and gender. Those in the lowest group were getting close to the recommended amount of daily B6, Wei said, while those in the highest group, which got the most protective effect from colon cancer, were getting about five times the recommended daily intake, but still at a safe level, she said.According to the Institute of Medicine, 100 milligrams per day of B6 is the upper threshold of a safe intake level.It's possible, said Wei, to take in 8.6 milligrams of Vitamin B6 a day by taking a multivitamin and eating vitamin B6-rich food. But she stressed that "you don't have to take in 8.6 milligrams a day to get a reduced risk," since reductions in cancer risk started showing up at levels of just 3.3 milligrams a day.Vitamin B6 is involved in around 100 physiologic reactions and functions in the body, according to Wei, including protein metabolism, red blood cell function and proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems.The vitamin can be sourced from multivitamins, fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish and some vegetables and fruits.Scientists aren't sure why high blood levels of vitamin B6 protect against colon and colorectal cancer, Wei said, but she noted that "individuals who have high levels of B6 have less chance of having damaged DNA, which can lead to cancer."Dr. Durado Brooks, director of colorectal cancer for the American Cancer Society, called the new study "interesting work." If the finding about blood levels of the vitamin and reduced cancer risk is replicated, he said, "it will be a useful bit of information to give people about lowering their risk of colon cancer."Meanwhile, there are a number of measures people can take to lower risk, he said. "Multiple vitamins with folate have been previously shown to reduce risk." Keeping a healthy body weight and maintaining an exercise program can reduce risk, too, he said. For those at average risk of colon cancer, the Cancer Society recommends formal screening beginning at age 50.The screening tests include a fecal occult blood test, barium enema or examinations of the colon via a test called a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The Society estimates that 104,950 new cases of colon cancer and 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2005, with about 56,290 deaths linked to the disease. The death rate from colorectal cancer has been declining, however, probably because of early detection and improved treatments. Thu, 05 May 2005 23:44:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b6-cuts-colon-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/next-diet-fad-low-glycemic-food Next diet fad: low-glycemic foodSource: Althealth NewsU.S. food makers are embracing what could be the next diet fad -- food touted as low-glycemic, with carbohydrates that are slowly digested. Related Headlines Deciphering the labels for goodness sake (May 3, 2005) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture likes pyramids. Britain's Food Standards Agency prefers traffic lights. Tesco, Britain's leading ... > full storyMore restaurant chains to cut trans fats (April 13, 2005) -- More U.S. food chains are cutting artery-clogging trans fats from their items. Quiznos, Jason's Deli and Fazoli's are among those who plan ... > full storyWFP to cut rations in Sudan's Darfur (April 8, 2005) -- The World Food Program says it is being forced to cut rations for more than 1 million people in the western region of Darfur, Sudan, because of lack ... > full storyGenetically tailored foods may treat ills (April 7, 2005) -- U.S. researchers said functional foods -- foods with genetically enhanced and targeted nutrition -- will soon become a large part of the ... > full storyDiet not linked to pancreatic cancer (April 5, 2005) -- Boston's Harvard School of Public Health has found no association with two wide-ranging dietary patterns and the risk of pancreatic ... > full story Kraft Foods Inc., the Kellogg Co. and Atkins Nutritionals Inc., which claims it had the original low-glycemic program, are among major food companies that introduced 175 new products last year and another 33 so far this year, USA Today reported.In England, that nation's No. 1 grocery store chain, Tesco, now prints the Glycemic Index on hundreds of products.Some experts projected low-glycemic food, with slowly digesting carbohydrates that avoid high- and low-sugar levels, will be the next big fad in dieting.Others, however, are skeptical about Americans' willingness to embrace low-glycemic food."Most Americans never learned how to program their VCRs," said Tom Vierhile, executive editor of Productscan Online, a worldwide online product registry. "So why would they bother paying attention to their glycemic indexes?" Thu, 05 May 2005 23:42:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/next-diet-fad-low-glycemic-food http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menocool-soft-relax-tabs Menocool - soft & relax tabsSource: MenoCool NewsAs there is so much concern for women thinking about using or in the process of using HRT. I looked for a product that could help women with the symptoms of menopause to improve their health and well being without being detrimental to their health. Menopause is not an illness it is a natural phase in life but if you are suffering in any way it is wise to try and find a way to alleviate your problems but at the same time you do not want to add to your problems by taking something that could cause you further problems. We have found a very good product Menocool which helps to alleviate all the downsides physically associated to the menopause assisting you to feel your best and look your best without any side effects. In fact the organic hops found in the Menocool product could assist the body to protect the body against disease. The hops have been found to be extremely beneficial for women especially the hops used in the Menocool and NPU products. You will find your sense of well being improves as well as your skin and hair. Also the hops may have anti-carcinogenic properties. If you yourself are taking HRT or have friends or family taking it please take a look at this product it could be the answer you have been looking for. We have received testimonials saying that this product saved their life by lifting their mood and improving their well being, it is certainly worth giving it a try. General advice:This product is 100% plant material-based. Nevertheless, we advise you: before use, read first this product information.What is the composition?MenoCool® contains, per tablet:A combination of 3 types of the genus Humulus lupulus (Hops) with a relatively high content of Prenyl flavonoid 8- Prenyl naringenin (also referred to as Hopeine) and Xanthohumol A natural Isoflavone complex with Genisteine and Daidzeine Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L), Black oats (Avena Sativa), Malt (Semen Hordei vulgaris germinatum), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Rye (Secale Cereale), Wheat (Triticum acstivum), Maize (Zea Mays) and foodstuff fibres. Wed, 04 May 2005 19:47:05 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menocool-soft-relax-tabs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/japanese-village-demonstrates-anti-ageing-properties-of-ha Japanese Village Demonstrates Anti-Ageing Properties of HASource: www.hyaluronic-acid-information.orgAccording to Health Journalist Bill Sardi, Hyaluronic acid may be a key to the real life fountain of youth. Sardi came to this conclusion after a tour of Japan. In the villiage of Yuzurihara, about two hours north of Tokyo there were 10 times more Japanese who had lived into their eighth decade of life than in anywhere in the United States. The older people of this villiage didn't show the usual evidence of aging such as wrinkled skin, stiff joints or poor eyesight. Dr. Komori, the village doctor, has never seen a case of skin cancer in Yuzurihara, even though many residents have worked outdoors and smoked cigarettes all their lives. The villiage is located on a slope where rice is not grown. The residents of Yuzurihara eat sticky vegetables such as Tamaji, sort of like a sweet potato, and other roots and plants. Health authorities believe these plants help to promote a compound in the body called hyaluronic acid, or HA. Hyaluronic acid holds more water than any other molecule. It therefore retains moisture in the skin and prevents wrinkles, acts as a shock absorber between joints as well as being a space filler between living cells. The human body makes about 3000 mg of hyaluronic acid a day. But as we age we produce less and less. Factors that reduce HA are ultraviolet radiation, excessive coppoer and/or iron, viruses and tumors. This results in the collapse of tissues. Hyaluronic acid is now being used orally and by injection. Tue, 03 May 2005 00:07:47 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/japanese-village-demonstrates-anti-ageing-properties-of-ha http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/collagen-type-ii-shown-to-reverse-skin-and-joint-ageing Collagen Type II™ Shown to Reverse Skin and Joint AgeingSource: www.vrp.comby James South, M.A. Aging is the common lot of all humanity. We are born. We live. We get older. We die. Yet some people age slowly, gracefully and healthfully, while others age rapidly, with accompanying pain and debility. Many factors contribute to our “rate of aging”: our genes, our hormone levels, our diet and exercise patterns, drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse, etc. Two extremes of aging are presented by progeriacs and the people of Yuzurihara, Japan. Progeria is a disorder that usually appears between birth and 18 months of age. It involves extremely accelerated aging. Progeriac children are bald, heavily wrinkled, have cataracts and usually die by the age of 12 or 13.1 The residents of Yuzurihara are extremely long-lived and show little skin wrinkling, even in old age. There are 10 times more people 80 and older in Yuzurihara than any community in the United States, and they usually are free of typical age-related diseases and live active lives.1 Surprisingly, there is a specific connection between the accelerated aging of progeria and the exceptional longevity of the Yuzuriharans. Children with progeria excrete up to 17 times more hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan, or HA) in their urine than normal children.1 The residents of Yuzurihara, through their unique diet, maintain high, youthful levels of HA throughout their long and healthy lives.1 Hyaluronan Hyaluronan (HA) is a long chain molecule that consists of alternating units of N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid.2 Its molecular weight may range from 50,000 to 4 million Daltons. HA can absorb up to 3,000 times its weight in water and is an important hydrating agent for tissue.2 HA is found in virtually all tissues and fluids of the body, especially in synovial (joint) fluid, the eyes’ vitreous fluid and in skin.2 HA plays a critical role in maintaining healthy joint synovial fluid and preventing the degeneration of aging joints. HA has high daily turnover, so large amounts may be needed to maintain normal steady-state levels. HA is also a regulatory molecule influencing cell movement, phagocytosis and blood vessel formation.2 HA also serves as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, and may be particularly important to protect the skin from the aging effects of excessive sunlight exposure.2 HA is critically involved in healthy wound healing.2 HA stimulates DNA synthesis and fibroblast cell division, essential for healthy skin and cartilage maintenance.3 By the time a person reaches age 30, his or her HA becomes disorganized from skin collagen protein, compared to the interweaving of HA and skin collagen in a nine-year-old, and is even more disconnected in the skin of 60-year-olds.4 Hyaluronan & Type II Collagen Given the importance of HA for healthy skin and joints, its high turnover and “normal” decrease with aging, an effective, absorbable source of HA is highly desirable. Fortunately a bioavailable source of HA is now available: chicken sternum type II collagen. BioCell Technologies has developed a patented, purified, enzymatically hydrolyzed (partially digested) type II collagen supplement, derived from the sternum (breastbone) of young chickens. This product provides at least 10 percent by weight of a low molecular weight HA, which is highly absorbable. “Native” collagen, which has not been predigested, also provides HA, but in the form of giant molecules that are too large for absorption. BioCell’s collagen molecules have a typical molecular weight of only 1,500 to 2,500 Daltons, and thus are easy for the body to absorb. In February 2004 Dr. William Judy, senior scientist at SIBR Research, announced the results of a double blind clinical study with Collagen Type II™. In a 36-hour peak absorption study using a single dose, Collagen Type II HA significantly increased in the blood at four hours after ingestion, and peaked at a level 7,000 percent above the placebo controls’ levels in 12 hours. In a 28-day steady state bioavailability study using a constant daily dose, after seven days the Collagen Type II HA levels became stabilized and remained so throughout the study at a level 3,543 percent higher than controls. Thus, regular use of Collagen Type II can be expected to provide a significant dose of HA to supplement the age-declining tissue levels of HA typical of most people. Type II Collagen The benefits of type II collagen don’t stop with HA. Type II collagen, the collagen that makes up moveable joints, also provides a high level (typically 20 percent) of chondroitin sulfate (CS). CS is one of six glycosaminoglycans (GAG) that help form the connective tissue of skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments and bone matrix.5 CS is the most abundant GAG in the body.5 Partially depolymerized (i.e., shortened chain length) CS is an effective anti-inflammatory compound without the negative side effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and ibuprofen.6 CS also enhances the synthesis of HA and cartilage proteoglycans in osteoarthritis patients, improving the quality of their joint tissue.6 CS also inhibits enzymes such as collagenase, elastase and proteoglycanase that become overactive in joint degeneration and skin aging, destroying cartilage and connective tissue.6 Type II collagen also contains cartilage matrix glycoprotein (CMGP). CMGP enhances the antioxidant protection within joints by carrying the essential trace mineral copper to the chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are small cells interspersed within the cartilage matrix of joints. The chondrocytes produce new collagen and mucopolysaccharides to keep joints well cushioned and lubricated. The chondrocytes also produce and secrete copper SOD (superoxide dismutase), a free radical-destroying enzyme that is critical to protect joint tissue from the free radical damage that occurs as part of the process of joint degeneration.7 Duarte notes that various components of hydrolyzed type II collagen have multiple protective benefits. Collagen II components 1) resist cartilage protein digesting enzymes; 2) reprogram destructive chondrocytes to lessen inflammation; 3) promote new cartilage and proteoglycon synthesis; 4) enhance production of HA, producing a thick, effective, lubricating synovial fluid that protects and cushions joints; 5) protect the surface of cartilage from oxidative (free radical) damage and enzymatic digestion; and 6) act as powerful anti-inflammatory/pain modulators.7 Collagen Type II also provides 60 percent collagen protein. Collagen protein is unique in containing the amino acids hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline. In a study using hydrolyzed collagen, the subjects receiving collagen had significantly higher blood levels of hydroxyproline than those receiving placebo.10 As Moskowitz notes: “The positive effect of the oral administration of [hydrolyzed collagen] on skin and organs attached to the skin has been observed for some time…. These positive effects include improvement in nail quality…; an effect on the properties of hair and nail growth…; and in veterinary studies, improvement in hair and hoof quality and growth”.10 Hydrolyzed vs. Native Collagen At the summer 2003 meeting of the British Nutrition Society, Oesser and Seifert announced the results of their experiments on the effects of the type II collagen on chondrocytes. They studied the effects of hydrolyzed vs. native (undigested) type II collagen on the activity of mature bovine chondrocyte cells. They found that native collagen had no stimulatory effect on chondrocytes, but cells fed the hydrolyzed collagen increased their production of type II collagen 250 percent.8 At the meeting, Dr. Oesser remarked: “This is the first time a cell culture model has shown that collagen hydrolysate, known to play a role in degenerative joint disease, can lead to an increase in cartilage formation. It is very plausible that collagen hydrolysate, when taken as a supplement to our normal diet, may help activate the synthesis of collagen in cartilage. Particularly in situations in which cartilage is under massive stress [e.g., arthritis, obesity, sports injury, etc.], the intake of collagen hydrolysate could be highly significant and reduce degenerative changes.” Collagen Type II vs. Skin Aging Dr. Nelson Novick is a practicing M.D., and associate clinical professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, as well as a dermatology clinic chief at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. In a recent article on “Tips for at-home anti-aging skin care,” he commented on the usefulness of type II collagen for promoting youthful skin. “I recommend daily oral supplementation with Biocell Collagen [Type] II™, a unique combination of collagen II, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate (HA’s companion that builds cartilage) to nourish the skin from the inside out where topical applications cannot reach,” he said. “This dietary supplement provides the only natural and bioavailable source of these three elements needed to maintain skin moisture and elasticity. This complex concentrated matrix of elements, formerly only available to plastic surgeons as injectable drugs, not only halts the appearance of skin aging, but also potentially reverses the aging process altogether…. This supplement is not a short-term solution, such as the use of injectable collagen; rather it is a necessary part of any regimen intended for life-long skin tissue health.”9 Collagen Safety In a review on the role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease, Professor Roland Moskowitz, M.D., commented on the excellent safety profile of collagen hydrolysates.10 He noted that partially hydrolyzed collagen has been used as a food since at least early medieval times. Various collagen hydrolysate products have been affirmed as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the FDA. He also notes that “Collagen hydrolysate is of interest as a therapeutic agent of potential utility in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Its high level of safety makes it attractive as an agent for long-term use in these chronic disorders.”10 Collagen Type II Dosage Collagen Type II comes in 500 mg capsules. The standard dose is two capsules two or three times daily. The product can be taken with or without food as desired. Very large persons, or those with severe joint problems, may need to take larger doses (i.e., six to eight capsules daily) while smaller persons, or those just taking collagen as a skin/joint maintenance supplement, may only need two to four caps daily. Regular use of Collagen Type II may also improve wound healing,2,3 as well as improve quality and growth of hair and nails.9,10 Side effects with collagen hydrolysates are rare, but may include a sensation of unpleasant taste, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, a bloated feeling or burping.10 References Sardi, B. Restoring youth with hyaluronic acid. Total Health for Longevity, 2002, 23(6). Anderson, I. The properties of hyaluronan and its role in wound healing. Prof Nurse, 2001, 17:232-35. Greco, R. et al. Hyaluronic acid stimulates human fibroblast proliferation within a collagen matrix. J Cell Physiol, 1998, 177:465-73. Ghersetich, I. & Lotti, T. Hyaluronic acid in cutaneous intrinsic aging. Int J Dermatol, 1994, 33:119-22. Champe, P. & Harvey, R. Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1994:147-55. Ronca, F. et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate. Osteoartritis & Cartilage, 1998, 6 (Suppl A):14-21. Duarte, A. The Collagen Type II Cure for Arthritis and Heart Disease. 1997:39. Oesser, S. & Seifert, J. Stimulation of type II collagen biosynthesis and secretion in bovine chondrocytes cultured with degraded collagen. Cell Tissue Res, 2003, 311:393-99. Novick, N. Tips for at-home anti-aging skin care. Total Health for Longevity, 2003, 25:44-46. Moskowitz, R. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum, 2000, 30:87-99. Mon, 02 May 2005 23:51:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/collagen-type-ii-shown-to-reverse-skin-and-joint-ageing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/change-your-beauty-destiny Change your beauty destinySource: www.shape.comIt's the classic nature-versus-nurture debate: Is it your genes or your lifestyle that determines how you look as you age? "The rule of thumb in terms of wrinkles is that it's 10 percent genetics and 90 percent environment and lifestyle," says Tina Alster, M.D., of the Washington Institute of Dermalogic Laser Surgery, in Washington, D.C. What is genetic: skin thickness (which accounts for how much it sags) and wrinkle patterns.The good news: The remaining 90 percent gives you a lot of control. To prove it, Darrick Antell, M.D., a plastic surgeon in New York City, studied identical twins and found that if their lifestyles were the same, their faces aged similarly. But if their habits were different, the contrasts were dramatic. Antell found one sister, who was a sun worshipper (and had premature aging) and the other who wasn't. "Seeing their photos side by side was like looking at plastic surgery before-and-after pictures," Antell says. So while your DNA may be immutable, what you do with its blueprint is up to you. Here, the lifestyle changes that will help you save face. Protect yourself from the sun. The experts agree: The sun is, hands down, your skin's worst enemy. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes the skin's support structures (collagen and elastin) to break down, accelerating the aging process. "There are many habits that can age the skin, but the sun really trumps everything else," says Nancy Silverberg, M.D., a dermatologist in Newport Beach, Calif. "And even if you've already done a lot of damage, it's never too late to start wearing sunscreen. Daily use has been shown to actually reverse a significant portion of sun damage." And, it's not enough just to wear it; you need to wear the right one."Look for sunscreens that contain ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and Parsol 1789 [also called avobenzone], which all partially block aging ultraviolet-A [UVA] rays," recommends Cherie Ditre, M.D., director of the Cosmetic Dermatology & Skin Enhancement Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Radnor. Best bet: Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 25 ($40; clinique.com), which uses avobenzone to protect against UVA rays, and the ingredients octinoxate and oxybenzone to fend off burning UVB rays. It's available for oily, regular and dry skin.Put out that cigarette. Smokers often end up with telltale lines around their lips (created by repeated lip puckering while inhaling), but the damage doesn't stop there. Silverberg points to a study of smokers that found they also were more likely than their nonsmoking counterparts to have significant lines around their eyes. Like sun exposure, smoking breaks down collagen and elastin, speeding up the rate at which skin sags and wrinkles. To help reduce the damage, try Estée Lauder Perfectionist Correcting Concentrate for Lip Lines ($35; esteelauder.com), which helps fill in wrinkles and keep lipstick in place.Stop making faces. Think of your skin as being like the soft, fine leather of an expensive shoe. Just as the creases in the leather get deeper as you walk in the shoe, your skin reacts in a similar fashion to repeated facial expressions. "Years of constantly using those muscles causes the skin to get a crack, or wrinkle, in it," Antell explains. Botox is often used to soften expression lines (since it paralyzes the guilty muscle, you can no longer make the expression that's causing the wrinkle). A less expensive option: Break the habit. "You can learn not to make certain facial expressions, such as squinting or scowling," says New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross, M.D., author of Your Future Face (Viking, 2005). "Those are behavioral." Make a conscious effort to relax your face when you find yourself drawing your brows together or grimacing. Or apply a topical product to help relax the wrinkles; try Avon Anew Clinical Deep Crease Concentrate ($32; avon.com), which uses a patent-pending relaxant called portulaca, or Nuxe Crème Nirvanesque ($41; sephora.com), which uses the botanicals blue lotus, poppy and althea to help relax the contraction of facial muscles.Control stress. The effect of stress on the body has been well documented: It can compromise the immune system and weaken your ability to fight off illness. Your skin suffers too. When your stress level goes up, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. More specifically: "Capillaries shrink, and blood flow to the skin decreases as the body redirects blood to the internal organs," your body's way of preparing to defend itself, Antell explains. In addition, chronic stress can increase tension lines on the face and, if it impairs your sleep, you risk a further speeding up of the aging process (see below). In addition to learning how to reduce the anxiety in your life, you can also apply skin-care products to help reinvigorate your complexion. Try Caudalíe Vinosource Riche Anti-Wrinkle Cream ($50; caudalie.com) with grapeseed extract to moisturize and protect against age-accelerating free radicals (highly reactive oxygen molecules created by smoking, pollution and sunlight that speed up the aging process); 3Lab Hydrating-Vita Cream with the powerful antioxidant coenzyme Q10 ($120; 3lab.com) and Biotherm Line Peel ($40; biotherm-usa.com), which increases the skin's natural cell turnover process.Get your beauty sleep. When you look in the mirror after a sleepless night, you're getting a preview of how your face may look in a decade or so. Fine lines will appear deeper; slight under-eye bags will look puffier. "When people are sleep-deprived, they look older and more haggard, especially around the eyes," Alster says. During sleep your body repairs itself, and you get an increase in circulation to the face; without quality sleep, the face sags and shadows appear under the eyes. The good news: The effect can usually be reversed by going to bed earlier the next night and keeping your sleep schedule as regular as possible. Before bed, apply Therapy Systems Retinol Cellular Treatment Cream/PM ($68; therapysystemsinc.com) with retinol and glycolic acid to help repair and exfoliate skin; American Beauty Uplifting Firming Eye Cream ($22.50) and Beauty Boost Overnight Radiance Cream ($27; both at kohls.com), which moisturize and firm as you sleep; or Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Night Crème ($11; at drugstores) with the antioxidant coenzyme Q10.Feed your face. It's commonly said that you are what you eat, and it might also be true that your looks are a direct reflection of your diet. Antioxidants (especially vitamins C and E) may help boost the skin's power to fight free radicals. There's also some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon) reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.Equally important is what not to ingest: alcohol and sodium. Alcohol dilates capillaries and makes them more fragile (making your face look flushed, bruised or splotchy), and salt causes skin to retain water (think: swollen eyes and cheeks). Put the two together (in, say, a sushi dinner where you consume lots of soy sauce and sake) and you're going to wake up looking bloated. You can help feed your face topically with these editor's picks: IS Clinical Vitamin C Super Serum ($115; isclinical.com) with stabilized L-ascorbic acid, a potent topical vitamin C that works as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and Chanel Précision Hydramax + Sérum Intense Moisture Boost ($65; gloss.com), with vitamins B5, E and F to help protect against free radicals.Believe in miracles. "We live in a golden age of ingredients," Gross says. "Even if you're genetically destined to have the same aging patterns as your mother, you have access to modern ingredients that can help build collagen, more effective sunscreens to protect against ultraviolet radiation and cosmetic procedures that can undo what you've inherited." He recommends consistently using modern "miracle" ingredients such as the antioxidant vitamins C and E, lycopene and green-tea extract (to fight free-radical damage), retinoids or genistein (to build collagen and elastin) and alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids (to speed skin cell turnover). Best product bets: Prevage Antioxidant Cream ($100; prevage.com) with idebenone, an ingredient that helps repair skin cells; Neutrogena Visibly Firm Lift Serum ($19; at drugstores), with concentrated active copper to restore firmness; L'Oréal Transformance Skin Perfecting Solution ($16.59; at drugstores), an oil-free serum with vitamin C to hydrate and protect; and CelGen Age Repair Moisture Solution ($45; stcbiotech.com), a toner that hydrates and promotes skin renewal. Sun, 01 May 2005 22:13:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/change-your-beauty-destiny http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-aging-supplement-lipoic-acid-comes-of-age Anti-Aging Supplement Lipoic Acid Comes of AgeSource: www.prweb.comA potent antioxidant supporting youthful metabolism and vital cellular energy production has been all the rage with those on the cutting edge of anti-aging research. Exciting discoveries with the commonly available Alpha-Lipoic Acid now focus on its natural, more biologically friendly form; super potent R-Lipoic Acid (RLA). Until recently, despite all its health benefits, there have been two significant challenges with this supplement. First, R-Lipoic Acid is unstable and can turn into a sticky rubber or glue-like substance when being processed for human consumption. Standard storage and manufacturing techniques can easily render this energizing supplement worthless. Secondly, if RLA does make it through the encapsulation process, poor bioavailability is an issue. When it hits the stomach the natural acids there degrade the RLA to the point that only a tiny percentage ever reaches the plasma and cells, where it is most needed. Focused research and development by GeroNova Research, Inc. over the past four years have resulted in breakthroughs for those seeking the variety of benefits R-Lipoic Acid has to offer. These new stabilized and Bio-Enhanced® products- K-RALA-10 Liquid, Mito-GOLD® and RALA-Gel® support previously unavailable levels of R-Lipoic Acid in the bloodstream and maximize RLA’s youthful benefits in the body.Karyn Young, owner of GeroNova, explains that the company’s focus is in R-Lipoic Acid products because they believe it is one of the most useful supplements to affect fundamental processes associated with age-related diseases. With the stability and bioavailability issues solved, people using Alpha Lipoic Acid and R-Lipoic Acid can finally obtain the full rejuvenating effects that this product may hold. GeroNova is proud to partner with leading web distributor www.RelentlessImprovement.com for retail distribution of these breakthrough products. RI offers one stop shopping for the latest in effective, cutting edge anti-aging and cognitive enhancement supplements from the highest quality suppliers in the world. Sun, 01 May 2005 22:07:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-aging-supplement-lipoic-acid-comes-of-age http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-vitamin-e-may-help-prevent-cramps Study: Vitamin E May Help Prevent CrampsSource: www.clickondetroit.comResults of a new study show that there may be a natural way to help women fight the pain of menstrual cramps. PMS & MENOPAUSE NIH MedlinePlus: PMS Menopause The study suggests that some women may find relief from getting more vitamin E.Researchers studied teenage girls in Iran and found that those who took vitamin E starting two days before their periods suffered far less cramping than those who took over-the-counter pain medication. The study subjects took 200 milligrams twice a day for five days.A randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea S. Ziaei, M. Zakeri, A. Kazemnejad Objective To study the effect of vitamin E in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea.Design A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Setting A secondary school in Tehran, Iran.Population Two hundred and seventy-eight girls aged 1517 years who suffered from primary dysmenorrhoea.Methods Participants were given 200 units of vitamin E or placebo twice a day, beginning two days before the expected start of menstruation and continued through the first three days of bleeding. Treatment was continued over four consecutive menstrual periods.Main outcome measures The severity and duration of pain, and the amount of menstrual blood loss, at two and four months. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record pain, and a validated Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBLAC) to measure menstrual loss.Results In the vitamin E group, pain severity was lower with vitamin E at two months (median VAS score 3 vs 5, P> 0.001) and four months (0.5 vs 6, P> 0.001), pain duration was shorter at two months (mean 4.2 [7.1] hours vs 15 [17], P> 0.001) and at four months (1.6 [4.0] hours vs 17 [18] hours, P> 0.0001), and blood loss assessed by PBLAC score was lower at two months (54 [31] vs 70 [40], P> 0.0001) and at four months (46 [28] vs 70 [37], P> 0.0001).Conclusion Vitamin E relieves the pain of primary dysmenorrhoea and reduces blood loss. Sun, 01 May 2005 22:02:51 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-vitamin-e-may-help-prevent-cramps http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginkgo-beneficial-for-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-ohsu-study Ginkgo beneficial for multiple sclerosis symptoms, OHSU studySource: www.medicalnewstoday.comWhen it comes to her health, Janice Winfield of Portland, Ore., does her research. That's why the stay-at-home mom, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in July 2000, was willing to turn to popular, over-the-counter herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba to deal with memory problems, fatigue and occasional muscle pain. "I'm definitely interested in alternative medicine," said Winfield, 49, whose form of the neurological disease - relapsing-remitting MS - is characterized by frequent symptom flare-ups. Ginkgo "is not only given to someone like me with MS. There's benefit to anyone taking it." Findings by scientists in the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine's Department of Neurology and the OHSU MS Center of Oregon appear to back up that claim. A study presented this month at the American Academy of Neurology's 57th Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Fla., suggests that ginkgo may be effective in improving attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment. Side effects also were minimal. The study's lead author, Jesus Lovera, M.D., a research fellow and instructor in neurology, OHSU School of Medicine, said those receiving ginkgo "performed better on a test that measures a person's ability to pay attention and to sort conflicting information." Of 39 patients completing the study, 20 received ginkgo biloba and 19 received placebo. Researchers found there were no differences in results between the two groups in the areas of gender, education, type of MS, years since onset, or baseline performance on a battery of neuropsychological tests. But the ginkgo group was four seconds - about 13 percent - faster than the placebo group on a timed color and word test that measures attention and such "executive functions" as planning, decision making, and controlling goal-directed behavior and execution of deliberate actions. During the test, called a "Stroop," patients are shown colored boxes and asked to name the colors. They are then shown the names of colors printed with different-colored inks, such as the word "green" printed in red, and asked to read the word. Finally, patients are asked to describe the ink used for each word. Lovera said the differences in the Stroop result would be comparable to differences in scores between healthy people ages 30 to 39 and those ages 50 to 59. Ginkgo appeared to be more beneficial for MS patients having specific problems in the Stroop, so "we would like to do another study in which we choose patients that are impaired in this particular test," Lovera said. "We would also like to test it at higher doses." Ginko biloba is among several complementary and alternative medicine therapies being investigated by OHSU's Department of Neurology for their effects on symptoms of neurological disease. Studies have ranged from clinical trials of lactoferrin for treating Alzheimer's disease to the use of yoga as a therapy for MS fatigue. Ginkgo is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, one of the oldest species of trees, and has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. It contains potent antioxidants called flavoglycosides that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects in animal models of spinal cord injury. It also has terpene-lactones that block a substance known as platelet activitating factor, which is important in regulating blood vessel function as well as the mediating inflammation and the sticking of inflammatory cells to blood vessels. Many MS patients have long suspected that ginkgo improves disease symptoms. In a recent survey of 1,913 patients in Oregon, 20 percent reported using the supplement and 39 percent found it to be beneficial. However, until now, there was no evidence the supplement had any effect on memory. "It has been shown to be of benefit in Alzheimer's, but we did not know if it would work for MS," Lovera said. "We wanted to see if there was any suggestion that it could help patients with MS that are having cognitive problems." Lovera said the study results demonstrate that ginkgo shouldn't be discounted for treating MS, but its safety and efficacy must be tested in much larger clinical trials before doctors should recommend it to their patients. "The study suggests that for cognitive problems, it may only help a certain group of patients," he said. "We need to study this further." And for MS sufferers like Winfield, who participated in the ginkgo study, the herbal supplement will remain one of the many weapons in her arsenal for fighting the disease. "I would do it again," she said of taking ginkgo. "It could have a benefit for me that I didn't have before." But she emphasizes that "every MS is different, so what might work for me may not work for anybody else. But when it comes to alternative medicine, I'm all for that." The study was supported by the National MS Society, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Nancy Davis Center Without Walls. To access all OHSU news releases, visit http://www.ohsu.edu/news Sun, 01 May 2005 21:56:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginkgo-beneficial-for-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-ohsu-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-right-to-keep-healthy-skin Eat Right To Keep Healthy SkinSource: www.wfmynews2.comClinical nutritionist says all the skin-care and beauty products in the world won't keep your skin looking good if you're not eating the right foods. New York, NY -- Lots of people spend hundreds of dollars on all the "latest, greatest" skin-care products. You may even have been tempted to pick up a product that promises to keep your skin looking vibrant and young, wiping away wrinkles overnight. But, says Health magazine contributor and clinical nutritionist Samantha Heller, all the skin-care and beauty products in the world won't keep your skin looking good if you're not eating the right foods. Clinical studies have found that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and omega-3 fatty acids can help skin retain its healthy glow and look youthful. You may be surprised to learn that you'll often find a lot of the healthiest foods along the walls when you're shopping: the fresh fruits and vegetables, the whole grain breads, the fresh seafood section, and more. According to Heller, foods for healthy skin include those rich in lycopene. That's a pigment that gives many fruits and vegetables their red color. It's a proven antioxidant, and antioxidants are important because they reduce the risk of several types of cancer and they prevent the formation of harmful byproducts of metabolism called free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be responsible for damaging the body's cells, as well as their genetic makeup. In addition, studies are showing that lycopene in combination with other carotenoids may help to reduce sunburn and damage to skin from ultraviolet rays. And when you protect the cells from damage and disintegration, you also guard against premature aging. So in order to prevent damage to your skin, keep it looking younger, and give yourself added protection from the sun, you should include lycopene in your diet. And you can get it in a variety of foods. Among them: tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, guava, and pink grapefruit. Next up, beta-carotene. It's a form of vitamin A, and is an antioxidant that offers added protection against sun damage. Vitamin A is essential for vision, growth, healthy skin and your immune system. Beta-carotene can be found in deep yellow, orange and red foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red and yellow peppers, spinach, mango and apricot.Vitamin C, Heller points out, is another antioxidant that helps in the production and protection of collagen. And collagen is important to skin health because it provides structural support to skin, maintains resiliency and shape and assists with wound healing. Some great sources of vitamin C, besides orange juice, are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peppers, strawberries and kiwi. Vitamin B is also essential. If you're not getting enough of it, you're susceptible to skin disorders such as dermatitis, cracked lips, dry, flaky skin and skin lesions. There are several vitamins that make up the vitamin B complex, and they all work together to help keep skin healthy. You can find vitamin B in several food sources, including fat free milk, cheese, yogurt, ready to eat cereals made from whole grain, bananas, chick peas, oats, peanuts, chicken breast, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, black beans, lentils, and asparagus. Something else to get a lot of: omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help with the passage of nutrients into cells, and act as a systemic anti-inflammatory. Inflammation triggers cells to clog pores, and that can cause acne. Omega-3s also offer protection against ultraviolet ray-induced skin lesions, and decrease ultraviolet-induced inflammatory responses. Omega-3s can be found in foods such as salmon, walnuts, tofu, flax seed oil, ground flax seeds, canola and olive oil. And, advises Heller, don't forget to keep drinking plenty of water. Aside from being essential for all the compounds already mentioned to do their jobs, water keeps skin looking healthy and even young. In addition to keeping cells hydrated, water helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out. And when we're properly hydrated, we also sweat more efficiently, which also helps keep skin clean and clear. Some things that have a negative effect on the health of skin include smoking, alcohol, air pollution and, most importantly, sunlight. That can damage skin and cause the destruction of collagen fibers and increase the risk of skin cancers. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is the biggest cause of skin aging and pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions. Ultraviolet light dramatically increases oxidative damage to the skin. Micronutrients in foods can act as sponges to soak up destructive ultraviolet, help protect skin from harmful oxidants, repair skin damage, and modify biochemical skin responses to ultraviolet rays. Sun, 01 May 2005 21:53:24 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-right-to-keep-healthy-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-may-alter-breast-cancer-chemo Herbal Remedy May Alter Breast Cancer ChemoSource: my.webmd.comA popular herbal remedy may make breast cancer chemotherapy more toxic, laboratory studies suggest. The herb, black cohosh, has been used for centuries as a remedy for hot flashesblack cohosh, has been used for centuries as a remedy for hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. It was the main ingredient in the once-popular Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. Women with breast cancer -- or at high risk of breast cancer -- should talk to their doctors about treatment for menopausal symptoms. Many women with breast cancer take anti-estrogen drugs that, as a side effect, cause menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.anti-estrogen drugs that, as a side effect, cause menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. So the use of black cohoshblack cohosh is widespread among breast cancer patients, who may not tell their doctors they are using an herbal remedy. Might this affect cancer chemotherapy? Sara Rockwell, PhD, Yale University professor of therapeutic radiology and pharmacology, took a look. Rockwell's team grew breast cancer cells from mice in their laboratory. They tested three commercially available, liquid extracts of black cohosh. None of the extracts, by themselves, harmed the mouse cancer cells. But when combined with breast cancer chemotherapy, the extracts had different effects. The black cohosh extracts increased the cell-killing effects of two drugs, doxorubicin and docetaxel. They decreased the cell-killing effects of another drug, cisplatin. They had no effect on cells treated with radiation. Although very high doses of the black cohosh extracts were used in most of these experiments, significant effects were seen at concentrations equal to about 2.5 times the recommended dose. That's well within the dose range used by some women. It's possible, of course, that these effects could enhance breast cancer chemotherapy. But it's also possible these effects could be life-threatening, Rockwell and colleagues suggest. "Our studies caution that black cohosh should not be considered to be a harmless herb that is inconsequential to the health of cancer patients or to the outcome of conventional cancer therapy," they write. "Until the effects of black cohosh are better defined, the use of this and similar herbal preparations by breast cancer patients should be avoided." Sun, 01 May 2005 21:51:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-may-alter-breast-cancer-chemo http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthbeat-sculptra Healthbeat:SculptraSource: www.hoinews.comSoft Tissue Fillers Soft tissue fillers are products that are designed to “fill in” facial indentations made by fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment smoothes the skin and gives the patient a more youthful appearance. There are several different types of soft tissue fillers available. With fat injections, doctors take fat from another area of the body, process it, and then inject it into the new site. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, about 99,439 fat injections were performed in 2004. The effect is temporary because the body eventually breaks down the fat. Results last from several months to about a year. Collagen is derived from a patient’s own tissues or from purified cow collagen. It is injected into the skin to add volume to an area. Last year, 785,448 collagen injections were done in the U.S. Treatment lasts up to six months. Hyaluronic acid (Hylaform® and Restylane) is a natural substance found in living organisms. It is produced in a laboratory and injected into fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to increase fullness in the lips. In 2004, 882,469 hyaluronic acid injections were performed in the U.S. The treatment lasts from several months to a year. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance) is a newer soft tissue filler. It’s a synthetic version of a natural substance found in bone and teeth. Last year, 69,439 procedures were done in the U.S. The treatment is more expensive than collagen or hyaluronic acid, but lasts much longer. Results with calcium hydroxylapatite last for two years or more. Sculptra™ Another soft tissue filler is Sculptra™ (injectable poly-L-lactic acid). Sculptra is a synthetic material that has been safely used to make dissolvable sutures and soft tissue implants. In August 2004, the FDA approved Sculptra for loss of fat in the face (lipoatrophy, or facial wasting) associated with antitretroviral therapy in HIV patients. Facial fat loss gives a sunken appearance to the cheeks, eyes and temples. When injected into the skin, Sculptra makes the skin thicker and restores volume and shape to the target area. Some physicians are now using Sculptra on an off-label basis for cosmetic purposes in non-HIV patients (the filler has not been approved for this purpose yet). The treatment appears to be safe and can last for two or more years. Patients who are considering Sculptra should understand the risks associated with the injections. According to the manufacturer, some people experience redness, swelling, pain or bruising after an injection. The side effects usually go away within a few hours, but can last for up to 17 days. Another potential side effect is the development of small bumps under the skin of the target area. About 19 percent of patients receiving Sculptra experience this problem. The bumps are not always visible and sometimes go away on their own. In some cases, however, the bumps are visible and may cause redness or color change in the affected area of skin. Since Sculptra is so long-lasting, experts recommend patients seek treatment from physicians experienced in its use to reduce the risk of unintentional bumps or improper placement of the filler. Sun, 01 May 2005 21:47:38 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthbeat-sculptra http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vascular-structure-and-function-improve-with-diet-and-exercise Vascular structure and function improve with diet and exerciseSource: Althealth NewsSome structural and functional measures of cardiovascular disease risk may improve by the eighth week of a diet and exercise regimen, according to a study presented today at the American Heart Association's Sixth Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. "Our lifestyle management program appears to improve the health of the vasculature, so it might lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks and stroke," said presenter and lead author Kunihiko Aizawa, M.Sc., a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. "We found that there probably are some things that happen in even eight weeks."Researchers studied the combined effects of personalized physical exercise and Mediterranean-style diet plans in volunteers with pre-clinical risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study reported preliminary data from the larger randomized Staged Nutrition and Activity Counseling (SNAC) trial. A Mediterranean-style diet has impressive cardio-protective effects, according to a 2001 American Heart Association scientific advisory. The diet is high in fruits, vegetables, bread, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds with olive oil as an important fat source, and low to moderate amounts of dairy, fish and poultry."There have been studies looking at diet and exercise to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease," said primary investigator Robert J. Petrella, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Schulich School of Medicine at the University of Western Ontario. "The difference here is that the calories and composition of the diet and physical activity prescribed were matched to fitness level in an individually tailored fashion and delivered in a family practice setting as opposed to a hospital or laboratory."The randomized, single-blind trial of SNAC intervention versus usual care lifestyle counseling included 38 patients with high-normal blood pressure (systolic greater than 130 mmHg to 139 mmHg, diastolic greater than 85 mmHg to 89 mmHg) or pre-diabetes indicated by impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. The average age of patients was 53.3 years.Researchers found that the 22 female and 16 male participants lost weight and improved their exercise capacity on the program. Treadmill tests were used to measure exercise capacity (VO2 max, the maximal volume of oxygen exchanged during exercise) at the beginning and end of the eight-week period. Average VO2 max increased from 32.1 milliliters per minute per kilogram (mL/min/kg) to 35.3 mL/min/kg. Average body weight decreased from 92.5 kg to 90.9 kg (203.5 pounds to 200 pounds)."We were surprised that we saw such a weight reduction with the Mediterranean diet," Petrella said. "It was not a weight reduction program."Blood pressure did not change significantly.Ultrasound measurements of the heart and blood vessels at rest were performed as well. Left ventricular diastolic filling (LVDF) measurements indicate the efficiency of the heart to relax. Left ventricular mass is a measure of end organ damage often following the onset of LVDF abnormalities. The brachial (arm) and carotid (neck) arteries were tested for intima-media thickness and arterial distensibility. Both reflect the health of the blood vessels. The thicker and less distensible (elastic) the arteries are, the greater the load on the heart. This often results from changes in blood pressure, blood glucose or cholesterol disorders such as dyslipidemia.Carotid artery distensibility was the only structural factor that significantly improved. It rose about 16 percent. Petrella said that the other factors may improve as patients are followed for one year.One in three American adults has high blood pressure and two-thirds to three-fourths of people with diabetes mellitus die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease, according to the American Heart Association."For both of these groups, their lifetime risk of developing hypertension is high," Petrella said. "Anything we can do to reduce that is important." Sun, 01 May 2005 21:32:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vascular-structure-and-function-improve-with-diet-and-exercise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/smoking-vitamins-away Smoking Vitamin's AwaySource: www2.kval.comA new study out of Oregon State University says smokers who experience health problems, may be lacking one important vitamin. Scientists say, the higher risk of cancer among smokers may be partly due to loss of Vitamin-E.They've published a study showing that Vitamin-E is depleted more quickly in smokers than in non-smokers.That robs smokers of antioxidant protection against molecules known as "free radicals."Doctors recommend that smokers pay more attention to their diets in order to maintain Vitamin-E levels, especially when the most common sources of Vitamin-E tend to be fatty foods ... something more people are avoiding. Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:04:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/smoking-vitamins-away http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/halozyme-therapeutics-presents-rhuph20-hyaluronidase-preclinical-data-at-the-2005-american-association-for-cancer-research Halozyme Therapeutics Presents rHuPH20 Hyaluronidase Preclinical Data at the 2005 American Association for Cancer ResearchSource: www.prnewswire.comHalozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (Amex: HTI), a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant human enzymes, announced today that results from new preclinical studies investigating the use of Halozyme's recombinant human PH20 (rHuPH20) hyaluronidase enzyme in conjunction with chemotherapy were presented today at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California. Studies conducted in collaboration with the University of Trondheim, Norway, showed that rHuPH20 reduced both tumor interstitial fluid pressure in animal models and the resistance of cultured human bladder carcinoma aggregates to a commonly used chemotherapy agent. Bladder carcinoma cells were found to become more resistant to chemotherapy when they were grown as multicellular aggregates shaped as spheres (i.e., "spheroids") vs. grown as flat single cell layers, potentially due to the gel-like substance made of hyaluronic acid (HA) that surrounds the spheroids and acts as a barrier to the dispersion and penetration of chemotherapy into tumors. After the addition of rHuPH20 to the tumor aggregates to remove the HA, investigators demonstrated increased penetration of chemotherapeutic agents and greater cell killing in the treated spheroids vs. controls. The chemosensitivity of the tumor cells increased to the point where they exhibited the same degree of chemosensitivity as the flat single cell layers, which can be potentially attributed to the increased accessibility of tumor cells by chemotherapy once the HA barrier was removed. "The challenge for chemotherapy to effectively reach the inner core of tumors is often forgotten when studying cells grown in petri dishes," said Gregory Frost, PhD, Halozyme's Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. "These studies lay the pharmacologic foundation for the development of Chemophase(TM), and generally support the previous positive clinical findings from treating transitional bladder cancer patients with animal-sourced hyaluronidase and chemotherapy. We are excited about pursuing the development of a potential new bladder cancer treatment, which we plan to bring into the clinic in the second half of this year, pending appropriate FDA authorization." Halozyme's rHuPH20 is a highly purified, recombinant form of the naturally occurring human enzyme and is being investigated for its ability to break down hyaluronic acid (HA), the space-filling "gel"-like substance that is a major component of tissues throughout the body. Hyaluronidase injected in the bladder through intravesical administration may temporarily digest the HA gel found around bladder tumor cells to potentially enhance the penetration and diffusion of other administered drugs, such as chemotherapy. About Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. Halozyme is a development stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing recombinant human enzymes for the infertility, ophthalmology, and oncology communities. The company's portfolio of products under development is based on intellectual property covering the family of human enzymes known as hyaluronidases. Halozyme's recombinant human enzymes may replace current animal slaughterhouse-derived enzymes that carry potential risks of animal pathogen transmission and immunogenicity. The versatility of the first enzyme, rHuPH20, enables Halozyme to develop the product as a medical device, drug enhancement agent, and therapeutic biologic. Safe Harbor Statement In addition to historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, statements concerning research data, products under development and the timing of expected clinical development) that involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are also identified through use of the words "believe," "enable," "may," "will," "could," "intends," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "predict," "probable," "potential," "possible," "should," "continue," and other words of similar meaning. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations contained in forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including regulatory approval requirements and competitive conditions. These and other factors that may result in differences are discussed in greater detail in the company's reports on Forms 10-KSB, 10-QSB and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:02:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/halozyme-therapeutics-presents-rhuph20-hyaluronidase-preclinical-data-at-the-2005-american-association-for-cancer-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soft-tissue-fillers Soft Tissue FillersSource: www.wowt.comTreatment of lines and wrinkles Soft tissue fillers are products that are designed to "fill in" facial indentations made by fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment smoothes the skin and gives the patient a more youthful appearance. There are several different types of soft tissue fillers available. With fat injections, doctors take fat from another area of the body, process it, and then inject it into the new site. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, about 99,439 fat injections were performed in 2004. The effect is temporary because the body eventually breaks down the fat. Results last from several months to about a year. Collagen is derived from a patient's own tissues or from purified cow collagen. It is injected into the skin to add volume to an area. Last year, 785,448 collagen injections were done in the U.S. Treatment lasts up to six months. Hyaluronic acid (Hylaform(r) and Restylane) is a natural substance found in living organisms. It is produced in a laboratory and injected into fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to increase fullness in the lips. In 2004, 882,469 hyaluronic acid injections were performed in the U.S. The treatment lasts from several months to a year. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance) is a newer soft tissue filler. It's a synthetic version of a natural substance found in bone and teeth. Last year, 69,439 procedures were done in the U.S. The treatment is more expensive than collagen or hyaluronic acid, but lasts much longer. Results with calcium hydroxylapatite last for two years or more. Sculptra(tm) Another soft tissue filler is Sculptra(tm) (injectable poly-L-lactic acid). Sculptra is a synthetic material that has been safely used to make dissolvable sutures and soft tissue implants. In August 2004, the FDA approved Sculptra for loss of fat in the face (lipoatrophy, or facial wasting) associated with antitretroviral therapy in HIV patients. Facial fat loss gives a sunken appearance to the cheeks, eyes and temples. When injected into the skin, Sculptra makes the skin thicker and restores volume and shape to the target area. Some physicians are now using Sculptra on an off-label basis for cosmetic purposes in non-HIV patients (the filler has not been approved for this purpose yet). The treatment appears to be safe and can last for two or more years. Patients who are considering Sculptra should understand the risks associated with the injections. According to the manufacturer, some people experience redness, swelling, pain or bruising after an injection. The side effects usually go away within a few hours, but can last for up to 17 days. Another potential side effect is the development of small bumps under the skin of the target area. About 19 percent of patients receiving Sculptra experience this problem. The bumps are not always visible and sometimes go away on their own. In some cases, however, the bumps are visible and may cause redness or color change in the affected area of skin. Since Sculptra is so long-lasting, experts recommend patients seek treatment from physicians experienced in its use to reduce the risk of unintentional bumps or improper placement of the filler. SOURCESGregory Nikolaidis, M.D. (featured in story), Cosmetic Dermatologist, Westlake Dermatology, 6836 Bee Caves Road, Suite 111 Austin , TX 78746, interview, February 22, 2005. AUDIENCE INQUIRYFor information about Sculptra(tm): http://www1.sculptra.com/US/Index.jsp For general information about cosmetic procedures: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:01:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soft-tissue-fillers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-holds-promise-in-alzheimers-fight Fish oil holds promise in Alzheimer's fightSource: sheknows.comEven our grandmothers told us fish was "brain food"--and now scientists have evidence to back the claim. Researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that a diet high in docosahexenoic acid, or DHA--an omega-3 fatty acid found in relatively high concentrations in cold-water fish--dramatically slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice. Specifically, DHA cut the harmful brain plaques that mark the disease. The results appear in the March 23 online edition of the Journal of Neuroscience. Senior author Greg M. Cole, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System and UCLA, said that unlike many studies with mice, this one points to the benefits of a therapy that is easily available and already touted for other medical conditions. DHA--either from food sources such as fish and soy, or in fish-oil supplements--is recommended by many cardiologists for heart health, based on scores of previous studies. "The good news from this study is that we can buy the therapy at a supermarket or drug store," said Cole. "DHA has a tremendous safety profile--essentially no side effects--and clinical trial evidence supports giving DHA supplements to people at risk for cardiovascular disease." The new study involved older mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease. The researchers fed one group of the mice DHA-fortified chow. The control mice ate a normal or DHA-depleted diet. After three to five months--the equivalent of several years in human biology--the high-DHA group had 70-percent less buildup of amyloid protein in the brain. This sticky protein makes up the plaques, or patches, that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's. A similar study by Cole's group published in Neuron last fall showed that DHA protected against damage to the "synaptic" areas where brain cells communicate and enabled mice to perform better on memory tests. The studies, say the scientists, suggest that even people who are genetically predisposed to the disease may be able to delay it by boosting their DHA intake. Omega-3 fatty acids, typically deficient in the American diet, are essential for human health. DHA in particular is vital to proper brain function, as well as eye health and other body processes. In recent years epidemiologists have tied fish-rich diets to a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and homed in on DHA as the preventive factor. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are now being tested in clinical trials with early-stage Alzheimer's patients in the United States, Canada and Sweden to see if the therapy really slows the disease. Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel and sardines, as well as almonds, walnuts, soy, and DHA-enriched eggs. Concerns about mercury contamination in fish have helped popularize purified DHA supplements based on fish oil or algae. Last year, Cole's team identified another nutrient that appears to combat Alzheimer's plaques in mice: curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, one of the spices that make up curry powder. Researchers became interested in curcumin's potential to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease after noting the low prevalence of dementia among the elderly in India, where curry is a staple. Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:57:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-holds-promise-in-alzheimers-fight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/melas-syndrome MELAS SyndromeSource: rarediseases.about.comA neurodegenerative disorder MELAS syndrome is caused by problems with the genetic material in body cells. Specifically, it is due to defects in the genetic material in mitochondria, the parts of cells that generate energy for the body to do its work. It is not yet known how many individuals have developed MELAS throughout the world. The syndrome affects all ethnic groups and both males and females. It is known, however, that the genetic defect most often involved in MELAS is passed down through the mother’s side of the family. Symptoms MELAS stands for: Mitochondrial myopathy – weakness of muscles throughout the body Encephalopathy – disease of the central nervous system Lactic Acidosis – abnormal build-up of lactic acid, normally a waste product, in the body Stroke – occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off by disease, and brain cells die. These conditions cause many symptoms which are often debilitating. Strokes cause brain damage, leading to seizures, numbness, or partial paralysis. The encephalopathy causes tremors, muscle spasms, blindness, deafness, and may lead to dementia. Myopathy causes difficulty walking, moving, eating, and speaking. Diagnosis In many individuals with MELAS syndrome, a stroke, or similar symptoms such as headache, vomiting, or seizures, is the first clue that something is wrong. The first stroke episode usually occurs in childhood between the ages of 4 and 15 years, but it may occur in infants or in young adults. Prior to the first stroke, the child may be slow to grow and develop, have learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder. Tests can check the level of lactic acid in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Blood tests can check for an enzyme (creatine kinase) present in muscle disease. A muscle sample (biopsy) can be tested for the most common genetic defect present in MELAS. Brain imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can look for signs of brain damage from stroke. Treatment Unfortunately there is as yet no treatment to stop the damage done by MELAS syndrome, and the outcome for individuals with the syndrome is usually poor. Moderate treadmill training can help improve the endurance of individuals with myopathy. Metabolic therapies, including dietary supplements, have shown benefits for some individuals. These treatments include coenzyme Q10, phylloquinone, menadione, ascorbate, riboflavin, nicotinamide, creatine monohydrate, idebenone, succinate, and dichloroacetate. Whether these supplements will help all individuals with MELAS syndrome is still being studied. Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:53:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/melas-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-help-ease-menstrual-cramps Vitamin E May Help Ease Menstrual CrampsSource: www.reuters.comWomen may find some relief from menstrual cramps by taking vitamin E a few days a month, new research suggests. The study, of teenage girls in Iran, found that those who took vitamin E starting two days before their periods suffered far less cramping than their peers who used only standard pain medication. After four months, the girls who took vitamin E had cramps for less than two hours, on average, during their periods. That compared with 17 hours for those who did not take the vitamin. Dr. Saeideh Ziaei and her colleagues at Tarbiat Modarres University in Tehran report the findings in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Common menstrual cramps, or primary dysmenorrhea, are thought to result from the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract in order to expel the uterine lining, resulting in menstrual blood flow. Vitamin E, by acting on two enzymes in the body, can inhibit the formation of prostaglandins -- and, potentially, menstrual cramps, according to Ziaei and her colleagues. To investigate, the researchers randomly assigned 278 girls, 15 to 17 years old, with primary dysmenorrhea to take either vitamin E or an inactive placebo pill. Girls in the vitamin E group took 200 milligrams (mg) of the vitamin twice a day, starting two days before they expected their periods and continuing through the third day of menstruation.> Both groups were allowed to take ibuprofen if they needed to. After four months, girls in the vitamin E group showed a sharp reduction in the number of hours they suffered cramps each month. Few -- 4 percent -- reported using ibuprofen, compared with 89 percent of girls in the placebo group. Girls in both groups tended to say their periods got lighter during the study period, but the change was greater in the vitamin group, according to Ziaei's team. The dose of vitamin E used in the study -- 200 mg twice a day -- is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake of 20 mg, but still well within the range that experts consider unlikely to cause adverse effects. U.S. health officials set the "upper tolerable intake level" for vitamin E at 1,000 mg per day. "The use of vitamin E for dysmenorrhea in adolescent women is attractive," Ziaei's team writes, "because of the marked effect we have demonstrated, coupled with the absence of significant side effects from vitamin E at therapeutic doses." SOURCE: British Journal of Gynecology, April 2005. Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:50:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-help-ease-menstrual-cramps http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gout-and-diet Gout and dietSource: www.yobserver.comRich diets can cause poor health Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints of the body, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. The normal body processing of purine (protein substances that are found naturally in our diets) by the liver results in an end product called uric acid, which then gets excreted by the kidneys. A build-up of uric acid occurs when the body has difficulty eliminating uric acid through the kidneys and urine, or in some cases, when the body produces too much uric acid. Dietary intake of rich foods – red meat, cream sauces, red wine and brandy can put more uric acid into the bloodstream than the kidneys can filter. When uric acid builds up in the blood, it begins to crystallize over time and settles in the joint spaces, which irritates the joint lining and causes severe joint inflammation, or an acute gout attack. Left untreated, acute gout attacks can last for hours to weeks. The average time between the first attack and a recurrence is about one year unless some preventative treatment occurs. Over time, untreated gout may result in attacks that are more frequent and longer in duration. Irreversible joint damage also may occur.Ninety percent of gout cases are due to the under-excretion of uric acid from the kidneys. Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe or ankle joint but any joint may be involved including the knees, ankles, fingers, wrists, or elbows. Women, in particular, are likely to experience gout in the hands. Another possible result of high blood uric acid levels is the development of kidney stones. Some individuals have noted gout attacks to be triggered by trauma, alcohol, or stress.The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often hereditary. It can, however, skip an individual or even a generation and reappear in the children of someone who has no signs of gout. While it is most commonly seen in males between fifty and sixty years of age, gout does occur in females and in younger males.Diagnosis Diagnosis begins with the examination of the classic signs of gout and the person’s family and personal history. The definitive way to diagnose gout is to examine the joint fluid for uric acid crystals. This is done by drawing fluid from the joint using a needle and examining it under a special polarized microscope.This method of diagnosis is intrusive however the definitive diagnosis will facilitate proper treatment and quick relief. Blood tests are also often done to determine uric acid levels.Treatment Long-term drug treatment may be used to reduce the risk of future gout attacks. The decision to use medication in this preventative manner is an individual decision that should be carefully considered, as some medications used for long-term treatment of gout are generally taken for life once initiated. Contact the physician for the recommended medication.Although some patients have a genetic predisposition to excessive uric acid levels, most gout sufferers have excessive uric acid levels. Gout is often called the “rich man’s disease” because alcohol and sweet foods are primary contributors to excessive uric acid levels. A change in diet and lifestyle combined with drug treatment is preferred long-term treatment for the prevention of gout attacks.Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are most often used to treat acute gout attacks and can provide relief fairly rapidly, especially soon after the onset of the attack.If gout attacks continue despite medical treatment, if there are excessive deposits of gouty crystals within a joint, or if arthritis causes continual discomfort, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the crystals and repair the joint. Failure to consider surgery when it is needed may result in permanent damage to the joint.While drug therapy is currently considered the most effective treatment for gout, both natural and conventional medicine agree in their recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes that encourage reduction in uric acid forming foods and beverages. The primary drug used to treat gout, colchicine, has no direct effect on uric acid levels, rather it works by inhibiting the inflammatory process at the affected area. Note that recent diet guidelines are not totally effective because uric acid levels are determined not only by the purine content of food but also by the rate at which the kidneys eliminate it.Diet recommendations Eliminate purine-containing foods: organ meat, shellfish, oily fish such as anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, beans, peas, oatmeal, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, brewers yeast (e.g. beer,) bakers yeast (eg. baked goods and bread).Maintain a vegetarian/fish diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits; whole grains; broiled, baked or steamed salmon; flax seed oil or other EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in salmon oil, olive oil, flax oil, and nuts.Avoid processed foods, “fast foods,” “junk foods,” fried foods, dairy products, animal fats, red meat, poultry, hydrogenated oils and margarine, sugar and white flour products (pasta and breads, crackers, cookies, etc.), alcohol, caffeine. Lifestyle recommendations Alcohol can cause overproduction and under-excretion of uric acid. So avoiding or at least limiting the amount of alcohol one consumes can be helpful.Eat at regular intervals. Plasma uric acid levels rise during starvation so avoid going for extended periods of time without eating.Fluid Intake. Dehydration can trigger acute gout attacks. Drink at least 2 liters of fresh water daily. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to prevent kidney stones, which can develop as a result of high uric acid levels.Weight. Research has shown that blood uric acid levels are higher in overweight individuals. Maintain an appropriate weight for height. If you are overweight, moderate weight loss can reduce uric acid levels.Repetitive Joint Trauma. Avoid repeated trauma (e.g. tight fitting shoes) in areas susceptible to gout attacks. Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:49:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gout-and-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/managing-menopause Managing MenopauseSource: Althealth NewsWhile menopause was once dreaded by many women, today's women are leading happy, healthy and productive lives. The key to staying youthful and active is good nutrition and regular physical exercise.The Baptist Health System, in Knoxville, Tenn., suggests these tips to promote healthy living after menopause:If you are considering hormone replacement therapy, the decision to start should be made only after you and your doctor have evaluated the risks and benefits, based on your medical history. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Reduce consumption of saturated fats. Do not smoke, since it a major heart-health and cancer risk. Exercise regularly. Even moderate exercise, such as walking a half-hour three times a week, is beneficial. Maintain a healthy weight. Take medication for high blood pressure or to reduce your cholesterol, if prescribed by your physician. This will help minimize your risk for heart disease. Learn ways to relax and reduce the stress in your life. Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:25:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/managing-menopause http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-chocolate-good-for-you- Is Chocolate Good for You?Source: www.infozine.comSince flavonoids seem to help prevent heart disease and cancer, the idea of eating chocolate sounds like a tempting and delicious way to better your health. The complete message is, however, that although chocolate might be preferable to other treats, it is no substitute for vegetables and fruits, which also contain flavonoids.The flavonoids in chocolate that laboratory studies demonstrate to have powerful antioxidant effects are called flavanols and procyanidins. These two compounds come from the flavonoid "family" that includes resveratrol, found in grape juice, and EGCG, found in green tea. When people consume these substances in chocolate and cocoa, the antioxidant status of their blood increases. This rise in antioxidant levels helps protect us from damage to the heart and blood vessels, while it also guards our DNA from damage that can lead to cancer. In addition, the flavanols and procyanidins in chocolate improve the function and flow of blood vessels and help control inflammation.The antioxidants in chocolate have generated a lot of interest because studies show that these compounds are more powerful antioxidants than EGCG in tea, which is a strong antioxidant. One study that compared the total antioxidant activity in single servings of cocoa, green tea, black tea and red wine scored cocoa markedly higher than the rest.Yet the flavonoid content of cocoa and chocolate is highly variable. The more cocoa in a chocolate product, the higher the antioxidant flavonoid content is. Because dark chocolate is more concentrated in cocoa content, it is higher in flavonoids than milk chocolate. For this reason, dark chocolate is used in research studies. White chocolate has no cocoa content.A cup of hot or cold cocoa may sound like a health drink loaded with antioxidants, but almost all cocoa drink mixes contain cocoa treated with alkali (also called Dutch cocoa) to produce a darker, richer taste. Unfortunately, this process drastically reduces flavonoid content. Unless you find a chocolate mix made with untreated cocoa, start with plain cocoa (not Dutch) and add your own sweetener and milk to make a flavonoid-rich cup.Surprisingly, the fat content of chocolate is not a reason to avoid it. Technically, chocolate contains saturated fat, but the particular type of saturated fat - stearic acid - is unique because it does not raise blood cholesterol. Studies show that neither dark or milk chocolate is a cholesterol concern in moderate amounts. But keep in mind that other ingredients added to some chocolate candies can change their nutrition impact.But one of the reasons you shouldn't rely on chocolate for antioxidants, in the place of vegetables and fruits, is the calorie load. A small piece of dark chocolate has only 50 calories, but most candy bars contain at least 200. In comparison, a serving of vegetables and fruits contains a generous amount of health-promoting phytochemicals and only 25 to 80 calories. An antioxidant-rich serving of green tea has no calories at all.Besides, vegetables and fruits have more than flavonoids. They provide vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and phytochemicals that protect our health in other ways. Some, for example, block the activation of carcinogens, while others interfere with the life cycle of cancer cells and promote their destruction.Recent research on the flavonoids in chocolate implies that we can enjoy limited amounts of this sweet treat without guilt. But this news shouldn't discourage us from eating a mostly plant-based diet loaded with vegetables and fruits. Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:22:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-chocolate-good-for-you- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-d-improve-lung-cancer-survival Sunshine, Vitamin D Improve Lung Cancer SurvivalSource: www.healthcentral.comBut don't put off surgeries till sunnier months, experts caution. Does having lung cancer surgery during a sunny time of year improve your chances of survival?Maybe, according to Harvard researchers.The reason is vitamin D. The human body naturally produces vitamin D after sun exposure, and researchers found that people who had surgery for early-stage lung cancer fared better if they had their surgery during a sunnier time of the year or if they had a high intake of vitamin D before surgery.In fact, those who had surgery in very sunny months and had a high intake of vitamin D were more than twice as likely to surpass the five-year survival mark as people who had winter surgeries and a low intake of vitamin D, the study found."The take-home message from this study is that if these findings hold up, a relatively simple intervention could have a relatively large impact," said principal investigator Dr. David Christiani, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. "This study showed a pretty strong relationship between vitamin D intake or season and disease-free and overall survival."However, both the researchers and other lung cancer experts stressed the findings are no reason to postpone needed cancer surgery to a brighter time of year.The findings were presented April 18 at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Anaheim, Calif.More than 170,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Sixty percent of those diagnosed will die within a year, and for 75 percent of those with lung cancer, the disease will prove fatal within two years of diagnosis. Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers for both men and women, and more than 160,000 people die from the disease each year.Symptoms include a cough that won't go away and worsens over time, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, wheezing and shortness of breath, according to the National Cancer Institute. The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. Other causes include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos or certain air pollutants.For this study, Christiani and his colleagues looked at outcomes in 456 people with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Eighty percent had stage I cancer, and the remaining 20 percent had more advanced stage II cancer. All had surgery to remove the cancer, while 9 percent also received radiation and 1 percent received chemotherapy.The average age of people in the study was 69. Most were white, 47 percent were female and 40 percent were current smokers. The average follow-up time was just under six years.After five years, 234 of the study participants had died. Older age, current smoking and more advanced cancer were risk factors for dying, and the researchers adjusted for these factors in their analysis.Five-year survival rates were 25 percent higher for those who had surgery in the spring, summer or fall compared to those who had surgery in the winter, the researchers found. Overall survival rates were 50 percent for winter surgeries, 57 percent for spring/fall surgeries and 59 percent for summer surgeries.The researchers also had dietary information for 323 of the study participants. Those with the highest intake of vitamin D were 28 percent less likely to die.When surgical season was combined with vitamin D intake, the researchers found a 72 percent five-year survival for those who had surgery in the summer and had the highest vitamin D intake, compared to 30 percent for those who had winter surgery and low vitamin D intake.Christiani said this study didn't look at the mechanism by which vitamin D might increase survival odds, but said that other studies have shown that vitamin D may have "anti-proliferative and anti-invasive properties." That means vitamin D may modify the way lung cancer tumor cells behave and make them less likely to grow fast and less likely to invade other parts of the body."This is an interesting observation, but it won't influence the way I would practice today," said Dr. Jay Brooks, chairman of hematology and oncology at Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hospital in New Orleans.Brooks pointed out that past studies have shown significant benefits for other vitamins that with additional research didn't pan out.Additionally, because the earlier you get treatment for lung cancer, the better your chances for survival are, Brooks cautioned, "People shouldn't wait to get surgery."The researchers agreed. "This study in no way suggests that people should try to time their cancer surgeries for a particular season. But, if validated, it may mean that increasing a patient's use of vitamin D before such surgery could offer a survival benefit," one of Christiani's Harvard colleagues, Dr. Wei Zhou, said in a statement. Tue, 19 Apr 2005 10:09:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-vitamin-d-improve-lung-cancer-survival http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/london-marathon-my-new-diet-my-appetite London Marathon: My new diet, my appetiteSource: www.belfasttelegraph.co.ukIt's not just the menu that has changed for marathon girl Paula With customary politeness, Paula Radcliffe has pushed her plate of rice, sausages and salad to one side in order to satisfy the insatiable appetite of the media.Despite the fact that she is running her third Flora London Marathon tomorrow, that traditional carbo-loader, pasta, is off the menu following changes she has made in the wake of her failure to achieve in Athens. And the absence of wheat, gluten or dairy products from the Radcliffe diet is far from the only change that has occurred since she struggled to a teary halt on the road from Olympia eight months ago. As she contemplates a return to the venue which witnessed arguably the finest performance of her career - her 2003 world record of 2 hour 15 minutes 25 seconds is still three minutes faster than any other female runner has managed - the 31-year-old Bedford runner finds much that has altered, not least in herself. Radcliffe's girlish glow of previous years is absent. She now has the slightly guarded look of someone who has been through difficult times.Although Dave Bedford - the London event's race director - made a point of introducing her yesterday as "the greatest female distance runner of all time", the climate has altered dramatically for the woman who crossed the line in The Mall two years ago after making a stupendous advance on her own world best time. Although she responded to her Athens disappointment by entering and winning the New York Marathon in November, by her own admission she was not operating at the top of her form, and her defeat of Kenya's Susan Chepkemei over the last couple of hundred metres owed much to sheer guts and courage. Last month, having emerged from a three-month training sojourn in Albuquerque, she produced an encouraging time of 30min 45sec in the Crescent City Classic 10km race in New Orleans, but was well beaten by Kenya's Olympic 5000m silver medallist, Isabella Ochichi. And in the build-up to the 25th running of the London marathon, several observers within the sport have suggested that her best days are behind her. The starkest version of this opinion was offered this week by a former winner of the event, Liz McColgan, who has in previous times acted as something of a mentor to Radcliffe. Asked to respond to the Scottish runner's observations, Radcliffe managed to do so witheringly while apparently insisting that she did not want to be drawn into any slanging matches.When presented with the suggestion that marathon runners only have four great races within them - a view first formed by Australia's 1983 world champion Rob de Castella - Radcliffe, whose current record stands at four wins and one "did not finish", is similarly resolute. "I don't think you can put a number on it," she responds. "It depends on so many things and at what stage of your career you come to the marathon."However you seek to explain what happened, or rather did not happen, in Athens - and she puts her failure down to a severe stomach upset brought on by anti-inflammatory tablets she was taking for a thigh injury - it is something Radcliffe accepts will always be with her. "You never totally get over a thing like that," she says. "But it's made me stronger. I've toughened up, and it's made me care less about criticism. There were people who said I was wrong to run in New York so soon after Athens, but everyone around me was happy, and I enjoyed the race." While the main decision of the year - whether to attempt the 10,000m or marathon, or even both, at this summer's World Championships in Helsinki - remains to be made, Radcliffe has no doubts that she has made the right choice in going for a third London title rather than attempting to complete the unofficial marathon "grand slam" by racing in Boston. She says her preparation this year is on a level with that of 2003, and is unequivocal in stating that she still has the capacity to surpass that display. But when you ask her how vital it is to her career to proceed in the belief that she continue moving onwards and upwards, she pauses. "Of course there comes a point when you have to be realistic," she says. "Everybody gets older. But you also find that you learn new things and become wiser in the way you work. Look at Haile Gebreselassie. "During his last years on the track he knew he wasn't going to beat his world records, but he still won races and titles. It's about managing and running your career intelligently." Unlike her last London race, when Radcliffe was able to benefit from male pacemakers, tomorrow's competition will be a separate women's only affair, which means she can claim a world record bonus of $$125,000 by breaking 2hr 18min 56sec, the time she set on her marathon debut in the capital three years ago when she was competing in the same circumstances. The bonus, however, is hardly a huge concern to a woman who has been comfortably in the millionaire status for several years, and who is reported to be receiving £500,000 to race in London this year before any bonuses start being thrown around. Inevitably, Radcliffe's financial status has not escaped criticism. One paper ran a cartoon this week depicting her running over streets paved with gold, a sack of cash over her shoulder. "There comes a point when you realise that you can't please all the people all the time," she says. "In the past I'd probably worry about the five per cent who weren't happy and try and change what I was doing rather than thinking about the other 95 per cent." Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:30:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/london-marathon-my-new-diet-my-appetite http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-reduces-risk-of-pregnancy-complication-conclude-researchers Vitamin C reduces risk of pregnancy complication, conclude researchersSource: www.foodnavigator-usa.comResearchers at Mexico’s National Institute of Perinatology have found that women taking 100mg of vitamin C supplement a day from the 20th week of pregnancy may reduce the risk of the waters breaking too early.The relatively common condition known as premature rupture of the chorioamniotic membranes (PROM) may result in premature delivery and infection. Earlier studies have found that Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining the collagen in the membrane throughout gestation but it is not stored well by the body, which excretes whatever it does not need on a daily basis. The researchers, led by Esther Casanueva, set out to determine the effectiveness of a daily 100mg dose in preventing PROM. In the controlled double-blind trial, 120 women in their 20th week of pregnancy were randomly assigned to two groups; one group received 100mg of vitamin C each day and the other received a placebo. The women’s plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations were measured every fourth week and the results, published in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 4: 859-863). They showed that mean plasma vitamin C concentrations decreased as pregnancy progressed in all of the 109 women who completed the study, irrespective of whether they were taking the vitamin C or the placebo. This decrease is typically seen in normal pregnancies. However the mean leukocyte vitamin C concentrations decreased in the placebo group between weeks 20 and 36 from 17.5 to 15.23 µg/108 cells, compared to an increase from 17.26 to 22.17 µg/108 cells in the vitamin C group. When it came to the birth, 14 of the 57 women in the placebo group experienced PROM, compared with just 4 of the 52 women in the vitamin C group. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women consume 75mg of vitamin C a day, increasing to 80-85mg during pregnancy and 115-120 mg during lactation. Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:25:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-reduces-risk-of-pregnancy-complication-conclude-researchers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-and-fish-oil-may-prevent-heart-attacks Soy and Fish Oil may Prevent Heart AttacksSource: www.ivanhoe.comResearchers from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta have discovered daily supplements of fish or soy oil may improve cardiac function and protect against heart attacks in the short-term.Researchers randomized nursing home residents to receive either daily fish oil or soy oil capsules. The fish oil capsules contained omega-3 fatty acids, while the soy oil capsules contained a lower daily dose of a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid.Omega-3 fatty acids improve heart function by providing greater variability between beats, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and/or sudden death.According to study authors, medical community professionals currently believe omega-3 fatty acids only produce long-term cardiac benefits. However, this study showed improvements in heart function in as short a time as two weeks.“Taking a daily supplement of fish or soy oil may help reduce the risk of suffering an adverse cardiovascular event, such as arrhythmia or sudden death,” says lead study author Fernando Holguin, M.D.“Studies like this demonstrate there are additional approaches we can take to protect ourselves from heart attacks,” says Paul Kvale, M.D., president of the American College of Chest Physicians. “It’s exciting to see the potential for omega-3 fatty acids in improving heart function when it complements a healthy lifestyle of exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting eight hours of sleep.”This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: CHEST, 2005;127:1102-1107 Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:20:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soy-and-fish-oil-may-prevent-heart-attacks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/elixir-of-youth-comes-with-an-eye-watering-price-tag Elixir of youth comes with an eye-watering price tagSource: www.nzherald.co.nzPrevage, which costs US$100 ($135) for 28g, and was launched two months ago by Allergan, the makers of Botox, has fast become the beauty substance of desire. The magic ingredient is idebenone, one of the most effective topical antioxidant products available. It is so potent that it is used to protect organs from environmental damage during transplant operations, slows the progress of Alzheimer's disease and stimulates nerves in stroke victims. So who wouldn't want to use it to reduce their wrinkles? Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damaging byproducts, called free radicals, of environmental stresses such as UV light, smoke and air pollution. It's not the first time antioxidants have been used in face creams: vitamins C and E are widely used, and Coenzyme Q10 is an ingredient in Q10 Plus Wrinkle Control products by Nivea. But, says the pharmaceutical company that created the Prevage formula, idebenone is the first and only clinically tested antioxidant. A study involving 21 women aged between 18 and 65, who had moderate premature ageing of the skin and used the cream twice a day for six weeks, found a 29 per cent reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a 26 per cent reduction in skin roughness or dryness, a 37 per cent increase in skin hydration and a 33 per cent overall improvement in the appearance of skin. Further research, conducted at the University of California in Los Angeles, found it reduced sunburned cells (skin cells that die from UV exposure) by 38 per cent, while the use of tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, resulted in only a 31 per cent reduction. It also outscored its rivals in several other tests. Prevage, a non-prescription cream, is now available from about 1000 dermatologists' and plastic surgeons' offices in the United States. Allergan says it decided not to sell it over the counter so consumers can receive advice on whether it is the best product for them. Samples were included in the goodie bags for the Screen Actors Guild awards, allowing award nominees Cate Blanchett, Teri Hatcher and Hilary Swank to bypass the waiting lists that have sprung up across America. Dr Andrew Scheman, an associate professor of clinical dermatology at Northwestern University in Chicago, had a waiting list of 25 people at his private practice in the first two weeks it came out. And, despite the hefty price tag, he sold four dozen bottles within days of receiving his supply. So does he think that Prevage does what it says on the bottle? "The trouble with the antioxidants is that, although the concept is good, many of them work better in a test tube than they do on humans," says Dr Scheman, who isn't on the Allergan payroll. "It's very hard to get one that actually gets absorbed into the skin and does some good. Many products sound good, but are nothing but snake oil ... Allergan does have good data that shows that Prevage really gets into the skin and it does have a protective effect against ultraviolet light in humans. "I was actually rather impressed with the data." But one or two of his patients have complained about the yellowish-orange colour. "If you put it on too thickly it can discolour skin," he says. Dr Nick Lowe, a consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer at University College Hospital, London, and clinical professor of dermatology at the UCLA School of Medicine in California, has also been using Prevage with his patients in the US. "It's actually one of the better antioxidant topical creams. It's doing very well in the United States." Dr Lowe, author of Away With Wrinkles, says he recommends the product as part of an overall skin-care programme. "Often, I recommend that patients use it in the daytime, or on alternative nights, as an antioxidant. As part of a routine skin-care programme I would recommend applying a good sun-protection cream in the morning, and then using the idebenone once the sunscreen has fully dried. "If you want to prevent further sun damage, I would recommend using one of the retinoid creams in the evening. These are vitamin A derivatives, and they stimulate increased cell turnover, outer skin renewal, and new collagen and elastin formation." He welcomes the fact that the product's availability is restricted. "It's no good just having someone sticking on an antioxidant cream. The idea of going to the dermatologist is that they will give you the correct information on what else you need to be doing." So when will overseas youth junkies be able to get their mitts on the cream? "Right now, we are focusing on the US," an Allergan spokeswoman explains, "but we are going to be considering bringing it abroad in the future. It's been doing fabulously. It's been flying off the shelf." In the meantime, beautyholics travelling to America might want to consider booking themselves an appointment with a dermatologist. The new botox* What is it? Prevage is a new anti-wrinkle face cream from Allergan, the makers of Botox. * How does it work? An ingredient called idebenone protects skin cells from the damage of UV light, smoke and air pollution. * Who's using it? Hollywood stars have been given free samples. Other Americans have to ask their dermatologist or plastic surgeon - and the rest of the world has to wait. * How much does it cost? About US$100 ($135) for 28g. Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:18:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/elixir-of-youth-comes-with-an-eye-watering-price-tag http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breathe-deeply Breathe deeplySource: www.thestandard.com.hkIn a metropolis whose citizens have been forced to inhale solid air for years, sucking up lungs-full of fragrantly scented oxygen at inner-city oases seems a timely concept, or is it? Douglas Crets sniffs out the latest 'health' fad to hit Hong Kong Fed up with bad air and seeking an alternative to hard exercise? Looking for a shortcut to good health? It might sound like an age-old come-on for those looking for a quick route to a better life but advocates of oxygen bars that dispense the gas of life to customers looking for a health boost say the craze - familiar in the West since the late 90s - is just the thing for stressed-out city dwellers.Whatever its benefits, Hong Kongers now have an oxygen bar to call their own and its operators say it is just the thing to lift a sagging body. It used to be that if you had a stressful day at work you might go shopping, briskly walking through a shopping mall. Or maybe you went jogging or took a walk in the hills in the spring and summer. Hong Kong has been good for any of those activities, with long meandering trails for the walkers and runners, and shops galore for anyone who thinks plopping down money for new clothes is a big stress reliever. For some people worried about the state of their health, their skin and their sleep patterns, exercise may not be the thing, largely because there is just not enough time for exercise.Now there is supercharged, sweet-smelling oxygen, available from a Lan Kwai Fong emporium devoted to the idea that health-conscious consumers will pay a hefty surcharge to get hooked up to a tank of air that offers about 15 percent more pure oxygen per lungful than regular old, er ... well, air. The pitch is that the stuff will renew spirits and achieve the kind of fitness benefits found from normal exercise. But, a leading respiratory specialist - and the United States Food and Drug Administration - say the health claims are unsubstantiated.``There are no long-term, well-controlled scientific studies that support these claims for oxygen in healthy people,'' the FDA wrote in a 2002 consumer report on oxygen bars. I was sent by the Weekend Standard to get to the bottom of all this by visiting Hong Kong's new oxygen bar.Tucked onto the 12th floor of Century Square, at the foot of Lan Kwai Fong, the SAR's alcohol oasis for partygoers, is an establishment called Wing Oxy Bar. Instead of alcohol, this bar provides scented and ``condensed'' oxygen. It is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, claims supervisor Alex Choi. The bar opened last month and Wing Oxy, a Japanese company, has also chosen Hong Kong as a regional headquarters. The city will serve ``as the window for consumers in the region to learn about the latest lifestyle,'' according to company representative Seigo Sano. The bar offers a range of services, the upper end of which costs a little over HK$800 and allows customers to zip themselves into an oversized dry cleaning bag for 55 minutes and breathe refined oxygen laced with collagen, pig placenta and hyaluronic acid from the connective tissues of lambs. This experience, claims Choi, can make you healthier and increase ``the soluble oxygen in your blood,'' enhancing the body's metabolism. ``You can ask me, `what makes this oxygen so different and how can it help me'?'' I was just going to ask that, actually, as he gives me a tour of the upscale bar decorated with stunning white orchids and colored lights. ``The air we breathe now is only 21 percent oxygen, but we provide purer air, about 30-35 percent oxygen,'' Choi says. The bar looks a bit like a hip Lan Kwai Fong dentist's office, well-lit and sanitary. An array of about 15 glass tubes filled with colored liquids lines one end of the room. This is the oxygen bar, one of the three alternatives that clients can select from when they come in for a pick-me-up. There is also a private cubicle for couples who wish to relax together breathing scented oxygen while wearing eye shades or reading magazines. It all looks and feels very much like a blend of a cosmopolitan lounge and a science fiction life-extension parlour. So what, exactly, are they selling here? ``We are not doctors,'' insists Choi. ``People suffer from stress and poor quality air,'' he says. ``This bar brings the concept to the general public.'' The prices are somewhat reasonable, after a fashion, compared to similar offerings in the United States. There, sniffing oxygen through a nose tube, or canula, costs about US$1 (HK$7.80) a minute.Here, a customer can get 10 minutes of oxygen for about HK$45, about half as much as a similar treatment in the US. Choi says the experiment has been a success. The company plans to open six more bars in Hong Kong and expand the franchise into Macau, perhaps to help curb the stress of compulsive gamblers. There is already a shop operating in South Korea. Choi seats me in front of an oxygen machine for my complimentary trial. The machine, which looks like something you might find in a chemistry lab, contains four squat glass tubes of colored liquid, each labeled with a scent. I choose Pina Colada. The machine ``compresses'' the oxygen, passes it through one of the four aromas and, Choi claims, the air takes on a negative ion charge that allows the blood - lacking adequate amounts of purer oxygen - to flow freely again. I insert my blue canula, which looks rather uncomfortably like an oxygen hose in a hospital, by wrapping the two tubes attached to a central fixture around my ears and into my nose. Indeed the resemblance to hospital equipment is not coincidental. The FDA has cautioned that dispensing oxygen, which is a prescription drug in the US, to consumers is a violation of FDA rules. Some states have declared oxygen bars illegal although the FDA has not made a huge issue out of the matter. With my canulas in place, the engine of the tiny machine buzzes to life and the glass tubes containing blue, green and yellow liquids, begin to bubble. I close my eyes, trying to pick up the ``romantic southern wind, relaxing'' tones of Pina Colada. As the scent percolates, I feel a bit like I would at the dentist's office - calm, alert, but slightly bored. After about 10 minutes I notice a slight clarity of thought, but it is hard for me to tell if I'm gaining anything healthy by this. According to a booklet written by the company's founder and given to patrons: ``When I take the liberty to ask you if you have ever thought deeply about oxygen, most people will say: `No, I have not.' ``Think on the success of the pure water industry,'' he writes. ``It is time to buy oxygen.'' Choi recommends at least 30 minutes on the machine, which for non-members costs about HK$70, plus HK$20 for the canula. For a HK$20 fee you can become a member and get a discount. Regardless of membership, oxygen takers can leave their canula in a plastic bag behind the bar, labeled with their name, kind of the way some unhealthy alcohol bars allow you to stash your personal bottle of Chivas Regal. The benefits, according to company brochures, are those normally associated with sweaty old physical exercise: ``Lose weight, [obtain] beautiful skin, [eliminate] tired eyes and stiff shoulders, recovery from hangovers and the prevention of adult diseases,'' the brochures say. If the pleasantly relaxing aromatherapy bar is not enough, a patron can choose to lie in a sealed chamber, which looks something like the kind of suit bag business travelers carry, but much larger. Inside, the air is filtered, pressurized and ``concentrated,'' and then pumped into the sealed bag for 55 minutes. The air is infused with ``hyaluronic acid,'' which comes from animal connective tissue - Choi thinks it's lamb - and is heralded by some followers of the process as a new age ``fountain of youth.''The air also contains collagen and pig placenta essence, which sounds a little odd but all the animal materials are put through a cleaning process to protect the customer from transmission of harmful agents, says Choi. All this sounds good but it is of little medical value, says Professor Kenneth Tsang, a specialist in respiratory medicine at the University of Hong Kong. He says there is a misunderstanding about the palliative benefits of breathing purer oxygen.Common medical opinion claims that oxidants - the chemicals that over-oxidize the blood and may lead to cancer in some individuals - are bad for you, says Tsang. ``Things like green tea,'' he says, ``reduce oxidant levels in the blood.'' And that's a good thing. But ``for most people who have normal oxygen levels, breathing more does not help them,'' he says. For that matter, doing more exercise doesn't help the body oxygenate either,'' he says.Exercise only acts like a lubricant, helping the body burn fuel more efficiently.``You are born with a lung capacity. Exercise can only improve fitness, not lung capacity,'' he says. ``A car engine does not get bigger if you run it faster.''But back to oxygen bars. Tsang cannot see any rationale behind breathing purer oxygen. He says humans are designed to breathe 21 percent oxygen, the normal room air that is in our houses and offices, or on the street.Choi says the doctor is wrong. He defends the consumption of liberal lungs-full of his Lan Kwai Fong oxygen by saying: ``Doctors do not understand this machine's working process.'' Tsang is not convinced. If there were an ability to get healthier and have better lung function just from sitting in front of a machine, says Tsang, ``I would be one of the first to do it.'' Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:16:40 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breathe-deeply http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-vitamin-b12-in-a-vegan-diet Getting vitamin B12 in a vegan dietSource: www.yobserver.comVitamin B12: What is it? Also called cobalamin, B12 is important to good health. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. What foods provide vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods including fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat, and poultry. Fortified breakfast cereals are an excellent source of vitamin B12 and a particularly valuable source for vegetarians.What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B12 for adults?The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97 to 98 percent) healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group.The 1998 RDAs for vitamin B12 (in micrograms) for adults are: Men - 2.4mcg Women - 2.4mcg Pregnant - 2.6mcg Lactating - 2.8mcgWhen is a deficiency of vitamin B12 likely to occur? Even if the diet meets the RDA for vitamin B-12, still deficiency may still occur as a result of an inability to absorb B12 from food. It can also occur in individuals with dietary patterns that exclude animal or fortified foods. As a general rule, most individuals who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12.Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorders is anaemia resulting from B12 deficiency.Characteristic signs of B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, nausea, constipation, flatulence (gas), loss of appetite, and weight loss. Deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Additional symptoms of B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue. Some of these symptoms can also result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.Who may need a vitamin B12 supplement to prevent a deficiency?Individuals with pernicious anaemia: Pernicious anemia is a form of anaemia that occurs when there is an absence of intrinsic factor, a substance normally present in the stomach. Vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor before it is absorbed and used by your body. An absence of intrinsic factor prevents normal absorption of B12 and results in pernicious anaemia.Anyone with pernicious anaemia usually needs intramuscular (IM) injections (shots) of vitamin B12. It is very important to remember that pernicious anaemia is a chronic condition that should be monitored by a physician. Anyone with pernicious anaemia has to take lifelong supplemental vitamin B12.Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders: Individuals with stomach and small intestinal disorders may not absorb enough vitamin B12 from food to maintain healthy body stores. Sprue and celiac disease are intestinal disorders caused by intolerance to protein in wheat and wheat products. Regional enteritis, localized inflammation of the stomach or small intestine, also results in generalised malabsorption of vitamin B12.Excess bacteria in the stomach and small intestine also can decrease vitamin B12 absorption.Surgical procedures of the gastrointestinal tract such as surgery to remove all or part of the stomach often result in a loss of cells that secrete stomach acid and intrinsic factor. Surgical removal of the distal ileum, a section of the intestines, also can result in the inability to absorb B12. Anyone who has had either of these surgeries usually requires lifelong supplemental B12 to prevent a deficiency.Older Adults: Vitamin B12 must be separated from protein in food before it can bind with intrinsic factor and be absorbed by your body. Bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and/or atrophic gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach, contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency in adults by limiting secretions of stomach acid needed to separate vitamin B12 from protein in food.Adults 50 years of age and older with these conditions are able to absorb the B12 in fortified foods and dietary supplements. Health care professionals may advise adults over the age of 50 to get their vitamin B12 from a dietary supplement or from foods fortified with vitamin B12 because 10 to 30 percent of older people may be unable to absorb vitamin B12 in food.Vegetarians: Vegetarians who do not eat meats, fish, eggs, milk or milk products, or B12 fortified foods consume no vitamin B12 and are at high risk of developing a deficiency of vitamin B12. When adults adopt a vegetarian diet, deficiency symptoms can be slow to appear because it usually takes years to deplete normal body stores of B12. However, severe symptoms of B12 deficiency, most often featuring poor neurological development, can show up quickly in children and breast-fed infants of women who follow a strict vegetarian diet Sources of vitamin B12 in a vegetarian diet Plant foods do not contain vitamin B12 except when they are contaminated by microorganisms. Thus, vegans need to look to other sources to get vitamin B12 in their diet. Although the minimum requirement for vitamin B12 is quite small, 1/1,000,000 of a gram (1 microgram) a day for adults, a vitamin B12 deficiency is a very serious problem leading ultimately to irreversible nerve damage.Some bacteria in the small intestine do produce vitamin B12. However, the amount of vitamin B12 that is produced does not appear adequate to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.Although some vegans may get vitamin B12 from inadequate hand washing, this is not a reliable vitamin B12 source. Vegans who previously ate animal-based foods may have vitamin B12 stores that will not be depleted for 20 to 30 years or more. However, long-term vegans, infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women (due to increased needs) should be especially careful to get enough vitamin B12.Ovo-lacto vegetarians obtain vitamin B12 from eggs, cheese and milk. Stricter vegetarians must choose from vitamin B12 fortified cereal (eg. Nutri-Grain cereal; 1 cup provides your daily requirement), fortified soy milk, fortified meat analogues (vegetarian food products made from soybeans to resemble meat or chicken), fortified nutritional yeast products (not baker's or brewer's yeast) and vitamin B12 supplements.Fortified cereals are one of the few plant food sources of vitamin B12, and are an important dietary source of B12 for vegetarians who consume no eggs, milk or milk products. Vegetarian adults who do not consume plant foods fortified with vitamin B12 need to consider taking a B12-containing supplement. Vegetarian mothers should consult with a pediatrician regarding appropriate vitamin B12 supplementation for their infants and children.Caution: Folic acid may mask signs of vitamin B12 deficiency Folic acid can correct the anaemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Unfortunately, folic acid will not correct the underlying B12 deficiency. Permanent nerve damage can occur if vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated. Folic acid intake from food and supplements should not exceed 1,000 micrograms (mcg) daily because large amounts of folic acid can hide the damaging effects of vitamin B12 deficiency.Adults older than 50 years are advised to consult with their physician about the advisability of taking folic acid without also taking a vitamin B12 supplement.What is the relationship between vitamin B12, homocysteine, and heart disease? A deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin B6 may increase your blood level of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in your blood. There is evidence that an elevated blood level of homocysteine is an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The evidence suggests that high levels of homocysteine may damage coronary arteries or make it easier for blood clotting cells called platelets to clump together and form a clot. However, there is currently no evidence available to suggest that lowering homocysteine level with vitamins will actually reduce your risk of heart disease.Clinical intervention trials are needed to determine whether supplementation with vitamin B12, folic acid, or vitamin B6 can help protect you against developing coronary heart disease.What is the health risk of too much vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 has a very low potential for toxicity. The American Institute of Medicine states that "no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals." The Institute recommends that adults over 50 years of age get most of their vitamin B12 from supplements or fortified food because of the high incidence of impaired absorption of B12 from un-fortified foods in this population. Sun, 17 Apr 2005 00:13:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-vitamin-b12-in-a-vegan-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-derived-substance-theanine-helps-reduce-stress-and-alleviates-menopausal-symptoms Green Tea-derived Substance Theanine Helps Reduce Stress and Alleviates Menopausal SymptomsSource: www.newstarget.comJapanese food material manufacturer Taiyo Kagaku announced on March 22 that it has confirmed a unique property of L-theanine. In the US, the company has conducted a double-blinded clinical trial of women in their 30s to 60s. The trial has found that those who regularly take L-theanine-contained tablets feel less-stress and menopausal symptoms alleviated. L-theanine is a kind of amino acids contained in green tea. The company plans to present the detailed research results at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry. Tue, 12 Apr 2005 11:28:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-derived-substance-theanine-helps-reduce-stress-and-alleviates-menopausal-symptoms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eu-c-light-on-vitamin-pills EU C light on vitamin pillsSource: www.thesun.co.ukA BAN on vitamins and other health supplements by European bureaucrats was branded illegal by a top judge yesterday. An EU directive could have meant thousands, including vitamin C pills, were forced off shelves in August.But European Court of Justice adviser Leendert Geelhoed has ruled the law is invalid because it does not say how products can join an approved list.The court’s final decision is due by July. Sun, 10 Apr 2005 22:26:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eu-c-light-on-vitamin-pills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hemp-seed-oil-its-not-just-for-hippies Hemp Seed Oil – Its Not Just For HippiesSource: www.kntimes.comHemp – the word makes you think of jewelry, rope, hippies, and, let’s face it, marijuana. However, you might be surprised to find out that hemp seed oil is one of the most healthy oils for your body. Hemp seeds are one of the world's richest sources of a complete protein (second only to soybean) comprising 23% of the seed composition and 34% dietary fiber. In addition, hemp seed oil also contains three other essential unsaturated fatty acids including the super-polyunsaturated Omega 6 derivative gamma linolenic acid (GLA), stearidonic acid and oleic acid. Hemp is among the oldest industries on the planet, going back more than 10,000 years to the beginnings of pottery. Some believe that the oldest relic of human industry is a bit of hemp fabric dating back to approximately 8,000 BC. Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew hemp, as a matter of fact Americans were legally bound to grow hemp during the Colonial Era and Early Republic. The first drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper. The federal government subsidized hemp during the Second World War and US farmers grew about a million acres of hemp as part of that program.Hemp grows well without herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides. Almost half of the agricultural chemicals used on US crops are applied to cotton. Hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber on a sustainable basis, and can be used for every quality of paper. Hemp paper manufacturing can reduce wastewater contamination. Hemp's low lignin content reduces the need for acids used in pulping, and it's creamy color lends itself to environmentally friendly bleaching instead of harsh chlorine compounds. Less bleaching results in less dioxin and fewer chemical byproducts.However, it is illegal to grow hemp in the United States. Why, if it is such a valuable agricultural crop? Many people believe this was a conspiracy by a number of major US corporations who stood to lose a lucrative market share of the raw fiber industry for paper and composites. Others feel it was a case of "throwing out the baby with the bath water" referring to both marijuana and hemp as one in the same. So how can consumers in the US use hemp seed oil? Even though it is illegal to grow hemp here, hemp seed, hemp oil, and hemp derivatives can be legally imported, sold, and consumed in the US. Linda Tabach, owner of The Potomac Soap Co. (www.potomacsoapco.com) and manufacturer of handmade natural skincare products, uses hemp seed oil in many of her products. “I find that it is wonderful for the skin. My Lotion with Hemp Seed Oil is smooth and creamy, yet light and moisturizing. Hemp seed oil is high in linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid essential in nutrition, and also conditioning for the skin.”Everyone asks the same question and here is the answer - you cannot get high from hemp seed oil, whether using it on the skin or taking it internally. The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC, found at levels of 5-20% in marijuana and only at 0.00030% in hemp seed oil. So feel free to enjoy your hemp seed oil, and know that you are doing something good for your body. Sun, 10 Apr 2005 22:22:33 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hemp-seed-oil-its-not-just-for-hippies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-may-ease-ulcerative-colitis Supplement May Ease Ulcerative ColitisSource: my.webmd.comA nutritional supplement containing fish oil, soluble fiber, and antioxidants may prove useful for people with ulcerative colitis,ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. In a recent study, ulcerative colitis patients taking the supplement for six months had less severe symptoms activity and used less medication when compared with those taking a placebo. The test was conducted by doctors including Douglas Seidner, MD, who helped develop the supplement in collaboration with Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products Division. The findings appear in the April issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The supplement isn't commercially available yet, says Seidner, a staff physician and director of nutrition in the gastroenterology and hepatology division of The Cleveland Clinic. "At the moment, we don't have any timeline to make it commercially available," he tells WebMD. Not a Substitute for Conventional Drugs Seidner says the supplement isn't intended to replace prescription drugs. "Generally speaking, individuals do need medication to maintain their disease in remission," he says. "This product is meant to be a complement to standard medical therapy," Seidner continues. "People may be able to take a little less medication as a result of this. We don't want people to stop taking their pills." His study notes that corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are "highly effective" in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. "Unfortunately, adverse effects are a concern and more than a quarter of patients will relapse when corticosteroid treatment is discontinued," the study notesThe supplement is a drink containing omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil; soluble fiber, which produces short-chain fatty acids; and antioxidants. The ingredients were chosen to fight inflammation and improve nutrition. The supplement is meant to replace a portion of daily calories. If someone were to take the supplement without decreasing their food calories, they would "definitely get fat," says Seidner. For six months, patients ate one-third fewer calories in order to drink about two daily 8-ounce cans of the supplement (59 patients) or placebo (62 patients). Otherwise, they were told to follow their normal diet. Supplement and placebo patients had a similar improvement in symptoms, such as stool frequency and rectal bleeding. But the supplement group was able to reduce their need for prednisone much more than the placebo group. The supplement group did tend to gain a little more weight, but it was not significant, says Seidner. Side effects were "truly negligible," he adds, calling the supplement "very safe." The study was conducted at five U.S. clinical centers. Participants had had mild to moderate ulcerative colitis for at least six months. Tough to Duplicate, Says Doctor Seidner says he doubts that patients could create their own do-it-yourself equivalent of the supplement. "This was specifically designed to provide certain amounts of each nutrient," he tells WebMD. That would make it "very difficult" for patients to get the same results by combining supplements on their own, he says. "I can't tell you to take two parts of this and two parts of that," says Seidner. Of course, eating a healthy diet is universally recommended. Speculation abounds about possible connections between foods and ulcerative colitis, but it's very difficult to tease out what in the diet might be important, says Seidner. Sun, 10 Apr 2005 22:02:51 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-may-ease-ulcerative-colitis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/try-apple-a-day-not-vitamin-e-for-cancer-prevention Try apple a day, not vitamin E for cancer preventionSource: www.cbc.caEvidence is mounting that vitamin E supplements do not prevent disease and may even accelerate the recurrence of cancer in some survivors. Researchers at Laval University in Quebec City studied the effects of taking 400 international units a day of vitamin E, which they called a high dose. Laval's Dr. François Meyer said his team found no benefits in 540 people who had survived neck or head cancer. Cancer team says eating fruits and vegetables remains best way to get antioxidants. Many were heavy smokers at risk of developing a second type of cancer, usually in the lungs."There is no overall benefit from vitamin E and there could be even some detrimental effect," Meyer said.Three years into the eight-year study, half the participants were given the high dose of vitamin E while the rest received a placebo.People who took vitamin E developed cancer as often as those in the placebo group, but secondary cancers appeared much earlier among the vitamin group.The study, published in this week's issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, focused on people at high risk of cancer, and therefore the findings may not apply to the general population."Nevertheless, our results suggest that caution should be advised regarding the use of high-dose [vitamin E] supplements for cancer prevention," the team concluded. FROM MARCH 15, 2005: Vitamin E supplements may raise heart risks, not help: studyThe results are consistent with other recent studies that suggested vitamin E – an antioxidant that some people take as a supplement to ward off cancer and heart disease – may be harmful. Cancer's golden appleCancer researchers continue to test the potential of "chemoprevention" – using natural or synthetic agents to reverse, suppress or prevent the disease.In the meantime, Meyer recommends people looking for antioxidants should stick to eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.In an editorial accompanying the study, Edward Kim and Waun Ki Hong of the University of Texas pose the question, "Does an apple a day keep the doctor away?"The pair's answer is that cancer researchers first need to learn more about which chemoprevention agents are likely to help and who should take them."Only then will we be able to discover that elusive 'golden apple' of chemoprevention," they wrote. Sun, 10 Apr 2005 21:59:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/try-apple-a-day-not-vitamin-e-for-cancer-prevention http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/labour-out-on-a-limb-as-tories-and-lib-dems-back-overhaul-of-fsd- Labour out on a limb as Tories and Lib Dems back overhaul of FSD -Source: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukThe Government appears increasingly to be out on limb over its attitude towards the Food Supplements Directive. Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats has made election pledges to review or renegotiate the Food Supplements Directive (FSD). In its election manifesto the Lib Dems have pledged to ensure that “people continue to have the right to choice over the food supplements they buy”. They warn that legislation could “place unnecessary restrictions upon consumers’ choice of vitamins and minerals”. The manifesto goes on to promise that a Lib Dem government would work to “maximise consumer choice over the use of food supplements” by “reviewing” existing or planned legislation.In an article in the Daily Telegraph on April 2, the Conservative party’s deregulation spokesman John Redwood said that the party had thrown itself behind the Save Our Supplements campaign and would “opt out” of the FSD. Commenting on these developments, Chris Whitehouse, political advisor to Consumers for Health Choice (CHC) said: “This is a testament to the determination and tenacity of CHC and its ongoing campaigns. All we now need is a climb down from the prime minister and his acceptance that this issue must be addressed without further delay.” Thu, 07 Apr 2005 20:37:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/labour-out-on-a-limb-as-tories-and-lib-dems-back-overhaul-of-fsd- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-and-vitamin-a-enhance-liver-s-detox-enzymes Beta-carotene and vitamin A enhance liver’s detox enzymesSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukResearchers have reported that beta-carotene and vitamin A activate several genes that help the liver break down drugs and toxins.Alph Rühl, PhD, of the University of Debrecen, Hungary, and his colleagues studied liver cells that were grown with beta-carotene, vitamin A, or lycopene. They began with the knowledge that some vitamin A and carotenoids derivatives influence gene expression or activation. When activated, genes begin programming the manufacture of specific proteins or enzymes.Rühl found that beta-carotene and vitamin A, but not lycopene, turned on the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a chemical that subsequently activates various genes and plays a key role in the liver’s detoxification processes. Once activated, PXR increased the activity of CUP3A4, CYP3A7, CYP3A5, all of which help the liver break down “xenobiotics.”Although alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and silymarin are better known for their ability to increase detoxification, beta-carotene and vitamin A should enhance liver detoxification of drugs and other toxins.European Journal of Nutrition, 2004;43:336-343. Thu, 07 Apr 2005 20:36:01 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-and-vitamin-a-enhance-liver-s-detox-enzymes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-supplement-directive-is-invalid-says-judge Food supplement directive is invalid, says judgeSource: www.foodnavigator.comThe European Union’s food supplement directive, set to enter into force in August, infringes basic principles of European law and should be rewritten, a senior judge said yesterday.The opinion from the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice is not legally binding but the final ruling, expected in July, reflects the senior judge's views in the majority of cases. The directive, passed in 2002, threatens up to 5,000 common products on sale in the UK, according to industry assocations that brought the case against the European Commission. Under the new law, only vitamins and minerals on an approved list can be used in supplements. There will also be restrictions on the upper limits of vitamin doses, still to be set by European authorities. The Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA) and the National Association of Health Stores (NAHS), as well as health campaign group the Alliance for Natural Health, whose similar case was also heard by the European Court at the January hearing, say that these rules will affect more than 200 nutrients used in specialist supplements on the UK and some other European markets for many years, which are not on the directive’s ‘positive’ list of permitted substances. While Advocate General Geelhoed said the principle of an approved list was valid, he found that the directive infringed basic principles of law. He wrote: "The Directive infringes the principle of proportionality, because basic principles of Community law, such as the requirements of legal protection, of legal certainty and of sound administration have not been properly taken into account. The directive is, therefore, invalid." He also found it to lack appropriate and clearly defined rules for what should be allowed on the list of permissible health food supplements. Commenting on the problems surrounding the dossier submission process, the judge said: "In short, this procedure, in so far as it may exist and in so far as it may deserve this title, has the transparency of a black box: no provision is made for parties to be heard, no time-limits apply in respect of decision-making; nor, indeed, is there any certainty that a final decision will be taken." "The procedure therefore lacks essential guarantees for the protection of the interests of private applicants." Philip Tod, spokesman on health and consumer protection at the European Commission, told NutraIngredients.com that the Commission could not move until the final verdict is reached. However he added: "It is not unprecedented for the court to not follow the advocate general's opinion. It could still find in our favour.""There are a wide range of ways in which the court can reach its decision. It may just give an interpretation of the directive," he said. Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:14:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-supplement-directive-is-invalid-says-judge http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beans-are-a-nutritious-high-fiber-weapon-in-the-dieters-arsenal Beans are a nutritious, high-fiber weapon in the dieter's arsenalSource: www.northjersey.comIf you think beans are just the humdrum filler in a beefy chili or stew, you're ignoring a powerful diet ingredient in your cooking.Beans can boost your weight loss efforts in several ways, according to Amy Barr, a registered dietitian."What's interesting about beans is that they're low in fat and cholesterol-free," says Barr, who is a principal at Marr Barr, a nutrition communications agency in the Denver area.Beans may be one of the most misunderstood ingredients in a dieter's arsenal. The legume - actually a fruit - is starchy, which you may equate with fattening. But just the opposite is true.Legumes contain higher amounts of resistant starch, a specific type of starch that isn't easily digested by the body. Since your body slowly digests resistant starch, you don't get the blood sugar spike that causes you to be hungry an hour or so after eating, Barr says.(Resistant starches may have a potent cancer-fighting benefit as well as being a diet tool. When the starch finally settles in the colon, it's attacked by bacteria and as a result produces a short-chain fatty acid known for its cancer-preventive qualities, according to research from the University of Illinois.)In addition, "beans are high in dietary fiber, which fills you up faster," says the dietitian.Unlike other starchy foods, such as refined white flour, beans are also a good source of protein. When you add beans to a dish, you can reduce the amount of high-fat, higher-calorie beef in your recipe.Black beans contain the highest levels of resistant starch and dietary fiber, according to research from the University of Illinois.But that doesn't mean you should restrict yourself to one bean variety, says Barr.Eating a variety of beans makes meals more interesting and assures that you'll get the mix of beneficial plant chemicals from different beans.You also don't have to be scrupulous about how you include beans in your cooking. At one time, health experts thought it was necessary to combine plant proteins in one recipe - beans and rice - for example, to achieve the full protein benefits. That's no longer seen as essential. As long as you're getting protein from a variety of sources during the day, you'll be fine, says Barr.In the new dietary guidelines issued by the government, beans are listed in two separate categories: as a meat equivalent or as a vegetable. If you're eating beans as a side dish, a half-cup serving is sufficient. If you're replacing meat with beans, a quarter-cup serving of cooked beans equals 1 ounce of meat in protein value.Instead of a three-ounce hamburger made from lean ground beef, you can have three-quarters of a cup of kidney beans, for example. The burger has 228 calories and more than 15 grams of fat. The beans have 168 calories and less than one gram of fat.But you don't have to trade beans for beef as part of your weight-loss regimen."If you're making any meat-based dish, cut the meat by half and substitute with beans. You'll get dietary fiber for satiety, less cholesterol and less fat," says Barr.Here's a recipe for a wholesome and low-calorie black bean and beef chili:BLACK BEAN CHILIServes 41 teaspoon canola oil4 ounces ground sirloin1 small onion, finely chopped1 garlic clove, minced1 (14.5-ounce) can diced roasted tomatoes with chiles (see note)1 tablespoon tomato paste2 (16-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed1/2 cup chicken broth1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon chili powder1/4 teaspoon crushed dried oregano1 dash cayenne pepper or to taste1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepperHeat oil in nonstick Dutch oven. Add ground sirloin, onion and garlic. Sauté over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until onion is tender and beef is browned. Pour off excess fat. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans and broth. Stir well. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne, salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.NOTE: If diced roasted tomatoes with chiles aren't available use a can of diced tomatoes and add 1 small minced jalapeño chile with the onion and garlic.Each serving has: 250 calories; 7.5 grams fat; 20 grams protein; 54 grams carbohydrates; 20 milligrams cholesterol; 1,240 milligrams sodium and 11 grams dietary protein. Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:04:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beans-are-a-nutritious-high-fiber-weapon-in-the-dieters-arsenal http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-can-be-good-treatment-for-a-number-of-diseases-new-research-shows Fish oils can be good treatment for a number of diseases, new research showsSource: www.newstarget.comOils from some fish may help reduce organ inflammation that causes a number of health problems, including arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, heart disease and asthma. A number of recent studies have found that fish contain a healthy dose of the acids known as "omega-3" or "good fats." Fish oils have prevented health problems in laboratory rats, and scientists are now looking at ways to use the substances effectively on humans. If you enjoy this article, you may also be interested in an article entitled 'Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids allow patients to ditch Vioxx and other anti-inflammatory drugs.'A reduction in inflammation can be achieved by a diet high in oily fish in combination with low doses of aspirin, such as salmon or mackerel. This is supported by the identification of an anti -- inflammatory lipid in humans derived from an essential fatty acid in fish oil. Fatty fish is known to contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating fatty fish is beneficial to patients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and asthma by reducing disease and inflammation. A new class of aspirin-triggered bioactive lipids called resolvins was identified, which may in part explain why omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects. Resolvins are made from the omega-3 fatty acids by cellular enzymes and can reduce inflammation in mice. Volunteers given omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin were found to have resolvins in their plasma. Human resolvins were shown to inhibit the movement of inflammatory cells. Thu, 07 Apr 2005 00:01:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oils-can-be-good-treatment-for-a-number-of-diseases-new-research-shows http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-under-control Arthritis Under ControlSource: www.thehorse.comAlthough not usually life-threatening, arthritis causes your horse pain and can be career-ending. In fact, a research report from Michigan State University's McPhail Equine Performance Center calls degenerative joint disease the single most common cause of early retirement for sport horses. Scientists are working hard on several studies that might eventually present realistic solutions for actually reversing the arthritis process--regenerating cartilage and synovial fluid through modern miracles such as gene therapy. While awaiting such exciting developments, you don't have to sit back and watch your horse suffer. Arthritis can be managed now. Using a multi-pronged approach, you can improve the affected joint's range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and significantly slow the degeneration process, resulting in a comfortable horse with a prolonged performance career. Early, Accurate Diagnosis Is Key "The most important thing is to get a diagnosis," says David Frisbie, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, a Colorado State University assistant professor and researcher with the school's Equine Orthopaedic Research Center (EORC). By doing so, you wil learn not only which joint is arthritic, but also how severe the damage is, which of course affects the treatment decisions. It's important to achieve an accurate diagnosis as early as possible, since arthritis does irreparable damage if left to its own devices too long. Unfortunately, the signs of the disease are subtle, ranging from performance problems (resisting lead changes, refusing jumps, etc.) to minor heat or swelling of the joint. If you suspect trouble, call your veterinarian. He or she will perform diagnostic nerve blocks to pinpoint the affected joint, followed by X rays to assess severity and rule out other problems. Your veterinarian can also help you determine the best course of management for your horse. In particular, Frisbie recommends finding someone who works in orthopedics or musculoskeletal disorders. "They have experience using a variety of medications," he notes, adding that this will make the treatment choices less of a guessing game than if you were to visit the local tack shop seeking solutions. In general, the primary goals of arthritis management are three-fold--maintaining or improving range of motion, reducing pain and inflammation, and stopping--or at least slowing--cartilage degeneration. It makes sense, then, that most management plans are multifaceted, relying on a number of strategies to keep the horse comfortable and the disease process under control. Preserve Range of Motion Once upon a time, humans with arthritis were coached to take it easy and not stress their already worn joints. Then research revealed that exercise and activity actually helped reduce the pain of arthritis and improve the sufferer's ability to function. The same is true with horses. Although rest is useful for an acute onset of arthritis, chronic cases typically benefit from exercise, whether it's turnout or riding. Berkley Chesen, DVM, a practitioner with Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Associates in Lexington, Ky., notes that exercise should be controlled. "Turnout may be okay for some horses, while others will actually do little walking or trotting and may need to be encouraged to work a bit," she says. Activity can yield numerous benefits for the arthritic horse, including strengthening the soft tissues that support the joints and helping lubricate joints by promoting circulation of synovial fluid. Conversely, inactivity compromises joint health. Just as you tend to stiffen up after sitting still for long periods of time, so will your horse stiffen up when he's been confined to a stall day after day. All this said, it should be noted that in some cases, a veterinarian will recommend stall rest for an arthritic horse. This is particularly true if the veterinarian is concerned that discomfort will cause the horse to place excess stress on unaffected limbs, potentially leading to secondary soundness issues. Full rest, though, is usually a temporary solution that will eventually lead to an exercise program. Of course, you might need to make concessions in your riding program for your arthritic horse. As Frisbie says, "The more you ask of the horse, the more cognizant you need to be of warming up, cooling down, and building your horse's condition level up." Along these lines, stretching and passive range-of-motion exercises act in the joint's favor. They help keep the supporting soft tissues limber and supple, have been shown to reduce scar tissue buildup, and might even help heal damaged cartilage. Topical products such as liniments can also be useful, says Frisbie. "With arthritis, you often see a little swelling. If you put on some liniment and wrap it, it usually tightens up, and the horse seems to feel better," he explains. "It's like putting (mentholatum rub) on yourself." In fact, a study conducted by Alicia Bertone, DVM, PhD, and colleagues at The Ohio State University found that topical application of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) decreased joint inflammation. Traditional heat/ice therapies are also useful in remedying the aches of arthritis. There's even validity to the use of alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and shockwave, says Frisbie. Although they might not act on the arthritis itself, they can help ease secondary discomfort. For instance, says Frisbie, "Say a horse has arthritis in the hocks. He may subsequently get lumbar (back) pain associated with that. You can do chiropractic, acupuncture, or even shockwave therapy on the lumbar region, and the horse will ride and travel better." Kathy Ott, DVM, a practitioner with Equine/Small Animal Medical Center in Lakeville, Minn., believes that acupuncture is also a beneficial treatment. In comments at the clinic's web site, Ott notes that acupuncture can increase circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and even relieve pain by spurring the release of endorphins and cortisol into the body. The drawback to any of these therapies, says Frisbie, is that pain will return because you've only provided a temporary bandage, not a solution to the underlying problem. Reduce Pain and Inflammation Inflammation is perhaps the most important culprit to address in managing arthritis, says Frisbie. "We know that inflammation drives the arthritis process," he explains. "You can drop the process from third to first gear by stopping the inflammation." While many anti-inflammatory medications exist, there isn't much useful information comparing the flood of products to each other, or dictating which are best suited for specific applications. Based on research at EORC, Frisbie has put together a subjective ranking system based on the ability of a product to reduce clinical signs of pain and slow the arthritic process. Topping this tower of power are corticosteroids. Also known as steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAIDs), these medications--administered by intra-articular injection--are widely considered the gold standard when it comes to quickly reducing pain and inflammation. Frisbie says there are three corticosteroids commonly used in managing equine arthritis-- triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, and betamethasone. Of these, Chesen uses only the first two, and Frisbie ranks triamcinolone first in effectiveness, noting that one study showed the product reduced pain and was protective to cartilage metabolism. (Frisbie acknowledges that the study didn't test all dosage levels or the effect of frequency of use.) While SAIDs are the most powerful anti-inflammatories, NSAIDs--non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--are next in line and are probably used more than any other drug to combat the pain and inflammation associated with equine joint (and soft tissue) troubles. The NSAIDs most popular in the horse world include phenylbutazone (Bute), flunixin meglumine (Banamine), ketoprofen, and aspirin. Effective or not, both NSAIDs and steroids have come under fire in recent years because of side effects. For instance, some studies have indicated that corticosteroids can actually inhibit cartilage metabolism. Meanwhile, some people believe that NSAIDs simply mask pain without addressing underlying problems. This would allow the horse to remain active on an injured limb, leading to further degradation of the cartilage and pushing the arthritic process forward. Both Frisbie and Chesen dispute this theory. After all, notes Chesen, NSAIDs do reduce inflammation, thus reducing the impact of a known driver of the arthritis process. Furthermore, Frisbie says that no conclusive evidence has been presented to support the notion that NSAIDs cause joint degeneration. For now, the bottom line, Frisbie says, is that, "NSAIDs have been shown to be more potent at reducing inflammation than at damaging cartilage." And to avoid the one known danger of extended NSAID use--gastric trouble, such as ulcers--he recommends using the drugs only for short periods of time. Halt Degeneration While corticosteroids and NSAIDs can be used alone, veterinarians usually recommend pairing them with hyaluronic acid (HA) or polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs). HA and PSGAGs are more commonly known by the commercial names Legend (an HA product) and Adequan (a PSGAG product). Both are particularly useful in managing arthritis because they have the ability to improve the health of cartilage and joints. HA is found naturally in healthy joints as part of the synovial fluid that helps lubricate the joints, cushion the cartilage, and protect the synovial membrane. In arthritic horses, levels and quality of HA are low, resulting in thinned synovial fluid that is less effective at protecting and lubricating the joints. Research has shown that HA injected into the joint or into the vein (IV) works like naturally occurring HA, reducing inflammation and catalyzing increased production of HA in the horse, thus helping an arthritic joint improve. In fact, a study conducted at Colorado State University, in which Frisbie participated, showed that IV injections of Legend decreased the concentrations of inflammation-causing proteins in arthritic joints, lowered inflammation, and lessened lameness. Also, studies have shown the effectiveness of PSGAGs in not only reducing inflammation and discomfort, but also improving the overall health of the joints. PSGAGs can help increase HA production, assist with joint lubrication, and help repair cartilage. According to Adequan manufacturer Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, PSGAGs accomplish this last feat by binding to damaged cartilage and suppressing enzymes that damage cartilage and dilute synovial fluid. The product can be administered either directly into the joint or by intramuscular injection. One More Ally Frisbie places oral treatment products--such as glucosamine sulfate (a basic building block of connective tissue and joints) and chondroitin sulfate (a component of cartilage)--at the bottom of the potency ladder. "Oral products certainly work and are quite safe," he notes, "but it's my belief that they are not as potent as injectables, although they often cost just as much." Still, he says, "They can be useful when used in addition to injectables, if economics allow." A Management Protocol It's one thing to know all the possible medications available to help your horse live comfortably with arthritis. But how do you put them all together into an actionable plan? While different veterinarians have different opinions, and different situations call for slight adjustments, Frisbie does have a standard protocol he uses as a guideline for his arthritis cases. "After an accurate diagnosis establishes that (the condition) dictates medical management, I typically inject the joint first with a corticosteroid--specifically, Vetalog (triamcinolone)--plus an HA product," he explains, adding that his initial treatment also includes seven to 10 days of Bute. "That treats the arthritis aggressively at the start, stopping the inflammation. Then I'll give two IV injections of HA a week apart, and I continue using monthly injections of IV Legend as a prophylactic, for maintenance." Chesen's general protocol calls for four to six weeks of Adequan and Legend injections, coupled with oral supplements, which she says generally require a "loading phase" before they really start to make a difference. "That way, by six to eight weeks, the oral supplements are usually at a level to clinically help the horse without costly injections," she says. Of course, severity of the individual horse's arthritis affects the maintenance program, and Frisbie believes in letting the horse's condition--not a rigid schedule--dictate when the next treatment is due. "For instance, a horse with a mild case may not need another treatment for a year, while one with more severe damage may need injections every three to six months," he explains. Regardless of severity, he believes it's vital to stop the cartilage degeneration as quickly as possible, which is why he opts for the intra-articular injection as a first treatment. However, Frisbie prefers IV administration for ongoing treatment. "Any time you stick a needle in a joint, there is the risk of infection. Although the risk is quite low--probably less than 1%--if you don't have to take a risk, why do it?" he says. "Plus, we feel that the IV injection may work just as well as injecting into the joint and also be effective at getting to other pains and aches that maybe haven't been identified yet. That systemic approach appeals to me after the first treatment or once the inflammation is under control." In order to make your management plan truly systemic, you should combine medication treatments with the basic elements mentioned earlier--including appropriate exercise, stretching, and therapies (from ice and heat to massage and acupuncture) as needed. You'll likely find that your efforts will pay off not only in a longer active life for your horse, but a more comfortable life, as well. Wed, 06 Apr 2005 23:57:37 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-under-control http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-and-mineral-supplements Vitamin and Mineral SupplementsSource: www.kntimes.comWhen an insufficient quantity of one or the other nutrient is taken for a ling time, it affects the structure and function of those parts of the body of the individual which depends on that particular nutrient. Not only deficiency but over-nutrition of a particular food also gives adverse effects. So, the diet should be balanced to maintain proper health. A normal adult should take all the nutrients in required amounts but vegetarians, athletes, smokers, swimmers and pregnant/lactating women all face different challenges to their system, so their requirements should be met accordingly. Individual needs change throughout life. Children need plenty of vitamins A, C and D and mineral calcium, menstruating women need extra iron while the elderly need potassium, calcium and vitamin D.Some most popular supplements nowadays are: multivitamins cod liver oil primrose oil single vitamins (eg: vitamin C, vitamin E) fish oils garlic tonics ginseng minerals (eg: zinc, iron, calcium) If you suspect that you need more vitamins or minerals in your diet visit your GP or try some over the counter supplements to improve your life. A varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a must for healthy living. The World Health Organization suggests that we should eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. Most people nowadays are too busy to prepare healthy meals and many rely on heavily processed or fast foods whose nutrient content is often depleted. Bad habits such as skipping breakfast, and later filling up on biscuits or chocolate, account for more problems. In fact, if your diet is really unhealthy it is quite possible to be undernourished and overweight. Tue, 05 Apr 2005 19:31:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-and-mineral-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-make-a-st-johns-wort-herbal-remedy- How to make a St. Johns’ Wort herbal remedy?Source: www.kntimes.comSt. Johns' Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a common wild plant that grows in much of Europe and North America. It is a very beneficial herbal remedy that has many healing and curative properties. Especially it is used for curing depression and tension, anxiety attacks and has many more benefits. If it grows near you, or if you plant this perennial plant in your garden, you can easily make your own medicinal tincture, for a fraction of the cost of store-bought St. Johns' Wort tincture. First, and most important thing to get done is to choose a best quality of Hypericum perforatum. This can be done if you are identified with all the plants. Easiest method is to get a good plant identification book, and make sure you're finding real St. Johns' Wort. I recommend any book written by Michael Moore--his books are a wealth of information about herbal medicine. To be sure you're looking at the real thing, hold one of the tiny leaves up to the light. If it's St. Johns' Wort, the leaf will appear to be covered with teeny little holes you can see light through. Even some nurseries doesn’t have the exact variety of the plant. So, you need to be very careful. Remember that scientific name: Hypericum perforatum. That refers to those little pinprick windows in the leaves. ***To make your tincture you need a wide-mouthed jar and lid and some 190 proof grain alcohol (AKA "Everclear"). Please note that this is drinking-type alcohol, NOT rubbing alcohol. If you can't get 190 proof alcohol, you can make do with 100 proof vodka, but your final product will be inferior. When the plant blooms (usually June through mid-August in U.S.) pick the tops--flowers, buds, a few leaves and a bit of stem are fine. Wait until the dew dries to do your picking. Let the flowers wilt at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. This drives away insects, and makes the next step easier. Fill up the wilted flowers into your jar, packing them tightly. If you don't have enough to fill the jar, you can save wilted blossoms in your freezer until you have a jarful. Or just do a part jarful--but squish those flowers in there good. Then pour the grain alcohol over the flowers, just covering them--there should just be a thin layer of liquid over the top. The liquid will immediately start turning red, which is a sign that the essential compounds are being pulled out of the flowers into the liquid. Shake the jar gently once a day for two weeks, then strain off the liquid. Squeeze the plant mass really well to get all the juice out. The usual dosage is 20-30 drops, 3 times a day in a little water. Caution: Prolonged excessive dosages may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Warning: St. Johns' Wort can neutralize the effects of some birth control pills, and some medications for cancer treatment and for HIV. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using. St. Johns' Wort should not be taken if you are taking Prozac or similar anti-depressants. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using. Tue, 05 Apr 2005 19:29:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-make-a-st-johns-wort-herbal-remedy- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-vitamin-biotin Importance of Vitamin- BiotinSource: www.kntimes.comBiotin is a water soluble vitamin. It comes in two forms, and it is alternately known as vitamin H and Coenzyme R. Biotin is responsible for growth of bacteria and many of the activities of enzymes in the human body. It is necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrate and fatty acids in the human body. It is integral to the conversion process which takes fatty acids and carbohydrates in the body and converts them into energy. This then allows for production of fats and excretion of protein breakdown products. Sources: Biotin is available in a large number of foods. Yeast, liver, pulses and nuts are especially rich in biotin concentrations. Beans, cauliflower and egg yolks are also excellent dietary sources of biotin. It is also produced by intestinal bacteria. Deficiency disease is primarily Dermatitis conjunctivitis. Symptoms of deficiency may include depression and poor appetite. An individual suffering from biotin deficiency may seem lethargic, weak or easily fatigued. Hair loss may result from biotin insufficiency. Additionally in some cases of severe biotin deficiency, eczema occurs. The eczema can appear anywhere on the body but primarily targets the face. Occasionally deficiency will result in a slight swelling or inflammation of the tongue as well. Tue, 05 Apr 2005 01:14:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/importance-of-vitamin-biotin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zinc-hones-teens-thinking-skills Zinc Hones Teens' Thinking SkillsSource: www.forbes.comZinc may give your teenager a mental edge.Researchers found that adding the mineral to the diets of middle schoolers led to improvements in their memories and attention spans. They reported the results on April 4 at the Experimental Biology 2005 meeting in San Diego.Seventh graders given 20 milligrams of zinc five days a week for 10 to 12 weeks performed better on memory tasks and had longer attention spans than did those who did not receive zinc supplements, said James G. Penland, a research psychologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, in North Dakota.Zinc has been studied in relation to motor function, thinking and social skills in very young children and in adults, Penland said, but "this is the first study to look at that relationship in adolescence." These older children may be at risk for zinc deficiency, especially while undergoing rapid growth during puberty, he added.The current daily requirement for zinc is 11 milligrams for boys aged 14 to 18; 9 milligrams for girls aged 14 to 18, and 8 milligrams for kids aged 9 to 13, Penland said.His team studied 209 seventh grade boys and girls who consumed 4 ounces of fruit juice that came one of three ways: with no zinc, 10 milligrams of the supplement, or 20 milligrams of the mineral every weekday for 10 weeks. The kids didn't know if they got the juice with zinc or without.They were then given a battery of tests to measure attention, perception, memory and reasoning. Those given 20 milligrams of zinc answered questions on a visual memory task test 12 percent more accurately and quickly, compared to 6 percent for those not given extra zinc. The group given 20 milligrams of zinc increased the number of questions answered correctly on a word recognition task by 9 percent, compared to 3 percent for the no-zinc group. The group that got just 10 milligrams a day of zinc did not show improved performance.Some of the tasks involved tapping a key on a keyboard as quickly as possible, using a mouse to follow an object moving across the computer screen, learning, and remembering lists of word and categorizing objects.Exactly how zinc improved performance isn't known, Penland said. "Deficiencies of zinc alter the function of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory functioning," he noted.Zinc also helps regulate cell growth, helps wounds heal, and boosts the immune system.Another expert calls the study "out-of-the-box" thinking. "This is news to me," said Dr. Ken Fujioka, director of nutrition and metabolic research at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif. "I have not seen this type of study done particularly in this age group."But he cautions parents not to supplement their children with zinc without checking first with the pediatrician or family doctor. "If you take too much zinc for too long, you can also run into problems," he said.Added Penland: "My advice to parents would be to look at their kids' diet and make sure it provides the recommended amount of zinc and other nutrients."Good sources of zinc include meat, seafood, eggs and milk, according to the American Dietetic Association.Penland hopes more research will be done focusing on older children's dietary needs "because the dietary guidelines that are out there are simply not based on data collected directly from children, by and large. The recommendations [for children] are based on the best data available, but not the best data possible." Tue, 05 Apr 2005 01:11:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/zinc-hones-teens-thinking-skills http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritious-vegetarian-diet Nutritious vegetarian dietSource: www.kntimes.comIt is a common thinking that only non-vegetarian food is full of proteins and minerals and the veg. food is lacking in it. But the fact is that vegetarian food is also very rich in nutrients and as it contains less fat so its very good instead of non-veg. food. Lack of protein should not be a concern. Anyone who is lacto/ovo vegetarian is one who eats dairy and eggs and will easily get enough protein. Calcium is very essential for the formation of bones and teeth and also helps in blood clot. It is found in raw nuts, sesame seeds, orange, prunes and figs. Vitamin D is essential for processing calcium. These two nutrients are found in dark leafy greens, milk, butter, broccoli, calcium fortified tofu, calcium and vitamin D-fortified soy milk. Vitamin B-12, essential for healthy nerve and blood cells, promotes DNA synthesis, maturation of erythrocytes is found mainly in non-veg food. But intake is possible by consuming per day. Vegans, those who eat only plants for food, should check the label on fortified soy milk and fortified cereal to make sure B-12 has been added. Fermented soy products miso and tempeh provide some; sea vegetables such as nori, used to wrap rice balls and sushi, or kombu and dulse used in soups and with vegetables, provide more than adequate B-12 amounts. Sea vegetables, while still foreign to the American palate, can be purchased at natural food stores or Asian groceries. Eating legumes, dried fruits and dark green veggies will help teens meet iron needs; eat them with a food high in vitamin C - citrus, tomatoes, potatoes - for optimum iron absorption. Most important minerals like magnesium is found in cereals, green leafy vegetables, chocolate and wheat germ. Potassium is also available in most fruits and vegetables and wheat germ. It is required for normal muscle and nerve activity. Zinc can be found in yogurt, tofu, whole grains, peas, nuts and legumes. You may have heard that rice is a complete protein, it is balanced, and that in some countries people live well on rice. However, in North America, we have a tendency to eat white rice, instead of the more healthy brown or wild rice varieties, and this leads us to consume more starch or carbohydrates without the same amount of protein to balance it. Soybeans are very good to eat as it contains many proteins as also helpful in preventing many diseases. Beans are delicious and so easy (and cheap) to cook in a crock pot. In the beginning, invite your teen’s vegetarian friends over to cook a meal for the family. So, not only non-veg. food but veg foods are full of nutrients and easily digestible and free of fats. It helps to prevent many heart diseases. More over if non-veg food is not properly and hygenicly cooked it led to many diseases. So its better to shift to veg food for good health. What should be included in your daily diet if you are vegetarian; - four whole-grain foods a day; - three vegetables, two fruits every day; - snack on fruits, vegetables and nuts; - keep healthy and tasty crackers/chips available for snacking once a day; - eat sweets at the end of a meal, not in between; - exercise regularly. Tue, 05 Apr 2005 01:01:32 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritious-vegetarian-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-gains-respect Acupuncture gains respectSource: www.latimes.comThe ancient Chinese technique of sticking needles into the skin to relieve pain, nausea and many other ills can indeed make people feel better — more mellow and more energized. Many researchers used to think this lovely state was mostly due to the placebo effect. But a growing body of evidence — brain scans, ultrasound and other techniques — shows that acupuncture triggers direct, measurable effects on the body, including perhaps, activation of precisely the regions of the brain that would be predicted by ancient Chinese theory. "The quality and amount of research being conducted now on acupuncture is improving greatly," said Peter Wayne, director of research at the New England School of Acupuncture. The school has received $3.2 million in federal grants to study acupuncture on women undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, on teenagers with endometriosis, and on the accuracy of acupuncturists in diagnosing disease.At UC Irvine, researchers have shown that when a needle is placed in a point on the side of the foot that Chinese theorists associate with vision, sure enough, the visual cortex in the brain "lights up" on fMRI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, though the cause and effect are not totally clear.Neuroscientist Seung-Schik Yoo at Brigham and Women's Hospital has shown that when a needle is placed in a point called pericardium 6 on the wrist, known in Chinese medicine as a sensitive point for nausea, the part of the brain that controls the vestibular system (which affects balance and nausea) lights up on scans.Acupuncture has been used so far by 8.2 million Americans, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a government agency. Some insurers now pay for acupuncture, which is considered extremely safe. More than 40 clinical trials have shown that acupuncture reduces nausea following chemotherapy or surgery, said Ted Kaptchuk, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who is also a doctor of Chinese medicine. In one of the best studies, Dr. Tong J. Gan, director of clinical research in anesthesiology at Duke University Medical Center, showed last year that acupuncture on the wrist point was "as good as giving ondansetron," an anti-nausea drug, for postoperative nausea and vomiting.And a recent randomized, controlled study of 570 people with osteoarthritis of the knee showed that real acupuncture, as opposed to a fake form used as a control, reduced pain and increased function by about 30%."This is roughly the same effect size" as with ibuprofen-type drugs, said Dr. Brian Berman, the study leader and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. At the moment, Berman recommends that patients use acupuncture with, not instead of, pain medications, though it may help reduce the amount of medication needed.Perhaps the most intriguing scientific question is not whether acupuncture works, but how. In acupuncture theory, there are 360 major points in the skin that lie along the 12 major channels, or meridians, in the body, through which the qi flows. (Pronounced "chee," qi is the Chinese term for vital energy.)In Western terms, the acupuncture points correspond to areas of decreased electrical resistance on the skin. Since the 1970s, Western researchers have known that one of the ways acupuncture works is by releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. In a series of classic experiments, researchers hooked together the circulatory systems of two animals, but performed acupuncture on only one. Both animals showed evidence of less pain.Acupuncture seems to calm precisely the part of the brain that controls the emotional response to pain, said Dr. Kathleen K. S. Hui, a neuroscientist at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital, which has a federal grant to study acupuncture's effects on the brain. Her brain scan studies show decreased activation in deeper brain structures in the limbic system, which governs emotions and other physiological functions.Researchers have also shown that acupuncture boosts levels of serotonin, which is often deficient in people with depression, and lowers levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which are often elevated in sufferers of stress and pain.Precisely how signals travel from acupuncture points to the brain is still a matter of some debate. Most researchers, Hui among them, believe that electrical signals travel along nerve tracts that branch off from the brain stem to the limbic system. Others, like Dr. Helene Langevin, a neurologist at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, thinks signals may also pass along the 12 major acupuncture meridians that run through the body.For years, Western scientists doubted the existence of these meridians. But in a series of studies using ultrasound, Langevin has found evidence that the meridians lie along the sheets of connective tissue that surround organs. By analyzing meridians in the arm of a cadaver, Langevin said she discovered "that 80% of the acupuncture points coincided to where the major connective tissue plane was. We also did a statistical analysis — this was not due to chance."The bottom line? At long last, Western scientists are beginning to show, by their own standards, just what Chinese acupuncturists have been saying for millenniums: That the effects of acupuncture are real. And that, at least for certain problems and to some degree, acupuncture can help relieve pain and suffering. Tue, 05 Apr 2005 01:00:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-gains-respect http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-of-cla-may-reduce-body-fat Supplement Of CLA May Reduce Body FatSource: www.medindia.netIntake of supplement of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by overweight people had showed a reduction in body fat, says a new study in The Journal of Nutrition. The study was conducted to analyze the effects of CLA on human body. The tests were done to measure the effects on body fat mass, lean body mass, bone mineral mass, body weight, and body mass index. The CLA supplement was given in the triglyceride form.The results showed that there was no change in fasting blood sugar. There was significant increase in aspartate amino transferase. There was marked lessening of plasma total cholesterol and LDL, but not HDL cholestrol. There was a reduction in body fat mass and body weight in the subjects who were given triglycerides. This proves that CLA supplementation in healthy adults is not only acceptable to the body but it also helped in reducing body weight and may help in maintaining the body fat mass in the longer time phase.However experts are of the opinion that the results are not sufficient to use triglycerides or CLA supplements as medication for weight loss in obese adults. More studies are required to confirm the results and find out the safety of using the drug for the long term. Tue, 05 Apr 2005 00:57:38 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-of-cla-may-reduce-body-fat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vitamin-k Information about Vitamin KSource: www.expressnewsline.com The chemical name of vitamin K is Phylloquinone. It occurs in several froms like vitamin K1, K2, K3. Sources: It is found in green leafy vegetables (like spinach, coriander leaves, and radish tops), roots of vegetables, fish, liver, and fruit. It is also found in cow’s milk and yogurt. It is also synthesized by bacteria in the large intestine (colon).Daily requirement: About 0.07-0.14mg for a normal adult.Functions: Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of prothrombin (the precursor of thrombin) for normal blood clotting. These blood clotting factors are integral to proper functioning of the liver. Thus vitamin K helps in blood cogulation. This is popularly called ‘antihaemophilic vitamin’. Vitamin K deficiency can result in delayed blood clotting and excessive bleeding. This can manifest in the form of bloody noses, excessive wound bleeding from minor cuts, and bleeding from the gums when brushing. An individual experiencing Vitamin K deficiency may also have uncontrolled bleeding in the intestine and urinary tract. Very rarely, Vitamin K deficiency can also cause a brain bleed. Vitamin K can be destroyed by light, strong acids and alkalies. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:25:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vitamin-k http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-e Benefits of Vitamin ESource: www.expressnewsline.com Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It comes in three forms. It is known as alpha tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol and tocopherols. Dietary sources: The dietary sources for Vitamin E are easily obtained through vegetable oils, however the green leafy vegetables contain high concentrations of this vitamin as well. Whole grain cereals, wheat germ, peanuts, egg yolk, milk, and butter are extremely rich in vitamin E. Its daily requirement is 200 milligrams.Functions: Its primary source is to serve as an antioxidant as it prevents oxidation of certain minerals (i.e. It inhibits peroxide formation and thereby prevents damage of membrane lipids and thus it maintains normal membrane structure).Vitamin E plays an important role in the human body in slowing the effects of the natural aging process of the human body. It does this through maintaining the activities of various enzymatic processes on the cells. Vitamin E is also a prime protector of the human body against pollutants, especially in the lungs and tissue of the body. This vitamin also protects the red blood cells of the body against destruction by poisons which enter the bloodstream. Vitamin E also assists in the actual production of those red blood cells, and it aids in the production of energy to feed muscles in the body, especially the heart. Deficiency symptoms: Deficiency of vitamin E causes reproductive failure and degeneration of muscles in many mammals and increased haemolysis (break down) of erythrocytes in man leading to anemia. Vitamin E deficiency may cause pallor, weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and even fluid retention. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:25:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-e http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 Benefits of Vitamin B12Source: www.expressnewsline.com Vitamin B12 is a cobalt containing vitamin. It is alternately known by the names derivative of cobalamin such as cyanocobalamin, cobalamyns, and hydroxycobalamin. Functions: Vitamin B12 promotes DNA synthesis and thus plays an integral role in the human body in the manufacture of genetic material of cells which is essential for growth and development. Vitamin B12 is also active and vital in the role of many enzymatic functions in the human body. It is also required for the formation of myelin. It also plays vital role in the formation and maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow of the body. It is also necessary in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is though to function in conjunction with the processing of both folic acids and carbohydrates in the diet. Sources: The dietary sources for Vitamin B12 are found in lean meats, eggs, fish chicken, milk and fermented liquors. It is also synthesized by the intestinal bacteria in human colon. Deficiency symptoms: Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, Vitamin B12 deficiency does occur but typically develops over months or years, rather than quickly as the liver can store up to a 6 year supply of the body‘s needs for Vitamin B12 in a healthy individual. Absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine requires the action of gastric enzyme, castle’s intrinsic factor. Failure of secretion of this enzyme causes cobalamin deficiency which results in pernicious anemia (reduced formation of erythrocytes in bone marrow). The first signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a sore mouth and tongue, or numbness and tingling in the limbs. This last sensation is caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency affecting the spinal cord and brain which if severe can lead to either depression or total memory loss. Recommended intakes of Vitamin B12 vary, and since such a minute quantity is needed for proper function, you should be able to get all your sources from your diet. What is more threatening with Vitamin B12 than deficiency is that high dose of Vitamin B12 over time may cause rare allergic reactions. Before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:22:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/echinacea-the-herbal-immune-booster Echinacea: The Herbal Immune BoosterSource: www.floridasports.comEchinacea is a group of wildflowers on which Americans spend more than $300 million a year for its ability to treat the common cold. Several species of echinacea are used, the most common of which are E. purpurea, E. pallida, and E. angustifolia. Proponents claim that echinacea stimulates the immune system and prevents and treats upper respiratory tract infections and, sometimes, lower urinary tract infections. It is also used topically to enhance wound healing and treat eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. American Indians used echinacea for a variety of ailments. It was introduced into medical practice in the United States in the 1880s as a treatment for common colds and other infections, before there were sulfa drugs. It has been known by common names such American cone flower, black susans, Kansas snakeroot, purple cone flower and Indian head. Now, its popularity is largely confined to the United States and Europe. In Germany, it is frequently prescribed by physicians. How does echinacea stimulate the immune system? Studies suggest that it stimulates cells in the body whose primary function is to fight invading particles and organisms. White blood cells and spleen cells increase in number when echinacea is taken. Core body temperature rises. These effects seem to be due to no single compound in the plant. There are a number of complex substances, called phenolic compounds, in echinacea that seem to work in combination to produce these immune enhancing effects. Components of the root, leaves and flowers all contain the immune-stimulating compounds. As is the problem with most scientific studies on herbals, well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are few. The studies that find a reduction in symptoms with echinacea are usually done on a small number of subjects. The majority use either an extract of the cold-pressed liquid of the above-ground portions of E. purpurea in an alcohol base, or the alcoholic root extract of E. angustifoliae or E. pallidae. Unfortunately, these preparations are not commonly available. The form in which echinacea is usually sold is the pill or tablet form. The amount of echinacea’s active compounds in a pill or tablet varies from brand to brand. An article on herbal remedies in the March 1999 issue of Consumer Reports entitled "Herbal Rx: The promises and pitfalls" conducted an analysis of a dozen brands of echinacea. The study found that the brands American Fare-Vita-Smart, One-A-Day Cold Season and Sunsource Echinex contained the highest percentage of phenolic compounds, the active components of echinacea. However, they also found that even within a brand, pills in different bottles had different percentages. When should you take echinacea? It is recommended that it be taken from the onset of viral symptoms until 48 hours after the symptoms disappear. It should not be taken habitually as a preventative measure. When you are well and free of infections, taking echinacea overstimulates the immune system unnecessarily, depleting its capabilities. This results in immune system suppression, which leads to greater risk of illness. It is therefore recommended not to take echinacea for longer than eight weeks. For most people who take echinacea over the short term, the herb is relatively safe and non-toxic. However, some may experience allergic reactions. Individuals who may be allergic to echinacea include those with a history of asthma or rhinitis and allergy to members of the daisy family. In these cases, echinacea is best avoided. Echinacea should not be taken by people with auto-immune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis and collagen disorders. This is due to the nonspecific stimulatory effect that echinacea has on the immune system; it can worsen symptoms of the disease. Individuals with tuberculosis or who are HIV-positive should also avoid taking the herb, because their decreased immune capabilities may be more rapidly depleted with overstimulation. Additionally, persons on immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids or cyclosporin, are cautioned against the use of echinacea. Corticosteroids and cyclosporin are drugs commonly used after organ transplants and with lupus. Using echinacea with immunosuppressive drugs counters their effect, possibly resulting in severe illness. Long-term use of echinacea has been associated with toxicity to the liver. Hence, it should never be taken with other drugs that are also toxic to the liver, such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate or ketoconazole. This area of drug-herb reaction is not completely understood; therefore, the best approaches are to avoid habitual use of echinacea and to discuss its use thoroughly with one’s physician. In Conclusion In conclusion, otherwise healthy individuals may use echinacea for the treatment of colds on a short-term basis. It is a relatively safe herb whose use is already widespread in Europe and the United States. If you decide to try it, first review whether you have any of the allergies or conditions indicated above, or take any medications that echinacea may interfere with. If not, inform your physician that you plan to try echinacea. Next, purchase a well-known brand from a reputable retailer. Use the dosage suggested on the label. Try to use echinacea for no longer than a week, and only if you have the symptoms of a cold. If possible, document your results. Did taking echinacea reduce the duration of your cold? Did it reduce the symptoms? If so, it may be working for you. If it has no positive effect, stop taking it, and seek conventional means of treatment. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:20:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/echinacea-the-herbal-immune-booster http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-to-treat-hemorrhoids Herbal remedy to treat HemorrhoidsSource: Althealth NewsHerbal remedies: There are herbs that you can use to make external preparations to soothe the pain and reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids. Agrimony can be made into an ointment that helps to shrink hemorrhoids.Bayberry, which can be added to hot water and poured on a wash cloth or towel can be applied to the rectum, to help reduce pain. Butcher’s Broom is used as an ointment and can relieve pain. Horse chestnut when applied as a salve, is used to reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids. Marigold can relieve painful hemorrhoids. Mullein can be used on a compress to reduce swelling. Witch Hazel, which is used in over the counter preparations such as Preparation H, is used to relieve swelling and pain. A warm bath will help alleviate the pain and swelling. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:20:11 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-to-treat-hemorrhoids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-guide-to-allergy-remedy-and-relief A guide to allergy remedy and reliefSource: www.record-bee.comThe signs of spring are everywhere. We hear it in the sounds of the birds, see the blooming colorful flowers, and smell the sweet fragrances. But, for people with allergies, spring is the time of sneezing, running noses, itchy and watery eyes, headaches and general malaise.Allergy is defined as "a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen, re-exposure bringing to light an altered capacity to react." Key signs and symptoms of allergic illness include weight problems (over- or under-weight; fatigue which is not helped by rest; and swelling around eyes, hands or ankles). According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1 in 5 people has some type of allergy, primarily to air-borne allergens. Other alarming figures regarding allergies: more than 10 percent of the population has chronic sinusitis; and allergies are the single most frequently reported chronic condition in children, limiting activity in nearly half of those reported. What is the cause of this problem? According to the AAFA, there is a genetic predisposition in 25 percent of the population. This is only part of the picture. Other factors that effect our immunity are diet, activity and exercise, lifestyle, mental and emotional well-being. A critical part of the puzzle is whether, through our conduct and choices, we allow this predisposition to express itself or not. Conventional drug treatments for allergies are antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and allergy shots (or desensitization therapy). Antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra) block the effect of histamines, which occur naturally in our body and cause the swelling of sinuses. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, and all types may cause dryness of the mouth, eyes and sinuses, which can prolong sinus infection.Decongestants, such as Sudafed, constrict the tiny blood vessels in the area which opens the nasal passages, drying the tissues and reducing swelling. They are quick and effective, but they cannot be used for long. After four to five days they become less effective, requiring increasing dosage to be useful. Sometimes a "rebound effect" occurs, where the drug actually causes the condition to worsen.Nasal steroid sprays, such as Flonase, reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. They do not have any effect on itchy eyes and skin. They may cause throat irritation and dryness, and sometimes cause sneezing and burning in the nose and a bad taste in the mouth. If the nose is very runny or congested, these sprays may not reach the entire nasal passage. Steroid sprays are intended to target just the nasal passages; however, the prolonged use of these steroids is not advised, as with all steroid-based medications. Allergy shots, or desensitization therapy, consists of finding the substances that cause your allergy, and injecting this substance under the skin. The amount of the substance is gradually increased, until your skin reacts. Shots are given weekly for months or even years, requiring long-term commitment. They do not provide immediate relief, sometimes taking over a year to be effective. Sometimes the shots can cause a local skin swelling and itching, and also a worsening of allergic symptoms.If you have tried all of these drugs without satisfaction, or you choose not to use drug therapies, there are other methods to treat allergies. Whether you have year-round or seasonal allergies, sufficient rest and reducing stress are the first steps. Your respiratory system is working overtime, so adequate rest and sleep are essential, especially before seasonal allergies kick in. Eating well is also extremely important in reducing allergies. Most patients find that by eliminating or avoiding sweets and dairy products (excepting yogurt and hard cheese) they can often reduce symptoms. Other potential food allergens are wheat, soy and corn products, and these can be eliminated if you find it necessary. Of course, smoking of any kind, but especially cigarettes, is one of the first things to cut out if you find you suffer from allergies, any respiratory or other problems.Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have excellent results in treating allergy symptoms. They work best if used before symptoms are full-blown, but they also help reduce symptoms that already exist. Treating with acupuncture and herbs once weekly for three to five weeks, symptoms are usually reduced to a bearable level or eliminated completely.Acupuncture can both reduce symptoms immediately and also build long-term immunity and resistance. By inserting sterile, disposable needles in acupuncture points, energy can be directed to and from organs and tissues; if the sinuses are inflamed and congested, points are selected which draw energy away from the nose and head; if resistance is poor, points are selected to tone immune function. With this same approach, acupuncture can treat a myriad of problems (chronic or acute pain, gynecological problems, etc.) other than allergies as well. The effect of acupuncture is often immediate relief of symptoms, with the added benefit of having both a relaxing and energizing effect. Of course, acupuncture needles are always sterile, and are disposed of after each use. Chinese herbal medicine offers a number of remedies for allergies. Herbs such as honeysuckle, chrysanthemum and magnolia flowers, mint leaf, and cocklebur "expel wind and dry dampness" from the head and face, providing relief of sinus congestion, post-nasal drip, headaches, sneezing and itchy eyes. For chronic allergies, herbs such as astragalus and some types of ginseng are used to boost the immunity for allergy prevention. When properly combined, they are safe and effective, and any side-effects will be desirable, not detrimental. Paul, age 11, is a typical seasonal allergy case. Depending on the weather, usually from March to July when grasses are blooming, his nose would run constantly, his eyes were itchy, red and swollen, and he couldn't sleep. Last year, Paul came in for treatment for the first time in early March. After the first weekly acupuncture treatment and herbal prescription, he had six out of seven days of relief, with only mild symptoms on the seventh day. After the second visit, his symptoms were minimal, even after some exertion, which would usually worsen symptoms. After the third visit, he no longer had symptoms, allowing him to be treated on an "as needed" basis instead of weekly. This progress is typical for allergic patients, although the amounts of treatment vary for each person.For patients with a history of allergies, a significant reduction in symptoms can occur in each year that they return for treatment, to the point where some only need one treatment to achieve the relief that they need. The intention with these methods is to get to the root of the allergic reaction, regardless of whether it is pollen, animal dander, mold, fungi, food or anything else. The intention is that, when the treatments are completed, you no longer react to any allergen. If you are fed up with allergic sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and congestion, you've tried all the prescriptions available, and you are still not well, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be just what you are looking for. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:08:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-guide-to-allergy-remedy-and-relief http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-shows-promise-for-body-fat-loss Supplement Shows Promise for Body Fat LossSource: my.webmd.comIt sounds too good to be true but an increasing number of Americans are buying into the notion that a dietary supplement called conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, can help them both lose weight and increase muscle mass. A new study funded by the leading manufacturer of CLA suggests just that. But experts tell WebMD that the claims about the supplement far outweigh the science. The researcher who discovered CLA says that while it can help people replace fat with muscle, it is no miracle weight loss aid. "I have been telling people for years that this is not a weight loss product," Michael W. Pariza, PhD, tells WebMD. "If someone takes CLA to lose weight but doesn't change their diet or exercise patterns they are going to be disappointed." The Research CLA is a natural occurring fatty acid found in meats and dairy products, with claims of helping people lose fat, maintain weight loss, retain lean muscle mass, and control type 2 diabetes -- the type of diabetes that is often associated with obesity. Early animal studies following its identification by Pariza and colleagues in the late 1970s raised hopes that it could be used to fight human cancer. The popular dietary supplement is now sold in health food stores and on the Internet. In a study published last Maystudy published last May involving 180 people who were overweight, those who took CLA for a year lost between 7% and 9% of their body fat even though they did not change their lifestyles or eating habits. But CLA users lost only a modest amount of weight -- 4 pounds during the yearlong study. And the investigation did little to silence concerns about the long-term safety of the supplement. The volunteers taking CLA had changes in certain heart disease risk factors. CLA users had slightly higher LDL "bad" cholesterol and slightly lower HDL "good" cholesterol than nonusers. And the CLA group had higher white blood cell counts and lipoprotein (a) levels -- also known as lipoprotein little (a). Both are markers of inflammation linked to heart disease. In this follow-up study, 134 of the overweight participants either continued taking CLA for another year or could start taking the supplement if they had been in the placebo group. Both groups took 3.4 grams of CLA a day and continued their normal lifestyle habits. They ate what they wanted without restricting calories and continued their usual amounts of physical activity. The study was funded by the company that markets Tonalin CLA, the largest selling brand of the supplement. The findings are reported in the April 1 issue of The Journal of Nutrition. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 20:57:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-shows-promise-for-body-fat-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-eases-colds-among-elders Vitamin E Eases Colds Among EldersSource: www.foodconsumer.orgThough folk remedies aimed at soothing the common cold abound, there's no vaccine or antiviral therapy available to cure it. But researchers, funded by ARS and supported by public and private grants, have found hard evidence that vitamin E can make a difference, at least among the elderly.Nursing-facility residents who consumed 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E daily for 1 year were less likely to get the sniffles than those who took a placebo. The study was lead by Simin Nikbin Meydani, who directs the Nutritional Immunology Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.The findings are important, in part, because the elderly have a lower immune response to begin with.The scientists studied 617 individuals who met eligibility requirements after screening of 2,814 potential candidates. Criteria included being over 65 years of age, not being room bound, not being tube fed, and not being on kidney dialysis or ventilating equipment. Volunteers were also required to have been free of antibiotic treatment for at least 2 weeks before the start of the study.All 451 participants who completed the study were residents in some type of long-term-care nursing facility located in or around Boston, Massachusetts.About half the participants were given a daily supplement of 200 IU of vitamin E. The other half received a daily placebo capsule containing only 4 IU of vitamin E. To help control other dietary factors that affect immune response, each participant received a capsule containing 50 percent of the recommended dietary allowance for essential micronutrients. Participants were supplemented for 1 year.Nurses examined each volunteer weekly and logged their health status, focusing specifically on signs and symptoms of respiratory infection.The scientists found that those taking the vitamin E supplements were 20 percent less likely to suffer from upper respiratory infections, such as colds. Among the 34 million elderly living in the United States, that 20 percent would translate to about 7 million fewer of them acquiring respiratory infections, Meydani estimates."There was not only a lower incidence of colds among the vitamin-E-taking residents as a whole, but also fewer colds per person among those who did get colds, compared to the placebo group," says Meydani.The researchers chose to supplement with 200 IU of vitamin E each day because their earlier research showed that amount to be optimal for improving immune response in the elderly. "We don't believe that doses greater than 200 IU per day would be more effective in reducing respiratory infections in elderly," says Meydani.Good dietary sources of vitamin E include certain cereals, wheat germ, nuts—especially sunflower seeds and almonds—leafy green vegetables, and vegetable oils. The National Academy of Sciences has set an upper tolerable limit for vitamin E of 1,500 IU a day.The study results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Sun, 03 Apr 2005 20:29:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-eases-colds-among-elders http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almonds-are-a-great-addition-to-a-heart-healthy-diet Almonds are a great addition to a heart-healthy dietSource: www.newstarget.comThe tiny almond is a storehouse of nutritional goodness. Each ounce contains 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, not to mention healthy doses of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin E, and an array of antioxidants. Snacking on almonds is a great way to help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, and can smooth out spikes in blood sugar in diabetics. Because they make a filling snack, many dieters could benefit from eating moderate amounts of almonds to keep them from overeating Sun, 03 Apr 2005 20:28:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/almonds-are-a-great-addition-to-a-heart-healthy-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-and-managing-gestational-diabetes Nutrition and managing gestational diabetesSource: pregnancyandbaby.comAt 30 years old, Lisa Schooner wasn't concerned about developing diabetes any time soon. There was no family history, she didn't smoke, she had no chronic illnesses that weakened her immune system, her cholesterol and blood pressure were normal, and, even at 200 pounds, she still managed to eat relatively healthfully. When Schooner learned she was pregnant, she read voraciously to learn everything she could about the right foods to eat and all the best things to do for the baby growing inside her. She read about the risks of developing gestational diabetes and the complications it could pose to a developing baby, but, again she wasn't too concerned. Her older sister had had three children and never developed gestational diabetes. The luck of the draw Unfortunately, Schooner wasn't so lucky. She became one of about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States every year. Doctors aren't sure exactly why some women develop gestational diabetes and others don't, but there are some ideas. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the placenta supports the baby as it grows and supplies hormones that help the baby develop. These hormones are part of the problem. They block the action of the mother's insulin in her body producing a condition called insulin resistance in which it is difficult for the mother's body to use insulin. An expectant mother with this condition could need up to three times as much insulin. Schooner was diagnosed by a routine fasting blood glucose test called a Glucose Tolerance Test. The test revealed that her blood glucose levels were 164 after three hours, above the normal 140 mg/dl for pregnant women. Fasting sugar levels in someone without diabetes are generally between 70 to 110 mg/dl. Concerns for Mom and Baby Gestational diabetes affects the mother in late pregnancy, after the baby's body has been formed, but while the baby is busy growing. Because of this, gestational diabetes does not cause the kinds of birth defects sometimes seen in babies whose mothers had diabetes before pregnancy, according to the ADA. But Schooner knew she still had cause to be concerned. Untreated or poorly-controlled gestational diabetes can hurt a baby. The extra blood glucose of a mother with diabetes goes through the placenta, giving the baby high blood glucose levels. This causes the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. According to ADA, since the baby is getting more energy than it needs to grow and develop, the extra energy is stored as fat that can lead to a "fat" baby. This condition is called macrosomia, which can cause damage to a baby's shoulders during birth. Because of the extra insulin made by the baby's pancreas, newborns may have very low blood glucose levels at birth and are at higher risk for breathing problems, as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. After giving birth, women with gestational diabetes have a 5 to 10 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes right away. If they don't, there is a 20 to 50 percent chance they will develop diabetes in the next five to 10 years. Taking care of Mom and Baby Because gestational diabetes can hurt Mom and Baby, treatment must be started quickly. The main goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes special meal plans, scheduled exercise, blood glucose testing and, often, insulin injections. According to the ADA, losing even a few pounds postpartum can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, while you are pregnant is not the time to worry about this or start dieting. Instead, exercise regularly to help the body burn extra glucose, and make healthy food choices by eating a variety of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting fat intake to 30 percent or less of daily calories as advised by ADA, and watching portion sizes. Learn to recognize the difference between good, complex (whole grain, all natural, high fiber) carbohydrates and bad, or refined, (highly processed, sugar sweetened) carbohydrates. It is important during this time that complex carbohydrates not be limited. Karmeen Kulkarni, MS, a registered dietician and co-author of the American Diabetes Association's Complete Guide to Carb Counting, encourages eating three meals a day and keeping carbohydrate counts consistent at each meal. During pregnancy, counting carbohydrates can be more art than science, so it can be difficult to predict exactly how many complex carbohydrates an expectant mom with gestational diabetes should consume. "Two-thousand calories for the day can be broken down in different ways for grams of carbs, protein and fat. It will depend on what percentage of carbohydrate, protein and fat a person with diabetes and the registered dietician mutually agree upon. And, therefore, it cannot be calculated generically," says Kulkarni. She also suggests using a blood glucose meter to monitor blood glucose levels: fasting blood glucose in the morning upon waking, before lunch, two hours after lunch, before dinner, and two hours after dinner. Write all of the results down every day, as well as the foods consumed and amount of insulin taken. This information will be critical for meetings with your diabetic educator and endocrinologist. As always, check with your doctor regarding any changes you would like to make to your eating plan. Staying on track with healthy eating as part of your gestational diabetes treatment plan will only improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby, and may help your baby avoid future health issues Sun, 03 Apr 2005 20:20:10 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-and-managing-gestational-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-and-vitamin-a-enhance-liver-s-detox-enzymes Beta-carotene and vitamin A enhance liver’s detox enzymesSource: Althealth NewsBeta-carotene and vitamin A enhance liver’s detox enzymes - March 31, 2005 Researchers have reported that beta-carotene and vitamin A activate several genes that help the liver break down drugs and toxins.Alph Rühl, PhD, of the University of Debrecen, Hungary, and his colleagues studied liver cells that were grown with beta-carotene, vitamin A, or lycopene. They began with the knowledge that some vitamin A and carotenoids derivatives influence gene expression or activation. When activated, genes begin programming the manufacture of specific proteins or enzymes.Rühl found that beta-carotene and vitamin A, but not lycopene, turned on the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a chemical that subsequently activates various genes and plays a key role in the liver’s detoxification processes. Once activated, PXR increased the activity of CUP3A4, CYP3A7, CYP3A5, all of which help the liver break down “xenobiotics.”Although alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and silymarin are better known for their ability to increase detoxification, beta-carotene and vitamin A should enhance liver detoxification of drugs and other toxins.European Journal of Nutrition, 2004;43:336-343. Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:46:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beta-carotene-and-vitamin-a-enhance-liver-s-detox-enzymes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-deficiency-linked-to-osteoporosis Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to osteoporosisSource: Althealth NewsVitamin B12 deficiency may play a part in the onset of osteoporosis, according to new research from Tufts University in the US. The study assessed the bone mineral density and vitamin B12 levels in more than 2,500 men and women and found both men and women with B12 levels lower than 148pM had lower than average bone mineral density. It is thought to be the first large scale study to show a link between low vitamin B12 and low bone mineral density in men and re-affirms the findings of previous studies on women. Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:37:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b12-deficiency-linked-to-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arnica-gel-effective-for-reducing-osteoarthritis Arnica gel effective for reducing osteoarthritisSource: Althealth NewsNew research has shown that arnica gel can be beneficial for reducing osteoarthritis of the fingers. The Swiss study involved 20 doctors and 204 patients over one year and compared the effectiveness of arnica gel with an ibuprofen gel. Arnica proved to be as effective in both pain reduction and improving functional ability in the hands. Arnica was also proved equally as effective in reducing morning joint stiffness. Overall, 64% of patients in the arnica group said the improvements were either “good” or “very good” compared to 58% in the ibuprofen group. Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:34:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arnica-gel-effective-for-reducing-osteoarthritis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-levels-of-vitamin-e-halve-prostate-cancer-risk High blood levels of vitamin E halve prostate cancer riskSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukHigh blood levels of vitamin E can halve the risk of prostate cancer, according to a new analysis of an earlier trial involving 30,000 Finnish men that showed that daily supplements of vitamin E (50mg) reduced the risk of cancer by 32 per cent. In an updated analysis, researchers at the National Public health Institute in Helsinki looked at the impact of vitamin E on 100 individuals with prostate cancer and 200 cancer-free controls participating in the trial. Men with the highest levels of vitamin E in their blood were 51% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those with the lowest levels, the researchers reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:33:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-blood-levels-of-vitamin-e-halve-prostate-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-study-links-fast-food-to-obesity New study links fast food to obesitySource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukA new study, published in the Lancet, has linked fast food to obesity. The 15 year study was carried out by researchers in the US. It looked at the diets of over 3,000 adults aged between 18 and 30 and found that those who went more than twice a week to fast food restaurants weighed an average of 4.5kg more than those who went infrequently. They also had a twofold greater increase in insulin resistance making them more prone to developing diabetes. Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:30:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-study-links-fast-food-to-obesity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-fights-heart-disease-breast-cancer-studies-say Olive Oil Fights Heart Disease, Breast Cancer, Studies SaySource: news.nationalgeographic.comThey may smoke more than Americans and their health care system is far from perfect, but Greeks usually live longer than their U.S. counterparts, and they have some of the world's lowest rates of heart disease and cancer. The secret may be their olive-oil-drenched diet. Scores of scientific studies in the past decade have shown that olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fat—the "good" fat—may prolong life by combating coronary heart disease and different types of cancer. No wonder the Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, is said to have referred to olive oil as "the great therapeutic." FDA Approval For 4,000 years in the Mediterranean cultures, olive oil has served as everything from money to medicine. Today 99 percent of all olive oil is produced in the countries that rim the Mediterranean Sea. It is the only vegetable oil that can be created simply by pressing the raw material—in this case, olives. The quality of the oil depends on the amount of processing involved. Extra virgin olive oil is considered the best. The oil from the first pressing of the olives, it is the least processed. Once considered an "ethnic food" in the U.S., olive oil experienced rapid popularity growth in the 1980s. Today the U.S. imports more than 50 million gallons (189 million liters) a year. A few months ago the U.S. Food and Drug Administration credited olive oil with decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Up to 80 percent of olive oil is made up of monounsaturated fatty acids, which resist oxidation (the process by which fatty acids are degraded) better than polyunsaturates. Monounsaturated fatty acids help keep HDL—so-called good cholesterol—levels up and LDL, "bad" cholesterol, down. In addition, the presence of phenols, tocopherols, and other natural antioxidants in olive oil also prevent the formation of certain free radicals (highly reactive molecules) that may cause cell destruction within the human body. "Indeed, it is the only added lipid [fat] that has not been associated with increased risk of cancer," said Dimitrios Trichopoulos, an epidemiology professor at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Other Studies Olive oil may actually prevent cancer, according to a study released earlier this year. The study showed that oleic acid, the main monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, can cripple a cancer gene responsible for 25 to 30 percent of all breast cancers. The study found that oleic acid not only suppressed the levels of the gene, called Her-2/neu, but also improved the efficiency of the drug trastuzumab (sold under the brand name Herceptin), which is used to treat many women with breast cancer. "Our findings underpin epidemiological studies that show that the Mediterranean diet has significant protective effects against cancer, heart disease, and aging," said one of the study's authors, Javier Menendez of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Other studies have found that olive oil has a favorable effect on both ovarian cancer and bowel cancer. In addition, olive oil is well tolerated by the stomach. It appears to prevent the formation of gallstones as well as have a therapeutic effect on ulcers. Vegetables Despite all the apparent health benefits of olive oil, scientists do not consider it a miracle food. There may be other reasons why Mediterranean populations have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. While olive oil is a central characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, people in that region tend to eat far more vegetables, fruit, and fish—and lower amounts of meat and dairy—than the average American. "It may be a healthier overall diet," Trichopoulos, the Harvard epidemiologist, said. John Deane, a medical doctor and the editor of the Web site the Olive Oil Source, said that he gets inundated with e-mails every month from people asking about the health effects of olive oil. "People ask how many teaspoons a day they must consume to cure a certain illness, as if it was some sort of medicine," Deane said. "But caution must be used in extrapolating these many studies in animal models or cell cultures to human diseases." Deane says olive oil should be eaten and enjoyed along with other healthy fats and foods. "The doctor in me likes the fact that it has been consumed and available over the counter for several thousand years with a great safety profile," he said. Mon, 28 Mar 2005 01:13:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-fights-heart-disease-breast-cancer-studies-say http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginger-benefits-ginger-as-alternative-medicine-ginger-as-herb Ginger Benefits, Ginger As Alternative Medicine, Ginger As HerbSource: www.kntimes.comGinger is a perennial herb that thrives in most parts of southern Asia, Jamaica, Nigeria, and the West Indies. The English botanist William Roscoe gave the plant the name Zingiber officinale in an 1807 publication. The genus Zingiber comprises approximately 85 species of fragrant herbs from East Asia and tropical Australia. The name originates from a Sanskrit word meaning "horn-shaped," in reference to the bulges on the rhizome [underground stems]. The plant has recently been cultivated in Florida, California, and Hawaii. Purple orchid-like flowers grow on the stalks of the wild plant. The most common part of the plant known for its multi-faceted use is the thick tuberous rhizome root that is brown on the outside but a dark yellowish amber hue on the inside. Ginger yields an essential oil that is steam distilled from the unpeeled, dried and ground root. The scent is somewhat bitterer than the root but when used in aromatherapy the oil mixes well with sandalwood, cedar wood and patchouli, adding a woody-spicy scent to the mix. Growing Ginger: Ginger is a tropical plant that thrives in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. When growing naturally, “cone like spikes three inches long at the end of a 6 –12 inch stalk; corolla composed of two ¾ inch yellow green segments and one purple lip, spotted and striped with yellow; occur between one inch long, overlapping, green bracts [specialized leaves].” (Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs). Commercial ginger doesn’t flower, and bears no fruit. The ginger plant isn’t very large, not growing more than four feet in height. The leaves are grass like and up to a foot long. The ginger plant requires a lot of water and partial shade. In commercial growing, the rhizome is broken up and planted about two inches below the surface of the soil and each plant maintains a distance of about a foot and a half apart from each other. The herbaceous ginger plant grows in a clump and spreads slowly by rhizomes. Harvesting Ginger: In small herbal gardens, a garden fork is ideal. When the rhizomes reach 4 to 7 months of age they’re ready to be used for fresh preparations. Allowing the ginger root to mature slightly longer, 8 to 9 months will produce a root that is more pungent and ideal for dried preparations. Qualities of Ginger: This stimulating herb is warming to the system. In her book '10 Essential Herbs' author Lalitha Thomas describes the properties: “The major active ingredients in ginger are terpenes [quite similar to the chemical action of turpentine] and an oleo-resin called ginger oil. These two, and other active ingredients in ginger, provide antiseptic, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating, and mild constipation relief qualities along with a potent perspiration-inducing action that is quite effective in cleansing the system of toxins.” Herbalists recognize ginger as a “carrier” herb and often use it in small quantities with other herbs to spread it through the human system at a faster rate. Ginger in the West: Although ginger has been cultivated for thousands of years in India and China, there are reports of it being used by Romans as far back as the second century as a taxable imported item. In France it was used around the 1200s and made the journey across the English Channel where it was warmly received as a culinary spice, second in popularity to pepper. One pound of ginger was the equivalent to the price of one sheep. Ginger & China: In China today, half of all herbal prescriptions contain some form of ginger. According to Chinese medicine, there is a huge difference between fresh and dried types of ginger. The fresh root is called Sheng-jiang and is used to chase away pathogens due to its ability to induce sweating. It expels cold, relieves nausea and sweeps away toxic waste. Fresh ginger root is what you’ll find the most beneficial in easing your colds and flu symptoms. One whiff of a fresh ginger root will have you starting onto your road to recovery. It’s a distinctive scent, highly aromatic, and images of far off lands might come to mind. Once it’s consumed, it radiates outwards, warming your body and clearing away your illness. Fresh ginger can be added to food or brewed into a tea. Dried ginger root, Gan-jiang, also removes cold, and is useful for stomach pain, diarrhea due to cold deficiency, cough, rheumatism and several other uses. Both fresh and dried roots are certified drugs of the modern Chinese pharmacopoeia, as is a liquid extract and tincture of ginger. Ginger for Seasoning & Baking: Whether fresh or ground, ginger is a marvelous spice as well as a delicious non-alcoholic beverage. Ginger used in baking livens up cookies, cakes, muffins, and breads and naturally helps create a traditional Christmas decoration/dessert: the Gingerbread House. The fabulous ginger root has a citrusy spicy flavor that perks up native Chinese, Caribbean, and Thai, Indian, Japanese and North African dishes. Ginger contains a high level of enzymes that break down meat, similar to our own natural stomach enzymes. Ginger can be used as a meat tenderizer. Crystallized ginger is a popular confectionary, and ginger beer [or ale] is a tasty carbonated beverage with stomach-soothing properties. Ginger helps balance your diet. Too many cooling foods, such as vegetables, need a counter balance. Ginger is known in all forms of Eastern medicine as a warming herb. Ginger for Colds & Flu: In the wintertime, many people suffer form colds and flu. Chinese medicine refers to this form of sickness as “invading cold” or “invading damp” which means that the system has been assailed by the cold weather. Whether in the form of: influenza, chills, coughs, or bronchitis, this is a condition that lasts far too long for anyone. Herbal help can be found as close to you as your spice rack or local grocery store. Spices are thought of as warm to hot, and ginger is strong enough to repel the assailant as it’s an antioxidant. Ginger Relieves Motion/Morning Sickness: Whether a person is carsick, airsick, and seasick or has morning sickness, ginger is one of the most effective herbal remedies to get rid of that queasy feeling. Other Known Uses: If a person has exercised too much or suffers from arthritis or rheumatism, ginger has been known to ease inflammation of the joints and muscle tissue. Due to its tremendous circulation-increasing qualities, ginger is thought to improve the complexion. Ginger has reduced nervousness, eased tendonitis, and helped sore throats return to normal. Studies demonstrate that ginger can lower cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver. In the West African country of Senegal, women wore belts containing ginger roots to arouse their partner’s desire. “For centuries, ginger has been used in love rituals throughout Asia and the South Pacific. Originally introduced as an exotic condiment in Europe, ginger was soon used for both medicinal as well as amatory purposes. This ancient heritage is recognized in the extensive use of ginger in men’s colognes, though at the moment sweeter, less spicy formulas are being created for the scent-conscious man.” From the book 'Magical Aromatherapy' by Scott Cunningham. Ginger Recipes: Ginger Tea – Ideally, this should be made with a fresh root. Grate a small piece of ginger [about the size of a nickel] into a mug. Add the juice of a ½ lemon. Fill the mug with boiling water. Stir in a teaspoon of organic honey. Ginger Bath – Bathing in fragrant ginger is a luxury as well as a recipe for getting better. Powdered ginger is the recommended form and it should be added slowly. Start with the addition of 1 tablespoon’s worth of ginger. If that isn’t enough, add another. Don’t add too much. You will feel your heart rate increase and you’ll begin to detoxify your symptoms soon after bathing in ginger. Drinking plenty of water is recommended. Note: Consult your physician before trying any of these remedies. Ginger is not recommended for infants. Mon, 28 Mar 2005 01:09:41 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginger-benefits-ginger-as-alternative-medicine-ginger-as-herb http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chitosan-a-weight-reducing-supplement Chitosan- a weight reducing supplementReduce weight now! Ask me how? Among all other diet reducing remedies, Chitosan is also considered to be good supplement that helps greatly to reduce excess weight from the body. Chitosan (pronounced KITE-o-san) is made of the indigestible chitin of shellfish. The supplement binds with undigested fat as it moves through our intestines before our body has the chance to absorb the fat. Both human and animal studies (including several acknowledged by reputable sources such as the Mayo clinic) show that chitosan can lower both weight and cholesterol levels. But the Chitosan supplement usually has some side-effects including extreme stomach ache due to 1. Failure to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K that are fat-soluble vitamins. 2. Possible decrease in calcium absorption 3. Decrease of certain necessary bacteria in the intestinal track 4. Could affect certain medications that require fat absorption to be effective 5. Dehydration combined with chitosan can cause constipation and bowel obstruction It gives extremely good results if you will start doing some exercise or walking along with chitosan. Also reduce your diet intake or just reduce carbohydrate or fat intake, you will get extremely beneficial results. Chitosan may work for some people with a primary concern of the excessive calories they are getting from fat in their diet. Assess why you have this weight to lose before taking any dietary aid. You doctor can help you analyze your diet and exercise habits as well as map out a weight loss strategy that will be healthy for you. Mon, 28 Mar 2005 00:47:44 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chitosan-a-weight-reducing-supplement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginseng-herbal-effects-ginseng-for-treatments-herbal-cures-and-remedies-with-ginseng Ginseng Herbal Effects, Ginseng for Treatments, Herbal Cures and Remedies with GinsengSource: www.kntimes.comGinseng is a root herb that works on many parts of your body. That is why it can be used as a quick pick-me-up. Ginseng is beneficial for the lungs, spleen, stomach, heart and mind. It has so many general therapeutic qualities that it is included as an ingredient in almost all Chinese herbal formulae brews and medicines. Ginseng is a qi tonic herb. This means that it increases internal body heat and warms up your chest and diaphragm. You will have a feeling of fullness. Ginseng is taken together with other herbs that harness the qi quality. Too much unused internal body heat may harm the stomach and spleen so other herbs are consumed together with ginseng to regulate the action of ginseng's qi. Ginseng is a quick remedy for many common ailments but it can't be consumed regularly or continuously as it can cause headache, insomnia and high blood pressure. Ginseng as a quick pick-me-up remedy is easy to use. Just soak a few slices of the root in boiling hot water and let its essence seep out. Drinking this ginseng tea soothes your physical fatigue. This remedy can be used by people from all walks of life. Ginseng as a tonic is consumed in a more concentrated form. You can get ginseng tonic in many forms. Go shopping for ginseng and you'll discover which suits your needs by consulting with the herbal practitioner who sells the ginseng. You need to discuss your health concerns and other courses of medication before you start taking ginseng tonic. Ginseng is a quick remedy for improving mental fatigue. It uplifts depression, perks up memory and other mental capacities. Ginseng can be used by the elderly to help their mental abilities as this category of people tend to be afflicted with mental degeneration problems like Alzheimer's Disease. If you feel stressed, relax with a hot brew of ginseng tea. Take it straight or sweetened with a little honey or sugar at hand. Even expectant mums take ginseng to improve their blood circulation. For this category of users, ginseng is recommended only once weekly to avoid overloading the body at this delicate stage. There are 4 main types of ginseng available. The type to use depends on your needs. It is best to consult a herbal practitioner to find out which type of ginseng is suitable for you. Mon, 28 Mar 2005 00:46:23 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginseng-herbal-effects-ginseng-for-treatments-herbal-cures-and-remedies-with-ginseng http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-offers-alzheimers-hope Fish oil offers Alzheimer's hopeSource: www.newkerala.comFish oil offers promise in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, a new scientific report says.Researchers with Veterans Affairs and the University of California at Los Angeles found that a diet high in docosahexenoic acid, or DHA dramatically slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice.DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in relatively high concentrations in cold-water fish.Food sources include fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel and sardines, as well as almonds, walnuts, soy, and DHA-enriched eggs.Specifically, DHA cut the harmful brain plaques that mark the disease.The results appear in the March 23 online edition of the Journal Neuroscience Senior author Greg M.Cole, a neuroscientist at UCLA and the Los Angeles V.A.said that unlike many studies with mice, this one points to the benefits of a therapy that is easily available and already touted for other medical conditions. Mon, 28 Mar 2005 00:42:13 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-offers-alzheimers-hope http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wrinkles-options-for-wrinkle-removal-ageing-face-and-skin Wrinkles, Options for Wrinkle Removal, Ageing Face and SkinSource: www.kntimes.comFine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth are a normal part of the aging process. Wrinkles occur naturally as subcutaneous fat and skin elasticity is lost. The face having a much shallower layer of subcutaneous tissue is one of the first places that wrinkles will appear.Add in the damage that frequent sun exposure does to the skin and it is now wonder that many women have skin that makes them look older than they really are. Luckily women (and men) now have several options available for wrinkle removal. While not as long lasting as plastic surgery (facelifts) they do offer a solution for the short term, with fewer risks. If wrinkles are a concern, discuss these options with your dermatologist. Botox Botox injections have been in use about 10 years for the short-term treatment of fines lines and wrinkles in the face. Botox works by relaxing the muscles and making the line disappear. Some of the common areas treated include crow's feet, frown lines, laugh lines, and forehead wrinkles. The effects of Botox usually last about 3 - 6 months and can then be repeated. Although Botox is a protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria it is injected in such small amounts that its effects remain localized. It has very few side effects Collagen Collagen is a natural protein that acts as the support structure of the skin. In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and the skin remains moisturized and elastic. Over time, however, the support structure weakens and the skin loses elasticity. Dermatologists have used injectable bovine collagen for over 25 years. Used primarily as a tissue filler to soften lines around the mouth, it has also been used successfully to augment lips, correct the early degrees of muscle loss around the mouth associated with aging, and erase acne scars. Like Botox its effects are temporary and normally last about 3-4 months. About 10% of the population is allergic to bovine collagen, so skin tests must be done before it can be used for wrinkle removal. Fat Autologous fat transfer is a wrinkle filler procedure in which fat is removed from one part of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks or stomach, via tumescent liposuction and used to fill in deeper wrinkles and contour the "hills and valleys" associated with aging. Since a patient's own fat is used in the procedure, there are no allergic reactions associated with this type of filler. This is a more involved procedure because fat is removed from one part of the body and added to another. The results are not permanent, as loss of facial subcutaneous fat is a natural part of the aging process, no matter where that fat originated. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid is a soft tissue filler that has been used with much success in Canada and Europe. It is being studied in the United States but has not yet received FDA approval. Hyaluronic acid is a gel that is actually a natural occurring and basic component of human skin. The gel serves to "float" the skin cells rather than fill in vacant wrinkles, which makes hyaluronic acid suitable for larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. Studies show a low incidence of allergic reaction and with longer action. Results tend to last up to six to nine months. Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:12:32 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wrinkles-options-for-wrinkle-removal-ageing-face-and-skin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/essential-oil-use-what-are-the-benefits-natural-skin-treatments Essential Oil Use: What are the benefits, Natural Skin TreatmentsSource: www.kntimes.comEssential oils are becoming more popular all the time with the new age of alternative health care. No longer are just herbs and vitamins the wave of the future, but new concepts using these oils are gaining in momentum. Essential oils have regenerating capabilities along with being able to oxygenate the body and help boost the immune system. Where do the oils get these abilities? From plants. These oils contain oxygen molecules and this is what helps prevent disease. Essential oils also have bio-electrical frequencies that are an electrical energy. The human body also has its own frequency and when essential oils are applied to it, the higher frequency oil has the capacity to reduce or eliminate bacteria, fungus, disease and viruses. When these oils are extracted from the plants, they undergo a processing which maintains the fragrance of the oil along with the healing property of it. And the purest plants will be those that are grown organically and free of any chemicals or chemical residue. Essential oils can be applied in various forms to produce the necessary results. To apply these oils to the skin, topically, one only needs to take a few drops of them and put them in sensitive areas that can best benefit from their bio-electrical frequencies. The toes and the nape of the neck are two such places good for the use of many oils. The amount to apply can be variable, but usually between one and three or four drops is best. Auricular therapy is another known way to apply the oils and consists of massaging the oils on the ears. This is wonderful for both physical and emotional healing. When used on the wrist, these oils can have a perfume-like capability and are easily taken in throughout the day as you go about your daily functions. These oils can also be used as compresses and during massage. As a compress, add a few drops of the oil to a couple quarts of hot water, soak a towel in the solution and apply to an area of the body. Covering the wet towel with a dry one and a third towel, the application can produce results when left on for several hours. For massage, use a hot wet or dry towel on top of the skin that has already been massaged and the oils will be pulled into the body from the heat. Inhaling the oils is the easiest way to spread a lot of it around a large area. This can be accomplished through the use of a diffuser. What this equipment does is disperse the oil into a fine mist that freshens the air with its natural fragrance and provides healing to you at the same time. Diffusing also helps the oils release their oxygenating molecules which help combat disease and illness while reduce air-born chemicals and bacteria at the same time. Diffusing for 10 to 20 minutes is ideal, depending on the capability of your particular diffuser; diffusers can be bought at many health food stores or through mail-order catalogs. Remember to use only one oil at a time when diffusing and clean the diffuser out between oils. Inhalation of oils also works if you put about 8 to 10 drops of an essential oil on a towel or tissues and hold it close to your face while inhaling. This can be a quick convenient way to get some oil into your system rapidly. Like using hot water vapor to clear sinuses, essential oils can be dropped into the water so that their fragrance is inhaled just the same. This also works when applying these oils in a vaporizer or humidifier. During a bath is a great time to use essential oils. While you are relaxing in the water you are also gaining the healing properties and enjoying the fragrance of the oil. About ten drops of oil in the tub while it is filling will circulate it around and be ready for your enjoyment. Even in the shower, applying a few drops of oil to a face cloth or body sponge can enhance your time getting clean each day. In the dishwater you use and the dryer for your clothes, oils can also be great for their anti-bacterial properties. Either Melrose or Lemon is a good choice for these approaches. With so many ways to apply and enjoy essential oils, it is difficult to find a reason not to use them. Different online catalogs and websites offer them for sale. Do your research to determine the quality of the oils before purchase and check out the reputation of the company you will buy from. And don’t let cost deter you from the best oils possible. When you health is concerned, it is important to consider what is best for your body and longevity rather than your wallet. Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:10:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/essential-oil-use-what-are-the-benefits-natural-skin-treatments http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-for-allergies-treat-allergies-in-natural-way- Herbal remedy for allergies, Treat allergies in Natural Way.Source: www.kntimes.comItchy, watery eyes, sneezing and swollen sinuses are only a few symptoms for those who suffer them that allergy season has arrived. If you are one of the millions who suffer from allergies and hayfever, take heart! Help is on the way. With the aid of select herbs and a few preventative measures, most allergy victims can find the relief they have been looking for without taking over the counter medications. The excess production of antigen in the pancreas, liver and spleen causes allergic reactions. Milk and milk products tend to clog the system, while sugar and sugar products deplete nutrients. The elimination of these products will help you control allergies and hayfever but don't stop there. By also eliminating canned fruits and vegetables and replacing them with fresh produce you can help to build up your body's resistance before and during allergy season. Select herbs such as red clover and licorice will help in building the body's resistance to allergens. One teaspoon of each steeped for 5 to 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water and taken three to four times daily or one caplet each of red clover and licorice taken three to four times a day will do the trick. For hayfever, cell salt or farum phos tablets dissolved on the tongue three times daily will enhance your treatment. An herbal combination of comfrey root, horsetail herb, cat straw, alfalfa herb and irish moss plant will help relieve allergic reactions, fever, and infections, as well as aches and pains. Apple cider vinegar, which is known for its antibiotic qualities is also a great treatment for allergies. One tablespoon taken once in the morning will relieve hayfever symptoms including itchy throat, watery eyes and sneezing. Eucalyptus branches, placed in your bedroom or living room and which are often sprayed with in infusion of eucalyptus oil will relieve chest congestion and help keep your air passages open. Eucalyptus is known for its antiseptic qualities. Garlic, which is a detoxifier, is a great way to relieve congestion and help build the immune system. If you are concerned about the pungent fragrance of garlic you can purchase the non-odorous variety and take one caplet a day. Vitamin C in the form of rosehips is a great deterrent since it helps to build your immune system. Finally, taking calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and a good compound mineral supplement will help build your bodies resistance to allergens. Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:06:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedy-for-allergies-treat-allergies-in-natural-way- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dandruff-causes-and-remedy-hair-problems-and-loss- Dandruff Causes and Remedy Hair Problems and Loss.Source: www.kntimes.comHow To Deal With Dandruff Some are of the opinion that at the early stages of hair loss, dandruff begins to increase. However, an increase in the amount of dandruff does not necessarily mean that there is a "cause-effect" relationship resulting in the thinning of hair. You should think of excessive dandruff as a warning sign as far as the health of the hair is concerned. Dandruff is made up of bits of dead skin that peel away from the scalp as a result of the effects of metabolism. Normally, dandruff, in its early stages of growth, is not visible to the naked eye. It becomes visible only after enlarging into pieces of dead skin (what we normally call "dandruff") as a result of the propagation of bacteria and/or problems with seborrhoeic scalp conditions. Persons suffering from prolonged dandruff are said to have a dandruff ailment. This type of ailment, accompanied by itchiness, can lead to eczema if it worsens. Suppressing the propagation of bacteria is one means of dealing with fatty dandruff. This is because bacteria is one of the causes of this condition. If possible, try to shampoo on a daily basis to prevent bacterial propagation. One effective means of dealing with dandruff is to disinfect the scalp area with commercially available medicated shampoos specifically designed for dandruff removal. However, daily shampooing can lead to eczema for persons who suffer from dry scalps. Shampooing once every three days may be ideal for such persons. Persons who suffer from persistent, hard-to-cure dandruff are urged to consult a skin specialist. Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:05:23 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dandruff-causes-and-remedy-hair-problems-and-loss- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aloe-vera-good-remedy-for-oral-health-problems Aloe vera, good remedy for oral health problemsSource: www.nutraingredients.comNew reports prove that the aloe vera plant, which has been used to heal skin for more than 2,000 years, can also treat many oral health problems including canker sores, cold sores, herpes simplex viruses, lichen planus and gingivitis.An article in the January/February issue of General Dentistry suggests that aloe vera accelerates healing and reduces pain associated with canker sores, blisters on the lips or mouth. It could be an inexpensive alternative remedy. Author Richard L. Wynn discusses a study done on a patient with lichen planus, a disease affecting the skin and oral mucus membranes. The patient drank 2.0 ounces of aloe vera juice daily and topical applied aloe vera lip balm. The oral lesions cleared up in four weeks and complete success was achieved. Dr Wynn cited the study as showing that oral health problems can be treated with aloe vera. Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:02:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aloe-vera-good-remedy-for-oral-health-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beat-menopausal-blues-with-soyabeans Beat Menopausal Blues With SoyabeansSource: www.financialexpress.comReams have been written about menopause and its accompanying discomfiting phenomena, so need one add a few column inches more? Apparently yes, for here we are talking about a possible diet supplement that could cure these symptoms—isoflavones, which are found in soyabeans. Most menopausal problems rise as a result of the body’s reduced estrogen levels. Apart from the more usual psychological, genital, urinary or vasomotor symptoms, on a long-term basis, a woman becomes more prone to osteoporosis and cardiovascular complications after menopause. “With increasing life expectancy, a woman could now spend more than one third of her life in menopause,” says Dr Amit Bhargava, a doctor by education and currently general manager with Alembic. “Inability to concentrate or remember things has been attributed to lack of estrogen. And in many cases, the mood swings are so pronounced that they can ruin family life.” The treatment usually followed for these symptoms is Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), but this carries side-effects such as the return of cyclic bleeding and increased risk of breast cancer and venus thrombosis. Also, HRT is not cheap—it costs around Rs 300-1,000 a month plus investigations to the tune of Rs 15,000 a year. Additional drugs such as Premarin cost Rs 195.16 for a strip of 28 tablets. This is where isoflavones make a welcome entry. Isoflavones offer the benefits of natural phytoestrogens and nutritionally boost the body’s natural estrogen levels. Taken regularly for a sustained period, they help maintain physical, mental and emotional well-being. Consumption of isoflavones showed considerable improvement in symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. It also improved the cholesterol profile by raising the beneficial high density lipoprotein (HDL) and lowering the low density lipoproteins(LDL). Additionally, it actually helped restore bone mineral density. Alembic is marketing isoflavones under the brand name, Isovon, in an easy to swallow capsule form. Each capsule contains 60 mg of isoflavone purified from natural soy saplings. The recommended dosage is 1-2 capsules in a single dose for a minimum of 60-90 days. The actual duration would vary from patient to patient. Dr Ranjana Sharma, who is attached to Apollo Indraprastha Hospitals, says, “While HRT is beneficial for women, it does have many side-effects and women feel concerned enough about these to ask for alternatives. Isovon has the potential to become this alternative.” Tue, 22 Mar 2005 11:30:51 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/beat-menopausal-blues-with-soyabeans http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 Benefits of Vitamin B12Source: www.kntimes.comVitamin B12 is a cobalt containing vitamin. It is alternately known by the names derivative of cobalamin such as cyanocobalamin, cobalamyns, and hydroxycobalamin. Functions: Vitamin B12 promotes DNA synthesis and thus plays an integral role in the human body in the manufacture of genetic material of cells which is essential for growth and development. Vitamin B12 is also active and vital in the role of many enzymatic functions in the human body. It is also required for the formation of myelin. It also plays vital role in the formation and maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow of the body. It is also necessary in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is though to function in conjunction with the processing of both folic acids and carbohydrates in the diet. Sources: The dietary sources for Vitamin B12 are found in lean meats, eggs, fish chicken, milk and fermented liquors. It is also synthesized by the intestinal bacteria in human colon. Deficiency symptoms: Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, Vitamin B12 deficiency does occur but typically develops over months or years, rather than quickly as the liver can store up to a 6 year supply of the body?s needs for Vitamin B12 in a healthy individual. Absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine requires the action of gastric enzyme, castle?s intrinsic factor. Failure of secretion of this enzyme causes cobalamin deficiency which results in pernicious anemia (reduced formation of erythrocytes in bone marrow). The first signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a sore mouth and tongue, or numbness and tingling in the limbs. This last sensation is caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency affecting the spinal cord and brain which if severe can lead to either depression or total memory loss. Recommended intakes of Vitamin B12 vary, and since such a minute quantity is needed for proper function, you should be able to get all your sources from your diet. What is more threatening with Vitamin B12 than deficiency is that high dose of Vitamin B12 over time may cause rare allergic reactions. Before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:13:12 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-b12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spirulina-is-excellent-superfood-supplement-for-those-with-busy-schedules Spirulina is excellent superfood supplement for those with busy schedulesSource: www.newstarget.comMany individuals lead hectic lives. For those looking for a good supplement, look no further than Spirulina. Spirulina is almost 70% protein and is full of amino acids and micronutrients. The supplement has also been shown to fight cancer and help recovery after surgery.Q: I AM a busy working man looking for supplement to help me stay well. Is there any supplement that can be considered as a whole food or has a wide range of nutrients compressed into one food supplement? A: SPIRULINA is the best recommended supplement that has the similar nutritional components if compared to a wholefood range product in the market. Most notably, spirulina is 65 to 71 per cent complete protein, with all essential amino acids in perfect balance. It is very nutritious and rich in betacarotene, the B vitamins, chelated minerals, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), enzymes, pigments (chlophyll, phycocyanin and xanthophyll) and micronutrients required for cell repair. It improves stamina and increases endurance to prevent one from feeling lethargic. Both the antioxidant and the immune-enhancing effects of spirulina appear to have additional anticancer effects, possibly by releasing a chemical in the body that attacks tumour cells. It also reduces recovery time for those after surgery. Spirulina fits into practically any dietary plan because it is an extremely digestible, high-energy, low-calorie, low- fat natural food containing an incredibly wide range of important nutrients. The multi-minerals will also do a great job in providing you with all the needed minerals and vitamins. This is because it is an excellent one- a-day supplement to your daily diet. It contains betacarotene, the complete range of B vitamins, vitamins C, E, bioflavonoids plus major minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium. It is beneficial to consume products that offer a wide range of anti- free radical nutrients that combines betacarotene, vitamins C, E and the mineral zinc. Garlic, a natural source of selenium, is sometimes added to ensure an adequate level of protection against degenerative disease. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:09:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/spirulina-is-excellent-superfood-supplement-for-those-with-busy-schedules http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-your-vitamins-well-not-for-much-longer- Getting your vitamins? Well, not for much longer . . .Source: www.timesonline.co.ukThe EU will 'ban' 300 supplement ingredients this summer. It's a move that has angered some manufacturers - and consumers IF YOU TAKE a daily vitamin and mineral supplement, you may want to stock up before August 1. For after that date, the shelves of your local health food shop could be decidedly bare as tablets containing selenium yeast, boron, chromium picolinate and a further 300 nutrients are withdrawn from sale. The European Food Supplements Directive, which comes into force at midnight on July 31, outlaws products containing ingredients not on its “positive list” of 140 permitted substances. An estimated 5,000 supplements will be affected, excluded from the positive list because they have not been assessed by the EU, even though under the UK Food Safety Act they are considered safe products (it is illegal to sell food that is unsafe). The directive has two stages. The first, which comes into force on August 1, is concerned with the ingredients in supplements; the second, which starts in 18 months, will address the permitted upper levels of nutrients in supplements. “The August legislation will have a major impact,” says David Adams, director of the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA), which represents producers and suppliers such as Holland & Barrett, Solgar and Biocare. “There are some nutrient sources — such as selenomethionine, a widely used form of selenium, boron for bone health and chromium yeast for regulating blood sugar — that aren’t on the list. Why should the Government infringe on people’s choice to take supplements they think are good for them?” Britain has a thriving supplement culture and 21 million people — a third of all women and a quarter of men — spend £335 million a year on tablets in the belief (misguided or not) that they will do them good and protect their health. But from August 1 you won’t be able to buy them. Jenny Seagrove, now starring in BBC TV’s Judge John Deed, a supporter of the campaign by the Consumers for Health Choice (CHC), says she is “angry, desolate and bewildered” by the forthcoming legislation. “I take supplements which have carefully sourced ingredients. I don’t take supplements every day of my life. I think it’s probably wrong to do that. I look at what I’m eating and what my body needs. I can’t remember when I last took conventional medicine. I get colds and a rare bout of flu but I throw them off about four times quicker than anyone I know.” From August 1, she will have to buy her multivitamins from America. But does all this matter? Shouldn’t we be getting everything we need from our diet anyway? The suggestion is that supplements fill the gaps left by a hurried diet and act as insurance against illness. Campaigners argue that modern food is a shadow of what it was 50 years ago because of the way it is produced. A 21st-century pea has either sprung from soil laden with agrochemicals or spent hours in the freezing hold of a 747 on a flight from Africa. Either way, by the time it arrives on our plates, it is not the robust vegetable of half a century ago. Our lifestyles compound the damage, says Sue Croft, a director of the CHC. “A lot of people don’t even cook these days — they grab pre-prepared foods and during the processing of that food a lot of the nutrients are lost.” Research suggests that many who take supplements are the “worried well”, their healthy diets replete with the nutrients they need. There are groups of people, however, highlighted in the 2004 National Diet and Nutrition Survey (a study carried out periodiocally by the Food Standards Agency), who do need supplements. “It is true that many people don’t eat the healthy balanced diet recommended for good health,” says Lyndel Costain, a dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. “Teenage girls are at higher risk of poor intakes of certain vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. People with a restricted diet, such as vegans, can benefit from the insurance that supplements bring.” Scientists, nutritionists and dietitians agree: a plentiful and varied consumption of fruit and vegetables protects against cardiovascular disease, some cancers and even Alzheimer’s. There is no scientific evidence that supplements do the same thing. The myriad nutrients contained in a single broccoli spear may react together for the benefit of the body; extracting a single nutrient may do little or no good. The popularity of supplements has been strengthened by the antioxidant theory: ie, that these mop up free radicals, which damage the cells. However, this is just a theory — and researchers believe that it may be other substances in fruit and vegetables that are protective. “The idea that the proliferation of free radicals causes damage and antioxidant vitamins protects against this is an hypothesis,” says Professor Joseph Lunec, head of molecular toxicology at King ’s College London. “It may be something that requires the whole broccoli with other things, rather than the extract of the broccoli. The Government recommends we eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day; it doesn’t recommend antioxidant supplements.” Dr Beckie Lang, a public health nutritionist at the University of Teesside, says that far from consuming food that is depleted in nutrients, the public has a vast array of cheap food from which to choose and that getting our daily quota of nutrients should pose little problem. It is laziness, rather than anything else, that has turned Britain into supplement junkies, it is suggested. The European legislation will affect health-food shops more than high-street pharmacists. Boots is reformulating its high-selling multivitamin AZ, which contains boron and vanadium, trace elements excluded from the positive list. Its selenium product will contain sodium selenate rather than the banned selenium yeast. The levels of nutrients in two other products (vitamin E and betacarotene) have been lowered. “There are only three or four products that we have tweaked,” says Claire Stafford, a spokeswoman. “Customers won’t see products coming off the shelves in August.” But Holland & Barrett is looking at reformulating 250 products, including every one of its multivitamins. “The products will not be the same products we have today,” says Sharon Morey, the company’s regulatory affairs manager. “This legislation is purely about harmonisation, one size fits all. Our products don’t fit into their neat little boxes.” The health food industry is fighting the directive and in January took its case to the European Court of Justice; the verdict will be given on April 5. It hopes that the EU will strike 34 words from the directive to allow each member state the right to continue the sale of products it considers safe. David Adams, director of the HFMA, says: “There would be a harmonised list of products and then member states would have the discretion to allow other products to be sold. We think that is a satisfactory way to proceed.” Consumers for Health Choice: 020-7463 0694. For the names of the nutrients set to be “banned” under the EU directive see www.healthchoice.org.uk. British Dietetic Association: www.bda.uk.com; 0121-200 8080 DISAPPEARING FROM THE SHELVESMANY on the “positive” list of substances are sulphates and chlorides — cheap inorganic sources, according to Gareth Zeal, a nutritionist and director of Consumers for Health Choice. He says these are often less easily absorbed than organic formulations. The following omissions are of most concern: BORON: Seems to play a role in metabolism. Campaigners say it helps osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Sources: water, nuts and raisins, leafy green vegetables. CALCIUM CITRATE MALATE: Said to be good for preventing osteoporosis, and easily absorbed. Sources: milk, leafy greens, almonds. CHROMIUM PICOLINATE: Campaigners say chromium plays an important role in preventing adult onset diabetes. Sources: egg yolk, molasses, yeast. COPPER PICOLINATE: Said to help the absorption of zinc and curb inflammation. Sources: shellfish, chocolate, liver. ESTER-C: Made by reacting vitamin C with calcium carbonate to produce gentle non-acidic sources of vitamin C with superior absorption properties. Sources: fruit, especially citrus. MOLYBDENUM YEAST: Trace element for making healthy blood cells. Sources: seeds, wheat. SELENOMETHIONINE: Organic source of selenium; reportedly good for heart, and sperm count. Sources: fish, nuts, whole grains. SELENIUM YEAST: Selenium is on the “positive” list in the selenate form, the one known to be the best absorbed. But campaigners say yeast-based selenium is much better absorbed. Sources: fish, poultry, Brazil nuts. THIAMIN-5-PHOSPHATE: A form of B1. Sources: brown rice, wholegrain breads. ZINC PICOLINATE: Provides zinc in an easily-absorbed organic form. Supposed to benefit prostate, eczema and strengthen the immune system. Sources: seeds. THE BRITISH DIETETIC ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS: Folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) daily taken before and until week 12 of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (spina bifida type disorders) Calcium supplements, with at least 10mcg of vitamin D daily, for people at risk of osteoporosis Vitamin D for breastfeeding women and children under two Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine) helps to convert carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B12 for strict vegansBUT WHAT YOU SHOULD TAKE . . .Folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) daily taken before and until week 12 of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (spina bifida type disorders) Calcium supplements, with at least 10mcg of vitamin D daily, for people at risk of osteoporosisVitamin D for breastfeeding women and children under two Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine) helps to convert carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B12 for strict vegans As recommended by the British Dietetic Association Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:02:39 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/getting-your-vitamins-well-not-for-much-longer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-and-vitamin-b12-decrease-risk-of-hip-fracture-in-stroke-patients Folic Acid And Vitamin B12 Decrease Risk Of Hip Fracture In Stroke PatientsSource: www.sciencedaily.comPatients who took folic acid and vitamin B12 after their stroke had a reduced risk of hip fracture compared to patients who took placebo, according to an article in the March 2 issue of JAMA.According to background information in the article, stroke patients have a two to four times greater risk of hip fracture than their healthy peers. Researchers believe this may be due to higher levels of plasma homocysteine (an amino acid) in stroke patients, which may be associated with osteoporosis and the risk of a hip fracture. Homocysteine levels may be decreased by treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12.Yoshihiro Sato, M.D., from the Mitate Hospital, Tagawa, Japan, and colleagues investigated the occurrence of hip fractures in stroke patients who were given folic acid and vitamin B12, and those who received placebo. Of patients studied, 314 received 5 mg of folate and 1500 micrograms of B12, while 314 patients received placebo. Participants were instructed to keep track of falls on a daily calendar. Five hundred fifty-nine patients completed this two-year follow-up.The researchers recorded six hip fractures in patients who received folic acid and B12, and 27 hip fractures in the placebo group. The difference in total number of fractures over the two-year follow up was significant, with eight fractures in the treatment group and 32 in the placebo group. Patients receiving folic acid and B12 experienced a 38 percent decrease in their plasma homocysteine levels, while levels increased by 31 percent in the placebo group."Treatment with folate and mecobalamin [vitamin B12] was effective in reducing the risk of the serious poststroke complication of fractures. The high incidence of hip fractures in elderly patients with stroke may be attributed to frequent falls, as well as osteoporosis…" the authors write. "In our study, the number of falls was similar in both groups during the follow-up period and the combined therapy with folate and [vitamin B12] prevented hip fractures in patients with stroke despite frequent falls." Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:53:01 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-and-vitamin-b12-decrease-risk-of-hip-fracture-in-stroke-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-oily-fish-may-reduce-inflammation Eating Oily Fish May Reduce InflammationSource: Althealth NewsA new study explains how a diet high in oily fish like salmon and mackerel improves inflammatory conditions, particularly in combination with low doses of aspirin. In a study in the March 7 issue of The Journal of Experimental Medicine, Arita and colleagues identify an anti-inflammatory lipid in humans that is derived from an essential fatty acid in fish oil.Fatty fish contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids--diet-derived essential fatty acids known to benefit patients with cardiovascular disease and arthritis. This research group recently identified a new class of aspirin-triggered bioactive lipids, called resolvins, the activity of which may in part explain the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Resolvins are made from the omega-3 fatty acids by cellular enzymes and can reduce inflammation in mice. The main bioactive component of this class of lipids was identified in mice and named resolvin E1.The researchers have now identified this lipid in plasma taken from volunteers given omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin. Human resolvin E1, the authors show, inhibits both the migration of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation and the turning on of other inflammatory cells.This study also reveals a potential pitfall of COX-2 inhibitors, drugs designed to block inflammation, which have been shown to have negative cardiovascular side effects. COX-2 is involved in making resolvin E1 and the authors suggest that inhibition of vascular COX-2 by these inhibitors might block the synthesis of resolvin E1, which would eliminate an important anti-inflammatory pathway. The experiment to prove this idea, however, has yet to be done. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:47:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-oily-fish-may-reduce-inflammation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jan-de-vries-is-there-an-alternative-to-taking-steroids-for-life- Jan de Vries: Is there an alternative to taking steroids for life?Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.ukQMy daughter suffers from ulcerative colitis (inflamed intestines) and has been told that she will have to take steroids for the rest of her life. Is there an alternative remedy you could suggest?AThis is a very unpleasant condition, which certainly requires close medical supervision. However, diet is very important in such cases. My advice would be to avoid pork in any shape or form, citrus fruits, spices, nicotine, alcohol, salt and sugar. There are definitely herbal remedies available that could help your daughter, and a qualified alternative practitioner will be able to advise her. My book Stomach & Bowel Disorders will give her helpful information and advice.Q I have been taking fish oil for some years now as a source of omega 3 but I have heard that flaxseed oil is better. Is this true and which one would I be better taking? AFlaxseed and flaxseed oil are now known to be rich in an omega 3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This substance is known as an essential fatty acid and appears to lie at the centre of the protective effect associated with flaxseed consumption. The ratio naturally present in flaxseed oil is about 4:1 making flaxseed oil a good source of omega 3 which our bodies may be desperately short of. Some studies used fish oil as a source of omega 3 but the doses used were very high; equivalent to around 10 capsules of fish oil per day. Flaxseed oil may offer a better choice when considering cost effectiveness and the amount of oil needed on a daily basis.Q I am being treated for fluid retention using Bumetanide but I would like to use an alternative diuretic. What would you suggest? ABumex (Bumetanide) is a very powerful drug used to lower the amount of excess salt and water in your body by increasing urine output. However, when taking this drug, you should be monitored closely by your doctor, as excessive use can decrease levels of water and minerals such as potassium, which your body needs to function. A good alternative is Water Balance Factors from Michael's. This is a special combination of nutrients and herbs to support normal fluid levels. It is a strong herbal component and the nutrients such as B6 and potassium support the body's normal balance of sodium on a cellular level, which is essential to the body's normal fluid balance. Whatever you decide, please consult your GP first.Q For a few years now I have been suffering from pain in my nose. I was recently told by the hospital that it is rhinitis. Can you help me? ARhinitis is a nasal disturbance either with acute inflammation and hypersensitivity or a chronic inflammatory process with thickening of the nasal mucosa. In atrophic rhinitis there is a crust formation. It can be greatly helped and alleviated by adopting a revised dietary approach in conjunction with homeopathic and herbal treatment, plus vitamin supplements. Go through an elimination process with your diet to determine the offending factor. Often we find that sufferers have an allergy to one or more dairy produce. Reduce the amount of salt in your diet as well as spices, alcohol and coffee and introduce more honey, garlic, oats, fruit and vegetables. As well as diet I would suggest you take Echinaforce, Sinu-Comp, and Euphorbium Nasal Spray for extra relief. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:46:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/jan-de-vries-is-there-an-alternative-to-taking-steroids-for-life- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/restylane-patient-happy-to-lose-the-laugh-lines Restylane patient happy to lose the laugh linesSource: www.baltimoresun.comDenise Mercer loves to laugh. In fact, there's nothing that the Annapolis legal assistant likes better than to get out on a sailboat with her husband, cook up a pot of crabs, sit out in the sun and crack up laughing all day.Sounds like the good life, right?Maybe for Mercer, but certainly not for her face.All that sunshine and happiness took a toll on Mercer, who one day about three years ago looked in the mirror and wondered, "Who is that old woman?""I especially don't like the laugh lines," said Mercer, who won't tell her age. "And I kinda miss the fullness I had in my face."Last week, in a Chevy Chase doctor's office, dermatological surgeon Tina West took what she called 10 years of aging off Mercer's face, using the hottest noninvasive cosmetic procedure going: Restylane injections.Out of thousands of applicants across the country, Mercer was the lucky winner of Restylane's "Pampered to Perfection" contest - which had as its prize a free trip to Jamaica and a Restylane treatment."This is great," Mercer said, after she saw her slightly swollen but clearly younger-looking face. "I can't believe it."Restylane is a soft-tissue filler that plumps up creases in the face and adds volume to areas that tend to thin or hollow as years go on, such as lips, cheeks and under the eyes.Experts say it's like collagen injections, but better."It's replacing most other soft tissue augmentation material," said West, who, in about an hour, filled in the lines around Mercer's mouth and fattened up her cheeks and lips. "Most physicians I know are using this instead of collagen."Collagen, or fat, injections have been around for years. But the white, viscous material can cause allergic reactions, coming as it often does from cow skin or human cadavers. And for about $350 a syringeful, the patient got to be crease-free for about three months.Restylane, however, is a hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body, so allergies are rare, experts say. It's clear and more liquid than collagen, so it can fill in areas better. And for about $600 a syringe, patients can be full-lipped and smooth-faced for six to nine months."Patients love it," said Dr. Barry Cohen, a Maryland-based plastic surgeon and chairman of Total Skin Care LLC. "It's much more cost-effective than collagen ever was."Restylane was approved by the Food and Drug Administration a little more than a year ago. As is usually the case, celebrities and the wealthy were among the first to sing its praises.According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 45,000 people had Restylane injections in its first year on the market, an impressive figure for a new product.Spots on Oprah and the Today show helped push the injections to the mainstream, and now dermatologists and plastic surgeons can barely keep up with the demand.Dr. Valerie Callender, director of the Callender Skin and Laser Center in Mitchellville, said she sees close to 20 patients a week who want the quick, relatively painless procedure."It's getting really busy," Callender said. "And now that it's on Oprah, everybody's calling for it."After seeing Mercer's rejuvenation, it's understandable what patients - male and female - are clamoring for.Mercer, who once loved the beach, sported flirty bell bottoms and wore her blond hair long, came into West's office with her face looking tired and sunken-in. Even with her warm smile and slender figure, that cheerful, Stones-and-Springsteen-loving woman was hard to see through the lines around her mouth, creasing her chin and the area just under her eyes."I feel young at heart," Mercer said. "And I just want to look as young as I feel."Mercer had entered the company's promotional sweepstakes, and her name was randomly chosen. Once the results wear off, sometime in the fall, Mercer will have to pay for more treatments on her own, though she won't need as many injections as she received this time, West said. (That is, unless she's lucky enough to win again, since Restylane is sponsoring a similar sweepstakes until next month on its Web site, www.res tylaneusa.com.)Most patients usually use two to three syringes, but since money was no object for the contest winner, West pulled out all the stops.First she numbed Mercer's face with a topical cream. Then she got to work, injecting six syringes of the gel filler directly into the lines around Mercer's mouth and chin, and under her eyes.The plumping effect was almost immediate. Before she left West's chair, Mercer's lines were barely visible.Though she could feel very little pain during the procedure, the mild-mannered Mercer shivered in the chair. She was nervous and a little dizzy. The needles, the numbing, the anticipation!When it was done, however, she looked at herself in a mirror and laughed."Wow!" she said.There was the woman she remembered. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:44:39 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/restylane-patient-happy-to-lose-the-laugh-lines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-e Benefits of vitamin ESource: www.expressnewsline.com Vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins. It is a fat-soluble vitamin.Sources: Peanuts, Egg yolk, wheat germ, whole cereal, milk, butter, leafy vegetables and vegetable oils are the sources of vitamin E.Its primary role is to serve as an antioxidant as it prevents oxidation of certain materials i.e. it inhibits peroxide formation and thereby prevents damage of membrane lipids and thus it maintains normal membrane structure.Vitamin E serves a great protection for heart, helps in preventing cancer, aids in boosting immunity of the body against diseases and also helps to keep the normal functioning of the brain. It has also been known to help in the wound healing. Vitamin E greatly helps to keep skin healthy and maintains erythrocytes. Taking vitamin E can significantly lower your risk of heart disease, enhance the functioning of your immune system, and likely reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, however, it is not a magic pill or a panacea. You cant simply take the pill and expect to gain perfect health. The other components of health include eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising moderately, and managing psychological stresses. Vitamin E is the main antioxidant that protects all calls from damage, so its one of the most important nutrient supplements you can take to keep your whole body healthy and protected against disease. It helps ease against many leading health killers. It bolsters the body's defense against colds and other infections. Vitamin E thus can be of great help to keep a long, young, healthy and satisfying life. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:37:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-e http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/non-surgical-eye-lift-ha Non-Surgical Eye Lift HASource: www.hoinews.comInjectable Fillers Injectable fillers are materials that are injected under the skin to fill in and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The two earliest types of fillers were fat and bovine-based collagen. The material for fat injections is obtained by taking fat from another area of the body. The fat cells are processed and reinjected into the desired site. Since the fat is obtained from the patient’s own body, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. The donor fat eventually breaks down and treatment will need to be repeated. Results last from several months to several years. Bovine-based collagen injections are derived from cow collagen. It is useful for filling in acne scars, fine lines and some deeper lines. Results generally last from three to six months. Since the product is obtained from cows, there is a chance a patient may experience an allergic reaction to the material. Human-based collagen products can sometimes be used in patients who have an allergy to cow collagen. One of the newer injectable fillers is hyaluronic acid (Restylane®, Hylaform®), a gel derived from natural polysaccharide (a substance found in all living organisms). It is useful for filling in wrinkles, fine lines, and age-related depressions in the lips and cheeks. The treatment lasts from about four months to one year. Calcium hydroxy-lapatite (Radiance) is another new injectable filler. The product is a synthetic form of the same material found in bone and teeth. When injected into an area, calcium hydroxy-lapatite remains soft and pliable, allowing the physician to naturally “mold” the material for better results. Results last two years or longer. Injections with soft tissue fillers are popular alternatives to surgery. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates last year more than 1.8 million cosmetic injections were performed in the U.S. Eyelid Fix Aging and the pull of gravity can eventually create visible changes in the area around the eyes. Some of the fat under the lower eyelid disappears, creating a slightly sunken appearance under the eyes. The wall holding in the fat may weaken and cause the pocket of fat to push forward, creating an extra bulge, or “bag,” under the eye. Sometimes the bulging lower lid emphasizes the sunken appearance of the skin under the eyes. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to remove baggy lower eyelids and droopy upper lids. It’s the third most common surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S. (more than 290,000 in 2004). The effects are long-lasting, but recovery time can take a week or two. Some physicians are offering another option for women who want to eliminate sunken lower eyelids. Injectable fillers, traditionally reserved for the smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, are now being used to fill in under-eye depressions. Typically, doctors use a longer-lasting filler, like Restylane, rather than collagen. The injection takes about ten or fifteen minutes and the results are immediate. Some patients experience a slight bruising after the injection, but the discoloration usually goes away within a few days. Since there’s no way to predict who will develop the bruises, doctors recommend getting the injection several days before an important social event. The treatment isn’t permanent and will need to eventually be repeated to maintain the effect. If patients are satisfied with the results, doctors can used a longer-lasting filler (like Radiance). Soft tissue injection of the lower eyelid area is not recommended for patients who have large “bags” with little depression (because there would be little area to fill in) or very flat cheeks. These patients would most likely do better with other procedures, like cheek implants or traditional eyelid surgery. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:35:36 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/non-surgical-eye-lift-ha http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/9-2-million-cosmetic-plastic-surgery-procedures-in-2004-up-5-percent-growth-paces-u-s-economy-despite-reality-tv-fad 9.2 Million Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures in 2004, Up 5 Percent; Growth Paces U.S. Economy Despite Reality TV FadSource: releases.usnewswire.comReality TV shows are creating a greater public awareness of cosmetic surgery and may attribute to the growth in procedures, however, these shows have not caused a rampant increase. The number of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures increased 5 percent in 2004, with more than 9.2 million procedures performed -- a growth rate steady with that of the U.S. economy, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). New five-year trending data shows cosmetic procedures are up 24 percent from 2000, reports the ASPS."These statistics show a strong, continued, and healthy increase in cosmetic surgery that mirrors the 4.4 percent economic growth of the United States," said ASPS President Scott Spear, MD. "However, there is no evidence in the statistics to support that TV programs have led to a dramatic surge in the amount of cosmetic surgery procedures."Surgical cosmetic procedures remained relatively stable in 2004, with more than 1.7 million procedures performed - down 2 percent from 2003. The top five surgical cosmetic procedures were liposuction (325,000), nose reshaping (305,000), breast augmentation (264,000), eyelid surgery (233,000), and facelift (114,000).Minimally-invasive procedures increased 7 percent to nearly 7.5 million procedures performed in 2004. The top five minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures were Botox(r) (3 million), chemical peel (1.1 million), microdermabrasion (859,000), laser hair removal (574,000), and sclerotherapy (545,000).The growth in minimally-invasive procedures can be attributed, in part, to new injectable wrinkle fighters entering the market. More consumers are considering injectables to prolong or avoid facelifts, forehead lifts and eyelid surgeries. In fact, the demand for hyaluronic acid injectable fillers like Restylane(r) and Hylaform(r) jumped 927 percent in 2004. Botox(r) injections increased 4 percent in 2004 and 280 percent since 2000.To ensure plastic surgery procedures are not overstated, the ASPS has refined the methodology for its collection of statistics to offer more accurate, reliable, and realistic data on plastic surgery. Since 2003, statistics have been collected through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with the annual survey sent to more than 17,000 board-certified physicians in specialties most likely to perform plastic surgery, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery procedures.For referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons, call 888-4-PLASTIC (888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org.The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 5,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:34:20 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/9-2-million-cosmetic-plastic-surgery-procedures-in-2004-up-5-percent-growth-paces-u-s-economy-despite-reality-tv-fad http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-bergamot Herbal benefits of BergamotSource: www.expressnewsline.comBergamot got its name from the city, Bergamot in Italy, where it was first cultivated. Though it is believed that Christopher Columbus brought the tree from the Canary Islands to Spain and Italy. Bergamot is a small tree with long, oval green leaves with white flowers. The bergamot bears a small round fruit that is yellow when ripe. Bergamot's essential oil is extracted by cold expression from the fruit peel. It has a spicy, delicate scent that is light and refreshing. Bergamot’s essential oil is used for fairly different purposes as it has many beneficial properties.1. During the 15th to 16th century was used in teas and perfumes. In voodoo it is thought to ward off evil and danger. 2. Bergamot is used as an antidepressant. It is calming and refreshing for the nervous system. 3. It is also used as an antiseptic. It aids in the digestion process. 4. It is also used as an insect repellent. When using as an insect repellent use caution and avoid strong sunlight, bergamot contains furocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity. 5. Bergamot is also used to treat urinary tract infections. 6. The essential oil of Bergamot works good on acne, eczema, varicose ulcers and seborrhea of the skin and scalp. For people with sensitive skin it is advised to use in moderation because if used in excess may irritate the skin. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:31:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-bergamot http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-echinacea Herbal benefits of EchinaceaSource: www.expressnewsline.comEchinacea purpurea is an herb that has been used by Native Americans to trigger the body’s natural abilities to heal itself. Echinacea’s therapeutic properties are mainly derived from its two active ingredients: echinacosides, found in the roots and flowers, and polysaccharide heteroxylan, found in the leaves. It is extremely useful in increasing the body’s immunity to fight various diseases. It helps to fight the viral, bacterial and fungus infections.It strengthens the body by stimulating the mucous membranes, liver, and lymph nodes. It is now a recommended natural remedy for sinus infections, sore throat, tonsillitis, coughs, bladder problems and kidney infections. Echinacea also has wound-healing and germ-fighting properties. The root of the plant was used to treat toothaches, sore throats and other irritations in the mouth. Know some tips to use Echinacea as a natural remedy: 1. To improve immunity to infections: To improve the immunity it can be taken in the form of pills or syrup. 2. To treat lesions and fever blisters: Apply a cotton swab dipped in pressed Echinacea juice on the affected area. 3. To help kill germs and reduce inflammation on abrasions, insect bites, and burns: Apply a cotton compress soaked in one part Echinacea juice and two parts water to the infected area. Echinacea is available in the form of pills, tablets, lozenges, or liquids. These can be used after recommendation form a herbalist. Echinacea should not be taken for long periods of time because the herb can over-stimulate the immune system. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:30:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-echinacea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-valerian Herbal benefits of ValerianSource: www.expressnewsline.com Valerian is one of the most beneficial herbs if taken into account its benefits. It has no known side-effects and doesn’t even cause dependency. It’s useful for its sleep-inducing properties as well as for giving relaxation to the mind. Benefits of Valerian herb: Valerian enhances the natural body process of getting into sleep and also gives calmness and refreshing feelings and also relieves the tensions and stresses. It also improves general sleep quality. It has good effect on smooth muscle, and is considered a powerful and safe muscle relaxant. It can be safely used in muscle cramping, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. Valerian’s volatile oils do not simply have sedative properties but also a predominantly regulative effect on the autonomic system. Valerian is used world wide as a relaxing remedy in hypertension and stress related heart problems. There is an effect here beyond simple nerve relaxation, as it contains alkaloids that are capable of lowering abnormally high blood pressure.This is can be as re-vivifying as sleep itself, and indeed all that is necessary in more cases than not. The true nature of sleep still remains a mystery. Everybody goes through stages of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a stage where dreaming is associated with minor involuntary muscle jerks and rapid eye movements, indicating that active processes are occurring in the brain. It is important not to suppress the dreams dreamed during this stage. Emotional experiences are processed by the mind in those dreams, and much arising from both the unconscious and daily life is balanced and harmonized. Whilst sleeping pills have a marked impact on REM, Valerian does not interfere with this process as it is not powerful enough to suppress these necessary REM phases. Amongst other effects, Valerian decreases both spontaneous and caffeine-stimulated muscular activity and decrease a number of measurable processes in the brain. Research comparing the relaxing properties of Valerian and a number of other plants on the muscles of the digestive tract, has shown Hawthorn and Valerian to be the best, followed by Passion Flower and Chamomile. Especially interesting is the finding that combining all the herbs acted in a synergistic way, being relaxing at low dosage levels. How to use valerian herb for different remedies;To be effective it has to be used in sufficiently high dosage. The tincture is the most widely used preparation and is always useful, provided that the single dose is not counted in drops, but that 2.5-5ml (l/2 - l teaspoonful ) is given, and indeed sometimes 10 ml at one time. It is almost pointless to give ten or twenty drops of valerian tincture. Over dosage is highly unlikely, even with very much larger doses. For situations of extreme stress where a sedative or muscle relaxant effect is need fast, a single dose of one teaspoonful may be repeated two or three times at short intervals. The dried herb is prepared as an infusion to ensure no loss of the volatile oils. Two teaspoons of the dried herb are used for each cup of tea prepared. With these doses expect a good relaxing, anti-spasmodic and sleep-inducing effect, and above all rapid sedation in states of excitement. A cold infusion may be used: a glass of cold water is poured over two teaspoons of valerian root and left to stand for 8-l0 hours. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:28:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-valerian http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/better-sex-diet Better Sex DietSource: www.forbes.comFor those of us who could use a little libido pick-me-up, the grocery store might be a good place to start. Like many aspects of our health, our sex drive is affected by what we put into our bodies. A few drinks and a thick steak, followed by a rich chocolate dessert, may sound romantic, but it is actually a prologue to sleep--not sex. Humans have sought ways to enhance or improve their sex lives for millennia--and have never been reluctant to spend money to make themselves better lovers. The ancient Romans were said to prefer such exotic aphrodisiacs as hippo snouts and hyena eyeballs. Traditional Chinese medicine espoused the use of such rare delicacies as rhino horn. Modern lovers are no less extravagant. In 2004, for example, according to Atlanta-based health care information company NDCHealth (nyse: NCD - news - people ), Americans spent about $1.4 billion to treat male sexual function disorders alone. Of that amount, Viagra rang up $997 million in sales for Pfizer (nyse: PFE - news - people ), or 71.2% of the total market. Among the other drugs trying to find their way into American's bedside tables and back pockets are Levitra, which is made by Bayer (nyse: BAY - news - people ), but marketed in the U.S. by GlaxoSmithKline (nyse: GSK - news - people ) and Schering-Plough (nyse: SGP - news - people ), and Cialis, which was jointly developed by Eli Lilly (nyse: LLY - news - people ) and ICOS (nasdaq: ICOS - news - people ). There is a difference, of course, between helping sexual dysfunction and arousing our passions. The problem is that, these days, there are more solutions for the former than the latter. Aphrodisiacs, for the most part, have been proved to be ineffective. Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sex and beauty, these include an array of herbs, foods and other "agents" that are said to awaken and heighten sexual desire. But the 5,000-year tradition of using them is based more on folklore than real science. "There is no data and no scientific evidence," says Leonore Tiefer, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. "Product pushers are very eager to capitalize on myths," she says. Most libido-enhancing products offer short term benefit at best, according to Dr. John Mulhall, Director of the Sexual Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian and associate professor of urology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Mulhall, who also sits on the Nutraceuticals Committee of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, says: "Every year we review the literature on these compounds--these nutraceuticals like nitric oxide and ginseng--and there are none that have really been shown to be more than a placebo." When it comes to sexual function, the placebo effect is probably 30% in men and around 50% in women, he says. That means there are a lot of people out there who believe a pill they are taking or a food they are eating is doing a lot of good for them sexually. In reality, their mind is doing all the work. So, besides renting The Story of O and opening a bottle of red wine, what can people do to kick start their sex life? One thing they can do is change their diet. Soy, for example, binds estrogen receptors, which helps the vaginal area remain lubricated, and combats symptoms of menopause--particularly hot flashes. Studies have shown that soy is also beneficial to the prostate, a crucial male sex organ. Chili peppers and ginger are believed to improve circulation and stimulate nerve endings, which could, in turn, improve sexual pleasure. Foods that promote weight loss also hold libido-boosting potential. "There has been very solid research showing that obesity is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction and low testosterone," says Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, director of the New York Center for Human Sexuality and associate professor of urology at Columbia University's medical school. "Reducing weight," he says, "results in an increase of testosterone, and thus an increase in sexual function." "From an erection stand point, anything that's good for your heart is good for your penis," says Dr. Mulhall. Too much saturated fat can, over time, clog arteries and, in doing so, prevent an adequate flow of blood from reaching the genital region. This not only interferes with the ability to perform, but also with sexual pleasure. Too little fat, on the other hand, is also bad. "You need fat to produce your hormones," says Beverly Whipple, professor emeritus at Rutgers University and president of the World Association for Sexology. "Cholesterol is metabolized in the liver, and you get your testosterone and estrogen, which you need for your sex drive," she says. Olive oil, salmon and nuts are optimal sources of the "good" kinds of fats--monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. According to Dr. Judith Reichman, author of I'm Not in the Mood: What Every Woman Should Known about Improving Her Libido, medical and hormonal problems are major contributors to sexual dysfunction and a low libido--but so are too much stress, relationship difficulties and psychological issues. Antidepressants, such as Prozac by GlaxoSmithKline and Paxil by Eli Lilly, can negatively impact sex drive as well. Without a doubt, the intake of excessive amounts of alcohol impairs sexual function. But a little alcohol helps ease inhibitions. Wine and champagne are widely used to set a romantic mood. Add some chocolate-covered strawberries to the mix, and the outcome could be good. We don't need scientific evidence to convince us that ambience is one of the few truly effective aphrodisiacs. Chocolate can, of course, be quite sensual. But the craving of choice for many women may have some real benefits to their sex lives. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical compound that can produce feelings of euphoria and happiness by releasing dopamine, the brain chemical that also surges during orgasms. Like all sweet things, enjoy your chocolate in moderation, as--unless you are underweight--gaining weight is not likely to prove beneficial to your sex life. As we all know, spicy foods get the heart pumping. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chilies their "burn," might also trigger the brain to release endorphins--substances that, at high levels, can create a sensation of pleasure. Apparently, chili peppers stimulate the nervous system, which can, in turn, accentuate the effects of sexual arousal. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can impact our sex lives in a couple of ways. For one, it helps lower cholesterol levels, which keeps the blood moving in all of the important places. In addition, fruits and vegetables help in weight loss since, relative to most food, they are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes us feel full. Since obesity is associated with low testosterone levels, anything we do to ensure proper body mass will only help our sex lives. Adding fiber and complex carbohydrates to your diet aids in weight management. This is crucial because obesity is linked to low testosterone--something which contributes to decreases in both sexual drive and function. Choose whole wheat over white bread, and have whole grain cereal instead of cornflakes for breakfast. Oats are the grain of choice, as some researchers say they increase the amount of testosterone in the blood. Whole grains also help sustain energy levels, which can be useful in bed. A stimulant for the circulatory system, ginger is said to increase blood flow to the genitals. It's the plant's aromatic stem that's used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It can be eaten raw, cooked or crystallized. Honey's special power comes from the mineral boron, which helps the body utilize estrogen, the basic female sex hormone. Some researchers claim that honey also increases energy levels. It's likely creative minds will also think of other ways to milk honey of its potential libido-boosting powers. The Roman allegedly tossed walnuts--not rice--at newlyweds, as they were considered symbols of fertility. While there may not be much scientific evidence behind this tradition, we do know that nuts can help keep our vascular system healthy, which ensures adequate blood flow to the genital region. Nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower cholesterol. They also contain other heart-healthy nutrients as well, like magnesium, folic acid and zinc. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love for whom aphrodisiacs are named, gave birth to Eros on an oyster shell, marking the beginning of the oyster's sexual reputation. And there actually might be some truth to this notoriety: Oysters are notably high in zinc, which is needed for testosterone production. It has been shown, too, that men with zinc-deficient diets are at risk for prostate problems. In male reproduction, zinc may be necessary for adequate testosterone levels and sperm counts. Along with being low in fat and excellent sources of protein, soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, have phytoestrogens, which are said to combat PMS and menopause--two things that can definitely get in the way of a good sex life. "Because soy binds estrogen receptors, it helps keep the vaginal area lubricated, which especially helps women whose estrogen levels are decreasing," says Beverly Whipple, professor emeritus at Rutgers University and vice president of the World Association for Sexology. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:24:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/better-sex-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-cholesterol-linked-to-prostate-cancer-cells High Cholesterol Linked To Prostate Cancer CellsSource: www.nbc10.comResearchers at Children's Hospital in Boston found that high cholesterol levels promote the growth of prostate cancer cells.Prostate cancer tumors doubled in size in lab mice when they were put on a high cholesterol diet. Researchers believe that cholesterol interferes with the natural life cycle of cancer cells, causing them to continue growing when they are supposed to die.When the mice were given cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, the tumors stopped growing.Researchers now believe cholesterol-lowering drugs might help prevent prostate cancer. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:13:44 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-cholesterol-linked-to-prostate-cancer-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-appear-side-by-side-with-pharmaceuticals-on-pharmacy-store-shelves Herbal remedies appear side by side with pharmaceuticals on pharmacy store shelvesSource: www.newstarget.comWhen you go into your local drugstore, you’re likely to see herbal remedies on the store shelves, right next to the regular pharmaceuticals. Over the past few years, herbal remedy makers have worked to make their brands look as much like non-herbal medications as possible, and often, consumers may not realize that they’re buying an herbal product. Be sure to read the related article, Heavy metals warning for ayurvedic herbs is a distraction from the real threats to your health.Standing inside a downtown Chicago chain drugstore, shopper Beth McClanahan considered the product Zicam. Stuffy noses and sore throats are driving many cold sufferers to herbal and homeopathic remedies. But like McClanahan, consumers may not realize they're buying alternative medicines when they choose wildly popular products such as Airborne and Zicam, both shelved alongside traditional medicines in the cold and flu aisles of chain drugstores. The makers of both medicines have paid for their own clinical studies to test their products. But Airborne and Zicam have not been reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration, unlike prescription and new over-the-counter drugs. Consumers want them and they're effective," said Rider McDowell, co-founder of the company that created Airborne, an herbal supplement that's a bestseller at stores like Walgreens, Osco and CVS Pharmacy. Last month, the Institute of Medicine, citing the popularity of dietary supplements, called for tougher rules to make sure they're safe and effective. Herbal products and homeopathic remedies are regulated separately, and the law lays out only a few quality controls and labeling rules. Homeopathy is based on the idea that tiny amounts of certain natural substances stimulate the body's healing response. Some studies seem to suggest that homeopathic remedies work, but many mainstream doctors consider them quackery. The trend of integrating "natural" remedies with mainstream drugs on store shelves started in the early 1990s. A drugstore chain shelved Hyland's remedy for babies' teething pain with the rest of its teething products. Cold-Eeze is not as highly diluted as some homeopathic products. While Zicam contains one part per 100 of zinc, a Cold-Eeze lozenge contains 13.3 mg of zinc. After homeopathic products led the way, the herbal supplement Airborne became the most recent cold remedy crossover success. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:06:31 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-appear-side-by-side-with-pharmaceuticals-on-pharmacy-store-shelves http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-boosts-risk-of-heart-failure-in-some-patients-canadian-led-study- Vitamin E boosts risk of heart failure in some patients: Canadian-led study:Source: www.keralanext.comFolk wisdom has long suggested that daily doses of vitamin E may protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. But a massive Canadian-led study has found that the supplement not only fails to prevent the world's top two killers - it may also do harm. "We noted an increase in heart failure" among those taking vitamin E, said Dr. Eva Lonn, a cardiologist at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., and lead investigator of the study. "So our main message is that vitamin E does not protect you. It may harm you, so there's no reason to take it." At least that's the case for people 55 and older who already have cardiovascular disease or diabetes, concludes the international study of more than 7,000 participants, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The findings are part of a followup investigation to an earlier study - Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation, or HOPE - which found that vitamin E had no effect in preventing heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events in more than 9,500 patients who were followed from 1993 to 1999. The initial study was extended to see if staying on the supplement longer might make a difference, with patients followed for an average of seven years. Dubbed HOPE-TOO, the followup also analysed whether participants taking 400 IU of vitamin E per day had a lower incidence of cancer compared to those given a placebo. Researchers found the popular supplement had no protective effect, confirming studies by other scientists. But Lonn said they were surprised to find a "disturbing increase" in the risk for potentially fatal heart failure, a condition in which the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood properly, leading to shortness of breath, swollen ankles and fluid on the lungs. Overall, there was a 13 per cent higher risk of heart failure among participants taking vitamin E, compared to those who got a dummy pill, the study showed. A sub-study of about 500 participants found those taking the supplement were in greater danger of developing a dysfunction of the left ventricle, a major cause of heart failure. "I don't think people need to panic, that everybody now is going to go into congestive heart failure because they took vitamin E," said Lonn. "I see more of the danger, not so much in the heart failure, but in the fact that many of our patients feel that they may be protected because they take vitamins or other natural remedies, and they don't do the things that we know help - a healthy diet, a good weight and exercise. "For those who already have had a heart attack or a stroke, there's certain medications that are definitely proven to reduce risk, such as Aspirin, cholesterol-lowering drugs and ACE inhibitors." Dr. Lyall Higginson, chief of cardiology at the Ottawa Heart Institute, said most physicians in his field do not recommend vitamin E because of the many studies showing no health advantage. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:04:32 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-boosts-risk-of-heart-failure-in-some-patients-canadian-led-study- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-gains-focus-in-adhd-autism Diet gains focus in ADHD, autismSource: www.dailystar.comChanged eating regimen appears to help children By Carla McClain ARIZONA DAILY STAR Brandon had always been a handful at home. But when he started school, his problems spiraled out of control. Hyper. Disrupting the class. Unable to focus. Trouble learning to read. Trouble making friends. Teachers complaining. It went on four long years - through third grade. Finally, a year ago, a local doctor stepped in and changed Brandon's diet. Took him off sugar, chocolate, wheat cereal, anything with red dye. Added a daily multivitamin and omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplements. Bingo. "The turnaround was tremendous," said his mother, Dellma Valles. "He's starting to sleep through the night; he's much more calm during the day. He's getting decent grades, and he's caught up in reading." Unlike so many kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - the most common childhood psychiatric disorder in the nation - Brandon, now 9, has never had to take Ritalin or any psychoactive stimulant drug to curb his behavior. "What a blessing," his mother said. She is among a growing number of parents who, along with their doctors, are beginning to accept and benefit from nutritional treatment for today's exploding behavioral plagues of childhood - attention-deficit disorders and autism. For reasons not well understood, both problems have increased dramatically in the past decade. Attention-deficit problems affect 5 to 10 percent of children, and autism, a more severe brain-damaging syndrome, hits one of 166 U.S. kids, about 0.6 percent. Although special, sometimes extreme, diets long have been advocated for both problems, only recently has nutrition begun to reach mainstream treatment. And perhaps surprisingly, many dietary changes now recommended for attention deficit are similar to those used to lessen the effects of autism, which can emotionally detach a child from the world and cause lifelong problems. "There is so much wrong, so much shortfall in what children eat today that we have to pay close attention to what it's doing to them," said Dr. Dorothy Johnson, a Tucson behavioral pediatrician who specializes in the disorders. When faced with either problem in a child, Johnson immediately eliminates foods with artificial colorings, additive and preservatives, and strongly recommends cutting processed and refined foods. "That's not easy," she said. "But I tell parents to shop around the outside aisles of the grocery store, where the fresh foods are. I want to see every child eating a colorful plate of natural food." Johnson doesn't embrace all dietary changes proposed for the disorders, such as completely cutting wheat and dairy, and, in some cases, eggs, citrus, corn, nuts and soy. And she remains a strong advocate of the benefit of proven stimulant drugs for severe ADD and ADHD. But there are no drugs for autism, a complex neurological disorder that can cause devastating behavioral effects. Rachel Johnson saw almost all of them in her son, Israel Martinez, now 6, starting at 14 months. "He started regressing," she said. "He couldn't do a lot of the things he did before." By age 4, he had stopped talking, become disconnected from his mother, and defiant, prone to screaming fits. He also had terrible diarrhea. "It just seemed like he was in his own world," his mother said. "No one could reach him." With Israel all but unfit for school, Johnson took him to Dr. Sanford Newmark - a Tucson pediatrician trained in integrative medicine, combining mainstream and alternative treatment. Newmark also treated Brandon Valles. After a lengthy evaluation, he took Israel off all wheat and dairy - known as the gluten-free/casein-free diet. "One month of that, and he was a different child," Newmark said. "He was more awake, more interactive, his language improved, the repetitive behaviors stopped, and the diarrhea was over." Israel also started taking a multivitamin and zinc and omega-3 fatty acid supplements, in the form of fish oils. He can eat small amounts of wheat. "The changes were so quick and so remarkable," said his mother, who especially credited the omega-3. "He's a much calmer, happier child." Israel continues conventional treatment for autism - speech, occupational and behavioral therapies, which Newmark also advocates. "When you see kids with severe autism, the situation is quite terrible," he said. "It's so discouraging for the parents. But there is no cookie-cutter answer for these kids. Autism is a wide-spectrum disorder, and each child is different." Though many of the kids he's treated for ADD and autism have shown dramatic improvement, Newmark also has seen "nothing happen." "But I have the feeling that if I got to these children earlier, when they're only 1 or 2, it would be more successful." No one knows how many attention-deficit or autistic kids respond to diet changes. Estimates range from 20 to 60 percent. But there is little mention of nutritional therapies in treatments listed by the National Institutes of Mental Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "You will find some doctors who tell you it's a waste of time, but others who say if you do nothing else, change the diet," said Maria Bardach, whose autistic daughter Marley, 10, went off wheat and dairy, eating only organic food, six years ago. That ended her diarrhea, constipation and repetitive hand movements. She became more animated. "With some kids, there are miracles. They are rare, but they happen," she said. "It's one intervention that's not harmful. It's actually very healthy for the whole family." ● Contact reporter Carla McClain at 806-7754 or at cmcclain@azstarnet.com. Possible 'triggers'; diet changes What are ADD and ADHD? ● Behavioral disorders marked by inattention, restlessness, inability to concentrate, disorganization and impulsivity. ADHD children also exhibit hyperactivity and aggression. What causes ADD/ADHD? ● Scientists don't know for certain but say there is a genetic link. Among suspected "triggers" are food allergies; exposure to toxins including cigarettes and alcohol in pregnancy or early childhood; a difficult birth; overexposure to TV and computer games; child abuse. What is the ADD/ADHD diet? ● Elimination of foods with artificial dyes, additives and preservatives, including MSG. ● Elimination of refined sugar, processed and junk foods. ● Eating fresh, whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables. ● Using dietary supplements, including daily multivitamins, zinc and magnesium. Especially important are omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplements. Most Americans are deficient in the nutrient, which benefits the brain and nervous system. ● Possible use of herbal supplements, including ginkgo biloba and ginseng. What is autism? ● A neurological disorder that involves a spectrum of symptoms and effects, including lack of eye contact, facial expression, social interaction; inability to make friends or play; delayed, or lack of, language; rigid repetitive behaviors and fixations; severe gastrointestinal problems. What causes autism? ● No known single cause but there may be a genetic predisposition. Among suspected "triggers" are problems in pregnancy, including maternal asthma or allergies; viral infections; exposure to environmental chemicals or pollutants; food allergies; childhood vaccines and/or the mercury in them. What is the autism diet? ● The gluten-free/casein-free diet, i.e., eliminating wheat, grains, cow milk and other dairy. ● Eliminating refined and processed food, sugar, junk food, artificial dye, additives. ● Using dietary supplements, including multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:00:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-gains-focus-in-adhd-autism http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/caffeine-impairs-sugar-metabolism Caffeine Impairs Sugar MetabolismSource: www.reuters.comCaffeine intake makes insulin more resistant to changes in blood sugar levels, Canadian researchers report. This effect was observed both in patients with and those without diabetes and could not be reversed with regular exercise or weight. But before you throw away your coffee mug -- these results may not apply to the popular caffeinated beverage, the investigators note. In fact, previous research has suggested that drinking coffee may cut the risk of diabetes. When sugar levels in the blood get too high, insulin is released, which brings the levels back down. With insulin resistance, also known as decreased insulin sensitivity, sugar levels need to get much higher before insulin release is triggered. Over time, this resistance can cause problems and lead to diabetes. "Through mechanisms that have yet to be firmly established, caffeine attenuates any of the beneficial effects of exercise or weight loss on insulin resistance," Dr. Robert Ross of Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, told Reuters Health. While the clinical implications remain unclear, Ross added, the findings are a "red flag" for doctors and are particularly important for obese patients and those with diabetes. Ross and his team evaluated sugar metabolism in 23 men before and after a three-month exercise program. Before and during the exercise program, the men were given caffeine or inactive "placebo." The subjects included eight sedentary lean men, seven obese men with type 2 diabetes, and eight obese men without diabetes. Before the exercise program, caffeine reduced insulin sensitivity by 33 percent in the lean and obese men and 37 percent in the men with diabetes compared to placebo. After the exercise program, insulin sensitivity fell 23 percent after caffeine intake in the lean men, 26 percent in the obese men, and 36 percent in the diabetic men. Comparison of the two study phases, showed that exercise did not improve insulin resistance related to caffeine intake. The findings, published in the medical journal Diabetes Care, seem to contradict recent reports that coffee intake may cut the risk of diabetes, Ross noted. However, coffee contains several other substances that may affect sugar metabolism, such as antioxidants, potassium and magnesium. "When you give somebody caffeine without all of the other substances that are in coffee you have a very different situation," he added. SOURCE: Diabetes Care, March 2005. Sun, 20 Mar 2005 12:58:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/caffeine-impairs-sugar-metabolism http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/baked-and-broiled-fish-lowers-risk-of-ischemic-stroke-fried-does-not Baked and broiled fish lowers risk of ischemic stroke – fried does notSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukRegularly eating baked or broiled fish can significantly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, the most common type. In contrast, eating fried fish, fish sandwiches, or fish burgers increases the risk of all types of stroke.Dariush Mazaffarian MD, of the Harvard School of Public Health studied the eating habits of 4,775 men and women 65 years of age or older, for 12 years. Those who ate fish five or more times weekly were 30% less likely to suffer a stroke, and those who ate fish one to four times a week were 27% less likely to have a stroke. But those who regularly ate fried fish had a sharply increased risk of stroke. Eating fried fish once a week increased the risk of ischemic stroke by 44% and 37% for all types of strokes.Mazaffarian wrote that baked and broiled fish are generally species rich in omega-3 oils, which are known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Fish used for deep frying is generally white fish which contains fewer of these oils. Furthermore, fried fish is high in trans-fats and oxidized omega-6 fats, which may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:18:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/baked-and-broiled-fish-lowers-risk-of-ischemic-stroke-fried-does-not http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/st-john-s-wort-effective-for-severe-depression St John’s wort effective for severe depressionSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukA St John’s wort extract was found to be at least as effective in treating severe depression as a commonly prescribed anti-depressant according to new research by the Charite Medical School in Berlin and published in the British Medical Journal. The study observed 300 men and women aged 18-70 who had moderate to severe depression. Over six weeks they took either St John’s wort extract or Paroxatene, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Half of those who took St John’s wort found their symptoms in decline, while only a third taking the SSRI drug reported improvements. Previously the herb has been thought to aid minor to moderate depression. Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:18:20 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/st-john-s-wort-effective-for-severe-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanuts-found-to-be-rich-in-antioxidants Peanuts found to be rich in antioxidantsSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukScientists at the University of Florida have found that peanuts match fruits in their levels of antioxidants. The research found that peanuts contain high concentrations of polyphenols, and that roasting can increase the level of the compound, boosting antioxidant levels by as much as 22%. Roasted peanuts have similar levels of antioxidants as blackberries or strawberries. The next step, according to the researchers, is to develop a peanut that has a higher antioxidant level for commercial production. Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:17:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanuts-found-to-be-rich-in-antioxidants http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kelp-can-reduce-breast-cancer-risk Kelp can reduce breast cancer riskSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukKelp seaweed could help to fight hormone-related cancers, suggests new research from the University of California. It was found that a diet containing kelp seaweed lowered levels of the most powerful female sex hormone, oestradiol, in rats. Like soya, researchers became interested in kelp because of its high consumption in Japan and the low rates of breast cancer there. Japanese women have longer menstrual cycles and lower oestradiol levels than Western women, and this is thought to relate to their lower rates of breast cancer. Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:17:17 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kelp-can-reduce-breast-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meps-amendment-could-keep-door-open-for-banned-supplements MEPs amendment could keep door open for banned supplementsSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukConsumers for Health Choice (CHC) believes that British consumers may have one more chance to prevent food supplements banned by the Food Supplements Directive from being lost altogether from health food store shelves. It comes in the form of an Amendment to a separate piece of legislation — the Nutrition & Health Claims Regulations — being tabled in the European Parliament by Conservative MEP, John Bowis. If it succeeds, says CHC, it would allow Britain to keep its own national market in vitamin and mineral supplements. CHC director, Sue Croft, said: “Although we all hope that the current legal challenge put forward by ANH, HFMA and NAHS will succeed, we must accept that it may not. This is why CHC continues to try other options to keep supplements available. This Amendment offers a window of hope. It could be the ‘get out of jail’ card we’ve all been waiting for.” But Croft said that the move will need cross party support to be successful. “Although the Conservatives are the biggest British party within the European Parliament, they will not succeed without the support of both Labour and Lib/Dem MEPs,” says Croft. CHC is calling on everyone in the health food industry, together with friends and family to write to their local MP to ask them to lobby the health minister, Melanie Johnson, to back its amendment to health and nutrition claims legislation. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:28:37 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meps-amendment-could-keep-door-open-for-banned-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-protects-the-heart Green tea protects the heartSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukA new study has found that green tea may help protect against the damage caused by heart attacks and strokes. Researchers from the Institute of Child Health in the UK carried out the study which was published in the journal of the Federation of Experimental Biology. The scientists carried out tests on heart cells which found that a major chemical component of green tea known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can reduce cell death after a heart attack or stroke. EGCG is also thought to speed up the recovery of heart cells, allowing the tissues to recover and alleviating damage to the organs. Commenting on the results, researcher Dr Stephanou said: “We’re extremely encouraged by these findings and hope to implement them in the clinical setting to minimize cell death activation levels in patients with acute coronary artery disease. However, until we have carried out full clinical trials we cannot advise patients to drink green tea in these circumstances.”According to a new report from drinks sector analysts Zenith International consumption of green tea products rose by 87% between 2000 and 2003, which contrasts with the downward trend in hot drink consumption across Europe. “The health issue is probably the most important factor behind this growth but beyond that consumers are looking for something different and the health benefit is a bonus,” Zenith analyst Anya Bourke told NutraIngredients.com. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:27:34 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-protects-the-heart http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-tree-oil Tea Tree OilSource: www.kntimes.comThe official name of the medicinal tea tree the oil comes from is ?Melaleuca alternifolia?. The oil itself is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. Know the benefits of tea tree oil:1. It is very useful for hair as it naturally solves the problem of dry hair, dandruff, head-lice. It also relive itchy scalp. You can add a few drops of oil to your regular shampoo and leave it on for five or ten minutes, then rinse.. 2. It is also beneficial for skin problems such as dermatitis, sunburns, diaper rashes and cuts.3. It also relives the problem of arthritis, just by rubbing the oil into your joints will help a lot. 4. Athlete?s foot, smelly feet, toenail infections and other foot ailments can be cured by using a few drops of tea tree oil. Always dilute it before using. 5. Various insect bites like flies, mosquitoes and bee stings, that can be soothed simply by rubbing some tea tree oil on. 6. It is also helpful to treat sinusitis. A drop of tea tree diluted in a bit of oil can work great around your sinuses. Rub around sinuses or put a few drops in a steam bath or vaporizer. You can also put a few drops onto a tissue or handkerchief. Add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water for an inhalant. 7. The oil can even be used internally by adding a couple of drops to juice to soothe a sore throat. Mixed with water, it?s also useful as a mouthwash for a variety of mouth and gum problems. Even your pets can benefit from the use of tea tree oil. Besides deterring those pesky pet insects like fleas and ticks, using a few drops of tea tree oil in pet shampoo will help alleviate odor problems.Tea tree is safe for virtually all skin types. It is concentrated natural oil safe for most skin types but those with sensitive skin may prefer to dilute it in some sort of oil such as baby oil, olive oil or a jelly like aloe-vera. Someone with sensitive skin may want to dilute the oil and anyone with reactions should quit using it and consult their doctor for remedies. Tea tree oil can actually be diluted 100 or more times its volume and still be effective. While some people can and do use the oil straight, it?s probably better to mix a few drops with an oil such as baby oil, olive oil or Aloe Vera jelly. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:20:01 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-tree-oil http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicine-for-asthma Herbal Medicine for AsthmaSource: www.prleap.comFor the estimated 20.3 million adults and 6.3 million children in the U.S. who suffer from asthma, the primary treatment is the use of steroid based medications to help reduce the underlying inflammation in the airways. Normally these steroid based medications are to be used for a very long time - many decades in most cases. The medicines used for Asthma - have numerous undesirable side effects like Heart Ailments, Decreased immunity, dental problems, various Psychiatric illnesses, premature aging, diminished libido, impotency and sterility. The steroid based Asthma inhalers absorb calcium in the bones and flush it away .This severely weakens the tooth and cause variety of often irreversible Dental complications. The side effects of Modern medicines are more telling in case of young children. In children the usages of Steroid inhalers have been found to seriously retard growth and cause sexual debility during adulthood. In this context an Alternative approach to Asthma have to be seriously considered. Indeed therapies like Yoga, Biofeedback and Herbal formulations do show a promise in alleviating the problem of Asthma and allergy to a great extent. One such Herbal formulation which claims to be effective in Managing Asthma and Allergy is "Pankaja Kasthuri" a formulation of 10 distinct Herbs found in India and China. According to www.healasthma.com this Herbal formulation build long term natural immunity to Allergens which trigger Asthma and other respiratory tract ailments . Also the Herbs reduce inflammation and constriction in respiratory tract .The herbs prevent edema - stagnation of fluids & mucous in the lungs and dilate the airways making breathing easy and smooth . The Herbals in this formulation as per www.healasthma.com are Zingiber Officinale ,Piper Nigrum ,Piper Longum, Elatteria cardamom , Cinnamomum cassia ,Adhatoda vasica, Cassia occidentalis ,Solanum xanthocarpum ,Solanum indicum and ,Aegle marmelos . This Herbal formulation according to healasthma.com is made as per ISO 9002 International Quality Control Standards and it is accordingly certified. This company claims that more than 200,000 Asthmatics have used this Herbal formulation and found beneficial results . How effective actually are these Herbal treatments for Asthma and how does US FDA view this ? One has to approach such Herbal remedies with certain degree of open mindedness. It is possible that most may find good degree of relief with such Herbal formulations. They being organic and plant based are devoid of any harmful side effects and normally do not interact with any other medications you may be taking . As for USFDA regulations FDA considers such Herbal formulation as supplements and not as Medicines in conventional sense. It does allow for claims on therapeutic properties of the Herbs provided they are backed with proofs .The company which manages http://www.healasthma.com quotes 5 different United States Patents on the Herbs which prove that they are effective in managing Asthma & Allergy . But it is important to note that such Herbal therapies should never replace your Doctor or the medication he prescribes to you. If the Herbals are effective they will reflect in you automatically and your Doctor himself will advise stopping/reducing the medications that is being prescribed to you. Advances in medical science are yet to find a concrete cure for many ailments like Asthma & Allergy. Modern Medical treatment has also become very impersonal and mechanical. In such times one can consider such alternative treatments provided they are not too expensive. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:18:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicine-for-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-and-osteoporosis Exercise and osteoporosisSource: www.femalefirst.co.ukWomen lose bone density from their mid-thirties on, at a rate of about 1% per year. After menopause, that rate doubles or triples. This leads to osteoporosis, which carries a high risk of fractures.Achieving a high bone density in the early, pre menopausal years is good insurance against severe bone loss after menopause.However, researchers emphasize that it is never too late to start exercising and adding bone mass. A small study of 27 postmenopausal women who had sustained osteoporotic wrist fractures were assigned to either a regular exercise group or a control group.The exercisers experienced a 3.5% increase in bone mass while the control group lost 2.7%. Calcium supplementation is another method of increasing bone density in postmenopausal women; combining calcium supplements with regular exercise seems to improve bone density more than either alone.The type of exercise women engage in may be critical to maintaining healthy bones. Although some studies have suggested that aerobic exercise can improve bone health, a study published in the November 2003 issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine found that neither light activity nor aerobic fitness level was associated with bone mineral density in 84 subjects between 55 and 75 years old.Strengthening exercises may be more effective. For example, a Mayo Clinic study assigned half of a group of 50 postmenopausal women to a two-year back strengthening exercise program. Although there was no difference in bone density between the exercising women and the non-active control group, women in the control group were nearly three times as likely to have compression fractures in the spine than women in the exercising group after 10 years. In addition, women originally assigned to the strengthening group lost less bone density over that 10-year period than did the women in the control group, and they retained an advantage in back strength. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:13:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-and-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-might-deter-parkinson-s Exercise Might Deter Parkinson’sSource: www.thecrimson.comResearchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that vigorous physical exercise during early adulthood is correlated with a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease in men, according to a study released on Monday. The study also noted that women who exercised in early adulthood experienced no statistically significant reduced risk of developing the disease.Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects more than half a million people, with more than 50,000 new cases reported annually. Most cases are diagnosed after the age of 50 and major symptoms include tremor, stiffness, and a marked decline in the speed of movement.The study followed 48,000 men and 77,000 women for a period of 14 years, from 1986 to 2000. Each subject was healthy at the outset and underwent an evaluation every two years that assessed many factors about their physical activity and personal health. By the end of the study, clinicians had diagnosed 387 cases of Parkinson’s disease. From the data, researchers were able to discern that men who exercised the most experienced a 50 to 60 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than those who were not active. The type of exercise was not a factor into this risk reduction.Alberto Ascherio, a senior author of the study and Associate Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at HSPH, was excited about the results of the study and said it sheds some light on what he termed a “mystery disease.” Ascherio also added that “the publication of [our] results will provide incentive to future large-scale studies” of the disease. However, Michael A. Schwarzschild, Associate Professor of Neurology at the Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, and also a senior author of the study, cautioned that this study “does not prove that physical activity is protective against Parkinson’s disease.”While Schwarzschild stressed that this study is epidemiologically based and thus does not establish causality, he added that “laboratory animal research of Parkinson’s disease provides convergent data that raise the possibility that physical activity can prevent development of disease.”Although the study showed a statistically significant correlation between physical activity and reduced risk of Parkinson’s for men, no such evidence was seen when the researchers examined data for women. “In our data, the main difference was that women were not as active as men,” Ascherio said.Parkinson’s also has a lower incidence rate in women than men. Other epidemiological studies have also observed differences in the effect of Parkinson’s on men and women. In one recent study, researchers reported a “strong link between caffeine use and coffee consumption and a decrease in the risk of Parkinson’s disease in men,” according to Schwarzschild. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:13:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-might-deter-parkinson-s http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-therapy-builds-strength-mobility-in-ms-patients Exercise therapy builds strength, mobility in MS patientsSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comExercise therapy can improve muscle strength, mobility and other signs of fitness in people with multiple sclerosis, according to a recent review of studies. Nine high quality studies provide strong evidence that exercise therapy can make a difference in the daily living and quality of life of those with the disease, say Dr. Bernard Uitdehaag and colleagues of the Vrije Universitei Medical Centre in the Netherlands. Exercise therapy also improved the mood of MS patients in exercise therapy programs, compared to patients who did not participate in the therapy. The researchers did not find any evidence that exercise therapy affected patients' fatigue or their sense of how ill they were. Despite the evidence supporting exercise for MS patients, however, Uitdehaag says it's too early to recommend systematic referral of patients for exercise training. So far, there is no clear indication of how much exercise is beneficial for people who have various types of the degenerative disease, Uitdehaag explains. Only patients who seem able to exercise and who are sufficiently motivated to train should begin the therapy, he says. "Patients for exercise training should also be referred to therapists with sufficient experience in treating MS patients," Uitdehaag says. The review appears in the January issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic. Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative nerve disease that damages the protective fatty sheath around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Some patients experience a pattern of disease flare-up followed by disease free periods, while others may have a steady worsening of the disease over time. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, between 350,000 and 500,000 people in the United States currently have multiple sclerosis. "No intervention has proven effective in modifying long-term disease prognosis in multiple sclerosis, but exercise therapy is considered to be an important part of symptomatic and supportive treatment for these patients," Uitdehaag says. Exercise therapy probably does not affect the disease process itself, according to co-author Dr. Gert Kwakkel. He says exercise may help "patients learn to compensate (for) their existing deficits. Systematic physical training may reduce disuse, in particular for those who suffer from fatigue." The average of age of patients in the reviewed studies ranged from 34 to 51 years old, with varying types and severities of multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest future studies should include a greater number of older individuals, severely disabled patients and patients who have been living with the disease for more than 18 years. The studies also included a wide range of exercise programs and definitions of improved health and fitness, making it difficult to decide what kinds of exercise are best for MS patients. Uitdehaag and colleagues found no evidence that any specific exercise therapy programs were better for health and mobility than other exercise programs. The researchers also found no signs in any of the studies that exercise therapy was harmful to the health of MS patients. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society suggests that MS patients exercise with frequent rest breaks, since heat can aggravate MS symptoms. "With this type of exercise-rest-exercise patterns, physical therapy may be quite effective, with very good results," according to the Society's recommendations. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 13:12:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-therapy-builds-strength-mobility-in-ms-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/deficiency-symptoms-of-vitamin-b-12 Deficiency symptoms of Vitamin B-12Source: www.kntimes.comVitamin B 12 is very important vitamin. It performs many vital functions. It promoted DNA synthesis, maturation of erythrocytes and myelin formation. Deficiency symptoms: Being unaware of a vitamin B-12 deficiency (Pernicious Anemia) can cause serious complications. At high risk for a B-12 deficiency are those who are over 60, whether symptoms are present or not since B-12 absorption has usually ceased at this age. In addition, older people should have B-12 tests since B-12 deficiency has often been confused with senility. In addition, researchers have found a link between B-12 deficiency and Alzheimer's Disease. . Problems with mal-absorption of this nutrient can be caused by gastrointestinal problems or excessive alcohol consumption. Those who have had gastrointestinal surgery and radiation may have problems absorbing vitamin B-12. Also at risk are those who are strict vegetarians and those who have eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Severe cases can result in lowered immunity to infection, congestive heart failure, impaired vision and male impotence. In rare cases the condition can be fatal. Vitamin B-12 testing usually consists of two tests. The first is a serum B-12 blood test to measure the amount of B-12 in the blood. The second is a test to rule out any folic acid deficiency, which can mimic the symptoms of B-12 deficiency. If found to be vitamin B-12 deficient, monthly injections can sometimes control or even reverse the condition. Vitamin B-12 gels, administered by squeezing into the nose, are absorbed through the nasal membranes but are not widely recommended. The monthly injections are proven effective and are the most accepted and prescribed treatment. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:59:35 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/deficiency-symptoms-of-vitamin-b-12 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-e Benefits of vitamin ESource: www.kntimes.comVitamin E is one of the most important vitamins. It is a fat-soluble vitamin.Sources: Peanuts, Egg yolk, wheat germ, whole cereal, milk, butter, leafy vegetables and vegetable oils are the sources of vitamin E.Its primary role is to serve as an antioxidant as it prevents oxidation of certain materials i.e. it inhibits peroxide formation and thereby prevents damage of membrane lipids and thus it maintains normal membrane structure.. Vitamin E serves a great protection for heart, helps in preventing cancer, aids in boosting immunity of the body against diseases and also helps to keep the normal functioning of the brain. It has also been known to help in the wound healing. Vitamin E greatly helps to keep skin healthy and maintains erythrocytes. Taking vitamin E can significantly lower your risk of heart disease, enhance the functioning of your immune system, and likely reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer?s disease, however, it is not a magic pill or a panacea. You cant simply take the pill and expect to gain perfect health. The other components of health include eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising moderately, and managing psychological stresses. Vitamin E is the main antioxidant that protects all calls from damage, so its one of the most important nutrient supplements you can take to keep your whole body healthy and protected against disease. It helps ease against many leading health killers. It bolsters the body's defense against colds and other infections. Vitamin E thus can be of great help to keep a long, young, healthy and satisfying life. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:57:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-of-vitamin-e http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vitamin-c Information about Vitamin CSource: www.kntimes.comVitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most important nutrients necessary for human life. The word vitamin comes from the combination of words: vital amine. Vitamins are organic molecules that function as catalysts for reactions in the human body. A catalyst is a substance allowing a chemical reaction to take place using less energy and time that it would take under normal situations. If a catalyst is missing, normal body functions start to break down and a person will be more susceptible to diseases and illnesses. . Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. Water soluble vitamins consumed in excess amounts are excreted in the urine and do not accumulate to toxic levels in the body. Vitamin C is stored in the liver too. Most animals are able to produce their own vitamin C. Man and primates, however, have lost the ability to produce this vitamin. So have guinea pigs. Thus guinea pigs have been used for vitamin C experimentation for many years. Vitamin C is important to all animals, including humans, as it is vital to the formation of collagen. Vitamin C also protects the fat-soluble Vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. Vitamin C prevents and cures the disease scurvy, and is beneficial in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C is also important for producing collagen. Collagen is the most abundant of the fibers contained in connective tissues of the human body. Connective tissues give our body form and support the organs as well. When collagen is produced, a series of events occur inside the cell and also outside the cell. Vitamin C is active inside the cell, where it hydroxylates to two amino acids: proline and lysine. This process forms a precursor molecule called procollagen that is later packaged and modified into collagen outside the cell. Without the presence of Vitamin C, collagen production is disrupted, causing a wide variety of bodily problems. *Vitamin C is good for protecting your body. For vegetarians it is even healthier. When combined with iron, iron becomes more absorbable allowing an increased iron intake*Vitamin C is destroyed by heat, aging, acids, alkalies, chopping, salting and drying. So, avoid more cooking and prefer to eat fresh citrus fruits that contain lots of vitamin C. Results of Deficiency: Its deficiency produces disease-scurvy. Scurvy is rarely seen nowadays except in severe alcoholics. It is characterized by spongy and bleeding gums, loose and falling teeth, fragility of blood vessels, extensive hemorrhages in skin, muscles and joints, fragility of bones, exhaustion, high fever and nervous breakdown. People depending solely on milk, meat, eggs and cereals for food usually suffer from scurvy. Vegetable eaters never get scurvy. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:56:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/information-about-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/boost-your-childrens-brain-power Boost your children's brain powerSource: www.telegraph.co.ukThere's plenty that parents can do to improve performance at school, writes Barbara LantinThe way a child performs at school is influenced by all kinds of factors. Some are beyond the control of parents – most obviously, the school itself and the child's personality. Intellectual development: nursery education makes a positive difference But increasingly, research suggests that we can influence our children's brain power, through the food we give them, the games we play, the lives we lead and the choices we make.Feeding the brainMore and more research demonstrates the effect on our brains of what we eat. A recent study of 1,300 schoolchildren carried out for the Home-Grown Cereals Authority showed that those who ate breakfast were more accurate, faster and over 10 per cent better at memory tests. And a report published last year by the Soil Association and Business in the Community, based on interviews with local authority education chiefs, revealed that pupils who eat school meals made with fresh, unprocessed ingredients and who have access to drinking water show improved concentration and longer attention spans, and are calmer and more alert in class."Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates cause the body to react quickly to bring the sugar level down, so you end up with low sugar levels, which induce fatigue and lack of concentration," says Deborah Colson, a nutritional therapist at the Brain Bio Centre, which takes a nutritional approach to mental health and behavioural problems. (Brain Bio Centre 020 8871 9261; www.mentalhealthproject.com.)"That is why having a sugar bun for breakfast is almost as bad as having no breakfast at all. Much better to have a bowl of porridge or an egg on wholegrain toast, which releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream. Blood glucose is the main supply of energy to the brain and you need a steady trickle, not a sudden hit."Cut down on fizzy caffeinated drinks and food additives, which can affect sleep and concentration in children. Go for fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, seeds, nuts and two portions of oily fish a week. "A quarter of the dinner plate should contain protein, a quarter starch and a half vegetables," advises Colson. Dehydration adversely affects mental performance, so make sure children drink plenty.The website www.patrickholford.com has a leaflet on foods to improve children's mood and concentration. Supplements may helpOmega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in oily fish, green leafy vegetables, some nuts and seeds and other foods, help in the production of phospholipids, complex fat molecules that can improve the brain's messaging system. If you are worried that your child is not getting adequate levels of these fatty acids from dietary sources, consider using supplements. Let them play: happy children are more likely to perform well at school In the well-known Durham trial, children with learning difficulties including dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD who were given the fatty acid supplement Eye Q showed improvements in behaviour, reading and writing. New research in the Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine suggests that low iron levels may also affect behaviour: 85 per cent of children with ADHD were found to have low iron levels, compared with 18 per cent of children without the condition. Supplements may help children who have no obvious difficulties. In a survey funded by Haliborange, teachers and parents said that children who had taken a fish oil and vitamin supplement were more conscientious, alert and attentive.More information on foods high in essential fatty acids can be found in The Natural Way to Beat Depression by Dr Basant K Puri and Hilary Boyd (Hodder Mobius, £10.99). Boots stock a range of omega-3 and omega-6 supplements suitable for children.Happy familiesSome research suggests that children who live with both parents do better in school than those in mother-only and remarried families. In The Case for Marriage, American writers Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher cite studies demonstrating that children in married families are less likely to repeat a year at school, to be expelled, to be in the bottom half of the class or to drop out, and are more likely to get a college degree. According to two other American researchers, parental divorce reduces the age at which a child leaves school by an average of six months.An early startNew research shows that children who have been to a nursery do better in school at the age of seven than those who have had no nursery education. The latest findings of the Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) project, published in November, reveal that children who start nursery below the age of three show better intellectual development at seven than those who start later, but full-time attendance produces no better results than part-time. Although any nursery education makes a difference, children at higher quality establishments do better in school socially and intellectually. Factors that raise the quality of a nursery include employing people with better qualifications and having a trained teacher manager and a good proportion of trained teachers on the staff. Children cared for by staff who make warm, interactive relationships with them, and who view educational and social development as complementary and equally important, show more progress later on.Support at homeThe same study also demonstrated that what parents and carers do at home makes a real difference to young children's development. Home support: create regular opportunities for children to play with friends at home According to the latest EPPE report, "There are a range of activities that parents undertake with pre-school children which have a positive effect on their development. "For example, reading with the child, teaching songs and nursery rhymes, painting and drawing, playing with letters and numbers, visiting the library, teaching the alphabet and numbers, taking children on visits and creating regular opportunities for them to play with their friends at home were all associated with higher intellectual and social/behavioural scores."The report found that the home learning environment made more difference to a child's intellectual and social development than parental education or occupation. "In other words," says the report, "what parents do with their children is more important than who parents are."Parenting expert and author Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer says: "When parents spend more time with their children and show interest in them, it can improve self-esteem. A child who has self-belief is more likely to be happy, and a happy child is more likely to perform well at school." She suggests that parents should involve children in activities such as cooking, shopping and gardening, encourage them to take decisions about what they do and listen to them. "Treat them as a source of authority about themselves," she suggests.The beneficial effect of parental support can be seen right through school. In her book Help your Child Succeed at School (Piatkus, £8.99), Hilary Wilce cites research conducted for the charity Campaign for Learning showing that parents who take an active interest in their children's education can help them do up to 25 per cent better than pupils whose parents show no interest. Involvement should always be positive, says Wilce. "If we denigrate teachers, and put down what we think happens in the classroom, our children will do the same."Brain Child by Tony Buzan (HarperCollins, £14.99) suggests ways in which parents can stimulate their offspring from birth onwards. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:30:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/boost-your-childrens-brain-power http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coq10-can-help-with-parkinsons CoQ10 can help with Parkinson'sSource: www.sunherald.comQ...... A couple of years ago, you wrote that CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) was found to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. What's the latest on this?A: Parkinson's disease is in the news due to the recent hospitalization of Pope John Paul II, who has the disease. Other celebrities battling it include Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox.The disease is characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Dopamine is a chemical transmitter involved in body movement. The primary symptoms are tremor, slowed movement, muscle stiffness and rigidity, and impaired balance and coordination.CoQ10, a natural vitamin-like substance manufactured by the body, helps cells turn food into energy. As a dietary supplement, it has been used medically as add-on treatment for cardiovascular disorders, most notably heart failure.The encouraging findings I wrote about came from a double-blind clinical trial published in the Archives of Neurology in 2002. The trial followed 80 people with early-stage Parkinson's disease for up to 16 months.Participants were divided into four groups and received either placebo (fake look-alike pill) or CoQ10 in daily doses of 300 mg, 600 mg, or 1,200 mg.The greatest benefit was found in those taking the highest dose of CoQ10. Compared to placebo, this group had 44 percent less decline in mental function, muscle function and ability to carry out the activities of daily living, such as dressing and feeding themselves.The CoQ10 groups showed a significant increase in the function of the body's mitochondria, tiny furnaces within cells that produce energy.People with Parkinson's disease appear to have reduced mitochondrial CoQ10 levels and impaired mitochondrial function. Animal studies suggest that CoQ10 protects the area of the brain damaged by the disease.For these reasons, researchers suspect that CoQ10's benefit in Parkinson's disease is due to its role in boosting the efficiency of mitochondria.The doses used in the study were far higher than typically recommended daily doses of 30 to 150 mg.The latest news: In 2004, the same researchers published a study involving 17 participants with Parkinson's disease. The aim this time was to assess the safety and tolerability of even higher doses of CoQ10 (1,200 mg, 1,800 mg, 2,400 mg, and 3,000 mg).As in the earlier trial, participants also were given vitamin E. (More about the recent negative findings on vitamin E in an upcoming column.)The results suggested that 2,400 mg/day was an appropriate top dose for future studies of CoQ10 in Parkinson's disease.Based on these preliminary findings, physicians might wish to consider a carefully monitored trial of CoQ10 in selected patients with Parkinson's.It should be noted that some CoQ10 products, like other dietary supplement products, do not always deliver what's promised on the label. To see products that have been independently certified, visit www.consumerlab.com. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:18:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coq10-can-help-with-parkinsons http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-during-pregnancy-boosts-kids-birth-weight- Vitamin supplements during pregnancy boosts kids' birth weight:Source: news.newkerala.comThe results of a trial have revealed that a daily supplement containing 10 vitamins and five minerals given to expectant women in developing countries, could help in increasing the birth weight of their babies. According to the study published online by The Lancet, a third of global deaths occur in children younger than 5 years; most happen in the neonatal period and low birth weight (less than 2500 g) is the cause of many of these deaths. The researchers said that maternal nutritional status is closely associated with foetal weight, as an increase in macronutrient consumption during pregnancy can lead to increased birth weight. David Osrin from the Institute of Child Health, UK conducted a trial to test whether multiple micronutrient supplementations at one recommended daily allowance would increase birth weight and help prolong pregnancy to full term. Women were randomly assigned to receive either a supplement containing 10 vitamins - vitamin A, E, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, niacin, folic acid - and five minerals - iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine - or the tablets containing iron and folic acid once daily for an average of 160 days. It was found that the difference in the mean birth weight was more marked in female infants and in infants of mothers whose body mass index was 1875kg/m 2 or more. Dr Osrin said, "The effect of multiple micronutrients on foetal weight seems to have been enhanced in female infants, in births of higher order, and in babies of women with greater body-mass index. The public-health implications of our findings await confirmation by the results of other studies currently underway." (ANI) Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:13:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-supplements-during-pregnancy-boosts-kids-birth-weight- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-and-vitamin-b12-can-reduce-the-risk-of-hip-fracture-in-elderly-patients-following-a-stroke Folate and vitamin B12 can reduce the risk of hip fracture in elderly patients following a strokeSource: www.xagena.itHyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for both ischemic stroke and osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women. Folate and vitamin B12 reduce homocysteine levels.In Japanese population with a high baseline fracture risk, combined treatment with folate and vitamin B12 is safe and effective in reducing the risk of a hip fracture in elderly patients following stroke. A Japanese study investigated whether treatment with folate and vitamin B12 reduces the incidence of hip fractures in patients with hemiplegia following stroke. The patients were assigned to daily oral treatment with 5 mg of folate and 1500 microg of mecobalamin ( vitamin B12 ), or double placebo; 559 completed the 2-year follow-up.After 2 years, plasma homocysteine levels decreased by 38% in the treatment group and increased by 31% in the placebo group ( P Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:12:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-and-vitamin-b12-can-reduce-the-risk-of-hip-fracture-in-elderly-patients-following-a-stroke http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/colour-your-diet-with-foods-to-prevent-cancer Colour your diet with foods to prevent cancerSource: sheknows.comThe jury may be out on whether a low-carb diet is the best way to lose weight. But moderating the carbohydrates you eat could help prevent cancer. "It's very clear for all the top cancers that diet has an influence on your risk of getting cancers," says Mack Ruffin, MD, MPH, professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Health System and a member of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center. If your dinner plate is filled with all-white, starchy foods, take note: Not only is the food plain, but it has fewer cancer-fighting vitamins and minerals and is loaded with calories. "So you're lacking all of those protective agents and you're at risk for eating too many calories. The risk is about the same if you were eating micro-concentrations of dioxin or other pharmaceutical or other pesticide agents that might be harmful," Ruffin says. Instead, Ruffin suggests bringing color to the dinner table through vegetables and fruits in the yellow, green, red and orange families. Fruits and vegetables contain thousands of micronutrients, which are vitamins and minerals from the plants. These micronutrients have an antioxidant effect, reducing the amount of chemicals produced in the body. The nutrients – including vitamins A, B and E, carotenoids, selenium and calcium -- work individually and together to protect your body. The more richly colored vegetables pack more protective ingredients. So mashed potatoes won't cut it. Look for spinach, broccoli, carrots and deep-hued berries such as blueberries or strawberries. "It's amazing when you walk into a grocery store how much color there is in the fruit and vegetable section and how much lack of color there is everywhere else. So if you shop by color and try to mix that, you'll really make a big difference," Ruffin says. And no, taking a vitamin or mineral supplement is not the same. “When your diet has thousands of chemicals that make a difference, there's no way to take a pill or handful of pills and get the same protective effect as a diet that's high in fruits and vegetables and lower in calories," Ruffin says. Since obesity is linked to a higher risk of cancer, controlling calories is key. A plant-based diet, filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, will also help control weight, as well as prevent heart disease and diabetes. Ruffin suggests including moderate physical activity in your daily routine as well. "Try to eat fewer calories, more fruits and vegetables, fewer carbohydrates, and balance that with physical activity so you're in a nice energy balance," he says. "Right now, almost all of America is in an energy overbalance. We're getting way too many calories in and not enough calories out. You have to balance that." Shopping tips Ruffin offers these suggestions for making smart choices at the store: Look for fruits and vegetables with rich color and incorporate a variety of colors into your diet. Buy canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. They have the same nutrients as the fresh stuff and are readily available year-round. Avoid grocery shopping when you're hungry, which leads to impulse buying. Stay away from processed carbohydrates, which add no nutritional value beyond calories. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 12:08:34 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/colour-your-diet-with-foods-to-prevent-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aerobic-exercise-what-30-minutes-a-day-can-do-for-your-body Aerobic exercise: What 30 minutes a day can do for your bodySource: www.mayoclinic.com Is 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise the magic bullet you've been looking for? With benefits ranging from heart disease prevention to stress reduction, it's one of the best things you can do for your health.Aerobic exercise — a type of movement such as walking or bicycling that gets your heart pumping and increases your oxygen intake — can help you live longer and healthier and can help you prevent and manage chronic health conditions.Take a look at the many benefits associated with aerobic exercise. Get motivated to reap the rewards. How your body responds to aerobic exercise During aerobic exercise, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. Aerobic fitness, also called cardiovascular fitness, refers to the ability of your heart, blood vessels and lungs (cardiovascular system) to supply fuel during sustained physical activity.When you're aerobically fit, your body more efficiently takes in and uses oxygen to sustain movement more efficiently. To sustain repetitive muscle movement, your body:Takes in more oxygen. You breathe faster and more deeply to maximize the amount of oxygen in your blood stream. Pumps blood faster and more forcefully. To produce energy and deliver oxygen more effectively to the rest of your body, your heart beats faster. The force of each beat of your heart increases to maximize blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs. Increases the diameter and number of small blood vessels. To get more oxygen to your muscles, small blood vessels (capillaries) dilate and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Over time, more capillaries will actually develop in the muscle to provide for more efficient oxygen delivery and waste removal. Avoids overheating. Your body warms up when you repeatedly move your muscles. To compensate for the rise in temperature, your body releases heat into the air as you breathe out. You also lose heat, water and minerals as you sweat. Releases endorphins. Regular aerobic exercise releases endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. Your body is a complex machine that will get stronger and more efficient as it adapts to a regular program of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise helps you live longer, live healthier Taking part in regularly scheduled aerobic exercise can help you prevent certain diseases and manage others. It can also help you feel better.Prevent certain diseases and conditions Aerobic exercise can help:Reduce your risk of coronary artery disease. Heart disease is one of the top causes of death for men and women in the United States. If you've had a heart attack, achieving a higher level of aerobic fitness can help prevent a second attack. Reduce your risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). If you have high blood pressure, aerobic exercise can help lower it. Improve blood fats. Exercise increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) and decreases the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) in your blood. Reduce your risk of stroke. Improving blood fats results in less build-up of plaques in your arteries. Deposits of plaques in blood vessels leading to your brain can result in a stroke. Reduce your risk of developing some cancers, including breast, colon, prostate and endometrial cancer. Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Aerobic exercise helps you control your weight, reducing the likelihood of your being overweight or obese, conditions that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Ward off viral illnesses. Aerobic exercise helps activate your immune system and prepare it to fight off infection. People who exercise regularly are less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu. Manage diseases and conditions Aerobic exercise can help:Lower your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar within target range can help you avoid long-term complications of diabetes, such as kidney failure or heart disease. Manage your weight. Combined with a healthy diet and appropriate strength training, aerobic exercise can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Strengthen your heart muscle. A stronger heart can pump more blood for every heartbeat, which means your heart doesn't need to beat as fast during rest or exercise. Improve blood flow to all parts of your body. A stronger heart muscle pumps blood more efficiently. Relieve chronic muscle pain and fibromyalgia. Aerobic exercise stimulates the growth of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your muscles. This helps your body deliver oxygen to your muscles more efficiently and remove irritating metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid. Boost your mood. Aerobic exercise can ease the gloominess of depression and the tension associated with anxiety. Build strong bones. Weight-bearing aerobic exercise, such as walking, can reduce your risk of osteoporosis and its complications. Low-impact aerobic exercises — such as swimming, cycling and pool exercises — can help keep you fit without putting excessive stress on your joints, making these exercises good choices if you have conditions such as arthritis. Feel better and enjoy life more Aerobic exercise can help:Increase your stamina. Aerobic exercise may make you tired during and right after the activity. But over the long term it can increase your stamina and reduce fatigue. Manage your stress. A session of aerobic exercise after a stressful workday can help you relax. Improve your sexual performance. In 2003, scientists at Harvard School of Public Health found that men who ran at least three hours each week reported sexual functioning like that of men two to five years younger. Stay active and independent as you get older Aerobic exercise can help you:Maintain your mobility. Maintaining a program of regular aerobic exercise keeps your muscles efficient and strong, which can help you stay steady on your feet as you get older. If you rely on a wheelchair, aerobic exercise that focuses on your arms, shoulders and upper body — rowing or cross-country skiing using a sit-ski, for example — can help your upper body stay strong while improving your cardiovascular health. Stay independent. As you age, aerobic exercise can help your muscles stay strong, which will help you avoid falls and fractures. Extend your lifespan. People who engage in cardiovascular exercise appear to live longer than those who don't. Regardless of your age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. Is there a particular health benefit that motivates you to get moving? Sun, 06 Mar 2005 11:54:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/aerobic-exercise-what-30-minutes-a-day-can-do-for-your-body http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthy-eating-is-vital-for-children Healthy eating is vital for childrenSource: www.gulf-daily-news.comGetting kids to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables can be a nightmare for some parents. Meal times can end up more stressful than a busy day at the office ! Your body digests food better when you are relaxed, so it is important to put the fun into healthy choices and allow yourself the luxury of a battle-free meal.Children learn eating habits from their parents. A child that is given regular balanced meals and healthy snacks will eat the same way during adulthood. Most cases of childhood obesity are down to a diet containing far too much fat and sugar. The amount of processed snacks and meals available in today's supermarkets far outweighs the healthy choices.If you are worried about your child's weight, it is important to take on the task of improving their eating habits without any pressure on the child.An overweight child should never be made fun of or called fat, this will only make them feel bad about the way they look. It will affect their self-esteem and confidence and they will be more likely to seek comfort in junk food.Getting children to eat healthy food can be made easier if there is plenty of choice available.A fridge that stocks one apple and four chocolate bars will be stuck with one apple! Food choices start in the supermarket, fill your trolley with plenty of healthy food that is fresh, colourful and appetising.Warm up their interest by getting them to make up a plate of fruits in a face shape. All children need to drink water regularly especially during the summer months in Bahrain because they can easily become dehydrated.If your child does not like the taste of water, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, a couple of ice cubes and a straw.Don't buy fizzy drinks for children, these drinks contain around 10 teaspoons of sugar per can (just over their recommended daily amount of sugar).Children love to make up their own juice, so buy a bag of oranges and let them help you make a jug of vitamin enriched, home-made juice.Pour water and fresh fruit juice into ice-lolly moulds and you will have an instant thirst-quenching snack for them on a hot day.Getting creative with your kids will encourage them to eat healthier.Bulk their snacks and meals with fresh fruit and vegetables but allow them to have a daily treat and occasional fast food that way they will learn the value of food. Give them a good healthy foundation and they will build a body to last.FRUITY FACTSFruit is an excellent snack. It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to digest if you eat it by itself.When you eat fruit with your meal the nutrition value is impaired because it must "wait" until other food has been digested, leaving time to ferment and cause digestive gas, flatulence and stomach upsets.CHOLESTEROL HELPAlthough fresh orange juice is a valuable source of Vitamin C, it is better to eat the whole fruit, oranges provide pectin, a form of soluble fibre that helps reduce blood cholesterol, especially "bad" LDL type cholesterol. Sun, 06 Mar 2005 11:51:36 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/healthy-eating-is-vital-for-children http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-prevents-hip-fractures Vitamin D 'prevents hip fractures'Source: www.news.com.auNURSING home residents and people in residential care are being urged to take a daily vitamin D tablet to prevent hip fractures.Professor Christopher Nordin, chairman of a working party on Vitamin D, falls and hip fractures, today said a high proportion of hip fracture cases came from nursing homes, where lack of exposure to sunlight and consequent vitamin D deficiency was common. "There is also a problem among the elderly in general," Prof Nordin said."There are two reasons for this – firstly that older people don't go out and about as much as young people, and when they do they frequently avoid sunlight for fear of skin cancer.Advertisement: "Secondly, the skin gets thinner in old age and is less efficient in converting sunlight into vitamin D."We therefore recommend that blood level of vitamin D be measured in everyone over the age of 65 and corrected with tablets if it is low."Prof Nordin, from the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science and Royal Adelaide Hospital, said vitamin D deficiency caused malabsorption of calcium, which in turn predisposed people to developing osteoporosis.Vitamin D deficiency also caused a high rate of bone turnover, the progressive failure of bone to mineralise leading to the weakening of the bony tissue, and increasing muscle weakness due to the loss of the action of vitamin D on the muscle."This increases body sway and predisposes people to falls," Prof Nordin said."All these effects of vitamin D deficiency have been shown to be reversible with vitamin D in physiological doses."The working party, sponsored by the South Australian Health Department, this month will encourage GPs to consider prescribing vitamin D tablets for elderly people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.In SA, 2000 hip fractures are recorded each year. Tue, 01 Mar 2005 18:06:59 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-prevents-hip-fractures http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/celebrity-hyaluronic-acid-product-of-choice Celebrity Hyaluronic Acid Product of ChoiceSource: www.emediawire.comE-Hyaluronicacid.com announced today that City Cosmetics has become one of the most visible marketers of Hyaluronic acid products with its appearance at the 47th Annual Grammys. In related news, new statistics show the rapidly increasing popularity of Hyaluronic Acid facial injections.City Cosmetics’ Hyaluronic acid boosting products recently made another high profile appearance at the 47th Annual Grammys. The company offered pre-show Hyaluronic acid products to celebrity clientele including Grammy host herself, Queen Latifah, Lisa Marie Presley and hip hop diva, Faith Evans.City Cosmetics also sponsored gift baskets full of Hyaluronic acid boosting products such as the ever popular Hyaluronic acid and collagen stimulating, Lip Plumper, CITY FACE Thermal Micro-D Treatment, and the CITY FACE Collagen Peptide Wrinkle Reverser which stimulates Hyaluronic acid and collagen production to plump up wrinkles and gently relax facial muscles, preventing future wrinkles.E-Hyaluronicacid.com also reports that non surgical cosmetic procedures including Hyaluronic acid facial injections are becoming increasingly popular among both American women and men. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2004 the total number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures increased 51% from 2003’s study. However, the increase for Hyaluronic acid injections was much more dramatic. 882,469 Americans received Hyaluronic acid facial injections in 2004 as opposed to just 9,635 in 2003. Reasons for this extreme growth in the number of Hyaluronic acid facial injection procedures could include the safety and effectiveness of the injections. For example, the Hyaluronic acid product Restylane is the only FDA approved filler with clinical data supporting its efficacy for as long as six months. Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test prior to injection, and the reported Hyaluronic acid side effects have been limited to temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. With the options for non-surgical cosmetic procedures increasing, it is clear that Hyaluronic acid facial injections and Hyaluronic acid boosting products are poised to continue their remarkable progress.About Us E-Hyaluronicacid.com is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. Hyaluronic Information and products @ www.althealth.co.uk Sun, 27 Feb 2005 22:20:34 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/celebrity-hyaluronic-acid-product-of-choice http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cold-sore-home-remedy-precautions-symptoms-and-cures-for-cold-sores Cold Sore Home Remedy - Precautions, Symptoms and Cures for Cold SoresSource: www.expressnewsline.com Herpes simplex type 1, more commonly known as the cause of cold sores, lies dormant in nerve cells and can be triggered by fever, viral infections, fatigue, stress, exposure to wind or sun, or a depressed immune system. These fluid filled blisters appear on the mouth, nose, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks and gums. The cold sore virus can be spread by touch to mucous membranes of other areas of the body with abrasions. Even the eyes can be infected with cold sores. Initial outbreaks are marked by swelling of lymph nodes, tender blisters around the mouth area, a tingling sensation and flu like symptoms. After the initial outbreak new sores are likely to appear as often as every few weeks or in some cases yearly. It has been discovered that herbs and supplements can be used to minimize discomfort and speed healing. The best treatment for cold sores is the amino acid lysine. Taken orally it suppresses the growth of the virus that causes cold sores. Lysine can also be found in ointment form which can be applied directly to the sore. Long term use of 500 milligrams lysine per day can help prevent cold sores from forming. Be sure to take an amino acid complex to supply a balanced mix of amino acids. Another effective treatment is melissa cream. This strong antiviral cream when applied at the first sign of tingling can eliminate cold sores before they form. Flavonoids and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants and work by eliminating cell damaging compounds called free radicals. Antioxidants selenium, vitamin A and flaxseed oil will speed the healing process after an outbreak. Goldenseal and echinacea are immune enhancing herbs containing natural antibiotics and antiviral that aid by building the immunity to the cold sore virus. According to a recent study applying a vitamin C solution directly to the sore can cause the cold sore to dry up quickly. It was also learned that melissa tea applied externally will hasten the healing process Sun, 27 Feb 2005 22:15:40 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cold-sore-home-remedy-precautions-symptoms-and-cures-for-cold-sores http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-echinacea Herbal benefits of EchinaceaSource: www.kntimes.comEchinacea purpurea is an herb that has been used by Native Americans to trigger the body?s natural abilities to heal itself. Echinacea?s therapeutic properties are mainly derived from its two active ingredients: echinacosides, found in the roots and flowers, and polysaccharide heteroxylan, found in the leaves. It is extremely useful in increasing the body?s immunity to fight various diseases. It helps to fight the viral, bacterial and fungus infections. It strengthens the body by stimulating the mucous membranes, liver, and lymph nodes. It is now a recommended natural remedy for sinus infections, sore throat, tonsillitis, coughs, bladder problems and kidney infections. Echinacea also has wound-healing and germ-fighting properties. The root of the plant was used to treat toothaches, sore throats and other irritations in the mouth. Know some tips to use Echinacea as a natural remedy: 1. To improve immunity to infections: To improve the immunity it can be taken in the form of pills or syrup. 2. To treat lesions and fever blisters: Apply a cotton swab dipped in pressed Echinacea juice on the affected area. 3. To help kill germs and reduce inflammation on abrasions, insect bites, and burns: Apply a cotton compress soaked in one part Echinacea juice and two parts water to the infected area. Echinacea is available in the form of pills, tablets, lozenges, or liquids. These can be used after recommendation form a herbalist. Echinacea should not be taken for long periods of time because the herb can over-stimulate the immune system. Sun, 27 Feb 2005 22:14:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-echinacea http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/organic-food-boosts-the-immune-system Organic food boosts the immune systemSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukScientists in Denmark have discovered that organically-grown vegetables strengthen the immune system. Researchers at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences have found that rats fed with organically-grown vegetables are healthier than rats fed with non-organic greens. The rats given the organic produce had more vitamin E which acts as a powerful antioxidant and is known to protect against cardiovascular disease. The organically-fed rats also had less body fat and were calmer than those fed on non-organic food. The study was funded by the Danish Research Centre for Organic Farming, which said in a statement: "In all cases where differences were observed there was a beneficial effect of the organically grown diet."Further research from the Organic Center in the US found that organic farming methods have the potential to elevate average antioxidant levels, especially in fresh produce. The Organic CenterÍs second State of Science Review (SSR) looked at existing scientific information in order to compile its report Elevating Antioxidant Levels Through Organic Farming and Food Processing. It reveals that on average antioxidant levels were around 30% higher in organic food compared to conventional food. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 12:06:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/organic-food-boosts-the-immune-system http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-give-yourself-a-not-that-extreme-makeover How to give yourself a not-that-extreme makeoverSource: www.miami.comSo you want to look like The Swan but can't stand the sight of blood? There are ways to get around all that messiness. Rebecca Budig, host of WE: Women's Entertainment's Full Frontal Fashion (10 p.m. Fridays), along with experts who have appeared on past shows, give five:1. Teeth brightening: ''For immediate results, we recommend laser whitening done in your dentist's office,'' Budig says, ''but that could cost up to $500.'' A cheaper alternative is picking up bleaching treatments like Crest Whitening Strips (two-week pack about $20 at drugstores) or GoSmile day and night toothpastes ($9.50 apiece at Nordstrom and gosmile.com). ''They really do work,'' Budig attests.Then there's always hygiene. Didi Gluck, beauty director of Marie Claire, dished on how she keeps her chompers bright: ``Go for your twice-yearly cleanings, floss daily and brush at least two times a day.''2. Breast enhancement: A dependable shortcut to a fuller bust is a push-up bra or bra inserts, which create ''incredible'' cleavage, Budig says. ''Look at Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich,'' adds Kristin Perrotta, beauty director at Allure magazine. ``She went from having sort of like regular cleavage, like most of us, to having this va-va-va-voom action going on, and that was all because of a push-up bra.''Bra technology has come a long way. Some top ones: Maidenform's One Fabulous Fit Demi Underwire Bra (department stores, $24), Wonderbra's Wonderboost (JCPenney, $28) or Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Seamless Push-up Bras (from $38 at VS stores or victoriasecret.com)Really teensy? Budig reveals another secret weapon: bronzing powder. ``[A little] along your collarbone and down your cleavage line will give the illusion of larger breasts.''3. Smoothing wrinkles: ''Topical creams with vitamin A, E, hyaluronic acid (HA) and other antioxidants plump the skin,'' Budig says. ''You should see instantaneous results.'' Also, start early. Begin using a facial moisturizer in your early 20s. Even if it's only a few times a week, ``it introduces your skin to ingredients that are going to exfoliate and gradually help the collagen production increase.''Now out: pricey high-tech formulas with lots of buzz, but you can get similar ingredients -- and results -- from Walgreen shelves, e.g. Nivea Anti Wrinkle and Firming Creme, $8.99 and Dove Essential Nutrients Day Cream, $7.49.Remember, though: No matter how much you spend on the latest miracle cures, ''beauty really does come from within, so treat your body right,'' Budig says. ''Take multivitamins, drink lots of water and get enough rest.'' Needless to say, keep well protected from the sun.4. Perfect pout: Melanie G., Courtney L., Liz H. What do these three women have in common?''We are a culture that seems to be obsessed with big lips,'' says Lori Bergamotto, beauty editor at Lucky magazine. ''Many celebrities turn to collagen injections, but if the needles and $700 [plus] price tag are too extreme, there are alternatives.'' Lip plumpers, available everywhere, work by swelling the lips temporarily.''The best part about these products is that at the end of the day, you can take them off and you're back to normal.'' The simplest route toward fuller lips is probably already in your bag: lip gloss. ''It creates a shine which gives the illusion of fuller lips,'' Budig explains.5. Hair rejuvenation: ''Thick, voluminous [locks] are every woman's dream and very in,'' says Marie Claire's Gluck. ''But unfortunately, we're not all born with Pantene girl hair.'' To give your hair more body, especially as it ages, Budig recommends volume-boosting shampoos or clinical treatment shampoos like Nioxin (at salons, from $12 at nioxin.com).''For women with more serious systemic hair loss problems, the best thing is Rogaine,'' she adds. ``It's been shown to actually stimulate new growth.''If all else fails, Budig has two words: hair extensions. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:57:19 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-give-yourself-a-not-that-extreme-makeover http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-injections-increase-visibility-with-supermodel-spokesperson Hyaluronic Acid Injections Increase Visibility with Supermodel SpokespersonSource: www.emediawire.comHyaluronic acid products are poised to continue their fast growth, particularly in the form of hyaluronic acid injections, according to E-Hyaluronicacid.com. The latest reason behind this growth is Medicis’ recent announcement that it has appointed supermodel, Frederique van der Wal to be the new face of Restylane. Frederique, one of modeling’s most recognizing stars, has appeared on nine Cosmopolitan and in several other publications including Victoria’s Secret, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue.Frederique’s image will appear on the company’s website and on its information brochures. Van der Wal will additionally serve as the product’s spokeswoman for the firm’s public relation campaign. Frederique’s visibility, along with her personal endorsement of the product, is sure to increase the growing popularity of Restylane. Restylane which is primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, is already the number one dermal filler on the US market, and many plastic surgeons predict that it will eventually surpass collagen and botox © as the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment. In accepting her new position, Frederique stated, “Restylane is a product in which I truly believe…Maintaining a youthful appearance is vital to my career, so I was excited to find a natural, non-invasive treatment that can safely erase some of the fine lines I’ve recently started to notice.” Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis responded with, "[Frederique’s] enthusiasm for the product coupled with her immense success in the modeling and entertainment industries and great personality make her a natural choice for us."The hyaluronic acid product Restylane is the first and only dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid). Restylane uses a dual mechanism of action to correct wrinkles and folds. Upon being injected beneath the skin's surface, the NASHA gel adds natural volume and lift to smooth wrinkles and folds. The NASHA gel integrates into dermal tissue, then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume. Restylane is gradually degraded by the body's own mechanism and disappears without any residue. In addition, Restylane is the only FDA approved filler with clinical data supporting its efficacy for as long as six months. Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test prior to injection. In addition, the reported hyaluronic acid injection side effects have been limited to temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. As such, Restylane appears to be one of safest and most effective options on the anti-aging market.About Us E-Hyaluronicacid.com is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to http://www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:50:51 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hyaluronic-acid-injections-increase-visibility-with-supermodel-spokesperson http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-cures-fatty-liver- Green Tea cures fatty liver:Source: news.newkerala.comTransplant using fatty livers can be safe if they are rinsed with solution of green tea extract. A report in the March 2005 issue of Liver Transplantation, the journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) says so. Approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population has a fatty liver. The condition is called hepatic steatosis and its primary cause is obesity. Fatty livers are more sensitive than lean livers to I/R injury. They are vulnerable to a greater risk of disease causing death. As a result there are very few healthy livers for donation and transplant. "In fact, nearly one-third of all donated livers are afflicted with fatty changes, but longer waiting lists are forcing practitioners to consider using these organs", mentions the journal report. Earlier on a study found that livers rinse with a solution of green tea extract prevented failures in transplants using fatty livers. The current study examined whether EGCG, the major flavonoid component in green tea, protected fatty livers from cell damage after I/R injury. Kenneth D. Chavi of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston along with his team experimented with mice.They administered EGCG orally or through injections and performed surgery to induce I/R injury in mice. The control groups did not receive the EGCG. Mice receiving EGCG by either method showed a survival rate of 100 percent as against 65 percent for the controls. So the EGCG mice had decreased cell death demonstrating that the flavonoid protected the liver from I/R injury. The researchers then measured fatty acid ; the levels of palmitic and linoleic acid, two fatty acids that are present in large amounts in fatty livers, decreased considerably in EGCG mice. Further tests showed a rise in hepatic energy stores (as the liver stores energy in the form of glycogen) in EGCG mice. Another interesting inferencece drawn was that EGCG was also acting as an antioxidant protecting fatty livers from I/R injury. In addition, the study showed that EGCG reduced liver fat content by approximately 55 percent. The report by the researchers added that ECGC might act as a therapeutic agent for fatty livers used in liver transplants.(ANI) Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:47:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-cures-fatty-liver- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rock-your ROCK YOURSource: www.dfw.comThese days, the fountain of youth is overflowing with products that promise to get rid of wrinkles and ease our aches and pains. But is it just hype or will they really help us age more gracefully?By Carolyn PoirotStar-Telegram Staff Writer Dr. Robert Butler, founding director of the National Institute on Aging, tells of his last visit with Morris Rocklin, a longtime volunteer in a National Institutes of Health study.Rocklin was 101 at the time of the visit and was complaining about a doctor's appointment to check out the pain in his right knee."His doctor patronizingly said, as doctors do today, 'Morris, what do you expect at your age?' " Butler recalls. "Morris answered, 'Look here, doctor. My left knee is also 101. How come it doesn't hurt?' "What older Americans expect is a little respect -- and a lot of gusto to fill the 30 extra years that have been added to the average American life span since 1900. In just one century, we humans have added more years to our lives than during the preceding 5,000 years, Butler says.People over 65 already make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population. By the year 2050, seniors will comprise a full quarter of the population, according to Census Bureau projections. By the end of this century, data predict, our country might well be home to 5 million people age 100 and older.Butler is also professor of geriatrics and adult development at Mount Sinai Medical Center and president and CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA, both in New York. His work involves not only tracking longevity trends but also developing science-based policies to help individuals and societies enhance the quality of our extended lives.The news, he says, is good. Thanks to medical knowledge, procedures and an increasing understanding of healthful-living choices, we're not only living longer, we're living better.Butler uses terms such as "successful aging, "productive aging," "optimal aging" and "healthy, vital and active aging" to characterize what's happening in "the wonderful world of longevity."He objects to the term "anti-aging medicine" because it implies that aging is a disease that needs to be cured. He also notes that medicines that claim to reverse the course of aging are largely a sham."All of us would love to be able to say there's something new out there that would slow down, reverse or stop some of the negative aspects of aging, but no, unfortunately there's not," Butler says in a telephone interview.Nevertheless, as baby boomers boom into their senior years, the search is on for ways to reduce the most visible and obvious signs of aging. A plethora of products is flooding the market, promising to turn back the hands of time.Trying to sort through all the claims can be cumbersome, confusing -- and overwhelming.To help navigate the muddied waters of today's fountain-of-youth formulas, we're taking a look at several broad categories of products: cosmetics; herbs, vitamins and nutritional supplements; and hormone remedies. Trying to rate every product on the market that claims age-defying properties would be impossible. Instead, we've focused on some of the most popular drugs and ingredients, such as antioxidants or topical Botox creams.Our goal: to find out what works and what doesn't.Here's what we learned.COSMECEUTICALS(Cosmetics, with ingredients such as collagen, vitamins and botanical extracts, that claim pharmaceutical-like benefits)RETIN-A, RENOVA, TAZORAKWhat they are: Prescription products that help hide crow's-feet, facial wrinkles and brown spots. Developed initially to treat teen-age acne, they are widely used by aging baby boomers. They contain retinoic acid, a vitamin- A derivative. Nonprescription products, such as Retinol Wrinkle Treatment, also contain retinoic acid.Age-defying claims: Get rid of lines and wrinkles. Get newer, younger-looking skin.What studies show: Retinoic acid produces a mild, superficial peel to improve the appearance and texture of the skin.Possible problems: Can cause redness and dry skin if overused. May also cause sensitivity to the sun.STRIVECTIN-SDWhat it is: A combination of peptides and antioxidants developed as a cure for stretch marks, StriVectin is a pop-culture phenomenon that's said to be a favorite of Jennifer Lopez and Charlize Theron. Sells for $135 for a 6-ounce tube at Foley's, Sephora and Nordstrom.Age-defying claims: A safe, effective way to reduce wrinkles without resorting to Botox treatments or cosmetic surgery, StriVectin came out of nowhere last summer to become the top-selling wrinkle reducer in the country.What studies show: It visibly reduces the depth, length, discoloration and roughness of stretch marks. Two studies reported at last July's 20th World Congress of Dermatology found that the stretch-mark cream also produces significant improvement in wrinkle depth, length, volume and roughness.Possible problems: Consumers sensitive to aromatic oils such as peppermint may experience some redness and burning when applying the original product around the eyes. A new formulation, StriVectin-SD Eye Cream, has just been released without the aromatic oil, for those with ultrasensitive skin.BOTOXWhat it is: A weakened and purified form of botulinum toxin that is injected deep into facial muscles to temporarily paralyze them and prevent smile lines, creases and wrinkles. Most dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer Botox for $300 to $900, depending on how many areas are treated.Age-defying claims: Removes crow's-feet, frown and smile lines and forehead wrinkles.What studies show: First approved by the FDA in 1989 for the treatment of crossed eyes and eye spasms, Botox is most commonly used now in anti-aging cosmetic treatments. Properly injected, it can "freeze" facial muscles so creases do not form.Possible problems: May limit your ability to smile, talk and eat if injected in lower face muscles. More often, an eyelid droops for a couple of weeks, but the treatment wears off after three to six months.TOPICAL BOTOX CREAMSWhat they are: A combination of anti-inflammatory amino acids called peptides that work by limiting the facial muscle contractions, allowing skin to smooth naturally. Some also contain ingredients that reduce the amount of nerve stimulation to the facial muscles. High-end mail-order and boutique creams, such as Avotone Relaxant Cream, cost $89.95 for a 30-day supply. Less-expensive products such as Olay Regenerist, which offer continuous night-recovery moisturizing treatment, cost $18.99 at Ulta.Age-defying claims: "Better than Botox." Peptide creams penetrate the skin to naturally relax the muscles of the face and neck and make wrinkles invisible. They also promote collagen and elastin production and increase circulation for firmer, younger-looking skin.What studies show: Originally developed for wound healing, these peptide creams painlessly reduce fine lines and wrinkles without injections or surgery.Possible problems: None reported or expected, but these products are new to the market.COLLAGEN AND RESTYLANE INJECTIONSWhat they are: Approved by the FDA just a year ago, Restylane is a new filler for wrinkles. Sometimes injected instead of collagen to plump up lines, wrinkles and lips for a younger-looking face. Often used in conjunction with resurfacing and/or Botox for the lower face and lips so patients can still smile. Doctors charge an average of $500 to fill the lines around the lips with Restylane.Age-defying claims: Safer and longer-lasting than Botox for a smoother look immediately and for the next nine months. Does not freeze the face, just eliminates wrinkles so you can still smile.What studies show: Restylane is made from biodegradable nonanimal hyaluronic acid, so it's safer than collagen, which is made from bovine skin and requires an allergy test. Both result in smoother, plumper-looking skin.Possible problems: Restylane stings, so injections are more painful than Botox or collagen injections. It also causes more temporary redness. Collagen can cause allergic reactions.ALPHA HYDROXY, POLYHYDROXY AND BETA HYDROXY ACIDSWhat they are: Found naturally in grapes and other fruits, milk and sugar cane, "fruit acids" became the darling of the skin-care industry about 10 years ago. Many over-the-counter topical creams contain these acids and range from about $10 to $30. Stronger formulations are used in chemical peels (about $80 in a spa).Age-defying claims: Fountain of youth in a jar. Reduces lines and wrinkles, making skin more elastic, smoother and brighter.What studies show: These acids work by speeding exfoliation and helping to trap moisture in the skin.Possible problems: Many formulations sold over the counter have 5 percent or less concentration of hydroxy acids, which may not be strong enough to show results. The 25 percent concentration, used primarily in dermatologists' offices, speeds exfoliation.AT-HOME MICRODERMABRASION KITSWhat they are: Battery-operated resurfacing tools with a collection of cleansers and creams that include aluminum oxide crystals to promote removal of dead skin cells on the surface of the face. Some come with several different attachments for sanding and buffing the skin. Prices range from about $30 to $80.Age-defying claims: A quick and easy way to effectively rejuvenate aging skin. Products promise noticeable results in two weeks and recommend about three treatments a week.What studies show: Unofficial testers reported younger, smoother, nicer-looking skin after only a few treatments.Possible problems: People with very sensitive or acne-prone skin may find this exfoliating procedure too caustic. Those taking blood thinners or using prescription-strength Retin-A may experience similar problems.HORMONES(Chemical messengers that travel through the blood, activating cells responsible for growth, metabolism and reproduction)HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE -- HGHWhat it is: A hormone made naturally by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, HGH is important for normal development and maintenance of healthy tissues and organs. Supplemental HGH is a prescription drug given by injection, but a big market has grown up around powders, tablets, gels and nasal sprays that have little or no HGH. It has also become popular among bodybuilders and some pro athletes. Shots can cost more than $15,000 per year.Age-defying claims: Increases muscle, decreases fat and boosts stamina and sense of well-being.What studies show: Adds bulk to muscles but doesn't do much to build strength or enhance function. At least one study suggests people who have high levels of HGH die at younger ages. Studies are under way to determine whether HGH can help prevent frailty among the older population.Possible problems: Dangerous side effects include diabetes and fluid retention in the skin and other tissue, which can lead to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. True HGH is available only by prescription and must be injected. Many doctors refuse to give the injections to adults because so little is known about the long-term risks.MELATONINWhat it is: A hormone produced by the pineal gland in the middle of the brain, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle and also the seasonal changes in the body that are affected by light. Sold in tablet form without a prescription, melatonin supplements cost about $6 for 120 3-milligram tablets.Age-defying claims: Melatonin is an anti-aging remedy, a sleep remedy and a powerful antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system and can prevent cancer.What studies show: Melatonin supplements may help prevent or reduce jet lag, and some studies show it can improve sleep quality and may be effective in treating insomnia. There is no evidence that it can prevent cancer or help people live longer.Possible problems: Taken at the wrong time, melatonin can disrupt sleep. It may also cause confusion, drowsiness and headaches, and animal studies suggest it constricts blood vessels, which can cause high blood pressure.TESTOSTERONEWhat it is: A vital sex hormone that controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics. Produced naturally by the testes and in very small amounts by the ovaries. Available by prescription in tablets and creams.Age-defying claims: Gives older men a sharper memory, stronger muscles, sturdier bones and more robust sexual activity. Can treat lack of libido in older women.What studies show: There is no good evidence that replenishing sexual hormones as they decrease with age is beneficial. Testosterone patches, injections and topical gels are recommended only for men with extreme testosterone deficiencies.Possible problems: May increase the risk of prostate cancer or promote the growth of pre-existing tumors.ESTROGENWhat it is: A group of hormones essential for normal female sexual development, the healthy functioning of the reproductive system and growth of the long bones in the body. Estrogen is produced primarily in the ovaries before menopause, but also in the placenta during pregnancy and in both men and women in small amounts in the adrenal glands.Age-defying claims: Decreases hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness and lowers the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer's.What studies show: Estrogen replacement therapy slows bone thinning that comes with aging. It also relieves vaginal dryness and may protect against Alzheimer's disease.Possible problems: ERT may also increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke.DHEAWhat it is: Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. DHEA is the precursor hormone that is converted into both testosterone and estrogen. In times of stress, it helps maintain hormone balance. Supplements are widely available at about $20 for 100 60-milligram tablets.Age-defying claims: Increases energy, builds immunity, increases muscle mass, decreases body fat, gives a sense of well-being and slows down or reverses the effects of aging.What studies show: Production peaks in mid-20s and declines with age. What this drop means or how it affects the aging process, if at all, is unclear. There's no consistent evidence for any of the claims of DHEA as a rejuvenating hormone.Possible problems: May cause breast enlargement in men and hairiness in women. Can also lead to hair loss. May cause liver damage.HERBS, VITAMINS and NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS(Natural substances from plants, fruits and vegetables that help the human body function better)ANTIOXIDANTSWhat they are: Substances that rid the body of oxygen-free radicals, which are the byproducts of smoking, environmental pollutants, sunlight, aerobic exercise and normal metabolism. Examples include vitamin C (citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes and berries); vitamin E (nuts, sesame seeds, wheat germ, canola, olive and peanut oils); beta carotene (deep-colored fruits and vegetables); resveratrol (the skin of grapes, mulberries and red wine); selenium (bran, organ meats such as liver and kidney, seafood); and coenzyme Q-10 (a compound made naturally by the body).Also available in pills and capsules and in many topical anti-wrinkle skin creams. Prices are usually less than $10.Age-defying claims: Antioxidants prevent cataracts and heart disease and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. They protect the heart, lungs and skin cells from damage from smoking and pollutants.What studies say: The use of antioxidants makes sense, but no study has shown that they prevent or slow aging. Many over-the-counter creams contain antioxidants, and although they may moisturize and soften skin, they won't penetrate deeply enough to remove wrinkles.Possible problems: High doses (above 400 international units) of vitamin E may actually increase the overall risk of dying, according to a recent review of 19 studies.GLUCOSAMINEWhat it is: A derivative of glucose found in cell membranes, it stimulates cells to rebuild cartilage and helps lubricate joints. The supplement -- about $18 for 160 500-milligram tablets -- is derived from crushed crab shells.Age-defying claims: Relieves pain and increases range of motion in people with arthritis; rebuilds cartilage.What studies say: Glucosamine combined with chondroitin decreases the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. A large trial is currently under way and preliminary results are encouraging, the Arthritis Foundation says.Possible problems: Products vary considerably, and some do not contain any glucosamine. Side effects include mild heartburn and nausea. Should not be taken by diabetics without consultation with a doctor, because it adversely affects blood-sugar levels.OCUVITEWhat it is: Vitamin and mineral combination supplement from Bausch & Lomb with vitamins A, C and E plus zinc and copper to help preserve eye health as you age. Widely available for about $16 for 120 tablets, a two-month supply.Age-defying claims: The only eye and vitamin supplement clinically proven effective in the 10-year National Institutes of Health study of age-related eye diseases.What studies say: Antioxidant vitamins and zinc significantly reduced the risk of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration among the 4,757 participants at high risk for macular degeneration in a National Eye Institute study. The multivitamin and mineral supplement had no significant effect on the development of cataracts.Possible problems: Few side effects reported. Some urinary tract problems and anemia associated with the zinc and some yellowing of the skin associated with the beta carotene.GINKGO BILOBAWhat it is: A tree whose fan-shaped leaves are used as an extract and sold primarily in capsules and teas.Age-defying claims: Ginkgo can prevent and treat a variety of ailments more common in older people, including macular degeneration, libido problems, memory loss, glaucoma, angina, heart disease and stroke.What studies say: Ginkgo dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow, particularly to the brain and lower legs. Some studies show that it may improve mental and social function in people with mild to moderate dementia. Some studies show no benefit.Possible problems: Increases the effects of blood thinners, including aspirin, so it may increase the risk of bleeding.CELADRINWhat it is: A new fatty-acid formulation that lubricates joints and promotes flexibility. Available in both tablets and a topical cream that smells like menthol. Sometimes combined with glucosamine in products under several brand names, including ReVivex and Celaprix. A bottle of 90 tablets sells for $17.50 on the Internet.Age-defying claims: Relieves pain and restores strength and flexibility not only to joints but also to muscles and connective tissue. Fast-acting, with rapid and deep absorption.What studies say: The Journal of Rheumatology reported in August 2002 that stable fatty acids (celadrin) improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis.Possible problems: None reported, but no long-term research available.GINSENGWhat is it: A root cultivated primarily in China, Korea and Japan and harvested wild in eastern parts of North America for use in teas, capsules and extracts but also used in cosmetics.Age-defying claims: Enhances physical (including sexual) and mental performance. Treats cold and flu symptoms, libido problems, stress, fatigue, memory loss and mental dullness.What studies say: In some studies, ginseng reduced the blood-sugar level of people with diabetes, improved their memory and increased their energy. However, most of ginseng's claims, including improvement of athletic and sexual performance, have not been proved.Possible problems: Can cause nervousness and excitability and abnormally low blood sugar. May increase or decrease the potency of several other drugs common to older people, including blood-pressure medication. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or asthma.SAW PALMETTOWhat it is: A tree that grows wild along the southeastern coast of the United States. Dried berries from the tree are available as tea, tablets, capsules and liquid extract.Age-defying claims: Treats prostate problems, improves sexual performance.What studies say: Evidence suggests saw palmetto relieves the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, including the frequent urge to urinate and decreased urine flow. Sexual-performance claims are unproved.Possible problems: Mild headaches and diarrhea possible. May react with other drugs. It's unregulated, so there's no guarantee of potency or purity."You're never too old to become younger."-- Mae WestON PAGE 1A | Researchers are closer than ever to giving us 100-year lives.SOURCES: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING, INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTER, NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, THE WRINKLE REPORT, ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION, THE MERCK MANUAL OF HEALTH AND AGING, PRODUCT INSERTS. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:42:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rock-your http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-shown-to-save-vision Supplement Shown To Save VisionSource: www.whotv.comThey are your windows to the world and you only get one pair. So when you think about getting healthy and into shape, don't forget your eyes.More than 22 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration. It's the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The disease gradually steals your vision as you age. There is no cure but there is an eye supplement that's quickly gaining steam with doctors. It's not a vitamin, but a pigment actually contained in your eyes...Chances are you've seen it with your own eyes. In just the last few months, Lutein has turned up everywhere. In multi-vitamins, health drinks, even in juice. Why? Lutein is a red hot supplement for baby boomers, people who might not want to admit it, but are showing signs of age. As your eyes get older, Lutein is one thing to keep your eyes young.Chris Nelson of Kemin Industries says, "Almost all eye supplements now specifically focused at the eye, pardon the pun, do have Lutein in them." Nelson is the C.E.O. of Kemin Industries on the east side of Des Moines. The biotech company is the leading global producer of Lutein.Lutein is a pigment found in the macula of the eye, giving it a yellow color. Your macula controls straight on vision allowing you to see directly in front of you. Kemin harvests Lutein from marigolds. The supplement is then put into all kinds of products."I take one in the morning and two at night." says Becky Muselman of Des Moines. She started taking lutein because she was afraid of losing her sight. Becky watched her mother suffer from age related macular degeneration. Now her mother is nearly blind. She says, "It was very hard because she was having trouble reading. She had to start using a magnifying glass and that was very difficult for someone who spent her life reading and gaining knowledge. It was hard to accept."Age Related Macular Degeneration mainly affects central vision. It can blur everything in your straight line of sight. As the macula of the eye deteriorates, the more a person sinks into darkness.Becky, a former medical assistant, started researching treatment for shortly after her mother was diagnosed. She found the positive benefits of Lutein mentioned in study after study. She says, "I decided it was worth it since my grandfather had had it and my mother. It was worth it. I had nothing to lose and I decided I did not want to go through what my mother had gone through so I decided to start and I take it everyday.How does Lutein work? Think of Lutein as food for the macula of the eye, preventing it from wasting away. It isn't cheap. Eye supplements containing Lutein cost about 15 to 25 dollars for a two month supply.More than 20 independent studies show Lutein helps to prevent Age Related Macular Degeneration. Lutein may even reverse the effects of the disease. We called thirty eye doctors around the metro to ask if they recommend Lutein to their patients. Twenty-nine of them said "yes" and their patients have been very happy with Lutein results. One doctor said "no". He said he does not recommend supplements but tells his patients to take a multi-vitamin and eat leafy green vegetables instead. Spinach, for instance, contains Lutein.For Becky, the results she has seen speak for themselves. Her mother's macular degeneration stopped progressing once she started taking Lutein and Becky believes the pill she takes everyday will also save her sight. "I just will know if I hit 80 years old and I don't have it, I'll say it's probably because of the Lutein."Eye doctors recommend 4 to 6 milligrams of Lutein a day. If you don't want to take a supplement you can also find Lutein in certain foods like spinach, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts and egg yolks all contain lutein. You would need to eat a cup of spinach to get the recommend amount of Lutein. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:31:59 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-shown-to-save-vision http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/veg-only-diet-may-impair-development-in-kids Veg only diet may impair development in kidsSource: www.earthtimes.orgNon-vegetarianism became more than just an ethical issue, when leading American nutritionist Dr Lindsay Allen of the University of California asserted that lack of meat and animal products in a child’s diet might cause permanent physical and mental damage.Speaking at the annual meeting of American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, she called parents who keep their children on vegetarian and vegan diets ‘unethical’.Professor Allen’s contended that animal source foods have certain nutrients that are not available in any vegetarian sources, and women who are pregnant or lactating and following a vegan diet might be exposing the child in the womb to damage. “There's a lot of empirical research that will show the very adverse effects on child development of doing that,” she said. Besides containing proteins, meat and to some extent animal products like milk, butter and cheese, are rich in essential micronutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.Basing her main inferences on a study in Kenya, Dr Allen said that studies on vegetarian women in Europe and the United States have also shown that their children are ‘developmentally delayed’. The study in Kenya included 544 young children with seven being the average age.Some of the children were given two ounces of meat in addition to their normal diet while several others were fed a cup of milk. Two years later, the children were examined both physically and mentally.The results showed that the children who were fed meat were 80 per cent bigger than the children who lived on a diet of maize and cassava, which forms a typical Kenyan diet. The biggest improvement was seen in the educational test scores of the children with the meat diet. They were 35 points better as compared to the 13 points in the milk group. In addition, the meat group was more playful and active on the playground and had enhanced leadership skills, Dr Allen said, adding that the B12 deficiency, which is highly prevalent in these children, was completely eliminated.Dr Allen’s contentions, however, have invited not only questions about their relevance to the Western countries but also flak from vegetarian groups who rubbish the findings as ‘propaganda’ to boost animal and animal products industries. Alex Bourke, who heads the Vegan Society, has called the comparison ‘unfair’.“African villages subsist on corn and beans, which does not constitute a not a balanced diet. You have to eat a healthy, balanced vegan diet as with any other system,” he said. The society’s Web site has also questioned the financial backing of Professor Lindsay Allen’s research. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:26:58 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/veg-only-diet-may-impair-development-in-kids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warts-are-a-common-skin-problem-it-is-usually-a-hard-dry-boil-on-the-skin- Warts are a common skin problem. It is usually a hard dry boil on the skin.Source: www.kntimes.comTypes: Warts found on the fingers and hands are known as common warts. This wart appears as a flat or raised growth that is usually darker than the skin surface. The warts that appear on the feet are commonly known as plantar warts. Plantar warts appear as flat or raised bumps on the bottom of the feet and often look like a callus. The most serious kind of wart is the genital wart, since unlike other warts, this one is contagious. These warts appear as a reddish pink growth with a small flowery head in the genital area. Genital warts have even been known to increase the risk of some forms of cancer.. Causes: A wart is the result of a human papilloma virus of which there are dozens of different types. When this virus invades the top layer of skin through a cut or abrasion an infection occurs and a wart appears. This can take anywhere from eight months to many years to occur. It is believed that low immunity may play a role in activating the wart virus causing the growth to emerge. Although many times a wart may appear as a single blemish, they can also grow in clusters. While most warts are painless, some may itch or bleed. Anytime a wart appears after the age of 45 or when a wart is larger than a pencil eraser, bleeds and hurts it is wise to contact a physician. Warts appearing in the genital area should also be treated by your doctor. Treatment: Since occurrences of warts are often linked to the strength of the immune system, taking supplements to strengthen this area have proven helpful. Taking vitamin A and C has also been known to eliminate the growth of warts. Topicals are another way of treating warts. If the wart has been developed for some time it will help to soak the affected area in water for about 20 minutes before applying the treatment. Tea tree oil, garlic oil and vitamin E are all good topical treatments for these blemishes. All three are believed to contain virus fighting ingredients that may aid with healing. A paste made with powdered vitamin C and water has also proven useful in treating warts. All topicals should be applied using a skin compress made of flannel or cotton gauze. Dabbing aloe vera gel on a wart has proved helpful in treating warts. Using a tincture of Pau d'arco or goldenseal in a compress has worked in some cases. Taking two Pau d'arco daily has proven to be an excellent boost for the immune system as well. There are a variety of treatments for warts from over the counter removers to natural treatments that can hasten the healing. In all cases when using topicals be sure to watch for skin irritations. If one should occur you can cover the area surrounding the wart with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to protect the skin. Be sure when doing this not to cover the wart. While over the counter remedies are sometimes effective, they contain harsh chemicals which are more likely to irritate the skin. When a wart appears in an area that you would normally shave, take care to protect the wart from being cut. Scratching or cutting a wart can result in infection and scarring. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:20:12 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/warts-are-a-common-skin-problem-it-is-usually-a-hard-dry-boil-on-the-skin- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-take-the-wind-out-of-sad Vitamin D may take the wind out of SADSource: www.contracostatimes.comQ: I am normally upbeat, optimistic and in good health, but cannot shake the wintertime blahs, especially after the latest blast of bad weather. Do you have any suggestions for beating the winter blues regarding exercise, vitamins, supplements or herbs? My doctor called it SAD, and that is not a bad description. He didn't have much practical advice beyond giving it a name, though. My husband and children have made comments, but I want to see if there are any natural avenues rather than turning to medication to lift my spirits.A: It's good that you consulted with a health professional, because it is important to make sure there are no underlying health conditions that might be contributing to changes in your mood.SAD is short for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a form of depression that affects susceptible individuals each year during the months that have fewer daylight hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, that's November, December, January and February, while in the Southern Hemisphere the critical period is April, May, June and July. The greater the distance from the equator, the greater the risk. SAD is most prevalent in people between 20 and 50 years of age, and women are affected by a ratio of 4 to 1.SAD can be thought of as a deficiency disease, with sunlight as the missing "nutrient." Another analogy might be that the absence of sufficient sunshine on the body's internal clock allows it to stray from its normal rhythm, with a form of depression as the net result. Daily exposure to a special broad-spectrum bright light has been found to be helpful.Vitamin D is produced by the body as a result of exposure to sunlight, and vitamin D supplements have been found to help with SAD. A small study in the February 1998 issue of Psychopharmacology found that vitamin D supplements (400 IU or 800 IU per day) helped with symptoms. Another study in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging (volume 3, 1999) also found improvements in depression with vitamin D supplements. Some studies with the vitamin, however, have had disappointing results. Current therapies tend to focus on exposure to therapeutic light.If the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder pay you an annual visit, speak with your doctor to decide on a course of action, and to find out whether daily doses of high-intensity full-spectrum light -- alone or with vitamin D or other therapies -- might be appropriate. I caution you to consult your doctor first, because these therapies might not be recommended if, for example, you have an eye problem or are taking medications that might increase your sensitivity to light and/or vitamin D.Finally, there are articles in the popular literature on SAD that have suggested the possible use of the herb St. John's Wort as an antidepressant. The logic here is that St. John's Wort is sometimes used in cases of mild to moderate depression. However, one side effect of St. John's Wort is that it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). The August 2000 issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology found that hypericin, a key compound in St. John's Wort, also finds its way to the eyes. Once there, it can react with intense light and form compounds that can possibly lead to damage, such as the formation of cataracts. The implication here is that not only should those taking St. John's Wort protect their skin from exposure to the sun, they should wear eye protection as well. Conversely, those who opt for high-intensity light treatments for SAD should refrain from taking St. John's Wort. Thu, 24 Feb 2005 11:18:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-take-the-wind-out-of-sad http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-prevents-prostate-cancer- Vitamin D Prevents Prostate Cancer?Source: www.tricities.comA new study finds that Vitamin D may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, or at least prevent it from becoming aggressive.Experts have known that Vitamin D can help stop the growth of certain cancers, and some studies have shown that the rate of prostate cancer is lower in southern states where sunshine is more abundant.Sunlight helps the body make Vitamin D.The recent study found that men with the highest levels of Vitamin D had a significantly lower overall risk of prostate cancer. Wed, 23 Feb 2005 18:10:29 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-prevents-prostate-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnesium-may-protect-against-colorectal-cancer Magnesium may protect against colorectal cancerSource: www.nutraingredients.comHigh levels of dietary magnesium may help protect women from developing colorectal cancer, shows a Swedish study. Animal studies have suggested that the mineral could play a role in the prevention of the cancer but there has been little data in humans. Using a population-based prospective cohort of 61,433 women, researchers at the Karolinska Institute found that women with the highest intakes of the mineral had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing the disease than those with the lowest intakes."This population-based prospective study suggests that a high magnesium intake may reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer in women,” conclude Susanna Larsson and colleagues in the 5 January issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (293, pp86-89). The findings are significant as researchers have recently identified a deficiency of the mineral in European populations. Writing in a special supplement on magnesium in the December 2004 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (vol 23, no 6, 704S-711S), Dr Jean Durlach from the International Society for the Development of Research on Magnesium at the Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris said that about 20 per cent of the French population consumes less than two-thirds of the RDA for magnesium, with women in particular having low intakes. Approximately 150,000 people in the US are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. The cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, and the risk of contracting it increases with age. Calcium has also been shown to lower risk of developing the disease although researchers are still unsure how this benefit is produced. Wed, 23 Feb 2005 18:08:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnesium-may-protect-against-colorectal-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/choosing-good-fats-over-bad-fats-key-to-heart-health Choosing Good Fats over Bad Fats Key to Heart HealthSource: www.hispanicprwire.comAs National Heart Health month kicks-off in February, experts are reminding Americans to take essential steps to protect their heart including: replacing “bad” fats with “good” fats, increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake and consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. California avocados supply important nutrients to meet all three recommendations. The avocado is virtually the only fruit that provides “good” monounsaturated fat(1), which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol.(2) Avocados also contain polyunsaturated fat, which includes omega-3 fatty acids that can protect against heart disease.“Avocados are well known for their monounsaturated fat content, but like all fruits and vegetables, they also offer important disease-fighting nutrients like fiber, which can help protect your heart. Avocados are also a natural source of beta-sitosterol, which blocks cholesterol absorption, and they are the top fruit source of lutein, a beneficial antioxidant,” said Dr. Aliza Lifshitz, M.D. Known among the Latino community as “Dra. Aliza”, she is a leading source of health information for more than 10 years through her Univision network television and radio broadcasts.Researchers for the American Heart Association and Harvard University concur that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and unsaturated fats can prevent heart disease.(3) These recommendations are further supported in the newly-released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which encourage 5-13 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and the consumption of “good” fats rather than saturated or trans fats. Saturated fat from full-fat dairy products and fatty meats can increase “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Trans fatty acids found in baked goods and processed snacks can also increase the heart disease risk by raising LDL cholesterol and lowering “good” HDL cholesterol. In a Brigham and Women’s Hospital study of postmenopausal women, increased intake of baked goods and other refined carbohydrates was positively associated with progression of heart disease.(4) The study authors concluded that a diet comprised mostly of unsaturated fats like monounsaturated fats could prevent risk of coronary atherosclerosis.Replacing artery-clogging saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fat can easily be accomplished by incorporating versatile California avocados into a healthy diet. Avocados can be spread on toast as a substitute for butter or on a sandwich as a substitute for mayonnaise. They can also be added to salads with balsamic vinegar as a healthy alternative to high saturated fat salad dressings.Nutrient Profiles of California Avocado and Other “Bread Spreads & Dip Ingredients”Spreads Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol(1 oz.) (g) (g) (mg) Avocado 50 5 0.7 0Peanut Butter 170 15 2.9 0Cream Cheese 100 10 6.2 31Mayonnaise 200 23 3.4 17Margarine 200 23 3.9 0Sour Cream 60 6 3.7 12Ounce-per-ounce, avocados rank highest in monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, folate, potassium, magnesium, lutein, beta-sitosterol and glutathione, compared to commonly eaten fruits. According to the Food and Drug Administration, diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases. California avocados are included in the National Cancer Institute and Produce for Better Health Foundation’s National 5 A Day program(5). For more nutrition information, please visit http://www.avocado.org.Sources: (1) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21: Food and Drugs, 2002. Appendix C to Part 101 – Nutrition Facts for Raw Fruits and Vegetables.(2) Krauss RM, Eckel RH, Howard B, Lawrence JA, Daniels SR, Deckelbaum RJ, Erdman JW, Kris-Etherton P, Goldberg IJ, Kotchen TA, Lichtenstein AH, Mitch WE, Mullis R, Robinson K, Wylie-Rosett J, St. Jeor S, Suttie J, Tribble DL, and Bazzarre TL. Revision 2000: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association. J Nutr 131:132-146, 2001.(3) Hu FB & Willett WC, Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart disease. J Am Med Assoc 288:2569-2578, 2002.(4) Mozaffarian D, Rimm EB, Herrington DM. Dietary fats, carbohydrate, and progression of coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 80(5):1102-3, Nov. 2004(5) National 5 A Day Program Products Promotable Criteria, Revised 9/2003 http://www.5aday.gov/promotable-products-criteria.shtml Wed, 23 Feb 2005 18:07:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/choosing-good-fats-over-bad-fats-key-to-heart-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/patients-say-hospitals-are-getting-dirtier Patients say hospitals are getting dirtierSource: www.dailymail.co.ukHospitals are getting dirtier despite efforts to crack down on the MRSA superbug, a patient survey has found. Unions expressed concern about the drop in numbers rating A&E departments in England as 'very clean', from 49 per cent to 44 per cent. And the Government admitted there was room for improvement, describing results for the cleanliness of toilets in casualty as 'disappointing'. Two surveys by watchdog the Healthcare Commission, into A&E and outpatient departments, also found that many patients are not being given crucial information about their illnesses and treatment. The number of patients who rated A&E departments as very clean fell from 49 per cent to 44 per cent between 2003 and 2004. There was also a drop of six per cent to 53 per cent in those rating the outpatient departments as very clean. Some nine per cent of those who visited A&E departments in June, July and August said they were not very clean or not at all clean, an increase of one per cent on the year before. And 17 per cent rated toilets in A&E in those low categories, while in 14 NHS trusts the figure was 30 per cent or higher. Lack of information Across England, almost a third (31 per cent) of patients said doctors and nurses in casualty did not listen to them, while half (49 per cent) were not able to fully discuss their fears. The Commission said it was 'particularly concerning' that 49 per cent were not told about possible side effects to watch for after being given new drugs. More than a third (37 per cent) were not alerted to watch for danger signals connected to their illness when they went home, and 34 per cent did not know who to contact if they were worried. In 2004, the proportion of patients being treated in casualty within the Government's target time of four hours was 77 per cent, an increase of nine per cent on the previous year's 69 per cent. But the latest Government figures say 95.8 per cent of patients were dealt with within four hours. The Department of Health said the patient survey did not mean its data on waiting times was wrong, because the statistics were not comparable. Outpatients also reported shorter waiting times, with 80 per cent of patients being given an appointment within three months, a five per cent improvement. But 20 per cent said they were either not given enough information about their condition or treatment, or were not given any at all. Concern Anna Coote, the commission's head of patient involvement, said: "The signs of improvement are pretty slight compared to some of the gaps in terms of what patients are actually being told, so that is an area of concern for us." Some 140,000 patients responded to the two surveys, which will be used to help give the trusts star ratings in 2005. Healthcare Commission chief executive Anna Walker said standards of cleanliness must improve. A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We recognise that the results for toilets in A&E departments are disappointing, and that within the overall results there are some trusts whose performance falls below the standards patients have a right to expect." Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said that while cutting waiting times was good news, the public service union was concerned by patients' reports of a lack of cleanliness. "This is a serious problem with more than 50 per cent of patients saying that the A&E department is not 'very clean' and that it's not much better in outpatients. "Those departments will not get their clean status until the NHS employs more cleaners." Room for improvement Health Minister Rosie Winterton welcomed the surveys. She said: "The findings give the NHS an indication as to what they are doing well and, more importantly, areas in which there is room for improvement, so that they can focus on delivering the standards that patients have a right to expect from the NHS." The surveys were carried out in all 153 acute trusts in England with an emergency department, and all 169 with outpatient facilities (excluding maternity or psychiatric units). Each drew a random sample of 850 patients. Wed, 23 Feb 2005 18:04:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/patients-say-hospitals-are-getting-dirtier http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/children-on-meat-free-diets-risk-impaired-growth Children on meat-free diets ' risk impaired growth'Source: www.dailymail.co.ukStrict vegetarians who insist their children live by the maxim 'meat is murder' have come under fire from a leading nutrition expert. Denying growing children animal products in their diet during the critical first few years of life was 'unethical' and could do permanent damage, said Professor Lindsay Allen, from the University of California. She conducted a study which showed that adding just two spoonfuls of meat to the diet of poverty-stricken children in Africa transformed them both physically and mentally. Over a period of two years the children almost doubled their muscle development, and showed dramatic improvements in mental skills. They also became more active, talkative and playful at school. Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington DC, Prof Allen said: "Animal source foods have some nutrients which are not found anywhere else. If you're talking about feeding young children and pregnant women and lactating women I would go as far as to say it is unethical to withhold these foods during that period of life. Adverse effects "There's a lot of empirical research that will show the very adverse effects on child development of doing that." She was especially critical of parents who imposed a vegan lifestyle on their children which denied them milk, cheese and butter as well as meat. "There's absolutely no question that it's unethical for parents to bring up their children as strict vegans," she said. Meat provides a concentrated source of essential micronutrients such as zinc, vitamin B12, calcium, iron and vitamin A which cannot easily be obtained solely from plant foods. The African study involved 544 children in Kenya, typically aged about seven, whose diet chiefly consists of starchy, low-nutrition corn and bean staples lacking these micronutrients. Over a period of two years, one group of the children was given a daily supplement of two ounces of meat - equivalent to about two spoonfuls of mince. Biggest improvement Two other groups received either a cup of milk a day or an oil supplement containing the same amount of energy. The diet of a fourth group was left unaltered. The changes seen in the children given the meat, and to a lesser extent the milk or oil, were dramatic. Prof Allen, who is director of the US Agricultural Research Service's Western Human Nutrition Research Centre at Davis, said: "It was found that compared with controls that had no intervention, the meat group had 80 per cent more increase in muscle mass over the two years of the study, and the milk and energy group had 40 per cent more increase in muscle mass. "In terms of cognitive function, the group that received the meat supplement showed the biggest improvement in fluid intelligence over the two years, and those who had either milk or energy supplements were better than the controls. "The group that received the meat supplements were more active in the playground, more talkative and playful, and showed more leadership skills." Test scores for mental skills improved by 35 points for the meat group, 14 for the milk, and remained unchanged for the children who received no supplements, she said. Adding either meat or milk to the diets also almost completely eliminated the very high rates of vitamin B12 deficiency previously seen in the children. Permanently impair development Prof Allen added: "It's important to know that these important benefits to human function and human capital were seen in just two years. "Had these children received these foods earlier in life or their mothers received them when they had been pregnant, or people could receive them throughout their lives, we think that the improvements in human capital development would be even more dramatic." She stressed that although the study was conducted in a poor African community, its message was highly relevant to people in developed countries. Studies of vegetarians in both the United States and Europe had shown that missing out on meat and dairy products can permanently impair a child's development. Researchers in Holland found that by the time children were 16 years old it was too late to help them by re-introducing meat and milk into their diets. They remained impaired. Prof Allen accepted that adults could avoid animal foods if they took the right supplements, but the risks were too great for developing children. 'Poverty malnutrition trap' Traditionally supplements have been used to address the problem of nutritional deficiency in developing countries. But new evidence has shown that the best policy is to provide more animal source foods, the meeting heard. In Africa, good results had been obtained from giving people a dried meat on a stick snack which proved both nutritious and appealing. Professor Montague Demment, also from the University of California at Davis, said a nation's prosperity could be determined by diet, especially that of children. "In many countries we see what I call the poverty malnutrition trap," he said. "Poverty creates malnutrition and malnutrition reinforces poverty. Maybe in the short term you can supplement, which is how many donors have attacked the problem. That is giving pills, but pills don't grow economies. Food grows economies." Wed, 23 Feb 2005 18:02:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/children-on-meat-free-diets-risk-impaired-growth http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ministers-blasted-over-eu-pills-ban Ministers blasted over EU pills banSource: www.yorkshiretoday.co.ukDirective will sweep common supplements from shops MINISTERS came under attack last night for making late-night drinking and gambling easier, while failing to oppose a European Union-wide ban on vitamin supplements used by thousands of Britons. Simon McGee Political Editor Up to 5,000 common products used safely for years – including multi-nutrient tablets, high-dose vitamin pills, and minerals – are due to be swept from shop shelves when the EU Food Supplements Directive comes into effect in August. Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson was attacked by MPs of all parties in a Commons debate yesterday led by Tory health spokesman Chris Grayling, who dubbed the directive "a betrayal to British consumers". In the Commons debate, Hackney North and Stoke Newington's Labour MP Diane Abbot asked: "How can the Government say that all they're concerned about is health when they're legislating for people to drink themselves into a stupor 24 hours a day?" Mr Grayling pointed out: "It will be legal for a teenager to go out and buy cigarettes that cause cancer, but it will be illegal for an adult to go out and buy a vitamin tablet. "That is completely and utterly absurd." But Ms Johnson insisted: "It's better to be safe than wise after the event." The Tory MP for Vale of York, former Euro-MP Anne McIntosh, is one of 186 MPs to have signed a Commons motion expressing "grave concern" that pills and powders in common use are to become illegal. Yesterday she branded the legislation "discriminatory and unfair". Meanwhile, British lawyers representing health food manufacturers and shops, led by a senior partner from a Sheffield law firm, appeared before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg yesterday to argue that the directive was flawed and "uses a hammer to crack a nut". The head of public law with Irwin Mitchell, in Sheffield, Andrew Lockley, who is legal adviser to the British Health Food Manufacturers Association and National Association of Health Stores said in Luxembourg that his legal team told the bench of 13 international judges that implementation would impose regulatory costs on suppliers which would lead to many of them going bankrupt. The new legislation outlaws health food preparations containing ingredients not on a "positive list" of permitted substances. Only manufacturers who submit detailed scientific dossiers by July 12 this year proving their ingredients are safe would be allowed to escape the directive's provisions, and then only until the end of 2009. But campaigners stress there is absolutely no evidence that any of the ingredients are unsafe for adults and say confirming this will cost up to £250,000 per nutrient source, too much for many small providers to compile. The former style adviser to Cherie Blair, Carole Caplin, is one of the figures fronting the last-ditch campaign to get the directive on food supplements overturned. She went to Downing Street yesterday to hand in a petition urging the Government to reconsider its position. Mon, 14 Feb 2005 20:31:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ministers-blasted-over-eu-pills-ban http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hurley-diet-branded-dangerous HURLEY DIET BRANDED DANGEROUSSource: www.contactmusic.comDoctors have warned ELIZABETH HURLEY the diet she uses to stay in shape is ruining her health.The actress has revealed she shed all the weight she gained while pregnant with two-year-old son DAMIAN, by eating just one meal a day and going to bed hungry.But using the diet over a long period of time puts Hurley at risk of contracting bone and muscle wasting conditions - and may jeopardise her chances of conceiving another child.DR ALAN STEWART, director of London's Women's Nutrition Clinic, says, "Liz needs to increase her food uptake to at least 2,000 calories a day. Eating one main meal a day helps weight loss, but this should not be sustained over a two year period."At 7.5 stone and 5 foot 9 inches, Liz's BMI (Body Mass Index) would be 16 - which is three points below the minimum for her age group. This means she is at risk of developing osteoporosis and reduced muscle mass. A low BMI also reduces fertility." Mon, 14 Feb 2005 20:28:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/hurley-diet-branded-dangerous http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-fish-oil-helps-treat-depression Health, Fish Oil Helps Treat DepressionFish Oil Contains Natural Ingredients That Help Treat Depression For years, researchers have been searching the seas, collecting rare sponges, coral and algae in the hope that the chemicals they contain might become potent medications. Now some researchers say they've found an effective antidepressant below the waves: Fish, or more specifically, fish oil containing so-called omega-3 fatty acids. "We've been very impressed by the response rates we've observed," said Dr. David Mischoulon, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital who has overseen an omega-3 clinical trial. "We believe there is definitely something to these treatments." Scientists first became interested when they noticed that countries with the highest fish consumption had the lowest rates of depression. They also observed that mothers in England who ate very little fish during pregnancy doubled their risk of developing postpartum depression compared to women who ate fish regularly. So scientists began a series of studies to see why. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Found to Have Same Effect Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids, when fed to piglets, had the same effect on the brain as the antidepressant Prozac: They raised levels of a critical neurotransmitter, serotonin. "After only 18 days, those animals that were fed the enriched formula had double the level of serotonin in their frontal cortex, in the part of the brain that regulates depression and impulsivity," said Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a senior clinical investigator at the National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated oils that cannot be made by the body and are derived primarily from seafood. The fatty acid with most direct influence on brain development and function is DHA. "The DHA is highly concentrated in the brain," Hibbeln told ABCNEWS, "and it's concentrated in the brain right where the neurons communicate with each other and all the signals pass back and forth." The DHA from omega-3 makes up the walls of neurons, Hibbeln said. "The body cannot manufacture DHA so it has to get it from our diet." At Sheffield University in England, Dr. Malcolm Peet gave omega-3 fatty acids to 70 depressed patients who had not been helped by drugs such as Prozac. After 12 weeks, 69 percent of the patients showed marked improvement compared with 25 percent given placebos. Trial Participant Accounts Significant Improvement Jim LaBonte of Boston took part in another omega-3 study. LaBonte, who was diagnosed with depression four years ago, had tried Prozac but didn't like the way it made him feel. He complained the drug left him with no emotions, and so he stopped taking it. Then he enrolled in a clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital. "I leaned more toward the skeptical. I wanted to say, 'show me,' " LaBonte told ABCNEWS. LaBonte took the omega-3 fatty acid DHA each day. Within three weeks, he said, he noticed a significant improvement. He has now been taking DHA for eight months. "I'm fine today. Not only do I not feel as blue, but when they [depressed feelings] do come I am able to handle it," he said. "We're confident that the results he had were positive," said Mischoulon. "We've also observed similar responses in other people. So it's pretty clear in our minds that these treatments work." Preliminary studies suggest 1 gram a day of omega-3 fatty acids can be an effective treatment, whether in the form of a nutritional supplement available at most health-food stores or simply by eating fish — especially salmon, sardines or tuna — several times a week. Researchers say much larger studies are now needed to follow up on the initial success of omega-3 trials, not only against depression but also in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and violent behavior. Mon, 14 Feb 2005 20:26:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-fish-oil-helps-treat-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-status-role-in-depression- Vitamin E status, role in depression?Source: www.nutraingredients.comPeople with depression appear to have lower levels of the vitamin E alpha-tocopherol circulating in their bloodstream, report researchers, who will investigate further whether vitamin E supplements can help their symptoms. Levels of vitamin E have been reported to be lower in patients suffering major depression but it was not known whether this is due to inadequate dietary intake or a result of depression. An Australian team measured plasma alpha-tocopherol levels in 49 adults with major depression, and also looked at usual dietary intake of vitamin E by investigating diet history in a subset of the group. This was designed to check whether these subjects had a lower dietary intake of the vitamin than healthy people. Diet analysis indicated that 89 per cent of subjects met or exceeded the recommended intake for vitamin E, and so dietary intake was unlikely to be responsible for the low alpha-tocopherol levels, write the researchers in this month’s European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 59, pp304-306). Yet they found that the subjects had significantly lower levels of the vitamin than has previously been reported for healthy Australians. In addition, alpha-tocopherol levels were inversely related to depression score. “While it cannot be determined from our study, it seems possible that the lower vitamin E in blood may be a marker of increased physiological stress (possibly increased oxidative stress) in depression,” lead author Dr Alice Owen from the Smart Foods Centre in the University of Wollongong, Australia told NutraIngredients.com. Previous studies have shown that antioxidant vitamins may protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals and other reactive oxygen species produced during basic cellular metabolism. “We hope to see further research examining the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of depression, which will hopefully allow the scientific community to develop new treatment strategies," added Dr Owen. She noted however that there is no evidence so far to suggest that increasing vitamin E status through supplements will be of therapeutic value. Owen’s team will shortly release results from further research looking at the effect of a nutritional supplement in adults with major depression. Mon, 14 Feb 2005 19:08:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-status-role-in-depression- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-is-for-tranquillity Tea is for tranquillitySource: icperthshire.icnetwork.co.ukA CUP of tea really is hot stuff, according to latest research.A new study reveals camomile tea helps combat colds.And rowdy prisoners in jail are being given mugs of herbal teas to keep the peace.When trouble's brewing at Wandsworth prison, London, staff calm down stir-crazy inmates by serving up drinks with names such as Valerian Plus and Tranquillity.These teas are so effective at keeping the peace that officers are using them instead of prescription sedatives.Sales of herbal teas in the past year have soared amid claims that a brew can help cure everything from migraines and depression to obesity and cancer.But how can you separate the facts from the fiction? Here Vital gives a run-down of the known health benefits of a cuppa.LEMON AND HONEY TEA:This is the nation's favourite cure for colds, according to a recent survey. Lemons are loaded with immune-boosting vitamin Cand honey has antibacterial properties.GINGER TEA:Good for upset stomachs. Researchers found it controls morning sickness. It has also been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting.The main active ingredient is thought to be a compound called gingerol, which helps to relax blood vessels and stimulate blood flow.CAMOMILE TEA:An effective stress-busting drink.When volunteers drank five cups of camomile tea for two weeks there was a rise in antibacterial activity in the body cells and in the levels of glycine, an amino acid which reduces muscle spasms and acts as a nerve relaxant. Hippurate, found in camomile tea, has also been proven to beat colds.GREEN TEA:Packed full of flavanoids. Research has shown green tea can lower blood pressure and clotting and protect cells in the body against damage from free radicals.These form in the body after exposure to pollution, UV light and smoking and are thought to cause cancer and heart disease. Green tea also helps with digestion.LICORICE TEA:This may help reduce the symptoms of asthma. In Japan, it is used in research to help treat cases of chronic Hepatitis C. It is also soothing and healing for the lining of the stomach and intestines.RASPBERRY LEAF TEA:A good friend if you are suffering from bad period pains or heavy menstrual bleeding. It is also thought to tone up the uterus so is recommended in the last two weeks of pregnancy to get your body ready for labour. A 1999 study in Sydney revealed that taking raspberry leaf may have reduced the likelihood of pregnancy problems among all 108 mothers who took part. Never take it before then, though, as there is a danger it may actually trigger labour.GINSENG TEA:A natural pick-me-up. The Chinese, who have one of the longest life expectancies, have used ginseng for more than 5000 years. It is thought to increase energy and release stress. Many ginseng fans claim it is a potent aphrodisiac.WHITE TEA:Made from the bud of the tea plant, white tea has even more antioxidants than green tea. It also offers better protection than green tea against colon and rectal cancer.ST JOHN'S WORT:Made from hypericum perforatum - a yellow flowering hedgerow plant-studies show it is effective against depression. Also available as tablets.ORDINARY BLACK TEA:Even if you don't fancy the herbal variety, a cup of ordinary tea may also give you a health boost. Four cups provide almost a fifth of an adult's daily vitamin B2 requirements and five per cent of their zinc and folic acid needs.VALERIAN TEAINSOMNIA affects about 15 per cent of us in Scotland struggling to nod off at night try a cup of this.The herb works by blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, shortening the time it takes to fall asleep. Swedish researchers found that 89 per cent of those who took valerian before bed reported improved sleep, with 44 per cent rating their sleep as perfect.NETTLE TEAIT provides a rich source of iron, folic acid and B vitamins.Just a few cups a day helps keep the bowels in good and regular condition. Rich in silica and other minerals important for nail growth, a cup of nettle leaf tea a day may also help to nourish and strengthen nails.PEPPERMINT TEA:When you have eaten too much go for this. Its cool minty taste is not just refreshing, herbalists believe it helps with digestion and may even combat flatulence. It also contains menthol, a cooling agent, which can trigger gentle sweating and help your body get rid of toxins. Mon, 14 Feb 2005 19:05:21 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-is-for-tranquillity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbals-alternative-therapies-here-to-stay Herbals, alternative therapies here to staySource: www.nutraingredients.comMore than a third of cancer patients in Europe use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), most often to increase their body’s ability to fight the disease, reveals the first Europe-wide study of alternative medicine use.Herbal medicines were by far the most commonly used CAM therapy, the first choice in nine out of 14 countries surveyed by an international research team. Vitamins and minerals were also among the five most frequently used therapies, according to the responses from nearly 1,000 patients. The survey is important as it is one of the first attempts to examine use of CAM therapies across Europe. The bulk of the literature on CAM use by cancer patients comes from the US. Writing in today’s issue of the Annals of Oncology (doi:10.1093/annonc/mdi110), the authors said CAM use was found to be considerably lower than surveys reporting results from US samples, where it is often well above 40 per cent. But their results show that it is used to a sufficient extent – nearly three quarters of cancer patients in Italy use some form of CAM – to warrant an increase in funding for research and better integration into mainstream healthcare services. "Irrespective of what health professionals believe about CAM and how dismissive they might be, our findings show that patients are using, and will continue to use CAM,” write lead author Dr Alex Molassiotis and colleagues. “So, this will probably necessitate rethinking the provision of medical and healthcare education, broadening our understanding of the concept of medicine and working towards integrating into mainstream healthcare services those CAM therapies for which there is evidence of effectiveness," they claim. The survey was based on patient questionnaires issued by members of the European Oncology Nursing Society in clinics in 14 countries. It uses the US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine definition of CAM, which includes Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, spiritual interventions like meditation and prayer, biological therapies like supplements, body-based methods such as massage and energy therapies like Reiki. The results show that CAM users tend to be female (more than 60 per cent), younger and more highly educated and that pancreatic, liver, bone and brain cancer patients (ie patients with poor prognosis) use CAM significantly more often than other patients. In most countries around a third used CAM, with only Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland showing high levels of use and Greece showing very low levels (under 15 per cent). Herbal medicines, by far the most commonly used therapy, escalated in use from 5.3 per cent before cancer diagnosis to more than tripling after diagnosis. Most of the herbs used were specific to each country. For example Turkish patients were most likely to use nettle leaves or tea, while Scots most often reported the use of green tea. In Switzerland patients opted for mistletoe while Serbians and Spanish reported use of aloe vera. Israeli and English patients selected multivitamins. Homeopathy was also a popular choice across the region – the most commonly used therapy in Belgium – as well as medicinal teas. Most patients said they used CAM because they wanted to increase their body's ability to fight the disease (50 per cent), improve physical well-being (40 per cent), or emotional well-being (35 per cent). However, there were some differences in the reasons for using CAM and the actual benefits experienced. For example, although the primary reason for choosing CAM was to boost the ability to fight cancer only 22 per cent found it of benefit. But overall, patients tended to be satisfied - the mean satisfaction rating was 5.27 on a scale of 0-7, and the mean perceived effectiveness rating was 5.04. Dr Molassiotis, a reader in cancer and supportive care at the University of Manchester School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, said the study had limitations arising from a variety of difficulties in conducting Europe-wide research. "Nevertheless, although CAM use in Europe is lower than in the US, our study indicates that the average mean use in Europe has increased since a review of 29 studies was published in 1998," he said. He added that research funding for CAM has increased but is still very low – only around 0.31 per cent of all medical research funding in the UK - and needs to be significantly increased."We cannot overemphasise the need to increase the evidence base of CAM therapies using methodologies that are appropriate and sensitive." "It's also important from an economic point of view as CAM is a multibillion Euro business – in fact the second biggest growth industry – and some patients pay large sums out of their own pockets to access it." He concluded that the EU needs to consider broader policies, common laws and rationalisation of available legislation on CAM. Mon, 14 Feb 2005 19:03:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbals-alternative-therapies-here-to-stay http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunburn-may-take-the-heat-out-of-skin-cancer Sunburn may take the heat out of skin cancerSource: www.iol.co.zaSunlight exposure, a major risk factor for the potentially deadly skin cancer melanoma, may also help victims survive it, new United States (US) and European research indicates.And a second study indicates that exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of getting cancer of the lymph glands.Researchers stress their findings do not mean people should rush out and start baking in the sun as much more research is needed.But the new reports, being published this week in the Journal of the US National Cancer Institute, do provide important clues to the development of these cancers and some factors that may slow or stop them.Melanoma has increased over the past 50 years in developed countries with Caucasian populations. Studies have consistently found exposure to the sun a major risk factor.But a new look at 528 melanoma victims over five years also found increased sun exposure led to increased survivability, says the study led by Marianne Berwick of the department of internal medicine at the University of New Mexico."It's totally counter-intuitive, and we're trying to investigate it," said Berwick. She is now doing a similar study of 3 700 melanoma patients worldwide."It's really strange, because sunburn seems to be one of the factors associated with improved survival, and that doesn't make much sense, so we think sunburn's a proxy for the kind of sun exposure that leads to melanoma."Vitamin D, which the skin makes in response to sunlight, may be a factor. It can help regulate cell growth and help cells stop unnecessary growth.Another possibility is solar elastosis, a response to sunlight that breaks down collagen in the skin - the same process that causes sun-related wrinkling."It may be that some physical barrier created by this breakdown of collagen keeps the melanoma from getting into the blood and lymph system."In the second study, Karolinska Institute researchers in Stockholm, Sweden, studied 3 000 lymph cancer patients and a similar number without in Denmark and Sweden. They found that increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation through sunbathing and sunburns resulted in a reduced incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is suspected of being caused in a way similar to skin cancer. - Sapa-AP Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:59:40 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunburn-may-take-the-heat-out-of-skin-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pms-seeks-herbal-cure PMS seeks herbal cureSource: www.theaustralian.news.com.auTYPE "evening primrose oil" into an internet search engine and you will get back dozens of links to websites spruiking its effectiveness at relieving premenstrual symptoms.It's a big seller, and site after site, including those of well-known manufacturers, plug its usefulness – not only for PMS but menopause too.The trouble is, according to Ramesh Manocha, there's no convincing evidence that it does any good for either PMS or menopause.Manocha – a GP who is completing a PhD on natural therapies – will deliver a talk at Australia's foremost women's health seminar for GPs in Sydney next week, about the evidence-based natural therapies for PMS and menopause.And as far as he can see, the evidence often doesn't support the buying choices of the great Australian public. "You have this contradiction where the products that are great commercial successes generally do not work," he says."They are just promoted very effectively. There are others that have a demonstrable effect, but the public unfortunately doesn't know about them."The high-quality, scientifically effective products are less well-known than the junk products."Women have been interested for some time in alternative therapies to treat the symptoms of PMS and menopause.Back in 2001 the Medical Journal of Australia noted that menopause was "a natural event, and some women are understandably reticent to take a drug therapy such as HRT for a natural event" (2001;174:63-64).What's interesting about next week's talk is that it's other doctors who now also want to be in the know. "There's a huge level of interest in non-hormonal treatments for menopause after the WHI scare," says Manocha, referring to the Women's Health Initiative study which was halted in 2002 after finding women using HRT for long periods had a slightly increased risk of heart attack and breast cancer. "There's a lot of interest there. In PMS, western medicine is focused on scientific evidence . . . (but) there's no scientific treatments for PMS within the western armoury."Anything with a bit of evidence is still better than nothing in terms of what mainstream medicine has to offer at the moment."He says there are three agents that "every woman with PMS should be trying": chaste berry, calcium and vitamin B.Manocha says there's "some remarkable evidence" for the efficacy of chaste berry, also known as chaste tree fruit, monk's pepper, or its Latin name, Vitex agnus-castus L.One high-quality randomised control trial found it was "an effective and well-tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome", Manocha says, and five of the six PMS symptoms improved significantly compared against women taking a placebo.For menopause, Manocha says "the two big ones" are black cohosh, and then soy products. The latter he says are substantially less useful, "but probably worth a try".However, he warns that many people go wrong with alternative therapies, and specifically herbal medicines, because two brands using the same herb may have very different effects."You can have two herbal products with the same herb in them for the same problems, but only one brand is effective," he says."It doesn't just have to contain the herbal product – the actual way that herb is created and processed into a tablet is of critical importance."You could go down the shop and buy an ice coffee Move, or a latte. Both could be described as coffee products, but they have quite different effects on the body."He claims even the "big names" on the herbal scene are not as effective as they should be because they often use a cheaper extraction process that renders the herb less effective.This means that just because a trial has found a particular herb has a useful effect, just because a product contains that herb does not necessarily mean it will also have that useful effect.Basil Roufogalis, executive director of the herbal medicines research and education centre at the University of Sydney, says that herbal medicines are "very complex" and have many different ingredients that work in different ways.Using different parts of a plant, such as the roots, leaves or stems, will create a different preparation – even where the plant is grown will affect its chemical properties.Professor Roufogalis says the consumer "has to be aware that they must use a product that has proven efficacy wherever possible"."And the best way to be assured of that is to ask whether there have been any clinical trials done on that product, rather than on that herb."We have analysed a number of herbal medicines over the years, and generally we find the standard of the products from the major manufacturers is quite good." Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:58:10 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pms-seeks-herbal-cure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/popular-supplement-melatonin-found-to-have-broader-effects-in-brain-than-once-thought Popular supplement melatonin found to have broader effects in brain than once thoughtSource: www.berkeley.eduBERKELEY – Shift workers and travelers who pop melatonin pills to stave off drowsiness or jetlag have another reason to be cautious about taking the supplement, say Japanese and University of California, Berkeley, researchers.A new study shows that melatonin, a hormone available without prescription, has broader effects in the brain than once thought. In experiments on the Japanese quail, the researchers found that melatonin switches on a recently discovered hormone called gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which has been found to have the opposite effect to the key hormone priming the body for sex -- gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). In birds, switching off GnRH causes the gonads -- testes and ovary -- to shrink as part of the birds' yearly cycle.Though the role of melatonin is likely to be more complex in humans, the fact that the hormone has such a big effect on birds suggests it could have significant though unnoticed effects in humans, said George E. Bentley, an assistant professor of integrative biology at UC Berkeley. In humans, GnRH -- one of various short protein or peptide hormones referred to as neuropeptides -- brings on puberty. "This is quite exciting in terms of potential effects of melatonin on the reproductive axis, that is, the link between the brain, the pituitary gland and the gonads," said Bentley, who is finishing post-doctoral work at the University of Washington, Seattle, before a planned move this summer to UC Berkeley. "Melatonin has not been considered to have an effect on any neuropeptide in the brain of any vertebrate. If melatonin can do this on one neuropeptide system, it has the potential to do it on any other neuropeptide system."Bentley noted that melatonin could have good as well as bad effects, but that the current lack of knowledge of the hormone's function in the human brain is troubling."It really amazes me that melatonin is available in any pharmacy," Bentley said. "It is a powerful hormone, and yet people don't realize that it's as 'powerful' as any steroid. I'm sure that many people who take it wouldn't take steroids so glibly. It could have a multitude of effects on the underlying physiology of an organism, but we know so little about how it interacts with other hormone systems."Bentley, along with graduate student Takayoshi Ubuka, senior endocrinologist Kazuyoshi Tsutsui, a professor on the faculty of integrated arts and sciences, and their colleagues at Hiroshima University, report their findings this week in the Online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythms, in many animals, including humans. Produced at night by the pineal gland at the base of the brain, it makes us drowsy at night and, when levels drop in the morning, brings us back to alertness. As an over-the-counter supplement, it is used widely to prevent jetlag from long airline flights, and is popped daily by many nightshift workers to reset their biological clock so that they're alert at night. Despite claims by supplement manufacturers, however, melatonin has shown mixed results as a treatment for disease, whether insomnia, Alzheimer's disease or cancer. It is not recommended for children, for women trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.Bentley got interested in melatonin's effects in the brain through his work with Tsutsui on a new brain hormone, GnIH, that Tsutsui discovered in 2000. GnIH's discovery got a lot of attention at the time because it was one of the last remaining pieces of the brain's hormone system that controls reproduction. While most hormones produced by the brain have both agonists, called "releasing hormones," to switch them on and antagonists to switch them off, GnRH was missing an antagonist. GnIH seemed to be that missing antagonist, and work by Tsutsui and Bentley confirmed its role in turning down production of GnRH and thus switching off the gonads. Though most of these studies were conducted on the Japanese quail or the white-crowned sparrow, a search of the human genome shows that humans have a gene for the same hormone."This is a way in which puberty could be regulated, for example," Bentley said. "It adds a whole new dimension to reproductive biology, because there are a lot of clinical issues with reproduction and puberty. One side of the picture was missing (until) this new hormone came into play.""Reproduction is something that has been studied very rigorously, and to identify a new peptide in that arena that seems to be playing such an important role is pretty phenomenal at this time," added Lance Kriegsfeld, an assistant professor of psychology at UC Berkeley who is collaborating with Tsutsui and Bentley on similar research.In an effort to find out what regulates GnIH, Bentley again teamed up with Tsutsui and his laboratory colleagues to look at the effects of melatonin. Though birds make melatonin in the same way humans do, and the melatonin cycles through the day and through the year with changes in the length of the day, it's unclear the role it plays in the brain.Ubuka in Japan removed all the organs in the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica, that are known to produce melatonin and found that GnIH levels dropped significantly. When melatonin levels were increased with injections, however, GnIH levels more than tripled. Afterward, the bird brains were sent to Bentley to test for the presence and location of melatonin binding sites."We found that melatonin actually increases production of the messenger RNA and the mature peptide, GnIH, and it appeared to be a direct effect. The melatonin is binding to the GnIH neurons in the hypothalamus of quail," he said.To look more closely at the role melatonin plays in the reproductive cycle of quail, the researchers also raised male birds under different lighting conditions. Quail raised in simulated short days, which would be expected to produce high levels of melatonin in the brain, had correspondingly higher levels of GnIH than did quail raised with longer periods of light, which would be expected to produce less melatonin. In addition, the short-day males had larger testicles than the long-day males. Further support for the importance of melatonin in the reproductive cycle of males came from biologist John Wingfield's University of Washington lab, where Bentley looked for sites where melatonin binds (and therefore has physiological effects) in the quail brain. He found it bound to the same areas that produce GnIH, which are located in the periventricular nucleus."There are a lot of unknowns in terms of potential effects of melatonin," Bentley said. "We know that GnIH affects the reproductive axis, but the GnIH neurons in the hypothalamus have fibers branching from them that transport the peptide around the brain to multiple brain areas -- areas involved in basically every physiological and behavioral process you could imagine. So melatonin could affect a multitude of physiological systems via the GnIH system."In birds, the melatonin is clearly mediating a seasonal reproductive process already known to occur, the researchers said. For mammals, however, the implications are still unclear, since human reproduction seems only slightly affected by seasonal changes."GnIH likely has implications for regulating the human reproductive axis, but the mechanisms by which melatonin may act on this population of cells to regulate the changes in seasonal reproduction that we see in humans remains to be determined," Kriegsfeld said.Bentley and Kriegsfeld, in collaboration with Tsutsui, plan to look at melatonin's role in the brain and reproductive cycle of a photoperiodic mammal, the Siberian hamster, which they've shown contains GnIH.In addition to Ubuka, who will follow Bentley to UC Berkeley this summer, the paper's other coauthors are Hiroshima University post-doctoral fellow Kazuyoshi Ukena, who was instrumental in the initial discovery of GnIH, and Wingfield, Bentley's University of Washington advisor and a professor of biology. Tsutsui, Ubuka and Ukena also are affiliated with the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology at Tokyo's Japan Science and Technology Corporation.The work was funded in part by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and by the National Institutes of Health (USA). Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:17:10 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/popular-supplement-melatonin-found-to-have-broader-effects-in-brain-than-once-thought http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/frownies-skin-care-system-better-than-botox- Frownies Skin Care System Better than Botox®Source: www.emediawire.comThe complete Frownies anti-aging skin care system is safer, simpler, and better than Botox®. 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Immune Perféct contains powerful anti-oxidants, water-soluble melanin, and a 40% active Vitamin E matrix. This unique combination is biologically active with the skin’s cellular layers providing the most potent and effective free radical scavenging sciences to help renew and regenerate the skin's cellular structure for young, beautiful, healthy skin.Immune Perféct can be used on the sensitive areas around the eyes and on the neck – areas where Botox® cannot safely be used. Immune Perféct addresses the fine lines on the face and neck, completing the Frownies’ anti-aging skin care system. For more information regarding Immune Perfect visit http://www.frownies.com/products/ip/Frownies natural skin care products are the perfect alternative to Botox®, and the results are even better than Botox®. Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:15:54 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/frownies-skin-care-system-better-than-botox- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-boosts-exercise-endurance Green tea boosts exercise enduranceSource: www.news-medical.netNow that even baseball players may need to seek new, more natural performance aids, will Japanese green tea sets become standard in dugouts and athletic training tables around the world? A new study tested the effect of regularly taking green tea extract (GTE) and found that over 10 weeks, endurance exercise performance was boosted up to 24% with 0.5% GTE supplementation, and 8% with 0.2% by-weight addition to food.Reporting in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology researchers at the Biological Sciences Laboratories of Kao Corp., Tochigi, Japan, said the 8-24% increase in swimming time-to-exhaustion was “accompanied by lower respiratory quotients and higher rates of fat oxidation.” The results “indicate that GTE is beneficial for improving endurance capacity and support the hypothesis that the stimulation of fatty acid utilization is a promising strategy for improving endurance capacity,” according to the study entitled, “Green tea extract improves endurance capacity and increases muscle lipid oxidation in mice.” Research was conducted by Takatoshi Murase, Satoshi Haramizu, Akira Shimotoyodome, Azumi Nagasawa and Ichiro Tokimitsu, working at Kao Corp., a Japanese maker of healthcare products, including green tea beverages.Results came from the equivalent of about 4 cups of tea a dayAlthough it’s difficult to extrapolate from mice eating GTE as a food supplement to a major leaguer or Olympic swimmer sipping green tea, the study’s lead author, Takatoshi Murase said: “We estimate that an athlete weighing 75 kilograms (165 pounds) would have to drink about four cups (0.8 liter) of green tea daily to match the effect in our experiments.” “One of our important findings,” Murase pointed out, “was that a single high-dose of GTE or its active ingredients didn’t affect performance. So it’s the long-term ingestion of GTE that is beneficial.” (Murase based his calculations of mouse-to-human tea/GTE consumption equivalents on work his lab is doing on the anti-obesity effects of GTE on mice and humans.)In an era when professional and amateur athletes are always looking for ways to improve performance, and most people want to improve their health and exercise capabilities, “the efficacy of dietary interventions is still controversial,” the authors acknowledge. They note that green tea and cacao contain a class of polyphenols called catechins, which consist mainly of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate and gallocatechin gallate. Catechins have been reported to have various physiological and pharmacological properties over the years. The Kao lab “recently demonstrated that the long-term consumption of tea catechins was beneficial in counteracting the obesity-inducing effects of a high-fat diet, and that their effects may be attributed, at least in part, to the activation of hepatic lipid catabolism” in mice. “Overall,” the authors said, “observations so far suggest that thermogenesis and fat oxidation are stimulated by the intake of catechins.”Working hypothesis and study methods“To confirm our hypothesis that catechins affect endurance exercise capacity (i.e. time to exhaustion) by increasing lipid utilization, in this study we examined the effect of catechin-rich GTE intake on the endurance capacity of Balb/c mice swimming in an adjustable-current water pool. We also analyzed changes in energy metabolism, especially lipid metabolism. We demonstrated that GTE intake improved endurance capacity and this was accompanied by an increase in lipid catabolism. Our results support the hypothesis that stimulation of lipid metabolism is a promising strategy for improving the capacity for endurance training.”The ideas for the experiment come from the fact that “skeletal muscles utilize carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids as energy sources, but the ratio in which they are used varies with the intensity of exercise and the level of fitness” as well as the type of exercise involved. For instance “during endurance exercise, excess glucose is undesirable because it induces insulin secretion, which in turn simultaneously inhibits lipid metabolism and stimulates lactate production. Conversely, enhanced availability and utilization of free fatty acids are considered to reduce carbohydrate utilization, which in turn spare glycogen and suppresses lactate production and results in an increase in endurance.”To test what effects GTE and its components would have on endurance exercise, the researchers ran two experiments. In the first, swimming endurance capacity was measured at eight weeks of age and the mice were divided into four groups of 10 each. All subjects had unlimited access to water for exercise. For 10 weeks, controls ate a standardized diet only, while experimental animals had this diet supplemented with 0.2% and 0.5% GTE by weight. During this period experimental mice were exercised in a pool twice a week, but non-exercise mice weren’t. The second experiment was similar to the first but the experimental groups received a diet containing 0.1% to 0.5% EGCG for 10 weeks. At the beginning of the experiment, the mice swam about 26 minutes until they were exhausted. After 10 weeks on the training regimen, the time-to-exhaustion for the exercise-control mice (no GTE or EGCG supplement) rose to about 33 minutes, showing the effects of unaided practice on endurance capacity. From the first week of the experiment, the mice on GTE showed greater improvement compared with the exercise-controls. By week eight, the improved performance of mice on 0.5% GTE was significantly better (39 minutes) than the exercise-controls (33 minutes) at a 0.05 level, while improvement in weeks 9 and 10 (40 minutes vs. 33 minutes) were significant at the 0.01 level.GTE effects not matched by EGCG alone suggesting other additional influencesIn the global search for enhanced athletic performance (and health and fitness), the Kao team said they “have shown that GTE improved endurance capacity and that the improvement was dose-dependent. A similar effect was observed in mice fed EGCG, a major constituent of GTE, suggesting that the effects of GTE were mediated at least in part by EGCG. “However, because the effects of EGCG appear weak compared with those of GTE, we cannot rule out a possible contribution from other components of GTE. Although long-term intake of GTE enhanced endurance capacity, no marked effects were observed after a single dose of GTE, suggesting that some biochemical changes induced by habitual GTE intake, such as up-regulation of muscular beta-oxidation, contributed to the improvement in endurance capacity.”The study found that plasma NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) measured immediately after exercise slightly, but significantly, increased in mice fed tea catechins. Though they concede that the effect of plasma fatty acid level on endurance capacity is controversial, they say that increased supply of circulating fatty acids would “induce the uptake of fatty acids, and thereby stimulate lipid metabolism in muscle.” Indeed, lab results showed that muscular beta-oxidation was higher in GTE-fed mice (compared with non-exercise and exercise-control mice), “suggesting that GTE enhanced the capacity of muscle to catabolize lipids and utilize fatty acids as an energy source.” Conversely, GTE lowered plasma lactate concentrations, which would be raised by glycogen breakdown and glycolytic flux, they note. Taken together the experimental results “suggest that habitual exercise and the intake of GTE enhance fatty acid availability, catabolism and utilization in muscle, and this is accompanied by a reduction in carbohydrate use, which together result in prolonged swimming times to exhaustion.”Controlling for caffeineKao researchers controlled for possible influences of caffeine and possible weight-fat changes that might affect buoyancy.Aware that previous studies were criticized by the possible role of caffeine on fatty acids and exercise, the Kao researchers reduced the amount of caffeine in supplements. “In addition, we observed no changes in plasma NEFA level under resting conditions, suggesting that caffeine-stimulated lipolysis did not occur under these conditions. Thus our results overall suggest that the effects observed in this study are not attributable to caffeine. In particular, our findings that purified EGCG improved endurance capacity supports this conclusion.”Next stepsThe “precise molecular mechanism by which GTE stimulates fatty acid metabolism is unclear at present (and) remains to be elucidated.” For instance, the researchers wrote, “it is possible that the anti-oxidant properties of tea catechins mediate their effects on endurance capacity.” And finally they noted: “Although the clinical efficacy of GTE has not yet been confirmed in human studies, our results suggest that GTE may be a useful tool for improving endurance capacity.” Source and fundingThe study, “Green tea extract improves endurance capacity and increases muscle lipid oxidation in mice,” was conducted by Takatoshi Murase, Satoshi Haramizu, Akira Shimotoyodome, Azumi Nagasawa and Ichiro Tokimitsu, appears in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, published by the American Physiological Society.All researchers work at the Biological Science Laboratories of Kao Corp., Tochigi, Japan, which makes healthcare products, including green tea beverages. Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:14:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-boosts-exercise-endurance http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-shows-peanuts-may-be-natures-vitamin-pill Study Shows Peanuts May Be Nature's Vitamin PillSource: www.theviewnewspapers.comPeanut lovers may have another good reason to come out of their shells. A new study from Pennsylvania State University shows that just one serving of peanuts or peanut butter a day can help children and adults meet requirements for nutrients often lacking in American diets. The data comes from a United States Department of Agriculture national survey of what people are eating and shows that peanut eaters had higher intakes of several hard-to-get nutrients compared to those who do not consume peanuts. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has discovered that vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber are all lacking in typical American diets. This study shows that eating just one daily serving of peanuts or peanut butter can help children and adults meet nutrient needs. For this reason, peanuts have often been referred to as “Mother Nature’s multivitamin.” Vitamin E, which is hard to get from foods, is thought to help prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. One serving of peanuts or peanut butter contains 16 to 18 percent of the Daily Value for vitamin E. One serving of peanuts also contains almost 10 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for folate, which is important for reducing the risk of heart disease, as well as preventing neural tube defects in unborn babies. Americans are currently consuming only about half of the fiber they need each day. Fiber consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A one-ounce serving of peanuts or a two-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains about two grams of fiber-that’s as much as a slice of whole-wheat bread. This study also helps to dispel the myth that higher-fat foods automatically lead to weight gain. The peanut eaters had leaner bodies compared to the non-peanut eaters as measured by body mass index (BMI), an indicator of body fatness. Add chopped peanuts to fruit salad or spread peanut butter on apple or pear slices to satisfy hunger. Drizzle melted peanut butter over non-fat ice cream for a sweet treat. To learn more about peanuts and health, visit www.peanut-institute.org. Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:11:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-shows-peanuts-may-be-natures-vitamin-pill http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/indian-ayurvedic-herb-as-effective-for-diabetes-as-drugs- Indian ayurvedic herb as effective for Diabetes as drugs:Source: news.newkerala.comA new study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University suggests that the Indian herb Salacia oblonga lowers blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs. The researchers led by Steve Hertzler subjected thirty-nine healthy adults to four separate meal tolerance tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form, were spaced three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for at least 10 hours before consuming the test beverage. Participants were asked to drink about two cups' worth of the chilled beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000 milligrams of Salacia oblonga extract. They then took blood samples from each person every 15 to 30 minutes for three hours. These blood samples were used to determine insulin and blood glucose concentrations. The beverage with "1,000 milligrams" of extract lowered insulin levels by 29 percent and blood glucose levels by 23 percent as compared to the control drink, which contained no herbal extract. The participants collected breath hydrogen samples hourly for eight hours after drinking the test beverage in small plastic tubes. These were then analyzed for hydrogen and methane content b" the level of either substance in the breath corresponds to the level contained in the colon. The subjects also rated the frequency and intensity of nausea, abdominal cramping and distention and gas for two days after consuming each test meal. While the test beverages containing Salacia oblonga caused an increase in breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal discomfort were minimal, Hertzler said. "We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to the enzymes that break down carbohydrates. The participants in this study took the herb with their meal, but maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective," Hertzler said. -- Asia News International (ANI) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:10:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/indian-ayurvedic-herb-as-effective-for-diabetes-as-drugs- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-common-cause-of-many-ailments Vitamin D Deficiency: Common Cause of Many AilmentsSource: www.rednova.comThe Institute of Medicine brought experts together recently to explore the question of whether the RDA or recommended daily allowance, of vitamin D has been set too low. The impetus for the occasion was the mounting evidence for this vitamin's role in preventing common cancers, autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is common in the U.S. Because the typical symptoms are aching bones and muscle discomfort, vitamin D deficiency is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, according to Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, of the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Holick has conducted a review of all vitamin D studies, which was published in the December 2004 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin D has become the vitamin of the moment, possibly because researchers in this field want to raise the RDA again. And Dr. Holick's review, which was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, certainly supports the move. For most Americans, sunlight provides the lion's share of our vitamin D requirements because we eat few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, such as cod liver oil and oily fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel). But many Americans do not met the minimum requirement of sun exposure. What's more, vitamin D deficiency is more pronounced among people living at higher latitudes, such as the New England States, especially in winter. Dr. Holick and colleagues conducted a 2002 study at the Boston Medical Center, which found that, by the end of the winter, 32% of students and doctors, aged 18 to 29 years, were vitamin D deficient. Winter isn't the only problem because, year-round, many people spend a lot of time indoors or slather themselves with sunscreen when they do go outside. So it was not too surprising that another study conducted in Boston found a high degree of D deficiency in white (30%), Hispanic (42%) and black (84%) elderly people at the end of August. Another study found that 38% of nursing home residents were vitamin D deficient. Much of the sun avoidance and excessive sunscreen use is attributed to public education campaigns by dermatologists warning about skin cancers. It should be noted, however, that the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, is unrelated to sun exposure, as the disease usually occurs in areas of the body not exposed to the sun. Obesity is yet another cause of vitamin D deficiency, according to Dr. Holick, who found that even when dietary vitamin D intake and sun exposure are adequate, the vitamin becomes unavailable because it becomes stored in the large amount of body fat. Aging skin requires more sun exposure. A 70-year-old exposed to the same amount of sunlight as a 20-year-old will only make 25% of the vitamin D that the young person can make. Breastfed infants are deficient in vitamin D because human milk is deficient in vitamin D. Dr. Holick offered this explanation for why deficiencies are widely overlooked: During the standard blood work-up, doctors tend to focus on the blood calcium levels, and if they are normal, doctors incorrectly assume their patients are getting enough D. Why the seemingly sudden interest in vitamin D when intriguing research goes back over a half century? In 1949, a researcher published his observation that people who live at higher latitudes, such as New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, had a higher incidence of cancer deaths, compared with people living in southern states, such as Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. In a telephone interview, Dr. Holick was asked why other researchers didn't pick up on this study and look further. "It was an interesting observation, but people didn't take epidemiology seriously," he answered. "Little attention was paid to it until the 1980s when other researchers reported that colon and breast cancer rates were higher for those living at higher latitudes in the U.S." Even then, the finding was not taken seriously until researchers understood the mechanism for how the breast, colon, and prostate activate vitamin D and use it to regulate cell growth, which Dr. Holick explained as a process that is, "keeping cell growth in check and possibly preventing the cell from becoming autonomous and developing into an unregulated cancer cell."After the paper explaining the mechanism was published in the British journal The Lancet, much more research attention began to be paid to vitamin D. And after 1999, many more observational studies were published showing a link between vitamin D deficiency and several chronic diseases. For example, there are higher rates of multiple sclerosis in people who live at higher latitudes; and another study showed vitamin D intake is inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In a 2001 study published in The Lancet, children treated with 2,000 IU daily of vitamin D from their first birthday onward had an 80% decreased risk of developing type 1 diabetes throughout the next 20 years. And in the last few years, several studies have been published indicating a link between schizophrenia and decreased exposure to sunlight. Dr. Holick's review states that animal studies have successfully shown that type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis can be prevented using mice prone to these diseases. To Dr. Holick, who is an endocrinologist, it is clear from studies like these (and many more that go unmentioned in this article for lack of space) that vitamin D should no longer be thought of only as the nutrient necessary for the prevention of rickets in young children. He said that his work has been instrumental in the vitamin D fortification of several common foods, including milk products, bread, and orange juice. In the telephone interview, Dr. Holick was asked whether an increase in the RDA for vitamin D was imminent, given the fact that the Institute of Medicine, a division of the National Academy of Science, recently held a meeting on the topic. "No, it usually takes 10 to 15 years to change an RDA," he answered. "A huge bureaucratic system is involved." In the meantime, he and other vitamin D researchers recommend a minimum of 1,000 IU vitamin D daily. This increase, he explained, will maximize the absorption of calcium. As for the risk of overdose, Dr Holick said, "You'd have to take 10,000 to 20,000 IU daily to approach toxicity." Is the type of vitamin D important? "Multivitamins usually have D2 which comes from yeast, but it's probably only 20-40% as effective as D3," which, he believes is better and longer lasting. Then there's the question of what constitutes an adequate amount of sunlight: "Five to ten minutes of exposure of the arms and legs or the hands, arms and face two or three times a week," stated Dr. Holick, adding a way of determining the right timing, "25% of the time that it would take to cause a light pinkness to the skin."For More Information: Read Dr. Holick's book, co-authored with Mark Jenkins and written for the general public, The UV Advantage (New York: Simon & Schuster/ ibooks, 2003). Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:04:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-common-cause-of-many-ailments http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fibre-rich-diet-lowers-cholesterol-as-well-as-drugs-study Fibre-rich diet lowers cholesterol as well as drugs: StudySource: www.thestar.comA diet rich in fibre and vegetables lowered cholesterol just as much as taking a statin drug, Canadian researchers reported Monday.They says people who cannot tolerate the statin drugs because of side-effects can turn to the diet, which their volunteers could easily follow.David Jenkins of St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto and colleagues created what they called a diet "portfolio" high in soy protein, almonds, and cereal fibre as well as plant sterols — tree-based compounds used in cholesterol-lowering margarines, salad dressing and other products.They tested their diet on 34 overweight men and women, comparing it with a low-fat diet and with a normal diet plus a generic statin drug, lovastatin.Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Jenkins and colleagues said the low-fat diet lowered LDL — the low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol — by 8.5 per cent after a month. Statins lowered LDL by 33 per cent and the "portfolio" diet lowered LDL by nearly 30 per cent.The portfolio was rich in soy milk, soy burgers, almonds, oats, barley, psyllium seeds, okra and eggplant. The Almond Board of California helped fund the study, as did several food makers and the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.The researchers said nine volunteers, or a quarter of the group, got their lowest LDL levels from being on the portfolio diet.The volunteers all felt full on the diets although the "portfolio" diet resulted in more bowel movements, the researchers say. Sun, 13 Feb 2005 20:57:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fibre-rich-diet-lowers-cholesterol-as-well-as-drugs-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-protein-especially-valuable-to-runners Vitamin E, Protein Especially Valuable to RunnersSource: www.rednova.comWhile veteran runners and ambitious joggers toil through the winter months as they prepare for the spring marathon season, two recent studies suggest that vitamin E and protein can bolster the body's health during times of demanding exercise. Researchers in Oregon examined the benefits of vitamin E supplements for runners in a 50-kilometer (31 mile) ultramarathon in Corvallis. Their study found that runners taking vitamin E did not experience the usual increase in lipid oxidation _ a kind of damage that can weaken cells and cause long-term cardiovascular problems _ that results from extreme exercise. "We looked at a marker of oxidative damage," said Dr. Maret Traber, principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Traber helped conduct the study, published in May in the medical journal Free Radical Biology. "It's called isoprostane, and isoprostanes are important because they're associated with an increased risk of heart disease. So we were really interested. Could we protect the runners?" she asked. The answer was yes. Traber said a daily dose of 400 international units of vitamin E protects endurance athletes from damage that is linked to a number of long-range health problems, including diabetes, stroke, heart disease and Alzheimer's. She stressed, however, that a vitamin E supplement is necessary because the amount found in a regular diet isn't enough. (A study published Jan. 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggested that high doses of vitamin E may slightly raise overall mortality. The study examined 19 clinical trials involving more than 130,000 participants, and some critics said they were not persuaded because of the difficulty in combining results from several studies.) Meanwhile, another study shows that protein consumption after exercise can help to maintain the body's short-term health during intense training periods. Researchers at Iowa State University studied Marines during their 54-day basic training. A third of the recruits received a protein supplement after workout sessions, while the rest received a carbohydrate supplement or a placebo. The protein group experienced fewer infections, fewer treatments for muscle soreness and far less heat exhaustion than the others. While protein has been known to help rebuild muscles after physical stress, the results of the study extend beyond that, said Paul Flakoll, a professor of nutrition at Iowa State who published the study in the Journal of Applied Physiology in March. "People training at that level _ marathoners are a good example _ a lot of times have compromised immune function," he said. "There's been a lot of work with antioxidants in marathon runners, but it looks like protein may be very important for that as well."Flakoll emphasized protein should be consumed immediately after exercise, but he said that an appropriate amount can be found in protein milkshakes or bars or in protein-rich food. A pill isn't necessary. That approach may please marathoner Deena Kastor, 31. The 2004 Olympic bronze-medalist said nutrition is essential to her success, but she doesn't get wrapped up in the multitude of "gimmick" supplements or diets that continually appear on the market. "I believe that you can get all the nutrition you need through food that you eat, so I don't believe in supplementation at all," Kastor said. "I definitely try to get a combination of proteins and carbohydrates within a half hour of running, but I'd rather get it though eating some leftover steak from the night before and throwing it into some pasta."Food or pills, or both, is an athlete's decision, but any runner preparing for a marathon should monitor nutrition as meticulously as training, Traber said. "There's a lot of enthusiasm for extreme exercise. Yes, do the extreme exercise, but protect yourself."(Contact Joe Rominiecki at shws1(at).shns.com) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 20:53:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-protein-especially-valuable-to-runners http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-links-vitamin-to-osteoporosis Research Links Vitamin to OsteoporosisSource: www.rednova.comBoston researchers have linked osteoporosis with deficiencies in vitamin B12. A team headed by Katherine Tucker, director of the Dietary Assessment and Epidemiology Research Program at Tufts University, studied B12 levels in 2,500 people participating in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. They found both men and women with vitamin B12 deficiencies had lower bone densities, putting them more at risk for osteoporosis. Our study provides support for a way in which people can actively lower their risk of osteoporosis and help to preserve quality of life, Tucker said. Tucker said about 40 percent of women and 13 percent of men are at high risk of having an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lives. She advises everyone to make sure they are getting adequate amounts of B12 in their diets and suggests the elderly, who may have trouble absorbing the vitamin, eat fortified cereal or take supplements.Source: United Press International Sun, 13 Feb 2005 20:44:24 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-links-vitamin-to-osteoporosis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbs-for-healing Herbs for healingSource: ichounslow.icnetwork.co.ukHave you spent the winter coughing and sneezing, suffering aches and pains and generally feeling under the weather? If you have spent a lot of time perusing health food stores in search of natural remedies for classic winter ailments such as colds and flu, it may now be time to grow some of your own plants to help you.Of course there are some medicinal plants, such as echinacea (coneflower) - which was originally an American remedy for snake bite but is also thought to boost the immune system - which you're better off buying as a tincture from a health food shop or herbalist.However, there are some easy-to-grow herbs which you can infuse to relieve symptoms of illnesses, says Sue Minter, horticultural director at the Eden Project and former curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden.The leaves of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or thyme (Thymus vulgaris), as an example, can be infused (covered with boiling water) and the liquid taken to relieve both colds and headaches.Mullein (verbascum thapsus) is also good for coughs. Take the basal leaves and infuse them for 10 minutes, strain and drink as a herbal tea.Good sources of vitamin C include the rose hip (Rosa canina, or wild English dog rose). Collect and dry the hips and infuse them for seven minutes in boiling water. Strain and drink the infusion.Garlic and ginger are both useful remedies in winter, says Minter, as garlic staves off secondary infections and ginger helps relieve nausea.Minter offers the following tips for growing some of these cold beaters: ** Lemon balm: This perennial forms clumps of scented foliage 4ft (1.2m) high. Its tiny flowers attract bees and it does well in moist, well-drained soil.An infusion of the fresh leaves is highly effective for headache and insomnia. It induces some sweating in both colds and flu.* Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): This woollyleaved biennial produces pale yellow flowers on 5ft spikes and can be raised from seed in any soil in a sunny position. Make an infusion of the leaves for 10 minutes, strain and use the tea for coughs. ** Sage (Salvia officinalis): This shrubby, evergreen reaches 32in (80cm) in height and spread and is easy to grow. Sow seed under glass in spring, then plant out in a sunny place in well-drained soil. An infusion of sage leaves is particularly good for sore throats. Pick fresh young leaves, steep in boiling water, then strain and gargle. Avoid if you are pregnant.Ginger (Zingiber officinale): This can be grown as a foliage pot plant in the conservatory from rhizomes. They need a rich soil and a warm window sill to produce thin, leafy shoots which give a fragrance when bruised.Garlic: Obtain firm bulbs and divide them into single cloves. Plant the largest 3-4cm (1 1/2in) deep and 15cm (6in) apart in well-manured ground in full sun, either in late autumn or early spring in areas with cold, wet winters. Remove the flowerheads when they appear. Let the crop die down in midsummer and harvest the bulbs in late summer, drying them off on a rack in a cool, dry, ventilated shed. Garlic is a 'heal all',Minter, whose latest book The Healing Garden (Eden Project Books, £9.99) offers practical advice on creating a garden with healing properties, warns: "It is important that only minor problems are self-treated. If an ailment is severe or persists, you should seek help from a qualified medical practitioner."You should also be aware that some herbal medicines interact with pharmaceutical drugs, so you should always tell your doctor if you are taking herbal remedies." Tue, 01 Feb 2005 19:23:23 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbs-for-healing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/world-s-first-and-only-herbal-extract-clinically-proven-to-prevent-hangover-symptoms-offers-unique-investment-opportunity World’s First and Only Herbal Extract, Clinically Proven to Prevent Hangover Symptoms, Offers Unique Investment OpportunitySource: www.emediawire.comNutrimark, LLC is poised for dramatic growth. The company is the distributor of the only herbal extract clinically proven to prevent hangover symptoms, with results of the study peer-reviewed and published in a journal of the American Medical Association.1(PRWEB) January 27, 2005 -- The patented extract, called Tex-OE™, is derived from the skin of the fruit of the Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) by a patented process. For the purpose of preventing hangover symptoms, it can only be found in the product, distributed by Nutrimark, known as HPF Hangover Prevention Formula™.When the news of the new patented herbal extract with the proven ability to prevent hangover symptoms hit major U.S. wire services, and was broadcast worldwide, sales of HPF Hangover Prevention Formula have taken off at Nutrimark’s websites and the company’s 24/7 call center. Now, to meet widespread requests from customers to offer HPF at retail stores, Nutrimark is formulating plans to market its products at retail stores across the country. In addition, the company is planning a nationwide advertising and marketing campaign to drive sales to stores carrying HPF and other Nutrimark products2. To accomplish its expansion goals, the company is currently raising capital by offering qualified investors membership units in Nutrimark, LLC.Nutrimark’s CEO, Gerald J. Stefanko, an award-winning advertising and marketing professional with wide-ranging experience at national and international advertising and marketing firms commented. “HPF Hangover Prevention Formula is rumbling on the launch pad with all systems go. The brand, with its proprietary extract, is rapidly gaining awareness throughout the world via the media’s pickup of the patented Prickly Pear extract’s published report in the American Medical Association journal. And, as a result of HPF’s amazing effectiveness, word-of-mouth continues to promote the sales of HPF among family and friends. Nutrimark is now looking to build the capital necessary to maintain a promotional presence with persistence in the markeplace.” The company also plans to continue with an intense PR program which has already begun to build brand awareness through the placement of stories on HPF Hangover Prevention Formula and other products in national general interest and health magazines as well as reports on television, radio and newspaper stories across the country.Nutrimark is in the process of raising its first round of investment capital. The proceeds will be used to market its product nationally and internationally. Anyone interested in finding out more about the company should contact Mr. Stefanko directly. Mr. Stefanko, also suggests, “it is very likely that today the alcohol hangover is the most omnipresent and frequently recurring affliction in the world. In the United States alone 109 million people enjoy drinking alcohol. This presents an idea of the huge potential for sales of this product alone”. 1 An article in the June 28, 2004 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, a publication of the American Medical Association, presents a medical peer review of a published manuscript of clinical research performed, by a noted alcohol research team, on the role of a new patented herbal extract, Tex-OE™ in preventing symptoms from the alcohol hangover. The clinical study, performed by the same distinguished medical research team, that published a comprehensive report entitled The Alcohol Hangover, presented in the Annals of Internal Medicine in July, 2000, was performed among 55 graduate medical students at Tulane University. In the double-blind, randomized placebo study conducted at typical-style college barbecue parties on campus at Tulane, the patented extract, Tex-OE, derived by a special process from the skin of the fruit of a specific type of cactus, was found to be the first product ever deemed to be “statistically significant” at preventing hangover symptoms when taken before ingesting alcohol. The published study indicates that the subjects who took the supplement (versus a placebo) were half as likely to suffer severe hangover symptoms.The peer-reviewed article published in the AMA’s Archives of Internal Medicine validates the claims of the Southern California company, Nutrimark, LLC, that is now selling Tex-OE as a dietary supplement. Trademarked under the name HPF Hangover Prevention Formula™, the herbal extract capsules are sold nationally via an toll free 24/7 call center (800) 720-2970 and via the internet at: www.hangoverprevention.com and www.perfectequation.net 2 Nutrimark also markets additional nutritional supplements at www.perfectequation.netThe company also has plans for line extensions to its high quality nutritional supplements line. Tue, 01 Feb 2005 19:21:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/world-s-first-and-only-herbal-extract-clinically-proven-to-prevent-hangover-symptoms-offers-unique-investment-opportunity http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-tea-helps-inmates-sleep-easy Herbal tea helps inmates sleep easySource: www.thisislondon.co.ukPrisoners are relying on herbal tea rather than sedatives to calm themselves down. Wandsworth men's jail led the way four years ago, when the prisoners asked for herbal tea to soothe stress and sleeplessness. The prison pharmacy introduced Dr Stuart's Botanical Teas and word spread. Now, the women inmates at Downview Prison in Surrey have also turned to herbal tea rather than prescribed drugs to help them sleep. A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "They are so widely used by women in Downview jail that the tea bags have almost replaced sedatives as a way of helping the women sleep." Tue, 01 Feb 2005 19:20:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-tea-helps-inmates-sleep-easy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/who-wants-to-be-a-cheeky-girl- Who wants to be a cheeky girl?Source: news.scotsman.comIT TOOK 400 craftsmen 14 years to chisel out the features of the four US presidents whose heads grace Mount Rushmore. But gals who want to look good right now can achieve similarly sculpted cheekbones and firm jawlines in a fraction of that time - in their lunch hour in fact. Restylane Sub Q is the latest quick-fix beauty aid to join the likes of botox and liposuction and, according to fans, can give you the cliffhanger cheeks of Halle Berry in less than 60 minutes - with no need to be knocked out or to suffer a serious slice of the scalpel.. If Sub Q is unfamiliar to you now, our ever-growing appetite for youthful beauty is sure to see its name enter our everyday vocabulary in no time at all. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery a total of 16,367 people in the UK underwent surgery to enhance their looks last year, with a further 15,019 procedures performed on women - an increase of 18 per cent on the figures for 2003. Facial surgery operations are among the most popular and it is clear that our traditional British reticence towards nips and tucks is disappearing faster than the crow’s feet can get a foothold on our faces. So what is Restylane Sub Q? And is it a more appealing option than fat-grafts or cheek implants, if ever you are stuck for something to do during your lunch hour? Sub Q is the latest in the range of Restylane products produced by Swedish biotechnology company Q Med. According to Q Med’s website, it is a crystal-clear, non-animal, biodegradable gel based on a biotechnologically produced version of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. The gel is injected into the skin to produce "instantaneous" results of higher cheekbones, firmer jawlines or generally plumper skin. Licensed for use in Europe last year, the treatment is already available at a number of clinics across Scotland. Lisa Cochrane, 53, a one-time model from Glasgow, came across Sub Q as she examined the options to restore the contours of her face to their former glory and decided that it was a more appealing option than implants or having fat shifted from her thighs to her cheeks. "When I was younger I had very good cheekbones," says Cochrane. "But it’s true what they say about keeping your figure as you get older: it does your face no favours. It’s easy to look haggard and gaunt without fat to soften everything." Cochrane was treated by consultant dermatologist Dr Nicholas Lowe, who practices in both Los Angeles and the UK and is rumoured to have had his hand in the renovation of a celebrity or two. After an initial consultation in which she explained what she wanted, Lisa returned to see Lowe one rainy Saturday morning and spent less than 45 minutes being re-contoured into a fresher, curvier version of herself. After a local anaesthetic to numb her face, a tiny incision was made in her lower cheek and Sub Q was delivered by cannula (a very wide bore needle) into the correct position under the facial muscles and then moulded into position. Happy with her rejuvenated profile, Cochrane says her only discomfort was a dull ache in her face after the procedure. Lowe says that using Sub Q to augment the upper cheeks can give the appearance of a "mild facelift" and that he uses it "to improve receding ‘weak’ chins." As with all plastic surgery, it is advisable to shop around and seek out a registered dermatalogic surgeon or a plastic surgeon trained in Sub Q. A list of registered plastic surgeons is available at www.baaps.org. Some critics of the procedure have suggested that it may result in nerve damage, but Lowe insists that "as the product is injected with a blunt-tipped needle (cannula), nerve injury is unlikely." With prices ranging from £800 to £1,200 depending on an individual’s anatomy, those filmstar cheekbones come at a price - and the effects do not last forever. The biodegradable filler gradually subsides, though current studies show it will still be present after at least 12 months. So if you want to keep your new-found looks, you will have to undergo repeat treatments. Sub Q does, however, avoid the need for the more extensive surgery, swelling and recovery time associated with more invasive techniques such as cheek implants. Lorna Sidall, 36, a media relations consultant, is certainly a fan. "I work in a very looks-orientated environment and looking good and feeling confident is very much a part of my job," explains Sidall, who is based in London. "The long hours and travelling suddenly took their toll and I felt that I wasn’t looking as energetic as my younger colleagues; the Sub Q has put the ping back in my skin. I’m happy to use this to defer the day when I inevitably have to go under the knife." Well, nobody said that being beautiful would be easy - or cheap. • For details of clinics offering Restylane Sub Q in your area contact the Restylane information line on 0800 015 5548. Tue, 01 Feb 2005 18:26:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/who-wants-to-be-a-cheeky-girl- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnancy-nutrition-tips Pregnancy nutrition tipsSource: www.health24.com1. Eat a balanced diet The most basic thing you can do to ensure that you have a successful pregnancy is to ensure that your diet is balanced. A well-balanced diet should include the following foods: Advertisement Fresh fruit and vegetables, especially dark green and yellow ones, to boost beta-carotene or vitamin A intake and those that are good sources of vitamin C Examples: Vitamin A or beta-carotene: carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, butternut, broccoli, yellow peaches, paw-paw, and mangoes Vitamin C: oranges, grapefruit, naartjies, lemons, guavas, strawberries, kiwi fruit, paw-paw, mangoes, the cabbage family, sweet green peppers Unprocessed bread, cereals and grains to ensure that you get sufficient B-vitamins and dietary fibre to keep you regular Examples: high-fibre breakfast cereals, brown or wholewheat bread and rolls, maize meal or oats porridge, brown rice, pasta Milk and dairy products to provide you with the large amount of calcium you need to build the baby’s bones and teeth, plus protein and riboflavin Examples: whole or low-fat or skimmed milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, other cheeses and maas (South African sour milk beverage) - use the low-fat varieties if you are scared of gaining weight Lean meat, poultry, fish and eggs to provide body-building protein, iron and vitamin B12 for a healthy blood supply and essential fatty acids (found in fish and omega-3 enriched eggs) Fats and oils for energy and essential fatty acids - use sparingly if you are trying to control weight gain, and remember that soft tub margarines, which are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and olive oil which is one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fatty acids, are your best options 2. Eat regular meals Eating regular meals during pregnancy is one way of ensuring that you feel well and don’t get the blues from low blood sugar. If you can’t face breakfast right away during the first three months of pregnancy when mothers are often plagued by nausea, then nibble a dry biscuit or suck a slice of lemon or ice cubes when you wake to dispel the nausea. When you are feeling better, eat a light breakfast of fruit and cereal with yoghurt. Dividing your food intake into six small meals a day is also a good way of combating nausea, preventing bloatedness and ensuring a good nutrient intake. Having a glass of milk at night with a wholewheat biscuit can help you fall asleep because milk is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. 3. Drink plenty of liquids Drinking plenty of liquids, especially pure water, is an excellent way of helping your body flush out breakdown products through the skin, kidneys and bowels. Remember you are doing double cleansing duty while you are pregnant. You will be doing yourself and your baby a good turn if you have a high intake of liquids, but avoid gassy cold drinks, especially artificially sweetened ones. Cold drinks, which contain gas, can make you feel nauseous. Until more research has been done on the possible effect of artificial sweeteners on foetal development, it is a good idea to avoid these products during pregnancy. In general, the piped water supply in South Africa is safe, but if you live in areas where the water is suspect, boil water you intend to drink and cool it before using it. The use of water filters is also a possibility if you can afford one. Drink six glasses of water every day and also make a point of having fruit juices (freshly squeezed ones are the best), rooibos tea and milk to supplement your liquid intake. Go easy on beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee, Ceylon tea and cola drinks. Research has shown that mothers who drink strong coffee have smaller babies than those who don’t. There are plenty of nutritious drinks for expectant moms to use without them having to overload their unborn baby with excessive caffeine. – (Dr I V van Heerden) Tue, 01 Feb 2005 18:19:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnancy-nutrition-tips http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chc-finds-media-pulse CHC finds media pulseSource: Althealth NewsIntense media coverage either side of the industry’s Big Day on January 25 drove the message home that the pharma giants can’t have everything their own way.With the Commons debate taking place on the same day as the European Court of Justice hearing on the Food Supplements Directive, Consumers for Health Choice grasped the opportunity for massive publicity on supplements that could be lost this summer.CHC director Sue Croft was the behind-the-scenes heroine, pushing her celeb allies Carole Caplin and Jenny Seagrove in front of the cameras and press notebooks, with Tory MP Chris Grayling manfully fronting the three-hour Commons debate.Caplin, Grayling and former Labour minister Kate Hoey posed on the steps of Number 10 where they presented a letter of protest – handed in by Cherie Blair’s old chum Caplin, a point not lost on the assembled press.Newspapers picking up the story included the Daily Mail, Independent, Telegraph, Mirror and Sun, with broadcasts by Radio 4 Today, LBC, ITN News and Sky News (the latter with a massive global reach). Even Hello magazine ran a page of words based on a Caplin interview.The effects of the double same-day whammy will be felt for some time. The European Court’s Advocate General will deliver an opinion that, while not settling the outcome, will give likely pointers in April. His comment that the procedure for adding nutrients to the positive list was "as transparent as a black box" is certainly encouraging for the combined HFMA/NAHS and ANH case.Meanwhile, UK health minister Melanie Johnson, currently licking her wounds after a roasting in the Mother of Parliaments, may well be tempted to listen to the natural products industry to finally understand the full implications of allowing Brussels to strip so many SMEs and retailers of their (perfectly safe) product potency. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A message from Jenny Seagrove and Carole CaplinThank you all for joining our e-mail campaign last week. Thousands of you responded and wrote to the Secretary of State, John Reid, the Minister, Melanie Johnson and of course to your own MP. We know that many MP's mail boxes were overflowing!We are most grateful for your help and all the good wishes we have received from you, and have prepared a brief note of the debate for you.The Commons debate on Tuesday 25th January was a tremendous success and a triumph for CHC's campaign to emails and letters to MPs. We generated huge activity with the result that there was a substantial attendance by MPs to support Chris Grayling MP's speech and to give the Minister, Melanie Johnson MP, a rough ride for failing to deliver any real progress to save our supplements. Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties supported us, several key Labour MPs both spoke in support and voted with us - against their own Minister - and many more Labour MPs abstained to show their anger at the way the Government has handled the issue.Of course, we lost the vote (189 to 283), as deep down we always knew we would, but we gave the Government a bloody nose that it won't forget in a hurry. CHC's hard-hitting campaign for the General Election shortly to be announced will build on the debate to keep up pressure on the Government as Europe starts the process of setting maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals. Hopefully, and with your help, we will now be able to force the Government to speak out in Europe on our behalf before it is too late. The campaign continues!Love from Jenny and Carole Mon, 31 Jan 2005 23:37:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chc-finds-media-pulse http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-campaign-takes-carole-caplin-back-to-downing-street Vitamin Campaign takes Carole Caplin back to Downing StreetSource: www.conservatives.comOn Tuesday 25th January, Carole Caplin and Chris Grayling MP will visit No.10 to deliver a letter protest to the prime Minister about the EU ban on sales of vitamins and minerals in the UK. They will be joined by numerous protesters and backed by one of the largest e-mail petitions to British MPs, which was launched this weekend. From 1st August, the new EU regulations will be enforced and several thousand safe and popular specialist vitamins and mineral supplements will be compulsorily removed from the shelves of health food shops – with the full backing of the British Government. Consumers will be denied the right to look after their own health as products are swept away, even though they have been safely used for decades.On Tuesday afternoon, there will be a three hours debate on this issue in the House of Commons – followed by a vote. There is a motion before Parliament, which is a cross-party effort and MPs from all political persuasions will speak out against the regulations, putting pressure on Government to put British consumer interests before EU regulations.Andrew Lansley CBE MP 21/01/2005 Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:29:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-campaign-takes-carole-caplin-back-to-downing-street http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eu-faces-court-challenge-over-food-supplement-legislation EU faces court challenge over food supplement legislationSource: business.scotsman.comBRITISH lawyers are set to go to the European Court of Justice in a bid to overturn a controversial proposed EU directive, which could cripple scores of small firms in the £335-million food supplements sector. They will argue in Luxembourg on Tuesday that a directive banning thousands of common food supplements, due to take effect in August, is incompatible with community law. The case has been brought amid fears the 2002 Food Supplements Directive would impose huge regulatory costs on suppliers, which would lead to many of them going bankrupt. The legislation would threaten up to 5,000 common products, containing more than 200 nutrients, used safely in specialist supplements for many years, because they are not on the "positive list" of permitted substances. Only manufacturers who submit detailed scientific dossiers proving their ingredients are safe by 12 July this year would be allowed to escape the directive's provisions, and then only until the end of 2009. The British Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA), the National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) and Alliance for Natural Health will challenge the ruling. The organisations also argue millions of people oppose the curbs on their freedom to choose what they consume. Andrew Lockley, head of public law at Irwin Mitchell, legal adviser to the HFMA and NAHS, said: "This argument really reflects a culture clash between Britain, where a third of women and a quarter of men take health-food supplements, with the market thought to be worth at least £335m a year, and continental Europe, where these products are traditionally treated like medicines. "We believe our appeal presents the court with an important chance to demonstrate that it can respond to the widely-felt concerns of people and businesses, which have not been taken into account sufficiently by community legislation which lacks proper democratic accountability." Although challenges to European directives are rare, the Court of Justice annulled a 2001 attempt to ban tobacco advertising, saying it had been adopted on the wrong legal basis and that measures to protect public health were matters for member states. Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:28:12 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eu-faces-court-challenge-over-food-supplement-legislation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-users-in-last-ditch-bid-to-stop-ban-on-supplements Vitamin users in last-ditch bid to stop ban on supplementsSource: news.independent.co.ukConsumers and producers of popular vitamin and mineral supplements used by thousands every day will this week make a last-ditch attempt to prevent a European Union directive from banning them.Campaigners claim products from well-known brands including Holland and Barrett, Solgar and Viridian will be removed from the shelves unless they are reformulated.The campaign against the directive has enlisted the help of a number of high-profile supporters, including Cherie Blair's former lifestyle adviser Carole Caplin and the actress Jenny Seagrove. Dame Judi Dench and Bianca Jagger are also backing the campaign.A third of women and a quarter of men take health food supplements in the UK and the market is thought to be worth at least £350m a year.The EU directive lists only 28 vitamins and minerals, and 112 sources from which they were derived for use in food supplements, which can be sold legally after it comes into force on 1 August. It would threaten up to 5,000 products, containing more than 200 nutrients, which campaigners claim have been used safely in specialist supplements for many years.Some large chains, such as Boots, have already reformulated their products to meet the new EU rules and say their customers will see no difference when the directive comes into force. Also, manufacturers who submit detailed scientific dossiers by July this year that prove their ingredients are safe will still be allowed to sell their products.Campaigners say the cost on suppliers could force smaller firms into bankruptcy. Few of the small health food companies can manage the expense - up to £250,000 for each ingredient - and only a handful of safety dossiers are being prepared.Consumers for Health Choice, who have been leading the campaign against the directive, said that products under threat include Solgar Prenatal Nutrients, which contain nutrient sources not on the EU's list, and Holland and Barrett's ABC Plus, which has a high dose of vitamin C.A court case brought by the National Association of Health Stores and the British Health Foods Manufacturers Association will argue on Tuesday that Brussels is exceeding its powers by imposing a blanket ban. It is being contested by the EU's institutions and by the governments of Greece and Portugal as well as Britain.On the same day, the Conservatives, who say the measure will outlaw virtually every popular multi-vitamin pill sold in the country, will call in the Commons for the ban to be scrapped.Ministers are concerned that growing public opposition to the ban will affect the referendum on the European Constitution, due after the general election.Peter Hain, the Leader of the House of Commons, has called it "unnecessary interference" by Brussels, and other ministers have privately expressed sympathy with the protesters. But the Government is still pressing ahead with the ban, and will defend it in the European Court case.Some reports suggest that some products could cause problems in high doses, but a major body of research demonstrates that deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, levels of which are falling in modern diets, can cause heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer and other conditions.A recent study published by the American Medical Association shows that taking some mineral and vitamin pills reduces the risk of contracting cancer and cardiovascular disease, and protects foetuses.The ban, the first of a series of EU measures designed to outlaw a range of alternative medicines, is contained in the Food Supplements Directive, passed in 2002 to harmonise the trade in supplements between EU member states and after lobbying from the pharmaceutical industry.Sue Croft, a spokeswoman for Consumers for Health Choice, said: "If this directive comes into force it will affect the lives of millions. To have these supplements removed and to put more strain on the NHS is nothing short of a crime. At the election we will be targeting those MPs who do not vote to stop this."A spokeswoman for Boots, however, which has a third of the vitamin supplement market, said the company had been gradually reducing the level of vitamins and minerals in own-brand supplements in line with new safety levels."Consumers won't see a huge change," a spokeswoman said. "We fully support this EU directive." Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:27:12 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-users-in-last-ditch-bid-to-stop-ban-on-supplements http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-for-autism-aspergers-syndrome-with-essential-fatty-acid-supplementation-new-study Benefits for Autism & Asperger's Syndrome With Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation, New StudySource: www.medicalnewstoday.comNordic Naturals, Inc, a leading supplier of fish oil and essential fatty acid nutritional supplements, announced today the results of a successful pilot trial that showed beneficial effects of essential fatty acids (EFAs) on language and learning skills in children with autism and Asperger's syndrome. The study, completed in 2004, was conducted by Louise Patrick, a licensed speech and language pathologist, and Ronald Salik, MD at a pediatric clinic in Arizona. A report of the pilot trial can be found in the January/February 2005 issue of Autism-Asperger's Digest. The 3-month open-label study provided 18 children, ranging from 3 to 10 years of age, with daily supplemental EFAs in the form of Omega-3.6.9 Junior(TM), a fish oil-based EFA product from Nordic Naturals. Omega-3.6.9 Junior(TM) (also sold as Complete Omega(TM) and ProEFA(TM)) is a combination of omega-3 EFAs from purified fish oil and omega-6 EFAs from purified borage oil. The children were evaluated for increases in language ability by study investigators on day "0" and day "90" of supplementation; an adult who was familiar with the child also conducted an evaluation at day "45." Language and learning skills were assessed using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills. All of the children displayed significant increases in their language and learning skills after supplementation with Complete Omega. Statistical analysis, which was completed at the University of Arizona, demonstrated that the increase in scores from day 0 to day 90 in each of the 8 areas measured had high statistical significance. The investigators also noted the importance of fish oil purity and of beginning with the lowest possible dose for this population. Ms. Patrick observed, "We feel that the impressive results of this study support the importance for design and implementation of future studies using larger sample size and placebo-controlled formats." Patrick is a clinician and researcher focusing on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Salik is the Medical Director of the Children's Emergency Center at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson. Nordic Naturals, founded by husband-and-wife team Joar and Michele Opheim, has set exacting standards for freshness, purity, and taste in omega EFA supplements. The company offers over 20 different fish oil products and EFA blends for the whole family, including liquids, capsules, and children's chewables. For information, visit http://www.nordicnaturals.com or 800.662.2544. http://www.nordicnaturals.com Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:18:46 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/benefits-for-autism-aspergers-syndrome-with-essential-fatty-acid-supplementation-new-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cosmetic-breakthrough-in-the-fight-against-acne-rosacea-eczema-and-psoriasis Cosmetic Breakthrough In the Fight Against Acne, Rosacea, Eczema and PsoriasisSource: i-newswire.comConcentrations of a rare fatty acid ( palmitoleic ) and carotenoid levels found in sea buckthorn oils are claimed to promote healing of skin burns and the relief of other skin ailments such as eczema and dermatitis. The most significant potential healthful benefit is the high content of the tocopherol ( vitamin E ) component within the seed oil. Tocopherol is recognized as the natural antioxidant in the human body. It is believed that high levels of tocopherol minimize skin oxidation, which helps to maintain skin integrity and reduce skin toughening and wrinkling. Sea-buckthorn oils are also believed to have a biological protective capacity. The tocopherols and carotenoids can trap and reduce the formation of UV-B induced toxic products in skin cells. Due to these UV-B absorptive properties, sea buckthorn oils may be used by industry as a natural sun screen. Research has indicated that extracts isolated from the bark of sea buckthorn may inhibit tumour growth and there are reports that it has successfully treated gingivitis.The leaves of the sea buckthorn plant also contain many nutrients and bioactive substances. Leaves harvested from the male plant can be used to produce tea, tea extracts, tea powder and animal feed. A new treatment available is seabuckthorn oil ( Hippophae rhamnoides ), which is the active ingredient in FACEDOCTOR soap. Its activity is targeted against the mite to reduce the inflammation under the skin and therefore provide relief of the mechanisms that cause the rosacea complex of symptoms. The advantage that patients find with the soap is the elegance of the cleansing vehicle in otherwise sensitive skin, the presence of Vitamin E and aloe Vera which provide additional healing properties, and other active ingredients such as astragalus membraceus and spirodela polyrhiza, useful yeasts that augment the activity of the seabuckthorn oil. Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:17:09 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cosmetic-breakthrough-in-the-fight-against-acne-rosacea-eczema-and-psoriasis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-and-nutrition Food and NutritionSource: www.eastandard.netThy food is thy medicine," Greek philosopher Socrates once said. This is the same view that Mr Roy Omondi, a consultant dietician/nutritionist, endeavours to impart to his clients.His work is to bridge the gap between nutrition and health. When patients go to a doctor, they are given a prescription telling them, for example, how and when to take the medicine — before or after or a meal. A dietician uses this information so that the medicine works better for patients. Mr Omondi says many side effects brought by medicine are failure of the food and the drug to synchronise. Other times, patients are told to avoid certain food or limit how much they eat. "If a doctor tells a patient to take a low protein diet, the question is how low is low. This is where the dietician comes in," he says.Clinical nutritionists-dieticians advise on food and prescription. Mr Omondi says in most cases, the process of prescribing a diet begins when a doctor diagnoses a certain condition and refers him or her to a nutritionist. He carries out some tests and also determines the patient's body mass. Using such data, he calculates a patient’s nutritional needs.Take a situation where a patient requires 40 grammes of protein in the daily diet. "In this case, I go through every meal — breakfast, lunch and dinner — and list each item on the menu. I then calculate how many grammes are contained in each meal and ensure it reaches the required amount," he explains."I do not just give a list of food items to the client, telling them what to eat. I have to determine what they can afford," Mr Omondi says.He does this by giving out a questionnaire that enables the client to recall what they ate in the past 24 hours. From the response, he is able to get information about the type of cooking oil the patient uses, the cooking method and eating pattern. "This process also enables me to determine the financial status of the patient so that I can propose an affordable nutrition plan," he says.Mr Omondi says many people do not eat well because they cannot afford to eat better, but because they do not have enough information on a good diet.Some food — although harmful — is associated with social status. "Some of us would rather pay Sh300 for pizza and a big bottle of coke than Sh100 for a healthy and nutritious meal of ugali, meat and vegetables," he says.He says nutrition-linked diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular ailments are on the increase because people eat food which has additives and preservatives. "People like concentrated juice instead of milk," he says.The problems also increase because of food that is high in fat and carbohydrates. Many times, good nutrition is a cheaper option. Take the case of women who wean their children too early."Breast milk is safe and nutritious and a child should be fed exclusively on it for six months. However, many mothers today, because of their careers, wean their children after a month. This is because they have to return to work," he says.As a result, the babies are put on a carbohydrate diet that makes them obese. A protein diet is not better either, for a baby cannot digest it, Mr Omondi explains. In the end, they suffer from diseases such as colic or become underweight. The result is stunted growth. He blames the increase in juvenile diabetes on this. "More children between the ages of seven and 14 are suffering from diabetes," he says.Mr Omondi says food supplements are also being abused. "Supplements are important where certain nutrients are needed in high amounts but cannot be received from normal diet. However, many herbal supplements in the market do not work. One should consult a dietician to find out which ones are credible," he adds.Mr Omondi attended Nairobi’s Our Lady of Mercy Primary School and Highway Secondary School in the mid-1980s and 1990s.He was very good in the sciences and wanted to become an architect. However, he later fell in love with medicine. But when he sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations, he did not qualify to study medicine. In 1995, he joined Maseno University to study a home science and technology course."At first, I was depressed but in third year, my interest in the course grew when we studied clinical nutrition," he says. He completed internship at Kenyatta National Hospital and enjoyed doing the work. "Finally, I understood that the skills I had learnt were very useful," he says.After graduating in 1999, he worked at a Care International programme. Later, he joined Mutual Medical Services as a consultant nutritionist/ dietician. He is also a consultant at various hospitals and medical clinics in Nairobi."As a consultant, I work long hours. I go wherever I am needed," he says.He adds that with the increase of diseases such as diabetes, Aids, obesity, anaemia, hypertension, cancer and liver and kidney probelms, nutritionists’ and dieticians’ skills are in greater demand.Mr Omondi says the best part of his work is when he helps his clients manage their medical conditions, change their lifestyle and become healthier. Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:14:28 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-and-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/home-remedy-may-reduce-arthritis-pain Home remedy may reduce arthritis painSource: www.wate.comThere's a potentially ache-saving remedy for those of you trying to fight the effects of arthritis without popping a pill. Since the most popular arthritis drug Vioxx was pulled from the market and now the safety of Celebrex and Aleve is being questioned for daily use, many people have been searching for a non-medicinal treatment for joint pain.Here's one you might already have at home. The recipe is one tablespoon of liquid Certo (a powder used to prepare jams and jellies) for every 8 ounces of grape juice. The amount of grape juice varies from recipe to recipe. Searches on the Internet also find this recipe using 3 ounces of grape juice or four ounces.Also, some recipes advise drinking the mixture two times a day or three times.Be warned that no studies have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of this remedy or even whether it's safe to take every day. However, many people say it helps them move a little easier. Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:22:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/home-remedy-may-reduce-arthritis-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/corries-lucy-jo-on-her-slimming-secrets CORRIE'S LUCY JO ON HER SLIMMING SECRETSSource: www.sundaymirror.co.ukCORONATION Street teenager Katy Harris usually hides her figure underneath a baggy school jumper.But in real life, actress Lucy Jo Hudson has nothing to hide - in fact she has lost two stone thanks to her rugby-playing brother."I was only eight-and-a-half-stone when I got the part of Katy two years ago," says 5ft 4in Lucy Jo. "But within 12 months I'd shot up to almost 11 stone."I felt awful. I hated seeing photos of myself, I was that big. The Christmas before last someone took a family snap of me - and I did a double take when I saw myself."My face was round and bloated, my cheekbones had disappeared - and I had a huge double chin!" But it wasn't just her face which was changing out of all recognition, Lucy Jo was going up in size too."My clothes were getting tighter and tighter, but I did my best to deny it. I'd always fitted easily into a Size 8 or 10, but suddenly I was struggling to squeeze into a Size 12," she says."I even tried to blame the clothes. I kidded myself that shops were making them smaller."One of the worst moments was buying a Size 12 pair of jeans and being unable to do the zip up. I knew I'd gone up to a Size 14, but just couldn't admit it."I know that's an average size for many people, but for me, who's always been a Size 8 or 10, it seemed huge."Lucy Jo - who has just told on-screen boyfriend Martin she's pregnant - was a professional dancer before she joined the soap,"Throughout my teens I'd dance six nights a week," she says. "I lived and breathed dance, and when I wasn't doing classes I'd be performing in shows, musicals and pantomimes. Suddenly all that stopped."The role also meant single girl Lucy Jo moving from her mum's house in Leeds to a hotel in Manchester, and then into a home of her own."After work I'd slump on the sofa and learn my lines while eating a ready-meal. I'd gone from being incredibly active to being a couch potato, but I was still eating like a horse."At work, waiting to do a scene was a nightmare because there's a kitchen stuffed with food and I used to have biscuits and toast all morning. Then I'd have a big meal at lunchtime, chocolate and sweets in the afternoon and a ready-meal in the evening."I'd been eating like this for months when I saw some of my friends from my dancing classes and it was really embarrassing."They didn't say anything critical to my face, but I could tell they thought I was getting fat."A few friends did say, 'I think you need to do something about this' and my mum did too, but it was only when I saw some photos of me that I realised that my weight was really getting out of hand. I did some photo shoots for magazines when I had my big storylines with Sean Wilson, who plays Martin, and I cringed when I saw myself."Worst of all was how Lucy Jo's weight gain started to affect her self-esteem. "I lost confidence," she says. "I started wearing really baggy clothes in the hope they would cover me up."Luckily, before she became too depressed about her weight gain, her big brother Ryan, who plays rugby league for Bradford Bulls, came to her rescue. "Ryan has been brilliant," says Lucy Jo. "He's 25, four years older than me, and I've always looked up to him." Ryan knows what he's talking about when it comes to fitness - he has his own personal training business, 5 Star Fitness."I started training with him about a year ago. I wasn't quite so busy at work then, so I could devote more of my attention to it," says Lucy. "Ryan told me to get rid of my scales and not worry about the amount of food I was eating, but to spread it evenly through the day and concentrate on the quality." Ryan's healthy eating programme is based on six "mini meals" a day - breakfast, mid-morning, lunchtime, mid-afternoon, tea time and an early dinner. He says: "If you keep the metabolism stoked up with small amounts of food it has a constant supply of energy which is burned up fast."Ryan also insists that Lucy Jo has a healthy breakfast (like two Weetabix and skimmed milk or scrambled egg on toast), then a low-fat fruit yoghurt and piece of fruit mid-morning.She then has protein and carbohydrate for lunch (say baked potato with tuna and sweetcorn and salad or grilled chicken, salad and boiled potatoes), fruit and yoghurt mid-afternoon, a snack for tea and grilled meat or fish in the evening."The plan is perfect for me because I can still eat loads, so I never feel hungry," says Lucy Jo."But I am eating differently - I don't eat my last meal too late at night so I still feel like breakfast and although the portions are smaller, salad and veg make up a substantial part of most meals."I don't count calories or points, which suits me, but I know I'm eating a lot less calorie-wise because I'm not having as much high-fat or processed foods.Ryan also devised a fitness programme for Lucy Jo."I know she has a busy work schedule, but just an hour a day can make a huge difference to your fitness levels," he said.The former superfit dancer in Lucy soon re-emerged and she finds she enjoys the exercise."I thought I'd find it impossible to fit in, but I've managed it by organising my time better," she says. "If I start work early I get up an hour earlier, otherwise I'll do an hour straight from work."Ryan says: "It's important to vary the rate and intensity of your training and to keep it interesting. Lucy Jo and I sometimes go to a park for a run or do a boxing session - it all helps to keep up the motivation."Although Ryan avoided weighing Lucy Jo too often, he was delighted when she lost over a stone in the first three months and now, a year later, she has lost nearly two stone."Lucy Jo would have liked to have lost the weight faster," says Ryan, "but I explained it's much better to achieve a more gradual, steady loss, because you are more likely to maintain it.And while Ryan is proud of his sister's progress, Lucy Jo is even happier."It's wonderful - and even allows me a day off!" she says."I knew I wouldn't be able to stick to a routine which didn't allow me to have any treats, so I normally give myself Saturday off, when I tend to go out with friends and I can eat and drink what I like without worrying about it."I also allow myself some chocolate, especially at those times of the month when the body craves it, so I'm not fanatical."There's no doubt that Lucy Jo's and Ryan's hard work has paid off. She's back in her Size 10 jeans and is happy to show off her dancing legs in skirts again.And it's all thanks to Ryan, she says . "He kept a close eye on me at Christmas - but I'm glad. I don't want to see myself looking bloated in photos ever again."FOR more information on 5 Star Fitness, contact Ryan Hudson, care of Bradford Bulls on 01274 733899.LUCY JO'S TIPSEat little and oftenAvoid high-fat foods.Eat lean meat, poultry, fish, wholemeal bread, pasta, fresh fruit and veg.Drink lots of waterTake exercise - walking, dancing, cycling... whatever gets your heartbeat going.Throw out the scales.Don't say die... say healthy eating.Have a day off for treatsDon't think you're deprived. Think how much you'll like being sexy and confident... Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:18:40 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/corries-lucy-jo-on-her-slimming-secrets http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-weight-loss-benefits-showing-results Green Tea Weight Loss Benefits Showing ResultsSource: www.emediawire.comGreen tea extract has been the focus of several weight loss studies recently. In addition to its healthful benefit of strong antioxidant activity and its ability to burn more calories, green tea is now being studied for another weight loss benefit, reducing appetite. One new product containing green tea is called WARP 9, manufactured by DynaPure Nutrition (www.dynapurenutrition.com), which has been the focus of weight loss headlines recently. Green tea extract is one of the nine main ingredients in the patent pending WARP 9 formula which contains derivatives that have been shown to reduce appetite by decreasing a hormone called leptin and increasing a chemical neurotransmitter called noradrenaline.Leptin is a protein produced by fats that appear to play an important role in how the body manages fat storage through brain signals. DynaPure Nutrition's formulator of WARP 9 Pete Maletto explained, "Years ago it was thought by scientists that lower leptin levels would increase appetite. Current research has now found that it does just the opposite and decreases appetite. There is clear evidence that green tea's polyphenols (EGCG) are a factor in depressing leptin as well as affecting other hormone levels important in regulating appetite. This complements the many ingredients in WARP 9 that decrease appetite through other important biochemical signals such as noradrenaline which can also facilitate healthy weight loss."Green tea is now holding promise in many areas of weight loss. Besides affecting leptin levels, green tea also increases noradrenaline levels. Noradrenaline is a chemical neurotransmitter in the nervous system that plays a major role in activation of brown fat tissue (BAT), which is the only metabolically active fat in the human body. Activation of brown fat by increased noradrenaline levels is significant because it burns calories from the white fat located around our waistline, hips and thighs. "Increasing noradrenaline is just another one of the important weight loss advancements in WARP 9. We can expect green tea to make an impact, but it's important to include other natural ingredients that also increase noradrenaline so that WARP 9 can provide even greater weight loss benefits for the consumer" Maletto said. Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:16:54 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-weight-loss-benefits-showing-results http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-in-pregnancy-linked-to-asthma-and-eczema-in-kids Vitamin C in Pregnancy Linked to Asthma and Eczema in KidsSource: www.ivanhoe.comTotal Vitamin C intake during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of eczema and asthma in children by age 2, according to a new study.Researchers from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom studied 2,000 women to determine how antioxidant intake during pregnancy affects the development of asthma and eczema in children. The full two-year study was completed by 1,300 of the women.The women were required to fill out questionnaires that asked them about their dietary habits during pregnancy. They also and had their blood tested for antioxidant levels. Follow-ups were conducted at six-, 12-, and 24-month intervals on 1,924 of the children born to the study participants.Results show children whose mothers had the highest levels of total vitamin C intake were also the most likely to develop eczema and asthma by age 2. Other antioxidants test such as vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, magnesium, copper, or zinc were not associated with early childhood eczema or asthma. However, vitamin E did appear to decrease both asthma and eczema risk.Authors conclude, “This study suggests maternal dietary antioxidant intakes during pregnancy may modify the risks of developing [asthma] and eczema during early childhood. Further follow-up of the [children] will determine whether maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with asthma and atopic disease later in childhood.”This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2005;171:121-128 Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:14:09 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-in-pregnancy-linked-to-asthma-and-eczema-in-kids http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-buddha-goes-to-therapy The Buddha goes to TherapySource: cms.psychologytoday.comA Path To WholenessA Buddhist psychiatrist who has been meditating for decades elegantly describes how psychotherapy and meditation can help us manage our most powerful emotions--and make us feel more alive and whole in the process."Stop trying to understand what you are feeling and just feel," my first meditation instructor told me. This instruction seemed insanely simple: the ability to just feel should come as naturally as the ability to breathe. Yet, in twenty-five years as a psychotherapist and practicing Buddhist, I have found that most of us have not learned how to be with our feelings without rushing to analyze them, change them, or escape them.If we really want to live a full life, both the ancient tradition of Buddhism and the modern one of psychotherapy tell us that we must recover the capacity to feel. Avoiding emotions will only wall us off from our true selves--in fact, there can be no wholeness without an integration of feelings. Both traditions have discovered that the way to plumb the full depths of our emotional being is by letting ourselves go, by surrendering to who we really are. And both traditions understand that we need a state of reverie in order to know our emotions. Whether that reverie comes through meditation or the quiet holding space of therapy, it is always necessary.Buddhism has always made the self's ability to relax its boundaries the centerpiece of its teachings. It recognizes that the central issues of our lives, from falling in love to facing death, require an ability to surrender that often eludes us. Psychotherapy, through its analysis of childhood, has tended to turn us in a reflective direction' searching for the causes of unhappiness in an attempt to break free from the traumas of the past. Too often, though, it degenerates into finding someone to blame for our suffering. But within psychotherapy lies the potential for an approach that is compatible with Buddhist understanding, one in which the therapist, like the Zen master, can aid in making space in the mind.Many of us come to therapy feeling that we are having trouble I letting ourselves go: we are blocked creatively or emotionally, we have trouble falling asleep or enjoying sex, or we suffer from feelings 5 of isolation or alienation. Often, we are afraid of falling apart, but the problem is actually that we have not learned how to give up control of ourselves. People come to me most often because they are unhappy with how they feel, not because they are not separate or individuated enough. The traditional view of therapy as building up the ego simply does not do justice to what people's needs actually are.In my work as a therapist, I have adapted Buddhist teachings to meet the needs of my patients, many of whom have neither the time nor the inclination to pursue formal meditation practice. I have found that therapy, through a reciprocal exchange of feelings, can also enable us to let go of the defenses that block us. While the method may differ from formal meditation, the intent is the same: to recover a capacity for feelings that we are all afraid of.Cross-Legged on a CushionMeditation seeks to create an inner holding environment for the raw material of emotional experience through non-judgmental awareness. In this way, meditation acts like a stealth bomber, sneaking through all the defenses and illuminating the central fortress of the heart. When I was first instructed in what is known as "mindfulness meditation," I was taught to simply note whatever I was feeling, pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. My observing mind functioned almost as another person, watching the flow of sensation with relative ease. This created a very different relationship with my internal world from the one I was used to. My chronic tendency was to shrink from the unpleasant and reach for the pleasant. Mindfulness meditation encouraged a dispassionate acceptance of both.Since feeling states are experienced primarily in the body, the ability to maintain a continuous state of physical awareness gives an enormous boost to the capacity to bear feelings. This is fortunate, because one of the most common occurrences in beginning meditation involves the re-experiencing of terrifying feelings. Even in meditation, these feelings can still seem intolerable, but the entire thrust of meditation practice is designed to increase their tolerability.Because mindfulness of feelings involves the careful attention to the flow of pleasant and unpleasant sensations in the body, there is none of the usual picking and choosing that otherwise colors our experience.Cross-Legged on the CouchOpening your attention to your body, feelings, and mind does not have to be restricted to the meditation cushion. It's a process you can attempt with all aspects of your life, and certainly one you can pursue with a therapist. One teacher of mine told me that to achieve a dispassionate state, he would pretend he was dying and that I there was nothing to be done. "Rather than judging something," he told me, "take no position. Stop leaning into circumstances I and rest in your own awareness." Buddhism teaches us again and again that uncovering and experiencing difficult feelings does not make them go away, but does enable us to practice tolerance and understanding with the entirety of our being.The same tolerance can be practiced in therapy. I remember being asked in my first session with a therapist if I was aware that I was sitting on the edge of my seat. I was not aware of it. I was sitting the way I always sat when talking with someone. "What's wrong with the way I'm sitting?" I wanted to ask. My therapist waited, as if to give me time to get over my sudden self-consciousness and notice how I was sitting. He was right. I was perched like a bird on the edge of my chair and was very uncomfortable there. "You give yourself no support," he said softly.I spent the rest of the session feeling what it was like to sit back in my chair, making use of my whole body. Already, I was forging a connection with the physical environment that I had been denying myself. My body was the unconscious I was so interested in plumbing. For all my meditation training, I still needed the help of a therapist to show me where I was holding back.My therapist, just like the Buddha, began with mindfulness of the body. My therapist could just as easily have been a Zen master in the manner in which he related to me. His teaching drove home the lesson of my years of practicing meditation in a particularly vivid and helpful way.This therapist did not present himself as an authority figure who analyzed my psychic configurations. He did not interpret my Oedipal dilemma. He was not remote and silent. He was very available, quite humorous and playful, and paid particular attention to what prevented me from being part of the relationship with him. My therapist was asking something of me that was an improvisation. He was asking for meditation in action, not for a mere witnessing of psychic debris.Tolerating our TempestsIf we stop backing away from our unpleasant feelings, we are able to see how they color our experience and how scared we I are by them. And we can learn to sit with these difficult feelings, I no matter how terrifying they are.When Betsy, a patient of mine, was learning meditation, she discovered an anxiety in her chest that seemed to run through her like a hollow core. At first, she was deeply afraid of that place. But with some attention, she learned to rest her attention in the hollow core, and saw that it was a rich source of mysterious feeling, sometimes sad and lonely, but at other times filled with the energy and inquisitiveness of a child. The hollow space became an enriching space as well as a scary one, filled with unanticipated qualities that expanded her sense of her own reality.It is my experience that emotions, no matter how powerful, are not overwhelming if given room to breathe. Western therapy can learn to make use of the Buddhist emphasis on acceptance of feelings rather than talking and analyzing. The therapist and patient can create a situation in which these unacknowledged emotions are finally given breathing space.Love and Death and ZenThe major obstacle to love, I have found, is a premature walling off of the personality that results in a falseness or inauthenticity. When someone is so uncomfortable with his own sense of emptiness that he struggles to keep it at bay, he won't be able to be open with another person. He will simply be too ashamed to reveal himself in any real manner. In this case, therapy is effective when it allows a person to discover their own capacity for connection.All of our intimate relationships have intense emotional exchanges that test our ability to know and bear feelings. When I first fell in love, in my adult years, I traveled with my future wife to a rocky point on the coast of Maine that had always been special to me. Embracing her with the surf pounding, we were both filled with a sense not just of love, but of death, as if we were holding on tightly to each other while our lives passed before us. These feelings seemed linked with an implicit sense of the preciousness of our love. In our hug on the beach, we were breathing each other's emotions, making them make sense in a way we could only do with each other's help. Lovers often inject breath into each other's emotions, as parents do in a different way with their children, making those very feelings more tolerable by virtue of their being held and known.During orgasm, at the moment of death, while one is falling asleep or ending a dream, the underlying luminosity of the mind shines through. In Buddhism, this luminous mind is compared to a clear blue sky. But we have a powerful resistance to experiencing the mind in all of its brilliance. We are afraid to truly surrender to it.THE FRUITS OF SURRENDERLike meditation, psychotherapy can seem like a long walk that suddenly opens up into an extraordinary vision of something that has always been available but has been unrecognized. A long-time patient of mine, Greta, came to see me every week as she navigated work and family, successfully raising three children alone while working at a full-name job. She wanted therapy because she felt lonely and was vaguely aware of how judgmental she was toward most people. When disappointed or hurt by someone, Greta's tendency was to write them off forever.Over the years, we developed a very strong connection. My work with Greta felt like untangling my daughter's knotted hair or like untying a fine gold chain. 1 would get one little strand free, open up a little space, and then start working on the next piece. One evening, after having been at my office that afternoon, she was struck by a huge wave of love for me that made her feel very peaceful. That evening she dreamed of herself with her father when she was three or four years old and felt with great conviction the unconflicted love she had for him at that time. In a second dream, she heard herself yelling at him, "Can't you shut up? You're talking at me all the time."She remembered how relentlessly he had pursued her as she grew up, how needy he was. He would become irate whenever she disappointed him and she finally had to close herself off from him in order to find some peace. "The defense is what hurt," she told me.Greta's breakthrough reminds me of an old Zen story about an aged Chinese monk who asks permission to seek enlightenment in an isolated cave. Taking his robes, his begging bowl, and a few possessions, he heads out on foot into the mountains. On his way he sees an old man carrying a huge bundle. This man is actually the bodhisattva Manjushri, who appears to people at the moment they are ready for enlightenment."I am going to the furthest mountains," the monk tells Manjushri, "to find a cave. I will stay there and meditate until I die or realize awakening."Manjushri then drops his bundle onto the ground, and instantly the monk is enlightened. He, too, has put down his whole defensive self, the entire burden.But he's still a bit confused."Now what?" he asks Manjushri. And the bodhisattva, smiling, silently reaches down, picks up his bundle and continues down the path.Putting down our burdens does not mean forsaking the conventional world. It means being in that world with the consciousness of one who is not deceived by appearances. Once Greta, for instance, had recovered her love for her father, she could continue to fend him off with forgiveness instead of rancor. She still needed her defenses, but she was not imprisoned by them. And as the newly enlightened monk realized when he saw Manjushri pick up his bundle and head back to town, everything had changed but nothing was altered.From the book Going to Pieces without Falling Apart by Mark Epstein, M.D. Copyright [C] 1998 by Mark Epstein. Published by arrangement with Broadway Books, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., New York, New York. All rights reserved.PHOTOS (COLOR): A Buddhist psychiatrist who has been meditating for decades Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:36:10 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-buddha-goes-to-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-warning-for-liver-lovers Vitamin warning for liver loversSource: news.bbc.co.ukPeople should limit eating liver to once a week and be careful about other sources of vitamin A, say food experts. Too much is toxic and increases the risk of bone fractures, according to advisers to the Food Standards Agency. Combining supplements with vitamin A-rich foods such as liver is particularly risky, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition says. Post-menopausal women and older people at highest risk of fractures should not have more than 1.5mg per day, it says. Safe limits The draft recommendations reinforce current advice that pregnant women and women trying to conceive should avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A and avoid eating liver or liver by-products because of the risk of harm to any unborn child. It may be advisable for some population groups to limit their vitamin A intakes. Professor Peter Aggett of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition Preformed vitamin A, called retinol, is found only in foods of animal origin and is particularly plentiful in liver. Plant foods, such as carrots and spinach, contain compounds that are converted to vitamin A in the body, but it is unlikely that these levels can become toxic. At recommended levels, retinol is good for the immune system and eyesight. The advisory committee will produce a full report on vitamin A in the summer. Committee member Professor Peter Aggett said: "The report will be reviewed in light of any comments received or new research and we will then present our final conclusions to the Food Standards Agency. "Our initial conclusions are that although there is insufficient evidence on the relationship between vitamin A and bone health to warrant a change in advice to all consumers, it may be advisable for some population groups to limit their vitamin A intakes." People should be able to get all the vitamin A they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, which means you don't need it every day because any of the vitamin your body doesn't need immediately is stored for future use. The committee said consideration should also be given to reducing the levels of retinol in vitamin A supplements. Dietary supplements can contain 30-100% more retinol than the amount stated on the label. Claire Williamson from the British Nutrition Foundation said: "There is some evidence that high intakes of vitamin A - 1.5mg per day or more - are associated with an increased risk of bone fractures. "We welcome extra research into this area. Further studies are needed. "Revised public health guidelines are expected to follow." Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:30:23 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-warning-for-liver-lovers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnuts-recommended-by-usdas-new-dietary-guidelines Walnuts recommended by USDA's new dietary guidelinesSource: www.newswire.caThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday announced its new dietary guidelines, which specifically noted the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, like those found in walnuts, in achieving a healthy diet. Although Canadian dietary guidelines are currently under review and not due to be published until 2006, Canadians already know the benefits of including walnuts in their daily diet, with shipments up by 28% since last year. Walnuts are a nutrient-dense, delicious and versatile, whole food source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, usually found in fish. Walnuts have the highest level of omega-3s than any other nut. For more than a dozen years, research by highly-respected scientific and clinical experts has continued to reveal that just a handful of walnuts daily can play a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation and improving arterial function. "Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and a very good source of antioxidants, vitamins and fibre," says Jean LaMantia, Registered Dietitian, The Adelaide Health Clinic. LaMantia recommends that "Canadians try to include a handful of walnuts each day, as part of a heart healthy diet." To view details of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, visit www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/ The following experts on Good Fats are resources: Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University Linda Tapsell, PhD APD, Director, National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods, Smart Foods Centre, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Andrew Weil, M.D., Founder and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona's Health Sciences Center in Tucson; author of Eating Well for Optimum Health. Michael F. Roizen, M.D., Author, The RealAge Makeover (2004); Professor of medicine; former dean of the SUNY College of Medicine in Syracuse, NY; Founded and directed the program for Executive Health at the University of Chicago. Steven Pratt, M.D., Author of SuperFoods RX: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life; authority on the role of nutrition and lifestyle in the prevention of disease and optimizing health; senior staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California. Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., President of the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health; author of The Omega Diet (Expert on essential omega-3 fatty acids). Anderson Morris, M.D., FACC, Medical Director, HealthSouth Heart College, Birmingham, AL - cardiovascular specialist who works in preventative care. Beverly Utt, M.S., M.P.H., R.D., Nutrition journalist; public health education expert. Dennis A. Balint, Chief Executive Officer, California Walnut Commission. Carol Berg Sloan, R.D., Science & Nutrition Consultant, California Walnut Commission.For further information: or to arrange for an interview, contact: Danielle D'Agostino, Senior Consultant, Faye Clack Communications, Cell: (416) 420-9213 Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:23:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/walnuts-recommended-by-usdas-new-dietary-guidelines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-promotes-dramatic-weight-loss-in-diet-product Green Tea Promotes Dramatic Weight Loss In Diet ProductSource: www.emediawire.comGreen Tea has recently become rapidly popular in weight loss dietary supplements. Although Green Tea comes in many strengths and variations buyers should be careful to purchase only the standardized Green Tea Extract that contains guaranteed potencies of the weight loss inducing polyphenols. One such diet product that does contain the correct Green Tea Extract has been making headlines recently because it also utilizes important co-factors that enhance Green Tea's weight loss effects even greater. That product is WARP 9 made by DynaPure Nutrition (www.dynapurenutrition.com) and the company says the 9 main ingredients in the patent pending formula are not only standardized but they work synergistically to promote healthy weight loss. According to DynaPure Chief Science Officer and formulator Pete Maletto, co-factors are important in making Green Tea more effective in losing weight. "Green Tea Extract is effective at inducing thermogenesis, but when you combine it with the specific nutrients in WARP 9 it also helps appetite reduction by enhancing neurotransmitter activity important in reducing hunger signals."Green Tea Extract is one of the nine active ingredients in the WARP-9 formulation, which contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a key element in the polyphenol antioxidants contained in green tea. These polyphenols benefit weight loss by helping the body to burn fat by increasing body heat (thermogenesis). They have been widely studied in weight loss recently. Current research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded: "Consumption of green tea produced thermogenesis and increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation" in humans. One study in Switzerland found drinking the equivalent of 2-3 cups of green tea daily caused the participants to burn 80 extra calories each day, without increasing their heart rates and factoring out the tea's caffeine content. This is due to the EGCG polyphenol content in green tea.Health Food Store owners and their employees claim to have many products that contain Green Tea but have been quick to point out that WARP 9 seems to bring back the best reviews to the store. In fact, one store manager at HealthFair in Little Silver NJ said "I have many weight loss products that contain Green Tea, but my customers have noticed that the supportive ingredients in WARP 9 have really taken Green Tea's weight loss benefits to the next level."Typical research has dosage recommendations at 125-500 mg/day (this should be equivalent to 4-10 cups of brewed green tea.) and WARP-9 contains 200mg per serving of Green Tea Extract which provides more than the optimum daily dose for its typical weight loss properties. Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:18:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/green-tea-promotes-dramatic-weight-loss-in-diet-product http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritious-vegetarian-diet Nutritious vegetarian dietSource: www.expressnewsline.com It is a common thinking that only non-vegetarian food is full of proteins and minerals and the veg. food is lacking in it. But the fact is that vegetarian food is also very rich in nutrients and as it contains less fat so its very good instead of non-veg. food. Lack of protein should not be a concern. Anyone who is lacto/ovo vegetarian is one who eats dairy and eggs and will easily get enough protein. Calcium is very essential for the formation of bones and teeth and also helps in blood clot. It is found in raw nuts, sesame seeds, orange, prunes and figs. Vitamin D is essential for processing calcium. These two nutrients are found in dark leafy greens, milk, butter, broccoli, calcium fortified tofu, calcium and vitamin D-fortified soy milk. Vitamin B-12, essential for healthy nerve and blood cells, promotes DNA synthesis, maturation of erythrocytes is found mainly in non-veg food. But intake is possible by consuming per day. Vegans, those who eat only plants for food, should check the label on fortified soy milk and fortified cereal to make sure B-12 has been added. Fermented soy products miso and tempeh provide some; sea vegetables such as nori, used to wrap rice balls and sushi, or kombu and dulse used in soups and with vegetables, provide more than adequate B-12 amounts. Sea vegetables, while still foreign to the American palate, can be purchased at natural food stores or Asian groceries. Eating legumes, dried fruits and dark green veggies will help teens meet iron needs; eat them with a food high in vitamin C - citrus, tomatoes, potatoes - for optimum iron absorption. Most important minerals like magnesium is found in cereals, green leafy vegetables, chocolate and wheat germ. Potassium is also available in most fruits and vegetables and wheat germ. It is required for normal muscle and nerve activity. Zinc can be found in yogurt, tofu, whole grains, peas, nuts and legumes. You may have heard that rice is a complete protein, it is balanced, and that in some countries people live well on rice. However, in North America, we have a tendency to eat white rice, instead of the more healthy brown or wild rice varieties, and this leads us to consume more starch or carbohydrates without the same amount of protein to balance it. Soybeans are very good to eat as it contains many proteins as also helpful in preventing many diseases. Beans are delicious and so easy (and cheap) to cook in a crock pot. In the beginning, invite your teen’s vegetarian friends over to cook a meal for the family. So, not only non-veg. food but veg foods are full of nutrients and easily digestible and free of fats. It helps to prevent many heart diseases. More over if non-veg food is not properly and hygenicly cooked it led to many diseases. So its better to shift to veg food for good health. What should be included in your daily diet if you are vegetarian; - four whole-grain foods a day; - three vegetables, two fruits every day; - snack on fruits, vegetables and nuts; - keep healthy and tasty crackers/chips available for snacking once a day; - eat sweets at the end of a meal, not in between; - exercise regularly. Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:17:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutritious-vegetarian-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar Herbal benefits of Apple-cider vinegarSource: www.expressnewsline.com Apple-cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is less acidic than wine vinegar and therefore, easier to digest. It is enriched with essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene, thiamin, vitamins B, C, and E, and pectin. It has been in use since ages a sit has many healing properties. Researches have shown that its regular intake can relieve fatigue and help lower cholesterol levels by purifying the blood and preventing clots, thus helps relieving circulatory disorders. Cider vinegar is an all-around remedy for ailments affecting the skin, heart, and digestive system. Cider vinegar is also a widely used natural remedy for dermal problems and irritations, such as calluses, sunburns, insect bites, and dry and itchy skin. It is also used to reduce fever. Here are some ways to use Apple-cider vinegar:*To lower cholesterol level: Mix 3-4 spoons of vinegar in a glass of water and drink it early morning or before meals.*To relieve fatigue and feel energized: Drink a glass of warm water, mixed with two teaspoons of cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey, twice a day. *To reduce fever: Mix equal parts of cider vinegar and cold water in a small basin. Dip a piece of cloth or face towel in the mixture, wring it out, and place it on the forehead of the feverish person. Repeat when the cloth loses its coolness. This method can also be applied to help relieve sunburned or mildly burned skin. *To relieve dry and itchy skin: Use equal parts of cider and vinegar as a rinse. This solution can also be used directly on the scalp before a shampoo to treat dandruff. *To soften corns and calluses: Dip a piece of gauze in cider vinegar and apply it on the affected area. Let the vinegar soften the skin overnight by taping the gauze in place. Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:15:26 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-valerian Herbal benefits of ValerianSource: www.expressnewsline.com Valerian is one of the most beneficial herbs if taken into account its benefits. It has no known side-effects and doesn’t even cause dependency. It’s useful for its sleep-inducing properties as well as for giving relaxation to the mind. Benefits of Valerian herb: Valerian enhances the natural body process of getting into sleep and also gives calmness and refreshing feelings and also relieves the tensions and stresses. It also improves general sleep quality. It has good effect on smooth muscle, and is considered a powerful and safe muscle relaxant. It can be safely used in muscle cramping, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. Valerian’s volatile oils do not simply have sedative properties but also a predominantly regulative effect on the autonomic system. Valerian is used world wide as a relaxing remedy in hypertension and stress related heart problems. There is an effect here beyond simple nerve relaxation, as it contains alkaloids that are capable of lowering abnormally high blood pressure.This is can be as re-vivifying as sleep itself, and indeed all that is necessary in more cases than not. The true nature of sleep still remains a mystery. Everybody goes through stages of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a stage where dreaming is associated with minor involuntary muscle jerks and rapid eye movements, indicating that active processes are occurring in the brain. It is important not to suppress the dreams dreamed during this stage. Emotional experiences are processed by the mind in those dreams, and much arising from both the unconscious and daily life is balanced and harmonized. Whilst sleeping pills have a marked impact on REM, Valerian does not interfere with this process as it is not powerful enough to suppress these necessary REM phases. Amongst other effects, Valerian decreases both spontaneous and caffeine-stimulated muscular activity and decrease a number of measurable processes in the brain. Research comparing the relaxing properties of Valerian and a number of other plants on the muscles of the digestive tract, has shown Hawthorn and Valerian to be the best, followed by Passion Flower and Chamomile. Especially interesting is the finding that combining all the herbs acted in a synergistic way, being relaxing at low dosage levels. How to use valerian herb for different remedies;To be effective it has to be used in sufficiently high dosage. The tincture is the most widely used preparation and is always useful, provided that the single dose is not counted in drops, but that 2.5-5ml (l/2 - l teaspoonful ) is given, and indeed sometimes 10 ml at one time. It is almost pointless to give ten or twenty drops of valerian tincture. Over dosage is highly unlikely, even with very much larger doses. For situations of extreme stress where a sedative or muscle relaxant effect is need fast, a single dose of one teaspoonful may be repeated two or three times at short intervals. The dried herb is prepared as an infusion to ensure no loss of the volatile oils. Two teaspoons of the dried herb are used for each cup of tea prepared. With these doses expect a good relaxing, anti-spasmodic and sleep-inducing effect, and above all rapid sedation in states of excitement. A cold infusion may be used: a glass of cold water is poured over two teaspoons of valerian root and left to stand for 8-l0 hours. Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:13:47 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-benefits-of-valerian http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/consumers-more-concerned-with-health-benefits-of-food Consumers more concerned with health benefits of foodSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukMore consumers are looking for health benefits associated with food and drink according to a new report by Research and Markets. The report — New Profit Opportunities in Health and Nutrition to 2009: Changing Consumer Concerns and Market Influencers in Food and Drinks — reveals that consumers are interested in the effects of probiotics, the health benefits associated with a meat-reduction diet and the role of antioxidants in ageing and skincare amongst others. Sun, 16 Jan 2005 20:40:16 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/consumers-more-concerned-with-health-benefits-of-food http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doh-links-pesticides-with-prostate-cancer DoH links pesticides with prostate cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukThe Government’s cancer advisers have for the first time said that pesticides, particularly weed killers, might cause prostate cancer, according to a report in The Guardian. The committee of advisers from the Department of Health recommended that there should be more information on occupational exposure of farmers and farm-workers to agricultural chemicals. In a statement on its website the committee said: “there was some evidence to suggest an association between farmers and farm workers, exposure to pesticides and increased risk of prostate cancer.” Sun, 16 Jan 2005 20:39:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doh-links-pesticides-with-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-protects-against-breast-cancer Olive oil protects against breast cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukNew research has found that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil may protect against breast cancer. A US team of researchers has found that oleic acid — an ingredient of olive oil — cuts the levels of a breast cancer-promoting gene, Her-2/neu which occurs at high levels in over a fifth of breast cancer patients, by up to 46%. Laboratory tests found that oleic acid suppressed the activity of the gene and boosted the effectiveness of a breast cancer drug called herceptin. Sun, 16 Jan 2005 20:38:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-protects-against-breast-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/profile-gillian-mckeith-presenter-of-you-are-what-you-eat Profile: Gillian McKeith, presenter of You Are What You EatSource: www.tvtoday.co.ukHolistic nutritionist Gillian McKeith, presenter of Celador Production’s hit series for Channel 4 You Are What You Eat has been studying and researching in the fields of nutrition and diet for nearly 20 years. Gillian grew up in the Scottish Highlands, and at the time her diet included plenty of stodgy and pre-packaged foods. In her twenties she moved to America and became the presenter of a health interest radio show. Ironically, at the time, she felt in poor health, lacking energy and suffering from headaches and aches and pains. Since discovering how to change her health and well being through diet and nutrition Gillian has never looked back, and she is now passionate about good food and what it can do to for all of us.Gillian began studying and researching in the fields of nutrition and diet in 1985. Prior to that she attained a Bachelors in Language and Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh in 1981 and a Masters in International Relations specialising in International Business from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Gillian began to attend seminars in food and nutrition and study while also working in the business world lecturing in management studies and international business. In 1992 Gillian’s interest in nutrition and diet had grown to the extent that she enrolled at the American Holistic College of Nutrition to undertake a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition, completing a series of studies including the fundamentals of nutrition, biology, nutrition and disease prevention and nutritional therapies. After achieving her Masters in 1994, Gillian continued her studies at the American Holistic College of Nutrition and began a Doctorate of Philosophy in Holistic Nutrition. Her doctorate studies included courses in nutritional healing, nutrition and longevity, the nutrition of mental health, nutritional immunity, and dietary fats and oils. Gillian completed her PhD in 1997. Gillian is the author of the number one bestseller You Are What You Eat, based on the series, and Living Food for Health. She has written for a number of publications, and currently has a weekly column in Reveal magazine. She presented the ‘Feel Fab Forever’ strand on This Morning, and her US broadcast credits include Celebrity Health Reporter for The Joan Rivers Television Show, co-host on the Healthline Across America radio show and Healthy Living Correspondent for ABC TV.Gillian is the formulator of specialised living food products sold in Holland & Barrett and other health food shops throughout the UK. She has consulted a number of high-profile figures and her private clientele include professional athletes and celebrities.Gillian is now based in London, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Tue, 11 Jan 2005 21:01:06 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/profile-gillian-mckeith-presenter-of-you-are-what-you-eat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cosmetic-breakthrough-in-the-fight-against-acne-rosacea-eczema-and-psoriasis Cosmetic Breakthrough In The fight against Acne Rosacea Eczema and PsoriasisSource: www.prleap.comConcentrations of a rare fatty acid (palmitoleic) and carotenoid levels found in sea buckthorn oils are claimed to promote healing of skin burns and the relief of other skin ailments such as eczema and dermatitis. The most significant potential healthful benefit is the high content of the tocopherol (vitamin E) component within the seed oil. Tocopherol is recognized as the natural antioxidant in the human body. It is believed that high levels of tocopherol minimize skin oxidation, which helps to maintain skin integrity and reduce skin toughening and wrinkling. Sea-buckthorn oils are also believed to have a biological protective capacity. The tocopherols and carotenoids can trap and reduce the formation of UV-B induced toxic products in skin cells. Due to these UV-B absorptive properties, sea buckthorn oils may be used by industry as a natural sun screen. Research has indicated that extracts isolated from the bark of sea buckthorn may inhibit tumour growth and there are reports that it has successfully treated gingivitis. The leaves of the sea buckthorn plant also contain many nutrients and bioactive substances. Leaves harvested from the male plant can be used to produce tea, tea extracts, tea powder and animal feed. A new treatment available is seabuckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides), which is the active ingredient in FACEDOCTOR soap. Its activity is targeted against the mite to reduce the inflammation under the skin and therefore provide relief of the mechanisms that cause the rosacea complex of symptoms. The advantage that patients find with the soap is the elegance of the cleansing vehicle in otherwise sensitive skin, the presence of Vitamin E and aloe Vera which provide additional healing properties, and other active ingredients such as astragalus membraceus and spirodela polyrhiza, useful yeasts that augment the activity of the seabuckthorn oil.For more information call 866 595 6497 Tue, 11 Jan 2005 20:52:38 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cosmetic-breakthrough-in-the-fight-against-acne-rosacea-eczema-and-psoriasis http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-protein-may-aid-drug-therapy New protein may aid drug therapySource: news.bbc.co.ukScientists have discovered a new protein they believe could help develop much more effective medicines. The protein, SP-1, was isolated from the poplar tree, but can also be produced using bacteria in the lab. It is stable and can survive extreme conditions, including attacks by enzymes that break down other proteins. Researchers at Jerusalem's Hebrew University believe it could be used to develop nanocapsules to deliver drugs to fight diseases such as cancer. They found the protein was able to remain intact following exposure to extreme conditions such as boiling, excessive acidity, salinity or being mixed with detergent solutions. Because the protein is unusually tough, the researchers believe it is an ideal candidate for use in nanobiotechnology. The procedure aims to harness the properties of tiny biological compounds to develop new medicines and industrial and chemical processes. Porous vessels The researchers hope that SP-1 nanocapsules will be capable of delivering cell-destroying drugs specifically to certain types of solid cancer tumours. The protein's tiny structure should enable the nanocapsule to penetrate into tumours without harming healthy tissue - thus enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This selective penetration is based on the fact that the blood vessels which feed tumours are considerably more porous than those reaching healthy cells. Therefore the units of SP-1 carrying the drug would invade only the tumour-feeding blood vessels and not normal ones. In poplars, the protein plays a role in ensuring other proteins within the plant's cells assume their correct shape, and function properly. Many questions Dr Eric Perouzel, an expert in gene and drug delivery systems working for IC-Vec Ltd, told the BBC News website the idea sounded promising in principle, but there remained many unanswered questions. It was not clear how the drug would be loaded onto the protein, or whether it would provoke an immune response. Also the protein was so small there was a chance it would be expelled from the body by the kidneys so rapidly that it never reached its intended target. "It's a very good idea, but I'm puzzled by the high level of their ambition related to the absence of data," he said. Tue, 11 Jan 2005 20:29:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-protein-may-aid-drug-therapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/experts-stress-importance-of-child-nutrition Experts stress importance of child nutritionSource: www.chinadaily.com.cnChinese parents are being urged to pay more attention to their children's nutrition, after a study revealed that unscientific ways of feeding babies and a lack of trace elements are the two biggest threats to youngsters' health. Experts drew these conclusions from a two-year study into the nutrition and health situation of children under six in 10 cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Launched in 2003 by the China National Children's Centre, the survey includes 8,043 children, equally divided between the genders. It shows 37 per cent of surveyed children have baby food earlier than the recommended age of four to six months old, with another 35 per cent taking it later, which in return brings about a nutritional abundance or deficiency as these children grow up. "Our children above four to six months old lag behind foreign children in terms of their physical well-being, although they boast the same quality below the age of four months," said Zhao Shunyi, head of the children's centre. She called on Chinese parents to pay more attention to their children's nutrition after they stop breast-feeding at six months old. Trace elements The survey also shows more than half of the children above six months old are deficient in five trace elements which are crucial to their physical development - magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and zinc. "Lack of zinc will lead to low level of intelligence; while our children are also risking serious anaemia because of iron deficiency," said Dou Xiaowei, vice-director of the National Centre for Child Nutrition Quality Supervision and Testing. "Parents should notice that the metabolic rate of children is 15 per cent higher than that of adults. They need a large quantity of different nutrients," said Zhao. "They'd better choose such baby food with plentiful trace elements, especially calcium, iron and zinc." Children from families who spend less than 1,000 yuan a month on their children's food are found to have more complete and sufficient trace elements than those from families that spend more. "It may be because those higher-income families choose more junk food and fast food for their children," said Dou. Zhao said the centre is urging the central government to enforce child food production management and supervision via revising related laws. "Child food producers should be advised to market products with rich trace elements," said she. Dou added there will be some major changes in this regard in the next two years. The centre plans to conduct a similar survey among rural children soon since "a majority of the 367 million children in China live in rural areas," said Dou. Tue, 11 Jan 2005 20:27:48 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/experts-stress-importance-of-child-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-supplements-offer-long-term-benefits Calcium supplements offer long-term benefitsSource: www.nutraingredients-usa.comTeenage girls that take calcium supplements for a short time may see a long-term benefit to bone health, suggest Israeli researchers.Adolescents in many developing countries do not consume sufficient calcium in their diet to protect bones against the common condition osteoporosis. In the UK for example, the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey revealed that 19 per cent of girls and 9 per cent of boys aged between 15-18 years are not getting enough calcium from their diets, increasing their risk of failing to achieve their peak bone mass (at age 20-25) and consequently, of developing osteoporosis later in life. However the effects of short-term calcium supplementation on peak bone mass in adolescent girls have not been completely defined, according to a team from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the Rambam medical center. In a previous double-blind, placebo-controlled, calcium-supplementation study, the researchers demonstrated that girls with low calcium status that took 1000 mg of calcium carbonate each day for a year increased bone mineral acquisition. In a new follow-up study, completed 3.5 years after the end of the supplementation period, they found that those who had taken supplements tended to have a greater accretion of total-body bone mineral density than the control group. They write in this month’s American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 81, no 1, pp168-174) that the calcium group (17 subjects) had a compliance rate of at least 75 per cent during the intervention study. In another study in the same journal however (pp175-188), US researchers report that calcium-supplementation effects vary over time.They carried out a randomized clinical trial on 354 females in puberty with a mean dietary calcium intake of 830 mg per day. The calcium-supplemented group received an additional 670 mg per day. All of the primary outcomes - proximal radius bone mineral density (BMD), total-body BMD, and metacarpal cortical indexes - were significantly larger in the supplemented group than in the placebo group at the year four endpoint. However, at the year seven endpoint, this effect vanished for total body BMD and distal radius BMD, write the researchers. Longitudinal models for total body BMD and proximal radius BMD showed a highly significant effect of supplementation during the pubertal growth spurt and a diminishing effect thereafter. “These results may be important for both primary prevention of osteoporosis and prevention of bone fragility fractures during growth,” they conclude. Tue, 11 Jan 2005 20:22:44 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-supplements-offer-long-term-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herb-helps-migraine-headaches Herb Helps Migraine HeadachesSource: www.wnep.comMigraine sufferers, there's another way to attack you headache, if don't mind a burp. Researchers in New York have found an herb called "Butterbur" reduces the frequency of migraines. But there is one annoying side effect, burping. The study included 230 people who had two to six migraines a month. Researchers found people had their migraines almost cut in half after taking 75-milligrams of Butterbur twice a day. Doctor David Rothner is a migraine expert at The Cleveland Clinic. "I think we're at the beginning of understanding of what these alternative medications can do. And I think people ought to be aware of this. They ought to be aware of the potential for interaction. And be aware of getting a source of this material that is standardized, so that they won't be getting a very low dose in one prescription or one bottle and a very much higher dose in another, " Rother says.Doctor Rothner insists people talk to their doctor before taking the herbal extract, "Nobody should just go out and buy any Butterbur root. And nobody should just go out and take it unless they talk to an expert, or their physician. Say, 'Hey, is this stuff going to interfere with the medications that I'm taking for my heart, or for my blood pressure, or for my diabetes'."The study was conducted at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx . You can also check the December 28th issue of 'Neurology.' Tue, 11 Jan 2005 19:58:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herb-helps-migraine-headaches http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-for-life-diet-genes 'Health For Life: Diet & Genes'Source: www.rednova.com In coming years doctors will be able to take genetic profiles of their patients, identify specific diseases for which they are at risk and create customized nutrition plans accordingly, Newsweek reports in its cover story "Health For Life: Diet & Genes-The New Science of Nutrition and Aging," produced with Harvard Medical School. The promise of nutritional genomics-a field that barely existed five years ago-is not to overturn a century's worth of dietary advice but to understand on the most basic level how health is determined by the interplay of nutrition and genes, report Correspondent Anne Underwood and Senior Editor Jerry Adler in the January 17 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, January 10). (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050109/NYSU013 ) The model for nutritional genomics is the work that has already been done on drug-gene interactions. But food interactions are usually far more complicated, Underwood and Adler report. There are at least 150 gene variants that can give rise to type 2 diabetes, 300 or more that are associated with obesity. One interaction that has been studied in detail involves two categories of enzymes known as phase 1 and phase 2, which work in sequence to eliminate certain toxins from the body. It is desirable to have a balance of the two enzymes, but some people have a variant gene that speeds up the phase-1 enzymes, so they form carcinogens faster than the phase 2s can get rid of them. This gene is found in 28 percent of white Americans, but roughly 40 percent of African-Americans and Hispanics and nearly 70 percent of Japanese- Americans (who, as it happens, have a high rate of stomach cancer). But there are ways to tweak the system: garlic contains nutrients that slow down the phase 1 enzymes, and a substance known as sulforaphane boosts levels of the phase 2s. And sulforaphane is easy to obtain. You get it from broccoli. "We're starting to take the guesswork out of the things we eat," says Raymond Rodriguez, who heads the Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at the University of California, Davis. Rodriguez has identified a soy constituent called lunasin that increases, by his count, the activity of 123 different genes in prostrate cells. Among them are genes that suppress tumor growth and initiate the repair of damaged DNA. The genetic factors predisposing men to prostate cancer can, in principle, eventually be identified and calculated for each individual. When all is said and done, though, the recommendation will probably stay the same: eat more soy. There's not much chance that nutritional genomics will ruin the pharmaceutical industry, Underwood and Adler report. More likely, the field will create opportunities for drug companies to isolate, concentrate, synthesize and improve on the compounds in nature, which they've been doing for a hundred years. The Health For Life package, which reports on the secrets to living longer and better, also includes the following stories, written by Newsweek correspondents and experts from Harvard Medical School: * Though death is still as inevitable as taxes, future generations may age more slowly and live significantly longer. Special Correspondent Mary Carmichael and Associate Editor Jennifer Barrett Ozols report on five scientists whose research offers new insights into the biochemistry of aging-and opens the door for life-lengthening drugs. * Researchers who investigate longevity are discovering that old age can be a peak period for creativity, report Chicago Correspondent Karen Springen and Senior Writer Sam Seibert. A healthy adult's brain contains approximately 100 billion nerve cells, some of which die off with age. But the surviving nerve cells actually keep developing as we get older- particularly if we give them plenty of exercise. * West Coast Editor David J. Jefferson writes that his parents are whiling away the twilight years by pursuing their Tinseltown dreams. Edith and Joseph Jefferson, 89 and 82, respectively, hadn't performed since before Jefferson was born. Now, he writes, "whenever I turn on the TV, there's Mom, yelling at a neighbor to 'Shoot it!' when a rhino charges through a Nikon commercial. Flip the channel, and she's doing a hip-hop dance, McDonald's apple pie in hand. Dad is equally hip on TV, showing up in a Limp Bizkit video or getting all gooey for a Sony PlayStation 2."* Hormone therapy could have beneficial effects on heart disease among women in their early 50s, yet harmful effects among women a decade older because estrogen has both beneficial and harmful effects on the plaques of atherosclerosis-the cause of heart attacks, report Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D., and Francine Grodstein, SC.D., of Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women's Hospital. Estrogen slows the development of atherosclerotic plaques, by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol and raising HDL ("good") cholesterol levels in the blood-that's good. However, estrogen may make plaques more likely to rupture by increasing inflammation within them-that's bad. * When he first met his doctor, Harry Lodge, five years ago, Chris Crowley was 40 pounds overweight and exercising only sporadically. Harry started preaching the benefits of intense, regular exercise, and it wasn't long before Chris got religion, reports Society Editor Lisa Miller. Chris took up spinning and lost weight; then the two men co-authored their fast-selling new book, "Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond." The book, a wisecracking but scientifically serious guide to health for middle-aged men, has one main message: stay very fit and you will live a healthier, happier life, with more sex and less depression, well into your old age. (Read entire cover package at http://www.newsweek.com/. Click "Pressroom.") Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050109/NYSU013AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Newsweek CONTACT: Abigail Lorge of Newsweek, +1-212-445-4078 Web site: http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/ Tue, 11 Jan 2005 19:52:29 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-for-life-diet-genes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-mediterranean-diet-fights-cancer How Mediterranean Diet Fights CancerSource: www.cancerpage.comScientists have discovered why eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables and particularly olive oil can help to protect women from developing breast cancer. The key is oleic acid, the main component of olive oil. Dr Javier Menendez, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, said oleic acid blocks the action of a cancer-causing oncogene called HER-2/neu which is found in about 30 percent of breast cancer patients. "We have something now that is able to explain why the Mediterranean diet is so healthy," Menendez told Reuters. Doctors and researchers had been aware that eating a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of breast cancer and other illnesses such as heart disease. But until now they did not know how. Menendez and his colleagues in the United States and Spain studied the impact of oleic acid in laboratory studies of breast cancer cells. "We are able to demonstrate that the main component of olive oil, oleic acid, is able to down-regulate the most important oncogene in breast cancer," Menendez explained. "The most important source of oleic acid is olive oil." They found that oleic acid not only suppressed the action of the oncogene, it also improved the effectiveness of the breast cancer drug Herceptin, a targeted therapy made by Swiss drug maker Roche Holding AG that works against the HER-2/neu gene. Breast cancer patients with HER-2/neu positive tumors suffer from an aggressive form of the disease and have a poor prognosis. "There is no evidence at all that olive oil is toxic," said Menendez, who reported his findings in the journal Annals of Oncology, explained. "It is totally safe to consume olive oil," he added. More than one million cases of breast cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year. In 1998, the disease caused 1.6 percent of all female deaths, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France. Although oleic acid works against the oncogene in a different manner than Herceptin and enhanced the drug's effectiveness. But Menendez stressed that although the laboratory results are promising, more research is needed. They are hoping to uncover the mechanism by which the acid targets the oncogene and are planning studies of animals with breast cancer to see if a diet high in olive oil can alter the activity of the oncogene and the impact of Herceptin. "We have a molecular link than can explain why the Mediterranean diet is demonstrating all these benefits," Menendez added. Tue, 11 Jan 2005 19:50:41 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-mediterranean-diet-fights-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dietary-fats-linked-with-prostate-cancer-aggressiveness Dietary Fats Linked With Prostate Cancer AggressivenessSource: www.cancerpage.comHigher concentrations of prostatic polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) correlate with a lower risk of invasive disease among men with early-stage prostate carcinoma, US investigators report in the December 15th issue of Cancer."What this research suggests is that there is a very plausible and probable link between the types of fat consumed after the cancer has already developed and the level of aggressiveness or the extent of disease at the time the cancer is diagnosed and treated," lead author Dr. Vincent L. Freeman, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, told Reuters Health.Studies of the effects of different types of dietary fat intake on prostate cancer risk and prognosis have had mixed results, Dr. Freeman and colleagues note. They point out that many in the field believe biological measures of dietary exposure will be more helpful in clarifying the relationship than studies using dietary recall.To investigate the relationship between PUFA and invasiveness of early stage prostate carcinoma, Dr. Freeman's group tested 196 prostate tissue samples collected during radical prostatectomy for localized disease, using several measures of PUFA exposure. Fifty-two of the men had extracapsular extension, including 19 with seminal vesicle involvement.The researchers found significantly lower levels of PUFA in the men with seminal vesicle involvement. Omega-3 fatty acid percentage and arachidonic acid percentage also were inversely related to the risk of seminal vesicle involvement, as was the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6.There are a number of different mechanisms through which "good" fats like omega 3 fatty acids could help prevent cancer growth, Dr. Freeman noted. For example, while omega 6 acids such as linoleic acid can work through immune system pathways to fuel cancer spread and inhibit apoptosis, omega 3s can block these pathways from using "bad" fats as fuel. PUFAs can also influence communication both within and between cells in other ways, while oxidation of PUFAs can lead to DNA damage.According to Dr. Freeman, the percentage of PUFAs in prostate tissue is likely an accurate marker for long-term fat consumption. "We are reasonably confident that that does reflect some longer term pattern of intake, a pattern of intake long enough to have influence over disease aggressiveness," he said.The researchers conclude: "Because the differences in prostatic concentrations of PUFA were not large, levels associated with a reduced risk of locally advanced prostate carcinoma would appear to be achievable through dietary modification. However, the results of recent attempts to manipulate tissue nutrient levels through dietary modification have been mixed, suggesting that much technical work remains before this can become a feasible and effective preventive strategy."SOURCE:Cancer 2004;101:2744-2754 Fri, 07 Jan 2005 20:52:30 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dietary-fats-linked-with-prostate-cancer-aggressiveness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prevention-of-chronic-diseases-like-cancer-diabetes-and-heart-disease-is-within-reach-of-everyone-says-author-mike-adams Prevention of Chronic Diseases Like Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease Is Within Reach of Everyone, Says Author Mike AdamsSource: biz.yahoo.comAccording to the New England Journal of Medicine, nearly one out of three people use alternative medicine. In his new downloadable ebook, "The Seven Laws of Nutrition," holistic nutritionist Mike Adams guides alternative therapy seekers on how to transform their health, reverse chronic disease, and free themselves from the dangers of pharmaceuticals. ADVERTISEMENT Adams is a strong believer in the fact that people can control their own health destiny and that "virtually every widespread chronic disease like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease can be prevented through fundamental changes in nutrition and food choice.""The Seven Laws of Nutrition" offers a new, educated view of foods, advising readers to avoid foods that naturally deplete the body's nutrition (white flour, refined white sugar, hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, etc.), and focus on "superfoods" like chlorella, spirulina, quinoa, sprouts, berries, tomatoes, nuts, avocados, wheat germ, etc. Adams also espouses sensible exposure to natural sunlight, a nutritional strategy now known to be crucial for the body's generation of vitamin D, a nutrient that prevents prostate cancer, breast cancer, mental depression, and other diseases and disorders.Using a no-nonsense approach, Adams combats accepted theories that genes are responsible for disease and, instead, explains how your body is pre-programmed for superior health -- but can only achieve it if you provide the nutritional building blocks it needs to stay healthy. He also tackles the Food Guide Pyramid and explains why the USDA can never provide unbiased advice on foods and nutrition."'The Seven Laws of Nutrition' provides a revolutionary, down-to-earth education on how to enhance your health and prevent chronic disease using the healing gifts of nature," Adams explains. And to prove it, Adams has publicly posted his own health statistics. They show LDL cholesterol of 67, HDL cholesterol of 62, resting pulse of 48, and peak performance of all internal organs. These statistics are available at: http://www.newstarget.com/adamshealthstats.html Fri, 07 Jan 2005 20:48:38 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/prevention-of-chronic-diseases-like-cancer-diabetes-and-heart-disease-is-within-reach-of-everyone-says-author-mike-adams http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbalists-share-secrets-of-hangover-relief Herbalists share secrets of hangover reliefSource: news.newstimes.comIf overindulging in bubbly is how you ushered in the New Year, you're probably waking up this morning with a pounding head, dry mouth or upset stomach. You might want to head to your kitchen for natural remedies instead of reaching inside the medicine cabinet.If you have ginger on hand, you can not only blot out the painful effects of getting blotto, but the ginger will help ease the nausea that accompanies a hangover, said Chinese herbalist Kenneth Hoffman of the Arcadia Health Center in Brookfield.Add some honey to the mix and you can help mop up the ill effects of excess alcohol consumption, Hoffman said.Hoffman said ginger acts as a pain reliever. Honey has fructose, which speeds up the metabolism of alcohol in one's body. That's why the two work in combination so well."You want pain relief but you also want to get it out of your system as soon as possible," Hoffman said. Ginkgo biloba seeds are a good item to have on hand because they, too, speed up the metabolism of alcohol. It's something one can take while imbibing, as a preventative measure or even while suffering from a hangover, said Hoffman, who is also a doctor of acupuncture.If you are out of honey, check your cupboards for onion soup, which is also high in fructose, Hoffman said.Ginseng is helpful because it counteracts the depression that occurs from alcohol abuse.Mint tea is also valuable. It's filled with antioxidants, which attack the free radicals running through one's body because of the alcohol. "It helps avenge those," Hoffman said.Is your head pounding? Hoffman said that one reason why people get headaches from alcohol is because booze opens up the blood vessels. This is why people feel warm when they drink."When you drink too much, they open up too much. So you get a headache," Hoffman said.Another thing to remember is that water can be your friend the morning after.Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose fluid. "That also causes the pain," Hoffman said.Another problem? "Alcohol is an irritant, so it upsets your stomach," Hoffman said.According to alternative health guru Dr. Andrew Weil, there's no hangover treatment "that works as well as putting time between yourself and the night before."Weil and Hoffman agree the additives in alcoholic drinks contribute to a hangover "There's basically a bunch of stuff that you don't want to put into your body," Hoffman said."They say a general rule is the darker the alcohol, the worse the hangover is going to be," Hoffman said.Weil agrees. "Pick your poison wisely," he says."Whenever possible, choose quality brands. The extra money you pour out for a premium cocktail may tax your wallet, but your liver will thank you," Weil writes on his Web site."Some distilled beverages are rich in substances called congeners, toxic impurities that can greatly add to your woes. Bourbon, rum, and cognac are particularly dirty. Champagne and some sweet wines are also notorious causes of hangovers. Vodka, being just pure alcohol and water, is the cleanest. It's always a good idea to pace yourself, and to eat if you have more than a drink or two.""My drink of choice is sake, which seems pretty clean to me. I don't get a hangover from it, even when I drink more than normal," Weil writes.Weil says that alcohol is toxic to the liver and the nervous system and it irritates the digestive tract and urinary system. He, too, advises people to drink water to avoid dehydration.Aspirin will not help, experts agree. Hoffman says aspirin upsets the stomach, which is already acidic from the alcohol.Denise Eaton, retail training coordinator for Nelson Bach, pushes the company's product Nux vom as the most natural and comprehensive way to curb the effects of the "holiday hangover" because it stimulates the body's natural system of recovery."This is a natural way for the body to heal on its own," Eaton said.Nux vom comes in pill form and can be ingested after a night of drinking. It is a popular choice for drinkers on holidays, Eaton said.Weil said that inhaling pure oxygen in a canister might help speed one's recovery, "but I doubt this is practical for most people."And if all else fails? Just wait."The best and only sure-fire remedy is time," Weil said. Contact Karen Aliat kali@newstimes.com Fri, 07 Jan 2005 20:45:32 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbalists-share-secrets-of-hangover-relief http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-might-work-after-all Herbal remedies might work, after allSource: www.hindu.comANCIENT HERBAL remedies used for centuries in Indian cooking and in preparing dishes in the far-east have the potential to control diabetes and treat cancer, according to a team of London scientists. Scientific justification Researchers from the department of pharmacy at King's College London say they have found scientific justification for the use of alternative medicine. Scientists believe that the Indian curry leaf — an ingredient in many curry dishes and used in traditional Indian healing, may contain agents that slow the rate of starch-to-glucose breakdown in people with diabetes. The tree's leaves could control the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. Professor Peter Houghton, who headed the research team of 20, told the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester recently that plants used in traditional Thai and Chinese medicine appeared to have cancer-fighting properties. During the research six plants used in Thai cancer remedies were extracted according to traditional methods and showed `promising activity' against lung cancer cells. The best results were found in the aquatic weed Ammannia baccifera from Thailand and star anise, a plant extract, which tastes of licorice and is often used in Chinese cooking. The findings also revealed that common cattle feed might contain anti-fungal properties and could be used in a cream to treat athlete's foot. Prof Houghton said the findings from three years of research were the first step in the discovery of new drugs based on plant extracts, but warned against people with diabetes or cancer taking the plant extracts immediately. "This is the first time many of these plants have been looked at scientifically, but it is a long way from saying they will be placed on a doctor's prescription pad," he said. "Pharmacists believe herbs are of value, but they are not completely safe. There is now a rapidly diminishing number of doctors who believe they are old wives' tales, and we now see that herbal remedies must be treated with respect." Chemical of interest He said although it was quite possible that people who ate curry leaf regularly as part of their diet could help control their diabetes, sufferers should first consult their doctors. "When people find a new chemical of interest, there is a one in 10,000 chance of it becoming a good medicine," he said. "Obviously if someone is eating the curry leaf regularly and is known to be diabetic there is no harm in carrying on taking it, but if someone is going to start taking it in conjunction with other medicines they should definitely check first." Wound healing Researchers also interviewed traditional healers in Ghana to identify plants that are used to help wounds heal. The Ashanti, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana used a plant known as the climbing flower which was shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities and prevented infections. But Professor Edzard Ernst, who researches complementary medicine at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, south-west England, said it was important for people to realise clinical trials had not yet been carried out on the plant extracts. "This research needs independent confirmation, and even if it all goes like a flash of lightning, which it never does, we could see something in five years," he said."I think it's very encouraging but I think any claims of a cancer cure or a diabetes cure are misleading to patients." Tue, 28 Dec 2004 16:01:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-might-work-after-all http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/men-with-prostate-cancer-can-stick-to-low-fat-diet Men with Prostate Cancer Can Stick to Low-Fat DietSource: olympics.reuters.comAfter being diagnosed with prostate cancer, men are capable of adhering to a low-fat diet for at least a year if they receive good counseling and support, a new study shows. There is evidence that dietary fat plays a role in the progression of prostate cancer, Dr. L. H. Lumey of Columbia University Medical Center in New York and colleagues note in the medical journal Urology. However, some doctors have been skeptical about the feasibility putting men with prostate cancer on a low-fat diet. "It was important for us to establish if this indeed was such a complicated matter," Lumey told Reuters Health. To investigate, he and his colleagues randomly assigned 48 men with prostate cancer to a diet containing 15 percent fat or less, with or without vitamin E and selenium supplements; to a normal diet plus the supplements; or to a "control" group. All of the men received nutritional counseling at the start of the study, but the men on the low-fat diet and their spouses received more intensive support, with biweekly visits to a nutritionist for the first four months of the study, followed by monthly group sessions. After three months, men in the low-fat diet group had cut their calorie intake from fat by 8.6 percent and lost an average of 2 kilograms (about 4-1/2 pounds), while men in the control group had increased their fat intake by 2.1 percent and lost 0.8 kg. One year after the trial began, men on the low-fat diet had lost 2.8 kg and maintained a 9.8 percent lower fat intake, while those on the normal diet had gained 0.5 kg and were eating 1.6 percent less fat. A diagnosis of prostate cancer appears to be a strong motivation for lifestyle change, the researchers note. "These results open the possibility of planning for larger studies to assess the effect of a low-fat dietary intervention on quality of life, disease progression, and survival in men with prostate cancer," they conclude. Lumey said he was struck by the commitment to making dietary changes among patients in the study. "People are very involved -- this whole diet thing in prostate cancer patients, it's like a subculture in a way, it generates tremendous involvement and energy," he said. "There's a need to find out what's going on because it's not just an academic issue," he added. "Patients talk about this all the time." SOURCE: Urology, November 2004. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:58:22 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/men-with-prostate-cancer-can-stick-to-low-fat-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-oil-blood-type-diet-venison-fat Tea Oil, Blood Type Diet, Venison FatSource: www.infozine.comQ: I heard that tea oil is highly nutritious. What's the reason? A: Tea oil, made by pressing the seeds of the tea plant, is one of several gourmet oils now available. Health claims point out its low saturated fat content and high amount of vitamin E. The saturated fat content of tea oil, although not as low as canola oil, is about the same as olive oil. As for vitamin E, tea oil is a good source, offering more than olive and canola oils, the two oils most recommended for use by nutrition experts. Unlike some specialty oils, this versatile oil has a high smoke point, so it can be used to sauté or stir-fry, as well as to flavor salad dressings, cooked vegetables and pasta. Although it is more expensive than basic grocery store oils, it is similar in price to other gourmet oils. If tea oil makes healthy eating more enjoyable, add it to your meals, but don't consider it a nutritional necessity. Note well that tea oil is different from tea tree oil. The latter is not meant for internal consumption. It's applied to skin, nails, and hair for a variety of antifungal and cosmetic purposes.Q: Does a person's blood type indicate the type of diet they should follow? A: No. You may have heard of the idea that your blood type indicates whether your genetic ancestors were hunters, farmers, or nomads. According to this idea, your blood type tells you whether you should eat meat, chicken, dairy products, or other foods. Supposedly, by eating foods appropriate to your blood type, you can better control your weight and prevent other health problems like cancer. While claims about this diet may include references to research, no scientific journal has published research in support of this idea. If any weight loss results from following this diet, it is probably because calorie levels are kept low and so many foods are restricted. Contrary to this kind of diet, long-term weight control is best achieved by eating a variety of foods, maintaining portion size and nutritional balance, and exercising regularly. For cancer prevention, a landmark report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) advises everyone to plan their meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.Q: How does the fat content of venison compare to other meats? A: Venison is a very lean meat. Trimmed of outside fat, a three-ounce portion - the size of a deck of cards - contains just over one-and-a-half grams of fat, which is about equal to three-ounces of turkey breast. Even when their fat is trimmed, the same portion of lean cuts of beef (top, eye, and tip of round) and the leanest pork (tenderloin, sirloin, or loin chops) contains four to eight grams of fat. Other lean pork (rib chops, ribs or sirloin roast) yields eight to ten grams of fat in three ounces. Higher fat cuts of meat (beef rib, brisket, pork spareribs, salami or bacon) contain 10 to 15 grams. Whatever cut of meat you choose, keep your portion moderately sized to allow yourself plenty of room for the vegetables and whole grains that are so vital to good health. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:51:34 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tea-oil-blood-type-diet-venison-fat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-tips-for-a-safe-and-healthy-holiday Nutrition tips for a safe and healthy holidaySource: www.ecnnews.comHoliday cooking can be a huge task. If you are the lucky person in your family or group of friends to host the holiday festivities, don't panic.Making a holiday meal can be fun if you plan ahead and know how to prepare foods safely and healthy. First step is going to the grocery store. Make your list before you leave the house. Gather your coupons and check your cupboards to see what you do and do not already have in the house. When you are prepared to shop, be sure you go to the store after a meal. Remember, a hungry shopper tends to purchase food items they do not need.When it is time to cook, you should follow food safety guidelines through all stages of the process. Thawing your turkey or other meat needs to be done properly. There are three safe ways to thaw foods: in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave (for smaller food items). The refrigerator is the safest and easiest way to thaw a turkey. It will take approximately one day for each four pounds of a turkey, so for example, a 20-pound turkey would take five days to thaw. Be sure to put the turkey on a tray to avoid dripping on other foods. Storing it on the bottom shelf is a smart idea.Thawing a turkey under cold running water should take approximately 30 minutes for each pound. Be sure to change the water at least every half hour to be sure it remains cold enough to avoid bacterial growth. Next step is stuffing the bird. If you choose to make homemade stuffing, be sure to prepare the stuffing before placing it in the turkey. Use only cooked ingredients, no raw eggs or uncooked meats. Stuff the turkey just before roasting. The rule of thumb is 1/2 to 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound of turkey. You can stuff the neck and body cavities, but be sure not to pack it in tightly. Return the legs to the original tucked position, then start roasting. A meat thermometer is a safe way to prepare turkey. The thermometer should be placed in the thigh muscle, not touching the bone. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees, rub the outside of the turkey with oil or poultry base, preferably low sodium. The general rule is 20 minutes per pound, adding an hour for stuffed birds. The turkey is done when the meat reaches 180 degrees and the stuffing reaches 160 degrees. Be sure to check the turkey for doneness at least a half hour before the anticipated time of completion. The juices should be clear, not pink. Let the bird stand for 15 minutes before carving and removing the stuffing.Now that the turkey is all set, don't forget the fixin's to go along with the meal. Be sure to have several vegetables to balance your meal and sorry, but potatoes do not count. Try some green beans, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, summer or butternut squash. Serve a large salad with low-calorie dressing.Instead of candied yams, serve baked sweet potatoes. Try using low-fat gravy to save some calories or skim the fats from juices before thickening homemade gravy. Be sure to have plenty of calorie-free beverages on hand, such as flavored waters or seltzers, diet soda or low-calorie juices. Watch the eggnog and other high-calorie drinks.After dinner, get the crowd together to take a walk around the block. Bundle up, grab the dog, put the kids in a stroller and move. The worst thing to do after eating a huge meal is to sit on the couch and take a nap. Burn some calories by walking with your friends and family. After walking, you can feel a bit better about dessert. Consider having a few low-calorie dessert options such as diet gelatin, fresh fruit, frozen yogurt or angel food cake. Be aware that fruit pies and pumpkin pie are significantly less calories than pecan pies.Last, but not least, are the leftovers. Be sure to store all food items separately in the refrigerator. Put food in the refrigerator as soon as the meal is over. Leftovers have a shelf life of three days and after that they should be discarded. For recipe ideas on what do with leftovers, go to the Butterball Web site at www.butterball.com. Have a safe and healthy holiday season. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:49:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-tips-for-a-safe-and-healthy-holiday http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/grape-seed-could-save-the-brain-from-age-related-problems Grape seed could save the brain from age related problemsSource: www.hindustantimes.comResearchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found the first direct evidence that the popular dietary supplement of grape seed extract affects specific proteins in healthy brains in ways that may protect against future age-related dementia.The study, which is published in "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," says that there are specific molecules in mammalian tissues that are changed in response to oral intake of complex dietary supplements like grape seed extract.The researchers carried out their research on young adult rats not aged or diseased, suggesting that taking grape seed extract and p similar supplements could have effects before onset of disease later in life.They analysed global protein changes in the brains of rats fed a high but non-toxic level of grape seed extract (GSE) in their normal diet.The directions of the changes measured suggested that, in normal brains, this dietary supplement could protect against potentially pathologic changes that eventually lead to dementias. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:43:04 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/grape-seed-could-save-the-brain-from-age-related-problems http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-vitamin-shown-to-reduce-high-blood-pressure-in-women Folate vitamin shown to reduce high blood pressure in womenSource: www.newstarget.comFolate, a vitamin already known for its power to prevent birth defects, also appears to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in women young and old. The breast cancer drug tamoxifen may cause a slight increase in stroke risk, says a Duke University Medical Center study in the Oct. 12 issue of Neurology. Most people who have obesity surgery not only lose a lot of weight but experience marked improvements in health problems that are part and parcel of being extremely overweight. A new review of studies on the procedure finds that "a substantial majority" of obese people who underwent it recuperated from diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, many "experienced complete resolution," said the review in the Oct. 13 Journal of the American Medical Association. Teens who have insulin resistance could be more likely to suffer from high blood pressure in adulthood, new research suggests. Because high blood pressure is a known risk for cardiovascular disease, the finding could help spot children who face a higher risk for heart problems later in life, Dr. Alan Sinaiko, the study author, reported. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:34:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folate-vitamin-shown-to-reduce-high-blood-pressure-in-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-keep-track-of-your-vitamin-a Women, keep track of your vitamin ASource: www.newsday.comVitamin A is essential for good health - notably for eyes and skin, immune function, reproduction and bone growth. That's why nonfat and low-fat milk, margarine and many breakfast cereals are fortified with it. However, high doses of vitamin A taken over time can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women (the vitamin is fat-soluble and is stored in the body, so levels can build up). In 2002, a Harvard study suggested that levels of vitamin A once considered safe and healthful may weaken women's bones and increase the risk of fractures.The study of 70,000 postmenopausal nurses found that those who consumed the most vitamin A (equal to at least 6,600 international units, or IUs) from foods and/or supplements over an 18-year period had nearly double the risk of fractures compared with those consuming the least. A Swedish study in 1998 had similar findings, though other studies have found no such increased risk. It's theorized that moderate to high levels of vitamin A reduce bone growth and interfere with the ability of vitamin D to help the body utilize calcium.However, both the Harvard and Swedish studies found that only "preformed" vitamin A, also called retinol, was linked to bone loss and fractures. The body converts beta carotene and many other carotenoids in vegetables and fruits into vitamin A, as needed. The studies found no adverse effect from carotenoids.Sorting through the numbers: The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A is equal to 2,333 IU daily for women and 3,000 IU for men. The labels on foods and supplements use an older set of daily requirements called the "Daily Values," which includes 5,000 IU for vitamin A. Multivitamins typically contain 100 percent of the Daily Value. The Institute of Medicine, which determines the RDAs, set 10,000 IU as the safe upper limit for A.So the amount found to be risky in the Harvard study (6,600 IU) is nearly three times the RDA for women, and one-third more than the Daily Value. But it is far below the "upper limit." That's why this finding is surprising.Where it comes from: Liver, which stores the vitamin, is very rich in it: a whopping 30,000 IU in 3 ounces of beef liver and 13,000 IU in the same amount of chicken liver.Fish oil, from fish livers, is the most concentrated source of A (though the flesh of most fish has only modest amounts of the vitamin).Fortified breakfast cereals, including most instant oatmeal, have a fair amount - usually 500 to 1,000 IU (10 to 20 percent of the Daily Value) per serving.Whole milk has 300 IU per cup; nonfat and low-fat milk (which are fortified with A), 500 IU; butter or margarine, 400 to 500 IU per tablespoon; most hard cheese, about 250 IU per ounce.Most multivitamins contain 5,000 IU of vitamin A. But in some brands, 20 to 50 percent is in the form of beta carotene. Half the women in the Harvard study took multivitamins, which were the single largest source of A.All you need to know: If you're a postmenopausal woman, keep track of your vitamin A intake:If you take a multivitamin, check the label. It should contain no more than 5,000 IU of vitamin A, and at least 20 percent of this should be in the form of beta carotene (the label will say, for instance, "50 percent as beta carotene" under vitamin A). There is no reason to stop taking your multi, which contains many nutrients important for healthy bones.Don't take separate vitamin A supplements. Even more important, women of childbearing age must not take them (doses as low as 10,000 IU a day increase the risk of birth defects). Men don't need them either.Don't worry about the vitamin A in milk or most other foods. It is hard to get high levels of vitamin A just from food, unless you eat liver or several servings of highly fortified cereal every day.Don't worry about carotenoids. These do not endanger your bones, since your body carefully regulates their conversion to vitamin A.Don't take cod liver oil.Don't go overboard and try to avoid vitamin A. However, if you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in carotenoids, you don't need to worry about getting enough.Good news: Some makers of multivitamins have announced that they will soon lower the amount of preformed vitamin A in their pills and/or substitute more beta carotene for it. Similarly, in many margarines, some of the added vitamin A has already been replaced by beta carotene. Check the labels.Vitamin AClaims, Benefits:Important for vision; maintains immunity.Bottom Line: Deficiency is rare in developedcountries. Since it's fat-soluble, dangerous levels can build up if you take large doses over time. Supplements areespecially risky forpregnant women. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:33:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-keep-track-of-your-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-good-for-depression Vitamin- B 12 Good For DepressionSource: www.medindia.netAccording to latest research patients who were treated for depression responded better if they had a higher level of vitamin B12 in their blood. An increasing amount of research is looking at the association between vitamin B and depression, but the specifics have not been understood. Researchers conducted a study to look at the relationship of vitamin B12 and the treatment of depression.The study included 115 patients who suffered from depression. Over a six-month period, researcher grouped them as to how well they responded to treatment including not at all, partially or fully. Investigators also measured the level of vitamin B12 in the patients’ blood when they first came to the clinic and again at their six-month check up. Researchers then determined if the level of vitamin B12 played a role in the patients’ outcomes.Researchers report the patients who responded fully to treatment had higher concentrations of vitamin B12 in their blood at the start and end of the study when compared to those who did not respond to treatment. The study also found the association between vitamin B12 and the response to treatment remained even after other factors were considered such as type of treatment received, smoking and drinking habits, and if other family members suffered from depression.Researchers say, there have been no previous studies that have suggested a positive relationship between vitamin B12 and the treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder who have normal or high vitamin B12 levels. However researchers say the new study supports previous research that showed patients responded better to treatment if they took vitamins B1, B2 and B6. These vitamins indirectly increase the level of vitamin B12 in these patients’ blood. Therefore, they say it appears taking vitamin B supplements may help people respond positively to antidepressants. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:30:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-12-good-for-depression http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-increasing-your-chance-of-dying Vitamin E: Increasing Your Chance Of DyingSource: www.pal-item.comIt is all over the news. It is in every newspaper, T.V. station, and will no doubt make it into every major magazine. The newest claim is that high dosage vitamin E increases your chance of death and that high dose vitamin E supplements should be avoided. This study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has the prestigious Johns Hopkins name behind its conclusions. The conclusions must be valid, must they not?Well, let’s take a look at what you didn’t read and why this recommendation is absurd.First, the participants in this review of studies were already suffering from a wide range of medical conditions from heart disease and cancer to kidney disease and Alzheimer’s. As the researches themselves admitted, it’s impossible to ascertain if results would be the same in a healthy population. Second, the statistical analysis is suspect. Only nine of the 19 studies focused solely on vitamin E, while 10 looked at vitamin E combined with other vitamins and minerals. Thus, any outcome can hardly be conclusive. Therefore, headlines screaming “Vitamin E may raise death rates” or “Vitamin E might make heart disease worse” are irresponsible, unfounded, and an unnecessary scare tactic. The benefits of vitamin E supplementation are well documented. I emphatically believe that not only is the use of vitamin E safe, but highly therapeutic. Thousands of studies support vitamin E’s role in cardiovascular health, immune function, and a number of other conditions.The Institute of Medicine and the federal government agree that vitamin E is safe at levels as high as 1600 IU per day for natural vitamin E (the form I recommend you use) or 1000 IU of synthetic vitamin E, the form most likely used in this study. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, “This meta-analysis provides no convincing evidence to the contrary.” The bottom line is that vitamin E has been shown over and over again to be beneficial for everything from various cancers to cardiovascular health to blood sugar regulation to mental health. And even the synthetic forms seem to do pretty well in showing some benefit, although I still maintain that the natural tocopherols are the best. While no antioxidant is a magic bullet for everything, and while I would certainly recommend supplementing optimum amounts of more than just one major nutrient, the fact still remains that supplementing vitamin E by itself has profound health benefits. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:27:23 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-increasing-your-chance-of-dying http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sprouts-get-a-better-taste-for-christmas Sprouts get a better taste for ChristmasSource: www.swissinfo.orgA Swiss-British company, Syngenta, is helping children overcome the ultimate Christmas nightmare: the prospect of eating Brussels sprouts. The agroindustrial firm – which supplies 80 per cent of Europe’s sprout seeds – has brought glad tidings to Christmas lunch by cultivating sweeter tasting varieties.For many, the Brussels sprout is a bitter pill to swallow – its acrid flavour means it is the least popular of vegetables in some parts of the world. Its fans are few and far between, especially in Europe and the United States. Sweet magic The Syngenta scientists used traditional methods of cultivation to weed the bitterness out, which in turn increased sweetness.The project was five years in the making.“There was no genetic modification involved, only techniques that have been in place since Adam was around,” Andrew Coker, Syngenta’s press spokesman, told swissinfo.The new improved vegetables also passed a series of blind tests conducted on children.“They even asked for second helpings until they realised what it was they were eating!” exclaimed Coker.The fact that the new improved vegetables no longer taste acrid has made life a lot easier for parents who are keen to see their kids eat up their veg for health reasons.“Brussels sprouts are enormously high in vitamin C – a half cup of sprouts provides as much vitamin C as six glasses of orange juice,” Coker said. Sprouting hatred As to why many children hated sprouts in the first place, Coker explained that infant palates were simpler than adult ones and found it easier to cope with sweeter flavours.“Of course, all children are different and some parents are more adventurous than others when it comes to food,” he added.Dislike of sprouts is universal, according to Coker.“I thought it was a British joke but I talked to colleagues from around the world and they all say the same thing: they hated sprouts as a child.”swissinfo, Faryal Mirza Key Facts - Sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and B-complex vitamins. - They originated in the Middle East. - The first sprouts were recorded in Western Europe in the early 1200s. - They were named Brussels sprouts after becoming popular in the Belgian capital in the 1500s. In Brief Syngenta has cultivated new, less bitter varieties of Brussels sprouts which taste sweeter.In blind tests, even children asked for second helpings.The Swiss company supplies 80% of sprout seeds in Europe. Related Sites - Syngenta - Brussels sprouts factsheet Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:25:02 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sprouts-get-a-better-taste-for-christmas http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-may-help-kids-with-leukemia Antioxidants May Help Kids with LeukemiaSource: story.news.yahoo.comChildren being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) seem more able to deal with their treatment if their levels of antioxidants don't drop too much, new study findings suggest. Yahoo! Health Have questions about your health? Find answers here. Cancer outcomes among adults are better when they have higher antioxidant concentrations, Dr. Kara M. Kelly and her colleagues note in the journal Pediatric Blood and Cancer. However, little is known about antioxidant levels in children with cancer. The team therefore followed 103 children newly diagnosed with ALL, measuring antioxidant levels, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage during the first 6 months of treatment. Overall, blood levels of vitamin E decreased over time, while total carotenoids and vitamin A, increased. Vitamin C and oxidative damage increased over the first few months, then declined by the sixth month, the researchers found. Antioxidant capacity decreased throughout the study, "suggesting that the pool of flavanoids is reduced with initiation of chemotherapy." The children with higher concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E and total carotenoids, tended to have "fewer dose reductions, fewer infections, improved quality of life, less delay in chemotherapy treatment schedule, reduced toxicity, and fewer days spent in the hospital," Kelly's group writes. Although more research is needed, the investigators say the current findings suggest that children with ALL may experience fewer treatment-related side effects if the amount of fruits and vegetables in their diet is increased. SOURCE: Pediatric Blood and Cancer, online December 27, 2004. Tue, 28 Dec 2004 15:18:09 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/antioxidants-may-help-kids-with-leukemia http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-food-standards-agency-fsa-gives-green-light-to-chromium-picolinate-as-safe-dietary-supplement UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) Gives 'Green Light' to Chromium Picolinate as Safe Dietary SupplementSource: www.newratings.comPeople with Diabetes Stand to Benefit as Safety Questions Resolved Nutrition 21, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXI) - The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced today that consumers can be confident that chromium picolinate is a safe dietary supplement, revising earlier recommendations ( http://www.food.gov.uk). The new advice, based on the balance of scientific evidence, states that there is "no need to avoid chromium picolinate." The FSA update stems from conclusions reported by the Committee on Mutagenicity (COM), which conducted a year-long comprehensive scientific review of chromium picolinate's safety. As part of its review, the COM requested duplication of two toxicology tests (Stearns et al, 1995 and 2002), which raised questions about the safety of chromium picolinate. "The replication studies, conducted by an independent laboratory, tested commercially available Chromax(R) chromium picolinate and showed no genetic damage," according to Ronald S. Slesinski, PhD, DABT, president-elect of the Regulatory & Safety Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology, who supervised the new studies and presented them at the Annual Meeting of the Environmental Mutagen Society (EMS) in October 2004. "Chromium picolinate is one of the safest dietary supplements on the market today." Chromium is an essential mineral that is critical to proper insulin function. Low chromium levels have been linked with increased risk of insulin-based diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Chromium picolinate is increasingly recognized among health professionals and consumers for its role as a safe and effective nutritional supplement for people with insulin resistance and at risk for diabetes -- a worldwide epidemic affecting an estimated 190 million people. "The COM's conclusions put to rest any safety questions for people taking dietary supplements containing Chromax, as well as for the research community, which is aggressively pursuing solutions for the prevention and treatment of diabetes," said Gail Montgomery, President and CEO. "Clinical studies indicate that nutritional supplementation with Chromax chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity and reduces abnormal glucose levels and heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes." Chromax chromium picolinate, marketed by Nutrition 21, has been affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the U.S. by an independent expert panel (Food and Chemical Toxicology, June 2004). Strengthened by this affirmation and COM conclusions, Nutrition 21 will file a safety dossier with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Health Canada in the Spring 2005. About Nutrition 21 Nutrition 21 is a nutritional bioscience company and the maker of chromium-based supplements with health benefits substantiated by clinical research. The company markets Chromax(R) chromium picolinate, which is the most-studied form of the essential mineral chromium. Nutrition 21 also developed Diachrome(R), which is available through diabetes educators or at http://www.diachrome.com. Nutrition 21 holds 34 patents for nutrition products and uses, 25 of which are for chromium compounds and their uses. More information is available at http://www.nutrition21.com. Tue, 21 Dec 2004 23:02:27 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uk-food-standards-agency-fsa-gives-green-light-to-chromium-picolinate-as-safe-dietary-supplement http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicine-makes-better-prognosis-for-kidney-transplant-patients Herbal medicine makes better prognosis for kidney transplant patientsSource: news.xinhuanet.comA People's Liberation Army (PLA) hospital has used traditional herb alongside Western medicine to treat kidney transplant patients of acute reactions and infections after the operation. Kidney transplants are taken as an effective cure for uremia and chronic renal failure, but quite a number of patients fail the surgery because of acute rejections to donor kidneys and many other complications. The General Hospital of the Nanjing Military Area Command, based in east China's Jiangsu Province, has reduced patients' risks for complications with herbal medicine, particularly the rhubarb -- a herb that is often used as a laxative. "We've used the combined therapy on 1,000 kidney transplant patients so far, the absolute majority of them have good prognosis," said Prof. Li Leishi, head of the hospital's kidney disease institute and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. According to Li, the success rate of a hospital's kidney transplants is evaluated with the survival rate of the patients as well as that of the donor organs in a given period of time. "The Nanjing hospital reported 60.9 percent survival rate of its patients and 37 percent of the donor kidneys in the 10 years between 1993 and 2003," he said. Li said percentages are higher than the United States figures by three percent and 0.6 percent respectively. "Besides, the hospital has reported 100 percent survival rates for all the 113 donor kidneys it transplanted this year," he added. He said the success is the result of herbal medicine as well asthe state-of-the-art know-how the hospital has introduced from abroad. "We keep the patients' medical files in an electronic database and arrange regular checkups for all the kidney transplant patients to make sure they're doing well after the operation." Prof. Li has been using herbal medicine in treating chronic kidney diseases since the 1980s. In 1990, he started to use herb for researches on molecular immunology and cell biology. He found the plants were cheaper and had less side-effects as compared with drugs commonly used to treat rejections. Enditem Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:33:54 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-medicine-makes-better-prognosis-for-kidney-transplant-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-cancer-phytochemicals-in-wormwood-herb-found-to-make-transferrin-34-000-times-more-powerful-at-destroying-cancer-cells Anti-cancer phytochemicals in wormwood herb found to make transferrin 34,000 times more powerful at destroying cancer cellsSource: www.newstarget.comNews summary: Source: http://www.uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=5826 A group of promising cancer-fighting compounds derived from a substance used in ancient Chinese medicine will be developed for potential use in humans, the University of Washington announced today. The UW TechTransfer Office has signed a licensing agreement with Chongqing Holley Holdings, a Chinese company, and Holley Pharmaceuticals, its U.S. subsidiary. The compounds, all developed through the research of UW scientists Henry Lai and Narendra Singh of the Department of Bioengineering and Tomikazu Sasaki of the Department of Chemistry, make use of a substance known as artemisinin, found in the wormwood plant and used throughout Asia since ancient times to treat malaria. Although the compounds are promising, potential medical applications are still years away, officials say. "We are very excited about the UW's discovery and an opportunity to develop an artemisinin-based cancer drug," Kevin Mak, chief scientist at Holley, said. The chemical helps control malaria because it reacts with the high iron concentrations found in the single-cell malaria parasite. The free radicals attack the cell membrane and other molecules, breaking it apart and killing the parasite. "Cancer cells need a lot of iron to replicate DNA when they divide," Lai explained. Perhaps the most promising of the methods licensed involves the use of transferrin, to which the researchers bind artemisinin at the molecular level. Transferrin is an iron-carrying protein found in blood, and is transported into cells via transferrin receptors on a cell's surface. Iron-hungry cancer cells typically have significantly more transferrin receptors on their surface than normal cells, which allows them to take in more of the iron-carrying protein. "Our research in the lab indicated that the artemisinin-tagged transferrin was 34,000 times more effective in selecting and killing the cancer cells than normal cells," Lai said. Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:30:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/anti-cancer-phytochemicals-in-wormwood-herb-found-to-make-transferrin-34-000-times-more-powerful-at-destroying-cancer-cells http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cactus-diet-deal-for-phytopharm Cactus diet deal for PhytopharmSource: news.bbc.co.ukA slimming aid made from a southern African cactus is set to be developed by UK firm Phytopharm and Unilever. Anglo-Dutch food giant Unilever will help the pharmaceutical firm develop the snacks containing Hoodia extract. Phytopharm shares jumped 10.7% on the news, with analysts saying sales of $600m (£309m) a year were possible. The plant, licensed to Phytopharm in 1997, has been used for thousands of years by the Sans bushmen of the Kalahari desert to stave off hunger. Studies have reportedly shown the plant curbs appetite instead of reducing calorific intake like many existing products. New collaboration Phytopharm will receive an initial fee of £6.5m from Unilever - out of a potential total of £21m - as well as future royalties on product sales. Under the deal, production of the Hoodia cactus at Phytopharm's nursery in South Africa will also rise from eight million plants to potentially hundreds of millions, said Phytopharm chief executive Richard Dixey. The firm had initially hoped to market a slimming drug from Hoodia with Pfizer. But the research collaboration came to an end in 2003. Analysts said Unilever could launch the new products in 2007. "This deal goes a long way to restoring the market faith in Phytopharm's pipeline after the Pfizer exit," said analyst Erling Refsum at Nomura. Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:24:34 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cactus-diet-deal-for-phytopharm http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cherry-diet-means-against-a-diabetes Cherry diet - means against a diabetesSource: newsfromrussia.comThe new Michigan study shows that a group of naturally occurring chemicals abundant in cherries that could help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabeties. Laboratory studies using animal pancreatic cells indicate that the chemicals, called anthocyanins, increased insulin production by 50 percent. Anthocyanins are a class of plant pigments responsible for the color of many fruits, including cherries. They also are potent antioxidants, highly active chemicals that have been increasingly associated with a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer, reports Hindustan Times. The mechanism of action by which these anthocyanins boost insulin production is not known, Nair said, but the team is currently feeding anthocyanins to a group of obese, diabetic mice to determine how the chemicals influence insulin levels in live subjects. Scientists in Nair's laboratory have also developed a patented process for removing sugar from fruit extracts that contain anthocyanins. This could lead to sugar-free products for people with diabetes, according New Kerala. The study is scheduled to appear in the 5 January issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:21:37 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/cherry-diet-means-against-a-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/extraordinary-oil-rooted-in-history Extraordinary oil rooted in historySource: www.stuff.co.nzAfter four years in the making, Strat Peters' lifetime passion for olive oil is ready to be unleashed, straight from the bottle. Mr Peters' classy extra virgin olive oil was launched on Saturday, along with his top of the range chunky pesto, at the Pohutukawa Party. Many tasted some of the Coromandel's finest cuisine and it couldn't have been a better place to expose Mr Peters' products. This man is passionate about olives and quality assured produce where traditional values and going the extra mile is more important than mass production or making a quick buck. It's taken Mr Peters four years of nurturing olive vines combined with a lifetime mission that runs deep in his veins. Mr Peters and wife Sam have lived in the Kauaeranga Valley for almost 20 of their 28 years of marriage. The valley was where their children were treated to tranquil surroundings and now the father of two has created exceptional extra virgin olive oil that is 100 per cent rooted in Kauaeranga goodness. The seed for oil was planted many years ago in his heritage. His parents originated from Greece, from islands many miles apart. Mr Peters' father Antonio Pizimolas grew up in the village of Gennadi on the island of Rhodes. The island was known at the time for producing great scholars and a huge array of olive farms. The Gennadi villagers to this day produce loads of olive oil from Mr Peters' family fields. Many of the olive oil farms are hundreds of years old in an area rich in history. Not far from the village original stone monuments and buildings still stand that date back to 800BC. Rhodes was under an Italian stronghold in the early 1900s until World War II. Mr Pizimolas was not happy with the regime so he left and set sail to Australia, along with many other Greeks including his future wife. AdvertisementAdvertisementOn arrival he changed his name to Peters and ended up in a small northern New South Wales town in an area full of banana plantations. Mr Pizimolas was a scholar with a long line of olive oil in his bloodlines. He tried his hand at a range of professions and eventually ended up owning Greek style cafes and delicatessens in Australia. Mr Peters' mother Sylvia Haritos arrived in Darwin from Greece but when the Japanese started their bombing raids in the 1940s, she fled to her eldest sister, who lived in the same town as Mr Pizimolas. The two eventually met and married, and started a family. When young Strat turned eight the family went back to Darwin. In his early twenties he met his future wife Sam, who was on holiday from the King Country. Mr Peters finished his accountancy degree in Queensland and then in 1983 the pair ended up in Thames where Mr Peters became a partner in an accountancy firm. Then in 1999 they went on a holiday to Greece and strong emotional connections were kindled. Not long after arriving in Gennadi, uncanny links to his family were forged all over the village. The villagers embraced Mr Peters, welcoming the prodigy of yesteryear. When they got back to the Kauaeranga Valley, rejuvenated visions of olive oil were planted. This year Mr Peters has commercially harvested 250 to 300 olive trees, and more are planned. The olives are picked, crushed in a mixer and put into a cold press Mr Peters imported from Italy, along with the olive oil bottles and pesto jars. Stratos extra virgin olive oil taste sensation is herbaceous yet slightly nutty with a peppery edge. It has a free fatty acid rating of 0.11, which features in only the top 5% of New Zealand quality oils. And his basil and rocket pesto is a chunky blend of only the finest natural ingredients. They include basil, New Zealand parmesan, Italian romano cheese, pine nuts, almonds, olive oil, a touch of lemon, spices, garlic and mint. These products are sure to go down a treat around the village, bon appetit. Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:20:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/extraordinary-oil-rooted-in-history http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-reveals-organic-milk-benefits Research Reveals Organic Milk BenefitsSource: news.scotsman.comOrganic milk contains almost three-quarters more of the essential fatty acid omega 3 than ordinary milk, it emerged today.Research by scientists at Aberdeen University shows organic milk is an excellent source of omega 3, which is important in maintaining a healthy heart, supple and flexible joints, healthy growth, strong bones and teeth.People could benefit significantly from drinking just half a pint a day, as organic milk contains up to 71% more omega 3 than non-organic milk.Jamie Robertson, livestock projects manager at the university, said: “Polyunsaturated fats are broken down into two groups, omega 3 and omega 6, and ideally an equal ratio should be consumed.“Most people in the UK eat too much omega 6 and are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids, therefore drinking organic milk could redress the balance.“We’re really excited by the results which show that organic milk does contain significantly higher levels of the beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acid, omega 3, and a trend of lower levels of omega 6 than non-organic milk.“This is due to the higher proportion of clover forage in the diets of organic cows.”Organic cheese is thought to be an even better source of omega 3 than milk.Sally Bagenal, chief executive of the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative, hopes the research will make people more aware of the benefits of consuming organic milk and cheese.She said: “While organic farmers welcome the results, we are concerned that people don’t appreciate the recently revealed health benefits of organic milk.“This research confirms the potential health benefits of switching to organic milk and cheese, particularly for those groups of us who don’t consume the recommended amount of oily fish.”It is thought around 89% of people identified in an independent study across the UK were not aware of the health benefits of organic milk Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:19:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/research-reveals-organic-milk-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-may-reduce-risk-of-lung-cancer Red wine may reduce risk of lung cancerSource: Althealth NewsResearch from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain suggests there are benefits to lung health from drinking moderate quantities of red wine. In a hospital-based case study, 319 subjects were interviewed about their lifestyles including alcohol consumption and tobacco use. White wine appeared to contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer while red wine showed a slight reduction. Sun, 19 Dec 2004 22:30:43 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/red-wine-may-reduce-risk-of-lung-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fsc-brand-back-with-independents FSC BRAND BACK WITH INDEPENDENTSSource: Althealth NewsFSC, the hugely popular brand of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements developed for independents, has been bought by BHM Health Group, better known to the industry as Bee Health Ltd.Sales of FSC have dropped by almost half in the two years since NBTY, owner of Holland & Barrett, bought the Health & Diet Company including the FSC brand and the UK chain of GNC Stores.The move is part of a massive expansion programme which also includes organic farming of many of Britain’s favourite herbs and the high quality contract manufacturing of supplements at Bee Health’s Bridlington base."I had no hesitation in purchasing the FSC Brand from NBTY as we have recently expanded our manufacturing facilities based in East Yorkshire. For some time we have been looking for the right products to add to our business and knowing the history of FSC, felt the products would fit well into our expanding business."We aim to restore the faith that retailers have traditionally shown in the marvellous FSC formulations. "The purchase by BHM Health Group is ideal for both the FSC Brand and the UK Independents of the Health Food Industry and we are confident we can build FSC back up to become the leading brand of health food products within the UK. "I would like to reassure the Independent health food retailers, that my commitment to the FSC products will be 100% on quality and service," said BHM MD Steve Ryan.Gareth Zeal, who with fellow nutritionist Earle Logan, formulated almost all of the FSC supplements and extolled the brand’s virtues in lectures all over Europe, has joined the new owners to resume his work on FSC. Fri, 17 Dec 2004 20:29:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fsc-brand-back-with-independents http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meditech-shares-climb-higher-on-hycamp-progress Meditech shares climb higher on HyCAMP progressSource: www.egoli.com.auShares in local biotechnology group Meditech Research Limited (MTR) jumped 10% within minutes of opening today after announcing the commencement of a Phase II clinical study of HyCAMP in colorectal cancer patients. The company explained that HyCAMP, a formulation of irinotecan with hyaluronic acid, is being activated initially through Cancer Trials Australia’s network of hospitals. Chairman Prof. Richard Fox advised that the randomised study is designed to compare the safety and efficacy of the drug. "Eighty six colorectal cancer patients who have previously been treated with 5-fluorouracil will be treated with either HyCAMPTM or irinotecan," Mr Fox said. Today’s news follows the group’s Phase I trials, which tested twelve patients. Meditech said that the results from the first trial of the study were encouraging and hopes they will be confirmed in a larger patient population. "Our latest trial has been designed to demonstrate an improvement in the safety profile for HyCAMP and will also assess product efficacy." "Upon successful completion, the study will provide 'proof of concept' for Meditech’s technology platform," the company said. Meditech anticipates that the study will be completed by mid 2006. Mon, 06 Dec 2004 23:09:50 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/meditech-shares-climb-higher-on-hycamp-progress http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soft-gel-awarded-patent-for-skin-product-hyaluronic-acid-ha- Soft Gel awarded patent for skin product Hyaluronic Acid (HA)Source: www.nutraingredients-usa.comSoft Gel has been awarded a US patent (6,806,259) for its Injuv soft gelatin capsule, a skincare supplement aimed at improving skin texture and appearance.Injuv is a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) cosmeceutical that is extracted from rooster combs. It works through an enzyme-cleaving process that reduces hyaluronic acid into lower molecular weight polymers that can then be absorbed when taken orally. However, the chemical composition of the HA remains unchaged. The patented process to alter HA’s weight was developed in Japan. Hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight glycosaminoglycan, like chondroitin sulphate, and it is now known to be present in large quantities in the extracellular matrix, trapping huge amounts of water in the skin, connective tissue and cartilage. "We have just completed a clinical trial with an Injuv formulation, and the results on improving skin appearance and texture were considered significant by the researchers," said Ron Udell, president of Soft Gel. Clinical trials have also demonstrated its significant benefit to wound healing, although its greatest potential is no doubt in anti-ageing skincare supplements. The Los Angeles-based company introduced the product as a supplement into the US last year, though it has been used for some years by the medical community in injectable form to help prevent pain in knee osteoarthritis The ingredient could also be used in foods. The most recent US product launch by Soft Gel was that of WasabiSol – a detoxification and immune support supplement – in October at SupplySide West. Wasabia japonica – or Japanese horseradish - is a potent source of long chain isothiocyanates - natural compounds found in foods such as broccoli, cabbage and watercress - which support phase I and phase II detoxification in the liver and promote certain immune functions. It has also been suggested that the active ingredients in these foods may increase bone density. Mon, 06 Dec 2004 23:03:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/soft-gel-awarded-patent-for-skin-product-hyaluronic-acid-ha- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-risk-for-red-meat-gluttons Arthritis Risk for Red Meat GluttonsSource: www.rednova.comEATING lots of red meat may put you at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. And if beef or lamb lovers do not cut down on large portions, they could be in danger of joining the UK's 387,000 current sufferers, says new research. The evidence that rheumatoid arthritis - which causes inflammation of the membrane lining joints and leads to pain and swelling - is independently linked to high-level consumption of red meat comes from a study of 25,000 volunteers aged 45 to 75. The risk factor was found by comparing the diets of 88 of those people - all with inflammatory arthritis - to a control group of 176 others. The University of Manchester research also found that the arthritis victims were more likely to be former smokers. But the study in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism said the most striking difference between the groups was related to red meat. In fact, patients with the highest consumption were at a two- fold risk. The Arthritis Research Campaign said: "Anyone who eats four burgers a week mustn't think they are sure to develop arthritis. Other risk factors are genetic susceptibility, smoking and low intake of Vitamin C. "But this new evidence suggests that, as part of a healthy lifestyle, people should cut down on red meat."Source: Daily Mirror Mon, 06 Dec 2004 22:45:21 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/arthritis-risk-for-red-meat-gluttons http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-greens-can-protect-against-cataracts Eating Greens Can Protect Against CataractsSource: news.scotsman.comEating your greens can help prevent cataracts, laboratory evidence has confirmed for the first time.Anti-oxidants in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale have been found to protect eye cells from exposure to ultraviolet light – a leading cause of cataracts.Researchers in the US found that the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin were almost 10 times more powerful than vitamin E in protecting the cells from UV-induced damage.Vitamin E is another antioxidant thought to reduce the onset of eye diseases.Manufacturers of vitamins often add lutein and zeaxanthin to their products.But until now there has been no biochemical evidence to support the claim that they help protect the eyes, according to researcher Joshua Bomser, from Ohio State University.“Along with the many environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors associated with cataracts, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and oxidative stress appear to be the most relevant in this disease,” Prof Bomser said.“Our results are the first to provide physical evidence suggesting that lutein and zeaxanthin decrease damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.”Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to cloud over and can lead to serious problems with vision.It is estimated that around 71% of over-85s have a cataract bad enough to affect their sight, with women more commonly affected than men.In the latest study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, the researchers treated human eye lens cells with different concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin or vitamin E.Along with a batch of untreated cells, these were exposed to doses of ultraviolet beta radiation for 10 seconds.UVB radiation is also thought to be the main environmental culprit in causing skin cancer as well as cataracts.Prof Bomser said the dose of UVB radiation they used was about the same amount a person would receive when they get a mild tan.Adding lutein and zeaxanthin to the cell cultures provided double the protection from UVB damage compared with vitamin E.The researchers also found that it took far less lutein and zeaxanthin than vitamin E – about 10 times less – to get this protective effect.Prof Bomser said: “The lens is equipped with antioxidant defence mechanisms designed to guard against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress.“In addition to protective enzymes and compounds like vitamins C and E, we think that low concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye lens help shield the eye from the harmful effects of UVB radiation.”The researchers said they did not know how the two antioxidants got into the eye and wanted to find out.“Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retina and in the lens of the eye, but we’re not sure how they reach the eye in the first place.“They travel through the bloodstream but the lens doesn’t have a blood supply,” Prof Bomser said.Anita Lightstone, the RNIB’s head of eye health, said: “The Royal National Institute of the Blind welcome this latest research because we have recommended for some time that eating more leafy green vegetables is important for maintaining good eye health.“Research also shows that eating a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, the biggest cause of blindness in the UK.” Mon, 06 Dec 2004 22:43:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eating-greens-can-protect-against-cataracts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-protects-against-stomach-cancer Vitamin C protects against stomach cancerSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukVitamin C intake and fruit consumption may be linked to reduced risk of stomach cancer according to new research form the US National Cancer Institute and the Public Health Institute of Finland. The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of stomach cancer was assessed in 29,000 male smoker participants aged 50-69. The US and Finnish scientists said they had found fruit and vitamin C intake, but not vegetable consumption, reduced the risk of stomach cancer by 45 per cent. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:39:19 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-protects-against-stomach-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-and-detox DIET AND DETOXSource: www.naturalproductsonline.co.ukShape up NaturallyBritain’s obesity epidemic is fuelling high levels of consumer interest in quick-fix weight loss products. But by offering good dietary advice and quality supplements, retailers can help their customers shape up naturally. Sarah Merson reports. There’s no avoiding it — we’re getting fatter. Everywhere you look; on the streets, in the newspapers, on TV, there’s evidence that Britons are gaining weight in increasing proportions. The irony is that at exactly the same time we are becoming a nation obsessed with fighting the flab and the booming market for slimming products and books is testimony.According to a survey carried out by the British Dietetic Association (BDA), over a quarter of people in the UK, are constantly trying to loose weight. And, rather shockingly, according to a study by the Medical Research Council (MRC), pregnant women are amongst the dieters. It’s fair to say then, that, somewhere along the line, dieting has spread out of all proportion. Even to the extent where pregnant women may be inhibiting development of their babies’ vital organs.Meanwhile the growing national fixation with weight loss has driven millions to become fad-obsessed yo-yo dieters, where just one in five manage to stick to a diet for up to a month at a time, with 10% lasting up to eight weeks. And, the implications? Well, recent findings from a group of researchers in Seattle, US indicated that yo-yo dieting may have a lasting negative impact on immune function. And, according to the BDA, nearly 40% of women dieters and 20% of men dieters, end up being heavier than their pre-diet weight anyway. High price of putting on the pounds Research carried out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability. According to 'Dieting UK' a Mintel report compiled in February 2004, health concerns linked to carrying excess weight in this country, include diabetes, heart conditions and various forms of cancer. The report also showed that obesity-related illnesses are now the cause of 18,000 sick days a year in England. So, not only are we getting bigger, we’re also becoming increasingly unhealthy.“Simple and clear advice, teamed with manageable and realistic goals is the most useful help that anyone can offer to someone wanting to go on a weight loss diet”, says nutritionist, Dr Sarah Schenker at the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). “As far as actual dietary recommendations are concerned, fruit and vegetables are vital as they are low in calories and fat. Whole grain carbohydrates should be chosen over more refined ones as they are more filling, they have a lower glycaemic index and they often contain more nutrients. Huge amounts of protein aren’t necessary but lean red meat, chicken without the skin and eggs (boiled or poached) are amongst the favoured types”.Weight loss is about more than food though. “The opportunity may be taken to encourage a healthier lifestyle through things like stress management techniques and exercise programmes. Ultimately, weight loss occurs through negative energy balance, ie. taking in less calories than you’re using up over a 24 hour period. This objective is far more likely to be achieved with exercise”, adds Dr Schenker.Product trends And, what about slimming products? Certainly in more recent years we've seen an upsurge in the market for food products aimed specifically at the dieting consumer. Over the past two years it has been low-carb products such as the Atkins range that have dominated the market. These are now being joined on the shelves by low GI (glycemic index) products — typically in the form of ‘sustained energy and weight management’ bars and shakes. However, two new reports — one from the US, the other from the UK — predict that fibre-enriched products are likely to overtake low-carb and low-GI as the top selling slimming and detox products within five years. According to a recent report from Mintel, another important category within the slimming foods market —reduced fat and reduced calorie (RFRC) foods — has also been growing strongly in recent years. Between 1998 and 2003, the market grew by 88% at current prices, to be worth an estimated £2.2 billion in 2003. The area of greatest growth for RFRC products has been concentrated among convenience foods, reflecting the needs of the modern consumer. Chilled ready meals showed the greatest degree of growth between 2000 and 2002, with a 127% increase in retail value sales at current prices. This product group is joined by chilled desserts (+66.7%), frozen ready meals (+34.8%), cakes (+28%), frozen desserts (+25%), cooking sauces (+21.2%) and pizza (+18.8%). The impact of these convenience RFRC foods has of course, been encouraged by the heavy promotional activity of the major grocery retail chains.The modern consumer’s need for ‘convenience’ is reflected in the increasing demand for instant-fix slimming products, not only in the supermarket but in the health food shop also. However, many health food store owners are not convinced that such products should automatically have a place on their shelves and continue to stress the difference between diet and dieting. “Most of the dieters who walk through our doors aren’t really interested in healthy eating for weight loss, they’re looking for a quick-fix, miracle solution,” says Molly Chasseaud at Lansdown Health Foods in Lewes, East Sussex. “Often they will have read something in a magazine about a supplement promising to help shed the pounds. Many people seemed to be influenced by the media in this way. After the TV series, Dr Gillian McKeith’s, ‘You Are What You Eat’, lots of customers were asking after her products and dietary recommendations. As far as possible, we try to advise them that slimming products might give you an edge on the weight loss front but that they work in conjunction with a restricted calorie diet,” she adds.Along with the proliferation of low-carb products on the market is a growing number of natural weight loss and weight management supplements. Phase 2 is a weight loss product from Lifesource launched onto the UK market in October. Its primary nutritional ingredient is derived from the white kidney bean and it is the first non-stimulant nutritional supplement that has been clinically and scientifically proven to neutralise up to 75% of starch calories. The ingredient works by reducing the amount of carbohydrate absorbed from food. When taken just before a meal, it joins with alpha amylase, which is the enzyme responsible for digesting starch, and temporarily disables it. This means that people can continue to eat foods like bread and pasta in moderation and there is no need to eliminate important food groups. Trim Form by Cedar Health offers a range of products, a food supplement, nutritional bars and slimmers’ snack bars, which are all nutritionally balanced to help weight control. The food supplement contains L-carnintine, riboflavin and green tea, which together help metabolise fat. Each nutritional bar contains low calorie fibre, vitamins, minerals and proteins which can act as meal replacements whilst the slimmers snack bar contains real Swiss chocolate, fibre and vitamins and provides just 120 calories. “The Trim Form range is selling well within health food stores. Although low carb eating programmes are popular at this time, they do not suit everyone and Trim Form offers an alternative to this,” says brand manager Mandy Talbott.Helix Slim, by Bioforce is a fresh plant extract of the Jerusalem Artichoke tuber. It increases the elimination of toxins from the body, balances blood sugar levels (preventing hunger and cravings, especially for sweet things) and is a prebiotic. It can help with weight and appetite control and stimulates slow metabolism. Helix Slim tincture was launched in the UK in 2003, and in tablet form earlier this year. Both products are reported to be doing well in the market.The detox phenomenon Many of the principles of dieting are, of course, encompassed by the philosophy of detox and whilst helping us to manage weight better, also give us the aim and impetus for a healthier existence. There’s little doubt that detox has become increasingly popular over recent years, not least so since the phenomenon of Carol Vorderman’s, Detox for Life. It remains the case however, that relatively little scientific research has been carried out into ‘detox’ per se. There is though, a growing body of evidence indicating that diet plays a crucial role in modifying the body’s detoxification pathways.“Dietary therapy is crucial to any detox plan”, says naturopath, Hermann Keppler from the College of Naturopathic Medicine. “And, depending on the individual, it’s often encouraged to avoid things like wheat, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, etc and to eat a wholefood diet rich in fresh, organic unadulterated fruit and vegetables. Dietary choices will have a direct effect on various organs in the body and how they help the detox process”. Vitamins and minerals — particularly the B vitamins — play a major role, acting as co-factors for many enzyme systems including those of liver detoxification. Including plenty of whole grains, which contain B vitamins, in the diet will aid the liver in this crucial role. Vitamin C is also important due to its ability to prevent free radical formation. Depletion may impair the detoxification process. Vitamin C is of course found in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Zinc is another essential nutrient and acts as a co-factor for many enzyme systems. Zinc deficiency can cause a whole range of consequences, which may impede detoxification. Then of course there are detox aids, which come principally in the form of herbal supplements but also as ‘nutraceuticals’ and functional foods. Probably the widely used herb is milk thistle, which contains a compound called silymarin that is believed to enhance liver regeneration and promote its detoxification function. The use of detox aids will depend on the individuals needs, but ultimately, detox exists to help boost the body's natural self-cleansing mechanisms; reducing strain on the digestive system and strengthening organs of elimination such as the kidneys, the skin, the liver, the lungs and the lymphatic system. Whilst detox is favoured by many alternative therapists, especially naturopaths, more orthodox practitioners may be sceptical. Comments Keppler: “Certainly, if detox is taken to extremes, then there may be some risks. Duration of detox needs to be assessed too on an individual basis. For some people a week may be appropriate whilst for others, two weeks or perhaps more, might be beneficial. It’s also important to make sure that customers are following a detox plan, for the right reason. Many do a detox because they lack energy or vitality. However, there are other common causes for lethargy and these would need investigating to ensure the true cause was being addressed properly. Dedicated detox products include specialist herbal combinations and detox kits, and there is an increasing number of products on the market. Launched in September this year Silver Birch Juice is Weleda’s latest product to accompany a detox programme. Containing valuable nutrients that help the body eliminate waste products, organic Silver Birch Juice is often used to help alleviate rheumatic pain, helping to flush toxins which build up in joints. Vitabiotics’ three-way detox system Detoxil uses a blend of 26 bio-active nutrients specially formulated to support the body’s natural cleansing process, helping to remove toxins that can build up over time. It was specifically created to help maintain a healthy liver and immune system. “The product is doing very well and we expect to see an increase in sales this month when new advertising starts along with new year resolutions”, says marketing director Robert Taylor.Meanwhile, Cynara Milk Thistle, by Lichtwer Pharma has firmly established itself as a popular detox aid among health food store customers. The product is designed to support liver function — the liver being the body’s main detoxifying organ. Alcohol, smoking, environmental pollutants and a high-fat diet all have a detrimental effect on our liver, making it sluggish and unable to function efficiently. Cynara Milk Thistle’s active ingredient, silymarin, supports liver function in a number of ways, including the prevention of glutathione depletion, an amino acid-like compound that aids the body’s ability to destroy toxins and pollutants. Sarah Elman, natural remedies manager at Wild Oats in Bristol, says that the store gets a lot of customers coming in asking for advice on detox. “First off, we bring everything back to diet and ask what they currently eat and what symptoms they have. Instead of suggesting a specific detox programme, we try to take the stress out of their diet, which will help the body to detox naturally.”“Often we’ll suggest one thing at a time, like cutting out caffeine for the first month, then perhaps sugar the next. Supplements can then be recommended depending on the individual. If someone is really having problems giving up sugar, we might suggest chromium or Helix Slim for example, by Bioforce, which helps keep blood sugar levels constant. Or, we might suggest things like milk thistle to help the liver, or psyllium husks if they have infrequent bowel movements.” Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:34:01 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-and-detox http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-dose-supplements-ward-off-cancer-in-men Low-Dose Supplements Ward Off Cancer in MenSource: story.news.yahoo.comTaking "nutritional doses" of antioxidants seems to reduce men's risk of cancer, according to the findings of a French study. This approach doesn't do much for women, however, probably because they eat more healthily than men to begin with. Yahoo! Health Have questions about your health? Find answers here. Studies have shown that beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and other antioxidants may protect against the harmful effects of cell-damaging substances called free radicals. The accumulation of free radicals is suspected to increase the risk of heart disease and several other conditions. Men, who eat less fruits and vegetables than women in proportion to their weight and total intake of calories, consequently also have a lower concentration of antioxidants in their blood. If they increase their intake of these healthy foods, they may be less likely to develop cancer, the new findings suggest. "Our results show the importance of the recommendations of a lifelong diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially in populations with a low antioxidant status," Dr. Serge Hercberg of the Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Paris, told Reuters Health. Previous studies of the health effects of an antioxidant-rich diet have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have suggested that such diets may lower the risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease while others have found the antioxidant supplementation to be ineffective or possibly even harmful. Hercberg and colleagues re-examined the issue in a study of more than 13,000 men and women aged 35 to 60 years living in France. These study participants were randomly assigned to a group that took an inactive pill each day or to a group that took a daily multivitamin consisting of 120 milligrams of vitamin C, 30 milligrams of vitamin E, six milligrams of beta carotene, 100 micrograms of selenium and 20 milligrams of zinc. This relatively low dosage of antioxidants was chosen because it represents what might realistically be attained through good nutrition; many previous studies of antioxidant supplementation used a much higher dosage, the report indicates. The current study also included people from the general population as opposed to just smokers and others already at high risk for cancer. The French study participants were followed for an average of 7.5 years, undergoing periodic physical exams and cancer screenings. By the end of the study, 562 men and women had been diagnosed with cancer, 271 had developed cardiovascular disease and 174 people had died. Antioxidant supplementation did not seem to have an effect on cardiovascular disease rates among the study participants. However, the incidence of cancer was lower among men on the daily antioxidant multivitamin than among their peers, Hercberg's team reports in this week's Archives of Internal Medicine (news - web sites). Specifically, 88 men on antioxidants were diagnosed with cancer during the study period in comparison to 124 of those in the placebo group. Men who took a daily dose of antioxidants also seemed less likely to die from any cause, the report indicates. Among women, however, there were no great differences in the number of cancer diagnoses among those on antioxidant therapy in comparison to those who took an inactive pill. The reason for the discrepancy between men and women may be because the men had a lower concentration of various antioxidant nutrients -- beta-carotene in particular -- in their blood at the start of the study, the researchers speculate. Indeed, after more than seven years of taking antioxidants, men's beta-carotene levels were similar to that found among women in the placebo group, the report indicates. "The efficiency of supplementation in reducing cancer incidence may be related to the ability to correct antioxidant status with an adequate dose of antioxidant nutrients in individuals with a suboptimal antioxidant status (as the men in our study)," the researchers say. "In conclusion, our results suggest that an adequate and well-balanced supplementation of antioxidant nutrients, at doses that might be reached with a healthy diet that includes a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, had protective effects against cancer in men," Hercberg and colleagues write. SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, November 22, 2004. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:31:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-dose-supplements-ward-off-cancer-in-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/promoting-male-health-issues-take-it-like-a-man- PROMOTING MALE HEALTH ISSUES - TAKE IT LIKE A MAN!Source: www.jamaica-gleaner.comWomen in Jamaica and worldwide live longer than men. Men do not like to visit the doctor and fear is a common reason given by most men for not seeing a doctor.HOW OFTEN should I see the doctor? Men between the ages of 25 and 35 should have a routine check-up at least every five years. If you have diabetes, hypertension and cancer in your family, you should have a check-up more frequently. After 45 all men should have an annual check-up.Here are some common health problems men encounter:FOR MEN WHO ARE SEXUALLY ACTIVERemember this is the time when men are at great risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Remember the 'ABC rule' ­ Abstain, Be faithful and Condom use ­ always use a condom.For men who regularly get sexually transmitted infections, remember to take stock of your life. You are endangering the life of yourself and your partner. There are far too many people living with HIV who are not aware of their status.Get regular HIV tests if you sexually active. It is better to be aware of your status. The death rate from HIV/AIDS has decreased these days though more drugs are available and are more affordable.PREVENTING HEART DISEASEHeart disease is the major cause of death among men in Jamaica. Atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries) is the major cause of heart disease and this condition is caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and lack of physical activity. Pay attention to your lifestyle. Eat foods low in saturated fats. Stop smoking and exercise regularly. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure ensure that these are properly treated. Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids and soy may reduce heart disease.A NOTE ON PROSTATE CANCERCancer of the prostate is the most common form of cancer among men in Jamaica. In fact, Jamaica has one of the highest rates of this cancer in the world. The rate of this cancer is low under the age of 40 but it rises with increasing age. If this cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, it is treatable and holds a good survival rate. All men over the age of 40 should have a regular test done for this cancer. The test is called the PSA.Supplements such as vitamin and selenium may be useful in preventing this cancer.SEX IS NOT GREAT ANY MOREIn order to improve your sex life you may need to re-examine your relationship. Be open about issues and discuss some of the difficulties you may be having. Talk about sex freely and discuss the things that turn you on. Women like to be intimate, to be touched, hugged, caressed and they also like to feel appreciated. It is not always the woman's fault. If you are having major difficulties, seek professional help, do not allow your relationship to deteriorate. Remember life is not always better with the other woman. Most men regret extramarital affairs in the long run.IT IS NOT GETTING UP AS IT USED TOAs you get older, it is common to experience difficulty in getting and maintaining erections. A common cause is hardening of the blood vessels in the penis. Other causes include diabetes, hypertension and the medication which you may be taking. Discuss these issues with your doctor as medications are now available to enhance erection. Natural products that may help include omega-3-fatty acid, saturated fatty acids, ginkgo biloba and zinc. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:28:58 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/promoting-male-health-issues-take-it-like-a-man- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-helps-diabetics-fight-heart-disease Vitamin E helps diabetics fight heart diseaseSource: www.heartcenteronline.comAfter two weeks of difficult news, vitamin E finally got some good press when a study revealed that the powerful antioxidant may help some diabetics avoid heart disease. A study showed that 40 percent of diabetics might benefit from taking 400 IU of vitamin E daily. Among this group, vitamin E reduced the risk of heart attack and dying from heart disease. The findings were published in the November issue of Diabetes Care. These results were released only two weeks after a team of Johns Hopkins researchers found that the risk of dying increased among people who take 400IU of vitamin E daily. The Johns Hopkins researchers reached this conclusion by conducting a meta-analysis of existing studies on vitamin E. The new study, conducted by researchers at the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel, identified a group of diabetics who have abnormally low levels of antioxidants, along with abnormally high levels of dangerous oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are linked to a number of health disorders through their ability to degrade healthy cells. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. The Technion-Israel Institute researchers identified a group of diabetics who had a particular type of blood protein called 2-2 haptoglobin. The 2-2 haptoglobin diabetics had a 500 percent increased risk of developing heart disease. About 40 percent of diabetics have 2-2 haptoglobin. When these patients took 400 IU of vitamin E daily, they reduced their risk of heart attack by 43 percent and decreased their risk of dying of heart disease by 55 percent. These results were found by analyzing data gathered as part of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) trial in 2000, which was designed to study the effect of vitamin E therapy on heart disease. The HOPE trial found there was no benefit from vitamin E on cardiovascular risk. However, it did not separate patients based on their haptoglobin type. Armed with these initial results, Dr. Andrew Levy, the author of the study and a professor on the faculty of medicine at Technion-Israel, is launching a large-scale, five-year study of 2,00 diabetics with 2-2 haptoglobin. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:24:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-helps-diabetics-fight-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fighting-the-flu-with-more-than-a-vaccine Fighting the flu with more than a vaccineSource: msnbc.msn.comEach year, five to twenty percent of Americans get the flu. More than 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications. Because flu vaccines are in tight supply this year and you may not receive one, you should think about additional ways to protect yourself. The immune system is composed of antibodies and a variety of other elements, all of which are made of protein. Studies consistently show that the power of our immune system declines when we lack protein or calories.advertisement Most Americans get more than enough protein and calories, but the elderly and poor may not. Their meat consumption may be limited due to cost, chewing difficulties, or the hassle of preparing it. To safeguard their nutrition, these people can get enough protein and other nutrients from alternative sources, such as dried beans, tofu, nuts and eggs.Iron, zinc, folate and the vitamins C, E, B6 and B12 also keep the immune system functioning well. For example, in a study of homebound elderly people, those who were iron-deficient had lower immune function than those with normal iron levels. But an amount greater than the recommended levels may have adverse affects. You simply need to meet the basic Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) levels.Don't forget the zinc Zinc is a case in point. This mineral has received a lot of attention as a potential way to boost immune function. The average U.S. adult meets the Institute of Medicine recommendations of 8 to 11 milligrams (mg) per day. Yet many adults are mildly deficient, and even mild zinc deficiencies can decrease immune power. However, excessive levels suppress the immune system. Research suggests that a total of 40 mg of zinc from food and supplements is safe. Zinc is found in lean meats, seafood, eggs, dairy products and whole grains. Most multivitamins contain a day’s worth of zinc. A balanced diet and lifestyle seem to be the keys to a healthy immune system. High-fat diets decrease immune function, while extremely low levels of dietary fat also lower a person’s immunity. The lack of carbohydrates, at least for athletes, can also disturb several parts of the immune system.Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular exercise to help our immune systems stay healthy, excessive amounts of exercise decrease the immune function and increase rates of infection. Sleeping enough and drinking enough fluids also help the body fight infections.Alternative treatments Herbal products made from echinacea are currently popular ways to increase one’s immunity, but they show mixed results in studies. These products seem most effective as a short-term treatment when virus symptoms first appear. Research does not indicate that the immune system benefits from long-term use of them. Because echinacea works by increasing immune system activity, people with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis should avoid it.Probiotics, which are foods like yogurt or cultured milk drinks with live bacteria, are under study to see if they might improve the immune function of some people. For example, the immune function tends to decline as people age, but in one study, seniors aged 60 to 83 had greater immunity after six weeks of daily probiotics. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep will help keep you well this cold and flu season, but good hygiene matters, too. If you wash your hands thoroughly and often, you help protect yourself when you touch something or someone contaminated with germs. Even if you do wash your hands regularly, you should also refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs can enter the body through these areas. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:23:14 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fighting-the-flu-with-more-than-a-vaccine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/http-www-miami-com-mld-miamiherald-living-health-10293386-htm http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/health/10293386.htmSource: drkoop.comIt cuts risk factors for heart disease and diabetes better than conventional low-fat diet, researchers say. Cuts risk factors for heart disease, diabetes better than low-fat diet A diet rich in the type of carbohydrates that maintain a more stable blood sugar beats out a conventional low-fat diet in reducing the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, according to a new study.Researchers compared a diet rich in carbohydrates with a low glycemic index -- the type that stabilizes blood sugar -- with a conventional low-fat diet that included carbohydrates with a high glycemic index. "Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index are absorbed through the small intestine and converted to blood sugar at a much slower rate than high glycemic, resulting in a more stable blood sugar and much less Insulin being produced," said Mark A. Pereira, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist. "So that would help prevent or control diabetes."The work by Pereira and his team appears in the Nov. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.In the study, those on the low-glycemic diets also achieved better improvement in blood pressure and blood fats, and their resting metabolic rate -- the rate at which the body burns energy or calories at rest -- didn't drop as much as it did for those on the low-fat diet.Pereira and his colleagues assigned 39 overweight or obese young adults, ages 18 to 40, to either the low-glycemic diet or the low-fat one. The low-glycemic diet got 43 percent of calories from carbohydrates, 27 percent from protein, and 30 percent from fat, Pereira said.(For the sake of comparison, the popular Zone diet consists of 40 percent of calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein, and 30 percent from fat. Low-glycemic carbohydrates are recommended.)Those on the low-fat diet got 65 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, 17 percent from protein, and 18 percent from fat. Both diets were restricted in calories to achieve a 10 percent weight loss. Food was provided for the subjects. The low-glycemic menus featured such foods as steel-cut oatmeal, barley and whole-grain breads. The menus for the low-fat diet included carbohydrate foods with a higher glycemic index, such as instant oatmeal, white bread and white rice.Pereira's team measured blood pressure, insulin resistance (a predictor of diabetes), blood fats and other risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, before and after the weight loss. "Generally, what we found across the board for blood fats and blood pressure and insulin resistance is, the decrease with weight loss was twice as great for the low-glycemic group compared to the low-fat group."Both groups averaged the same amount of weight loss, the 10 percent goal, but the dieters on the low-glycemic diet reported less hunger. And their resting metabolic rate, which typically drops during weight loss, dropped less in the low-glycemic eaters."For the conventional low-fat dieters, the metabolic rate slowed down by 175 calories a day," Pereira said. "For the low-glycemic group, there was a 95-calorie drop."The new study echoes those of previous studies, Pereira added.Meanwhile, another expert said it's difficult to credit the low-glycemic diet for the results."I think it's a very interesting study," said Alice Lichtenstein, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and professor of nutrition, science, and policy at Tufts University. "However, whether the effect is due to glycemic load or to a higher low-fat diet can't really be distinguished." She's referring to the fact that the low-glycemic menus allowed more fat -- about 30 percent -- than the low-fat, which allowed 18 percent fat."Certainly, a number of studies have shown that low-fat diets are not optimal for promoting weight loss or decreasing cardiovascular risk," she added. The low-glycemic diet studies may be better because it is moderate fat, she said.Lichtenstein cautioned that people trying to lose weight and reduce disease risk should not become too obsessed with total fat or glycemic load at the expense of calories. The most important aspect is watching "total calories and increasing activity," she said. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:15:11 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/http-www-miami-com-mld-miamiherald-living-health-10293386-htm http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-supplements-to-slow-bone-loss-in-crohns-patients- Vitamin K supplements to slow bone loss in Crohn's patients?Source: www.nutraingredients.comVitamin K supplementation should be investigated as a way of slowing bone loss among people with the inflammatory bowel condition Crohn's disease, say Irish researchers. They have shown that people with this condition have lower levels of the vitamin than healthy subjects. They also found that the rate of bone loss in Crohn's patients is higher when vitamin K is low, according to the November issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology 99(11):2178-85. Crohn’s disease affects between 30,000 and 60,000 people in the UK, but up to 6,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and research shows that the number of people with the disease has been rising steadily, particularly among young people. Crohn’s patients have a high risk of osteopoenia, or thinning bones, but there is some evidence that a deficiency of certain bone-active nutrients (including vitamins K and D) may have a partial role in this bone loss, write the researchers from the University College in Cork, Ireland. Dr Kevin Cashman and colleagues compared vitamin K1 status in 44 Crohn's disease patients, currently in remission, with 44 controls. Data from food frequency questionnaires suggested that vitamin K levels were lower in the Crohn's disease group than in the controls. Biomarkers of bone resorption were also higher in the Crohn's group. The researchers conclude that "it would seem timely to investigate the effect of vitamin K supplementation on bone turnover and bone mass in Crohn's disease patients”. Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:11:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-k-supplements-to-slow-bone-loss-in-crohns-patients- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/higher-levels-of-selenium-in-blood-associated-with-decreased-risk-of-colorectal-cancer Higher Levels of Selenium in Blood Associated With Decreased Risk of Colorectal CancerSource: www.onlypunjab.comA new study finds that higher levels of selenium in the blood may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Selenium is a trace element found in meats and grains, but dietary intake can vary by geographic area because of different concentrations of the element in the soil. People living in regions where selenium intake is low have higher rates of several cancers, including colorectal cancer. In addition, secondary analyses of data from a large randomized clinical trial suggested that selenium intake reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, but epidemiologic data has not found a consistent association. Elizabeth T. Jacobs, Ph.D., of the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson, and colleagues pooled data from three randomized trials--the Wheat Bran Fiber Trial, the Polyp Prevention Trial, and the Polyp Prevention Study--to assess the effect of selenium levels in the blood on colorectal adenoma recurrence. Trial participants who were in the highest quartile for blood selenium levels had a 34% decreased risk of developing a new adenoma compared with participants in the lowest quartile. The researchers conclude that these results support previous findings that higher levels of selenium in the blood may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. In an editorial, Scott M. Lippman, M.D., of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and colleagues discuss possible biologic mechanisms for this association, including selenium's effects on gene promoter methylation and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:15:11 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/higher-levels-of-selenium-in-blood-associated-with-decreased-risk-of-colorectal-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/compound-in-apples-may-help-fight-alzheimers-disease Compound in apples may help fight Alzheimer's diseaseSource: www.onlypunjab.comA potent antioxidant abundant in apples and some other fruits and vegetables appears to protect brain cells against oxidative stress, a tissue-damaging process associated with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders, according to a new study in rat brain cells conducted by researchers at Cornell University in New York. The study adds strength to the theory - bolstered by recent animal studies - that the risk of developing Alzheimer's and similar diseases may be reduced by dietary intervention, particularly by increasing one's intake of antioxidant-rich foods. It is scheduled to appear in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed publication of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. “On the basis of serving size, fresh apples have some of the highest levels of [the antioxidant] quercetin when compared to other fruits and vegetables and may be among the best food choices for fighting Alzheimer's,” says study leader C.Y. Lee, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Food Science & Technology at Cornell University in Geneva, N.Y. “People should eat more apples, especially fresh ones,” Lee says. He cautions that protection against Alzheimer's using any food product is currently theoretical and adds that genetics and environment are also believed to play a role in the disease. Despite these caveats, the researcher predicts that “eating at least one fresh apple a day might help.” But Lee also points out that results so far are limited to cell studies and that more advanced research, particularly in animals, is still needed to confirm the findings. Previously Lee and his associates have shown that apples may help protect against cancer too. For the current study, the researchers exposed groups of isolated rat brain cells to varying concentrations of either quercetin or vitamin C. The cells were then exposed to hydrogen peroxide to simulate the type of oxidative cell damage that is believed to occur with Alzheimer's. These results were then compared to brain cells that were similarly exposed to hydrogen peroxide but were not pre-treated with antioxidants. Brain cells that were treated with quercetin had significantly less damage to both cellular proteins and DNA than the cells treated with vitamin C and the cells that were not exposed to antioxidants. This demonstrates quercetin's stronger protective effect against neurotoxicity, according to the researchers. Scientists are not sure of quercetin's mechanism of action, but some suspect it might work by blocking the action of highly-active chemicals called free radicals, an excess of which are thought to damage brain cells as well as other cell types over time. Further studies are needed, they say. Even though quercetin is relatively stable during cooking, fresh apples are better sources of quercetin than cooked or processed apple products because the compound is mainly concentrated in the skin of apples rather than the flesh, Lee says. Products such as apple juice and apple sauce do not contain significant amounts of skin. In general, red apples tend to have more of the antioxidant than green or yellow ones, although any apple variety is a good source of quercetin, he adds. For those who don't like apples or may have difficulty eating the whole fruit, there are some promising alternatives, Lee suggests. Other foods containing high levels of quercetin include onions, which have some of the highest levels of quercetin among vegetables, as well as berries, particularly blueberries and cranberries. Like other antioxidants, quercetin has been associated with an increasing number of potential health benefits, including protection against cancer. Alzheimer's is a chronic form of dementia that primarily strikes the elderly and causes severe memory loss and, eventually, death. The disease is characterized by the overproduction of a protein, beta-amyloid, that accumulates in the brain of its victims. Although normal brains contain beta-amyloid, those with the disease have comparatively large amounts. The protein is thought to produce free radicals (oxidants) that appear to cause cumulative damage to brain cells, according to some researchers. Although there's no cure for the disease and no one is sure of its exact causes, some researchers are increasingly optimistic that dietary intervention using antioxidant-rich foods might help reduce the risk of developing the disease. Other foods rich in antioxidants include blueberries, red wine, red grapes and dark chocolate. Alzheimer's affects an estimated 4.5 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute on Aging. That figure is expected to rise dramatically as the population ages, experts predict. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Apple Association, New York State Apple Research and Development Program, and Korea Science and Engineering Foundation provided funding for this study. The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization, chartered by the U.S. Congress, with a multidisciplinary membership of more than 159,000 chemists and chemical engineers. It publishes numerous scientific journals and databases, convenes major research conferences and provides educational, science policy and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio. Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:13:53 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/compound-in-apples-may-help-fight-alzheimers-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-helps-combat-diabetes-study- Vitamin E helps combat diabetes: Study:Source: athens-olympics-2004.newkerala.comA new study, published in the November issue of the journal "Diabetes Care" has indicated that about 40 percent of diabetic patients can reduce their risk of heart attacks and of dying from heart disease by taking vitamin E supplements. According to the study, conducted by researchers at the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, diabetics with a particular form of a blood protein called haptoglobin has as much as a 500 percent increased risk of developing heart disease. But when these at-risk patients, who have the 2-2 form of haptoglobin, take 400 international units of vitamin E daily, they reduce their risk of heart attack by 43 percent, and their risk of dying of heart disease by 55 percent. About 40 percent of diabetics have the 2-2 form of haptoglobin, while the rest have the 1 -1 or 2-1 forms. When they took the same vitamin E supplements, they did not show any significant reduction of cardiovascular risk resulting from vitamin E therapy. The researchers had earlier demonstrated that haptoglobin 2-2 is predictive of heart disease, but only in people with diabetes. That's because diabetics tend to have more free radicals that destroy antioxidants. Furthermore, haptoglobin 2-2 is a very poor antioxidant when compared to the other haptoglobin types. This combination means that diabetics with haptoglobin 2-2 have an even greater deficiency of antioxidants than do diabetics with the other haptoglobin variants. Therefore, an increased supply of antioxidants, such as those found in vitamin E, would be expected to provide the greatest benefit for these patients. "If this larger study confirms our findings, the public health implications will be huge. Vitamin E would represent an inexpensive and safe way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attack in a significant proportion Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:12:34 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-helps-combat-diabetes-study- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/salads-help-manage-weight- Salads Help Manage Weight?Source: www.thenewmexicochannel.comAs a weight management strategy, most nutrition experts agree that along with regular physical activity, people should keep tabs on their portion sizes to help them mange the number of calories they consume.Researchers from The Pennsylvania State University recently examined whether eating a salad as a first course had any effect on intake of the main meal.The results of the study of 42 women showed eating a large salad (3 cups), compared with not having a first course, reduced the women's meal energy intake by 12 percent. The researchers concluded: "Consuming a large portion of a low-energy-dense food at the start of a meal may be an effective strategy for weight management." In addition to calorie control, 3 cups of salad provide at least three servings of vegetables. Salads can help make it easy for people to reach the recommended goal of three to five servings of vegetables per day. Mon, 22 Nov 2004 21:10:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/salads-help-manage-weight- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/horny-goat-weed-is-the-new-passion-potion-for-women- Horny goat weed is the new passion potion for women!:Source: news.newkerala.comA horny goat weed is the latest love potion for women to add some spark in their sex life. The potion called Femi-X, has been produced by a Danish medicinal products company with the help of Peter Houghton, professor of pharmacognosy ,a British expert in herbal medicine and it contains a number of herbs including horny goat weed, gingko biloba, smilex, damiana and matti. All the herbs have aphrodisiac qualities and are said to enhance endurance. The researchers also carried out a small study a small study in France and found that most of the women taking the active pill reported a more satisfying sex life. "What the research study found was more satisfactory sex and increased sensitivity," Houghton, of King's College, London, was quoted by the Telegraph, as saying. "There was also increased blood flow, an action a little like Viagra.We are not saying this would work for everyone. It would not turn someone on if they did not want to be. Rather, it is the icing on the cake," he added. He revealed that the herbs in the pills had a good safety record yet cautioned that the herbs are like medicines and there is always some risk of toxicity or interactions.(ANI) Mon, 15 Nov 2004 20:29:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/horny-goat-weed-is-the-new-passion-potion-for-women- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flu-foes-good-sense-good-diet Flu foes: good sense, good dietSource: www.abqtrib.comNo flu shot? No worries.There are lots of ways to keep yourself healthy during cold and flu season, but the best strategy is to use common sense, experts agree."Wash your hands a lot - I can't emphasize that enough," said Greg Darrow, a family physician at Presbyterian Hospital. "Flu is spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person in the air or on a surface, like a tabletop or keyboard. Avoid close contact with people who seem sick, and if you're sick - stay home."Each year, flu kills about 36,000 and hospitalizes about 200,000 Americans. Those numbers could increase with this year's flu vaccine crisis that cut the national supply in half, Darrow said."People with the flu usually get sick between one and four days after being exposed," Darrow said. "An infected person is contagious usually one day before they get sick and three to seven days after they develop symptoms."Flu symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches. The season peaks from late December through March, Darrow said.So far, no cases of flu have been recorded in New Mexico, added Beth Velasquez, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health.A healthy immune system can also help keep the flu at bay. To help your body cope, drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and get plenty of exercise, said Jane Peacock, family health bureau chief at the Department of Health."It's great to eat raw vegetables, because vitamin C is destroyed by heat from cooking," Peacock said. "If you do cook vegetables, cook them fast. It's also good to add lean meats and eat oily fish like tuna, mackerel and herring, because they have a lot of omega 3 fatty acids."Spinach, dark-green, leafy lettuce, sweet potatoes and squash also top the list of good foods to get your immune system through the winter, Peacock said."Dairy products are also good - yogurt, low fat or skim milk and cheese," she said. "There's evidence calcium from them helps with weight loss, which helps the immune system."Stress can also wreak havoc on the immune system, making people more susceptible to the flu virus, said Brooke Parish, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico."Stress tends to increase cortisone levels, which can decrease the effectiveness of the immune system," Parish said. "In terms of taking care of yourself, exercise is a great stress reducer and immune booster. Also, when you feel stress, identify the stressor and reframe it so it doesn't feel as stressful. Talk to friends, talk to a mental health counselor. Try alternative therapies like yoga or meditation."Techniques like acupuncture and reiki can also help the immune system - before and after sickness strikes, said Daphne Dobecki, owner of Whole Body Wellness, at 11000 Spain Road N.E."Reiki is kind of like acupuncture without the needles, it's used to help the flow of energy through the body," Dobecki said. "If your energy meridians get blocked, you get sick. Acupuncture and reiki can get those flowing correctly to help the body heal itself."Another thing to watch out for is sugar and caffeine, Dobecki said."Your adrenal glands are responsible for your fight or flight response, and when you drink caffeine or eat sugar, it triggers that response in those glands," Dobecki said. "When they overwork like that, your immune system has no fighting chance."Dobecki recommends substituting stevia leaf for sugar and herbal tea for caffeinated drinks. She also advises avoiding processed foods, particularly those with hydrogenated oils in them."Garlic is also a wonderful immune booster," she said. "It's antifungal, it's antibacterial, it's antiviral. If you can incorporate it into meals as much as possible, that will really help."Another wise thing to do if you are susceptible to colds and flu is to get a pneumonia vaccine, Darrow said. The vaccines are readily available, even though flu shots are in scarce supply, he said."That's one of those vaccines we really like to use - it protects against the most common forms of pneumonia," he said.If you do find yourself coming down with something, there are some herbal remedies that can help, said Daniel Sullivan, a sales clerk at The Vitamin Trader at 211 Monta§o Road N.W."Echinacea, golden seal, those act like antibiotics and are good to take after you've got a flu or cold to avoid a secondary infection," Sullivan said.Sullivan also recommends a product called Cold Snap, saying it can reduce the amount of time a cold or the flu sticks around. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 20:27:31 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flu-foes-good-sense-good-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flaxseed-may-lower-sudden-cardiac-death-risk Flaxseed May Lower Sudden Cardiac Death RiskSource: my.webmd.comA healthy dose of flaxseed oil or walnuts may provide enough alpha-linolenic acid to help prevent sudden cardiac death.Two capfuls of flaxseed oil a day or a handful of walnuts -- packed full of alpha-linolenic acid -- may reduce a woman's risk of sudden cardiac death, according to researchers from Harvard Medical School. Lead researcher Christine M. Albert, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University Medical School in Boston, tells WebMD that alpha-linolenic acid may prevent potentially deadly heart rhythm irregularities. She says these heart rhythm problems occur when the heart starts beating chaotically. This erratic beating does not effectively pump blood and can cause sudden cardiac death. "The alpha-linolenic acid appears to stabilize the heart and calm this chaos." Albert reported her findings at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2004.The American Heart Association estimates that 340,000 Americans die each year as a result of sudden cardiac death.Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning that your body can't produce it so it must come from your diet.In the study of more than 76,000 women, those who ate the highest levels of alpha-linolenic acid -- about 1.5 grams a day -- had a 46% lower risk of sudden cardiac death than women who ate the least amount of alpha-linolenic acid -- just over half a gram a day. But Albert says it is too early to tell women that eating a certain amount of alpha-linolenic acid a day will prevent sudden cardiac death. She explains that the finding is just an association at this point and that more research is needed to confirm that alpha-linolenic acid can help prevent sudden cardiac death.Sidney Smith, MD, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Science and Medicine at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and a spokesperson for the AHA, tells WebMD that the findings support a theory that many researchers have proposed: Alpha-linolenic acid offers a benefit similar to the protective effect of omega-3-fatty acids, which are found in fish. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat at least two servings of fish a week as part of a heart-healthy diet.Noting his own belief in the value of alpha-linolenic acids, Smith says, "I crush walnuts and sprinkle them on my cereal every morning." Smith was not involved in the study.Albert says in addition to walnuts, flaxseed oil, and flaxseed supplements, green leafy vegetables -- especially kale -- canola oil, and almonds are also sources of alpha-linolenic acid. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:39:18 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flaxseed-may-lower-sudden-cardiac-death-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/three-new-studies-confirm-safety-of-chromium-picolinate-human-clinical-data-presented-at-25th-american-college-of-toxicology-conference Three New Studies Confirm Safety of Chromium Picolinate; Human Clinical Data Presented at 25th American College of Toxicology ConferenceSource: home.businesswire.comPURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2004--Nutrition 21, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXI) - Three new studies re-affirm the safety of the nutritional ingredient Chromax(R) chromium picolinate, further validating a rapidly increasing body of peer-reviewed scientific research. One of the three studies, presented today at the 25th Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology (ACT) in Palm Springs, CA, is a double-blind, placebo controlled trial of 110 patients. No significant adverse effects where found in the 70 clinically depressed patients receiving 400-600 mcg of chromium as chromium picolinate orally for up to eight weeks. The abstract will be published in the December issue of the International Journal of Toxicology. "These data add to the large body of evidence, including more than 60 studies, confirming that Chromax chromium picolinate is safe," according to James Komorowski, MS, Vice President of Technical Services and Scientific Affairs for Nutrition 21. "Results from double-blind, placebo controlled studies using commonly consumed doses of chromium picolinate ensure the relevance and credibility of the findings." Separately, new research from Purdue University, published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism(1), confirmed chromium picolinate's safety in non-diabetic individuals who performed resistance training twice weekly and received 924 mcg of chromium as chromium picolinate for twelve weeks. For those taking chromium picolinate, clinical indices of kidney and liver functions were within the normal ranges at baseline and at the end of the study. "These results, confirming earlier findings, demonstrate that high doses of chromium picolinate are safe and do not cause damage to kidney and liver tissues." New government funded research results have also been released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Toxicology Program (NTP) evaluating chromium picolinate's safety. The NTP report has been accepted for publication in the journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology(2). The NTP found no negative effects from chromium picolinate in its rigorous 13-week toxicity studies on rats and mice, which further confirms previous pre-clinical findings. In addition, the NTP and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) tested chromium picolinate using the Ames assay, and a genotoxicity test for mutagenesis and found no toxicity. These tests were performed under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for evaluating toxicity of minerals, which validates prior in vitro findings. Chromax(R) chromium picolinate has been affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by an independent expert panel of prominent scientists with toxicology and medical experience. "The safety research overwhelmingly confirms that Chromax chromium picolinate is a safe nutritional supplement," according to Ronald S. Slesinski, PhD, DABT, president-elect of the Regulatory & Safety Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology. "It has never been shown to be mutagenic in animals or to produce damage to genetic material (DNA) in humans when ingested at any dose." Chromax is the most studied form of nutritional chromium and is approved for use in foods. The Role of Chromium in Health Chromium is an essential mineral that is critical to proper insulin function and for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Clinical studies have shown nutritional supplementation with chromium, in the form of chromium picolinate, can improve insulin function and blood sugar control in people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. "Researchers, health professionals and consumers can be confident in the safety and efficacy of Chromax, and its critical role in improving metabolic health," said Gail Montgomery, President & CEO, Nutrition 21. (1) Campbell WW, Joseph LJ, Ostlund RE Jr, Anderson RA, Farrell PA, Evans WJ. Resistive training and chromium picolinate: effects on inositols and liver and kidney functions in older adults. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Aug;14(4):430-42. (2) M.C. Rhodes, C.D. Hebert, R.A. Herbert, E.J. Morinello, J.H. Roycroft, G.S. Travlos and K.M. Abdo. Absence of toxic effects in F344/N rats and B6C3F(1) mice following subchronic administration of chromium picolinate monohydrate -- Food and Chemical Toxicology, In Press, (www.elsevier.com). About Nutrition 21, Inc. Nutrition 21 is a biosciences company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative chromium-based nutrition products for improved health maintenance, and for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, depression and cardiovascular disease. Nutrition 21 holds 34 patents for nutrition products, 25 of which are for chromium compounds and their uses. Nutrition 21's Chromax(R) chromium picolinate is a form of the essential mineral chromium developed by the USDA and licensed to the Company. It is used as an ingredient in many nutritional supplements. More information is available at www.nutrition21.com. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:37:54 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/three-new-studies-confirm-safety-of-chromium-picolinate-human-clinical-data-presented-at-25th-american-college-of-toxicology-conference http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/odds-are-1-in-3-of-you-is-vitamin-d-deficient Odds are, 1 in 3 of you is vitamin D deficientSource: www.theglobeandmail.comThe harmful effects may extend beyond your bone health. Too little vitamin D may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis, certain cancers and Type 1 diabetesBy LESLIE BECK Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - Page A21 With winter just around the corner, it's time to think about vitamin D -- the so-called "sunshine" vitamin. If you're like many Canadians, you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.While a few foods contain vitamin D, most of our requirements are met by exposing our skin to sunlight. Vitamin D is different from any other nutrient because the body can synthesize it from the sun's ultraviolet rays.But the long, dark winter months result in little or no vitamin D being formed in the skin for four to seven months of the year.In fact, a report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2002 found that one-third of Canadians were vitamin D deficient during the winter months, despite reserves produced in the summer.Even in the summer you might not be making enough vitamin D since sun-protection factor (SPF) in sunscreen lotions block the production of vitamin D by more than 90 per cent. Air pollution and clothing also diminish the body's manufacture of vitamin D.Previous research on vitamin D has focused on elderly people who are at high risk for a deficiency. As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D. By the age of 70, there's a three to fourfold decrease in the ability of the skin to synthesize vitamin D.Recent studies show that all age groups lack vitamin D in their blood -- young and middle-aged adults, even children. A lack of vitamin D increases the risk of osteoporosis and related bone fractures and may cause muscle and bone pain. In infants and children, long-standing vitamin D deficiency manifests itself as rickets, a disease that causes soft and weak bones. Symptoms include bowed legs, leg fractures and impaired growth. Vitamin D deficiency is also a growing concern among teens who consume pop and fruit drinks instead of milk, a source of vitamin D.Vitamin D's main purpose is to keep the concentration of calcium in the bloodstream at a constant level since calcium is critical for blood clotting, muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses. To accomplish this mission, vitamin D enhances calcium absorption from the foods you eat. If you lack vitamin D, calcium absorption decreases to no more than 15 per cent. When blood calcium levels fall, calcium is taken from your bones to bring levels back to normal.A lack of vitamin D can speed up bone loss and increase the risk of bone fracture at a younger age. It's believed that a silent epidemic of vitamin D deficiency contributes to osteoporosis and bone fracture. Studies have shown that adequate vitamin D, along with calcium, reduces the risk of fractures in elderly adults and postmenopausal women.The harmful effects of a vitamin D deficiency may extend beyond bone health. Preliminary research suggests that too little vitamin D might increase the risk of multiple sclerosis, certain cancers and Type 1 diabetes.Many experts feel that the most recent vitamin D recommendations from the U.S.- based Institute of Medicine are too low to prevent a deficiency. In fact, the Osteoporosis Society of Canada advises adults aged 19 to 50 to get 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D each day, and adults over 50 consume 800 IU.If you're not exposed to sunlight, some experts recommend an intake of 1,000 IU per day to maintain a healthy vitamin D status all year.Getting all your vitamin D from foods is not an easy task since good sources of the nutrient are far and few between. And some of the best sources are not well consumed by many Canadians.Foods fortified with vitamin D include milk (but not yogurt or cheese), as well as some soy and rice beverages. Aim to drink three cups (750 ml) per day -- you'll consume 300 IU of vitamin D, not to mention 900 milligrams of calcium. When buying soy or rice beverages, check labels: Not all products are fortified. If you use margarine, you'll get about 20 IU of vitamin D per teaspoon. Vitamin D is naturally present in oily fish, liver, egg yolks and butter.For many people who don't make enough vitamin D in summer, a supplement will be needed. Multivitamin and mineral supplements generally provide 400 IU of vitamin D. Calcium supplements with vitamin D added usually offer 100 to 200 IU per tablet.Fish-liver oil can be used to supplement your diet with vitamin D. One teaspoon (5 ml) of cod-liver oil provides 450 IU of vitamin D.Since vitamin D is stored in fat cells, long-term overconsumption may result in vitamin D toxicity and cause high blood calcium, kidney stones and kidney failure. Ask your dietitian or doctor if you need a single vitamin D supplement. They come in 400, 800 and 1,000 IU doses.If you're over 50, or at risk for osteoporosis, consider asking your doctor to check your vitamin D level by measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood. Fall is the best time, because if you are deficient now, you'll be even more so at the end of the winter.Next summer, plan to get safe, sensible exposure. All it takes is five to 10 minutes on the arms and legs or face two to three times per week without a sunscreen.***Leslie Beck, a Toronto-based dietitian at the Medcan Clinic, is on CTV's Canada AM every Wednesday. Contact her at lesliebeck.com.***A dose of vitamin DHow much vitamin D do you need?Age...................Daily Adequate intake*Breastfed infants.............400 IU1-50 years.....................200 IU51-70 years....................400 IU71+ years......................600 IUPregnant/breastfeeding......200 IUSafe upper limit.............2,000 IU***Vitamin D in foodsFood..........................................Vitamin D (international units)Cod liver oil, 1 tsp. (5ml)...............................450Salmon, canned, 3.5 ounces (100 g)..................360Sardines, canned 3.5 ounces (100 g)..................270Mackerel, cooked, 3.5 ounces (100 g)................345Milk, fluid, 1 cup (250 ml)..............................100Fortified soy beverage, 1 cup (250 ml)................100Fortified rice beverage, 1 cup, (250 ml)...............100Egg, 1 whole..............................................25Margarine, 1 tsp. (5 ml).................................20Butter, 1 tsp. (5 ml)......................................2.6SOURCE: US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, 2003.USDA NUTRIENT DATABASE FOR STANDARD REFERRENCE, RELEASE 16. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:36:48 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/odds-are-1-in-3-of-you-is-vitamin-d-deficient http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbs-lifestyle-changes-may-aid-prostate Herbs, Lifestyle Changes May Aid ProstateSource: www.reuters.comMen who are bothered by symptoms of an enlarged prostate may find some relief in certain herbal remedies and simple lifestyle changes, according to one expert. Benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH, refers to the slow growth of the prostate gland that commonly occurs as a man ages. The condition often causes no problems, but some older men may have symptoms bothersome enough to send them looking for treatment. An enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra -- the tube through which urine passes -- and irritate the bladder. Some BPH symptoms include a weak urinary stream, inability to completely empty the bladder and frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. Men who are bothered by such symptoms have several options for combating them, including the herbal product saw palmetto, according to Dr. Harvey B. Simon, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston and editor of the Harvard Men's Health Watch. Extracts of the berries of saw palmetto, also known as the dwarf palm, are widely used in Europe as an antidote to BPH symptoms. Saw palmetto is also the best studied of the herbal products marketed for treating the condition, Simon told Reuters Health. "It's the one with the greatest promise," he said. In the current issue of the Harvard Men's Health Watch, Simon details some of the research that suggests saw palmetto may ease BPH symptoms. For instance, a review of 18 studies found that overall, saw palmetto cut nighttime urination and other BPH symptoms by about one-quarter. The studies, conducted mostly in Europe, included nearly 3,000 men between the ages of 40 and 88. A key shortcoming of the research on saw palmetto, Simon said, is that most studies have been short. The 18 included in the review he cites lasted for 9 weeks, on average. Exactly why saw palmetto may aid in BPH is not fully clear. Simon points out that animal and lab research suggests that the herb affects hormone receptors on prostate cells. And like certain prescription drugs for BPH -- finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) -- saw palmetto appears to inhibit an enzyme that converts testosterone to the hormone dihydrotestosterone, which is believed to be involved in prostate enlargement. There are other herbs purported to ease BPH symptoms, such as Pygeum africanum -- extracted from the bark of the African plum tree -- and extracts from Urtica dioica, the stinging nettle. But the evidence for these herbs is weaker than that for saw palmetto, according to Simon. And while he said it seems "reasonable" for men with BPH symptoms to give saw palmetto a try, Simon advised against "trying one herb after another" in search of help, as several proven prescription medications are available Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:33:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbs-lifestyle-changes-may-aid-prostate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-breast-enhancement-formulas-offer-surprising-side-benefits Herbal Breast Enhancement Formulas Offer Surprising Side BenefitsSource: www.emediawire.comMany women are turning to herbal breast enhancement formulas and discovering surprising side-benefits such as relief from PMS symptoms and increased libido. The wide range of benefits from breast enhancing products greatly outway the well known risks of conventional breast enhancement surgery.(PRWEB) November 10, 2004 -- For years now women have been looking for alternative methods of augmenting their bustlines, even more so Since the 1992 ban of silicone breast implants by the FDA. An increasing number of women varying in age are turning to herbal formulas, which are much less-expensive and less intimidating than surgery. These all-natural formulas work with the body's DNA to regulate hormones and increase the level of HGF (human growth factor hormones) compounds to stimulate the glandular functions that encourage new breast tissue growth. In addition to breast enhancement, Women are finding that these formulas have other benefits as well. Though some are skeptical of herbal treatments, many experts say that these formulas actually do work. The herbs in these formulas have been used for centuries for good reason. Today's herbalists have drawn on ancient lore, such as the legend that harem women were fed fenugreek seed to make them more busty, and combined it with modern research to develop these formulas. Usually they are a blend of several different herbs taken in capsule form over a period of several months, and most women have happily reported an increase of one to two cup sizes. Many women are surprised to discover other benefits to taking the formulas. The majority of people are accustomed to taking synthetic drugs, which are engineered to target one specific concern. Because herbal products are made with whole herbs in their natural state, they have a more holistic effect on the body. In the case of breast-enhancing herbs, that means a positive effect on the whole female system, soothing PMS and menopause symptoms, easing menstrual cramps, balancing hormones, increasing libido, and improving overall health. It is not surprising then, to discover that herbal breast enhancement formulas were not originally developed for their current purpose. The original modern herbal breast enhancement formula was developed by Master Herbalist Angela Harris for a friend who was struggling with infertility. Harris put together a blend of herbs known to help the female system, such as saw palmetto, yellow dock, and blessed thistle, and it worked: her friend was able to have a baby. Bolstered by that success, Harris continued to use the formula on her patients and discovered its other benefits, such as its ability to promote the growth of new breast tissue. Her formula had been fine tuned and now marketed as My Secret.There is also great news for women who don't want larger breasts but who want the side benefits of such a natural formula. Women who are already large-chested have reported lifting and firming effects after taking these herbs. Herbal breast enhancement offers a wide spectrum of benefits, more and more women are taking into consideration. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:31:44 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-breast-enhancement-formulas-offer-surprising-side-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitality-herbal-remedies-for-the-common-cold Vitality - Herbal remedies for the common coldSource: www.thepost.co.zaThe common cold is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and often caused by viral infection. This is the most common disease seen and lasts usually for three to four days. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, low saturated fats and whole cereals will ensure near adequate protection against infective organism. Raw fruits and vegetables are better than the cooked one.if you get cold try out these simple remedies, which are used by our grand mothers and found to be very effective. Try out these traditional medicines before swallowing the chemicals. Remember these remedies are part of our tradition and not many scientific studies are carried out. A balanced diet will strengthen your immune system and help you to stay away from cold and cough causing organisms. Herbal remedies against cold Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C. Take 1/2 lime and 1 tsp of honey in hot water. Honey helps to soothe sore throat, and relieve irritant cough. Steam inhalation with few eucalyptus oil drops will help to relieve a stuffed nose. This can be done two to three times a day. Mix drops of eucalyptus oil with wheat germ oil and rub it on your nose, chest and back and it will help to clear the nasal blockage. Garlic and onion soup is an excellent remedy for cold. Garlic have anti viral and anti bacterial properties. A tablespoon of ajwain (hing) crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin hankerchief can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block. This can be used for small children also. This tied bundle can be kept on the pillow while sleeping and is found to be very effective. Herbal remedies against cough Ginger is another excellent remedy for cold and cough. Ginger tea is good for fever, cough and cold. Dried ginger powder 1/2 tsp, 2-3 black pepper cones, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom, and 1/2 tsp Cummins seeds should be boiled and add little tea leaves and sugar or honey and it can be had hot. It gives relief of the throat pain, cold and cough. It can be taken two to three times in a day. Take 8- 10 tulsi leaves, 1-2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 inch piece ginger crushed and 3-4 black pepper cones, boil it in 1 cup of water. Add 1 tsp of honey to this and drink it warm. This is good for cold and cough with phlegm Mix equal parts of ginger juice and honey and have it 2-3 times in a day which is good for cough. Ginger powder, black pepper powder and honey is good for dry cough and can be had 3-4 times in a day. 1 tsp turmeric, 2-3 tsp ginger juice, 2-3 tsp lime juice and 3 tsp honey can be mixed and taken 3 times for cough in a day. Onion juice and honey will relieve irritation in the throat. Thyme leaf juice is good for coughs and can be used for gargling. These remedies should be tried one at a time and if it suits you continue till the problem disappears. If your cold or cough still persists for more than a week or if Mon, 15 Nov 2004 00:02:49 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitality-herbal-remedies-for-the-common-cold http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herb-lowers-cholesterol-in-new-way Chinese Herb Lowers Cholesterol in New WaySource: www.reuters.co.ukBerberine, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and works in a way that is distinct from statin drugs like Lipitor or Zocor, a new study shows.Because the herb works in a different way, it could potentially be combined with a statin to reduce cholesterol levels even further.Dr. Jian-Dong Jiang of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and colleagues describe their animal and human studies of berberine in the journal Nature Medicine. The drug is traditionally used as an over-the-counter remedy for diarrhea caused by bacterial infection.Statins work by blocking cholesterol formation in liver cells. This cholesterol shortage causes more cholesterol receptors -- hook-like molecules -- to appear on the cell surface in an effort to pull cholesterol from the blood to make up for the deficit. As a result, blood cholesterol levels drop.In contrast, berberine works in a way that doesn't depend on how much cholesterol is in the cell, Jiang told Reuters Health. Like statins, the herb increases the number of cholesterol receptors on the cell surface, but it does this by stabilizing and improving the process by which the receptors are formed.Jiang and colleagues screened 700 Chinese remedies in lab tests and found that berberine had the greatest effect in increasing cholesterol receptors. Further testing showed that receptor levels were increased further when the herb was used together with a statin.The researchers then assessed cholesterol levels in 91 patients with high cholesterol who were treated with berberine or inactive "placebo" for 3 months. The herb was well-tolerated, and lowered total cholesterol by 18 percent and LDL cholesterol by 20 percent.No effect on levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol was seen.Jiang and colleagues then analyzed berberine's effect in a subset of patients who were not taking any other medications or herbs before or during the study. Among these individuals, berberine lowered total cholesterol by 29 percent and LDL cholesterol by 25 percent.Berberine appears to be safe and is extremely cheap, according to Jiang, costing about 70 cents per day."The next step is to have more clinical studies for this drug to see what is the best dose and what is the effect of the combination with statins," Jiang said. While the effect of berberine was small compared with that seen with statins, the authors note that the dose used in the current study was "moderate." Larger effects may be seen with larger doses, they add.SOURCE: Nature Medicine 2004. Sun, 14 Nov 2004 23:56:06 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herb-lowers-cholesterol-in-new-way http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/newly-available-acai-berry-extract-can-benefit-those-with-high-cholesterol Newly-Available, Acai Berry Extract Can Benefit Those with High CholesterolSource: www.onlypunjab.comA previously little-known fruit harvested from the Brazilian rainforest is now gaining recognition for its high levels of the cholesterol-fighting fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 9, and its strong concentration -- up to 33 times that found in red wine grapes -- of anthocyanin, a powerful anti-oxidant. The recent availability of this new health supplement stems from the acquisition of exclusive rights to offer a concentrated extract of the acai berry by Life Dynamics Technology of Tustin, Cal. The rich organic chemical composition of this berry portends a cost-effective alternative to buying single-purpose health supplements separately. The extract is highly concentrated, requiring over four kilograms of acai berry pulp to make a single kilogram of the 100-percent extract via the process employed by Life Dynamics. Preparation within 24 hours of harvest in an FDA-approved pharmaceutical lab enables the acai extract to be more bio-effective than refrigerated drinks or dried powders.The effectiveness of the acai extract is born out by research that shows the essential fatty acids, Omega 6 (Linoleic acid) and Omega 9 (Oleic acid), contained in the extract can help battle harmful LDL cholesterol, while helping to maintain beneficial HDL levels. The fatty acid ratio of the acai berry resembles that of olive oil, which is thought to be a contributing factor to the low incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean populations according to the National Cholesterol Education Program and MarketResearch.com.“When my life insurance policy expired, I had to look for a new policy,” says John L. of Portland Oregon. “To my surprise, I found I could not qualify for low rate insurance policies because my blood lab tests showed my cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL ratio in abnormal ranges. But after taking the Dynamic Life acai capsules for two months, I was then able to qualify for a low insurance rate.”The acai berry is especially noteworthy for the antioxidant properties afforded by its concentration of anthocyanin -- which is also present in red wine -- that prevents oxidants from harming connective tissue while repairing damaged proteins in blood vessel walls. This helps explain the “French Paradox.” The French, who are noted wine drinkers, have one of the lowest incidences of heart disease of any westernized society despite a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat. The acai extract also provides a natural range of important vitamins and minerals including vitamin B1 (Thiamin), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin C, vitamin E, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These, along with essential amino acids and natural fiber, help with proper muscle contraction, regeneration, and digestion.Getting this range of vitamins and minerals from the acai extract alone has saved some consumers a substantial amount of money and provided an energy boost to others.“With the acai capsules, I cut half my cost of buying vitamin and mineral supplements separately,” says Edgar C. of Spartanburg, South Carolina.“I feel more energetic, balanced, and alert after taking the acai capsules,” says Donald C. of Newport Beach, Cal.The Life Dynamics acai capsules are made from an all-natural plant base that is Kosher, vegan, and halal certified with no added ingredients. Sun, 14 Nov 2004 23:51:51 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/newly-available-acai-berry-extract-can-benefit-those-with-high-cholesterol http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruits-and-vegetables-do-reduce-the-risk-of-cancer Fruits and vegetables do reduce the risk of cancerSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comWhile this paper by Hung et al [2004] appears to be correct as reported, the conclusion that eating fruits and vegetables does not reduce the risk of cancer is very likely incorrect. Many studies have reported that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables does, indeed, reduce the risk of cancer [Bosetti et al., 2000, 2001; McCann et al., 2003]. Thus, it is worthwhile to seek a reason for the difference in the findings by Hung et al and those by others. One reason for the discrepancy appears to be that raw vegetables are associated with a greater risk reduction for cancer than are cooked vegetables [DuPont et al., 2000; Bossetti et al., 2001; Link and Potter, 2004]. Cooking, processing, and storing all reduce the amount of vitamins and minerals available, except for tomatoes, for which cooking increases the bioavialibility of lycopene, which has been found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer [Etminan et al., 2004]. Another possible omission was a consideration of allium family vegetables (garlic, onions, etc.). They have been shown to reduce the risk of breast, colon, prostate, and other cancers [Grant, 2004; Herman-Antosiewicz and Singh, 2004]. Finally, the way fruits and vegetables are grown and brought to market in the U.S. may make them less likely to have vitamins and minerals. Soils may be depleted of trace minerals such as selenium, which reduces the risk of cancer. Fruits may be picked before ripening, and may not develop the vitamins to their full potential in storage and forced ripening. As always, more information can be found by searching PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi So, lest those on diets that largely omit fruits and vegetables think that they are not increasing their risk of cancer, think again. References Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Talamini R, Simonato L, Zambon P, Negri E, Trichopoulos D, Lagiou P, Bardini R, Franceschi S. Food groups and risk of squamous cell esophageal cancer in northern Italy. Int J Cancer. 2000 Jul 15;87(2):289-94. Bosetti C, Negri E, Franceschi S, Pelucchi C, Talamini R, Montella M, Conti E, La Vecchia C. Diet and ovarian cancer risk: a case-control study in Italy. Int J Cancer. 2001 Sep15;93(6):911-5. DuPont MS, Mondin Z, Williamson G, Price KR. Effect of variety, processing, and storage on the flavonoid glycoside content and composition of lettuce and endive. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Sep;48(9):3957-64. Etminan M, Takkouche B, Caamano-Isorna F. The role of tomato products and lycopene in the prevention of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Mar;13(3):340-5. Grant WB. Allium family vegetables (garlic, leeks, onions, scallions) reduce the risk of cancer (and cardiovascular disease). 2004. http://www.sunarc.org/papers.htm Herman-Antosiewicz A, Singh SV. Signal transduction pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in cancer cells by Allium vegetable-derived organosulfur compounds: a review. Mutat Res. 2004 Nov 2;555(1-2):121-31. Hung HC, Joshipura KJ, Jiang R, Hu FB, Hunter D, Smith-Warner SA, Colditz GA, Rosner B, Spiegelman D, Willett WC. Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of major chronic disease.J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004 Nov 3;96(21):1577-84. Link LB, Potter JD. Raw versus cooked vegetables and cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Sep;13(9):1422-35. McCann SE, Freudenheim JL, Marshall JR, Graham S. Risk of human ovarian cancer is related to dietary intake of selected nutrients, phytochemicals and food groups. J Nutr. 2003 Jun;133(6):1937-42. posted by William B. Grant Ph.D. on 05 November 2004 at 10:32 pm Mon, 08 Nov 2004 11:34:15 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruits-and-vegetables-do-reduce-the-risk-of-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/well-oiled-youngsters-in-top-form 'Well-oiled' youngsters in top formSource: icwales.icnetwork.co.ukIT might explain why fish swim in schools - a study into the effects of fish oil and vitamins on children found that the behaviour and attention span of pupils improved by more than a third.Grandma always swore that cod liver oil was good for the brain and now tests involving hundreds of pupils have shown there are other behavioural benefits.A study involving 24 schools across the UK was launched in July to test pupils aged six to 11 over a six-week period.The results seem to show a vast improvement - up by an average 35% - in attentiveness and concentration. Children were more conscientious, better at paying attention, more alert and focused.The findings come in a report written by Dr Amanda Kirby, founder of the Dyscovery Centre in Cardiff, and conducted with the University of Wales in Newport. It comes after a similar study showed that children benefited from drinking water during classes.Dr Kirby said, "I am surprised by these results. They are very interesting as this is such a significant difference."The key thing here is that these children in mainstream classes have shown such a significant improvement in attention and behaviour, which will mean they are learning better and therefore learning more, which has long-term implications."The oil of fish is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acid which is important for growth, functional development and for information processing in children's brains.Some nutritionists believe modern children do not get enough Omega-3 and this causes attention problems and learning difficulties because it is vital to brain function.A fatty acid DHA makes up 25% of the brain and as a structural component of brain cells, it is necessary for children's brain development. The body cannot manufacture Omega-3 fatty acids and so they have to be consumed.The Government recommends we eat two portions of oily fish each week, but 68% of families admit to eating no fish and it is thought that most children are lacking in Omega-3.In the test, pupils were given two teaspoons daily, before they left home, of a specially-formulated Omega-3 syrup consisting of orange juice, fish oil, and Vitamins A, C and D. While the taste caused some pupils to drop out, others stayed the course and results showed their behaviour and concentration levels improved by an average of 35%, with even higher increases in some schools.St Mary's RC Primary School in Cardiff took part in the test and each teacher and parent completed a questionnaire before and after children took the supplement. Haliborange provided an Omega-3 Fish Oil for Kids.Headteacher Roy Jefferies said,"It seems to have worked even over the short time in which the actual test took place."Dyscovery is a charity specialising in supporting individuals and their families with specific learning difficulties, and is based in Whitchurch, Cardiff.Dr Kirby said,"If people were eating oily fish twice a week and had a balanced diet, supplementation would not be necessary."Unfortunately that is not the case with 31% of kids having no breakfast and 27% choosing chips most days. The fact is that the changing diet has coincided with an increase in behavioural problems." Sun, 07 Nov 2004 00:59:52 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/well-oiled-youngsters-in-top-form http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-importance-of-prayer-for-mind-body-healing The Importance of Prayer for Mind/Body HealingSource: www.rednova.comTOPIC. A growing interest in using complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) to treat the patient as a whole. PURPOSE. To address the use of prayer for mind/body healing in nursing practice. SOURCES. Published research articles, studies, book chapters. CONCLUSIONS. Key research studies show that CAM are gaining acceptance by healthcare providers. Prayer is especially growing as an alternative method for healing. Additional research is needed to demonstrate further the effectiveness of prayer as a CAM modality for mind/body healing. Search terms: Complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), mindlbody healing, prayer Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has gained increased acceptance worldwide as a viable option or conjunctive therapy to biomedicine and is the fastest-growing sector of health care in the United States today (Barnes, Powell-Griner, McFann, & Nahin, 2004). CAM is described as practices used for medical intervention, health promotion, and disease prevention that are typically not taught in U.S. medical schools, as well as treatments not usually covered by any healthcare plan (Baldwin, Kroesen, Trochim, & Bell, 2004). There was a huge surge of interest in CAM by Americans during the past decade, due primarily to their dissatisfaction with the exclusive use of the biomedical regime, specifically both its treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. Americans dissatisfied with current medical practices prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish in 1998 the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in order to substantiate facts regarding the various complementary and alternative modalities and study the benefits of using CAM interventions (NCCAM, 2004). Statistics indicate between 30% and 50% of the adult population in the United States use some form of CAM (Makowski, 2004). A large body of scientific evidence supporting mind/body healing for a vast array of conditions and for a large number of people has allowed this modality to be integrated into the U.S. healthcare system. Scientists conducting research on mind/body effects (Seligman & Maier, 1967) found that rats and mice often died from gastrointestinal ulcerations, hypertension, and heart disease that developed when they were exposed to a Stressor, such as an electrical shock. Information from these studies was extrapolated, and Telner and Singhal (1984) applied this knowledge to their research on individuals experiencing stressful situations. Their results showed that human beings also reacted to stress in the same manner; they concluded that emotions, attitudes, and thoughts, hence the mind, have a definite effect on the body. Scientists accept the fact that the mind can have a negative influence on the body and have questioned whether the mind also can have a positive effect as well. Research studies by Dossey (1999) on suggestion, expectation, and positive thinking have been conducted, and these findings point out the placebo effect, indicating that the mind is very capable of having a most positive effect on the body (Dossey). Mind/body medicine has gained great popularity with the public and is so widely used by the medical profession that it may be considered a conventional treatment rather than an alternative modality. However, mind/body medicine is not a new concept. It has a long history of playing a vital role in both health and healing practices. Historical Roots of Mind Body Healing Mind/body healing may be credited first to the Greeks (Dossey, 1993), who recognized and gave great importance to the influence of the mind and emotions on the body. This notion was revived in the 20th century when doctors began seeing thousands of soldiers returning home from World War I suffering from what was termed shell shock, an emotional and incapacitating derangement. They realized that the mind played a significant role in emotional and, thus, physical well-being (Bodane & Brownson, 2002). Dossey (1993) proposed that medicine encompassed three eras, each having a different approach to health and healing: * Era I promoted the belief that health and disease occurred only as a result of physical processes. It used therapies such as surgery and drugs, which became a large part of western medicine. Era I subscribed to laws of matter and energy, and stipulated that because disease is a result of a physical process, therapy for remedying disease must be physical in order for it to be effective. * In Era II, the concept of mind/body emerged. Modern medicine embraced this thinking, referring to it as "mind/body" medicine because it focuses on the effects of thoughts and feelings on health and healing. Various other treatment modalities include biofeedback, meditation, relaxation therapies, and imagery. * Era III is based on physics principles and includes the concept of nonlocality of the mind. This new emerging concept introduces the idea that prayer at a distance is capable of healing, and that it is both possible and probable according to scientific principles of physics. This leads to the current idea that prayer can be a mind/ body healing intervention. Prayer is a nonlocal event, indicating that it is not confined to a specific place in space or to a specific moment in time. Prayer can operate at a distance and outside the present moment. One such form of prayer is intercessory, whereby someone prays for another person who may be either close or far from them. This person may be unaware of these prayers. Since prayer is initiated by a mental action, there is presumably some aspect of the human psyche that is also nonlocal. Nonlocality insinuates infinity in space and time. Intercessory prayers can transcend space and time and, therefore, the effect of these prayers are not diminished by distance (Dossey, 1993; Schlitz, 1997). The Physiological Pathways of Mind Body Connection Practitioners in western medicine are more readily accepting the mind/body connection. However, there are still many who do not give enough importance to how the mind can affect one in both health and illness. The mind and body continually send messages to each other, and these messages produce biological and physiological changes that help determine the health status of an individual. Responses made to these messages may result in either illness or wellness. The mind/ body connection entails physiological pathways that involve the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. The mind and body are able to communicate with each other by the interactions of these three systems (Freeman & Lawlis, 2001). These three systems are involved in two physiological pathways. The sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) pathway. The SAM pathway activates the autonomic nervous system (ANS), whereby neurotransmitters and neuropeptides communicate directly with immune cells. Neurotransmitters attach to immune cells and affect their ability to multiply or kill invaders. Because neurotransmitters are released from the brain during times of stress, it is likely that the emotions resulting from Stressors may increase susceptibility to disease (Freeman & Lawlis, 2001). Neuropeptides, secreted by the brain and immune system, have a crucial role in mind-body interactions since immune cells carry receptors for all the neuropeptides. The limbic system of the brain that regulates emotions is particularly rich in receptor sites for neuropeptides. Freeman and Lawlis reason that neuropeptides are a strong factor relating to the effects of the mind on immunity. The hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) pathway. The second pathway, HPA, signals the endocrine system to release hormones. These hormones, particularly thyroid and adrenal, have a direct effect on the immune system. They can increase or decrease cellular processes. It is important to point out that cancer cells synthesize hormones identical to the endocrine glands, but in an excessive and uncontrollable amount (Freeman & Lawlis, 2001). Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones have been shown to have certain effects on immunity. For example, certain hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine, are released in higher amounts when an individual is under great stress. These hormones are known to depress T-cell activity, and thus, depress one's immune system (Freeman & Lawlis, 2001). The mind is responsible for what one thinks or believes, and it can have either a positive or negative effect on one's health (Cousins, 1998). This turns attention to the concept of mind/body healing, whereby the mind can have significant influence on one's healing. There are various modalities for mind/body healing; the focus of this article however, is on the use of prayer as a healing intervention. Types of Prayer Prayer has played a vital role in healing for various cultures throughout history. Many of the great religious traditions, including Christianity, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, attest to the interconnection between the self and the source of all beings (Dossey, 1996). There is a growing interest in the use of prayer for mind/body healing with the recent and very keen interest in complementary and alternative medicine (Makowski, 2004). The word "prayer" is derived from the Latin precari, which means "to entreat." Prayer may be denned as an intimate conversation with a higherbeing for the purpose of imploring or petitioning for something or someone. It may be performed using words. These prayers may be ones that have been contrived by others and memorized. Praying can be wordless as well. These prayers are usually mental, and require meditation. Meditation has been shown to produce very beneficial physical effects (e.g., lowering respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature), as well as having a positive effect on alleviating pain, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia (Benson, 1996). Praying is practiced in all faiths and by people of practically all societies. Prayer can be either directed or nondirected. Directed prayer is when one prays for a specific and positive outcome. Nondirected prayer is used when one prays to have the ability to accept the outcome. The main ingredient in prayer is concentration, or detachment from all thoughts other than those that are the focus of the prayer. Praying for oneself during an illness in conjunction with conventional medical treatment is one form of praying. This type of praying is termed petitionary prayer. Some, however, have stated they feel guilty praying for themselves. For those people especially, having others pray for them may yield a beneficial effect. Saying prayers for another individual is a different form of praying known as intercessory prayer. These prayers may be intended for either someone in close proximity or someone at a great distance. This person is unknown to the one offering the prayers. The people receiving intercessory prayers do not know that others are praying for them. Intercessory prayer transcends the usual boundaries of time and space. In other words, intercessory prayer reaches beyond space and time, and its effects do not diminish with distance (Dossey, 1993; Schlitz, 1997). Research Findings on Prayer as a Healing Intervention One of the first actual research investigations on the usefulness of prayer as a spiritual intervention for healing was conducted in 1951 (Parker & St. Johns, 1957). Two diseases in particular, cardiovascular disease and AIDS, have been studied to show the effectiveness of prayer in healing. For cardiovascular disease, Byrd's (1988) classic study on a coronary care unit (CCU) in a large hospital in San Francisco showed that intercessory prayer is very effective in the healing process. A computer assigned 393 CCU patients into two groups. The prayer group (n = 192) patients consisted of Christian born-again individuals who willingly offered prayers from a distance for these individuals whom they had never met, although they were given their names. A second group (n = 201) from the same CCU acted as the control group, and these individuals were not assigned to others to pray for them. Results indicated that patients who were prayed for had significantly less congestive heart failure, used fewer diuretics, had fewer cardiopulmonary arrests and less pneumonia, used fewer antibiotics, and were less intubated than those who did not receive intercessory praying from the born-again Christians. Results from the Byrd (1988) study were very impressive; yet, the study has been criticized for various reasons. One criticism raised was that only born-again Christians were involved in praying for these patients. Critics felt Byrd was trying to prove the superiority of his religious affiliation. Skeptics of Byrd's findings pointed out there was no actual way of proving that the selected people actually prayed for the patients assigned to them. Also, there was no way to determine if subjects in the control group prayed for themselves or were being prayed for by others. Although certain questions have been raised with regard to the findings of this study, proponents of intercessory prayer cite the results to support the effectiveness of praying for others. The second disease studied with regard to the effectiveness of prayer for healing is AIDS. In 1998 a doubleblind, randomized study (Sicher, Targ, Moore, & Smith, 1998) of distant healing in 40 AIDS patients pairmatched for age was conducted to show the effect of distant healing on an advanced AIDS population. People assigned to pray for these patients were of various religious beliefs, including Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Native American. The researchers found that after 6 months of praying, subjects prayed for had significantly fewer new AIDS-related illnesses, lower illness severity ratings, fewer doctors' visits and hospitalizations, and fewer days in hospital than did subjects who were not prayed for. Despite the reported results from research studies conducted on religion, spirituality, or prayer and health, there are mixed beliefs regarding these findings. Some scientists have refuted results from studies measuring the effects of religion, intercessory prayer, and spirituality on health and healing. These individuals proclaim that after removing confounding variables from these studies, the results usually are statistically insignificant (Gunderson, 2000). Critics of intercessory prayer often state that it is impossible to accurately study prayer using patients who are critically ill. They feel that when patients are facing death, they pray for themselves, and their loved ones pray for them (Coulter, 1995). This would make it impossible to establish a pure control group. These critics contend that prayer cannot be quantified since there is no way to measure an amount of prayer. They further explain that if the amount of prayer subjects are receiving cannot be measured, there is no way to draw scientific conclusions. Although there are disputes among scientists regarding the results from studies on religion, spirituality, and medicine, some nurses and physicians include this aspect in their daily practice. When doing so, they should first take a spiritual history to determine whether their patients use religious or spiritual beliefs to help cope with medical problems. second, they should support their patients' religious beliefs and practices, since they may have a powerful influence on their health and healing. Attitudes and Beliefs About Prayer Much research has established the effectiveness of prayer as a spiritual healing intervention (Dossey, 1993). But the question is raised as to whether one has to be religious in order to be spiritual and use prayer as a spiritual intervention for healing. There is a difference between being religious and spiritual: One does not have to be religious to be spiritual, nor does one have to be spiritual in order to be religious. Spirituality relates to a relationship with one's higher being. Religion pertains to one's set of beliefs and practices. However, one can be both spiritual and religious (Matthews & Clark, 1998). Furthermore, spiritual or religious individuals may use prayer for healing. Further differentiation has been made between spirituality and religion. The term spirituality is a more acceptable and popular term than religion in today's times. Spirituality encompasses traditional religious beliefs, but it also presents a broader concept to include New Age forms of parapsychology and astrology (Koenig, 1997). In order to legitimatize this concept of spirituality as an important concept in the healing paradigm, many practitioners have adopted the Duke University Religiosity Index (Koenig, Meador, & Parkerson, 1997). This is an index of three indicators of religious behavior (not religious belief)-how frequently individuals attend church, how often they pray, and how many hours per week they spend performing religious acts in their home. The indicators are equally weighted, and the higher the scale, the more religious they are. A recent study by Koenig, George, and Titus (2004) was conducted to show the effects of religion and spirituality in 838 medically ill hospitalized patients. Results showed that religion and spirituality decreased depressive symptoms, increased cognitive function, and promoted better psychological health (p Mon, 01 Nov 2004 21:58:57 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-importance-of-prayer-for-mind-body-healing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/superfoods-may-replace-medicine Superfoods may replace medicineSource: www.news.com.auRICE to treat brain damage, macadamia nuts instead of morphine -- superfoods are being identified to treat complex disorders and replace synthetic medicines, according to a Sydney scientist.Head of the Australian Centre of Neuropsychotherapy Rod Markam, said the husk of brown rice was being investigated for use in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder along with brain injuries. "Inosital, found in the skin of brown rice is a vitamin B substitute injected into damaged rat brains and it has been showed to regrow brain cells," Mr Markham said. "It may be used in the future to treat acquired brain injury and also for brain health generally." Mr Markam said synthetically modified drug therapies, many with dangerous side effects, would begin to be replaced. "The future of medicine will be found in superfoods provided to us from the ground. "We will eventually be largely vegetarian because we will have realised the health benefits." Mr Markham's research has already identified the potato as a possible replacement for anti-depressant drugs, because it boosts serotonin levels. He has uncovered the macadamia nut as a powerful natural analgesic and a WD40 equivalent for joint pain. Alpha Lipoic acid found in peas, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes is currently available by prescription in Germany, where it is approved for the treatment of diabetic and alcoholic neuropathies and alcoholic liver disease. Ellagic acid in strawberries, red raspberries and blueberries helps maintain healthy cells and has been targeted as a possible chemopreventative agent for brain cells. Mr Markham said scientists were still discovering the healing properties of foods. "We don't know all the foods available yet. "The highest vitamin C of any substance on the planet, 50 times that of citrus fruit, has just been found in an Aboriginal bush plum. "We are only just scratching the surface. "The rainforests in Brazil and Australia may hide many more secrets," he said. An extract in a fern re-discovered in North Queensland this week could help fight Alzheimer's disease. Mon, 01 Nov 2004 20:24:07 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/superfoods-may-replace-medicine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-for-elderly-could-reduce-leading-cause-of-injury-deaths Vitamin D for Elderly Could Reduce Leading Cause of Injury DeathsSource: www.seniorjournal.comFalls lead to 40 percent of all nursing home admissions and are the largest single cause of injury-related deaths among the elderly but these statistics could improve if older people receive supplemental vitamin D, according to an analysis by the Agriculture Research Service. About Vitamin D Vitamin D is actually a hormone and not a nutrient. There are very few dietary "natural" sources for this vitamin such as fatty fish, fish oils, and liver. So, fortified foods become the major dietary sources of vitamin D. Prior to the fortification of milk products in the 1930s, rickets (a bone disease seen in children) was a major public health problem in the United States. One cup of vitamin D fortified milk supplies about one-fourth of the estimated daily need for this vitamin for adults. Although milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are generally not fortified with vitamin D so be sure to read the label. As we age, the ability of our skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases, so older Americans (greater than age 50) are thought to have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. About one-third of people over age 65—and up to half of those over 80—get injured from falling every year. Older adults who get supplemental vitamin D in their diets are less likely to slip and fall down, say the ARS-funded scientists and their colleagues.Bess Dawson-Hughes, a physician specializing in bone health and nutrition, along with colleagues in academia and medicine, researched all major vitamin D clinical trials in older populations conducted from January 1960 to February 2004. Dawson-Hughes is director of the Bone Metabolism Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.Based on five double-blind, randomized, controlled trials involving 1,237 participants, the researchers found that elderly people fell 22 percent less often if they took vitamin D supplements. The folks studied, who averaged about age 70, were in stable health and were either community dwelling or living in some type of care facility.Previously, it had been shown that vitamin D supplementation was good for bone health and that very severe vitamin D deficiency led to muscle weakness. But less was known about any association between milder vitamin D deficiency and muscle weakness or risk of falling. When the activated form of vitamin D binds to receptors in muscle tissue, it promotes growth and strengthens muscles, which can in turn reduce falls, according to Dawson-Hughes.Fall-related injuries are likely to account for more than $32 billion in future medical-, hospital-, and rehabilitative-care costs annually, experts say. The findings underscore the importance of adequate vitamin D intake for the prevention of falls in the elderly and a need for further related studies. The paper was published in the April 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.—By Rosalie Marion Bliss, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff. Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:28:23 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-for-elderly-could-reduce-leading-cause-of-injury-deaths http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pumpkins-pack-a-lot-of-nutrition Pumpkins pack a lot of nutritionSource: www.delmarvanow.com"Pumpkins large, pumpkins small, Pumpkins short, pumpkins tall, Pumpkins orange, pumpkins green, All for us on Halloween." -- (author unknown) Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn, Halloween, Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie, and of course, "Punkin Chunkin!" But have you ever stopped to think about the nutrition a pumpkin has to offer? Pumpkins are a vegetable related to squash. They are part of the gourd family. There are two groups of pumpkins: big orange stock pumpkins and cheese pumpkins. Big orange stock pumpkins are the kind used for jack-o-lanterns. Cheese pumpkins are used for commercial canned pumpkin. Even though most of the pumpkins you see are orange in color, they can also be yellow or white. Being a vegetable, pumpkin is virtually fat-free and low in calories with 42 calories per one-half cup. It is one of the best sources of vitamin A that you can get, providing 27570 International Units in one-half cup. This is more than in a half cup of carrots. There are 3.8 grams of fiber in one-half cup, making it a good source of fiber as well. Pumpkins are also a good source of potassium. When using canned pumpkin for recipes be aware that pumpkin pie filling is higher in calories than solid pack pumpkin. This is because of added sugar. There are 141 calories in a half-cup of pumpkin pie filling versus 42 calories in solid pack. Roasted pumpkin seeds provide heart healthy fat. You just need to watch portion sizes. In one ounce, which is going to be somewhere around 1/4 cup, you will get 148 calories, 12 grams of fat, 9.4 grams of protein and 3.8grams of carbohydrate. So, during this season of pumpkins, try a pumpkin soup recipe or maybe pumpkin muffins or cookies. Of course, there is always pumpkin pie, too! The following recipe is a lower calorie lower fat version of the traditional and came from The American Diabetes Association and The American Dietetic Association Family Cookbook Vol. II. Pumpkin Pie 1 16 ounce can of solid pack pumpkin 1 egg 1/2 cup Bisquick 8 packets sugar substitute 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 13 ounce can evaporated skim milk 2 egg whites 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 inch pie plate with cooking spray. Place all ingredients in a blender, food processor or mixing bowl. Blend one minute or two minutes with mixer. Pour into pie plate and bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:25:33 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pumpkins-pack-a-lot-of-nutrition http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-can-help-offset-effects-of-aging Exercise can help offset effects of agingSource: www.sunherald.comMenopause brings an increasing risk for heart disease and loss of bone mass, and long-term exercise might alleviate these effects of aging.A study compared the physical fitness and bone density of 50 women who exercised regularly with 33 women who did not. The women, who averaged 55 years old, chose whether to exercise or follow their normal routine. All women were early post-menopausal and had osteoporosis. Four times a week, the exercisers walked and ran to warm up and then did strength training, jumping and stretching. All women took calcium and vitamin D supplements. After two years, the exercisers were 36 percent more physically fit than when they started, while the non-exercisers had improved 2 percent. Bone density remained stable for the exercisers but declined for the others.Total cholesterol levels dropped 5 percent for the exercisers and increased 4 percent for the others. Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:13:58 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-can-help-offset-effects-of-aging http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/clintons-diet-rang-alarms Clinton's diet rang alarmsSource: news.ninemsn.com.auSenator Hillary Rodham Clinton said she worried that former President Bill Clinton's low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet was unhealthy before he was diagnosed with heart disease, but that he brushed off her concerns."I didn't think it was healthy, but I know so many people who are doing that now. I'd say, 'You really think you should have a cheeseburger every day for lunch?"' she said in an interview broadcast on the US ABC news program Good Morning America.The former president has said he adopted the low-carbohydrate, and low fat South Beach diet in an effort to curb his much-lampooned taste for junk food.Senator Clinton said she began to fear for his health when he became fatigued on walks."We were walking our dog, and we were walking up this hill near our house and he said he was too tired. I nagged him some, I said you should go see somebody about this, but he was so convinced it was nothing," she said.Yet she said the former president - in "typical Bill Clinton" fashion - remained positive even after doctors told him he needed a heart bypass operation, which he underwent on September 6. The former president has spoken of dramatic visions of his wife and daughter, Chelsea, while he was unconscious during surgery."I saw dark masks crushing, like death masks being crushed in series," he said in an interview ABC's Primetime Live."And then I'd see these great circles of light and then like Hillary's picture or Chelsea's face would appear in the light and then they'd fly off into the distance."Hearing about those visions was "so moving to me," Senator Clinton said, as was his "blissful" attitude after emerging from anaesthesia."When he came out, he said, 'We had a nice time in Iceland didn't we?' And 'Didn't you love Ireland?'"Those first few hours, particularly the time right after I got to see him, I will treasure forever, because he kept holding Chelsea's and my hand, he kept telling us how much he loved us." Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:05:39 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/clintons-diet-rang-alarms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-exercise-promote-long-life 'Mediterranean diet,' exercise promote long lifeSource: www.indystar.comDrizzle on the olive oil, uncork a bottle of wine and hit the cobblestones. You may not only reach old age but extend it longer than most, a pair of European studies has concluded.The new research represents yet another victory for those espousing a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, fish and olive oil, washed down with a daily glass or two of wine.In one 10-year survey of elderly European men and women, researchers found that those who adhered to a "Mediterranean diet," did not smoke, drank moderately and remained physically active were about half as likely to die during the study period as those whose diets and lifestyles were less healthful.A second, smaller study found that when patients at risk for developing heart disease and Type 2 diabetes followed a Mediterranean-style diet for two years, they lost more weight and lowered their blood pressure, insulin and glucose levels and "bad" cholesterol -- and increased "good" cholesterol -- more than a similar group who were put on a low-fat diet.Could help AmericansStudy author Dr. Katherine Esposito of the Second University of Naples, Italy, said the second study was the first demonstration that a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, walnuts and olive oil might be effective in warding off diseases of the heart and vascular system.In the United States, where almost a quarter of the population is considered at risk for developing heart disease or diabetes, widespread adoption of a Mediterranean diet could improve health significantly, she and her co-authors surmised.The studies, which drew together researchers from France, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy, were published in the Sept. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.In the first study, researchers spent a decade following 2,339 men and women from 11 European countries who were ages 70 to 90. The researchers tallied the participants' eating, drinking and smoking (or nonsmoking) habits and activity levels, and then recorded who died and of what.Those who received a "lifestyle" score of 4 points ate a diet typical of the Mediterranean region, drank a moderate amount of alcohol daily, either did not smoke or had quit smoking cigarettes at least 15 years earlier, and engaged in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. When a study participant fell short on any one of these measures, his or her score would drop a point.At the end of the study period, about 70 percent of those with a lifestyle score of 4 were still enjoying la dolce vita. Slightly more than 40 percent of those with initial scores between 0 and 1 were still alive.Low in saturated fatThe Mediterranean diet typically is light on meat and dairy products, and has higher levels of monounsaturated fats -- found in walnuts and olive oil -- relative to saturated fat, found in meat and dairy-rich products.A diet typical of the region also would include several servings of fish weekly, and would be rich in vegetables and legumes such as chickpeas and lentils -- all, of course, taken with a daily glass or two of red wine.Scientists in recent years have begun to document how several components of a Mediterranean diet might help protect against disease.Consuming the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as tuna, lake trout and salmon several times a week has been found to reduce the likelihood of heart disease, and the minerals and monounsaturated fats in olives and many nuts have been linked to lower levels of cardiovascular disease.Those who eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables -- and fresh produce is at the heart of the Mediterranean diet -- have a clearly documented lower risk of cancer.And red wine, taken in moderation, is a vasodilator that has been found to reduce the incidence of strokes when consumed regularly.The 'divine mix'While any one of these components might bring some benefit, it also is possible, scientists say, that the elements of a Mediterranean diet may work together to boost health even more.Dimitrios Trichopoulos of Harvard University's School of Public Health, who conducted some of the first research on the life-prolonging effects of the Mediterranean diet, has called the elements of that region's food a "divine mix" that seems to endow its adherents with special protections.But Alice Lichtenstein, director of Tufts University's cardiovascular nutrition lab, says that physical activity is a key element of that mix, helping to ensure a desirable body weight despite a high intake of fat among those whose diets include large amounts of olive oil and nuts."It's the whole package, and we need to be thinking of it that way," said Lichtenstein, who chairs the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee. She said the combination of diet and exercise that dominates in the Mediterranean region "is essentially the recommendation that the American Heart Association has been making for 10 to 15 years."Each element mattersIn the end, the first study found that staying physically active appeared to trump all other factors in its life-prolonging effects. Those who spent 30 minutes or more walking, cycling, gardening or performing vigorous household chores had a 37 percent lower risk of dying during the 10-year period. A nonsmoking history came in second -- it was associated with a 35 percent lower risk of death.But a Mediterranean diet and a moderate amount of alcohol had significant benefits on their own; they appeared to lower the risk of death during the study period by 23 percent and 22 percent, respectively.In an accompanying editorial, Harvard School of Public Health professors Eric R. Rimm and Meir Stampfer wrote that the two studies, bolstered by past research, should underscore the urgency of promoting healthful lifestyles as a means of treating heart disease."The United States spends billions on chronic disease treatments and interventions for risk factors. Although these are useful and important, a fraction of that investment to promote healthful lifestyles for primary prevention among individuals of all ages would yield greater benefit," the authors wrote. Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:01:05 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-exercise-promote-long-life http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/israels-elderberry-remedy-sambucol-provides-solution-to-u-s-flu-vaccine-shortage Israel's elderberry remedy Sambucol provides solution to U.S. flu vaccine shortageSource: www.israel21c.orgAmericans are nervously bracing for the expected flu vaccine shortage as health experts predict people will begin feeling the effects of the flu by next month. But as the hundreds of thousands of Americans who use Israel's elderberry extract Sambucol will tell you, vaccines aren't the only answer to alleviating the flu's debilitating symptoms. Nicknamed 'nature's flu fighter', Sambucol - which is produced by Jerusalem-based company Razei Bar - has been clinically proven to eliminate flu symptoms within one to two days. A standardized extract, the 100% natural Sambucol contains a potent antiviral compound, AntiVirin as well as a high amount of three flavonoids, naturally occurring plant antioxidants. Developed by prominent Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, Sambucol is derived from the black elder tree, Sambucus nigra L. Beginning in the 1970s, Mumcuoglu began research that led to her discovery of the key active ingredient in elderberry. "I became interested in the natural healing elements of elderberry when I did my PhD on it in Switzerland," Mumcuoglu told ISRAEL21c. "I isolated the active substances from the elderberry and tested them against the flu virus, and found them to be effective. After finishing my studies, I came back to Israel and continued to work on research for about 10 years at the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem." According to Mumcuoglu, the black elderberry has been known since the 5th century BCE and was mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscurides and Plinius. It can be found in every pharmacopoeia. Elderberry wine was traditionally used for influenza and the ill effects of the chills, and the juice of the black elderberry has historically been an invaluable remedy. After assessing its effectiveness against the flu during her research, which was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Virology, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Mumcuoglu decided to commercialize an elderberry supplement she named Sambucol, and founded Razei Bar in 1992. Mumcuoglu was able to test her products on patients during a flu epidemic in southern Israel in the winter of 1992-93. The results were very encouraging. Within 24 hours, 20% of those patients taking Sambucol had dramatic improvements in symptoms like fever, muscle aches and pains and coughing. By the second day, 73% had shown improvement, and by Day Three, 90%. In the untreated group, only 16% felt better after two days. The majority of that group began feeling better only after a week. Another double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted using Sambucol during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. A significant alleviation of symptoms, including fever, was seen in 93.3% of the cases in the Sambucol treated group within 2 days. A complete cure was achieved within 2 to 3 days in nearly 90% of the Sambucol treated group compared to at least 6 days in the placebo group. Most recently, in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in Norway, Sambucol was shown to significantly reduce the duration of the flu by approximately four days. The use of rescue medication (pain relievers, etc.) was significantly less in the group receiving Sambucol than in the placebo group. The study concluded that Sambucol stimulates the healthy immune system by increasing production of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine production was measured using monocytes, derived from the blood of 12 healthy volunteers, which were incubated with four different Sambucol products: Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract, Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup, Sambucol Immune System, and Sambucol for Kids. Mumcuoglo will not divulge the exact makeup of Sambucol and what makes it different from other elderberry extracts, but stressed that Sambucol stands alone among elderberry extracts. "I was the first to introduce the elderberry in the U.S., and now there are about 70 copycats. But to our credit, we still have about 80% of the market. We have a very special recipe. It's very easy to destroy the active element, which is why most of those other products aren't effective," she said. Even though the product is produced and manufactured in Israel, the elderberries are imported from Europe, as the Middle East does not offer the proper climate for growing them. Sambucol costs $12 for 30 lozenges, and can be found in just about any health food store in the U.S. It's distributed by Nature's Way Products. Sambucol is also sold in Canada, the United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Israel, South Korea, Singapore and New Zealand. "I think that Sambucol has a great role to play - it really can save lives. To my knowledge, it's the only product that can cut the duration of the flu in half, before complications have a chance to develop. At least 30,000 deaths are reported due to flu complications every year in the US.," Mumcuoglo said. "I'm very concerned about the situation in the US. Half the population that has been receiving the vaccine in the past will not get it this year. Many of them will get sick, and transfer the flu to their families and friends. It's important to pass the message on: you need to stem the flu immediately, as soon as you experience a symptom." Mon, 01 Nov 2004 18:59:08 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/israels-elderberry-remedy-sambucol-provides-solution-to-u-s-flu-vaccine-shortage http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sweet-potato-facts Sweet potato factsSource: www.myrtlebeachonline.comOne cup of cooked sweet potatoes provides 30 mg of beta carotene, or vitamin A. They are a great source of vitamin E. Unlike many other foods rich in vitamin E, such as vegetable oils, nuts and avocados, they are low in fat. They also provide many other essential nutrients including vitamin B6, potassium and iron. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to promote a healthy digestive tract. Sweet potatoes are virtually fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. A medium sweet potato has 118 calories.Yam or sweet potato? What's the difference? There isn't one, at least in the United States, says Sue Langdon, executive director of the N.C. Sweet Potato Commission.In the United States, she said, "the term 'yam' is used to describe an orange-fleshed, moist sweet potato."The Commission says that a true yam is generally imported to America from the Caribbean. What is marketed in the U.S. as a yam is actually a variety of sweet potato, usually those with the most vivid orange color. Fri, 22 Oct 2004 23:01:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sweet-potato-facts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-10-minute-yoga-vitamin-to-stay-calm-and-focused-during-hectic-holiday-season The 10-Minute "Yoga Vitamin" to Stay Calm and Focused During Hectic Holiday SeasonSource: www.marketwire.comNow that fall is in full swing, people's schedules are getting busier with holiday shopping, parties and rushing children from one activity to the next. There is little time left for the relaxation and rejuvenation necessary for optimum health. Nirmala Heriza, author of "Dr. Yoga," has developed a 10-minute "head-to-toe" micro yoga session -- also known as the "Yoga Vitamin" -- to boost people's immune function, strengthen the cardiovascular system and reduce stress. The hatha yoga postures used by the Dr. Yoga program are based on the traditional, non-strenuous Integral Yoga® method developed by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Dr. Yoga: A Complete Program for Discovering the Head-to-Toe Health Benefits of Yoga by Nirmala Heriza"The health benefits of yoga have caught the attention of the traditional medical profession," says Heriza, a hatha yoga cardiac therapist for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, chairman of the United Council on Yoga (UCY) and yoga therapist to the stars. "Many people try to make sure they get their daily nutritional vitamins, but adding a 10-minute yoga vitamin also brings many medical benefits that keep people healthy, strong and stress-free. Just ten minutes a day can help bring a lifetime of good health and foster a positive attitude to well-being." Heriza emphasizes, to achieve optimal benefit from the 10 minute program, it should be used as an adjunct to the full set of yoga postures and practices, as taught in any standard traditional hatha yoga class, that should be done at least once a week. The time-effective program incorporates several yoga postures and breathing techniques that specifically target organs that increase blood and lymph flow throughout the body, thereby strengthening the cardiovascular and immune system. These simple poses can help to prevent and treat stress related conditions, including colds and viruses. The fall/winter season is also a time when many people tend to suffer from depression or the "blues." The simple poses recommended in the yoga vitamin can also help to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions. The 10-minute Yoga Vitamin includes: Cobra Pose, encourages healthy blood flow around the heart and cleansing of the lymphatic system. Shoulder Stand, lowers blood pressure and reduces the pulse. Increases blood and lymph flow. Fish Pose stretches the neck and chest and increases oxygen in the lungs. It is used in clinical settings for the treatment of respiratory disease. Yoga Nidra (Deep Relaxation) practice, which, if done correctly, can make a person feel as if they've had a full night's sleep. Pranayama (breathing practices) include: deep breathing and Kapalabhati (skull shining, a vigorous breathing practice) and Nadi Suddi (alternate nostril breathing, calming breathing practice). The breathing practices stabilize and strengthen the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. As chairman of UCY, Heriza is encouraging people everywhere to take 10 minutes out of their day to do the "Yoga Vitamin." The UCY is committed to supporting the Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2010 physical activity and fitness objectives, to instill healthy and fit habits in people of all ages. Target objectives are the prevention of diabetes and obesity. UCY and the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program encourages people of all ages to practice yoga. For more information, visit http://presidentschallenge.org. The complete 10-minute yoga vitamin is described in Heriza's book, "Dr. Yoga," released September 9, 2004 and published by Tarcher/Penguin (ISBN 1-58542-292-4). It is available through most major book stores, on bookselling web sites and through www.dr-yoga.com. Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:53:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-10-minute-yoga-vitamin-to-stay-calm-and-focused-during-hectic-holiday-season http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herbal-remedy-set-to-tackle-cancer Chinese Herbal Remedy Set To Tackle CancerSource: www.scienceagogo.comA group of cancer-fighting compounds derived from a substance used in ancient Chinese medicine will be developed for potential use in humans. The compounds, all developed through the research of University of Washington (UW) scientists Henry Lai, Narendra Singh and Tomikazu Sasaki, make use of a substance known as artemisinin, found in the wormwood plant and used throughout Asia since ancient times to treat malaria. Although the compounds are promising, potential medical applications are still years away, officials say. The University of Washington will be developing possible treatments in conjunction with Chongqing Holley Holdings, a Chinese company, and Holley Pharmaceuticals, its U.S. subsidiary. "We are very excited about the UW's discovery and an opportunity to develop an artemisinin-based cancer drug," Kevin Mak of Holley, said. "The technology is very promising, but it's in its early stages." Researcher Henry Lai said he became interested in artemisinin about 10 years ago. Artemisinin helps control malaria because it reacts with the high iron concentrations found in the single-cell malaria parasite. When artemisinin comes into contact with iron, a chemical reaction ensues, spawning charged atoms that chemists call "free radicals." The free radicals attack the cell membrane and other molecules, breaking it apart and killing the parasite. Lai wondered if the process might work with cancer, too. "Cancer cells need a lot of iron to replicate DNA when they divide," Lai said. "As a result, cancer cells have much higher iron concentrations than normal cells. When we began to understand how artemisinin worked, I started wondering if we could use that knowledge to target cancer cells." Perhaps the most promising of the methods licensed involves the use of transferrin, to which the researchers bind artemisinin at the molecular level. Transferrin is an iron-carrying protein found in blood, and is transported into cells via transferrin receptors on a cell's surface. Iron-hungry cancer cells typically have significantly more transferrin receptors on their surface than normal cells, which allows them to take in more of the iron-carrying protein. That, says Lai, is what seems to make the compound so effective. "We call it a Trojan horse because a cancer cell recognizes transferrin as a natural, harmless protein and picks up the tagged compound without knowing that a bomb - artemisinin - is hidden inside." Once inside the cancer cell, the iron is released and reacts with the artemisinin. That makes the compound both highly toxic and, because of cancer's rapacious need for iron, highly selective. Surrounding, healthy cells are essentially undamaged. "Our research in the lab indicated that the artemisinin-tagged transferrin was 34,000 times more effective in selecting and killing the cancer cells than normal cells," Lai said. "Artemisinin alone is 100 times more effective, so we've greatly enhanced the selectivity." Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:50:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herbal-remedy-set-to-tackle-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/avoiding-the-flu-if-you-cant-get-a-shot Avoiding the flu if you can't get a shotSource: www.lowellsun.comSeeking an easy alternative to flu vaccines in the midst of a shortage? Look no further than your faucet.Add soap, and you have the best flu-prevention method medical science has yielded so far."The only real advice is scrupulous cleanliness, a lot of hand-scrubbing," said Dr. Donald Berman of Chelmsford Pediatrics, citing anti-bacterial hand gels as a good complement to soap. "And for little kids, avoid crowds." Massachusetts has restricted distribution of flu shots to at-risk groups, leaving healthy people ages 2 to 64 scrambling for another option. Besides cleanliness, there are few options for those who don't qualify for the vaccine.MedImmune, a Gaithersburg, Md.-based company, last year released a product called FluMist, a vaccine in the form of a nasal mist. FluMist flopped the company made about 4 million doses and sold only about 10 percent of those at $46 a pop (more than triple the price of a typical flu shot). The unused vaccine was destroyed. OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS SECTION 10/22/2004 - Leaving everything to chance - Divisiveness over gay bishop saddens local Episcopalians - First lady, in Nashua, touts husband's resolve - Latest guessing game: What Democrats are running for governor? - More Curse reversing ahead for Sox - Police, college prepare for World Series tumult - Route 3 lanes opening Monday However, this year's shortage has been a boon for MedImmune, which announced recently that it would double FluMist production, which was slated for only about 1 million doses this year at a lowered wholesale price of $23.50. FluMist is approved only for healthy people ages 5 to 49."Those in high-risk groups should not take FluMist," said Nicole St. Peter. spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Department of Health. "It contains the live (influenza) virus.""If FluMist is available, it works very, very well," Berman said. "We offer it to parents as an alternative."Still, Berman's initial recommendation is to keep germs at bay.Other precautions to take include drinking plenty of fluids, getting fresh air regularly, exercising, cutting down on cigarettes and alcohol, and eating foods like fruit, vegetables and yogurt.A healthier, more natural diet can work wonders for the immune system, said Dr. Paul Giordano of the Giordano Chiropractic and Naturopathic Wellness Center in Methuen.Giordano advises those concerned about the flu or other illness to cut down on junk food and not eat grains or dairy products in excess. Sugars and carbohydrates should also be avoided."At least half your diet should be raw or fresh," said Giordano, who also touted the power of echinacea he uses a more potent variety from Australia and digestive enzymes.Lisa Lanteigne, owner of Natural Family Medicine in Dracut, recommended antioxidants like red peppers, carrots and spinach to bolster one's immune system. Lanteigne also carries herbal supplements such as red wine extract, pine bark extract, and grapeseed extract.Vitamin C, black and green tea, and Chinese herbal medicine can also help keep the flu bug at bay, she said.If you want to stick to good old-fashioned drugs, antivirals are another option. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists three drugs amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir commercially available for use in preventing flu. Those medications are 70 to 90 percent effective for preventing illness in healthy adults, and should be used only with a doctor's permission, according to the CDC. Lowell General Hospital spokeswoman Marcia Cassidy cautioned residents to consult with a doctor first before deciding to take FluMist or any flu vaccine."People who are concerned about their health really need to speak to their individual physicians," Cassidy stressed. "If there's two messages, it's wash your hands and talk to your doctor." Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:47:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/avoiding-the-flu-if-you-cant-get-a-shot http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-supplements-may-prevent-alzheimers Food Supplements May Prevent Alzheimer'sSource: www.onlypunjab.comA new study shows consuming foods or supplements containing the omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA may be the best way to avoid Alzheimer’s disease even if you carry a gene that makes you susceptible to the condition. For the study researchers first bred mice to carry the gene known to cause the brain lesions characteristic of the disease. Initially various environmental factors affecting the symptoms were studied but the mice only showed minimal memory or other brain-related problems.Researchers wondered if the reason was because they were living on a diet rich in soy and fish, two foods high in DHA, which has been shown in other studies to help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. To test their hypothesis, they placed the mice on an unhealthy diet with no DHA. About half were fed this diet alone. The other half was given DHA supplements along with the unhealthy food.Mice that ate the unhealthy diet without the DHA supplements went on to develop the kind of brain changes typically seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Those that received DHA supplements, however, maintained much of their brain functioning, even though they, too, carried the Alzheimer’s gene. After adjusting all possible variables it was seen that, DHA was the only factor remaining that protected the mice against the synaptic damage and memory loss that should have resulted from their Alzheimer’s genes. Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:46:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-supplements-may-prevent-alzheimers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-could-boost-chances-of-fatherhood Sunshine Could Boost Chances of FatherhoodSource: www.rednova.comGETTING a suntan could help men boost their fertility, claim scientists. For the first time, they have discovered a link between levels of vitamin D and the quality of sperm. Higher levels of the vitamin in the blood appear to improve both the numbers and activity of sperm vital factors in maintaining a man's fertility. Experts say previous studies have shown that vitamin D is important for women wanting to get pregnant and the latest research means topping up levels of the 'sunshine vitamin' could also be critical for men. The scientists who carried out the study at the Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Centre, New Hampshire, say the findings are preliminary and the precise mechanism of action of vitamin D on sperm has yet to be determined. However, several animal studies have already hinted at this link between male fertility and vitamin D, which is made in the body in response to solar exposure. It is also obtained from food such as dairy products, some meats, eggs and fish oils. Insufficient levels of the vitamin have been linked with cancer, nervous system diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure. Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:45:08 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sunshine-could-boost-chances-of-fatherhood http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-will-examine-if-diet-can-ease-autism-symptoms Study will examine if diet can ease autism symptomsSource: www.post-gazette.comFor years, parents of autistic children have seen a difference in how their kids behaved after they followed diets free of dairy and wheat products or that restricted their sugar intake.Their children were more alert and had better eye contact, they claimed. There was more social interaction and interest in the world around them.Whether there is any scientific basis to these claims will be tested in a three-year study beginning in November at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. It will look at the effectiveness of three alternative therapies: use of a supplement known as omega-3 fatty acid (the healthy oil found in some fish and flaxseed); a diet free of wheat and milk protein, and a diet that restricts sugar.Dr. Michelle Zimmer, a pediatrician in the Child Development Unit at Children's, said there is no concrete biological evidence to show these diets have any impact on children with autism, a lifelong neurological and developmental disorder."But so many parents were coming in saying anecdotally that these were helpful,'' she said. "We wanted to find out more.''The study, funded through the Emmerling Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation, hopes to enroll 80 children between the ages of 30 and 54 months who recently have been diagnosed with autism.Researchers sought input from psychiatrists, psychologists and parents as they planned the study.One of those who helped shape the study was Laura Hewitson of Pine, a researcher at Magee-Womens Hospital who has a 5-year-old son with autism.Shortly after Joshua's diagnosis at age 2, she jumped on the Internet to find out as much as she could about the disorder. Information about dietary and nutritional supplements kept popping up. Her son, she recalled, also had experienced a lot of colds, ear infections and diarrhea."Our son at the time was addicted to cow's milk, cheese on toast, French fries and chicken nuggets,'' she said.She and her husband, Dan Hollenbeck, decided to cut out the dairy to see if that would ease his digestive problems."There were really quite dramatic changes in him,'' she said. "He began looking with more purpose. He started to do basic puzzles. There was nothing miraculous, but it seemed almost like he was coming out of a fog.''Then they removed the wheat products and saw more improvements, including an easing of digestion problems. "For the first time he was looking at the environment and exploring.''She believes there is a subset of children diagnosed with autism with compromised immune systems that make them sensitive to certain foods. "It appears to be a common thread among a subset of children.''Hewitson, who founded the organization Fighting Autism, helped sponsor a presentation this past weekend at Magee on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, an eating plan that goes beyond therapies being researched in the Children's study. It advocates removing most complex sugars and starches from the diet to ease a variety of ailments.In the Children's study, participants will be assigned randomly to one or more of the various diets. Each patient would follow the special diets for three to six months. Their blood would be tested and behavior monitored to look for changes in language ability, eye contact, physical interaction and repetition of words or particular movements.If improvements are tied to diet, researchers hope to seek federal funding to conduct a larger study."We're hoping it will help us understand autism better,'' Zimmer said. Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:47:58 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-will-examine-if-diet-can-ease-autism-symptoms http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coffee-tied-to-inflammation-perhaps-heart-disease Coffee Tied to Inflammation, Perhaps Heart DiseaseSource: olympics.reuters.comConsuming moderate-to-high amounts of coffee is associated with increased levels of several inflammatory markers, a finding that could help explain previous reports linking the beverage to heart disease. Ongoing, low-level inflammation is thought to be an underlying factor in the development of heart disease. The latest findings, which appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, are based on a study of about 3000 subjects with no history of cardiovascular disease. A food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess coffee intake, and blood samples were tested for levels of various compounds that are known to promote, or are a marker of, inflammation. Compared with subjects who did not drink coffee, those who consumed more than about 1 cup of the beverage per day had significantly higher levels of all the inflammatory markers tested, Dr. Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, from Harokopio University in Athens, and colleagues report. The results held true even after factoring in age, gender, smoking, body weight, physical activity, and other potential confounders, the researchers point out. Although the findings provide a mechanism by which coffee intake could promote heart disease, the authors note that not all previous studies have identified an association between the two. Hence, further studies are needed to confirm the present findings. SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2004. Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:47:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/coffee-tied-to-inflammation-perhaps-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/goodbye-atkins-south-beach-here-comes-the-northwoods-diet Goodbye Atkins, South Beach, here comes the Northwoods DietSource: www.startribune.comWhen a University of Minnesota fat researcher looked at his expanding waistline, he did what millions of Americans have done. He went on a diet.He wasn't impressed by the popular weight loss programs, such as Atkins and South Beach, so he devised a diet of his own and gave it a name: the Northwoods Diet.He's not promoting the weight-loss plan, and has no plans to write books and articles about it. Yet word has spread.The diet might be rejected out of hand were it not for the source: Prof. David Bernlohr is head of the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics at the university. He studies obesity, and he teaches medical students all about metabolism.To lose weight, Bernlohr decided he would eat three meals a day, starting with carbohydrates in the morning and switching to protein and fats in the afternoon. He would eat a one-helping, healthful dinner, and it wouldn't be lumberjack-sized. He would eat nothing after 7:30 p.m. He didn't increase his exercise. His snacks were peanuts, chocolate and beer.He lost 40 pounds in six months on the diet last year, and while he piled on some pounds last summer, he went back on the diet and dropped most of them.Bernlohr, 47, is not a physician, and he doesn't want people to take the diet too seriously. A few colleagues have tried it and lost weight. The diet hasn't been studied by scientists. The diet is part whimsy, part common sense. The whimsy is in the name Northwoods, which Bernlohr thought would symbolize Minnesota. The common sense is in the notion that reducing calories is a sure way to lose weight, regardless of what you eat.'Sneaking up'Bernlohr obviously knew the health ramifications of being overweight, and he noticed that "my own personal situation was extraordinarily similar to the typical American," he said. "Slowly, my weight was sneaking up, sneaking up, sneaking up. ... "Before he began the diet in April 2003, he took stock. He had a family history of high cholesterol, so he knew he had to have his cholesterol checked regularly while he was dieting. He was already taking Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug. He was sometimes short of breath and lacked energy, but otherwise was in good health.At the outset, Bernlohr put breakfast back on the table -- he'd given it up long ago -- and made a point of eating three meals a day. Without breakfast, he knew he might do a little binge eating at lunch and a lot of binge eating at dinner, and he might eat again later at night.His diet reduced carbohydrates and increased proteins as other diets do, but that wasn't the point. He ate carbohydrates first thing in the morning to jump start his body's insulin production. He gave up pancakes and syrup in favor of oatmeal, cold cereal or bacon and eggs. For lunch, he sometimes ate fruit, paying no attention to the idea that dieters should eat only certain kinds of fruit, but a slice of pizza was OK, too. For dinner he ate protein, vegetables and salads.Cutting off food consumption at 7:30 p.m. was important. "You don't want a lot of your calories to be metabolized during your sleeping period," he said. "I think that contributes to storage in your fat cells." Bernlohr walks a lot during the day, and he sometimes bikes, but he didn't increase his exercise while dieting. His appetite decreased, and the pounds came off easily, but it wasn't because of "some magic carbohydrate diet," he said. "It's all related to how much you consume." He didn't count calories but guesses he cut his total by 20 percent.His weight before and after dieting "are secrets that nobody knows but me," he said. Bernlohr is convinced that other diets, like his, "have more to do with total food consumption than with anything else."Studies obesityHe knows more about this topic than most people. He is doing research on obesity that is funded by the National Institutes of Health and involves the university and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.As the leader of a 12-member research team, he focuses on how fat cells work. It's probably not well known, he said, that fat cells actually make hormones that circulate in the blood to the brain, the liver and muscles. "So the fat cell is not this big warehouse," he said. "It's actually a very dynamic cell that integrates your energy metabolism."Historically, Bernlohr said, humans have evolved under nutrient limitation, which means we haven't always had unlimited amounts of food at our disposal, but now we live amid nutrient abundance, "and our bodies have never had to deal with this."The other thing that comes into play is that the molecules in the food we eat are all soluble or easily dissolved in fats, not in carbohydrates, and so things just taste better if they're fatty," he said. "Carbohydrates in general don't have a lot of taste to them, so [eating fats] gives you some positive feedback."Simple sugars, such as those in sweets, also are tasty and give positive feedback, but "complex carbohydrates and things like fiber do not," he said. "Most complex sugars are broken down in the gut, past the tastebuds, and as such, we don't really have any 'sense' of them."As people eat more, fewer do physical work. Weights have gone up gradually since the 1960s, Bernlohr said, and obesity, once the province of people in their 40s and 50s, is now being seen in young adults, adolescents and children. It puts people of all ages at risk for major health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.Scientists have been working on obesity for decades, and it's clear now that there won't be a magic bullet, said Allen Levine, director of the Minnesota Obesity Center and head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the university.Eating is "one of the last pleasures that we have that we can do publicly," he said. "If you're sitting at your desk eating doughnuts, you don't get punished. If you were taking drugs, you would be. If you were having sex, you would be. [Eating is] a publicly accepted thing that's pleasant. People do it together."Food is cheap, safe, plentiful and tasty, but it often comes in huge portions with lots of calories, Levine said. He recalled a friend saying, "I ordered a salad, and I got a garden."Almost any diet will work, but dieters soon will crave something not permitted on their diets, Levine said. "It has to do with what we call sensory-specific satiety. We get accustomed to a certain taste, and after a while we're bored with it, and we want variety."What should people do? They should do some serious thinking about what they eat and how much they eat, Levine suggests. He said people need to exercise, being aware that exercise alone won't do it. They need to realize that half of the plateful of food before them is probably enough, and that it's OK to take a walk and eat fruit and yogurt at their desks instead of eating huge portions at lunch outside the office."What we're asking people to do is take a great pleasure and control it," he said. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------The BasicsBreakfast: Carbohydrates.Lunch: Protein and fats.Dinner: Healthful, one-helping dinner.Snacks: Chocolate, peanuts and beer. No food after 7:30 p.m. Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:44:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/goodbye-atkins-south-beach-here-comes-the-northwoods-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruits-might-protect-against-stomach-cancer Fruits might protect against stomach cancerSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comStudy assesses the link between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of stomach cancer. 19/10/2004 A recent study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Third Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research suggested that fruits and vitamin C might be protective against stomach cancer.The study assessed the link between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of stomach cancer in approximately 29,000 male smoker participants of the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene (ATBC) Cancer Prevention Study in Finland. The study found that fruit and vitamin C consumption, but not vegetable consumption, reduced non-cardia cancer by 45 percent. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, reduced non-cardia cancer by 34 percent. Retinol (a form of vitamin A) consumption reduced the cardia cancer risk while alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol, two forms of vitamin E, seemed to increase the cardia cancer risk. The study was conducted by researchers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Public Health Institute of Finland from 1985 to 1993. Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:40:40 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fruits-might-protect-against-stomach-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-popular-alternative-to-flu-shots HERBAL REMEDIES POPULAR ALTERNATIVE TO FLU SHOTSSource: www.wlbz2.comWorkers at Wild Oats in Portland said they've been getting a number of requests for immune system boosters like Echinacea, Vitamin C and Oil of Oregano. And according to Dr. Stephen Leverett, who often works with alternative medicines at True North, many of the herbal remedies can be effective. He said Echinecea, antioxidents like Vitamines A and C, and mushroom extract are particularly good. "They do have immune enhancing qualities to them," he said. "They boost your immune system, they help with white blood cells." But Leverett also said the supplements should not take the place of other common sense measures like washing your hands, and staying away from people who are sick. Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:39:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-popular-alternative-to-flu-shots http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-reduce-muscle-soreness Vitamin E may reduce muscle sorenessSource: paktribune.comVitamin E can help reduce symptoms of muscle soreness, inflammation and muscle weakness, according to a study. The vitamin acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from free radicals generated during a workout. The chemical buildup may cause soreness in the muscles. There are two basic types of muscle soreness -- one is acute and usually happens during or immediately after exercise. The other is delayed and occurs about 12 hours after a workout. Acute soreness may be an expression of simple fatigue, probably the result of a buildup of chemical byproducts from exercise. Usually rest will help alleviate the initial discomfort. But for those folks who wait until the weekend to work out rigorously, they may experience what's called delayed soreness. It's a normal response to overexertion and part of a process that leads to greater strength once the muscles recover. In the study cited previously, vitamin E was shown to help reduce symptoms of muscle soreness, inflammation and muscle weakness. Participants used doses of 1,000 IU daily, but lower doses of about 200 to 400 IU may give exercisers the same benefits. The researchers said that the physically fit may not need vitamin E after exercise. But most participants who took vitamin E reported lesser symptoms of muscle soreness and inflammation, researchers found. The vitamin might be helpful for the "weekend warrior" types who don't always exercise on a regular basis. Further studies need to be done on muscle soreness and vitamin E in women. The benefits on sore muscles are hard to predict in women, the study's author said. One way to avoid muscle soreness is to make sure there's enough time to stretch before a workout and cool down properly afterward. Also, gradually increasing the intensity of a workout will help decrease muscle soreness. But consult a doctor if you still experience unusual pain over a longer period of time or if the pain persists. Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:38:05 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-may-reduce-muscle-soreness http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nhs-patients-much-more-likely-to-get-superbug NHS patients much more likely to get superbugSource: www.dailymail.co.ukThe superbug crisis afflicting the NHS is not a problem in private hospitals, according to research. Shocking new figures show that National Health patients are 30 times more likely to pick up a hospital-acquired infection than those treated privately. The study by the Independent Healthcare Forum (IHF) comes as the Government is under growing pressure to tackle the spread of superbugs in Britain's hospitals. One in ten patients becomes infected when they are admitted to an NHS hospital, resulting in at least 5,000 deaths a year. Last night Sally Taber, head of operational policy at the IHF, which represents Britain's 220 private hospitals, said infection rates were significantly lower than in the NHS, even after allowing for the different types of patients admitted to private wards. "Independent hospitals don't treat emergencies and the NHS has more high-risk patients," said Ms Taber. "However, once you have taken into account the case mix, patients are 30 times less likely to pick up an infection." Higher standards of cleanliness Ms Taber, a former NHS nurse, believes higher standards of cleanliness and use of in-house rather than cut-price contract cleaners are largely responsible. "Housekeepers are employed by the hospital, whereas the NHS has contracts. They are a very important and well respected part of the team. They all have badges and are accountable to patients," she said. Ensuring uniforms are clean and only worn in the hospital is another way infection rates are kept under control. There are also fewer beds and fewer patients and nurses have more time to spend with each one. The IHF report reveals that patients having a hip replacement in the private sector have a 1.7% to 4.9% chance of picking up an infection. In NHS hospitals, the rate can be over 5 per cent. For hysterectomies, infection rates in the independent sector range from 1% to 3.5%. NHS rates can be as high as 11%. Outbreak Last week it emerged that eight elderly patients died following an outbreak of one of the most lethal superbugs, MRSA, at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, Kent. Some 700,000 patients a year pick up infections on NHS wards and 20,000 of these involve MRSA. According to public spending watchdog the National Audit Office, at least 750 deaths could be prevented by improving basic hygiene such as handwashing by staff. Last month, in an attempt to boost hygiene and tackle the bugs, Health Secretary John Reid announced plans to ban NHS hospitals from hiring cut-price cleaners. John Burns, of patient group MRSA Aware, said: "There is no reason why standards in private hospitals should not be obtained in the NHS. The argument is that it is down to budgets. But the private sector works to tight budgets too." Wed, 13 Oct 2004 14:33:41 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nhs-patients-much-more-likely-to-get-superbug http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pycnogenol-multi-farious-health-benefits Pycnogenol: multi-farious health benefitsSource: www.nutraingredientsusa.comThe best way to lower high blood pressure is to eat a balanced diet, take regular exercise and supplement with the pine bark extract Pycnogenol, according to one scientist, who is currently looking at the effect of this product on diabetics.Dr Ronald Watson from the College of Public Health and School of Medicine at the University of Arizona, based this decision on the number of clinical trials that have been carried out using this supplement showing its benefits for improved cardiovascular health. Indeed, various studies from a variety of countries have concluded that Pycnogenol helps lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, improve microcirculation and prevent platelet aggregation, though nobody, as far as Watson knew, had actually put his theory to the test that diet and exercise would improve the supplements' results. However, one theory he is testing is the effect of Pycnogenol in diabetics. As he pointed out, cardiovascular risk factors are greatly elevated in people with diabetes and heart disease is a major cause of mortality in this population. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that type 2 diabetes patients had lower blood sugar and healthier blood vessels after supplementing with Pycnogenol. Hence, Watson is at present looking at blood pressure, vasodilatroy and vasoconstrictory mediators and lipid profile in serum in response to supplementation with Pycnogenal. He also said that researchers are looking into the the potential anti-inflammatory role of the supplement to see if it could be used in the future against the increasing prevelance of osteoporosis. Frank Assumma, director of marketing for Natural Health Science (NHS) - a supplier of Pycnogenol - told NutraIngredientsUSA that one of the advantages of Pycnogenol is that it is already recognized as having many health benefits. He named its three main areas of use as: an antioxidant; its ability to boost the immune system and strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries; its capacity to increase circulation and act against cramps. This means that in different countries it is marketed to counter different problems. For example, Assuma said that in Japan Pycnogenol is used in beauty products for the skin and against PMT and cramps. However, he added that the fact it has so many applications has reduced its impact among consumers. “The supplement is well known within the industry, but has a lower profile among consumers,” he said. “We have therefore tried to focus on its potential to prevent strokes.” To this end, NHS joined up with General Nutrition Centers (GNC) in June to bring a cardiovascular health supplement called PycnoQ10 - a blend of Pycnogenol and coenzyme Q10 – to the market. Joint research conducted at Showa Medical University, Tokyo and the State University of New York suggested that a combination of Pycnogenol and CoQ10 protected 53 percent of blood lipids from oxidation; this was reduced to 30 percent when the ingredients were used separately. The research demonstrated that the two antioxidant ingredients in PycnoQ10 work to protect and enhance the vascular system including blood vessel integrity, blood lipid values, circulation, blood pressure and platelet function. Sun, 10 Oct 2004 23:14:37 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pycnogenol-multi-farious-health-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/from-muscle-strength-to-immunity-scientists-find-new-vitamin-d-benefits From muscle strength to immunity, scientists find new vitamin D benefitsSource: www.sciencenews.orgThe story of vitamin D would appear simple. Take in enough sun or drink enough fortified milk to get the recommended daily amount, and you'll have strong bones. Take a supplement, if you want insurance. But recent studies from around the world have revealed that the sunshine vitamin's role in health is far more complex. More than just protecting bone, vitamin D is proving to preserve muscle strength and to give people some protection against deadly diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, and even cancer. COVERED. Outdoor activities—even reading—build vitamin D in people as long as enough of a person's skin is exposed to the sun. PhotoDisk What's now clear is that vitamin D is a potent force in regulating cell growth, immunity, and energy metabolism, observes David Feldman of Stanford University School of Medicine. He's the editor of a new 1,300-page compilation of research findings from more than 100 labs working on this substance (2004, Vitamin D, Academic Press). Not only is the vitamin gaining increasing respect as a governor of health, he notes, but it's also serving as the model for drugs that might tame a range of recalcitrant diseases. Ironically, observes bone-metabolism specialist Robert P. Heaney of Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., vitamin D is a misnomer. "A vitamin is an essential food constituent that the body can't make," he explains, but people have the capacity, right in their skin, to produce all the vitamin D they need from a cholesterol-like precursor. Once vitamin D is available, the body converts it first into 25-hydroxy vitamin D and then into 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25-D). This final form, which is actually a hormone, is the only active variety. Researchers loosely refer to all three substances in this biochemical cascade as "vitamin D." The human body can generate 10,000 to 12,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D from a half-hour of summer-sun exposure. The National Academies recommend that adults, depending on their age, get from 200 to 600 IU of the vitamin each day. In practice, however, most people in the United States get a daily intake from food and sun exposure well below that recommended intake, especially during winter. People living in the United States and Europe or farther from the equator have trouble getting enough sun to maintain adequate blood concentrations of the vitamin. When people heed dermatologists' warnings about preventing skin cancer by limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen, they also reduce their vitamin D production. By studying the subtle effects of vitamin D deficiency and boosting animals' exposure to it in laboratory tests, researchers have been slowly teasing out the vitamin's myriad benefits. Muscling in Leg weakness is a common symptom of severe vitamin D deficiency. Five years ago, nutritional epidemiologist Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari began wondering whether vitamin D affects muscle function in apparently healthy people as well. She was particularly concerned about senior citizens, who typically suffer from an inexorable muscle wasting that begins by age 40 (SN: 8/10/96, p. 90: http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arch/8_10_96/bob1.htm). So, she measured vitamin D blood concentrations in elderly men and women and found that individuals who had higher readings also had greater thigh strength. Bischoff-Ferrari and her team at the University of Basel in Switzerland then launched an intervention trial with 122 women in their mid-80s. The researchers administered 1,200 milligrams of calcium to all the participants, and another 800 IU of vitamin D per day to half of them. At the end of 3 months, each woman was tested for leg strength and rated on how easily she could get up from a chair, walk around an object, and sit back down. Not only did vitamin D¨Csupplemented women perform dramatically better on these tests, but they sustained only about half as many falls during the trial, according to the researchers' report in the February 2003 Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Bischoff-Ferrari, now at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, teamed with other Boston researchers to analyze past studies of falls in elderly people. Falls are a leading cause of fracture and disability in that population and account for U.S. medical bills exceeding $20 billion a year. The researchers reevaluated five previously published vitamin D¨Csupplementation trials that together included more than 1,200 elderly people. Overall, a daily vitamin D intake of at least 400 IU cut a woman's risk of being injured in a fall by more than 20 percent, and higher doses had an even greater effect. Bischoff-Ferrari notes, "We showed that to get the best protection from falling, you likely have to get 800 units or more [daily]." She and her colleagues reported the findings in the April 28 Journal of the American Medical Association. More recently, the team combed through a national diet-and-health survey of some 4,100 men and women 60 years and older. The researchers report in the September American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that blood concentration of vitamin D directly correlated with leg strength and function in these people. Attack mode Other correlations between vitamin D and health have captured researchers' attention. Kassandra L. Munger of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston recently presented evidence of what appears to be a protective effect of vitamin D against MS. In two ongoing studies of 187,500 U.S. nurses, women getting at least 400 IU of vitamin D per day showed only 60 percent the risk of developing MS compared with women getting less of the vitamin, Munger and her colleagues reported in the Jan. 13 Neurology. These findings not only confirmed a link seen earlier in animals but also fit with several long-standing geographic observations. The incidence of MS and other autoimmune diseases—in which a person's immune system attacks parts of his or her own body—tend to be rare near the equator, where ultraviolet light from the sun is intense and people produce abundant vitamin D. For 2 decades, scientists have known that certain immune cells in the blood possess receptors for 1,25-D, the active form of vitamin D. To probe why, Margherita T. Cantorna of Pennsylvania State University in University Park and her colleagues incubated white blood cells with 1,25-D. The team found that the hormone inactivates a type of immune cell called a killer T lymphocyte. These are the cells that launch immune attacks against material invading the body, as well as native cells that have become infected or malignant. Killer T lymphocytes also drive autoimmune diseases. Over the years, Cantorna's team has shown in animal models of MS, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes that autoimmune symptoms diminish or disappear after the animal receives either 1,25-D or chemical analogs of it. The group has even shown, in a mouse study, that such drugs can prevent rejection of a transplanted heart. Cantorna and others have turned to 1,25-D analogs for potential therapeutic applications of vitamin D because excessive amounts of 1,25-D can raise blood-calcium concentrations to toxic levels, which can lead to kidney stones and heart disease. The analogs that drug companies have devised mimic many of the vitamin's effects on cells but produce less of an increase in blood calcium. Cantorna explains that her animal studies have benefited from the analogs because the 1,25-D doses needed to have an anti-autoimmune effect "were pushing the envelope of what's safe." Companies are now beginning trials with such drugs in patients with autoimmune diseases. Recently, Cantorna has focused on the mechanism of vitamin D's immune benefits. Her findings indicate that the vitamin's availability during T cell development influences how the mature cells operate. Vitamin D deficiency leads the cells to produce agents that are more reactive to other cells than are those produced when the killer T cells grow up with abundant vitamin D. Cantorna suspects that once full-blown autoimmune disease appears, "you've already lost your window of opportunity to change the kind of T cells that develop." The immune reaction known as inflammation can also be a leading player in gum disease and tooth loss (SN: 2/24/01, p. 116: Available to subscribers at http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20010224/fob2.asp). Low blood concentrations of vitamin D were linked to gum disease in a study of 11,200 men and women who had taken part in the federally sponsored National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Thomas Dietrich of Boston University's dental school and his colleagues report. The rate of loss in tooth-gum attachment was 25 percent higher among those participants with the least vitamin D compared to those with the most vitamin. Since poor attachment correlated with low vitamin D even when bone density was taken into account, the investigators say that the observed effect probably stemmed from the vitamin's effect on immunity. They conclude in the July 1 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that vitamin D "may be important for preventing tooth loss." Double trouble Like autoimmune diseases, several cancers—though not skin cancer—become less common in populations the closer they are to the equator. Recent research suggests that vitamin D underlies that geographic pattern, says JoEllen Welsh of the University of Notre Dame (Ind.). In the July 2003 Journal of Nutrition, she and her colleagues reviewed laboratory evidence that the vitamin signals colon, breast, and prostate cells to differentiate into mature forms, stop growing, and eventually succumb to programmed cell death. Cancer cells, in contrast, remain immature, rapidly divide, and are immortal. Says Welsh, "We've shown that if you give [a chemical analog of 1,25-D] to an animal that already has a mammary tumor, that tumor will regress." Other researchers, she notes, have used 1,25-D analogs to inhibit the spread of cancer or the growth of blood vessels that feed new tumors in laboratory animals. Feldman's group has shown that giving men 1,25-D analogs for 2 years can reduce the buildup in blood of a protein marker of cancer—prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The result suggests that the treatment slowed prostate cancer growth, Feldman says. Several human trials are now testing higher doses of the drugs against prostate cancer and a precancerous condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Scientists are also investigating whether vitamin D can prevent cancer. Welsh and her colleagues are giving lab animals large doses of vitamin D, rather than 1,25-D or an analog. Whereas 1,25-D is toxic at high does, vitamin D is less so. It's converted to 1,25-D only in specific tissues in response to a signal. The kidneys make most of the 1,25-D and put it into circulation throughout the body. Recently, scientists have discovered that cells of the colon, breast, and prostate can also make this substance for local use. In that case, there's no risk of a toxic systemic effect, such as calcium overload in the blood. Vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of diabetes as well as of cancer. Many studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes. However, says Ken C. Chiu of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, no one knew what aspect of the disease the vitamin might be acting on. So, his team recently recruited 126 healthy adults and correlated their blood concentrations of vitamin D with their production of and response to insulin. Both these insulin parameters were low, sometimes falling below the normal range, among people with low blood concentrations of vitamin D, the researchers reported in the May 1 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin D deficiency "is a double jeopardy for type 2 diabetes," concludes Chiu. He says he now worries that for people on the cusp of developing the disease, vitamin deficiency might tip the balance. The rub Today, during much or all of the year, a large share of the U.S. population doesn't even come close to achieving 200 to 600 IU of vitamin D daily. That's the minimum vitamin D intake recommended in 1997 by the National Academies' Food and Nutrition Board, which sets guidelines for vitamins. However, most recent research on vitamin D suggests that many of its health-promoting actions may require far higher doses. Indeed, Heaney suspects that such high thresholds for vitamin D sufficiency may explain why many of the vitamin's benefits outside bones escaped notice for so long. Next week: "Vitamin D: What's enough?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you have a comment on this article that you would like considered for publication in Science News, send it to editors@sciencenews.org. Please include your name and location. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe to Science News (print), go to https://www.kable.com/pub/scnw/ subServices.asp.To sign up for the free weekly e-LETTER from Science News, go to http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/subscribe_form.asp.References:Bischoff-Ferrari, H.A., T. Dietrich, et al. 2004. Higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are asociated with better lower-extremity function in both active and inactive persons aged more than 60 y. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80(September):752-758. Abstract available at http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/80/3/752.Bischoff-Ferrari, H.A., et al. 2004. Effect of vitamin D on falls: A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association 291(April 28):1999-2006. Abstract available at http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/16/1999.Bischoff-Ferrari, H.A., et al. 2004. Vitamin D receptor expression in human muscle tissue decreases with age. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 19(February):265-269. Abstract available at http://www.jbmr-online.org/abstracts/01902/JBMR0190202650_abs.html.Bischoff, H.A., et al. 2003. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on falls: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 18(February):343-351. Available at http://www.jbmr-online.org/fulltext/01802/03430/JBMR0180203430.html?free.Cantorna, M.T., et al. 2000. 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol prevents and ameliorates symptoms of experimental murine inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Nutrition 130(November):2648-2652. Available at http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/130/11/2648.Cantorna, M.T., C.E. Hayes, and H.F. DeLuca. 1998. 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol inhibits the progression of arthritis in murine models of human arthritis. Journal of Nutrition 128(January):68-72. Available at http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/128/1/68.Cantorna, M.T., C.E. Hayes, and H.F. DeLuca. 1996. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reversibly blocks the progression of relapsing encephalomyelitis, a model of multiple sclerosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 93(July 23):7861-7864. Available at http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/93/15/7861.Chiu, K.C., et al. 2004. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with insulin resistance and b cell dysfunction. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79(May 1):820-825. Abstract available at http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/79/5/820. Dietrich, T. . . . and H.A. Bischoff-Ferrari. 2004. Association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and periodontal disease in the US population. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80(July 1):108-113. Abstract available at http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/80/1/108.Feldman, D., J.W. Pike, and F.H. Glorieux, eds. In press. Vitamin D, 2nd ed. Academic Press.Heaney, R.P. 1999. Lessons for nutritional science from vitamin D. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 69(May 1):825-826. Available at http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/69/5/825.Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. 1997. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Available at http://www.nap.edu/books/0309063507/html/.Munger, K.L., et al. 2004. Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis. Neurology 62(Jan. 13):60-65. Abstract available at http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/62/1/60.Nesby-O'Dell, S., et al. 2002. Hypovitaminosis D prevalence and determinants among African American and white women of reproductive age: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76(July 1):187-192. Available at http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/76/1/187.Peehl, D.M., A.V. Krishnan, and D. Feldman. 2003. Pathways mediating the growth-inhibitory actions of vitamin D in prostate cancer. Journal of Nutrition 133(July):2461S-2469S. Available at http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/133/7/2461S.Welsh, J., et al. 2003. Vitamin D-3 receptor as a target for breast cancer prevention. Journal of Nutrition 133(July):2425S-2433S. Available at http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/133/7/2425S. Further Readings:Bischoff-Ferrari, H.A., T. Dietrich, et al. 2004. Positive association between 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and bone mineral density: A population-based study of younger and older adults. American Journal of Medicine 116(May 1):634-639. Abstract available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2003.12.029.Cantorna, M.T. 2000. Vitamin D and autoimmunity: Is vitamin D status an environmental factor affecting autoimmune disease prevalence? Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology & Medicine 223(March):230-233. Available at http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/full/223/3/230.Lane, N.E., et al. 1999. Serum vitamin D levels and incident changes of radiographic hip osteoarthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism 42(May):854-860. Abstract available at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/78502195/ABSTRACT.Newmark, H.L., and N. Suh. 2004. Mechanistic hypothesis for the interaction of dietary fat, calcium, and vitamin D in breast cancer. Medical Hypotheses and Research 1(July):67-75. Raloff, J. 2004. Should foods be fortified even more? Science News Online (Sept. 18). Available at http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040918/food.asp.______. 2001. Sometimes an antibiotic is much more. Science News 159(Feb. 24):116. Available to subscribers at http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20010224/fob2.asp.______. 1996. Vanishing flesh. Science News 150(Aug. 10):90-91. Available at http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arch/8_10_96/bob1.htm. Sources:Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari Harvard Medical School Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Aging 1620 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02120Margherita T. Cantorna Penn State University Health and Human Development Nutritional Sciences 118A Henderson South Building University Park, PA 16802Thomas Dietrich Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research Goldman School of Dental Medicine Boston University 715 Albany Street Boston, MA 02118David Feldman Stanford University 300 Pasteur Drive Endocrinology Division, MC 5103 Stanford, CA 94305-5103Robert P. Heaney Creighton University Medical Center 601 North 30th Street Suite 4841 Omaha, NE 68131Linda D. Meyers Food and Nutrition Board Institute of Medicine National Academies 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20010Kassandra Munger Department of Nutrition Harvard School of Public Health 665 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115JoEllen Welsh Department of Biological Sciences University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556 Sun, 10 Oct 2004 23:11:21 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/from-muscle-strength-to-immunity-scientists-find-new-vitamin-d-benefits http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-deficient-kelp-is-on-the-way Nutrition deficient? Kelp is on the waySource: theedge.bostonherald.comThe Japanese have made an art of eating seaweed. They press it into thin glossy sheets and wind it around seasoned rice for norimaki and handrolls. The slightly chewy, faintly saline wrappings seem a world away from the seaweed that washes up on the shores of our local beaches. But the dried seaweed that gives sushi its staple look and flavor shares much with the kelp, dulse and alaria fronds that thrive along the New England coast: All belong to the group of foods known simply as ``sea vegetables.'' And though you might never have thought of munching on rockweed, bladder wrack or sea lettuce, think again: These wild ocean plants are packed with nutritional value. That's the mantra of Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, a small company based in Franklin, Maine, that has been harvesting sea veggies since founders Linette and Shep Erhart cooked up a pot of alaria frond soup in 1971. Today the company harvests more than 50,000 pounds of marine algae, picking it by hand from beds along Maine's rocky Down East coast. The harvest begins in April when employees wade out into still-frozen inlets in search of kelp. They recently wrapped up their harvest, gathering dulse, a soft chewy sea vegetable with a distinctive red color. ``Dulse is our bestseller,'' says marketing director Carl Karush, who has been selling seaweed for the company since 1980. ``People love and clamor for it.'' Karush counts himself among the seaweed partisans; as we talk, there is a pot of miso soup with kelp simmering on his stove. But though he is a fan of local varietals of every flavor and texture, Karush admits that for some doubtful diners, seaweed may prove to be something of a hard sell. ``It's not sweet and it's quite strong in taste.'' Where did the craze for kelp originate? Though Maine Coast Sea Vegetables' products are gradually working their way into the mainstream - the company recently inked a deal with Shaw's to sell dulse, kelp and alaria through the supermarket's Wild Harvest sections - the tradition of eating sea vegetables is older than the country itself. ``Seaweed was a traditional food from north of Cape Cod to Maine,'' Karush explains. ``Once you dry out seaweed it keeps for years, making it an easily preserved winter food for native peoples.'' These days, seaweed is enjoying a new popularity. The reason: the underwater vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, providing 56 minerals and trace elements in quantities far exceeding those of land plants. Just a -ounce serving of dulse or kelp, for example, comes loaded with four times the iron in spinach, more than in kidney beans, apricots or peas. If you're still feeling shy about taking the seaweed plunge, Maine Coast Sea Vegetables has gone out of its way to make that first bite a bit more palatable. In addition to dried kelp, alaria fronds and dulse flakes, the company also has created a line of ``beginner'' foods, including Sea Chips, Sea Pickles and Sea Seasonings that can be sprinkled on soups or salads. ``That's a good place to start,'' says Karush. ``These are shakings of ground-up sea vegetables that can give you a taste. You'll have the experience and can become more adventurous.'' Sun, 10 Oct 2004 23:08:39 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-deficient-kelp-is-on-the-way http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kate-winslet-follows-gwyneth-paltrows-cupping-therapy- Kate Winslet follows Gwyneth Paltrow's `cupping therapy`London: Gwyneth Paltrow's cupping therapy seems to have inspired Kate Winslet to try her hand at it for herself. According to The Mirror, Winslet had the treatment for a wrenched neck she got from loading the washer. "I stood up and thought, 'Aargh! That's not right'. Then it got worse. So I had the cupping thing for it. You know, like Gwyneth," she was quoted as saying. She also added that she and her husband Sam Mendes know a good Chinese herbalist who does cupping which is putting heated glass jars on the affected part of the body. "The herbalist said: 'You're not going to be wearing anything with a low back soon, are you? Because there will be some marks. Not the same sort of marks as Gwyneth but there will be some'. It definitely has helped," she added. ANI Wed, 06 Oct 2004 22:01:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/kate-winslet-follows-gwyneth-paltrows-cupping-therapy- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/which-bread-is-whole- Which Bread Is 'Whole'?Source: www.wtov9.comFor the record, if it's labeled "whole wheat," bread must be made from 100 percent whole-wheat flour. However, "wheat bread" may contain some refined white flour. Proportions vary. Oat, corn, and rye flours are whole-grain, too.To find bread with more fiber, check two spots on the label:Nutrition Facts for fiber content. A slice of whole-wheat bread has about 2 grams of fiber unless fiber-fortified; a slice of white, about 0.6 grams of fiber. (Daily fiber advice is: men, 30 to 38 grams; women, 21 to 25 grams, depending on age. Kids' levels are figured as age plus five-that's 18 grams for someone age 13.)Ingredient list for whole-wheat or other whole-grain flours. They should be first or second on the list. If you pack an autumn picnic next weekend, make sandwiches with:Rye bagel, layered with lean turkey ham, Cheddar cheese, shredded cabbage, and mustard.Crusty oatmeal bread, filled with salmon salad and baby spinach leaves.Whole-wheat hot dog buns, wrapped around grilled lean sausages, topped with salsa. Wed, 06 Oct 2004 21:59:49 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/which-bread-is-whole- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-diet-or-vitamin-e-absorption-walking-the-tightrope-of-heart-disease-prevention Low-fat diet or vitamin E absorption? Walking the tightrope of heart disease preventionSource: www.innovations-report.deVitamin E supplements can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease; a low-fat diet can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease; but research at the University of Surrey has now shown that if a vitamin E supplement is taken with a low-fat meal, the absorption of the vitamin into the blood stream, and therefore its efficacy, is significantly reduced. Dr John Lodge and his team discovered that the absorption of vitamin E into the blood stream was minimal when taken with only a glass of water or with cereal and semi-skimmed milk. The absorption rates were significantly higher when taken with cereal and full-fat milk or cream, and higher still when taken with a meal of toast and butter. Dr Lodge comments, ‘This research is significant as it shows that people following a healthy, low-fat diet may not immediately be getting the same coronary protection as they might expect from their vitamin E supplements. However, this does not mean that I recommend people take up a higher fat diet, as further research needs to be done, and the levels of vitamin E and its protection can be achieved with a low-fat diet over a longer time frame, if you take the supplement on an ongoing basis.’ Wed, 06 Oct 2004 21:56:02 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-fat-diet-or-vitamin-e-absorption-walking-the-tightrope-of-heart-disease-prevention http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blood-clot-warning-for-women-on-hrt Blood clot warning for women on HRTSource: www.dailymail.co.ukWomen taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening blood clots, it was reported today. A study involving almost 17,000 women aged over 50, found that those taking HRT for five years were at double the risk of getting a venous thrombosis. A venous thrombosis is a type of blood clot which can travel up the body to the lungs, blocking an artery - a potentially life-threatening condition. The research, reported in the Daily Mail and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was carried out in the United States. It involved almost 17,000 post-menopausal women aged between 50 and 79. The study said that 167 women on HRT developed a venous thrombosis, compared to 76 taking a placebo pill. The researchers said that when they compared women in their 50s taking placebo, to those in their 60s on HRT they found a fourfold risk. The risk was seven times higher for women taking the treatment in their 70s. The risk of developing a clot was also higher for women on HRT who were overweight or obese, the study found. The researchers concluded that HRT was associated with doubling the risk of venous thrombosis and that this risk increased still further with age or obesity. This latest study involved a form of HRT taken only by women who have a womb, according to the Daily Mail. Dr John Stevenson, chairman of Women's Health Concern, told the newspaper that the extra risk of venous thrombosis for HRT users was well recognised. He said: "The risk of having a blood clot increases with age, regardless of HRT, and women using HRT are already counselled about it." More than six million women in the UK are thought to have received HRT. However, large numbers are thought to have been scared away from the treatment following a series of health warnings. In 2002, a Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study showed that far from protecting post-menopausal women, a common form of combined-hormone HRT actually increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But earlier this year, experts raised doubts about the study and said women may have been misled about the effects of HRT. Wed, 06 Oct 2004 19:13:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/blood-clot-warning-for-women-on-hrt http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-can-reduce-colon-cancer-risk-if-vitamin-d-blood-levels-are-high Women can reduce colon cancer risk if vitamin D blood levels are highSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comDr. Diane Feskanich of Harvard University reported women can significantly reduce their risk of colon cancer by maintaining high vitamin D blood levels. Women over the age of 60 with the highest vitamin D blood levels had 1/2 the chance of developing cancer of the distal colon and rectum compared to women with the lowest levels. PMID: 15342452 [PubMed - in process]Plasma vitamin d metabolites and risk of colorectal cancer in women. Feskanich D, Ma J, Fuchs CS, Kirkner GJ, Hankinson SE, Hollis BW, Giovannucci EL. Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. diane.feskanich@channing.harvard.eduOBJECTIVE:Experimental evidence suggests that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and its precursor, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], may aid in the prevention of colorectal cancer. We therefore examined risk in relation to plasma concentrations of these vitamin D metabolites. METHODS:In a nested case-control study among women in the Nurses' Health Study, we identified 193 colorectal cancer cases, ages 46 to 78 years, diagnosed up to 11 years after blood collection. Two controls were matched per case on year of birth and month of blood draw. Odds ratios (OR) for risk of colorectal cancer were calculated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for body mass index, physical activity, smoking, family history, use of hormone replacement therapy, aspirin use, and dietary intakes. RESULTS:We found a significant inverse linear association between plasma 25(OH)D and risk of colorectal cancer (P = 0.02). Among women in the highest quintile, the OR (95% confidence interval) was 0.53 (0.27-1.04). This inverse association remained strong when limited to women >/=60 years at blood collection (P = 0.006) but was not apparent among the younger women (P = 0.70). Benefit from higher 25(OH)D concentrations was observed for cancers at the distal colon and rectum (P = 0.02) but was not evident for those at the proximal colon (P = 0.81). In contrast to 25(OH)D, we did not observe an association between 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and colorectal cancer, although risk was elevated among the women in the highest quintile if they were also in the lower half of the 25(OH)D distribution (OR, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-6.11). CONCLUSION:From these results and supporting evidence from previous studies, we conclude that higher plasma levels of 25(OH)D are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer in older women, particularly for cancers at the distal colon and rectum. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:29:01 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/women-can-reduce-colon-cancer-risk-if-vitamin-d-blood-levels-are-high http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-often-high-in-crohns-disease-patients Vitamin D Often High in Crohn's Disease PatientsSource: www.reuters.comContrary to expectations, people with the inflammatory bowel condition Crohn's disease are likely to have excessive levels of the active form of vitamin D in their blood, researchers have found. This is associated with low bone mineral density, they report. Dr. Maria T. Abreu from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles led the study. She told Reuters Health, "Most doctors think that Crohn's patients automatically have decreased vitamin D levels and encourage supplementation with vitamin D. We would like to urge doctors to check vitamin D levels before making that recommendation." As Abreu's team explains in the medical journal Gut, under certain circumstances too much active vitamin D can actually contribute to the breakdown of bone, leading to osteoporosis. The researchers found "inappropriately high" blood levels of the active form of vitamin D in 42 percent of the 138 people they studied with Crohn's disease. This was true of only 7 percent of 29 patients with ulcerative colitis, another type of inflammatory bowel disease. Also, the higher the blood levels of active vitamin D in Crohn's patients, the lower was their bone density -- regardless of whether they were treated with steroids -- the investigators found. "We believe that high vitamin D levels are most likely a manifestation of the underlying gut inflammation," Abreu said. A high vitamin D level is "an additional risk factor predisposing to development of osteoporosis" for some Crohn's disease patients, the team concludes. Treatment of the underlying inflammation, "may improve metabolic bone disease." SOURCE: Gut, August 2004. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:27:41 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-often-high-in-crohns-disease-patients http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-aging-muscles-stay-strong Vitamin D May Help Aging Muscles Stay StrongSource: my.webmd.comVitamin D not only builds strong bones, but new research shows it may also build strong muscles and keep older adults on their feet.Researchers say the benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation in reducing the risk of falls and broken bones among the elderly have largely been attributed to their effects in preventing bone loss. But their findings indicate that vitamin D may also play a role in building muscle strength to support those aging bones.The study showed that older adults with a higher level of vitamin D in their blood scored better on tests of mobility, such as walking and getting up from a seated position, regardless of their activity level. Vitamin D is already known to boost calcium absorption and help build and maintain bone strength, but it also acts as a hormone in the body that may regulate the growth and development of other tissues, such as muscles.Some fortified foods contain vitamin D, but most of the vitamin D people get is created by the skin in response to the ultraviolet light from the sun.Vitamin D Builds Strong MusclesIn the study, researchers compared vitamin D levels and lower-body mobility of more than 4,000 older adults between the ages of 60 and 90 using an 8-foot walk and sit-to-stand test. The results appear in the September issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.Researchers found that older men and women with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood were an average of 0.27 seconds, or 5.6% faster in completing the walk test compared with those with the lowest levels.Higher vitamin D levels were also associated with better scores in the sit-to-stand test, with those in the highest group completing the test an average of 0.67 seconds, or 3.9% faster than those with the lowest levels.Researchers say those improvements in lower-body mobility remained significant even after controlling for other factors known to affect mobility, such as activity level, use of a walking device, and arthritis.Based on these findings, researchers suggest that vitamin D supplementation may offer a way to improve lower-extremity function in both active and inactive people over the age of 60. However, older adults are advised to talk with a health care provider before taking vitamin D supplements because taking too much vitamin D can lead to serious health problems, such as excessively high calcium levels in the blood. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:18:07 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-may-help-aging-muscles-stay-strong http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-therapy-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome Vitamin therapy for carpal tunnel syndromeSource: www.montereyherald.comDear Dr. Gott: Several years ago your column featured a letter stating that a writer's father believed that vitamin B-6 would cure carpal tunnel syndrome. You stated in your response with great certainty that vitamins do not cure medical diseases, and that the proper treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome was therapy, discontinuance of the offending activity or, as a last resort, surgery. I am wondering if you may have some correspondence from farmers who raise and milk goats regularly concerning this subject. If they read your column, my guess is that they have written you about this topic.In 1998, I was suffering the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and was advised by a goat milker to try B-6 treatment before I yielded to surgery. I tried it, got relief (real, not imagined) and still take a 50 mg B-6 tablet with my multiple vitamin each morning. The pill is very inexpensive, and I understand the vitamin does not build up in your system, thus providing no side effects. I have suggested this therapy to many friends who have experienced similar results.May I suggest that before you categorically dismiss the possibility of B-6 relief, you give it a try yourself? I believe you said you suffered from the condition as a result of bicycle riding. As the old saying goes, "Try it, you may like it!" I'm not one for voodoo or witch doctors, but many benefits have been derived from strange herbs and natural substances not normally considered "proper therapy" by mainstream medical authorities. B-6 therapy has given relief to many. Don't dismiss it too lightly.Dear Reader: In my experience, vitamin B-6 does not cure carpal tunnel syndrome. But I like to be open-minded about such issues, so I take your suggestion seriously. Also, who am I to argue with "goat people"?You're correct that B-6 is inexpensive and harmless. If it works, great. When my bicycling affects my other hand, causing the telltale symptoms of pain and tingling due to pressure on the nerve, I'll try your remedy and keep my readers updated.Dear Dr. Gott: I'm a 72-year-old female and have been taking Premarin and Provera for the past five years. During this period, my vision has been deteriorating. Is there any medical evidence that this could be a side effect of these pills?Dear Reader: The female hormones Premarin and Provera do not ordinarily affect vision. Therefore, I urge you to be examined by an ophthalmologist for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease or other eye disorders. At 72 you are -- unfortunately -- a candidate for one or more of these afflictions, which can be treated by a specialist. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 23:14:44 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-therapy-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fewer-carbs-b-vitamin-treatment-may-curb-acne Fewer carbs, B-vitamin treatment may curb acneSource: www.timesdispatch.comQ.My 14-year-old daughter has had moderate acne for nearly two years. There are always five to 10 small pimples on her forehead, and now she has 10 to 20 pimples on her cheeks as well.Clearasil left bleach stains on her clothes. Antibiotics the doctor prescribed didn't help and even seemed to make matters worse. The doctor suggested birth-control pills, but that is not an option we'd entertain.Are there any topical or natural remedies that might work? What about diet?A. Any link between acne and diet is controversial. Teens were once told to avoid chocolate and high-fat foods. That turned out to be unhelpful.Research published in the Archives of Dermatology (December 2002) suggests, however, that diet might make a difference. Populations on low-carb diets that don't make blood sugar rise quickly might be less prone to blemishes. Your daughter might try avoiding foods such as candy, cookies, french fries, potato chips, sugar and white flour to see if it helps her complexion.Ask your pharmacist about a topical treatment that contains a B vitamin. Nicomide T Gel worked about as well as the topical antibiotic clindamycin in one controlled study.Q. Can you take Sarafem with Strattera? A. Sarafem (fluoxetine) is another name for the compound in Prozac. It is prescribed for premenstrual problems rather than depression.Strattera (atomoxetine) is a relatively new drug for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults.If you need both drugs, your doctor probably will have to reduce the dose of Strattera significantly. The body uses the same enzyme (CYP 2D6) to process both of them. Sarafem could boost blood levels of Strattera and trigger side effects such as temper tantrums, irritability, nausea or sedation (Medical Letter, Aug. 16, 2004).Q. Getting a good night's sleep is difficult for me. The pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia keeps me awake most nights.My doctor prescribed Ambien, which works well, but he doesn't want me taking it indefinitely. Over-the-counter sleep aids are worthless. Any information you can send me on sleeping problems associated with fibromyalgia would be appreciated.A. Ambien is an effective sleep aid, but it might not provide the restorative sleep essential for combating fibromyalgia. This condition is characterized by fatigue, tenderness and pain, especially in the back, shoulders and neck.You may want to ask your doctor about a controversial new drug called Xyrem. This medication has been approved for narcolepsy. Although the Food and Drug Administration has not cleared it for fibromyalgia, sleep expert Martin Scharf has found that Xyrem is helpful for this condition (Journal of Rheumatology, May 2003). Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:56:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fewer-carbs-b-vitamin-treatment-may-curb-acne http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-vitamin-b-help-alcoholism- Can vitamin B help alcoholism?Source: www.hindu.comBy Dr John Briffa MY EXPERIENCE in practice tells me that sometimes it is not only the symptoms of a condition, but also the stigma attached to it that can pile on the agony. One issue that is prone to elicit some sense of shame is alcoholism. Recently, I read an American report about a range of drugs that are showing promise in the treatment of alcohol dependency. Drug therapy Some psychiatrists are calling for more widespread use of such drugs. I think anything that helps to de-stigmatise alcohol addiction is worth raising a glass to. Talk of the use of pharmacological agents for drying up a drink problem got me thinking about nutritional approaches. While alcoholism may come out of psychological and social issues, it can also be perpetuated by physical and chemical factors. One potential cause of alcohol craving is a dip in blood-sugar levels — a biochemical imbalance that may cause the body to crave foodstuffs that replenish sugar quickly. Eating regular meals based on foods that promote blood-sugar stability may reduce a desire to drink. Healthy snacks of fruit and/or nuts in between meals also help to keep blood-sugar levels buoyant. Some find a late-afternoon snack very useful, as this can often reduce the desire for the early-evening drink that can open the floodgates. Certain nutrients can help blood-sugar stability, thus reducing alcohol cravings. The most important include chromium (about 400 micrograms a day), magnesium (about 400mg per day) and B vitamins. B vitamins have particular relevance, as studies in animals suggest that deficiency in these nutrients can increase the desire to drink alcohol. Those wishing to curb their desire for alcohol may benefit from taking a high-potency B-complex supplement each day. Amino acid glutamine Another nutrient believed to have potential to reduce alcohol cravings is the amino acid glutamine. In the body, it can be converted into sedative substances such as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and gamma hydroxybutyrate(GHB), which seem to reduce the desire to drink. In one study, nine out of 10 alcoholics found that glutamine reduced alcohol cravings. While there is only a limited amount of scientific evidence that attests to glutamine's effectiveness in alcoholism, I have found it to be a generally useful remedy in practice (1g, once or twice a day). Nutritional approaches can be very effective for slowing the drive for drink.— Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004 Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:55:16 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-vitamin-b-help-alcoholism- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanut-butter-fights-heart-disease Peanut Butter Fights Heart DiseaseSource: www.local6.comLooking for a tasty way to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease?The answer may be in a food that many children love and enjoy on a regular basis: peanut butter. Research shows that peanut butter, along with peanuts, can help lower blood cholesterol and protect against heart disease, when used in a heart healthy eating plan.Peanuts appear to have this effect because they contain healthy fats. Other nutrients include fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, copper and zinc. As with many other studies, the benefits of peanuts were seen with consumption of the food, not supplements. If you are counting calories, keep portion sizes small. Content provided by the American Dietetic Association. For more nutrition tips, visit www.eatright.org. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:51:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/peanut-butter-fights-heart-disease http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-eases-post-op-nausea-study-finds Acupuncture eases post-op nausea, study findsSource: www.suntimes.comAcupuncture can help treat post-operative pain and also the nausea and vomiting that sometimes follow surgery, a study has found.The study, published this week in the journal Anesthesia and Analgesia, compared acupuncture to a leading medication, testing the treatments in women who'd had general anesthesia for major breast surgery. Such patients are known to have a high rate of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Duke University Medical Center researchers randomly assigned the 75 study participants to receive acupuncture, the drug Zofran or nothing. The incidence of stomach sickness and pain were tracked at half-hour intervals for the first two hours after surgery and again 24 hours later.Two hours after the operation, 77 percent of patients getting acupuncture reported no nausea or vomiting, compared with 64 percent who got the drug and 42 percent who had no treatment. At 24 hours, the rates were 73 percent, 52 percent and 38 percent, respectively. "Acupuncture appears to be more effective than the most commonly used medication, with few to no side-effects," said Dr. Tong Joo Gan, the anesthesiologist who led the study.In the trial, Gan didn't use the long needles that people typically associate with acupuncture. Instead, he opted for an electro-acupuncture device in which an electrode -- similar to what's used in an EKG test -- was attached to patients two inches below the bottom of the palm of the hand, between the pair of tendons connecting the lower arm with the wrist. The device delivered a painless electrical pulse through the skin. Gan said traditional acupuncture likely would deliver the same results."And I think this would be applicable to other forms of surgery as well," said Gan, adding he's had success using acupuncture to lessen nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy and pregnant women battling morning sickness.Similar treatments are being tried at Chicago medical centers.Dr. Patrick Massey, medical director of complementary and alternative medicine for the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network in Elk Grove Village, plans to begin a study soon that will look at acupuncture's effectiveness in combating post-operative nausea and vomiting in women who've had their gallbladders removed. At the Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, licensed acupuncturist Ania Grimone uses the ancient Chinese therapy to settle the stomachs of patients who've had so-called "twilight anesthesia," which isn't as powerful as the general form but can still make some patients queasy. "They usually experience pretty significant relief," Grimone said. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:50:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-eases-post-op-nausea-study-finds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-moves-toward-the-mainstream Acupuncture Moves Toward the MainstreamSource: www.goupstate.comThree years ago, Alfred Szymanski could not seem to get his blood pressure under control. He ran 10 miles a week, stuck to a healthy diet and was on a hypertension medication, all to no avail. His doctor suggested switching medications, but Mr. Szymanski, wary of side effects, decided to try something he had always wondered about: acupuncture.After three 20-minute sessions, each covered by his medical plan, his blood pressure plunged 20 points."Every time I left I was so relaxed; it was like euphoria," said Mr. Szymanski, 61, who lives in New York. "My blood pressure stayed down for quite a while."Acupuncture, long shunned by mainstream medicine but for centuries considered the crown jewel of alternative therapy, is slowly gaining ground in doctors' offices around the country. While some experts still question its effectiveness, studies in recent years - including one at Duke last week - have thrown scientific weight behind its benefits, supporting its usefulness in alleviating conditions from morning sickness to carpal tunnel syndrome.In the past few years, the number of hospitals offering acupuncture and other alternative therapies has doubled. At the same time, postgraduate training programs in alternative medicine have sprung up at universities around the country, most recently at Harvard and the University of San Francisco."There's a greater demand for these programs now because so many physicians are interested in learning acupuncture," said Dr. Nader E. Soliman, an anesthesiologist in Rockville, Md., and president of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. "A lot of physicians who used to be extremely reluctant to refer patients for the treatment are now doing it regularly."Patients curious about alternative medicine and increasingly skeptical of the drug industry are also seeking out the procedure, experts say.A visit to an acupuncturist can cost $50 to $100. For people working at the right companies, however, it runs a lot less. More and more employers looking for low-cost additions to medical plans are embracing the treatment. Nearly 50 percent of workers with benefits received coverage for it in 2004, compared with just over 30 percent two years ago, according to a survey this month by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust.The trend, it seems, is not limited to humans. In a society of people attached to their pets, it may be no surprise that veterinarians around the country say they are also seeing a greater demand for the service. Dr. Barbara Royal, a vet in private practice in Chicago, says she has been fully booked virtually since the day she received her acupuncture license eight years ago. "People were desperate for it," she said.Dr. Royal uses the technique mostly on cats and dogs hobbled by arthritis, but recently she has been summoned to treat more exotic animals. At Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, she regularly uses acupuncture to alleviate arthritis in a 1,600-pound Bactrian camel, now able to run again for the first time in years."I think the trend in animals is correlating with what's happening in humans," she said. "There's a holistic movement out there, and if people have found something that works for them, they want it for their pets, too."But as acupuncture slowly blends into the mainstream, some experts are calling for tighter regulation. Dr. Joseph J. Fins, a member of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy two years ago, said that while acupuncture was relatively safe and effective, there was no system for tracking harmful side effects. Without closer monitoring, he said, a careless acupuncturist who reuses needles that become infected with hepatitis, for example, might easily go unnoticed."Because of how many people are using it, it's important that we have some kind of surveillance system in place," said Dr. Fins, who is chief of the division of medical ethics at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. "There's no real mechanism to collect information about the safety and efficacy of these treatments. It's the same problem with over-the-counter supplements."Experts say that a vast number of alternative therapies, like oil drips and aromatherapy, have little scientific base or have yet to be studied properly. But government financed research on acupuncture dates from the 1970's, about the time the treatment first started gaining popularity in the United States. It originated in China over 2,000 years ago."Of the many different alternative therapies, this was really the first one to be studied seriously by the National Institutes of Health," said Dr. Richard Nahin, senior adviser for scientific coordination and outreach at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Bethesda, Md.Some of the results of the decades of research on acupuncture have been ambiguous. Because it involves inserting needles into the skin, creating the equivalent of placebo pills for control groups in some studies can be complicated, experts say. And, in some cases, acupuncture has been shown to help ease certain conditions - like drug addiction - when combined with other treatments, but not necessarily when used alone.For other ailments, however, acupuncture has been found to work better than standard medications - and without side effects. It has been widely used for years to ease chronic pain conditions, and studies have repeatedly endorsed its usefulness.Last week, researchers at Duke showed that it was far more effective for postoperative sickness and vomiting in a group of subjects than Zofran, a widely used antinausea drug. Roughly a quarter of all people who undergo major surgery in the United States experience retching and illness afterward, usually brought on by anesthesia. Antinausea medications offer relief, but because they sometimes cause severe headaches and cramps a number of patients are reluctant to take them, said Dr. Tong J. Gan, an author of the new study, published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia.Dr. Gan's study looked at a group of 75 women who were either given Zofran before major breast surgery or hooked up to an electroacupuncture machine that delivered low doses of current during the operation. The high-tech acupuncture technique prevented illness in all but 27 percent of those who received it, while about half of the women given the antinausea drug complained of sickness the next day. The rate of sickness in a control group that received neither treatment was about 60 percent."This is sort of an interesting time right now," Dr. Gan said. "We are seeing more and more evidence suggesting that alternative therapies are beneficial, and patients are gradually demanding it."To some extent, the increased acceptance of acupuncture reflects a growing understanding of its biological mechanism, Dr. Gan said, which until now has largely been a mystery. Research suggests that stimulating acupuncture points somehow prompts the flow of endorphins and other hormones that soothe pain. Other studies find that it affects parts of the central nervous system that mediate blood pressure and body temperature, among other things.Dr. Nahin said several imaging studies that can shed light on how the treatment influences brain activity are under way.But whatever acupuncture's underlying effects turn out to be, experts say its gradual merger with conventional medicine will have broad implications, eventually opening the door to closer examination of other popular therapies that lie outside the mainstream."Until now, we've had very little in the way of credible scientific evidence to compare Eastern or traditional medicine to a pharmaceutical approach," said Dr. Steven Eubanks, chairman of the department of surgery at the University of Missouri. "Hopefully, this will add to our willingness to evaluate other alternative therapies, and to do so with our usual scientific scrutiny." Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:46:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/acupuncture-moves-toward-the-mainstream http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-prolongs-life Mediterranean Diet Prolongs LifeSource: europe.tiscali.co.ukReports confirm effectiveness of fresh fruit, veggies, fish and limited exercise Two separate studies conducted over a number of years have recently added weight to the widely held belief that the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, especially amongst the elderly, helps people live longer and healthier lives.Researchers at the Wageningen University in the Netherlands conducted a long-term study of dietary and lifestyle habits amongst the elderly in three European countries - Finland, the Netherlands and Italy - over a 12-year period starting in 1988. By examining the participants annually to monitor progress and check on eating patterns, the researchers came to the conclusion that combining the so-called Mediterranean diet with limited but regular exercise can reduce mortality rates by some two-thirds.Although the exact ingredients of the Mediterranean diet can vary greatly, the preference for olive oil over butter and the consumption of modest amounts of meat and dairy products are important elements. A regular intake of fresh fruit and green vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds and fish make up the remainder.Lifestyle habits can also make a difference with the lower levels of alcohol consumption in countries like Italy another important ingredient in Mediterranean longevity. Unsurprisingly, non-smoking subjects of the study had a further improvement in life expectancy though this particular bad habit is if anything more prevalent in Mediterranean countries, especially in Greece and in France than in many northern European countries. Another study carried out by researchers at the University of Naples focused on the causes of ''metabolic syndrome'', a condition that can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Sufferers tend to have high blood pressure, clogged arteries and excessive fat around the waist. The results showed that over half the metabolic syndrome sufferers that took to following a Mediterranean diet had shaken the problem within two years compared to only one in ten who maintained their usual diet.Both studies appeared in recent additions of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:43:49 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mediterranean-diet-prolongs-life http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/insulin-therapy-linked-to-colorectal-cancer Insulin Therapy Linked to Colorectal CancerSource: www.healthcentral.comThe duration of therapy may elevate cancer risk, a small study suggests. By Karen Pallarito HealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDayNews) -- People with type 2 diabetes who require long-term insulin therapy may be at greater risk of colorectal cancer, a small study suggests. The study is believed to be the first to specifically examine whether taking insulin promotes cancer of the colon or rectum among people with type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have suggested a link between type 2 diabetes and increased colorectal cancer risk, the authors said. "Basically, this study showed that type 2 diabetes patients who had received chronic insulin have a significantly higher risk of having colorectal cancer compared to type 2 patients who had not received insulin," said lead author Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang, an instructor of medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:34:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/insulin-therapy-linked-to-colorectal-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tomato-treatment-slows-cancer Tomato treatment slows cancerSource: www.keralanext.comAn artificial version of the pigment that gives tomatoes their coloring is being tested on prostate cancer patients after promising animal trials. Researchers at the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, matched the growth of the tumor, meaning that can be used to monitor the treatment's effects in men. EAT LYCOPENE Dr. Jacqueline Limpens, from the Erasmus Medical Centre presented the team's findings to a cancer symposium in Geneva. She said: "What was particularly marked was that it was the low dose of both lycopene and vitamin E that was the most effective, demonstrating that 'more does not necessarily equal better'. "Many pharmacological agents and natural compounds follow a bell-shaped dose response curve, which means that very low or high doses may not work and that there is an optimal dose between the two extremes." The product being used in the research is a lycopene supplement called LycoVit. Dr. Limpens said more research was needed before doctors could say if a combined lycopene and vitamin E treatment could be given to healthy men to prevent them developing prostate cancer. But she said her team's findings tied in with other studies suggesting that lycopene and vitamin E could protect against the disease. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 21:31:56 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tomato-treatment-slows-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-do-have-real-benefits- Herbal remedies do have 'real benefits'! :Source: www.123bharath.comResearchers from King's College in London have said that scientific tests on a range of herbal remedies have shown that they do have 'real benefits'. The researchers said that herbal treatments from around the world had properties, which may help treat conditions such as diabetes and cancer. The researchers examined Indian diabetes treatments, Ghanaian wound healing agents and cancer treatments used in China and Thailand. One of the plants examined was the curry-leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) from India, which is reputed to have potential benefits in treating diabetes. The researchers discovered that extracts from the curry-leaf tree appeared to restrict the action of a digestive enzyme called pancreatic alpha-amylase, which is involved in the breakdown of dietary starch to glucose. They are now looking at which compound in the curry-leaf tree has this effect, and claim that once it is identified, it should be possible to evaluate if it could be better than existing anti-diabetic drugs. The researchers while working with experts from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, also looked at plants used by the Ashanti ethnic group. They found that an extract of the Commelina diffusa, or climbing dayflower, had both antibacterial and anti-fungal activity, which could help heal wounds and also stop them getting infected. In a third study, the researchers studied Thai and Chinese plants used as traditional remedies in the treatment of cancer, and found promising activity against lung cancer cells, particularly in tests of the Thai plant Ammannia baccifera, an aquatic weed and the Chinese plant Illicium verum, star anise. "This research is very interesting, very promising. We need much more research of this sort. More and more research of this kind is coming out. It is no surprise to those who work in this field," the BBC quoted Edzard Ernst, professor of complementary medicine at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, as saying. Ernst, however, added in the same vein, "This type of study can only be the first step in a line of research and at the end of this line, it's necessary to have good clinical proof that this works." (ANI) Tue, 05 Oct 2004 15:21:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-do-have-real-benefits- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-cancer-awareness-month-nutrition-during-treatment Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Nutrition During TreatmentSource: www.nbc5.comOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and NBC5's 11 a.m. show has a special series on the subject.An area of specific interest is treatment modalities -- surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy designed to stop the spread of cancer by killing and/or removing cancerous cells.During this time, the body is working unusually hard to maintain balance or "homeostasis." Nutrition is an essential treatment component since proper nutrients assist the body in rebuilding cells and anti-oxidants actually fight the cancer directly -- easier said than done, since many patients experience side effects. Nausea: small frequent meals try cold foods avoid strong aromasChanges in taste: rinse mouth before eating serve chilled meats try substitutes for red meatDry mouth: soft or moist foods use "lubricants" watch texture try lemon-flavored drinksMake sure you consult your health professional about symptoms and reactions. Don't be uncomfortable about asking specific questions about fluid intake, sodium and alcohol usage, and nutritional supplements.As a breast cancer patient still in treatment, my major problem has been nausea. What has worked for me is strictly restricting caffeine intake. You never know what will work.What does help as well is a positive attitude. We live in an age of medical and technological marvels. Treatments are introduced and adjusted constantly. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 15:16:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-cancer-awareness-month-nutrition-during-treatment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-endometriosis-possibly-linked-to-diet Study: Endometriosis Possibly Linked To DietSource: www.thewbalchannel.comWomen Who Ate Red Meat, Ham More Prone To Endometriosis, Study FindsPOSTED: 4:23 pm EDT October 4, 2004BALTIMORE -- Endometriosis is a mysterious ailment that affects millions of women -- involving menstrual tissue outside its normal place, causing a host of problems ranging from pain to infertility. While the cause remains unknown, researchers have recently discovered a link to diet, WBAL-TV 11 Woman's Doctor reporter Donna Hamilton reported.Michelle Malvaso began having problems with her period three years ago when she stopped taking birth control pills and had a tubal ligation.Malvaso explained her symptoms: "irregular bleeding and clotting, cramps -- horrible, horrible cramps." She was finally diagnosed with endometriosis.Dr. Fermin Baruetto, of Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, said a new study may provide a few clues into a mysterious disease."The group of patients that ate a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits had 30 to 40 percent less endometriosis than those who had diet rich in red meat and ham," Baruetto said.How would diet play a part in endometriosis?That remains unknown, but while alcohol, milk, cheese, whole grains and coffee did not seem to have any impact, red meat and ham were associated with higher risk, according to the study.Malvaso said she would definitely consider changing her diet in an effort to find relief.Baretto said any information is useful for doctors and their patients."It's not just drugs, it's not just endoscopic treatments -- we need a comprehensive approach to this and keep our eyes open to new developments," Baretto said.Infertility affects about 30 to 40 percent of women with endometriosis. Some other symptoms can include pain before and after a period; pain during and after sexual activity; and heavy or irregular bleeding. Tue, 05 Oct 2004 15:14:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-endometriosis-possibly-linked-to-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-cancer-and-diet-is-there-a-link- Breast cancer and diet, is there a link?Source: www.medicalnewstoday.comDr Norman Boyd, an oncologist at the Ontario Cancer Institute is in his last year of studying whether there may be a link between less dietary fat and a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Dr Boyd started his study ten years ago. His plan was to collect data on thousands of women who were at risk of getting breast cancer, getting them to cut out a lot of fat from their diets, and then see how many of them went on to develop breast cancer. He got the idea for this study many years ago when he noticed that breast cancer rates in Japan were lower than in Europe and N America. He wondered whether it may have been due to a difference in the amount of fat women ate – in Japan their consumption of dietary fat was much lower. Boyd then said "When people migrate from Asia to North America, their rates change. So clearly, there is something in the environment that is affecting rates. If we can identify that, and change it, then we can prevent the disease." Dr Boyd also noticed that you can modulate the frequency with which mammary tumors develop by diet in small animals. In order to see whether it was the same with humans, Boyd started a study with 4,700 women. All these women have a higher than normal risk of developing breast cancer. He has been studying them for a good part of a decade – observing their eating habits, comparing mammogram results and monitoring a whole range of factors. All the women are aged between 30 and 65, none is pregnant, none is breastfeeding, none has ever had any type of cancer before. The women are observed – they just carry on eating in the way they usually do (most of them, read below). What they do have in common is that they all have a higher breast tissue density. The higher your breast tissue density the higher your chances are of developing breast cancer. Then the women were placed on two types of diets. 50% went on a regular diet while the other half had to make sure their fat intake did not exceed 15-20% of their total calorie consumption. Dr Boyd is into the last year of his study. He has found that the ones on a lower fat intake have lower breast tissue densities when compared to the women who were on a regular diet. He has yet to find a link between breast cancer link and diet – we don't know whether there is a link because he has not revealed that information yet. Many health experts are say that the type of dietary fat may be a important factor here, rather than the total fat intake. They say that a woman who consumes lots of saturated fats (animal fats, butter, etc) may have a different risk than a woman who consumes lots of ‘good fats' (olive oil, almonds, avocado, etc). Tue, 05 Oct 2004 15:13:14 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/breast-cancer-and-diet-is-there-a-link- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-combats-alcoholism Nutrition Combats AlcoholismSource: drkoop.comA recent study by the Rand Corporation shows, four years after quitting drinking, 93 percent of alcoholics resume drinking. Now some experts say refueling the brain with nutrition could be what it takes to kick the habit for good.After a series of tragic events, stress got the best of Sue. "I would drink to get to sleep at night," Sue says. "I would drink because I thought it would get rid of this horrible depression I had, that sort of thing." Her drinking spun out of control.After seeing many friends fail to recover with the standard 12-step approach, Sue wanted something different. She found it with Joan Matthews-Larson, Ph.D., a nutritionist and author of the book, "Seven Weeks to Sobriety: The Proven Program to Fight Alcoholism Through Nutrition." Twenty years ago, Matthews-Larson started Health Recovery Center -- a rehab program focused on fixing the alcoholic brain's chemical imbalance -- in Minneapolis. Mon, 20 Sep 2004 23:07:21 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-combats-alcoholism http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-cure-found-for-ulcers-wounds-cough- Herbal cure found for ulcers, wounds, cough:Source: athens-olympics-2004.newkerala.comA state-run research institute here claims to have discovered herbal cures, totally free of side effects for ulcers, wounds and coughs."After prolonged trials, we have identified and confirmed the efficacy of certain herbs in the treatment of ulcers of the abdomen, open wounds and throat infections," said P. Pushpangadan, head of the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)."We have already started the process of obtaining international patents for these herbs, which are ready to be converted into easily consumable drugs for mass use," Pushpangadan told IANS.The drugs have been named Alacare (for ulcers), Anheal (for open wounds) and Nibicough (for throat infections), and if all goes well, would be available in the market in the next few months, he added.According to Pushpangadan, who has laboured for years to convert forgotten traditional herbs into medicine, "the best thing about these herbal drugs is that they are absolutely free of side affects".Created with the extracts of four different herbs, Alacare has been found to be effective in treating ulcers, particularly of the small intestine and the deudenum. Anheal, which is in the form of an ointment, too has been formulated by mixing four herbs and has shown good results in treating open wounds."It has the capability to revive dead tissues around a serious wound," claimed the NBRI chief.Nibicough, a combination of five different herbs, is said to be more effective than all other herbal throat syrups that are currently in the market."Besides controlling normal coughs, it has been found very effective in curing dryness of the mouth, and in curing sore throats," said Pushpangadan.--Indo-Asian News Service Mon, 20 Sep 2004 23:03:09 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-cure-found-for-ulcers-wounds-cough- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-fishy-diet-decrease-heart-disease-risk-in-elderly-women A fishy diet decrease heart disease risk in elderly womenSource: www.hindustantimes.comA new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that post-menopausal women suffering from artherosclerosis of the coronary (heart) arteries who eat at least two servings of fish per week can reduce the progression of the disease.According to Web MD, the researchers led by Arja T. Erkkild analyzed data involving 229 post-menopausal women who participated in the Estrogen Replacement and Arthrosclerosis trial.The women completed a food-frequency questionnaire and underwent a complete medical exam in which an X-ray of the blood vessels of the heart (angiography) was done.Fish intake and atherosclerosis progression of the coronary arteries was then documented for the following three years.New fatty plaque lesions were noted in all participants. However, those who ate two or more servings of tuna or dark fish each week had less progression compared with women eating less fish per week.The researchers conclude that their findings "support the view that regular fish consumption is part of a healthy diet." Mon, 20 Sep 2004 22:59:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-fishy-diet-decrease-heart-disease-risk-in-elderly-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplement-may-prevent-prostate-cancer Herbal Supplement May Prevent Prostate CancerSource: www.marketwire.comColumbia University Medical Center has launched the first clinical trial of a possible herbal preventative for prostate cancer. The Phase I study will determine whether Zyflamend®, an herbal supplement commonly used as an anti-inflammatory, can prevent prostate cancer in patients with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). PIN is a clinical precursor for prostate cancer. Without intervention, men diagnosed with PIN have a 50 to 70 percent likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Although there are tools that detect the early signs of prostate cancer, such as PIN or elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, there is no consensus as to the optimal therapy for these patients. "Zyflamend has shown an ability, in vitro, to reduce prostate cancer cell proliferation by as much as 78 percent and to induce cancer cell death or apoptosis," says Aaron E. Katz, M.D., associate professor of urology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Director of the Center of Holistic Urology at Columbia University Medical Center and principal investigator of the study. "These results are exceptionally promising and have led us to initiate this clinical trial." The herbal supplement, made by New Chapter, Inc., is composed of 10 herbs which inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inflammation pathway. Long-term chronic inflammation contributes to carcinogenesis in many organ systems (the origin of certain cancers); inhibiting this pathway appears to be key to preventing cancers like prostate and colon cancer. An herbal supplement such as this herbal supplement may inhibit this pathway without causing the adverse gastrointestinal side effects associated with the long-term use of other COX-2 inhibitors. The preparation of this herbal supplement differs from many herbal products in that it is not standardized to isolated chemicals. It delivers herbs in concentrated form, but the herbs retain their "food" status. "We know more people are using herbal supplements as either their primary treatment or in tandem with their prescribed therapies, which is why it is important to study the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies," said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the non-profit American Botanical Council. "This study is an important step in a new direction for therapy in this area and holds much promise for millions of men with challenges in prostate health." The Study The Phase I study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of the herbal supplement in patients with PIN. Up to 48 men, between the ages of 40-75, will receive the herbal supplement three times a day for 18 months. PIN and Prostate Cancer PIN means that the top layer of cells or epithelial cells of the prostate are dividing more rapidly than normal epithelial cells. This development of pre-cancerous, abnormal tissue of the prostate gland puts men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a group of cancerous cells (a malignant tumor) that begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It is the most common type of cancer (excluding skin cancer) diagnosed in American men. In 2003, an estimated 220,900 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the United States. The Herbal Supplement Zyflamend includes rosemary, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, green tea, hu zhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, oregano, and Baikal skullcap. Located in New York City, Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in basic and clinical research, medical education, and health care. The medical center includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, and other health professionals at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, the School of Dental & Oral Surgery, the School of Nursing, the Mailman School of Public Health, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. The pioneering tradition of Columbia University health scientists, who have achieved some of the 20th century's most significant medical breakthroughs, continues today. Mon, 20 Sep 2004 22:57:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-supplement-may-prevent-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginseng-paradox-explained Ginseng Paradox ExplainedSource: www.forbes.comAn international study is the first to explain how ginseng can both promote the growth of blood vessels and also limit blood vessel growth.These dual effects can be important. Encouraging blood vessel growth can help wound healing. Preventing blood vessel growth can help kill tumors by cutting off their blood supply.Researchers from the United States, Hong Kong, England, and the Netherlands analyzed the chemicals in four varieties of ginseng -- American, Chinese, Korean, and Sanqi -- and found that each has different proportions of two key ingredients.Further research revealed that a preponderance of one of the key ingredients encouraged blood vessel growth while more of the other key ingredient stymied blood vessel growth.The research team also found the way ginseng extracts are processed can alter their composition."This is a very clear-cut example of why we need regulations standardizing herbal therapies through compositional analysis," lead researcher Ram Sasisekharan, a professor of biological engineering at MIT, said in a prepared statement.With these study results, "we can now rationally isolate the components to focus on a specific effect, such as promoting blood-vessel formation," Sasisekharan said.This research could also help in the development of new medicines patterned after ginseng's key components.The study appears in the Sept. 7 issue of Circulation. Wed, 15 Sep 2004 00:04:22 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ginseng-paradox-explained http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/amino-acid-carb-supplement-may-combat-muscle-wasting-in-elderly Amino acid, carb supplement may combat muscle wasting in elderlySource: www.nutraingredients.comSupplements containing essential amino acids and carbohydrates appear to reduce the muscle wasting experienced by people confined to bed for long periods of time, shows a small trial. The supplements could be useful for trauma victims (severe trauma diminishes the body’s ability to make new muscle) and hospitalised elderly people, say the University of Texas researchers. Writing in this month’s issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (vol 89, no 9, pp 4351-4358), they report giving 13 healthy male volunteers, all confined to bed for 28 days, either a drink containing essential amino acids and carbohydrates or a placebo three times a day. Using data produced by state-of-the-art real-time muscle-protein synthesis measurements, biopsies, magnetic resonance and X-ray imaging, and strength tests, the researchers found the supplemented group retained all of their original leg muscle mass while the members of the placebo group lost about a pound of leg muscle on average. Those given the supplements also lost only about half as much leg strength as those given the placebo. “We thought it was the most astounding thing that even though our subjects did no exercise, they were able to maintain muscle mass,” said the university’s medical branch assistant professor Douglas Paddon-Jones, lead author on the paper. A similar supplement regime could reduce muscle loss in elderly people. “The elderly have less muscle to spare than the rest of us,” Paddon-Jones said. “When they get sick or injured and wind up in a hospital bed for a prolonged period, many of them lose so much muscle mass and strength that they don’t get back up. For a lot of people, this supplement could make a real difference.” The subjects in this study were aged between 26 and 46. The researchers plan further investigations to determine whether nutritional supplements — alone and in combination with resistance or walking exercise— can indeed significantly reduce muscle loss in elderly men and women during prolonged bed rest. In a BBC report on the study however, Michael Rennie, an expert in muscle wasting in the elderly from Nottingham university, pointed out that one pound loss of leg muscle in the control group was actually very small. He also told the news service that his research had shown the elderly to have a limited ability to utilise amino acids so relying on nutritional supplements for this group was unlikely to work. Resistance exercises could be a more effective way of minimising muscle wastage. Studies have also found fish oil supplements may help to prevent the wasting and weight loss associated with some types of advanced cancer while creatine, used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass, could also have similar clinical applications. Tue, 14 Sep 2004 23:59:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/amino-acid-carb-supplement-may-combat-muscle-wasting-in-elderly http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oils-could-ease-cancer-patients-stress-levels Oils could ease cancer patients' stress levelsSource: news.scotsman.comCANCER patients awaiting medical test results could soon have their anxieties eased with the use of aromatherapy. Researchers from Napier University in Edinburgh are to study whether a blend of sweet-smelling essential oils can reduce the stress of waiting for news of important tests. The study will examine whether a mix of neroli and sandalwood oils can help calm the patients. It is believed that patients’ stress levels are reduced, they will be in a better condition for surgery. The researchers, who have been awarded a £15,000 grant from the Scottish Executive’s Chief Scientist Office, will focus on patients who have symptoms of lung cancer and are waiting for the results of biopsies at the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. They will be given the oils to rub into their skin and psychologists will measure their anxiety levels before they leave the hospital, just before they get their results, and 21 days into the observation. They will compare these anxiety levels with those of patients in a control group given vegetable oil and in another group given no oils. Laura Stirling, from the School of Acute and Continuing Care Nursing, will lead the study. The qualified aromatherapist and nurse said: "In the last ten years there has been a real surge in alternative medicine but scientific research has been slow to catch up. "As a nurse I have always had an interest in the plight of patients awaiting results which may lead to surgery. "It’s the awful waiting and not knowing which is where we want to help. The anxiety makes the patients more of an operative risk, can extend wound healing times and the length of time spent in hospital. "If we can find a way to help combat the anxiety it will also prove a great medical benefit." Ms Stirling added: "Our approach is a more scientific one than that of the usual research into complementary medicines. "We have chosen these two oils because they are both believed to help reduce anxiety. We also wanted a blend for both men and women that didn’t smell too feminine." An initial trial hoping to start by Christmas will involve 100 patients over 12 months. If the results are positive, the researchers hope a larger trial will follow. Professor Beth Alder, director of research at the faculty of health and life sciences at Napier University, said they are trying to do more research on alternative and complementary medicines. She said: "There is a real need for research on complementary therapies. They are used more and more by health officials but we still have very little evidence of what they do. Sandalwood oil costs around £9 for 3ml and is normally used in perfumes and cosmetics while Neroli costs £20 and is made from the blossom of orange trees. Aromatherapy is perhaps the most popular of all alternative therapies and dates back to the Roman times, but modern aromatherapy techniques were pioneered by French scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in the 1930s. His research into the healing and therapeutic qualities of essential oils paved the way for aromatherapy as we recognise it today. Derived from a wide array of sources, including plants, fruit, bark, roots and seeds, the oils are either inhaled or applied directly to the skin. They are used to treat a large number of problems, ranging from anxiety and insomnia to asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. Tue, 14 Sep 2004 23:57:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/oils-could-ease-cancer-patients-stress-levels http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chromium-b-vitamins-could-reduce-middle-aged-spread Chromium, B vitamins could reduce middle-aged spreadSource: www.nutraingredients.comFour common supplements - chromium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and multivitamins - may help slow weight gain in middle-age adults, suggest results from an observational study. Researchers told a meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in Seattle last weekend that people, aged 55 on average, who said they took one of these supplements over a 10-year period were less likely to gain weight than their counterparts. Weight loss research shows that American women gain an average of 16 pounds of body weight from the age of 25 to 54. Men gain an average 10 pounds between the age of 25 to 45, with both sexes losing weight after the age of 55. The new research suggests that certain vitamins and minerals could help reduce this weight gain. The team from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle gathered responses to a questionnaire on vitamin, mineral and herbal supplement use over a 10-year period, along with details about diet, physical activity and medical history, from about 15,000 people. The researchers focused on 14 supplements that are marketed for weight loss and increased energy, either through over-the-counter or Internet advertising. They included CoQ10, DHEA, garlic, ginseng, melatonin, gingko, St John’s wort, fibre supplements, soy supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, the vitamins B6, B12, and multis, as well as chromium. They analysed supplement use in relation to weight gain, dividing the subjects into groups based on their body weight – normal, overweight and obese – as well as their gender. Use of chromium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and multivitamins appeared to reduce weight gain in more than one group although none of these had an impact on people with normal weight. For instance, obese women consuming more than 35 mg of vitamin B6 daily gained only 6 pounds on average over the 10 years, compared to 7.5 pounds in those taking a lower dose and 16.1 pounds in those with no B6 supplement use. “These supplements did not impact every gender and every weight group but each had a significant impact in more than one of these groups,” lead author M.C. Nachtigal told NutraIngredients.com. “The most striking result was chromium, which was significant for both genders in both overweight groups,” she added. Research on the picolinate form of chromium has found that it improves insulin function and glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also widely marketed as a weight loss supplement. Nachtigal explained that the study controlled for other factors that may affect weight gain – calorie intake, education, race, smoking habits and exercise. “It is possible that there is some other factor that we didn’t think of. But there is a lot of power in the large number of people we studied – about 7,000 of each gender,” she said. “But we didn’t specifically ask when the subjects took the supplements and when they lost weight. So it is possible that some lost weight early on and then started taking the supplements.” She added: “As a clinician I wouldn’t start recommending these supplements based purely on this observational trial. I would like to see a clinical trial in a small group on a prescribed diet. And also look at whether these supplements have short-term or long-term effects. But our results are striking.”The results have been submitted for publication in a scientific journal. Tue, 14 Sep 2004 23:53:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chromium-b-vitamins-could-reduce-middle-aged-spread http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-could-protect-elderly-from-colds Vitamin E could protect elderly from coldsSource: washingtontimes.comBoston researchers have found vitamin E may protect the elderly against the common cold. Simin Nikbin Meydani of Tufts University, in a study published in the August edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed 617 people 65 years of age or older and residing in one of 33 long-term care facilities.Roughly half got a daily supplement containing 200 units of vitamin E; the rest got a placebo."Our study found that those taking the vitamin E supplement pills were 20 percent less likely to suffer from respiratory infections and that vitamin E supplementation reduced the incidence of common colds by about 22 percent," Meydani said. "Older individuals are at greater risk for respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. "Colds occur more frequently and their symptoms are more severe and more debilitating among the elderly, and at present there is no vaccine or antiviral therapy available to fight them off." Tue, 14 Sep 2004 23:52:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-could-protect-elderly-from-colds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetable-compound-stops-breast-cancer-cell-growth Vegetable compound stops breast cancer cell growthSource: www.foodnavigator.comThe broccoli compound sulphurophane disrupts the growth of breast cancer cells in later stages, a US team has found. They say their study reveals for the first time a possible explanation for the compound’s well-known anti-cancer activity. Keith Singletary and colleagues at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign exposed cultures of malignant human breast cancer cells to sulphoraphane. Within hours, it had blocked cell division and disrupted microtubules, which are long, slender cylinders made up of tubulin (protein), that are essential for the separation of duplicated chromosomes during cell division. "This is the first report to show how the naturally occurring plant chemical sulforaphane can block late stages of the cancer process by disrupting components of the cell called microtubules," said Singletary, a professor in the department of food science and human nutrition. "We were surprised and pleased to find that SUL could block the growth of breast cells that were already cancerous." Sulphoraphane is abundant in vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale, and when these vegetables are chewed, they release the anti-cancer compound. More than 125 scientific papers have been published on sulphoraphane, broccoli and broccoli sprouts, with many of them focusing on sulphoraphane’s anti-cancer activity, as well as its benefits for heart health. Since its discovery by a John Hopkins team in 1992, a company called called Brassica Protection Products has been marketing patented concentrated forms of broccoli sprouts - three-day-old broccoli plants said to provide 20 times the concentration of sulphoraphane glucosinolate as found in adult broccoli. They are currently sold in the US, Japan – where business is already robust - and New Zealand as a vegetable, and the company is looking for partners for use of the ingredient in other applications. It has recently been added to a tea. However the products do not carry health claims and the new trial, published in the September issue of the Journal of Nutrition (134:2229-2236), lends further scientific support to potential claims in the future. "It is not yet clear whether the doses required to produce inhibition of tubulin polymerization are higher than those achievable via dietary intakes," write Jackson and Singletary. "However, the results show that tubulin disruption may be an important explanation for SUL's antiproliferative action." "These findings are significant since SUL's actions appear similar to a group of anticancer drugs currently in use, such as Taxol," added Singletary. Sulphoraphane works as an ‘indirect antioxidant’, helping to boost the body’s natural Phase 2 enzyme antioxidant defense systems and detoxifying carcinogens before they can damage cells. Typical direct antioxidant molecules, such as vitamins C and E, scavenge one free radical or other oxidant molecule at a time. But this means that once a direct antioxidant molecule binds to a free radical molecule, rendering it harmless, the antioxidant is consumed and is no longer active. They then have to be regenerated. Sulphoraphane does not work directly on free radicals but up-regulates the defence system, letting the body itself fight free radicals. The new findings may be helpful in the development of new breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies, according to Singletary. "For example, it may be possible that ingesting SUL in combination with certain natural compounds or drugs could enhance their anticancer effectiveness and reduce side effects." Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women across the European Union. Britain has one of the highest breast cancer death rates in the world, according to Breast Cancer Research, with one woman in nine developing the disease during her lifetime. While improvements in treatments such as chemotherapy have improved the survival rate, some current chemotherapy drugs have side effects and researchers are seeking new strategies that combine chemotherapy drugs with other treatments to potentially lessen the toxic effects. More research is however needed to assess SUL's potential in countering breast cancer development."What we do not know is how specific SUL and other similar phytochemicals are toward cancer cells compared to normal cells," said Singletary. "We also do not know against which cancers SUL's microtubule-targeting actions are most effective." Sun, 05 Sep 2004 23:02:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vegetable-compound-stops-breast-cancer-cell-growth http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-skinny-on-fat The skinny on fatSource: www.indianastatesman.comAs health-conscious, young adults, we have been programmed to think all fat is bad for us. Eating fat will make us fat, unhealthy and undesirable. The truth of the matter is that our bodies need fat in order to survive. The membranes in our bodies' cells are made of lipids (fat) that provide barriers to prevent invading substances from getting inside. Without a sufficient amount of fat, the body becomes very susceptible to intrusion by these foreign objects.Aside from the necessity factor, fats have many positive attributes that give us preventative measures and help to keep us healthy. The oils from plants (nuts and seeds) and fish provide a bountiful amount of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, known as omega-3 fatty acids.These fatty acids, when consumed on a regular basis, have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and hypertension. These omega-3 fatty acids reduce the inflammation in the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart), which in turn lessens the risk of narrowing arteries, high blood pressure and a heart attack itself.Most people never consume the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids due to their low fish intake, but with the help of a fish oil supplement, the risk factors that lead to heart disease can be decreased. If you're not into popping pills, incorporating fish into your diet is not as difficult as it seems. Most restaurants offer a grilled salmon or fresh catch of the day. These are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, but you may want to resist if the menu item has been fried. At this point, not getting omega-3 fatty acid is probably better than eating deep-fried fish.Other good sources of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are nuts and seeds. These crunchy, nutritious snacks are full of good protein and fat. They are low in saturated fat (bad fat) and offer a significant amount of nutrients. These foods are easier to come by and can be found in many different styles: trail mix, honey roasted, dry salted, mixed nuts, toppings in yogurt and additions to breads. All are great accompaniments to the diet as long as they are not eaten in excess.While many give red meat a bad rap for fat, it is also a great source of protein. Yes, it does have a higher content of saturated fat, but it doesn't have to be given up completely. One of the great things about eating healthy is that there is such a variety. When eating red meat, it is best to choose a leaner cut and trim off as much excess fat as you can. Eating red meat just a couple of times a week promotes a balance between different kinds of fats.The main types of fat to stay away from are the highly saturated fats and now the newly ordained bad guy, the trans fats. Trans fats are fats that have gone through the hydrogenation process, which has caused some adverse effects. The USDA has imposed some new guidelines demanding that nutrition labels contain information about the amount of trans fats. While it will take awhile for that to come into complete effect, some labels have already implemented this policy.Remember, while eating any fat in excess isn't good, not all fats are bad. Some provide great benefits to our bodies that can't be found in any other foods. Sun, 05 Sep 2004 22:58:20 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-skinny-on-fat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-b12-raises-risk-of-birth-defect Low Vitamin B12 Raises Risk of Birth DefectSource: www.reuters.co.ukMothers with low levels of vitamin B12 in their blood are at increased risk of having an infant with spina bifida -- a birth defect in which the spinal cord fails to form properly, Dutch researchers report.Based on previous research, pregnancy guidelines recommend that women consume enough folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida and related problems. The new findings suggest that these guidelines should also include recommendations about vitamin B12.Dr. Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, of University Medical Center Nijmegen, and colleagues report the findings in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.The researchers measured vitamin B12 levels in blood samples from 45 mothers and their children with spina bifida and from 83 mothers and their healthy children.Mothers of children with spina bifida had vitamin B12 levels that were 21 percent lower than those of other mothers. With the lowest levels, the risk of spina bifida was increased more than threefold."This study suggests that mothers with low vitamin B12 concentrations may benefit from the use of a...multivitamin supplement" around the time of conception, the researchers note. "However, this should be proved in future research."SOURCE: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, July 2004. Wed, 01 Sep 2004 21:15:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/low-vitamin-b12-raises-risk-of-birth-defect http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scientists-make-malaria-drug-based-on-herbal-remedy Scientists Make Malaria Drug Based on Herbal RemedySource: www.reuters.comScientists have created a synthetic drug which could offer new hope in the fight against malaria. Nearly two billion people live in areas affected by malaria. The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is becoming a bigger threat as the parasite that causes it develops immunity to drugs used to fight it. The new drug is based on a chemical found in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Scientists have long been interested in Artemisinin, a herbal fever remedy that comes from the bark of the sweet wormwood tree and has been shown to help kill malaria parasites. But the naturally occurring drug is expensive to make and requires complicated treatment programs that are difficult to get patients to comply with. An international team of scientists in the United States, Britain, Switzerland and Australia said in research published in the British science journal Nature they had developed a synthetic drug, OZ277, designed to offer the benefits of Artemisinin that could be cheaper to produce and more potent. It will require tests before OZ277 can become a commercial drug. But in an accompanying article, Paul O'Neill of the Chemistry and Pharmacology departments of the University of Liverpool said the new class of compounds "could offer the best solution to date for destroying drug-resistant malaria parasites." Wed, 01 Sep 2004 21:14:29 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scientists-make-malaria-drug-based-on-herbal-remedy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-boosts-puppies-learning-power Fish Oil Boosts Puppies' Learning PowerSource: news.scotsman.comFish oil can make puppies smarter and easier to train, it was claimed today.Animals fed diets with boosted levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, were significantly quicker to learn, researchers found.The nine-week-old pups spent five days being taught how to recognise shapes leading them to a food treat.Those fed a dry food laced with 10 times higher than normal amounts of DHA were much better at remembering the right way to turn in a T-shaped maze.Twice as many of the 19 puppies on the high-DHA diet achieved an 80% success rate than the 20 given lower doses of DHA.The research was carried out in Ohio, USA, by Eukanuba, a company that makes DHA-enriched pet food.Most dog foods contains some DHA in the form of fish oil or fish meal. The study compared the effect of this “normal” level and the much higher concentrations found in Eukanuba puppy food.DHA is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, and thought to be vital for mental function.Its benefit to humans is well recognised and it is now added to many formula milks for human babies.Eukanuba claimed that having more trainable puppies could save owners up to £1,000 a year in behaviour correction fees.Spokesman David Morgan said: “DHA has been praised as a wonder nutrient for infants, and this is the very first time that it’s been found to boost healthy brain development in puppies too.“With puppies receiving enhanced DHA-levels demonstrating superior memories by being smarter, more trainable, this research has widespread implications for helping to establish optimal behaviour patterns.”British veterinary surgeon and dog behavioural expert Sara Heath said: “Enhancement of a puppy’s cognitive development and exposure to various learning opportunities can maximise the potential for it to develop into an adult dog that can be readily welcomed as a member of society.” Wed, 01 Sep 2004 21:12:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-boosts-puppies-learning-power http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-needs-for-women Iron Needs For WomenSource: www.theindychannel.comAnimal foods such as meat, poultry and fish are high in iron. Women who limit or avoid meat may find that getting enough iron every day is a challenge. The good news is that you can get the daily recommended amount of iron by making careful food choices.Most grain foods such as cereals, pasta, rice and bread are now fortified with iron. Foods that are naturally high in iron include beans (pinto, kidney, black), lentils, split peas and spinach. The form of iron found in meat is more readily absorbed by the body than the iron in plant foods.However, you can increase the amount of iron that's absorbed from all food sources by consuming vitamin C-rich foods along with foods high in iron. Good vitamin C choices include orange juice, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes. Wed, 01 Sep 2004 21:10:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-needs-for-women http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-linus-pauling-was-right-all-along-a-doctors-opinion Vitamin C, Linus Pauling was right all along. A doctor's opinionSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comHere is an article written by Dr Hilary Roberts about Linus Pauling and his views on vitamin C. Summary It is the 10th anniversary of the death of Linus Pauling and his most controversial scientific conjectures about the health benefits of vitamin C are being confirmed. The weight of evidence may yet force the medical establishment to accept his ideas on nutrition and health. Linus Pauling’s claim, that he knew a cure for heart disease, cancer and infections, was greeted with ridicule. His remarkable health claims concerned the substance we know as vitamin C. Now, ten years after his death on 19th August 1994, his revolutionary ideas are finally on the way to vindication. Given his history, it should not surprise us if Pauling was right all along. He was, after all, the leading chemist of the last century and, arguably, the greatest ever American scientist. He remains the only person to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes, the first for Chemistry (1954) and the second for peace (1962). In addition to being one of the greatest scientists ever, he was a renowned humanitarian. By the time of his death, the medical establishment had branded Pauling a quack, because he advocated the use of high doses of vitamin C to treat many diseases. Irwin Stone first introduced Pauling to vitamin C, and explained that it wasn’t really a vitamin at all, but an essential substance we could no longer manufacture in our bodies. Most animals make their own vitamin C, in large amounts. In humans, the gene for this ability has mutated and no longer works properly. When Pauling looked into Stone’s claims, he found that conventional medicine had long ignored evidence from respected physicians and scientists. This research suggested that high doses of vitamin C might be a cure for many illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. However, when he explained these findings in his wonderfully constructed books “Vitamin C and the Common Cold” and “How to Live Longer and Feel Better”, the medical profession was incensed, implying that a mere chemist could not possibly understand the intricacies of medical science. If Pauling was correct, vitamin C could help overcome the major killers in the industrialised world. This sounded so unlikely that a lesser scientist making the claim would probably have been ignored; the medical world had already disregarded similar reports of vitamin C. Linus Pauling had a reputation for being 20 years ahead of other scientists. He may well have been years ahead in other fields but, in medicine, the insiders considered such a thing to be impossible. Pauling battled with the medical authorities and convinced a lot of the public of the benefits of high dose vitamin C. He took on the medical establishment because the implication for health was enormous: an end to premature death and unnecessary suffering from heart disease, infection and many cancers. Since Pauling’s death, the medical establishment has reclaimed the scientific position with a series of experiments on vitamin C. In particular, the NIH measured the distribution of vitamin C in the body and claimed that Pauling was wrong about the need for high doses, as the blood could be saturated at low doses [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93, 3704–9.]. They added that doses higher than one gram were potentially dangerous. From this point on, the high dose vitamin C lobby were on the defensive. If the body could be saturated at low doses, the argument went, higher doses were simply a waste or even potentially dangerous. However, clinical reports of the utility of high dose vitamin C had been repeated in the literature for over 50 years. These reports continued, particularly in the fields of heart disease, infections and cancer, contradicting the NIH conclusions. Either the clinical reports of the efficacy of high doses were incorrect, or the NIH experimental work was flawed. Taking note of this inconsistency, Drs Steve Hickey and Hilary Roberts decided to investigate the data for a book (“Ascorbate, the science of vitamin C”, www.lulu.com/ascorbate). They began by looking at the apparently ludicrous claims for the medical effects of vitamin C. Pauling had stated that the substance could cure cancer and that shortage was the major cause of heart disease. Among his many scientific advances, Pauling had made occasional errors: perhaps he had done the same with vitamin C. If he was wrong, his hypotheses should be easy to refute. When they examined the evidence, Hickey and Roberts found background evidence for Pauling’s ideas from independent scientific and medical reports, covering half a century. The findings in these papers could neither be dismissed as placebo effects nor easily explained. The reports included remission of AIDS, cures for cancer, and the immediate recovery of children at the point of death from septic shock. The claims seemed so out of the ordinary that they were hard to believe. However, Hickey and Roberts could find no counter examples in the scientific or medical literature. If these positive reports were indeed wrong, no-one had shown this to be true. The scientific evidence was consistent with Pauling’s ideas, with a few notable exceptions. The primary exception was the NIH data on blood and tissue saturation. The medical establishment accepted the NIH conclusions and held them in the highest regard. The US Institute of Medicine had based their official recommended dietary allowance (RDA) on these results. If the NIH was correct, then Pauling was wrong and the positive reports of high doses must be invalid. The NIH conclusions were not correct, however. Hickey and Roberts examined their experiments and found them to be full of errors. For example, the researchers had given a dose of vitamin C, waited until it had been excreted and then measured blood levels. Using this procedure, they found that increasing the dose did not greatly increase the blood levels. Instead of realising that this was because the dose had been excreted, the NIH claimed it was because the body was saturated, so higher doses were redundant. They then used white blood cells as a model for normal cells, to see how they absorbed vitamin C from their surroundings. These white blood cells are specialised to absorb vitamin C, even when supplies are low. If other body cells were similar to white blood cells, we would normally have a reserve of 40 grams in our bodies. In this case, given the proposed RDA of 200mg, it would take 2-3 years to fill a depleted body. This is demonstrably incorrect: the classic example is that James Lind’s sailors recovered from scurvy in a matter of days when they were given citrus fruits containing small amounts of vitamin C. These mistakes were gross and unsupportable. In order to check their re-interpretation of the data, Hickey sent emails to the NIH, the Institute of Medicine and every scientist he could contact who was associated with the RDA, asking them to provide a reasonable scientific response to these errors. No-one was able to provide such a response. Since it is normal scientific practice to explain and defend your ideas, the hypothesis that people only need small amounts of vitamin C looks increasingly shaky. Even the NIH’s subsequent data contradicts their earlier work. The NIH vitamin C group published a series of papers on vitamin C and cancer [Ann Intern Med, 140(7), 533-7.]. In these papers, they suggested that repeated doses of oral vitamin C would produce blood levels of at least 220 microM (a measure of the concentration) , which is three times greater than the 70 microM maximum “saturated” value they claimed in their RDA papers. While their own papers clearly showed that their low-dose claims were wrong, the NIH appeared not to notice. Instead, they suggested that intravenous doses could produce higher blood levels, which might be effective against cancer. Even though their data were coming closer to Pauling’s findings on the use of vitamin C in cancer, the NIH took the opportunity to mount another attack on Linus Pauling, suggesting he did not know the difference between oral and intravenous (IV) vitamin C. Pauling had performed a series of trials with Dr Ewan Cameron, a Scottish cancer specialist, showing that intravenous vitamin C allowed cancer patients to live much longer than expected. Numerous other studies confirmed this effect, particularly the work of Dr Abram Hoffer and Dr Hugh Riordan. The Mayo Clinic tried to refute this research but failed, as they used low, oral doses, making their results invalid. In their own cancer paper, the NIH researchers claimed that Pauling and Cameron’s use of the IV route was “serendipitous”, implying that Pauling did not know the difference between injected and oral doses. In fact, Pauling had written explicitly about this difference, so the NIH criticism was misplaced. A new scientific theory, called the dynamic flow model, explains all the observed responses to vitamin C in the literature. This model is described in the book “Ascorbate”, mentioned above. According to the model, people should ideally be in a state of dynamic flow, which means they should ingest more vitamin C than they need, in the form of divided dose supplements. The extra ascorbate flows through the body and is excreted in the urine. It is not wasted, however, as the excess acts as a reservoir when extra vitamin C is required. Dynamic flow is the closest we humans can get to restoring our physiology to how it was before we lost the ability to make vitamin C in our bodies, as most other animals still do. It is difficult to imagine what Linus Pauling would have made of all this had he lived. Hickey and Roberts like to think that he would have pointed out the NIH errors earlier. He might have had fun explaining that the NIH could not perform a simple experiment, yet tried to blame him for the deficiencies in the Mayo Clinic’s research. It is now 10 years since Pauling’s death. Biologist René Dubos suggested that the mainstream converges with Pauling twenty years later. If so, we only have another decade to wait until the medical establishment can admit that Pauling was right all along. Dr. Hilary Roberts Email: radicalascorbate@yahoo.com Wed, 01 Sep 2004 21:05:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-c-linus-pauling-was-right-all-along-a-doctors-opinion http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-1-an-important-part-of-everyones-diet Vitamin B-1, an Important Part of Everyone's DietSource: english.epochtimes.comMost people have heard about vitamin B-1, but they are probably unaware that it has two other widely used names: thiamine and aneurin. The most commonly used word in the United States is thiamin, while the term aneurin is used in Europe. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B-1 can cause severe health effects. The most well known vitamin B-1 deficiency disease is beriberi, which can cause heart failure, and brain and nerve damage. In the later stages of the disease, a patient may have a difficult time moving, but with just one injection of B-1, the patient often is able to get up and walk again.Fortunately, it is easy to get thiamine in the diet in foods such as pork, peanuts, whole grains and beans and other legumes, as well as many other foods.High incidences of beriberi occur in Asian countries, where hull striped white rice is a staple food. In developed countries, beriberi is seen mainly in alcoholics. Early symptoms of thiamine deficiency include irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, apathy, abdominal pain, drowsiness and poor concentration. Progressive symptoms include vomiting, itchiness, blue skin color, numbness, memory loss, rapid heart beat and heart failure.At-risk groups include alcoholics, dialysis patients, HIV carriers and people prone to heart disease. A more thorough list of symptoms, at-risk groups and other information associated with B-1 deficiency can be found at http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic229.htmThiamine serves as an energy production system for every cell in the body by producing adenosine triphosphate, a nucleotide that can store and transport chemical energy within cells. It must be continually replenished in the body since it is a water-soluble vitamin; an extra supply of the vitamin will not be absorbed into body tissue.Vitamin B-1 is available at local health food stores and drug stores without a prescription. A B-1 deficiency usually is accompanied by a deficiency of other B vitamins and is therefore usually taken within a B-complex vitamin.This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe. Please consult your physician for all medical needs. Wed, 01 Sep 2004 20:47:28 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b-1-an-important-part-of-everyones-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/does-the-activity-of-chromium-in-slimming-agents-stem-from-the-formation-of-cancer-causing-substances- Does the activity of chromium in "slimming agents" stem from the formation of cancer-causing substances?Source: www.chemie.deIt is a widespread but disputed doctrine that the trivalent form of chromium is an essential trace element playing an important role in glucose and fat metabolism. What is certain is that chromium in its penta- and hexavalent forms is toxic, carcinogenic, and causes genetic mutations. Are the popular "slimming agents" and muscle-building dietary supplements based on chromium(III) compounds harmless, or not? While there is yet to be a definitive answer to this question, recent results on the in vitro reactions of the dietary supplements with enzymes provide strong indications that the dietary supplements could be converted from chromium(III) into carcinogenic chromium(VI) by our bodies. It is undisputed that special complexes of chromium(III) demonstrate an insulin-intensifying effect. They are therefore under consideration as potential drugs for diabetes (apart from their widespread use in dietary supplements), even though the mechanism of their effect is not known. In a project funded by the Australian Research Council, Peter Lay, Irma Mulyani, and Aviva Levina have now developed a novel explanation. First, they throw out the current notion that chromium(III) cannot be converted into chromium(VI) in the body. In immune reactions, for example, the human body releases very strong oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, which were demonstrated to oxidize chromium(III), even under physiological conditions. "It is postulated that it is the resulting chromium(VI) and chromium(V) species that then interfere with our metabolism," explains Lay. When insulin is released by the pancreas, it docks onto a receptor on the surface of cells. Afterwards, a phosphate group attaches onto the receptor, which releases a signal cascade that orders the cell to take up glucose from the blood. When the insulin is gone, an enzyme, tyrosine phosphatase, splits the phosphate groups off the receptor, returning the cell to its original state. This is where, according to the Australian researchers, the chromium(V) or chromium(VI) species step in: they inhibit the tyrosine phosphatase, intensifying the effect of the insulin. Chromium(III) species, in contrast, are not tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. The trouble is that chromium(VI) has long been established as a human carcinogen, as highlighted in the film Erin Brokovitch. "In light of our new findings," stresses Lay, "the safety of chromium(III) compounds as nutritional supplements or drugs should be re-examined very carefully, particularly for heavy users of the supplements, such as elite athletes." Wed, 01 Sep 2004 20:42:41 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/does-the-activity-of-chromium-in-slimming-agents-stem-from-the-formation-of-cancer-causing-substances- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/on-calcium-watch-your-vitamin-d-intake On calcium? Watch your vitamin D intakeSource: www.miami.comQ: I take a calcium supplement with added vitamin D and a multi-vitamin with D. Is there any danger of an overdose? A: Vitamin D is added to calcium supplements because it aids in the absorption of calcium and works with other vitamins and minerals to promote bone mineralization. Some preliminary studies indicate that insufficient intake of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of fractures, and that vitamin D supplementation may prevent them. Folks older than 50 are thought to be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency since the ability of the skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases with age. The recommended intake for vitamin D is the same for men and women and increases with age. The recommendations: ages 19-50, 200 IU or 5 micrograms; ages 51-69, 400 IU or 10 micrograms, and 70 and older, 600 IU or 15 micrograms.Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and thus stored in the body. This increases the risk of getting too much. Overdosing on vitamin D would most likely be the result from supplement use not food. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include vomiting, poor appetite, nausea, constipation, weakness and weight loss. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine considers an intake of 2,000 IU (50 micrograms) to be the upper intake level.Sheah Rarback is a University of Miami registered dietitian. E-mail questions tosrarback@hotmail.com. Wed, 01 Sep 2004 20:39:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/on-calcium-watch-your-vitamin-d-intake http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diverticulitis-related-to-low-fiber-levels-in-diet Diverticulitis related to low fiber levels in dietSource: www.azcentral.comDr. Paul G. Donohue North America Syndicate Aug. 31, 2004 12:00 AM QUESTION: I am 72 and in good health except for occasional bouts of diverticulitis. The last bout was a month ago, when I had a good deal of pain and bleeding. My doctor prescribed Bactrim and metronidazole. Are they antibiotics? I realize this condition is caused by polyps, and I assume it is inherited. Do you think I can safely eat nuts, berries and seeds? It seems that every time I do, I get an attack. ANSWER: Diverticula are pea- to grape-size protrusions of the colon (large intestine) lining through the muscular wall of the colon. When I was a kid, I had a bike whose tires had inner tubes. My bike tires were studded with diverticula. The inner tubes protruded from multiple gaps in the tires.Diverticula are not related to polyps, and heredity has little to do with them. An overly refined diet is to blame. Without enough fiber, undigested food dries out in its passage through the colon. Fiber holds on to water. To push the dried food along, the colon has to generate maximum force. That force, in turn, causes the colon lining to pop through the colon wall and form diverticula.Diverticulosis is the condition where many diverticula stud the colon. It is usually not painful.On the other hand, diverticulitis - inflammation of the diverticula - is quite painful, and it can cause rectal bleeding. Bacteria multiplying in diverticula cause the inflammation. Diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics, and the two medicines you took are antibiotics. Resting the colon by taking only liquids or bypassing the digestive tract entirely through intravenous feeding permits the inflammation to cool down.At one time, a universal ban on nuts, seeds, kernels and such was issued to everyone with diverticula. Now there is a liberalization of that advice. However, if you have an attack after indulging in those foods, you should avoid them.Q: Would you explain myelodysplasia and its treatment? A: Myelodysplasia is bone marrow that doesn't make adequate numbers of blood cells and often makes poorly formed (dysplastic) blood cells.There are a number of myelodysplasia varieties, but most feature anemia - insufficient numbers of red blood cells. Anemia symptoms - weariness, weakness and shortness of breath - are common myelodysplasia symptoms. When there's a white blood cell deficit, infections are common. And with a shortage of platelets - the clot-forming cells - bruises and bleeding arise.The cause is not known. It usually strikes at older ages - in the 70s and 80s.Medicines that stimulate red blood cell production sometimes help, as do transfusions. Chemotherapy is often used because myelodysplasia can evolve into leukemia. Bone marrow stem cell transplants are avenues opened to a few myelodysplasia patients. Wed, 01 Sep 2004 20:27:45 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diverticulitis-related-to-low-fiber-levels-in-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-make-sure-you-have-a-bouncing-baby- How to make sure you have a bouncing baby...Source: www.iol.co.zaMaking a baby is "the most incredible thing you can do", says British nutrition guru Patrick Holford.Thankfully, creating a beautiful baby that grows up to be healthy, happy and bright is not just a matter of luck or good genes. There's a lot you can and should do before, during and after pregnancy, to give your baby the best chance.Holford tells you what to do and how to do it in his latest book, Optimum Nutrition Before, During And After Pregnancy (Piatkus).Holford has co-written the book with Susannah Lawson, a British nutritional therapist and "foresight practitioner" who helps couples to overcome fertility problems naturally.'Zinc is vital for reproductive health' He gives simple steps in the book to clean up your body beforehand, a kind of pre-pregnancy "roadworthiness test". The aim is to help you create the optimum environment for your baby to journey from the womb to the outside world and beyond and boost your own health along the way.Not surprisingly his emphasis is on diet. Correct diet and nutrition are essential for both you and your partner, he says, not just for overall health but to maximise fertility.Pregnancy is a natural event, and can come as a surprise. If you are still in the planning stages, making sure you and your partner are in the best possible condition will increase your chances of a healthy, problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby at the end of it, Holford says.Part of that process involves the Better Pregnancy Diet outlined in the book. It emphasises foods to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.'Making a healthy baby does not stop after birth' The book also has lots of recipes and ideas for healthy delicious food.The right diet will maximise you and your partner's fertility. It will "tune up your sex hormones" with sufficient quantities of the mineral zinc and vitamin B6.Zinc is "absolutely vital" for reproductive health, says Holford. Infertility, low sex drive and period problems have been linked in research to inadequate levels of the mineral.Together with vitamin B6, zinc is shown to affect all parts of the female sexual cycle. Ensuring adequate levels of zinc and B6 will also increase your libido, says Holford - which accounts for zinc-rich oysters' reputation as an aphrodisiac. Once you are pregnant, zinc and vitamin B6 can help to ease pregnancy sickness, post-natal depression and increase the chances of a healthy baby.Good sources of zinc are oysters, lamb, nuts, egg yolks, rye and oats. Vitamin B6 is found in cauliflower, watercress, bananas and broccoli.Balanced nutrition also helps to reduce levels of toxic pollutant in your body that are in the air you breathe as well as being in the food you eat.Specific foods can speed up detoxification, Holford says.Among these are organic seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables and dairy produce.The calcium and phosphorus they contain are antagonistic to lead.Pectin also helps remove lead and is found in apple pips, bananas, citrus fruit and carrots. You can protect yourself against mercury, cadmium and lead with sulphur-containing amino acids found in garlic, onions and eggs. You should also be sure to protect yourself from "anti-nutrients" - substances that deplete your body of vital resources and give little or nothing in return, says Holford.Chief among these are alcohol, tobacco, coffee and refined sugar. As making a healthy baby does not stop after birth, he shows you how to continue nourishing your children optimally through breast-feeding, weaning and up to age five. Holford also gives advice for common problems during this first stage of life, and how to keep your baby "chemical-free" as well as instant energy boosters for tired parents.Optimum Nutrition Before, During And After Pregnancy by Patrick Holford and Susannah Lawson (Piatkus R150) is available from selected bookstores.The facts of life: You need the right kind of fat-rich foods throughout your life and especially when you are pregnant, says British health specialist Patrick Holford.Unfortunately, the wrong types of saturated fats - found in processed foods, meat, dairy products and most margarines - are rich in most people's diets, he says, while the right kinds of fats - the fats that heal - are usually lacking.These are the polyunsaturated fats or oils (also called essential fatty acids or EFAs), and they are essential for pregnant women to maintain a healthy hormone balance and to ensure optimum development of the baby.The developing foetus needs EFAs to construct the membranes of all cells, and particularly for the development of brain and nerve tissue. Good sources: Oily fish. Mackerel, herring, sardines and salmon. Seed oils (cold-pressed virgin only). Hemp is best, then flax. Soybeans Walnuts Seaweed Sat, 28 Aug 2004 10:52:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-to-make-sure-you-have-a-bouncing-baby- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ephedra-substitute-seville-orange-may-have-risks Ephedra substitute - Seville orange may have risksSource: www.news-medical.netPeople taking “ephedra-free” weight loss products that contain the herb Citrus aurantium, or Seville orange, may be doing more harm to their body than good, according to a new review published by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers. The review, published in the September issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, found that no reliable scientific evidence supports the use of C. aurantium for losing weight. More importantly, high doses of the herb, which contains synephrine, may not be safe. Synephrine can cause hypertension, and C. aurantium also interacts with drugs in a manner similar to grapefruit juice.“C. aurantium has many of the same potential deleterious cardiovascular effects as ephedra, and it also potentially affects the metabolism of other drugs,” said Adam Myers, PhD, professor of physiology and co-author of the review. “The public and the medical community should be concerned about the growing use of C. aurantium without adequate data on safety and efficacy.” Since the banning of ephedra-containing products by the Food and Drug Administration, a new wave of “ephedra-free” herbal weight loss preparations has surfaced. Many of these products contain C. aurantium, a small, sour citrus used to flavor Curacao, Cointreau, and Triple Sec. CA has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive problems. Among the points highlighted in their review, Myers and co-author Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, associate professor of Physiology, discuss that C. aurantium, like grapefruit, contain flavonoids that affect drug metabolism and can increase blood levels of drugs, thus increasing side effects. "The effects on drug-metabolizing systems are not identical. C. aurantium juice, but not grapefruit, increased levels of indinavir, a drug used to treat AIDS. Grapefruit juice, but not C. aurantium juice, increased cyclosporine levels. Both citruses increased levels of felodipine, a calcium channel drug used to treat high blood pressure,” said Myers who directs the first Master's degree-granting graduate level program in Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States."Potential drug interactions could be serious," states Fugh-Berman, author of the 5-Minute Herbs and Dietary Supplement Consult (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2002). "Anyone who is taking daily medication should consult a physician before combining it with the use of C. aurantium. This and other herbal weight loss products should not be considered safe simply because they are available over-the-counter. The best way to lose weight is through exercise and diet."Myers and Fugh-Berman encourage much more research on the effects of C. aurantium. As part of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Master’s Program they help guide at Georgetown, Myers, Fugh-Berman, and their colleagues are focused on training scientists to address the research gaps in CAM, educating health care practicioners on the benefits and risks of CAM, and promoting critical, interdisciplinary thinking. The second year of this pioneering graduate biomedical program has enrolled double the students as the first year of the program, demonstrating a sincere and growing interest in exploring the science behind CAM and helping to fill in missing data to determine the safest recommendations for consumers.http://gumc.georgetown.edu Sat, 28 Aug 2004 10:42:48 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/ephedra-substitute-seville-orange-may-have-risks http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/got-grapefruit-it-may-help-you-lose-weight Got Grapefruit? It May Help You Lose WeightSource: www.reuters.comEating half of a grapefruit three times per day before meals appears to help people shed unwanted pounds, according to new study findings reported this week. Moreover, regular grapefruit-eaters experienced a decrease in insulin, which in excess can increase the risk of weight gain and cardiovascular problems. These findings suggest that adding grapefruit to your diet may be a good idea, a study author told Reuters Health. "There's something inert about fresh grapefruit that dose help you with weight loss," said Dr. Ken Fujioka of the Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California. "All in all, I would recommend it." In an interview, Fujioka explained that people have been espousing the "grapefruit diet" ever since the 1930s, and the concept has resurfaced from time to time over the years. To investigate grapefruit's effect on weight loss, Fujioka and his colleagues asked 100 obese people who were not trying to lose weight to eat grapefruit in various forms, and recorded how their weight changed over 12 weeks. Three times per day before each meal, each group of patients either ate one-half of a grapefruit, or drank a glass of grapefruit juice, or took a pill containing grapefruit extracts, or drank apple juice. Participants were told not to vary their eating habits from before the study. By the end of the study period, people who ate fresh grapefruit had lost 3-1/2 pounds "without doing anything," Fujioka said. Moreover, these patients also experienced a decrease in insulin, a "surprising" finding, the researcher said. He noted that grapefruit juice and pills of grapefruit extract were less helpful in shedding pounds. However, both fresh grapefruit and the juice appeared to encourage weight loss in people with metabolic syndrome -- which includes several disorders such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and unhealthy cholesterol levels that set the stage for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Fujioka explained that previous research has shown that grapefruit does not ramp up metabolism, suggesting that the fruit may encourage weight loss by lowering insulin levels. He added that fans of the low-carbohydrate diet might want to consider making an exception for grapefruit. "It doesn't act like a 'bad carbohydrate,' so to speak," Fujioka said. He and his colleagues presented their findings during the 228th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia. Sat, 28 Aug 2004 10:32:54 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/got-grapefruit-it-may-help-you-lose-weight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doubts-over-good-carb-diet-claims Doubts over good carb diet claimsSource: news.bbc.co.ukNutritionists have cast doubt on a Lancet study showing cutting out "bad" carbohydrates leads to weight-loss. They were commenting on US research in the Lancet which showed the diet, which promotes foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) score - could be beneficial. Foods with low GI scores keep blood sugars stable, eliminating the peaks and troughs which can lead to snacking. But experts from the British Dietetic Association said cutting calories was still the key to weight-loss. Eating fewer calories than you need is what will lead to weight loss Ursula Arens, British Dietetic Association The US team, which carried its research out on rats, is now planning an 18 month study on humans. They said the diet, dubbed the "Atkins alternative" led to weight loss, reduced body fat, and reduced risk factors for diabetes and heart disease in the animals. People on the traditional Atkins diet are advised to minimise their consumption of all kinds of carbohydrates. But the low GI diet allows people to eat foods such as vegetables, fruits and wholegrain breads which are low in sugar, or which release sugar slowly. High GI foods, such as white bread, potatoes and refined breakfast cereals, are rapidly digested, creating a surge in blood sugars. There have been indications that low GI diets can be beneficial, but it has not been clear if this was due to other aspects of diet, such as fibre or overall calorie intake. Controlled portions The US researchers fed two groups of rats which were given diets made up of 69% carbohydrates. However, one group of 11 rats was given high GI carbohydrates and 10 were given low GI carbohydrates. The rats' meals were strictly controlled to ensure both groups maintained the same average body weight. Researchers examined the animals after 18 weeks. They found the high GI group had 71% more body fat and 8% less lean body mass than the low GI group. In addition, the high GI group had fat concentrated in the middle of their bodies. In humans, this produces the "apple" shape that is a known risk factor for heart disease. They also had higher levels of triglyceride blood fats, another heart disease risk factor in humans. The rats also showed the sort of changes linked in humans to a high-risk of diabetes. In a further experiment, 24 mice were randomly assigned a low or high GI diet. After nine weeks, the high GI group had 93% more body fat than mice on the low GI diet. Ice cream Dr David Ludwig, who led the team at the Children's Hospital in Boston, said: "The study findings should give impetus to large-scale trials of low GI diets in humans. "What the study shows is that glycaemic index is an independent factor that can have dramatic effects on the major chronic diseases plaguing developed nations - obesity, diabetes and heart disease. "This is the first study with hard endpoints that can definitively identify glycaemic index as the active dietary factor." He added: "The Atkins diet tries to get rid of all carbohydrates, which we think is excessively restrictive. "You don't have to go to this extreme if you pay attention to the glycaemic index and choose low GI carbs." However, a spokesperson for the Atkins Foundation, said it was "a myth" that the diet tried to eradicate carbohydrates. "Atkins is about restricting refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour, while encouraging the consumption of high quality carbs." Ursula Arens, a nutritionist and spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association, told BBC News Online she was unconvinced the findings in rats could be converted to humans. She added that looking at GI scores should not be the only consideration in a diet. "If you stuck to foods which had a low GI score, you would be able to eat lots of ice cream - which are low GI foods, but not bananas or rice - which are high. "And there are many, many people in China and Japan who eat lots of rice every day and are not overweight." Ms Arens added: "Glycaemic index may play a small part, but there's no getting past the basic fact that eating fewer calories than you need is what will lead to weight loss." Her views were backed by Dr Toni Steer , a nutritionist with the Medical Research Council who said, although the study was interesting, the issue of how GI foods affected health was "more complex in humans than in rats". Sat, 28 Aug 2004 10:30:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/doubts-over-good-carb-diet-claims http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/improve-your-diet-and-change-your-life- IMPROVE YOUR DIET AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE.Source: www.mirror.co.ukSHE is the TV nutritionist who is revolutionising the way we think about what we eat.Dr Gillian McKeith's tough talking on Channel 4's You Are What You Eat has won her an army of fans.But for years she was as unhealthy as the rest of us, living on a diet of microwaved meals and sugary, fatty snacks.It was only after a big health scare that her life was transformed.When she switched to a mineral and vitamin-rich diet, she cured her health problems and lost two and a half stone. Her spotty complexion cleared up, too.Now she is evangelical about her beliefs."My mother is afraid to spend Christmas dinner with me because she is worried that I'll start lecturing her on good food," she says.Gillian was 23 when her life was turned around. For two years she had been suffering from paralysing migraines that left her barely able to leave her bed."I was suffering from blinding flashes of light and throwing up violently," she recalls. "I relied on having strong painkillers injected to cope with the agony."It took all my effort to get up in the morning. But nobody could get to the bottom of what was wrong with me."Then a neuro-surgeon told her he feared she had a brain tumour."I was out of my body with fear," Gillian says. "My brother's girlfriend had just been diagnosed with a brain tumour and my symptoms matched hers exactly. When I was told I needed a CAT scan I just knew I was going to die."She was living in Philadelphia in the US and hosted a radio show featuring alternative therapies."It's ironic," she says. "I had a boyfriend who was a health freak and I was reading up on all these things, but not following them. I was closed to new ideas. Then just before I was due to have the scan I had a guest who came on and claimed she could read people's bodies."I thought it was a load of rubbish, but was so scared I blurted out that I thought I had a brain tumour."She placed her hands on mine and told me I didn't have cancer, but listed all the mineral and vitamin deficiencies in my body that were causing the migraines. I had her diagnosis checked out and it was completely true."Spurred on by the findings, Gillian tried a nutritionally rich blue-green algae supplement recommended by a friend."It was amazing," she says. "Within a week my migraines had gone. It was like crawling out of the darkest tunnel. I never went for that scan."The final piece of the jigsaw was her 24th birthday surprise from her boyfriend. He left her at a macrobiotic retreat for the weekend."By the end I was a convert," she smiles. "It all made so much sense."She trained as a nutritionist, and now GPs refer their patients to her. She has a two-year waiting list and has treated doctors, royalty, Hollywood stars and top athletes.She also made a difference closer to home when her father had a heart attack 14 years ago. "He was told he had just six months to live," she says. "I don't think he would still be here today if he wasn't following my ideas, though he doesn't do all of it."Gillian's approach is to look at how the whole body can benefit from the foods we put into it. And she is not afraid to probe every area of her patients' lifestyle.She has been horrified by the diets of people she has met on You Are What You Eat. "These people are sometimes not getting any nutrition from the food they eat," she says.Her TV guinea-pigs end up stones lighter, bursting with energy and with glowing skin and silky hair. Thousands have been picking up on her advice.When she mentioned the benefits of eating pumpkin seeds, Sainsbury's reported a 265 per cent rise in sales the next day, and there was a 40 per cent rise when she talked about sweet potato. But Gillian understands people who live on a quick-fix diet."I lived on microwave meals and could go weeks without eating fresh fruit or vegetables," she remembers. "I was two and a half stone overweight, which is a lot to carry on my 5ft 3ins frame. I had an ugly fringe cut in just to hide the pimples on my forehead. When I changed my diet, the weight came off and the spots disappeared."She even forgave her boyfriend for taking her to that macrobiotic retreat. Now they have been married for 10 years and have two daughters, Skylar, nine, and Afton, four.Gillian is keen to stress that her plan needn't cost the earth and that you needn't follow her advice to the letter to see results."Making simple changes to your diet can make all the difference," she says. "And I don't want you to eat less or to go hungry."It's about lots of the right things. It's about changing a few habits and recognising the harm that certain foods are inflicting on you."ADAPTED by Clare Goldwin from Dr Gillian McKeith's bestselling book You Are What You Eat (Penguin, £12.99). YOUR DAILY PLANTRY my simple plan to get you started. You can follow it to the letter, or simply use it as a basis.7.15am: When you wake up, don't jump straight out of bed. Spend a minute to centre yourself and set yourself up for a relaxing day. Drink one cup of water with a squeeze of lemon.7.30am: Get some exercise, whether it's five minutes jumping around to music or a brisk 30-minute walk.8am: Bowl of fruit salad made from fresh peaches, pears and strawberries sprinkled with mint leaves. If you don't think it will be enough, have a big bowl of porridge before you leave for work. Sweeten with a little maple syrup if you must.10.15am: Morning snack - two or more carrots.Noon: Brisk 20-minute walk before lunch.12.30pm: Lunch. Buy vegetarian sushi or have crudites with houmous or a bag of mixed leaves from the supermarket and chop avocado into it.3pm: Mid-afternoon snack - one or more whole cucumbers or pumpkin seeds.6pm: Dance to music for 20 minutes.6.30pm: Dinner - lemon sole (or any fresh fish you fancy) with steamed florets of broccoli, carrots and a basil bed under the fish. Serve with raw mangetout or raw tomatoes and some fresh chopped parsley.9pm: Evening snack - one or more apples. During the day drink mineral water and herb teas - nettle tea or camomile tea - or unsweetened fruit juice.GIVE YOURSELF A FOOD MOT Are you as fit as a Ferrari or as feeble as a rattling old Fiat? Answer yes or no to my 20 questions.1 DO you eat at least one piece of raw fruit each day?2 DO you eat at least five servings of veg each day?3 DO you eat rice, millet, oats or other grains at least three times a week?4 DO you eat a serving of raw veggies a day?5 DO you eat raw seeds at least three times a week?6 DO you eat fewer than 15 items of processed food a week?7 DO you include fish in your diet at least twice a week?8 DO you chew your food thoroughly until it's liquefied?9 DO you go out of your way to avoid foods containing preservatives, additives, colourings or E numbers?10 DO you avoid foods that contain sugar or added sugar?11 IF you are stressed, do you wait until the feeling has passed before eating?12 WERE you breast fed as a child?13 DO you always make sure that you take time to eat properly, even if you feel tired or busy?14 DO you eat breakfast every day?15 DO you drink less than 15 cups of tea or coffee a week?16 DO you drink at least eight glasses of filtered, spring or mineral water a day?17 DO you avoid alcohol/soft drinks when eating?18 DO you drink water about 25 minutes before eating your main meals, instead of drinking it with meals?19 DO you eat a varied diet instead of eating the same foods every day?20 DO you drink raw vegetable juices at least once a week?YOUR SCORE - ADD UP THE NUMBER OF YES ANSWERS17-20: Excellent - perfect working order.12-16: Not bad - a few dodgy parts.11 or fewer: Stop! Don't move! I am really worried about you. You are in a serious mess.QUICK TIPSHERE are some easy hints that could help change your life. My patients all tell me how much they have benefited from them. I am sure you will, too.- Drink warm water first thing in the morning - It goes right through the bowels and cleans mucus out from the day before. It's even better with a squeeze of lemon.- Lubricate, don't flood. When you drink fluids with meals, you drown your digestive enzymes and only partial digestion takes place. Drink fluids, preferably water, 30 minutes from meals, either before or after.- ENZYMES! - Raw vegetables, raw fruit, nuts and seeds are loaded with live enzymes, the key to nutrient absorption and vibrant health.- Chew slowly. It's when the digestive process begins.- Eat when calm . Your digestion will be much better.- Not too hot, not too cold. Ice-cold drinks weaken the organs. Eating piping-hot foods injures mouth membranes, damages gastric stomach linings and degrades taste buds.- Decorate your plate. If it looks and smells appealing it will encourage your glands to secrete saliva which helps digestion.- Rotate your foods. You don't need too much of one single food and it can lead to food allergies and intolerances.- Listen to your body. If you really want a specific food, go with it. Not chocolate cookies, but fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and seasonings.- Eat something healthy and substantial for breakfast - when your stomach energies are strongest.- Eat the last meal of the day at least a couple of hours before bed. When you eat too late, you stress and wear out your body.- The kidneys are the most important organs for overall vitality. Before bed, find your kidneys by placing your hands on your back, below the waist but above the bum. Visualise a warm white light coursing through your body to your hands. They will begin to feel warm as you transfer the heat and light into the kidneys. Massage the region, then lie on a hot water bottle.- Regular moderate stretching, walking, cycling, swimming, t'ai chi or dancing will expel toxins and revitalise the body.- CHOOSE cruciferous veggies - cabbage, broccoli, seaweed, sprouts or cauliflower. They help you detox and energise your blood.- Before showering, take a flannel, soak it in hot water and rub it all over your body. Start at the feet and work your way up, always towards the heart. This will get your blood moving, improving your digestion.- The earlier you go to bed, the better. If you are not in bed by 11pm you disturb the natural cleansing process and will feel sluggish.- Just be. Take five minutes of quiet time each morning to stop and reflect. Those moments will help to balance your biochemistry for the day. Tue, 10 Aug 2004 23:55:34 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/improve-your-diet-and-change-your-life- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-survey-confirms-l-carnitine-ups-fatty-acid-oxidation New survey confirms L-Carnitine ups fatty acid oxidationSource: www.foodnavigator.comSwiss chemicals firm Lonza has carried out a new study which confirms that supplementation with L-Carnitine can significantly increase fatty acid oxidation in healthy adults in a short period of time without causing loss of muscle mass.This study was set up to verify the results published by Müller et al. (Metabolism, 2002), using a more sophisticated method of research. “In 2002, we showed for the first time that oral L-Carnitine supplementation stimulated fatty acid metabolism in healthy adults,” Ulla Held, manager of scientific affairs for Lonza’s nutrition division, told NutraIngredients. “We wanted to investigate these results using an improved method, namely by labelling a mixture of fatty acids and the amino acid glycine.” The researchers used a combined 15N-, 13C-tracer technique to study the effects of oral L-Carnitine supplementation (3x1.5 g L-Carnitine L-Tartrate/day for 10 days) on long chain fatty acid oxidation in slightly overweight adults. After oral administration of the labelled fatty acids and the amino acid glycine, the enrichment of 15N- and 13C- in the patients' breath was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The researchers observed a significant increase in 13CO2 exhalation after L-Carnitine supplementation, which indicated an increase in fatty acid oxidation. L-Carnitine, a vitamin-like nutrient, occurs naturally in the human body and is essential for turning fat into energy. The dietary supplement is generally used by physically active people to help with post-exercise recovery. Lonza, which claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of L-Carnitine, said that extensive scientific research shows L-Carnitine to promote cardiovascular health and studies also suggest the nutrient may be useful in weight management. L-Carnipure L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (US Patent 5,073,376 and other international patents) consists of 68 per cent L-Carnitine and 32 per cent L-tartaric acid. The supplement was GRAS in 2002, along with L-Carnitine L-Tartrate. Both products are crystalline, white, water-soluble and heat stable and can therefore be used in food and drink applications. The research was carried out in conjunction with the University of Rostock, Germany, under the leadership of Prof. Klaus Wutzke, and is published in the journal Metabolism (vol 53, no 8:1002-1006, 2004). Lonza generated sales of CHF 2.24 billion in 2003 - down 11.6 per cent on the previous year. Profits also fell at Lonza during 2003, down 59 per cent on the previous year, despite a number of cost-cutting measures undertaken during the period. While sales of L-Carnitine remained at the 2002 level, despite increased competition from Asian countries, the company faced overcapacities in its major business of custom manufacturing and a lack of new drug approvals Tue, 10 Aug 2004 23:24:43 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-survey-confirms-l-carnitine-ups-fatty-acid-oxidation http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-is-chelation-therapy-us-study-calls-for-participants What is chelation therapy? US study calls for participantsSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comChelation (pronounced key-LAY-shun) therapy is an investigational therapy using a man-made amino acid, called EDTA. It is added to the blood through a vein. A national research study is now testing whether chelation therapy is safe and effective for treating heart disease. Why is this study being conducted? Many people are considering using chelation therapy because of the belief that it may treat heart disease. However this has not been scientifically proven. Past studies did not show benefit, but may have been too small to be conclusive. That is why the National Institutes of Health is conducting this large study to find out whether chelation therapy is safe and effective in treating heart disease. What will you (the participant) be asked to do? Before you join the study, you should discuss your participation with your doctor. Your participation in the study will last up to 5 years. During that time, it will be important that you continue your standard heart disease treatments. You will be randomly assigned to receive one of several different treatment combinations. Randomly assigning people to treatment groups helps ensure that the treatments can be compared objectively. You will receive: -- Either chelation therapy or placebo solution (an inactive treatment) -- Either high-dose vitamins or placebo pills -- All participants will receive low-dose vitamins. You will visit your study site for your treatments once a week for 30 weeks. Then, you will have 10 more visits, between 2 weeks and 2 months apart. Each treatment will take about 3 hours. The study team will work with you to schedule your visits at a time that works best for you. Remember, participation in this study is your choice. You can leave the study at any time. Why participate? -- Help the medical community find new and effective treatments for heart disease. -- Join a nationwide effort to learn whether chelation therapy works. -- Your health will be closely monitored while you are enrolled in the study. Are there any risks or side effects? Chelation with EDTA has been used to treat heavy metal poisoning such as lead. For this use, there is a low occurrence of side effects. The safety of EDTA for treating heart disease has not been established. The most common side effect is a burning sensation at the site where the EDTA is delivered into the vein. Rare side effects can include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Even more rare are serious side effects that can include a sudden drop in blood pressure, abnormally low calcium levels in the blood, permanent kidney damage, and bone marrow depression (meaning that blood cell counts fall). Reversible injury to the kidneys, although infrequent, has been reported with EDTA chelation therapy. Other serious side effects can occur if EDTA is not administered by a trained health professional. In addition, because chelation therapy removes important vitamins and minerals from the body, it will be very important for you to take the vitamin supplements supplied by the study. It is also important that you continue to take your standard heart disease treatments. What are the costs? There are no costs for taking part in the study. You should continue to see your regular doctor and maintain your health insurance to cover all medical care not included in the study. Where is the study taking place? The study is taking place at more than 100 medical centers, clinics, and physicians' offices across the USA. Please call 1-888-644-6226 to find out if you are eligible to take part and to find a location near you. National Center for Complementary and Alternative TherapyNational Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA Web: http://nccam.nih.gov E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov Tue, 10 Aug 2004 23:09:15 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-is-chelation-therapy-us-study-calls-for-participants http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-proof-of-vitamin-cancer-link More proof of vitamin-cancer linkSource: news.bbc.co.ukIt may not only be the lack of vitamin D that increases a woman's breast cancer risk but also the way in which the body utilises it, say researchers. Studies have shown vitamin D protects against breast cancer and a lack may contribute to the disease. Now scientists have found women with certain versions of a gene involved in the vitamin's breakdown have a nearly twofold greater risk of breast cancer. The St George's Hospital findings appear in Clinical Cancer Research. Dr Michelle Guy and her team, funded by Breast Cancer Campaign and World Cancer Research Fund, looked at the vitamin D receptor which controls the action of vitamin D in the body. We are starting to unravel how breast cancer might develop in women who have no family history of the disease Lead researcher Dr Michelle Guy A gene - the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene - carries the blueprint for this receptor. The researchers looked at the VDR gene of 398 women with breast cancer and 427 women without breast cancer. The women with breast cancer were significantly more likely to have a certain versions of the gene than the cancer-free women, they found. These certain versions increased breast cancer risk nearly twofold. Women with these versions may also have a more aggressive form of the disease if the cancer spreads, the researchers believe. They said the findings might provide a new way of helping to predict women's risk of developing breast cancer or of it spreading by looking at the different versions of the vitamin D receptor gene. In turn, this would help cancer specialists to better plan an individual's treatment at diagnosis. Wide-reaching importance Dr Guy said: "While it is known that 5-10% of breast cancer cases are due to a genetic predisposition associated with well-characterised genes, like BRCA1, the underlying causes of the majority of all other breast cancers remain a mystery. Further research is needed Breakthrough Breast Cancer "We hope that by showing that natural variations in the vitamin D receptor gene can increase susceptibility to breast cancer, we are starting to unravel how breast cancer might develop in women who have no family history of the disease." Pamela Goldberg, chief executive of Breast Cancer Campaign said: "This research could provide a real step forward in the future of treatment for breast cancer, which will be in risk assessment and drug regimes tailored to the individual patient. "For patients with breast cancer the development of a test to determine how the disease will progress could provide real benefits by improving the way in which their disease is treated and managed." Professor Martin Wiseman from World Cancer Research Fund said: "This is an important study which begins to address questions about how diet and lifestyle interact with genetic factors to influence cancer risk, and why different people respond in different ways." Antonia Bunnin, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "Further research is needed before any firm conclusions about the role of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention can be established." Meanwhile, researchers at Aberdeen University have found looking at a woman's genes could help to predict whether she will respond to chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Dr Andrew Schofield and colleagues found specific changes in a gene called p27 made breast cancer cells resistant to the drug docetaxel. The findings appear in Breast Cancer Research. Tue, 10 Aug 2004 23:05:06 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-proof-of-vitamin-cancer-link http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-the-major-types-of-complementary-and-alternative-medicine- What are the major types of complementary and alternative medicine?Source: www.medicalnewstoday.comNCCAM classifies Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies into five categories, or domains: 1. Alternative Medical Systems Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States. Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. 2. Mind-Body Interventions Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance. 3. Biologically Based Therapies Biologically based therapies in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements,3 herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer). 4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods Manipulative and body-based methods in CAM are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage. 5. Energy Therapies Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types: -- Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. -- Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields. NCCAM, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov Tue, 10 Aug 2004 23:02:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-the-major-types-of-complementary-and-alternative-medicine- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/veggie-diet-promotes-health Veggie diet promotes healthSource: www.heraldtribune.comHeart attacks and strokes are the leading cause of death in the United States, and a major contributing factor is the consumption of excessive saturated fat and cholesterol.Recently, federal health officials sharply reduced the desired levels of harmful cholesterol for Americans who are at moderate to high risk for heart disease. The new recommendations call for treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs for millions of Americans who had thought their cholesterol levels were fine.Those switching to a low-fat diet may not experience the cholesterol lowering they expect unless they also remove the low-fat animal products as well. Surprising to most people is that, yes, even low-fat dairy and skinless white-meat chicken raise cholesterol. Many individuals do not see the dramatic drop in cholesterol levels unless they go all the way by cutting all animal products from their diet.Plant foods contain no cholesterol, whereas meat, eggs, and dairy products contain large amounts of cholesterol, saturated fats and concentrated protein, all harmful substances, which lead to clogged arteries.It's never too late to change your habits for the better. Going vegan is the single best thing you can do for your health. Check out www.vegforlife.org.Gundel BhutaniSarasota Tue, 03 Aug 2004 00:21:53 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/veggie-diet-promotes-health http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-holds-key-to-prostate-cancer Nutrition holds key to prostate cancerSource: www.nbr.co.nzAbout 2000 New Zealand men will learn they have prostate cancer this year. While it is still not fully understood exactly what causes this cancer, there is growing evidence suggesting a nutritional basis for both the development and prevention of prostate cancer. In the past six years there have been seven population studies examining the possible connection between selenium and prostate cancer. Selenium is a trace element found to a varying extent in soil. In New Zealand, soils are low in selenium. All but one of the studies has demonstrated selenium confers some degree of protection against prostate cancer. However, since it is still not clear how prostate cancer starts or can be prevented, it is too early to say definitively selenium protects the prostate. The latest study (the biggest to date examining selenium) tracked the subjects for 13 years. This long observational period is especially significant as prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer. The study found men with the highest levels of selenium in their blood were about half as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer as the men with the lowest blood selenium. A recent Stanford University study found a similar connection, with men with low blood levels of selenium being four to five times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with normal levels of the mineral. The study also confirmed selenium levels decrease as men age, an interesting finding, as prostate cancer incidence also increases with age. The American National Cancer Institute recently launched a 10-year trial on 32,000 men to see if two supplements ­ selenium and vitamin E ­ can cut the incidence of prostate cancer. The study follows several earlier studies which indicate a positive effect from the use of the supplements. As far back as 1980, research was linking selenium with prostate protection. If you are a man over 50 it may be of benefit to ask your doctor to test your plasma selenium levels. The Stanford study suggests a safe level is between 10.8 and 18.2mcg/dl. If your levels fall below that, include generous servings of selenium- rich food in your diet, such as brazil nuts, beef, tuna, turkey, chicken, eggs, wholewheat bread and fruit (if grown in selenium-rich soils). Dr Larry Clark directs the selenium and cancer projects at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. On prostate cancer and nutrition, he says, "We've gone from knowing almost nothing about diet and prostate cancer to prostate cancer being the leading cancer that may be affected by diet, meaning we can do the most to prevent it if we find the right diet." Scientists at the University of Rochester, New York, found adding vitamin E to prostate cancer cells inhibits the production of a receptor for testosterone, called the androgen receptor (AR), which is needed for cancer cells to grow and develop. The fewer ARs there are in a prostate cancer cell, the less capable the remaining ARs are to turn on the genes that stimulate prostate cancer growth and progression. The usual test for prostate health is the blood test which measures the PSA (prostate specific antigen). The presence of PSA indicates the presence of ARs. When AR is present and active, PSA levels climb. The Rochester study found that vitamin E inhibits AR activity in prostate cells, which in turn decreases the PSA. Even more exciting was the discovery that vitamin E can regulate or completely halt the genes responsible for the cancer's ability to grown. PSA levels can drop by as much as 80-90% when prostate cells are exposed to vitamin E. Vitamin E was also shown to decrease the number of cancer cells, typically by 25-50%. The effects of vitamin E on prostate cancer were also found to be improved when the vitamin was supplemented with vitamin D and selenium. Not all forms of vitamin E were found equally effective. By far the most effective form of the supplement was alpha-tocopheryl succinate. Food sources of vitamin E include dark-green leafy vegetables, avocados, whole grains, nuts, dried beans, vegetable oils, seafood, eggs, and organ meats such as liver and kidneys. More evidence to support the use of vitamin E for prostate cancer prevention was delivered at the recent annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Scientists from the National Cancer Institute reviewed data from 300 subjects enrolled in a large Finnish study. This study found men who took 50mg of alpha-tocopherol vitamin E daily for more than five years reduced their prostate cancer risk by almost one third. The recent NCI study expanded on that finding. Data were collected on 200 men who didn't have prostate cancer and 100 who had it. Blood samples showed men with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol lowered their risk of prostate cancer more than 50%. Mon, 02 Aug 2004 23:56:38 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-holds-key-to-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/secrets-of-the-mediterranean-diet Secrets of the Mediterranean DietSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comA recent study has once again confirmed that people who closely follow ‘the Mediterranean Diet’ live longer than other Europeans (1). So what exactly is the Mediterranean diet and how does it exert this spectacular effect.The Mediterranean diet is not a specific diet plan or diet program but a collection of eating habits that are traditionally followed by the people of the Mediterranean region. There are at least 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and food habits vary between these countries according to culture, ethnic background and religion. But there are a number of characteristics common to them all…(2). -- A high consumption of fruits, vegetables, potatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, bread and other cereals -- Olive oil used for cooking and dressings -- Moderate amounts of fish but little meat -- Low to moderate amounts of full fat cheese and yogurt -- Moderate consumption of wine, usually with meals -- Reliance on local, seasonal, fresh produce -- An active lifestyle -- Protection from chronic diseasesIn a recent study (1) the diets of more than 22,000 people living in Greece were ranked according to how closely they adhered to the traditional Greek style Mediterranean diet. During the 4 years of the study, it was found that the closer people followed the traditional diet the less likely they were to die from either heart disease or cancer, with slightly greater protection against heart disease than cancer. Overall, people following the Mediterranean diet most closely were 25% less likely to die during the study period than those who did not, suggesting that those closely following the Mediterranean diet end up dying later than those who do not. Mon, 02 Aug 2004 23:08:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/secrets-of-the-mediterranean-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/worlds-best-vitamin-weight-loss-and-fat-reduction-from-a-multi-vitamin- World's Best Vitamin - Weight Loss and Fat Reduction from a Multi-Vitamin?Source: This multi-vitamin contains some of the most powerful and most researched nutrients. Our company sells just one bottle of vitamins which nutritionally supports the entire body! The ONLY vitamin you may need!(PRWEB) July 27, 2004 -- This multi-vitamin does not contain Ephedra, MaHuang or Guarana currently or previously used in some diet pills and can have potential harmful side effects. It does contain Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Garcinia Cambogia. -A study published in the Journal of Nutrition (Dec. 2000, Vol. 130, No.12) established that Conjugated Linoleic Acid reduces body fat in people who are overweight or obese. Jan Wadstein, MD, PhD, associate professor at Lund University in Sweden states, "CLA may be a valuable weight management supplement to any diet regimen. Keeping lean body mass and speeding up fat loss are the keys to a successful weight program." -Garcinia Cambogia, is a natural organic acid extract from the rind of the Malabar tamarind. This compound has been associated with the gradual decrease in body fat, lowering serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels, improvement in heart function and supressing hunger cravings frequently. Citrin K, which contains the best and most researched form of Garcinia Cambogia, is in this multi-vitamin. Citrin K is a proprietary formula proven to suppress appetite and inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver. -A study performed by Kaats, et al, concluded the administration of Garcinia Cambogia reduced deposition of body fat and promoted increased weight loss in human subjects (Kaats GR. Reduction of body fat as a function of taking a dietary supplement containing Garcinia Cambogia extract, chromium picolinate and L-carnitine: A randomized double blind placebo controlled study. 3rd International Conference on Anti-Aging Medicine and Bio-medical Technology. Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 7-11, 1995). Wed, 28 Jul 2004 21:53:26 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/worlds-best-vitamin-weight-loss-and-fat-reduction-from-a-multi-vitamin- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-reduces-emphysema-in-smokers Vitamin A reduces emphysema in smokersSource: washingtontimes.comUniversity researcher Richard Baybutt's previous studies found that rats fed a vitamin A-deficient diet developed emphysema, a lung disease found primarily in smokers.He than exposed rats to cigarette smoke and found the rats became vitamin A deficient. He subsequently determined benzopyrene, a common carcinogen found in cigarettes, is the link to the deficiency."When the lung content of vitamin A was low, the score of emphysema was high," he said. "So, the hypothesis is that smokers develop emphysema because of a vitamin A deficiency."Baybutt then began feeding the rats exposed to cigarette smoke a diet with higher levels of vitamin A and the incidents of emphysema were effectively reduced."There are a lot of people who live to be 90 years old and are smokers," he said. "Why? Probably because of their diet."The findings appear in the current issue of the Journal of Nutrition. Wed, 28 Jul 2004 21:51:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-a-reduces-emphysema-in-smokers http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-no-benefit-to-heart-researchers-say Vitamin E No Benefit to Heart, Researchers SaySource: www.reuters.co.ukTaking Vitamin E supplements does not ward off heart disease and may even mislead people into thinking they do not need to take drugs of proven value or adopt a healthier lifestyle, a study said on Monday.Summarizing the findings of seven studies conducted since 1990, the report published in The Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that people who took Vitamin E supplements did not protect themselves against cardiovascular disease.Vitamin E in the diet is a so-called antioxidant and is thought to help prevent cholesterol from clogging arteries, said lead author Rachel Eidelman of the Agatston Research Institute in Miami Beach, Florida. But taking Vitamin E in supplement form did not appear to provide the same benefit, she said.The report warned that some people may take Vitamin E pills in lieu of adopting healthier habits. They may also skip taking drugs of proven benefit in combating heart disease such as aspirin, statins and beta-blockers. Wed, 28 Jul 2004 21:50:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-no-benefit-to-heart-researchers-say http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/simple-home-remedy-for-vertigo-works Simple Home Remedy for Vertigo WorksSource: my.webmd.comIf the word "vertigo" conjures images of the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, it's a good bet you don't have it. For those who do, the severity of the dizziness that is the main symptom of this condition can range from simply annoying to life altering. While the causes of the most common type of vertigo are complex, the treatment can be simple. So simple, in fact, that new research suggests patients can have as much success treating their condition at home as in a doctor's office. The study found that 95% of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo had no further episodes of dizziness a week after beginning a simple and well-tolerated physical therapy regimen at home. Known as the Epley procedure, the maneuver is the most widely used treatment for this type of vertigo in the U.S., but it is typically performed by a physician or physical therapist in a medical setting. "At-home treatment is really a much more effective method of managing these symptoms," vertigo expert Timothy C. Hain, MD, tells WebMD. "For patients who know they have this type of vertigo, I don't see any downside to trying it." Top-Shelf Vertigo Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness, especially among older people. One study showed that roughly one in 10 people over the age of 75 had the condition, which is caused by small stones or crystals of calcium carbonate in the inner ear. These stones stimulate the nerves of the inner ear, causing dizziness. The condition is also known as top-shelf vertigo because changes in head position such as looking up and down cause dizziness. Getting out of bed or rolling over in bed are common triggers. Different head movement exercises have been used for decades to dislodge the crystals. Earlier at-home maneuvers were much less effective than those now commonly performed in a doctor's office. In this study, published in the July issue of the journal Neurology, researcher Andrea Radtke, MD, and colleagues assessed the effectiveness of two of the newer maneuvers when performed at home without medical supervision. Both of the maneuvers involved head and body movements performed while sitting on a bed. The maneuvers were done once in a doctor's office, and patients were then told to perform the exercise three times a day at home until they had no symptoms of vertigo for at least 24 hours. Within a week, 95% of the patients who performed the modified Epley procedure had complete resolution of their symptoms, compared with 58% of patients who performed the other procedure. How to Do It Patients start by sitting on a bed and placing a pillow behind them so that it will be under their shoulders when they lie back. Then, Turn your head 45 degrees to the left, if the vertigo is in the left ear, or to the right if it is in the right ear. Lie back quickly with shoulders on the pillow, neck extended, and head resting on the bed. In this position, the affected ear is underneath. Wait for 30 seconds. Turn your head 90 degrees to the right (without raising it), and wait again for 30 seconds. Turn your body and head another 90 degrees to the right, and wait for another 30 seconds. Sit up on the right side. The maneuver should be performed three times a day and repeated daily until there are no signs of vertigo for at least 24 hours. Routine Management Radtke and colleagues recommend the maneuver for patients who do not get relief after a first treatment by a doctor or therapist, and for those who have a recurrence of their vertigo. Roughly a third of patients have such recurrences within a year of treatment and half have recurrences within five years. "It is still important for people who don't know why they are dizzy to see a doctor," University of Pittsburgh neurology and otolaryngology professor Joseph M. Furman, MD, PhD, tells WebMD. "But at-home treatment is certainly something that patients who have been treated before could try, either preventatively to avoid a recurrence or when they have recurrences." Furman and Hain co-wrote an editorial accompanying the new study in which they concluded that at-home treatment is likely to become part of the routine management of BPPV. "I encourage my patients to try it," Furman says. "If it works, great. If it doesn't then they should come to see me." Tue, 27 Jul 2004 11:43:24 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/simple-home-remedy-for-vertigo-works http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-hair-regrowth-is-practitioners-forte Herbal hair regrowth is practitioner's forteSource: www.mississauganews.comMariana De Oliveira has been experimenting with herbs since she was 9 and growing up in Portugal. She figured that if grass could grow on stone there should be a way to make hair grow on a bald scalp. Working as a hair dresser in Toronto, she developed a unique herbal program that apparently does just that: Make hair grow on bald heads -- or so she says. With the July 6 opening of her Herbal Castle hair treatment centre on Stanfield Dr., De Oliveira will be devoting herself full-time to making hair grow, and using herbal skin care treatments to get rid of psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, athlete's foot and shingles. De Oliveira, 65, says she started using her herbal concoctions at her Toronto hair salon on desperate clients who were losing their hair. "Back in 1979 I used to perm the hair of a girl who had scars all over her head and hardly any hair," said De Oliveira. "So I cooked up some herbs and made them into potions on the stove in my house and gave them to her. Eighteen months later, she had a full head of hair, and I thought, if this girl can grow hair, anyone can." Over the years, De Oliveira perfected her five-step hair treatment program and started selling it through her Toronto salon and over the internet. She also developed skin care products that make psoriasis, rosacea, shingles, eczema, athlete's foot and boils disappear. It might sound like witchcraft but Dr. David Greenberg, team doctor for the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts and medical expert for City TV's Breakfast Television program, said De Oliveira is definitely on the up and up. "Mariana is a savant," said Greenberg. "She doesn't have the training, but she has a gift. She's a healer." The hair growing treatments cost about $658 to start for a supply of the pre-treatment, four formulas and a heat cap. Clients can do the treatments that involve shampooing, massage and heat at home or come to the Herbal Castle to have them done. Tue, 27 Jul 2004 11:25:42 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-hair-regrowth-is-practitioners-forte http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treatment-causes-short-term-modest-delay-in-alzheimers-onset-in-patients-with-mild-cog-impairment Treatment Causes Short-term, Modest Delay In Alzheimer's Onset In Patients With Mild Cog ImpairmentSource: www.sciencedaily.comFor the first time, a drug appears to have a slowing effect -- though limited -- on the progression from mild cognitive impairment, a memory disorder considered a strong early predictor of Alzheimer's disease, to Alzheimer's.This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study compared vitamin E; donepezil, an Alzheimer's treatment drug; and placebo for delay or prevention of progression to Alzheimer's disease in mild cognitive impairment patients. The study's results will be presented at the 9th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 18. The Alzheimer's Association described the trial as "among the most anticipated studies" to be presented at the conference. "This is the first study to demonstrate any positive treatment effect on mild cognitive impairment with respect to progression to Alzheimer's disease," says Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead investigator of the trial. "We are optimistic because this means we have begun to make progress toward delaying the development of Alzheimer's disease and the cognitive decline that accompanies it." The study investigators report that vitamin E did not have an effect on slowing the progression to Alzheimer's disease. However, over the first half, or 18 months, of the three-year trial, mild cognitive impairment patients treated with donepezil had a reduced risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease compared to patients who took placebo; the average delay in disease progression was about six months in those subjects who progressed to Alzheimer's disease. Although the patients treated with donepezil initially progressed to Alzheimer's disease at a slower rate than patients treated with vitamin E or placebo, this risk-reduction effect was short term. By the end of the study, the risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease was the same among all three treatment groups. "Donepezil appeared to exert its effect during the first half of the study," says Dr. Petersen. "There were a lot of complicating factors, however, and there was no overall risk reduction effect of donepezil by the end of the study. It looks like donepezil had a time-limited, modest effect." The investigators do not know exactly why donepezil's effect dropped off over time. Theories are that the drug's effect wore off after 18 months, or that the drug exerts a modest effect and then the disease process outweighs the chemical effect of the drug, indicates Dr. Petersen. Previous studies show that without treatment, about 10 to 15 percent of individuals with mild cognitive impairment progress to Alzheimer's disease each year. Not every patient with mild cognitive impairment will progress to Alzheimer's disease, however. During the three-year study, the trial participants developed Alzheimer's disease at a rate of 13 percent per year. Among those who progressed to Alzheimer's disease, patients treated with donepezil averaged 661 days until diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, while those treated with vitamin E averaged 540 days until Alzheimer's diagnosis and those treated with placebo averaged 484 days to Alzheimer's disease. Due to the complexity of the study's results, the investigators point out that more analysis will be critical to assess the practical implications of the new information and make recommendations for clinical practice. This study involved 769 participants at 69 medical centers in the United States and Canada. All participants met established criteria for mild cognitive impairment and were randomized to receive vitamin E, donepezil or placebo treatment. Patients who received donepezil were given 5 mg per day for the initial six weeks and then 10 mg till the study's end, and those treated with vitamin E were given 1000 IU per day for the first six weeks and then 2000 IU per day until the study's end. The other participants were given an inactive pill, or placebo. The investigators designed the study to compare the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in each participant group. The FDA has not approved any treatments for mild cognitive impairment. Vitamin E and donepezil were selected for testing because vitamin E has been shown to delay disease progression in Alzheimer's disease patients and donepezil relieves symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, according to Brad Boeve, M.D., also a Mayo Clinic neurologist and a co-investigator of the trial. According to the investigators, patients who have mild cognitive impairment have memory impairment that is out of proportion to that expected for their age, yet they do not meet commonly accepted criteria for Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. These patients are in a transitional state between early aging and Alzheimer's disease. They can think and reason well, but recent memory is deficient for their age. Researchers have also found that those who have mild cognitive impairment show brain volume loss in the hippocampus, the area of the brain that controls the sorting, storage and recall of information. The condition can be diagnosed on the basis of five criteria: * Memory complaints* Abnormal memory for age* Ability to carry out normal activities of daily living* Normal general cognitive function* Lack of dementia Tue, 27 Jul 2004 11:19:36 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/treatment-causes-short-term-modest-delay-in-alzheimers-onset-in-patients-with-mild-cog-impairment http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-selenium-wards-off-prostate-cancer- How Much Selenium Wards Off Prostate Cancer?Source: www.infozine.comby Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN - A recent study links the consumption of the essential mineral selenium with a lower risk of prostate cancer. American Institute for Cancer Research - There are now seven population studies in the past six years that examined the possible connection between selenium and prostate cancer. All but one of them have found selenium protective. Yet, since scientists are still uncertain how prostate cancer starts or can be prevented, it is too early to say that selenium definitely protects the prostate. There is much more to learn.The latest study, however, is especially important because it is the largest study to date. It tracked the health of the men participating for up to 13 years. The duration of the study is significant because prostate cancer is usually a slow growing cancer, influenced by diet and lifestyle over decades as it develops. In this recent study, men with the highest levels of selenium in their blood were about half as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer as the men with the lowest blood selenium. Similarly, two past studies show that those with the lowest blood selenium have a moderately increased risk of prostate cancer.Besides examining blood levels of selenium, studies are underway to test the effectiveness of selenium supplements in reducing prostate cancer. One major U.S. study in progress supplies participants with a supplement of either selenium, vitamin E, or both. The development of prostate cancer among these people will be compared to other participants who receive no supplements. Another study in France is testing an antioxidant vitamin supplement that includes selenium. An earlier U.S. study found that selenium supplements cut the risk of prostate cancer nearly in half, except for those whose blood levels of selenium were already high.Because it boosts the body's antioxidant capacity, scientists believe that selenium can control cell damage that may lead to cancer. Selenium may even act in other ways to stop early cancer cells in their development. While study results so far are fairly positive about selenium's anti-cancer potential, many questions remain: How much selenium is enough for men? Can men get enough from food? Would supplements help every man or only some?The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for selenium was set at 55 mcg for adult men and women to maximize only one antioxidant enzyme system of which selenium is an essential part. The studies that give men extra selenium in a supplement form generally give 100 to 200 micrograms (mcg). It is unclear whether smaller supplement amounts could help prevent prostate cancer. Optimal anti-cancer effects, however, may require more than the RDA.In the U.S., almost everyone receives more than the RDA for selenium from foods. It's easy to see why. There is 40 to 70 mcg of selenium in a three-ounce portion of fish, 23-30 mcg in a 3-ounce portion of poultry or meat, and 15-35 mcg in one cup of pasta, rice or two slices of bread. The entire RDA for selenium can also be consumed in 3-4 Brazil nuts.If you want to take a selenium supplement anyway, first check to see how much extra selenium is in any vitamin supplements you use (they often contain about 20 mcg), as well as in fortified cereals, bars or other foods. The National Academy of Science warns that too much selenium can cause nerve damage, hair loss and digestive disturbances. The maximum amount from food and supplements considered safe is 400 mcg a day.If supplements help prevent prostate cancer, it's still unknown who would benefit. Some studies suggest benefits might be limited to older men or men whose diets are low in antioxidants. In a few years, the work of researchers should make the answers clearer. Tue, 27 Jul 2004 11:11:18 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-selenium-wards-off-prostate-cancer- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/organic-tomatoes-have-higher-levels-of-vitamin-c Organic tomatoes have higher levels of vitamin CSource: www.news-medical.netNew research on specific sample groups shows some organic produce may have an added health benefit over conventionally grown counterparts, according to researchers presenting at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo. But inherent inconsistencies associated with organic farming make general comparisons inappropriate. In her study of organic and conventionally grown tomatoes, Alyson Mitchell, a food chemist at University of California at Davis, found organic tomatoes had higher levels of secondary plant metabolites and higher levels of vitamin C. "In looking at the (California) supermarket varieties of broccoli, we also found significantly higher levels of the flavonoids in organic broccoli," said Mitchell. .As defense mechanisms in plants used to fend off infection and pests, metabolites in the body are thought to offer health benefits including reduced risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease. Flavonoids are metabolites known to act in the body as antioxidants. "It is recognized that high-intensity agricultural practices can disrupt the natural production of secondary metabolites involved in plant defense mechanisms," Mitchell said. No significant differences were seen between organic and conventional green peppers, Mitchell reported. The findings add to a small body of literature showing higher levels of antioxidants in some organic produce, including research out of the UC-Davis showing higher levels of phenols in some berries. Building solid evidence confirming the benefits of organic fruits and vegetables over conventionally grown produce is hampered by wide variances in organic farming, ranging from soil and climate differences to variations in crops, seasons and farmer philosophies, said Diane Barrett, also a researcher with the UC-Davis department of food science and technology. "We need more controlled and real-life commercial studies, and we need better collaboration between researchers to get a broader look at growing systems," said Barrett. Tue, 27 Jul 2004 10:52:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/organic-tomatoes-have-higher-levels-of-vitamin-c http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-with-the-guts-to-stand-up-to-cancer Food with the guts to stand up to cancerSource: www.medicalnewstoday.comCancers of the gut are one of the major causes of death from cancer, but a review published this week[1] shows that they are also amongst the most preventable through changes in diet. Of the 10 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2000, around 2.3 million were cancers of the digestive organs – pharynx, oesophagus, stomach or colorectum. Studies have shown that they are not purely genetic and can be modified by diet. Professor Ian Johnson, author of the review and head of Gastrointestinal Health and Function at the Institute of Food Research, said: “The adverse effects of diet are caused by over-consumption of energy coupled with inadequate intakes of protective substances, such as micronutrients, dietary fibre and a variety of plant chemicals”. The walls of the gut are lined with a layer of cells, the epithelium, covered with a film of mucus. The epithelium is the first contact for food, bacteria and anything else ingested. It is the body’s first line of internal defence, but can also be susceptible to the development of abnormalities over time. The epithelium is normally renewed by rapidly dividing stem cells, which can also give rise to new growths called polyps. These usually remain benign, but some may acquire so many genetic abnormalities that they eventually form a cancerous tumour. There is evidence that some food components including fibre, folate, polyunsaturated fatty acids, plant chemicals such as glucosinolates or flavonoids and gut fermentation products such as butyrate can provide protection at various stages of cancer formation. For example, in research published in the same journal, enzymes called COX-2 that enable genetically abnormal cells to survive were suppressed by the flavonoid quercetin[2]. Compounds can also increase the activity of detoxifying enzymes, and components in the diet have been shown to act synergistically in this way – so that they are even more effective when combined[3]. These enzymes delete genetically damaged epithelial cells. “Cancers of the colon and rectum are the most common cancers of the digestive organs worldwide”, said Professor Johnson. “But rates are much higher in developed countries. Colorectal cancer is clearly a disease of affluence and about 80 per cent of cases are attributable in some way to diet. Many of the mechanisms have yet to be discovered, but basically what this means is that people can help to protect themselves by controlling their weight and by eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables and other sources of fibre“.“Cancer is a complex multistage process that can take a large proportion of a person’s lifespan to develop. Nutrition is potentially a powerful tool to interrupt many stages of that process, and could be much more effectively deployed by many people”, he said. Notes to Editors-- Please contact Zoe Dunford for more information, images and an interview with Professor Ian Johnson: 01603 255111 / 07768 164185 zoe.dunford@bbsrc.ac.uk -- The mission of the Institute of Food Research (http://www.ifr.ac.uk) is to carry out independent basic, and strategic research on food safety, quality, nutrition and health. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). [1] The review by Professor Johnson is published in a special issue of Mutation Research focusing on Nutrition and Carcinogenesis: “New approaches to the role of diet in the prevention of cancers of the alimentary tract”, Mutat Res. 2004 Jul 13;551(1-2):9-28. It was funded by the Food Standards Agency, the European Commission and the the IFR’s core strategic grant from the BBSRC. [2] “Effect of flavonoids and Vitamin E on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) transcription”, Mutat Res. 2004 Jul 13;551(1-2):245-54[3] A paper to be published in September demonstrates a synergy between sulforaphane (a plant chemical in brassica vegetables) and apigenin (a flavonoid): “Interactions between sulforaphane and apigenin in the induction of UGT1A1 and GSTA1 in CaCo-2 cells”, Carcinogenesis, Vol. 25, Issue 9 September 2004. Research published last year revealed a synergy between sulforaphane and selenium (a mineral found in many foods including nuts, poultry, fish, eggs and sunflower seeds): Synergy between sulforaphane and selenium in the induction of thioredoxin reductase 1 requires both transcriptional and translational modulation, Carcinogenesis 2003 24: 497-503Zoe Dunford, Media Manager Institute of Food Research Norwich, NR4 7UA Tel: +44 (0)1603 255111 M: +44 (0)7768 164185 www.ifr.ac.uk Tue, 27 Jul 2004 10:50:30 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/food-with-the-guts-to-stand-up-to-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-fish-diet-cuts-risk-of-irregular-heartbeat Study: Fish diet cuts risk of irregular heartbeatSource: www.indystar.comStudy: Fish diet cuts risk of irregular heartbeatA diet rich in baked or broiled fish may protect against atrial fibrillation, a potentially dangerous cardiac condition.According to a new study, eating broiled or baked fish reduces your chances of developing this common irregular heartbeat. However, fried fish and fish sandwiches do not carry the same benefits.The study was conducted by a team led by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a researcher at the Channing Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.Mozaffarian's team collected data on 4,815 men and women over 65 who participated in Cardiovascular Health Study, funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Those who ate fish five times a week or more lowered their risk of atrial fibrillation by 31 percent, according to the report in the July 20 online issue of Circulation.Studies see rise in costs for Alzheimer's patientsThe number of Medicare beneficiaries identified as having Alzheimer's disease soared 250 percent in the 1990s, and experts say that will translate into a huge jump in health care costs.Several studies detailing the costs associated with Alzheimer's disease were presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Diseases and Related Disorders in Philadelphia.The number of Americans with Alzheimer's is expected to increase from 4.5 million today to 16 million by 2050.The total current direct and indirect costs of the disease are estimated to be upward of $100 billion annually."The cost to Medicare will rise 55 percent, to $50 billion, in less than 10 years, and the cost to Medicaid will soar by 80 percent, to $33 billion," said Sheldon Goldberg, president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Association.Researchers find gene link to vision-robbing diseaseFor two decades, scientists have suspected that genes may play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the developed world.Now researchers have found that mutations in a specific gene are sometimes associated with the vision-robbing disease."This gene causes 1.7 percent of what a well-trained clinician would call 'typical' macular degeneration," said Dr. Edwin M. Stone, director of the Center for Macular Degeneration at the University of Iowa.His report appears in the July 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine."This we think will lead us to an understanding of a mechanism of the disease," he said, emphasizing it is probably only one of several mechanisms.Study says smart kids stay healthier as adultsSmart kids are less likely to develop serious adulthood diseases than their less intelligent peers, a long-term study finds.Harvard School of Public Health researchers surveyed 633 people in Providence, R.I., 30 to 39 years old to see whether they had suffered any major illnesses. The same people had taken a comprehensive IQ test when they were 7.Higher intelligence scores at age 7 were associated with lower overall risk of serious disease, even when adjusted to account for other factors. People with lower IQ scores were more likely to report serious disease.The researchers speculate that intelligence may reduce the likelihood of risky and unhealthy behaviors. It also could help patients navigate health care systems and enhance their sense of personal control.The study appears in the current issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Mon, 26 Jul 2004 20:24:35 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/study-fish-diet-cuts-risk-of-irregular-heartbeat http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-smart-know-your-good-carbs-from-the-bad Diet smart! Know your good carbs from the badSource: www.webindia123.comAtkins diet and others of it's ilk might have fuelled the craze for low-carb diets but if you are the one who does not know the good carbs from bad, here's all the information you ever needed to know. According to The National Enquirer, some manufacturers list a food's total number of carbohydrates or "total carbs." Others break them into different types, opting to count some and not count others in their "net effective carbohydrates," listed as "net carbs" or "usable carbs" on the package. According to Melanie Polk, the director of nutrition education for the American Institute for Cancer Research, "We've got a carb frenzy. This can be very confusing for consumers. Until we have some regulations from the FDA, manufacturers can do a number of things to make the total number of carbs in a product seem very low." Other measures suggested by her include: Read food labels. Look at the labels, not the "net carb" counts flaunted on the front of packages. Read the labels to see the total number of carbohydrates and see what types of carbs are in the food and which ones are being counted. Ask yourself if the carbs are "good" or "bad." Remember, good carbs are rich in nutrients and high in fiber and have fewer calories than bad carbs. Buy brown rice instead of white and whole wheat pasta. Don't ignore calories. Many dieters become so absorbed in counting carbs that they ignore the calorie content of foods. "Calories still count," stressed Polk. Don't try to completely eliminate carbs from your diet. "If you're trying to lose weight, just eat the good carbs. Bad carbs are sugars and refined grains. They have almost no nutritional value, yet they provide a lot of calories in our diets. Think white-white flour, white sugar, and white rice. Bad carbs are almost always white," Polk said. Bad carbs are digested and turned into sugar quickly in the body, leading to spikes in blood sugar,followed by a sharp dip and cravings for more food. "Good carbs are found in vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains and contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. They generally provide fewer calories and take longer to digest. They keep the blood sugar on an even keel and you tend to be satisfied longer," Polk added. (ANI) Mon, 26 Jul 2004 19:11:55 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-smart-know-your-good-carbs-from-the-bad http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/man-with-osteoporosis-continues-work-exercise-routines Man with osteoporosis continues work, exercise routinesSource: www.seacoastonline.comWhen Vince King learned he had osteoporosis, he said, he went on with his life. "I decided I wasn’t going to let it get the best of me," he said. King, 60, still works and still works out - and he isn’t stooped over. Osteoporosis, the "silent disease," has been perceived as a woman’s condition for years. But it can also strike men. In fact, men over 50 have a greater risk of suffering an osteoporosis-related fracture than of developing prostate cancer. But osteoporosis is treatable and even preventable, regardless of gender. Facts on file Osteoporosis, which literally means "porous bone," is a silent disease that causes bones to become thin and break easily. The bones that break more often are in the hip, spine and wrist. Most people, men or women, don’t know they have osteoporosis until after they break a bone. Osteopenia, a related disease, is a condition resulting in low bone mass. If untreated, it can develop into osteoporosis. According to research by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 12 million U.S. men have osteopenia or low bone mass, putting them at risk for osteoporosis. Two million men already suffer from osteoporosis, and by 2010 3 million men are expected to have the disease. One of every four American men over 50 is at risk of breaking a bone because of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is responsible for hip fractures in 80,000 men each year, and men are more likely than women to die in the first year following a hip fracture. The truth of the matter Patricia Bronzo, R.N., B.S.N., provides community education on osteoporosis for Exeter Hospital. She said after a recent "osteo" support group meeting that while her group is largely women, she has had a few men attend over the years. But men are often in denial about osteoporosis, she added. "It’s touted as a women’s disease," she said. ‘That’s what the drug ads are aimed at." It’s the same situation as women and heart disease, she added. For many years, heart disease was perceived as a male problem. Men tend to be affected later in life, she added. Women see their first drop-off of estrogen in their late 40s and early 50s, with a significant change in bone density five to seven years after menopause. Men have testosterone, which protects the bones. When their testosterone starts to diminish in their late 60s and 70s, their fracture rates go up. The factors leading to osteoporosis are similar for both men and women. "It is hereditary," Bronzo said. "If your father had or your mother had it, you’re predisposed." Other factors are a small body frame, low weight, history of smoking or alcoholism, and, for men, untreated low levels of testosterone or steroid treatments. Keep moving Vince King had already been active, working out, running and coaching high school sports. Ten years ago, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The medicine he took wasn’t good for bones, and he ended up with osteoporosis. "I knew more women got it, but I never thought of it as a women’s disease," he said. "I definitely continued my exercise. ... I took more calcium, and started taking Fosamax. My diet was already reasonably good, because my wife’s a nurse." And King is holding his own. "My last bone-density exam was good. I haven’t slowed down any. I can do what I want. I attribute it to exercise." His words to other men with the condition? "Don’t let it get to you. And get in an exercise program - it will make a difference." Nipping it in the bud According to Bronzo, a man with any risk factors should talk to his doctor. The doctor may decide to give him a bone-density test and take it from there. The treatment is much the same as it is for women: weight-bearing exercise, increased levels of calcium and Vitamin D, and avoiding falls. Not every prescription drug for osteoporosis that’s approved for women is approved for men. But if a doctor advises it, men with the condition may take Fosamax or Actonel. And if they’re local, they can talk to Bronzo. Starting this fall, she will be available for half-hour consultations for anyone who has just had a bone-density test. She’ll counsel them on the structure of the bone, calcium and Vitamin D, exercise, home safety and more. She will continue to operate her support groups, the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Exeter Hospital, Conference Room I. Topic for September is "Teeth, Gums and Bone Loss," and topic for October is "Nutrition and Bone Health." The group is free and open to the public. For more information on osteoporosis in men or women, call 1-800-4-EXETER or visit www.foreveryday.com. Health history, genetics play role in the ‘silent disease’ Who is at risk for osteoporosis? l Someone whose mother or father had the condition. l A person with a small frame or low body weight. l Asians or Caucasians. l A history of smoking or alcohol abuse. l A history of little exercise and not enough calcium or Vitamin D. l Steroid treatment. l Untreated low levels of testosterone. What’s a guy to do? The treatment for dealing with osteoporosis/osteopenia is similar for men and women, and includes the following: l Get enough calcium and Vitamin D. A man over 50 should receive 1,200 mg of calcium per day and 400 to 800 IU. l Perform weight-bearing exercise. These include running, walking, dancing, free weights, resistance machines and racquet sports. Swimming is good for preserving balance, but should be combined with one or more of the above. l Don’t smoke or overindulge in alcohol. l Take a prescription medication if advised. l Avoid falls. Wear sensible shoes, watch out for loose rugs and keep clutter off stairwells. Mon, 26 Jul 2004 19:09:52 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/man-with-osteoporosis-continues-work-exercise-routines http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uks-charles-wrong-on-alternative-medicine-expert UK's Charles wrong on alternative medicine -expertSource: www.alertnet.orgA leading breast cancer specialist criticised Britain's Prince Charles on Friday for his public support of alternative medicine.Michael Baum, a professor emeritus of surgery at University College London, said the heir to the throne "may have overstepped the mark" by promoting unproven therapies for cancer such as coffee enemas and carrot juice."Your power and authority rest on an accident of birth. I don't begrudge you that authority, but I do beg you to exercise power with extreme caution when advising patients with life-threatening diseases to embrace unproven therapies," Baum said in an open letter published in the British Medical Journal.But a spokesman for Prince Charles said the letter completely missed the point."The Prince of Wales is not promoting alternative medicine over orthodox treatments," he said. "He is the president of the Foundation for Integrated Health and he is passionate about integrated approaches to health care -- where complementary therapies work hand-in-hand with orthodox medicines."In his letter, Baum said the prince had got it wrong."It is in the nature of your world to be surrounded by sycophants who constantly reinforce what they assume are your prejudices. Sir, they patronise you! Allow me this chastisement," added Baum, who has been active in cancer research for 25 years.Prince Charles, a staunch campaigner for natural remedies and organic farming, has urged the government to include complementary medicine on the National Health Service (NHS). Mon, 12 Jul 2004 23:05:25 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/uks-charles-wrong-on-alternative-medicine-expert http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-fish-can-we-eat-safely-why-is-fish-good-for-you-why-is-oily-fish-especially-good-for-you- How much fish can we eat safely? Why is fish good for you? Why is oily fish especially good for you?Source: www.medicalnewstoday.comHow much fish can we eat safely?Men and women should eat at least two portions of fish a week - one of which should be oily. Eating fish has many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. But there are also some potential health risks. Because of this, the UK Food Standards Agency has recommended that men eat no more than four portions of oily fish per week and women and children no more than two.1 Below we look at the issue in more depth. How much fish should I eat?Everyone should eat at least two portions of fish per week (one of which should be oily) because all fish has many health benefits.1Why is fish good for you?Fish is a good source of protein, it contains lots of vitamins and minerals, and it is low in saturated fat. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps reduce the risk of heart disease. All fish contain these oils, but oily fish contain much more of these oils than white (non-oily) fish.1Omega-3 fatty acids are also needed for the development of a baby's brain and spinal cord.1 Fish with edible bones, such as sardines, pilchards and tinned salmon, also contain calcium phosphorus and fluoride. Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones, phosphorus is essential for many body functions, and fluoride is needed for strong teeth.1,2 Other vitamins and minerals found in oily fish include vitamins A, which is needed for vision in dim light, as well as for healthy skin, and vitamin D, which is needed for healthy bones. Fish is also a good source of selenium, which helps protect cells from damage by acting as an antioxidant.1,2 Why is oily fish especially good for you?At least half of smokers are eventually killed by the habit.3Oily fish is particularly good for you because it contains more omega-3 fatty acids. Also, when you eat oily fish you are more likely to eat bones as well as flesh as the bones are often soft and easily chewable, providing calcium, fluoride and phosphorus.1How much oily fish should I eat?Girls and women who might have a child one day, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should always eat one portion of oily fish a week. But the UK Food Standards Agency recommends that they should not eat any more than two portions.1Men and boys, and women who will not become pregnant, should also eat at least one portion of oily fish per week. The UK Food Standards Agency say they can eat up to four portions per week.1 There are no known health risks associated with white fish, so you can eat as many portions per week as you like. Mon, 12 Jul 2004 22:40:04 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-fish-can-we-eat-safely-why-is-fish-good-for-you-why-is-oily-fish-especially-good-for-you- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-use-in-babies-linked-to-asthma-and-allergies Vitamin use in Babies Linked to Asthma and AllergiesSource: www.ivanhoe.comDon’t start your kids on vitamins too early, say experts, or the result may be asthma or food allergies.New research links vitamin supplementation during the first six months after birth to an increased risk for asthma in black children and to food allergies in children who are only formula fed. Vitamin use at age 3 was also linked to an increased risk for food allergies but not asthma.A higher risk for asthma was also associated with being male, having a smoker in the house, child care, prematurity, no history of breastfeeding, lower income, and lower education.Researchers say their findings may indicate very early environmental exposures, stimulated by vitamins, can affect the risk for later development of allergic disease.Investigators are unclear whether the associations in black children are biological or a result of bias. However, they conclude higher doses of multivitamins for any child may not always be best.The American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended all breastfed infants receive supplements of vitamin D4.This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. Mon, 12 Jul 2004 22:00:12 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-use-in-babies-linked-to-asthma-and-allergies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-speeds-wound-healing Supplement Speeds Wound HealingSource: my.webmd.comTime may heal all wounds, but a new study shows that taking a supplement that combines several antioxidant nutrients can do it nearly 20% faster. In practical terms, this translates to shaving about three days off the recovery time following a facelift or similar plastic surgery procedures. "That really is dramatic, and frankly, I didn't expect it," says researcher Rod J. Rohrich, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and chairman of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "If you can translate this kind of faster healing after a facelift or a breast augmentation, you are talking about a cost savings in the recovery process and getting back to work sooner that could amount to billions [of dollars]," he tells WebMD. In a small study, Rohrich and his colleagues at UT's Advanced Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory tested the effects of a new supplement called InflammEnz, available via the Internet but only with a doctor's prescription. Twenty-six patients with open wounds from a biopsy received either the oral supplement daily or a placebo. Doctors monitored the healing process of their wounds. The result: Those getting InflammEnz healed 17% faster, and experienced less redness and swelling at the site of the biopsy. A Magic Ingredient or Combination? InflammEnz, an herbal product, contains seven different nutrients and enzymes, including calcium and potassium. But there are four in particular that are suspected of boosting the healing process noted in Rohrich's study: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is required for the synthesis of collagen. It is also a highly effective antioxidant protecting cells from damage by free radicals. Studies have shown that the vitamin can help speed the healing process of wounds. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory enzyme found in the stem of pineapple plants. It reduces muscle and tissue swelling especially following injuries or surgery. Rutin, a nutrient in plant foods, is believed to protect blood vessels, prevent bruising, and intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body. Grape seed extract, a popular health supplement that evidence shows may build new blood vessels and help vitamin C enter cells, strengthening cell membranes and prevent scarring in tissue. "Obviously, more study is needed before we can routinely recommend this product to plastic surgeons to help their patients heal faster, but it certainly is promising," Rohrich tells WebMD. "The next step is to separate each of these four ingredients out to better determine which one is really providing the benefit, or if there is an synergetic effect in which all four or some combination of them work together." His current study, published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was funded by Enzymes, Inc. of Parkville, Mo., the company that manufactures InflammEnz. Doctors Not Surprised Two experts contacted by WebMD -- both members of the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (AAPRP), which represents doctors that work professional and amateur boxing matches -- weren't surprised by these findings because they say the wound-healing properties of some of these ingredients are well-known ... and often used. "As a plastic surgeon, I put all my patients on post-operative vitamin C because you need vitamin C to heal. I also recommend it to boxers following a fight," says Michael A. Fiorillo, MD, a New York City area plastic surgeon who serves as a spokesman for the AAPRP. "In fact, I'd recommend 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C to anyone with an open wound because there is evidence that it helps them heal faster." The amount of vitamin C in an InflammEnz pill is 150 milligrams. However, vitamin C is not routinely given to boxers before a fight because it can "thin" the blood similarly to aspirin, explains Ferdinand Louis Rios, MD, a general surgeon in California who is also with the AAPRP and once served as team doctor for the U.S. Olympic boxing team. "But I do recommend it following an injury to the skin because it builds collagen, and I have long used it post-operatively in my surgical practice," he tells WebMD. Rios also has given grape seed extract supplements to speed healing in his surgical and boxing patients, and Fiorillo says that using bromelain as a post-operative measure "has been around for a while, and seems to definitely promote healing." Mon, 12 Jul 2004 21:56:40 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/supplement-speeds-wound-healing http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/artificial-sweeteners-can-hurt-diet-study-finds Artificial sweeteners can hurt diet, study findsSource: www.dfw.comConsuming artificially sweetened foods and beverages may throw off your natural ability to monitor calories and increase your likelihood of overeating, according to a new study by two Purdue University researchers that appears in the July issue of the International Journal of Obesity.Not surprisingly, a spokeswoman for the sweetener industry takes exception to the study, noting that it was done only on animals and that previous research has found that the use of artificial sweeteners helps weight-control efforts.The research, carried out by Susan Swithers and Terry Davidson, involved rats."What we are actually suggesting from our study is not that artificial sweeteners are going to make people gain weight," said Swithers, an associate professor of psychological sciences. "They are actually losing an unconscious ability to measure their food intake when they consume artificial sweeteners."In the study, two groups of rats were given two different sweet-flavored liquids. For the first group, both liquids were sweetened with natural high-calorie sweeteners so the relationship between taste and calories was consistent. For the second group, one of the two flavored liquids was artificially sweetened with saccharin, making the relationship between sweet taste and calories inconsistent.After 10 days, the rats were allowed to eat a sweet, high-calorie, chocolate-flavored snack. The rats that had ingested the artificially flavored liquid were less able to compensate for the calories in the snack -- at mealtime, they ate about three times as many calories as those that didn't get artificially sweetened drinks, Swithers said. Mon, 12 Jul 2004 21:52:17 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/artificial-sweeteners-can-hurt-diet-study-finds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rickets-result-of-lack-of-vitamin Rickets result of lack of vitaminSource: thestar.comMost people think of rickets the same way they think of scurvy, a long-forgotten disease conquered through modern nutrition.But childhood rickets — caused by inadequate vitamin D intake — has made a comeback in Canada, according to a recent study by the Canadian Paediatric Society.Rickets causes deformed bones and teeth, as well as seizures and delayed overall development in young children, says Dr. Leanne Ward, a pediatric endocrinologist in Ottawa, and the study's principal investigator.Ward says the study found that many cases of rickets went undetected for so long that, by the time parents suspected a problem, the child had suffered seizures."This is very dangerous and it is totally preventable with vitamin D supplements," Ward says. "These babies fail to thrive, their bones and teeth (become) deformed and they can be in a lot of pain. Their bones can get so soft they actually snap."The society launched the study after pediatricians noted an increase in cases of rickets. Over two years, the study found 100 cases — a "very high" number, Ward says.All the babies aged birth to 2 years who had rickets were breastfed. About 10 per cent were Caucasian and the rest had darker skin. Darker skinned people have more pigment in their skin, which makes it harder for the body to make vitamin D from sun exposure.However, Ward does not want parents to put their infants and toddlers in the sun. A baby's skin, no matter how light or dark, burns so quickly that any sun exposure brings risks, she says.Young children need 400 IUs of vitamin D a day and those living above the 55th latitude need 800 IUs per day.Breast milk contains next to no vitamin D, Ward says, and though it is still the best source of food for infants up to 1 year of age, parents must give breastfed infants drops with vitamin D supplements. She stresses that parents should continue to breast feed infants until they are at least 1 year old because of the many health benefits.She says all children should be given multivitamins because, in order to get enough vitamin D from milk, a child would have to drink a litre each day, an amount she calls unrealistic.robin harvey Mon, 12 Jul 2004 21:44:44 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rickets-result-of-lack-of-vitamin http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stop-hair-loss-with-ayurveda Stop hair loss with ayurvedaSource: thestar.com.myHair loss is everybody’s worry. While it may not need serious medical attention, losing hair can seriously affect one’s self-esteem. While most turn to Western medicine for solutions, it’s worth bearing in mind that the ayurvedic system of medicine has accumulated a good deal of knowledge to help hair loss. Some types of hair loss can be dealt with quite effectively but not others. People who suffer from hair loss usually look to hair creams and other cosmetic products for cures. Hair creams, however, only control the loss of hair, but doesn’t address the root problem. Ayurveda does. Ayurveda, which means knowledge of life and longevity, emphasises preventive measures. The introduction of ayurveda into modern beauty practices reflect the increasing interest in them. According to ayurveda, these are the reasons for hair loss: ·Stress and tension, which tightens the scalp and reduces circulation. ·Poor diet ·Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause ·Thyroid imbalance ·Medication ·Illness and/or allergies ·Shock or long-term worry ·Over-use of dyes ·Genetic tendencies Ayurveda further explains that in order to get thick glossy hair, one must ensure the roots are firm and the scalp healthy. Just as drought and blazing heat destroys a lawn, heat is detrimental to hair. Too much sun can dry the hair and weaken the scalp and hair roots. Sometimes hair loss results from “high heat” within the body which can also damage hair roots. It is better to keep the brain and scalp cool, so even when washing hair, use cold or lukewarm water. Cold water is more efficient in removing soap, and helps to tone the scalp and refresh the nervous system. A balanced diet rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, especially iron, sulphur, zinc, B-complex and Vitamin C, as well as essential fatty acid, is essential for healthy hair. Healthy hair comes from a healthy body. The hair reflects the internal state of the body, and this is why hair analysis is widely used by nutritionists and healthcare professionals to discover toxicity and nutritional deficiencies. Nutrients are key to healthy hair, but to be effective, they must reach the roots. Often tension in the scalp or fatty deposits block circulation, drying the oil glands of hair and literally starving the hair roots. Ayurveda recommends a simple oil application to the hair to relieve tension and improve circulation. A variety of herbal oils is used to nourish hair. The base oil in ayurvedic preparations is usually sesame or coconut oil. When oil is applied to the head, it nourishes, lubricates and strengthens the root and the skin of the scalp, and prevents hair loss and premature greying. It also improves circulation to the head, relaxing the muscles and nerve fibers. This helps to refresh both mind and body, and improve the complexion. Apart from oil application and head massage, an intensive treatment called Thakradhara is used to treat chronic conditions of hair loss and dandruff. Thakra means “buttermilk” and dhara means “a continuous pouring of liquid”. This is a traditional treatment used to treat dry hair, dandruff and hair loss. Mon, 12 Jul 2004 21:42:50 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/stop-hair-loss-with-ayurveda http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-from-sunlight-shown-to-fight-cancer Vitamin D From Sunlight Shown to Fight CancerSource: www.fitcommerce.comAlthough too much sun can lead to higher risk of melanoma, too little won't produce sufficient high-quality vitamin D which can reduce incidences of colon, rectal and nearly 12 other types of cancer. Just a few minutes a day at mid-day can promote better health…but don't overdue it. June 09, 2004 -- Yes, we are told to wear sufficient sunscreen to prevent melanoma, or skin cancer. But there is a balance point since too little sunlight or UVB radiation prevents our skin from producing sufficient vitamin D which help protect us from certain forms of cancers. U.S. researchers have found the best source of vitamin D is ultraviolet B rays, while dietary supplement may not be as effective in preventing cancer. It has been hypothesized that UVB radiation produces vitamin D in the skin and acts to reduce the risk of colon, rectal and nearly 12 other types of cancer, the researchers said. Geographical surveys have supported this notion, they said, because areas with more UVB in the summer have lower mortality rates from related cancers. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphate from food and is essential in the formation of bones and teeth. A deficiency of vitamin D leads to a failure of the bones to grow and causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. In a literature review in the current issue of Nutrition and Cancer, the researchers reported finding regular dietary sources do not provide the necessary amount of vitamin D to be as effective a protectant as UVB radiation. The researchers estimate nearly 20,000 Americans die annually from cancers linked to insufficient vitamin D from UVB rays. This is a significantly higher figure than the 9,000 who die each year in the Unites States from melanoma, the researchers said, in which UVB plays a causative role. Geographical Evidence These results, then, help explain the geographic variation of colorectal and other cancer mortality rates in the U.S. Colon cancer mortality rates for males in the period 1970-94 were about 25 deaths/100,000/year for males and 18 for females in northeastern states but only 15 for males and 12 for females in southwestern states. These mortality rates are inversely correlated with July average irradiances of solar UVB radiation, which are highest in the southwest, lowest in the northeast taking into further consideration that urbanites have reduced UVB exposure compared to rural residents. These results are consistent with those living in the southwestern states having an effective annual average vitamin D production of several hundred I.U./day more than those living in the northeastern states. In addition, these results provide further support for the idea that most Americans obtain most of their vitamin D from solar UVB radiation and not diet. It should be noted that while UV radiation, especially UVA, plays a role in both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, a number of other factors also play important roles, such as skin pigmentation, severe sunburning, a high-fat, high-protein, low-fruit and vegetable diet, and alcohol consumption and, at least for non-melanoma skin cancer, cigarette smoking. Together, these factors explain about half of melanoma and non-melanoma death rates. Most people should be able to obtain adequate levels of vitamin D from modest daily exposures to mid-day summer sun in the southwest up through Wyoming and the southeastern states, with longer exposures required in other locations. Earlier In a Separate UK Study The idea that vitamin D may play a useful role in helping to prevent breast cancer was given a boost by UK research presented in March 2004. The researchers announced at a British Endocrine Societies meeting that they had found an enzyme in breast tissue that converts vitamin D into a cancer-fighting compound called calcitriol. Until now, it had been thought that this enzyme was only present in the kidneys. Vitamin Supplements Again, a modest amount of sunshine is sufficient for your body to generate sufficient supply of vitamin D. However, should you live in urban, cloudy, or extreme northern locations, natural sources of vitamin D can be found in: cod liver oil sardines herring salmon tuna milk cheese eggs Mon, 12 Jul 2004 21:41:19 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-from-sunlight-shown-to-fight-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/taking-supplements-could-heal-skin-wounds-faster-study Taking supplements could heal skin wounds faster-studySource: www.123bharath.comA new study, published in this month's issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, has suggested that taking several antioxidant nutrients after any kind of a skin wound could make the wound heal 20 percent faster. According to Webmd, the study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas revealed that the total amount of money saved by cutting down on healing time as well as in medicine cost, for people who have undergone facelifts and plastic surgeries, would amount to billions. During the course of the study, researchers administered a new supplement called InflammEnz, to 26 patients who had open wounds due to a biopsy. They found that the patients healed 17 percent faster and also had less redness and swelling. Researchers have now identified four supplements which would be most effective in healing wounds, these include Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which helps in protecting cells from damage by free radicals, therefore speeding the healing process of wounds. The second supplement identified by the scientists is Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme which reduces muscle and tissue swelling, especially following injuries or surgery. Rutin, a nutrient in plant foods protects blood vessels, which help prevent bruising, and the last supplement was Grape seed extract, which helps in building new blood vessels and also helps vitamin C enter cells, therefore strengthening cell membranes and prevent scarring in tissue. "If you can translate this kind of faster healing after a facelift or a breast augmentation, you are talking about a cost savings in the recovery process and getting back to work sooner that could amount to billions [of dollars]," the report quoted Rod J. Rohrich, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as saying. Mon, 12 Jul 2004 21:26:46 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/taking-supplements-could-heal-skin-wounds-faster-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/leukemia-drug-side-effects-worse-when-vitamins-low Leukemia Drug Side Effects Worse When Vitamins LowSource: www.reuters.comFindings from a new study suggest that kids with leukemia do not take enough antioxidant vitamins, which raises their risk of side effects during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy produces changes that stress the body's antioxidant defense system, Dr. Kara M. Kelly, of Columbia University, New York, and colleagues write in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Therefore, it's important that the diets of cancer patients contain adequate amounts of antioxidants. In a 6-month study, the researchers examined antioxidant intake and chemotherapy side effects in 103 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common cancer in kids. During the study period, "subjects ingested vitamin E, total carotenoid, beta-carotene, and vitamin A in amounts that were 66, 30, 59, and 29 percent, respectively, of the US recommended dietary allowance or of the amounts specified in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey," the investigators note. The authors also found that greater intake of vitamin C was associated with fewer therapy delays, less side effects, and fewer days spent in the hospital. Similarly, the risk of infection and side effects decreased as vitamin E and beta-carotene intake increased. "Our results suggest that it would be prudent for children with ALL to receive nutritional counseling to ensure that they are meeting their needs for antioxidant nutrients," the authors conclude. SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2004. Thu, 08 Jul 2004 00:45:27 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/leukemia-drug-side-effects-worse-when-vitamins-low http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-and-be-well-nutritionists-name-the-10-most-important-foods Eat and be well: Nutritionists name the 10 most important foodsSource: www.newsday.comFat is bad, but some fats are good. Tofu prevents disease; tofu aids growth of certain tumors. Eggs promote cholesterol; eggs pack a nutritional punch.So which is it? The barrage of conflicting reports leaves many consumers with a distrust of nutritional information -- and a plate full of questions about how and what to eat for their health.Despite contradictory reports and biases by researchers for or against proteins, fats and/or carbohydrates, there are certain foods and food groups about which many nutritional experts agree.A number of foods were named to a Top 10 list by a half-dozen leading research nutritionists interviewed earlier this month. Some obvious candidates, however, didn't make the list, but were cited as beneficial. Broccoli, for example, was noted as being a rich source of vitamin C, and research points to its potential to reduce the risk of breast, colon and stomach cancers. Sweet potatoes, a potent source of vitamin A (which helps ensure healthy eyes), are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which means they are a carbohydrate that won't cause the same spikes in blood sugar as a white potato. Cooked tomatoes are high in lycopene (which helps decrease the risk of colon cancer) and vitamin C, and are low in calories.Melon, which is in peak season, has more water, ounce for ounce, than most juices. In addition, melon is loaded with potassium. Watermelon is also a good source of iron and lycopene.Keith Ayoob, associate professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, named his Top 10 most important foods and added a caveat that seems to be the consensus among food experts: Don't limit yourself. "Use the list as a springboard to try other foods in the same categories," he advises. "It's all about variety."Here are some of the best disease-fighting, health-promoting foods that came up on our nutritionists' Top 10 lists:1. BLUEBERRIES. Blueberries are a particular favorite among researchers because they have more antioxidant power than any other fruit. Kathy McManus, director of nutrition at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, explains: "The blue color comes from the presence of anthocyanin, a flavonoid which has been found to retard the effects of aging in animal studies. We're talking about motor and cognitive function."There is also strong evidence that blueberries help fight heart disease and cancer. And blueberries may help improve night vision and slow macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness in the elderly).McManus, who runs a weight loss clinic and research center, points out that blueberries are also low in calories -- just 60 in three-quarters of a cup.2. GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES. Some green vegetables, like kale and spinach, are particularly good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help prevent macular degeneration. And lutein, especially when consumed with the lycopene found in tomatoes, may slow the growth of prostate cancer cells, studies show.Leafy greens are a good source of folate, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease and blood clots; magnesium, which helps maintain blood pressure; beta carotene to fight cancer; and some, like collards, are an excellent nondairy source of calcium.Leafy greens are also high in fiber and very low in calories. The darker the leaf, the higher the concentration of beta carotene. Field green lettuces and mesclun mixes available in many supermarkets offer a good variety.3. NUTS. "A nut is the seed for a new plant. When you eat a nut, you're getting a compacted source of all the nutrients that plant is going to need in order to grow," said Christine Pelkman, assistant professor of nutrition at the State University at Buffalo. Nuts contain healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber and a host of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, selenium and magnesium. Every nut has its own particular nutritional strengths; walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and Brazil nuts are one of the best dietary sources of selenium, for example."It is very clear that those who eat five or more servings of nuts per week reduce their risk of heart disease by 32 percent and their risk of type 2 diabetes by 27 percent," McManus said.4. FATTY FISH. While some nutritionists put all fish on their Top 10 list, most emphasize fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna, which are highest in omega-3s. "The benefits are humongous," said Ayoob. "Fish high in omega-3s can reduce heart disease by up to 30 percent."There is a note of caution with fish. Farmed salmon has higher levels of PCBs (a chemical contaminate) than wild, but wild salmon is seasonal and far more costly. McManus therefore advises patients to limit consumption of farmed fish. Large fish, such as tuna, tilefish, shark and swordfish, should also be consumed in limited quantities because they contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish.Most nutritionists interviewed agree that the health benefits outweigh the risks and that eating a variety of fish minimizes the risk.5. AVOCADOS. Avocados got a bad reputation because they have more calories and fat than many vegetables. But most of the fat in this fruit (yes, fruit) is monounsaturated, and avocados are packed with nutrients. Ounce for ounce, avocados contain about 60 percent more potassium than bananas and contain more vitamin E (which helps prevent muscle damage and reduce inflammation) than most other commonly eaten fruits.6. WHOLE GRAINS. Highly refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cookies, sweetened and highly processed cereals can pack on the pounds and cause unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. But these refined carbohydrates should not be confused with whole-grain carbohydrates, which are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin B, folate and fiber.The powerhouse vitamins and minerals and the hundreds of phytochemicals in whole grains may help prevent cancer, heart disease and birth defects. And fiber, which according to the American Heart Association is greatly underconsumed (Americans average 15 grams per day rather than the recommended 25-35 grams), helps lower cholesterol, may protect against certain cancers (including gastrointestinal), aids bowel function and decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes.7. LEGUMES, INCLUDING SOY. Legumes and beans are an underutilized, inexpensive, near-complete nutrient package. "They have protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals," said Ayoob. "And diabetics need to know they won't tend to raise blood sugar."Legumes contain a range of plant nutrients that few animal proteins deliver, along with fiber and very little fat.Soybeans are higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates than other legumes. There is conflicting evidence about soy's role in cancer protection, but it is clear that soy belongs in a heart-healthy diet.8. LOW-FAT DAIRY (MILK AND YOGURT). Yogurt contains probiotics -- a "good" bacteria for the stomach that helps prevent infections and gastrointestinal distress. McManus especially values yogurt's "good balance of protein, carbohydrates and calcium," and recommends natural yogurts with active cultures and no added sugar.Calcium, like fiber, is sadly lacking in American diets. Low-fat dairy is an easy way to increase calcium consumption, and milk also has vitamin D added. Vitamin D, which enables the body to absorb the calcium, comes from exposure to sunlight.9. EGGS. Often referred to as one of nature's "perfect foods," an egg offers complete protein in a low-calorie package. It's quick, easy and inexpensive and rich in many vitamins (including vitamin E), minerals and micronutrients, like lecithin and lutein, that may protect against eye disease and certain cancers.The American Heart Association removed restrictions on the number of egg yolks healthy individuals can consume. While yolks are high in dietary cholesterol, the AHA and many scientists agree that the saturated fat and trans-fats in the diet have a greater impact on blood cholesterol than the cholesterol in the diet. The AHA continues to recommend that people with heart disease limit their egg yolk consumption to two per week.10. DARK CHOCOLATE. Yep, that's right, chocolate. Justify it nutritionally: dark (unsweetened chocolate) has compounds similar to red wine that benefit heart health. The flavonoids (an antioxidant-like chemical in plant foods) in dark chocolate fight free radicals and help blood vessels dilate, which improves blood flow. It doesn't take a nutritionist, though, to say that chocolate makes people feel warm- hearted. Wed, 07 Jul 2004 14:11:59 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eat-and-be-well-nutritionists-name-the-10-most-important-foods http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnant-female-asthmatics-who-eat-oily-fish-may-be-helping-to-protect-their-children-against-developing-asthma Pregnant female asthmatics who eat oily fish may be helping to protect their children against developing asthmaSource: www.news-medical.netPregnant female asthmatics who eat oily fish, such as salmon or trout, may be helping to protect their children against developing asthma, according to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in Orlando on May 25. The study also found that children whose mother ate fish sticks during pregnancy may be at increased risk of developing asthma. The study found that children whose mothers ate fish sticks during pregnancy were twice as likely to develop asthma, whether or not their mothers had asthma themselves. “Fish sticks are deep-fried, and they contain omega-6 fatty acids, which encourage inflammation of the airways,” said study co-author Frank Gilliland, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Preventive Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. “Oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to be anti-inflammatory, and lead to the reduced potential for developing asthma and allergies.” The study found that children whose mothers with asthma ate oily fish during pregnancy were 71% less likely to develop asthma on average; the more oily fish a woman ate, the less likely her child was to develop asthma. Children with non-asthmatic mothers did not benefit from having their mother eat oily fish during pregnancy “A family history of asthma is a very strong risk factor for a child developing asthma,” Dr. Gilliland said. “It appears that oily fish interacts with the genes involved in the predisposition to develop asthma, and somehow reduces the risk.” The children in the study were selected from the Children’s Health Study, a population-based study of school-aged children in 12 Southern California communities. One group of children had physician-diagnosed asthma by age 5, and the other group was asthma-free when the study started. The children’s mothers were interviewed about their diet and other environmental exposures during pregnancy. “We are learning more and more about the importance of fetal exposure to different substances, and how this affects the programming of the baby’s immune system,” Dr. Gilliland said. http://www.thoracic.org/Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in some fish tissues and vegetable foods such as flax seeds and green leaves. Omega-3 fatty acids are classed as essential fatty acids. These fatty acids were originally designated as "Vitamin F", until it was realized that they must be classified with the fats. The essential omega-3 fatty acid that the body cannot manufacture is EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid. Tue, 25 May 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnant-female-asthmatics-who-eat-oily-fish-may-be-helping-to-protect-their-children-against-developing-asthma http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-good-for-the-head-and-heart Fish: Good for the Head and HeartSource: www.psychologytoday.comIt’s possible that depression and heart disease don’t cause each other. They may share one underlying cause, perhaps a common biological pathway such as subchronic inflammation. Or, say Canadian researchers Francois Lespérance, M.D., and Nancy Frasure-Smith, Ph.D., they might both be caused by a dietary shift to inadequate levels of omega-3, a fatty acid essential to the body but not produced by it; it must be supplied by diet, primarily fatty ocean fish. As critical components of every cell membrane, omega-3 fats boost cell function. Whether or not omega-3s are it, almost everyone believes they are a big part of the story—and an essential part of the remedy. They’re anti-inflammatory. They act on platelets to reduce blood clotting. They’re antiarrhythmic, aiding heart rate variability through parasympathetic channels. “They impact the multiple mechanisms linking heart disease and depression,” says Lesperance. And they boost mood. Of two known omega-3s, depression may respond best to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Hearts seem to favor a mixture of EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fri, 21 May 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-good-for-the-head-and-heart http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-may-cut-bone-fracture-risk Folic acid may cut bone fracture riskSource: www.foodnavigator.comFolic acid - the B vitamin found commonly in supplements and increasingly in a wide range of bread products - is already known to prevent severe birth defects and to lower risk of death from heart disease. But it could also help to prevent broken bones in the elderly, suggest two major studies. The studies – one from the Netherlands and the other carried out in the United States – show that increased homocysteine levels significantly raise the risk of both hip fracture and other broken bones resulting from osteoporosis. B vitamins including folic acid have been shown to lower levels of the amino acid homocysteine, reducing its potential damage to the arteries and atherosclerosis. High homocysteine levels in the blood have also been linked to risk of dementia in the elderly. But until now, the only vitamins related to bone health have been vitamin D and vitamin K. The latest findings, published in the 13 May issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, could offer a new boost to bread and cereal makers fortifying their products with folate and supplement makers targeting the elderly. The World Health Organisation has defined osteoporosis as the second leading health care problem after cardiovascular disease and its growing incidence and future impact is strongly related to our ageing populations. In the UK market alone, functional foods to target bone health, such as those fortified with calcium, were worth 88.27 euros in 2002 and this is set to increase by 7.6 per cent yearly to 2007, according to Datamonitor research.The Dutch study (vol 350:2033-2041), from researchers at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Wageningen University and the Vrije Universiteit Medical Center in Amsterdam, found that in 2406 subjects, aged 55 or older, those with the highest homocysteine levels almost doubled their risk of fracture. The associations between homocysteine levels and the risk of fracture appeared to be independent of bone mineral density and other potential risk factors for fracture, they said. Such findings are confirmed by Boston team (pp2042-2049) who found the risk of hip fracture nearly quadrupled in men in the top quartile of homocysteine levels and nearly doubled in the top 25 per cent of women. ”These findings suggest that the homocysteine concentration, which is easily modifiable by means of dietary intervention, is an important risk factor for hip fracture in older persons,” concluded the US researchers. Tue, 18 May 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/folic-acid-may-cut-bone-fracture-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-alternatives-to-fish-oil-need-a-lift Omega alternatives to fish oil need a liftSource: www.foodproductiondaily.comFish oil is perhaps the most widely used source of omega-3 fatty acids but it is by no means the only source. Firms providing alternative sources to fish oil omega-3 need must boost consumer awareness to up sales as new research from Frost and Sullivan shows consumers are unware that options exist, writes Chris Jones. The growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids has had an inevitable knock-on effect on consumer awareness of the product. According to Frost, over 50 per cent of consumers in the US and UK are now aware of omega-3 fatty acids, with the vast majority of these consumers also aware that fish oil, and therefore fish oil supplements, are a good sources. While a growing number of people might also be able to identify flax oil as a potential source, Frost suggests that most are also completely unaware of the wide variety of other omega-3 sources already available on the nutritional supplement market. The scientific evidence supporting the claims made on many these products is undoubtedly far smaller than that supporting the mainstream fish oil supplement market, and this is one of the main reasons why consumers are less aware of the alternatives, but Frost suggests that this does not make them any less attractive or efficacious. Shark liver oil, for example, has been described as "an excellent source of alkylglycerols, squalamine and omega-3 PUFAs providing a multitude of health benefits", and has been used for its associated health benefits by the people on the coasts of Norway and Sweden for hundreds of years. It has a long history of use in Japan where it was referred to as samedawa, or ‘cure all’, but appears to have mainly used to boost immune defence, to promote wound healing, and as a general remedy for conditions of the respiratory tract and of the digestive system. The alkylglerols and squalamine present in shark liver oils have been shown to have some cancer fighting properties, according to Frost, but there is still only a limited amount of scientific evidence to support claims made. However, should this supporting scientific evidence be forthcoming, there is significant potential for shark liver oil in the supplements market, the analysts suggest. “The combination of alkylglycerols, squalamine and omega-3 fatty acids provides shark liver oil with a unique selling point, setting it apart from fish oil supplements. Consequently the future for shark liver oil in the dietary supplement area looks promising.” Another product with a potentially bright future is Lyprinol, described as "a marine lipid group comprising a unique combination of non-polar lipid groups and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids". According to Frost, the manufacturers of Lyprinol claim that it is a more potent source of omega-3 fatty acids than other sources, and that the daily intakes of supplements required to achieve results are substantially less than other marine oil alternatives. In addition, Lyprinol has none of the side effects typically associated with fish oil supplementation. Lyprinol is a nutritional oil derived from stabilised green lipped mussel powder via use of the patented supercritical fluid extraction process. The mussels are cultivated and harvested in farms located in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. The majority of this product is sold into dietary supplement market, mainly as a treatment for the inflammation of joints. The main factor holding back the long-term development of Lyprinol is its price. more expensive than most fish oil supplements and may even be pricing itself out of the omega-3 PUFA market, according to Frost. The higher price is justified by the brand’s owners on account of the fact that Lyprinol is a more potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but without the necessary body of scientific evidence to back this claim – and in particular direct comparisons with the omega-3 content of fish oils – is likely to make consumer acceptance of the product – and of its higher cost – far harder, the analysts suggest. Another omega-3-rich source from the Antipodes is the emu, whose oil is said to help correct the stores of body fats to a proper balance by providing a good source of essential fatty acids". Australian Aborigines have been using the oil of the flightless bird for its anti-inflammatory, healing and rejuvenating powers for years, according to Frost. Indeed, emu oil is an excellent source not only of omega-3 but also of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, and has been used in a broad range of applications – the main one being as a cream to help alleviate pain or inflammation. In the supplement market, emu oil is marketed as a source of good fat helping to balance excess quantities of saturated fats in most diets and consequently control cholesterol. However, the omega-3 fatty acid content of emu oil supplements is typically lower than that found fish oils supplements, and this means that it is unlikely to be able to compete with fish oil products, despite a certain novelty value, Frost suggests. Producers of seal oil, meanwhile, have stressed the fact that it is both “rich in omega-3 PUFAs, but also in docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), unlike most fish oils”. They have also highlighted the fact that the body is more efficient at assimilating seal oils over fish oils. The original findings prompting research into seal oils were based on observations of Greenland Eskimos, whose diet included predominantly seal meat and oil. Researchers discovered that seal oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids including docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Depending on the commercial preparation, seal oil supplements can also contain significant levels of squalene and vitamin E. Seal oil is one of the few known natural sources of DPA – a product which has been shown to be involved with the healing process associated with cardiovascular diseases, namely atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Some researchers believe that seal oils are considered a superior source of omega-3 fatty acids due to location of EPA, DHA and DPA in the terminal positions of the triglycerides molecules, Frost said. In fish oils, EPA and DHA are preferentially located in the middle of the triglceride molecule. As for the long-term potential of seal oil, the product is already hugely popular in Asia, but Frost suggests that its European outlook is less promising. Research is still ongoing into the benefits of seal oil supplementation to target specific health conditions, and the despite its composition differences to other omega-3 supplements, it is unlikely that seal oil will be able to compete directly with fish oil supplements currently on the market in Europe until there is greater scientific evidence to support its potential benefits, the analysts suggest. Finding a niche in the increasingly competitive omega-3 nutritional oils market is vital for the future of the fish oil alternatives, the analysts suggest. Nutritional oils that make claims primarily based on their omega-3 fatty acids content are competing directly with the well-established fish oil supplement market, and are unlikely to survive. Oils that contain other components which are proven to be beneficial to health and are also able to leverage the omega-3 PUFAs content are more likely to succeed. Wed, 12 May 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/omega-alternatives-to-fish-oil-need-a-lift http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dundee-women-go-daft-for-slim-gel Dundee women go daft for slim gelSource: www.eveningtelegraph.co.ukDundee women looking for a quick-fix slimming cream were left disappointed by empty shelves in chemists throughout the city today. A surge in demand for the product — which has been reported to reduce the circumference of women’s thighs by almost two centimetres — has meant the anti-cellulite cream has been flying off the shelves. Beauty counters throughout the city have been struggling to meet requests since it was reported last week by a group of independent French scientists that the L’Oreal Perfectslim contouring and firming gel works.A spokesperson in the Broughty Ferry Boots shop said, “The shelves are empty.“We are waiting for more to come in but there appears to be a real shortage and a supply problem because it is so popular.”In Lochee, there were no bottles of Perfectslim on the shelves and in the Dundee store even staff in a different department were aware of the problem — because they were hunting for it for themselves. A spokesperson in the high street said, “There is no guarantee when the next stock will be delivered but we can confirm that we have absolutely none here in the shop.“A constant stream of people has been looking for the cream but the last ones were sold on Saturday. “Since then, we’ve just had to tell people that we’ll get hold of it as soon as possible.”Even Internet shoppers are having trouble getting hold of the popular product as a message on the Boots website says the 200ml bottles, priced at £10.59 are “out of stock”.In the Overgate shopping centre, the chain store Superdrug has also sold out of the slimming cream, although a spokesperson said this was not solely due to the survey, as they had been running a promotion at the same time. However, in Superdrug’s Lochee shop, the shelves were not completely bare — there were less than half a dozen bottles on display, but they did not have a full stock.A member of staff said, “I’m not surprised there are so few of them as it has been on offer all week but it really has been surprisingly popular.”Some personal trainers have warned though, that “quick-fix” products such as this rarely produced lasting results. Tue, 04 May 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dundee-women-go-daft-for-slim-gel http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-popular-supplement-coenzyme-q10-coq10-may-help-prevent-migraine A popular supplement, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), may help prevent migraineSource: www.news-medical.netA popular supplement, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), may help prevent migraine, according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 56th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Calif., April 24 – May 1, 2004. Migraine patients who took 100 mg three times a day of CoQ10—which acts as the body’s energy producer—had fewer attacks in three months than those who took a placebo. The participants taking CoQ10 also had fewer days with a headache and fewer days with nausea.“A lack of cell energy in the brain may be a cause of migraine,” said study author Peter S. Sandor, MD, University Hospitals Zurich, Switzerland. “CoQ10 may give a boost to those cells and help prevent migraine.”The study involved 42 people who suffered an average 4.4 migraine attacks per month. Approximately 48 percent of those who took CoQ10 had half as many attacks during the three-month study, while this occurred in only about 14 percent of those taking a placebo.“We found that coenzyme 10 had a significant effect on reducing migraine,” said Sandor. “We also found that the only side effect appeared to be an allergic skin rash in one patient. This compares with side effects of fatigue, weight gain, dry mouth, and other side effects found with other methods to prevent migraine.”CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is an antioxidant made by the body and used by cells to make energy. It is found in meat and seafood, as well as dietary supplements, but in lower dosages.Other energy producers, such as riboflavin, which improves energy metabolism, have also been found to be useful in migraine prevention.The study was supported by MSE, a producer of dietary supplements and vitamins.The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 18,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, autism and multiple sclerosis.For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit its website at http://www.aan.com/press/. Wed, 28 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/a-popular-supplement-coenzyme-q10-coq10-may-help-prevent-migraine http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnancy-ginger-as-well-as-vitamin-b6-may-combat-nausea-and-vomiting- PREGNANCY: Ginger as well as vitamin B6 may combat nausea and vomiting.Source: www.courierpress.comTHE QUESTION Women often are afflicted with nausea in the first few months of pregnancy, and many turn to vitamin B6 for relief. Would ginger, an herb with medicinal properties, be a good alternative? THIS STUDY randomly assigned 291 women less than 16 weeks pregnant and having symptoms of morning sickness to take either 350 milligrams of ginger or 75 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily for three weeks. Nausea and vomiting declined equally in both groups, though neither substance helped everyone. For instance, 68 women taking ginger and 69 taking vitamin B6 reported an improvement in symptoms. Most women tolerated both medications well, although those taking ginger recorded more frequent belching than the other women. No differences were found in pregnancy complications or childbirth outcomes. WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Pregnant women. CAVEATS Little research has been done on the safety of ginger during the first trimester of pregnancy. BOTTOM LINE Women experiencing nausea during pregnancy may want to consider using ginger. FIND THIS STUDY April issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology; abstract available online at www.greenjournal.org. Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pregnancy-ginger-as-well-as-vitamin-b6-may-combat-nausea-and-vomiting- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-fights-prostate-cancer Vitamin fights prostate cancerSource: news.bbc.co.ukVitamin E can protect men from prostate cancer, according to researchers. Men with high levels of the alpha tocopherol form of vitamin E were 53 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer. The researchers stressed it was better to take vitamin E from fresh food than supplements. The US National Cancer Institute study was presented at the American Association of Cancer Research annual meeting in Orlando. Scientists looked at 100 men who had prostate cancer and 200 who did not and compared amounts of vitamin E in the bloodstream before and after taking a supplement. The men who had the higher serum levels of vitamin E had a lower chance of getting prostate cancer Stephanie Weinstein Stephanie Weinstein at the institute said: "We found that the men who had the higher serum levels of vitamin E had a lower chance of getting prostate cancer." The researchers then looked at the two main forms of vitamin E - alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol. Men with the highest natural levels of alpha tocopherol were 53 percent less likely to later develop prostate cancer. Men with the highest levels of gamma tocopherol, which only represents about 20 percent of the vitamin E in blood, had a 39 percent lower chance. Foods The best absorbed form of alpha tocopherol is found in foods such as sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds and sweet peppers, not supplements. Another study at the University of Texas investigated the effect on bladder cancer. Researchers asked 1,000 patients what they ate and estimated the amount of the two types of vitamin E obtained from their diets and from supplements. They concluded those with the highest intake of alpha tocopherol from food had a 42 per cent reduced risk of bladder cancer, and those who had a vitamin E-rich diet and also took supplements had a 44 per cent lower risk. But when broken down into types, they found gamma tocopherol offered no protection against bladder cancer. Dr Tim Key, of Cancer Research UK, said: "One clinical trial, and several observational studies, have suggested that relatively high intakes, or blood levels, of vitamin E may reduce the risk for prostate cancer. "However, other studies have not observed this association, and it is too soon to be sure whether there is a real protective effect. "Foods naturally rich in vitamin E such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and vegetables can be recommended as part of a healthy diet, but the evidence does not support the use of vitamin E supplements for the purpose of reducing prostate cancer risk." Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-fights-prostate-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-therapy-calms-restless-legs-syndrome Iron Therapy Calms Restless Legs SyndromeSource: www.reuters.co.ukRestless leg syndrome -- marked by uncomfortable sensations and an urge to move the legs, most often at night -- frequently afflicts people with end stage kidney disease. Now, doctors have shown that the condition can be eased by intravenous infusions of iron dextran.However, relief is transient, the researchers report in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.In such patients, "our findings, coupled with those of other investigators, suggest abnormal iron transport in the movement centers of the central nervous system," lead author Dr. James A. Sloand, told Reuters Health.Sloand of the University of Rochester, New York and colleagues note that restless legs syndrome may be linked to iron deficiency.To investigate whether iron replenishment might be helpful, the researchers conducted a study in which 11 patients at random were given daily treatment with iron dextran while 14 others receive an inactive placebo.Although the patients "did not have iron deficiency by the usual noninvasive biochemical standards," say the investigators, at the end of one week, there was a significant improvement in restless legs syndrome severity scores in the iron dextran group.The infusion had its greatest effect after two weeks, but by 4 weeks the scores were no longer significantly different from those in the placebo group.This information, Dr. Sloand concluded, "will ultimately enhance our understanding of the cause of restless legs syndrome and help target future therapeutic endeavors to provide long-term relief of symptoms for those suffering from this syndrome."SOURCE: American Journal of Kidney Diseases, April 2004. Wed, 07 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-therapy-calms-restless-legs-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/form-of-vitamin-e-may-reduce-bladder-cancer Form of Vitamin E May Reduce Bladder CancerSource: www.cancerwise.orgDiet High in Certain Fruits, Vegetables, Oils SuggestedOne form of vitamin E appears to offer protection against development of bladder cancer, while a second form has no beneficial effect, say a team of researchers led by M. D. Anderson. In a five-year study, which included 468 newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients and 534 people without cancer, researchers found that high dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol, one form of vitamin E, significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. But gamma-tocopherol, which is consumed in greater amounts than alpha-tocopherol in the United States, offered no protection, say the researchers led by Xifeng Wu, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at M. D. Anderson. The research, which was conducted by M. D. Anderson epidemiologists and nutritionists from Texas Woman’s University, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research March 27-31.Diet tips“High intake of vitamin E from dietary sources was associated with a 42% reduced risk of bladder cancer, whereas a high intake of vitamin E from diet and supplements combined reduced the risk by 44%,” says the study’s first author, Ladia Hernandez, research dietitian in the Department of Epidemiology at M. D. Anderson.While the study is not over, researchers are recommending that people eat a healthy diet that includes fruit, vegetables and nuts. Many people do not eat the current recommended dietary allowance of 15 milligrams of vitamin E from their diet.Many foods include both forms of vitamin E, including some vegetables, nuts, fruits and oils. Researchers say foods richest in alpha-tocopherol include:Almonds Red and green peppers Spinach Mustard greens Sunflower seeds Vegetable oils (including cottonseed and safflower oils) Those high in gamma-tocopherol include:Walnuts Pecans Garbanzo beans Soybean oil Previous research tentatively linked low intake of vitamin E to bladder cancer, but those studies did not distinguish between the different forms of vitamin E, which include four tocopherols. Only the alpha and gamma forms of tocopherol are predominately found in food, and because they are metabolized differently, a recent Institute of Medicine report suggested they should be studied separately.Research processTo do that, the researchers had to develop a database for the alpha- and gamma-tocopherol contents of 200 different foods, based on an extensive review of published values and their own analytical values for foods like cornbread and french fries. These values were used to estimate the intakes of the two tocopherols in an ongoing study. Participants answered a detailed food-frequency questionnaire that summed up their dietary habits the year before they were diagnosed with bladder cancer or, in participants without cancer, the year before they agreed to participate in the study. Researchers then factored out other known bladder cancer risks, such as smoking, age, ethnicity and gender, to determine the benefits of the two forms of vitamin E.“Our long-term goal is to identify risk factors that are important for bladder cancer development,” Wu says. More studies are suggesting that different vitamins protect against different forms of cancer, and some point to a benefit from gamma-tocopherol in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Scientists say, however, that more research is needed. Sat, 03 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/form-of-vitamin-e-may-reduce-bladder-cancer http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nuts-reduce-risk-of-diabetes-research Nuts Reduce Risk of Diabetes - ResearchSource: news.scotsman.comEating foods rich in vitamin E, like nuts and wheat germ, could help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, research has revealed.Researchers in Finland looked at health records and diets of more than 4,000 men and women aged 40 to 69.They found that those with a greater intake of vitamin E and alpha-tocopherol – one of the forms of vitamin E – were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who consumed less of the powerful anti-oxidant.There are eight forms of vitamin E of which alpha-tocopherol is the most useful to the body as it circulates throughout the blood to reach all the body’s tissue.Good sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, soya bean oil, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, shrimps and brown rice.Dr David Richardson, a specialist consultant in nutrition and food science, said: “Almonds are among the best food sources of vitamin E and are rich in a type of vitamin E known as alpha-tocopherol.“As one of the best natural sources of vitamin E, almonds are a convenient way to contribute to a healthy diet.”Dr Frankie Phillips, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, described the research, published in the journal Diabetes Care, as “exciting news”.“Some other studies have found that more vitamin E in your blood seems to be associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.“However we’re not entirely certain of how this is happening so we need more research to find out what the mechanisms are,” she said.Dr Phillips said she would advise people to make sure they had vitamin E in their diet rather than take vitamin pills to boost their intake.Diabetes UK described the study as “an interesting piece of research”.A spokesman said: “It is a bit lacking on the detail on how much it would actually reduce the risk“We would say this may help but the best way to avoid Type 2 diabetes is to eat a balanced and healthy diet and take regular exercise.”An increase in the number of adults and children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes has been linked to rising cases of obesity, with one in five British adults now classed as obese. Mon, 22 Mar 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nuts-reduce-risk-of-diabetes-research http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lipid-nutrition-defends-cla-manufacturing-patent Lipid Nutrition defends CLA manufacturing patentSource: www.foodnavigator.comLoders Croklaan specialty fats unit Lipid Nutrition has settled a patent dispute with Norwegian licensing company Natural, defending the rights to its manufacturing process for CLA, the leading product in its portfolio. Natural will pay an undisclosed sum to close the case, filed in the US in January last year. Lipid Nutrition’s conjugated linoleic acid brand Clarinol is its most valuable product, followed by the infant formula fat Betapol and fish oils. It is also a product with strong growth potential, thanks to its applications in the booming weight management market. A study on Clarinol last year found that it improves weight reduction and decreases the negative effects normally seen in people on low-calorie diets. Widely marketed in dietary supplements, use of CLA in food has not yet been approved by US or European authorities but such a move would generate major sales from functional foods. Lipid Nutrition is hoping to obtain GRAS from the US Food and Drug Administration by the end of the year. “Patents are extremely important to us as we have to invest a lot of money in safety, toxicity and clinical trials for our products. The case demonstrates that we are prepared to defend our patents and it has, in some ways, made the patent concerned stronger,” Aat Visser, general manager of Lipid Nutrition, told NutraIngredients.com. The market for CLA, currently worth around 40 million euros, is tightly controlled by a handful of companies that have licensed patents from US-based WARF, the technology transfer unit of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Natural, which carries out research on lipids, has in turn licensed its patents for CLA in dietary supplements to Lipid Nutrition and Cognis, the biggest supplier of the product that currently holds about 70 per cent of the market. Both companies are paying royalties on their sales to Natural, which in turn pays royalties to WARF. Approval for use in foods would however significantly expand the market size and provide more room for competition. In the meantime Natural no longer manufactures CLA in the US, with all production for its customers now being carried out by licensee Cognis. The Germany company however uses a different process to manufacture the fatty acid from Loders, which "has no reason to believe that this infringes our methods", according to Visser. Wed, 10 Mar 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lipid-nutrition-defends-cla-manufacturing-patent http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-keeps-stroke-patients-alive Vitamin Keeps Stroke Patients AliveSource: www.ivanhoe.comFolic acid helps women reduce their risk of birth defects. Now, new research shows the vitamin may also keep stroke patients alive.In 1996, The Food and Drug Administration required enriched grains to be fortified with folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in newborns.Results of this study show the number of stroke deaths were 10 percent to 15 percent lower in the three years after the FDA required fortification, compared to the three years before fortification. In 1997, stroke death rates declined by about 1 percent per year, but after 1997, they declined by more than 4 percent per year.Researchers say about 31,000 stroke-related deaths and about 17,000 heart disease-related deaths may have been prevented each year since fortification was implemented.Folic acid lowers homocysteine levels. People with higher homocysteine levels are at an increased risk for stroke and heart disease. Lorenzo D. Botto, M.D., from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says, “We think homocysteine somehow causes an insult on the vascular wall, weakening the vessel and making it more prone to damage.”Researchers say their results show the reduction in homocysteine levels was associated with fewer deaths due to stroke and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Botto concludes, “If folic acid fortification is responsible for the improvement in stroke-associated mortality, the public health benefits are substantial.”This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.SOURCE: American Heart Association’s 44th annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention in San Francisco, March 3-6 Mon, 08 Mar 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-keeps-stroke-patients-alive http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-derivative-cuts-blood-pressure-in-rats Olive oil derivative cuts blood pressure, in ratsSource: www.heartcenteronline.comA synthetic derivative of a component of olive oil is effective in reducing blood pressure in rats, Spanish researchers report. Dr. Pablo V. Escriba and colleagues, from the University of the Balearic Island in Palma de Mallorca, note that the Mediterranean diet appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In particular, olive oil -- a natural source of the fatty acid oleic acid -- is known to have "moderate beneficial effects on blood pressure, but only when high doses (are) consumed for several months." To see if a faster response might be achieved using 2- hydroxyoleic acid, a derivative of oleic acid, the researchers administered the substance both orally and directly into the abdomens of rats. The findings are reported in the medical journal Hypertension. Treatment for 7 days reduced blood pressure by 20 to 26 points without affecting heart rate. The reduction, the researchers suggest, is due to processes that increase levels of cAMP, a natural chemical that causes blood vessel to open wider. Given these findings, the investigators conclude that 2-hydroxyoleic acid might be "the first member of a new family" of drugs for high blood pressure. SOURCE: Hypertension, February 2004. Mon, 23 Feb 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/olive-oil-derivative-cuts-blood-pressure-in-rats http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-food-industry-wins-high-court-action-to-stop-eu-banning-vitamins Health Food Industry Wins High Court Action To Stop EU Banning VitaminsSource: The leading trade bodies within the health food industry have this afternoon won the latest round of their legal battle to stop the implementation of the EU Food Supplements Directive which would have seen the banning of thousands of vitamins and food supplements from sale in British health food stores, affecting millions of consumers. The High Court in London has today ruled that the legal challenge should now be referred to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, which alone has the power to quash an EU Directive.The Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA) and the National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) are challenging the legality of the Directive and are supported by Consumers for Health Choice (CHC).Andrew Lockley, partner at national law firm Irwin Mitchell, is the solicitor for the health industry bodies that joined forces to launch the legal challenge. He says:"My clients are relieved that their concerns about this wide-ranging Directive and its effect on the health food industry and its customers have been recognised."For the EU to say that these vitamins and food supplements are not safe in the form they have been consumed for many years is nonsense. Now we hope that the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg agrees, so that the millions of British people who rely on these products can continue to use them safely and legally."Directive 2002/46/EC, which is scheduled for enforcement on 1 August 2005, is designed to harmonise the market across all Member States. It would result in the removal from sale many currently available forms of essential minerals including forms of calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Later parts of this legislation would also see drastic restrictions on the potency of vitamins and minerals thereby removing a further swathe of products that have been used safely in the UK for many years.An estimated 41% of UK adults take food supplements, spending at least £335 million on them.Rhodri Thompson QC and Sam Grodzinski, both of Matrix Chambers, appeared on behalf of the health industry bodies.You can hear more on legislation issues and how they will affect your business at the Natural Trade Show Brighton in March.The Natural Trade Shows are unique. They are the only UK events that bring together, under one roof, independent retailers and practitioners within the natural, organic and complementary medicine markets.With over 150 suppliers on hand that are genuinely interested in the independent market. You will find companies large and small showcasing their latest products and bringing you many show-only offers.Our two training and education theatres provide professional, high quality seminars, discussion forums and workshops, as well as Product Innovation sessions. Mon, 16 Feb 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-food-industry-wins-high-court-action-to-stop-eu-banning-vitamins http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-fish-oil-help-to-beat-depression- Can fish oil help to beat depression?Source: www.timesonline.co.ukWhen conventional treatment failed, EPA was prescribed alongside medication. The result could mark a medical breakthrough ONE AFTERNOON IN 1996 a mother and her son arrived in my consulting room for an appointment. The mother looked deeply anxious, the son, Anthony, sat slumped in his chair, silent and looking at the floor. Anthony had apparently been suffering from severe clinical depression since the age of 14. I could see clearly that he was in a bad way. Now 21, he was a tall, dark-haired young man whose clothes hung loosely on his lean frame, suggesting that he had lost weight. Like many people suffering depression, he found it difficult to make eye contact and spoke hesitantly and quietly. Depression is a truly disabling disease and, for those who suffer from it, it is a clearly defined condition. Even if the experience of depression sufferers varies in the detail, such as the degree or longevity of their illness, or the precise symptoms they experience, the core feeling of ongoing despair and hopelessness is always the same. Depression is not just feeling low; depression is to a low mood what flu is to the common cold. Every winter people catch a cold virus, feel rough for a week, and go around telling all their friends that they’ve had flu. But if you have ever experienced real flu, you will know that there is an enormous difference. The same is true of depression. The trouble with depression is that, if you have never experienced it, it is a very difficult disease to understand. This is true of the relatives and friends of a depressed person, and it is often true also of the medical practitioners faced with a depressed patient. Anthony and his mother told me that his condition had grown steadily worse over the years, despite different treatments, and that the past two years had been particularly tough for him. Somehow he had continued to go to school and even attended college, but he had found it hard to study or take part in any college activities such as sport or social life. He often spent hours and even days just lying on his bed feeling miserable and low, unable to carry on any semblance of a normal life. Anthony had several other classic symptoms. His sleep patterns were disrupted. He might go to sleep, but then wake very early in the morning and not be able to get to sleep again. He had lost his appetite and had lost weight, he found it difficult to concentrate and was in danger of dropping out of college and, most crucially, he frequently felt suicidal. As I listened to this articulate, intelligent young man put forward his arguments for how to kill himself, I felt deeply saddened. I seriously considered whether it might be necessary to admit him to hospital. However, after careful discussion with his mother, she was able to assure me that she would keep a close eye on him and remove all potentially dangerous items that could be used in an attempt to commit suicide. So how was I to treat him? How could I help a case where all the major textbook treatments for depression had been tried unsuccessfully? In the back of my mind I had an idea – but it hadn’t been tried before on depression, so Anthony would have to agree to be a test case. The treatment was eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, which is a derivative of a naturally occurring essential fatty acid (EFA). The richest source of this omega-3 fatty acid is oily fish, including salmon, tuna (not tinned), mackerel, pilchards and sardines. But what I had in mind was a highly purified form of EPA, which could deliver a higher dose than you would get from eating oily fish. My belief that EPA might help Anthony was based in part on a large trial of patients with schizophrenia that had recently taken place (prompted by research done more than 25 years ago by Professor David Horrobin). I was one of the doctors running the trial and several of my patients had taken part. Three-quarters of the patients had been given EPA in varying doses, while the others were given a placebo. It was a double-blind trial, meaning that neither the doctor administering the treatment nor the patient receiving it knew who was being given EPA, and who the placebo. Patients suffering from schizophrenia are often depressed, and one of the most striking things I had noticed in the study was that the symptoms of depression cleared in many of the patients taking EPA. But I had to admit to Anthony and his mother that there were no published studies to date of EPA as a treatment specifically for depression. So Anthony would be the first. Because EPA is a naturally occurring food substance it has no adverse side-effects. I would give it to Anthony alongside his prescribed antidepressant medication, for although his current treatments were not alleviating his symptoms, it could be dangerous to stop taking the drugs suddenly. On this basis, Anthony and his mother agreed to go ahead with EPA. I gave him a highly purified form of a particular derivative of EPA, known as ethyl-EPA, and then monitored the results. Anthony also agreed to allow me to run several highly specialised tests, including brain scans, to observe the effects of the EPA. Nine months later, Anthony and his mother were once again in my consulting room. This time they were both smiling and his mother was declaring that a miracle had taken place. Anthony was transformed. A confident, self-assured young man, he shook my hand warmly and had no problem looking me in the eye. All the signs of depression had gone. He was eating and sleeping well, and enjoying catching up with his studies and his social life. His suicidal thoughts had completely disappeared and he was excited about his plans for the future. Anthony and his mother told me that within two to three months of starting the ethyl-EPA all his depressive symptoms had cleared. After seven years of struggle against the tyranny of this unremitting disease, Anthony had at last won back his health and his will to live. A few days after this visit, I finished analysing Anthony’s brain scans. I compared the brain scan I had taken after the course of EPA with the one taken nine months earlier before treatment began. The results were astonishing. Because Anthony was already an adult, I would not expect to see any change in the brain structure over a nine-month period. If he had started to develop a brain disease such as dementia, in which he was losing nerve cells and cerebral tissue, then I would expect to see that the two largest brain ventricles, or chambers, had become larger as the brain deteriorated. In fact what I saw was the opposite: Anthony’s brain ventricles had become smaller and parts of his cerebral cortex had become thicker — both changes that pointed to the possibility that regrowth might have taken place in parts of his brain. It used to be taught as fact in medical schools that the human brain, in an adult, is not capable of further growth. However, recent American research on rats has confirmed that brain cells do regenerate as a result of brain exercise, although we still know little about this process. Anthony’s brain scans led me to believe that EPA can, in some ways, stimulate stem cells in our brains to produce new nerve cells, offering hope for a variety of conditions that adversely affect the brain. Fri, 30 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/can-fish-oil-help-to-beat-depression- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-may-not-go-with-cancer-drugs Herbal remedies may not go with cancer drugsSource: www.dailytimes.com.pkDoctors warned cancer patients on Tuesday about the potential dangers of mixing alternative and herbal medicines with conventional treatments. Remedies such as cod liver oil and St John’s Wort may interfere with blood thinning drugs, hormone treatments or chemotherapy. “Any patient who takes herbal remedies needs to be aware that there can be potential health risks with them. The risk could be related to the remedy itself and any other medicines they are taking,” Dr Ursula Werneke, of the Homerton Hospital in London, said in an interview. In a study of 300 cancer patients at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, Werneke found that more than half took herbal remedies, or supplements, or both. Eleven percent used more than the recommended dosage and one third of the patients weren’t sure why they were taking them, according to the research published in the British Journal of Cancer. “There is a perception among the public that herbal remedies are harmless because they are herbal or natural. This paper shows a potential for risk and a potential for interaction (with other treatments),” she added. Earlier research has shown that garlic and cod liver oil may exaggerate the effects of blood-thinning drugs taken by some cancer patients. St John’s Wort, which is used to relieve mild depression, can interfere with hormone treatment, antibiotics and chemotherapy. Echinacea, which effects the immune system, could have a negative impact on some treatments for lymphoma and leukaemia. Werneke advised patients to tell their doctor about any complementary remedies or supplements they are taking and to be aware that herbal medicines might not always be effective. “Although they are natural, that does not necessarily mean they are harmless,” she added. Evening primrose oil, gingko biloba, echinacea, selenium, cod liver oil and vitamins were the most popular complementary remedies and supplements taken by people in the study. Professor Robert Souhami of Britain’s Cancer Research charity said in a statement: “this research is very valuable in that it indicates more work needs to be done to get a clearer picture about how complementary medicines react with conventional drugs”. Mon, 26 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/herbal-remedies-may-not-go-with-cancer-drugs http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flaxseed-oil-supplement-may-be-harmful-to-men Flaxseed oil supplement may be harmful to menSource: www.herald-dispatch.comFlaxseed nutritional supplements have some positive health benefits. Recent research has shown, for example, that they may help prevent heart disease and breast cancer. We no longer recommend flaxseed oil to our male patients in the Diabetes Exercise Center and Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, however, because current medical opinion has related these supplements to prostate cancer. Dr. Dean Ornish’s research first demonstrated that heart disease can be reversed with therapeutic lifestyle changes such as exercise, sensible nutrition, smoke cessation and meditation. I asked him about evidence that indicates flaxseed oil may promote the growth of prostate tumors. Does flaxseed oil cause prostate cancer, or does it stimulate the growth of existing prostate cancer cells? Also, does this warning apply to ground flaxseed meal?"The omega-3 fatty acids can be highly protective against heart disease," Ornish responded. "Flaxseed oil and fish oil are two concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, some scientific evidence has caused me concern about recommending flaxseed oil because it may accelerate the progression of prostate cancer. Fish oil, in contrast, does not seem to have this harmful effect on prostate cancer."Flaxseed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, which has been shown to be beneficial in both heart disease and breast cancer. According to Dr. Charles E. Myers Jr., however, a scientist at the University of Virginia Medical School in Charlottesville, available research suggests that alpha-linolenic acid may be dangerous for prostate cancer patients. "Five out of six studies found an increase in the risk of prostate cancer associated with alpha-linolenic acid," Myers said. "Our laboratory, as well as others, found that alpha-linolenic acid is one of the most powerful growth stimuli for human prostate cancer cells."After reviewing Myers’ findings, Ornish commented further."Thus, I now recommend fish oil, rather than flaxseed oil, for men and either for women. The same applies to flaxseed meal as well as the oil, although flaxseed contains a number of phytochemicals, such as lignans, that are of potential value. One of the major lignans in flaxseed is secoisolariciresinol, a phytoestrogen and antioxidant. "However, you can get these phytoestrogens in other foods, such as soy, without the potential problems of flaxseed and flaxseed oil."Always consider food and vitamin supplementation carefully. Before beginning any new nutritional regimen, discuss it with your physician to be informed of any potentially harmful side effects. Fri, 16 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/flaxseed-oil-supplement-may-be-harmful-to-men http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-can-save-your-eyesight Vitamins Can Save Your EyesightSource: www.ajc.comIf you are one of the millions at risk of losing your vision from age-related macular degeneration, a simple regimen of antioxidants and zinc may save your eyesight.If those at risk took the antioxidants, hundreds of thousands of people would preserve their vision, researchers say in a new study. According to the Macular Degeneration Partnership, "age-related macular degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss and legal blindness in adults over 60 in the U.S.," and it is the fastest-growing form of the several types of macular degeneration.Macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition, attacks the macula of the eye, where your sharpest central vision occurs. The condition affects 15 million people in the United States and millions more around the world.The disease rarely causes complete blindness, but it robs you of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving just dim images or black holes at the center of vision.Two years ago, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) researchers showed that you can reduce your risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration by taking high-doses of antioxidants that include vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene plus zinc either alone as zinc oxide.At that time, the researchers recommended that people with early stages of macular degeneration consider take these vitamin supplements.In the current study, appearing in the November issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, the same group estimates how many people in the United States would have vision loss prevented if they followed the AREDS guidelines."If the AREDS recommendations were followed, more than 300,000 people with moderate to severe age-related macular degeneration could have their vision saved over the next five years," says co-researcher Johanna Seddon, an associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health.Since the initial findings, more physicians and patients are using the AREDS vitamin regimen, Seddon adds. Physicians should be aware of the danger of age-related macular degeneration and determine if their older patients have a family history of the condition, she says.In addition, patients over 55 need to have regular eye exams to be sure there are no sign of age-related macular degeneration, Seddon says. Patients should also make it a point to ask their eye doctor if they have any sign of the disease.Seddon notes that it is becoming more apparent that nutrition plays an important role in maintaining eyesight."You should eat a healthful, low-fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and watch your cholesterol intake. Such a diet can help ward off eye disease as well as heart disease. If necessary you can add the AREDS vitamin regimen," she says.Lee Jampol, a professor of ophthalmology at Northwestern University and the author of an accompanying editorial, comments, "It is very difficult to get elderly people to understand that they need to take the proper doses of these vitamins at the proper time." Over half his patients fail to follow the regimen, he says.Jampol says that this problem arises partly because patients do not understand how the AREDS regimen works and partly because of the cost of the vitamins. "Many patients are hesitant to spend money, even on medication that might save their vision," he adds."It is very important that ophthalmologists go over the treatment with their patients at every visit to make sure they are taking their proper dose," Jampol says.But he cautions that only patients with diagnosed age-related macular degeneration should be taking these vitamins. Patients who do not meet the criteria should not be on the AREDS regimen, because it will not make a difference in preserving eyesight."These are not multivitamins, the doses are big, and they should only be taken if you have the proper indications, as determined by your physician," Jampol says Sat, 10 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamins-can-save-your-eyesight http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-vitamin-b12-levels-may-be-linked-to-better-treatment-outcome-for-major-depressive-disorder High Vitamin B12 Levels May be Linked to Better Treatment Outcome for Major Depressive DisorderSource: www.docguide.comHigh levels of vitamin B12 may be associated with a better treatment outcome for patients with major depressive disorder, according to a recent Finnish report.Previous studies have identified low levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the serum and red blood cells of patients with depressive disorders. Low levels of folate have also been associated with a poor response to antidepressive therapy. However, results from several recent large studies investigating the link between vitamin B12, folate and depressive disorders have been conflicting.To better understand this relationship, investigators led by Jukka Hintikka, MD, PhD, of Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, performed a naturalistic follow-up study analysing potential associations between vitamin B12 and folate levels and the 6-month treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorders.The study included 115 outpatients (mean age, 42.9±10.9 years; 70 females) with DSM-III-R major depressive disorder consecutively consulted at the University Hospital. Serum vitamin B12 and erythrocyte folate levels were measured at baseline, and serum vitamin B12 levels again at 6 months. The patients were treated by their regular outpatient psychiatrists and therapists during the study period. Level of depression was assessed at baseline and 6 months with the 17 item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). According to the researchers, 56% of the patients were on adequate antidepressive medication and 72% had had an adjunct therapeutic relationship during the study.Patients with greater HDRS responses had higher vitamin B12 levels both at baseline (r = 0.39, P < .001) and at 6 months (r = 0.26, P = .021). The positive relationship between higher vitamin B12 levels and improved HDRS score was also confirmed by linear regression analysis.The researchers found a weaker positive correlation between erythrocyte folate levels at baseline and improvement in HDRS score (r = 0.20, P = .037). Haematological indices, which may be affected by vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, were also measured at baseline. However, no correlation was found between these parameters and HDRS score.None of the patients had a low vitamin B12 level at baseline, and the researchers note that previous research has focused on associations between low vitamin B12 levels and poor treatment response. "As far as we know, there have been no previous studies that have suggested a positive relationship between the vitamin B12 level and the treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder who generally have normal or high serum vitamin B12 levels."The researchers caution that sociodemographic, clinical and treatment variables were not controlled in this study, and recommend "further studies with controlled illness and treatment variables to confirm or refute our findings." Mon, 05 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/high-vitamin-b12-levels-may-be-linked-to-better-treatment-outcome-for-major-depressive-disorder http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-colloidal-oats- What Are Colloidal Oats?Source: herbsforhealth.about.comThe definition stated by Quaker Oats is: "Oats that are ground into a very fine powder. Colloidal oats are typically used in health and beauty aids such as oatmeal baths, moisturizers and many facial scrubs and masks." Oatmeal is a wonderful herb for relieving itchy dryness and other skin irritations. Tue, 30 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/what-are-colloidal-oats- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-vitamin-d-is-too-much-take-this-vitamin-d-quiz-to-find-out- How Much Vitamin D is Too Much? Take This Vitamin D Quiz to Find Out!Source: www.mercola.comThis quiz on vitamin D toxicity is an excellent follow-up to , as there is still much confusion about vitamin D and vitamin D toxicity. I encourage you to take the quiz and even pass it along to your doctor, as very few U.S. physicians are aware of vitamin D’s importance. Winter is the time of year when most of us in the United States need to be very diligent about keeping our vitamin D levels within optimal levels. I recommend that most take a high-quality cod liver oil, which is an excellent source of vitamin D, regularly from fall until early spring. However, it is essential to understand that in order to know how much vitamin D you should be taking, you should get your blood level checked. If you use beneficial products like cod liver oil without doing blood tests for vitamin D levels, you should keep the dose at one to two teaspoons per day to prevent overdosing. This is a major point: excess vitamin D will cause, not prevent, osteoporosis and hardening of your arteries. Please be very careful with cod liver oil. If you are unable to obtain vitamin D testing, then please do not exceed one to two teaspoons of cod liver oil. So please do yourself a favor--read the article on vitamin D testing and be sure to have your level measured. As I mentioned above, nearly all physicians are not aware how to have this checked and how to interpret the normal reference ranges, so I encourage you to print out the article on vitamin D testing not only for your own records but also for your doctor so he or she can become aware of this vitally important nutrient.The Vitamin D Council, the non-profit group that contributed the excellent quiz below, is another great resource for vitamin D information. The Vitamin D Council is a group of citizens concerned about vitamin D deficiency and the diseases associated with that deficiency. I encourage you to check out their website and sign up for their informative newsletter. Their goal is an important one: to draw attention to the problem of vitamin D deficiency through the education of professionals, the media, government officials and average citizens. Mon, 29 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/how-much-vitamin-d-is-too-much-take-this-vitamin-d-quiz-to-find-out- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-may-help-cure-emphysema Vitamin May Help Cure EmphysemaSource: www.news.scotsman.comA vitamin found in eggs and milk could hold the key to curing the potentially fatal lung disease emphysema, according to research revealed today.British scientists have found that retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, can reverse damage caused to the lungs by the previously incurable disease.Tests on mice have found that damaged lungs have been repaired to normal by the compound, which is already used to treat chronic acne.Trials are now being carried out to see if it could have similar success if used on humans.Emphysema is one of the most common respiratory diseases in Britain and causes progressive damage to the lungs, which can eventually kill.There is currently no cure.Early symptoms include breathlessness but sufferers can be left gasping for breath and reliant on oxygen.It usually affects older people and is generally the result of long-term damage to the lungs caused by smoking or exposure to other harmful substances.Professor Malcolm Maden, of the Medical Research Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King’s College, London, said his team’s research held out “great hope” for the development of a treatment for emphysema in humans.He said the retinoic acid compound worked on tissue cells in the lungs, causing them to regenerate.Emphysema begins with the destruction of tiny air sacs (alveoli), which creates permanent “holes” in the walls of the lungs.As the air sacs are destroyed the lungs are able to transfer less and less oxygen to the bloodstream.Prof Maden said that during the tests on mice his compound made the alveoli grow back again until they returned to normal levels.He said: “We saw quite dramatic results. It is potentially hopeful for emphysema sufferers, and for premature babies who often suffer from loss of alveoli because of treatments given to stimulate lung growth.”Clinical trials have begun in America to see if the treatment could be used on humans. Mon, 22 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-may-help-cure-emphysema http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/better-british-diet-gives-birth-to-mega-baby Better British diet gives birth to mega babySource: www.timesonline.co.ukBABIES are piling on the pounds in the womb. Improved health and diet among parents has led to a large increase in the number of so-called “mega- babies” across Britain. The proportion of babies weighing 9lb 15oz or more, a benchmark used to classify large children at birth, has risen by 20% to more than 10,000 over the past decade. In 2001 nearly 100 babies hit the scales at 12lb 2oz or more. The change is both good and bad news. Experts say there are two types of bigger baby: those who are long and muscled, and those who are padded with fat all over their bodies, including, in some cases, their skulls. The first category are likely to grow into tall healthy adults, whereas the second may become obese. Often the “fat” babies are born into families where obesity or diabetes is a problem. Research has shown that the babies slim down in their first year but are more likely to put on excess weight as they grow older. Dr Alan Cameron, a consultant obstetrician at the Queen Mother’s hospital in Glasgow said: “Mums with a diabetic tendency and obese mums tend to be more likely to have bigger babies because there is more fat laid down and more sugar present. The fast food diet also predisposes to increased gestational diabetes, which develops in pregnancy.” The long babies are thought to be the result of improved foetal nutrition and taller mothers. Experts believe that these big babies have good prospects with less risk of heart disease and diabetes than light babies. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, there were 10,162 live babies born weighing more than 9lb 15oz in 2001 out of 594,634 in England and Wales — 1.71% of the total. Ten years earlier there were 9,994 babies born out of a total of 699,217 — 1.43% of the total. David Barker, professor of epidemiology at Southampton University and an expert on birthweight, said the rising number of bigger babies was to be welcomed. “How a baby grows in the womb is very important for the rest of their life and it is very important that women eat a variety of foods and get the right protein/carbohydrate balance,” he said. British babies weigh about 7lb 8oz on average compared with less than 6lb in India. In Sweden the average is 8lb, and 13lb and 14lb babies are much more common. According to one recent survey boys now weigh an average of 7lb 8oz, a rise of 2oz from 1970, while girls weigh an average of 7lb 4oz, up 1½oz. The biggest baby born in Britain was Guy Carr, from Cumbria, who weighed in at 15lb 8oz in 1992. Mothers such as Emily Weatherby, of west London, are no longer surprised by big babies. Her first daughter, Frances, weighed 9lb 13oz and her second, Madeleine, was 10lb 15oz. She said: “In my antenatal class with Madeleine there were three or four babies over 10lbs.” Sun, 21 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/better-british-diet-gives-birth-to-mega-baby http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-reduce-colon-polyps Calcium and vitamin D reduce colon polypsSource: www.healthandage.comThe nutrients calcium and vitamin D work together, not separately, to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new study. Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have already learned that people who take calcium supplements have a lower risk of adenoma polyps, the benign tumors that are precursors to cancer of the colon or rectum. Now the team has re-analyzed that study to examine how calcium and vitamin D interact to lower the possibility of colorectal cancer. More than 800 people participated in the Calcium Polyp Prevention Study, a four-year randomized trial that documented the benefits of calcium supplementation for preventing the growth of the benign tumors. The recent analysis found that calcium supplements prevented adenomas only among individuals with baseline vitamin D levels that were higher than average (29.1ng/mL). Similarly, serum vitamin D levels were associated with reduced adenoma recurrence only among individuals taking calcium supplement. These findings provide a strong indication that vitamin D and calcium have a joint anti-cancer effect in the large bowel, but are essentially ineffective on their own. Further investigation is needed to understand how vitamin D and calcium interact to prevent cancer and to clarify the amount of intake of each nutrient required for optimum protective effect. Tue, 16 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-reduce-colon-polyps http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/music-helps-to-ease-arthritis-pain Music Helps to Ease Arthritis PainSource: altmedicine.about.comScientists in Florida have found that just 20 minutes a day of music was enough for patients to report more than a 50% reduction in pain levels. Over the 14-day listening period, the amount of natural pain relief continued to increase.The research was published in the Journal for Advanced Nursing. It was based on tests on 66 older people with chronic osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease in humans. Previous studies have shown that music can improve motivation, elevate mood, and increase feelings of control. It is thought to release endorphins, which reduce pain, decrease blood pressure, the heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen consumption. In addition to music, other coping strategies for pain include aromatherapy and meditation. Tue, 02 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/music-helps-to-ease-arthritis-pain http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/weakened-bones-among-risks-of-vitamin-a Weakened bones among risks of vitamin ASource: www.sunherald.comI recently read about a Swedish study that showed vitamin A at higher levels can increase the risk of bone fractures. Can you shed some light on acceptable levels and types of vitamin A?A: Many human and animal studies suggest that excessive vitamin A intake weakens bone and increases the risk of osteoporosis.The study of 2,300 Swedish men (New England Journal of Medicine) found that those with the highest blood levels of vitamin A were seven times more likely to suffer bone fractures than those with the lowest vitamin A levels.The study authors suggest that current amounts of vitamin A in supplements and vitamin A-fortified foods might be too high and should be reassessed.Looking at the multivitamin product you take is useful in understanding vitamin A. It provides vitamin A in two forms: retinol palmitate and beta-carotene, 7,500 IU of each.Retinol palmitate is "straight" vitamin A. In contrast, beta-carotene is "pre-vitamin A" that the body converts to vitamin A as needed.An interesting note: The Swedish study found that beta-carotene levels were not associated with bone fracture risk. This presumably is because the body uses only as much beta-carotene as it needs.The safe upper level of straight vitamin A is 10,000 IU. The adult recommended daily intake is 3,000 IU for men and 2,300 IU for women.This latest study suggests it might be best to stay close to the recommended daily intakes. These amounts, the study noted, can be supplied by a healthy diet containing dairy products and fish. Thu, 27 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/weakened-bones-among-risks-of-vitamin-a http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wrong-diet-can-contribute-to-those-aching-joints Wrong diet can contribute to those aching jointsSource: www.postindependent.comDear Humorous Herbalist, I have a question regarding arthritis. I am age 50, and am starting to feel discomfort in my back, neck and elbows that could possibly be the inflammation-type arthritis. Advil does help. What are your suggestions on foods to avoid, and herbs that ward off this process as long as possible?Thank you, — Pamela (via e-mail) Dear Pamela, First of all, Advil is not the long-term answer. Inflammatory conditions, whether they are the beginning of arthritis or occurring due to other reasons, should always be addressed with lifestyle changes that include dietary adjustments and the addition of plant remedies that have broad-range anti-inflammatory capabilities. Let’s take the diet first. The formation of excess uric acid is one of the contributing factors of inflammatory conditions. The dietary solution is to reduce or eliminate acid-forming foods. These include coffee, table salt, citrus fruits and excess red meat. However, the worst offender is refined sugar. Sugar robs the body of calcium and magnesium. People with arthritis or those prone to inheriting it should also avoid foods in the nightshade family (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes). These foods contain a compound called solanine which interferes with the enzymes in the muscles and may lead to joint pain. Foods to include in your daily diet are pineapple (it has an enzyme called bromelain which reduces inflammation); fiber-rich bulking agents such as flax seeds, oat bran or rice bran; sulfur-containing foods (asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions) and tart, red cherries (about 20 a day) to relieve inflammatory discomfort. Herbs and supplements include turmeric, ginger, nettle, celery seed, cayenne and ashwagandha. (Turmeric and ginger need to be taken in large amounts to be effective. New Chapter puts out an incredible pair of products called Turmericforce and Gingerforce that work beautifully for inflammatory conditions). Beneficial oils such as evening primrose oil (3,000 milligrams daily) and cod liver oil are excellent additions to your regimen. Because of cod liver oil’s dense nature, cod liver oil capsules should only be taken during the colder time of the year, from late fall to early spring. During the spring and summer, replace it with a good fish oil combination. Low-impact yoga is indicated as having a general toning effect on the body and is extremely beneficial for maintaining flexibility and ease of movement. These suggestions are only the beginning of what is available to naturally treat inflammation. Best of all, they all have far-reaching effects on the body (i.e., they improve digestion, balance hormones, alleviate depression) that truly make them WHOLE-istic therapy.Dear Humorous Herbalist, In your column on Friday, Oct. 17, you gave a formula that works as a muscle relaxant for spasmodic tension. You said to combine one-half ounce EACH of kava kava tincture, crampbark tincture, wood betony tincture and blue vervain tincture. I was able to find all of these tinctures except for the wood betony. How important is this particular herb to the formula, what is it used for on its own and where is a good source to purchase it? Thank you for your help. — Thomas (Aspen)Dear Thomas, Wood betony (Stachys betonica) is an ancient herb that has an affinity for the liver and nervous system. It is known in herbal medicine as a mild sedative and general tonic with an emphasis on circulation of the brain. Wood betony (also known as Betony) has been used for centuries to relieve headaches and migraines, nervous debility, sciatica, heartburn, varicose vein discomfort, dizziness, low back pain and overall muscular tension. I placed this useful herb into the formula because of its wonderful ability to calm the mind while relieving physical tension. Also, when you combine wood betony with blue vervain (another pain-relieving plant remedy), you immediately enhance betony’s relaxing properties. Fri, 14 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/wrong-diet-can-contribute-to-those-aching-joints http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/actress-in-court-challenge-over-herbal-remedy-ban Actress in Court Challenge over Herbal Remedy BanSource: www.news.scotsman.comActress Jenny Seagrove “strongly resented” a countrywide ban which prevents her from using an ancient herbal remedy to cope with the problem of sleeplessness, the High Court was told today.A judge heard the Malaysian-born leading lady was upset over the state’s “interference with her freedom to choose” to take kava-kava, known for its anti-stress and soothing properties.Ms Seagrove joined the National Association for Health Stores (NAHS) in a challenge to the legality of Government decisions which have made it an offence to import or sell the product since January 13 .The UK market for kava-kava products was estimated to have been worth up to £7.5 million a year before the ban.Rhodri Thompson QC, appearing for both Ms Seagrove and the association, said it was imposed following unproved reports linking kava-kava to people who had suffered liver damage.He argued the decision was “substantially flawed” and unlawful.He told Mr Justice Crane, sitting at the High Court in London, it had been taken on the basis of incomplete and unsatisfactory data.Tobacco products caused thousands of deaths yet remained on the market, whilst kava-kava had been banned because there was “a handful of suspect cases”.Evidence before the Department of Health suggested that, world wide, there had been six liver transplants and three-four deaths over the past 10-15 years, and these were “most probably” not caused by kava-kava at all, said Mr Thompson.He said of the ban: “Both my clients strongly resent this interference with their freedom of choice and freedom to trade.“Ms Seagrove speaks on behalf of all those individuals who have found kava-kava to be a valuable product without side effects.”The product was used to relieve pain and anxiety, and in Ms Seagrove’s case, sleeplessness.He said the NAHS represented some 426 health stores and the wider commercial interests who wished to continue trading in kava-kava products, including those who produced it in the relatively undeveloped Pacific region.Mr Thompson described how Kava had been used by Pacific islanders for over a thousand years as a relaxing and stress relieving drink, and was the national drink of Fiji and Tonga. Tue, 11 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/actress-in-court-challenge-over-herbal-remedy-ban http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b1-may-be-the-culprit-in-remedia-syndrome Vitamin B1 May be the Culprit in Remedia SyndromeSource: www.israelnn.comHealth officials believe a vitamin b1 deficiency caused the potentially lethal reaction in a number of infants fed Remedia soy-based formula. Health Ministry officials have instructed doctors to begin supplementing the missing vitamin in the sick children.Three infants remain hospitalized in the Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in Petah Tikvah in serious condition but physicians are reporting a slight improvement. One of the three is off the mechanical respirator, the second is about to come off and the third is also showing positive signs. Sun, 09 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-b1-may-be-the-culprit-in-remedia-syndrome http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-lowers-preterm-birth-risk Exercise Lowers Preterm Birth RiskSource: www.click2houston.comEXERCISE AND PRE-TERM DELIVERY: Pre-term birth is defined as delivery before completion of 37 weeks gestation. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recruited nearly 2,000 women who were between their 24th and 29th weeks of pregnancy. Researchers found that 22 percent of participants exercised before pregnancy, 14 percent exercised during the first trimester, and 8 percent exercised during the second trimester. Results show during the first trimester, exercise slightly reduced the risk of premature delivery. Researchers said exercise during the second trimester helped reduce the risk even more. Not only does regular exercise reduce the risk for premature birth, but it may also delay it, giving the baby more time to develop. Dr. Kelly Evenson from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "We were concerned about whether this type of activity might increase the risk of pre-term birth, and we actually found that it did not increase the risk." In addition to lowering the risk of premature delivery, exercise during pregnancy can also help with the delivery itself. Doctors believe it helps women cope better with labor pains. Strength training also helps pregnant women prevent some of the aches and pains common during pregnancy. Plus, exercise will limit pregnancy weight gains, making post-delivery recovery more manageable. APPROPRIATE EXERCISES: Appropriate exercises include swimming laps, brisk walking, jogging at a moderate to fast pace, aerobics or aerobic dance. It could also include fast dancing and moderate- to-fast bicycling. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines permit pregnant women to engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. However, women should consult with their physician first if they have pre-existing medical conditions or complications. Doctors said certain activities are off-limits. For example, pregnant women should avoid scuba diving because the fetus is at risk for decompression sickness. Also, mothers-to- be should avoid activities such as ice hockey, soccer, kickboxing or horseback riding because they carry an increased risk for abdominal trauma. EXCEPTIONS: Although physical activity can be beneficial for most pregnant women, experts say if a woman experiences any of the following warning signs, she should stop exercising. Dizziness Headache Vaginal bleeding Chest pain Muscle weakness Calf pain or swelling For more information, contact: The Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/pin/ For other medical research, visit Ivanhoe Broadcast News on the Internet: http://www.ivanhoe.com Sat, 08 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-lowers-preterm-birth-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fda-links-herbal-tea-to-seizures-star-anise FDA links herbal tea to seizures star aniseSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comWarns consumers not to drink teas brewed from the herb star anise. 31/10/2003 The Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers not to drink teas, or give their babies teas, brewed from the herb star anise. FDA is investigating about 40 reports of people, including 15 infants, suffering seizures. Star anise tea sometimes is used as a folk remedy for infants with colic.There are two types of star anise. Chinese star anise, which is a popular spice and is known to be safe to consume, and Japanese star anise, which is a well-known poison, and is supposed to be for decorative purposes only. Fri, 31 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fda-links-herbal-tea-to-seizures-star-anise http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/popular-herb-kava-is-vindicated-for-the-time-being Popular Herb Kava Is Vindicated - for the Time BeingSource: www.newswise.comWhen all else fails, blame it on kava!Unfortunately, says Yadhu Singh, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at South Dakota State University, that’s what is happening in some countries around the world as more people are seeing their physicians for liver-related ailments.The common denominator, according to many in the medical community, is kava, a popular pharmaceutical herbal supplement used successfully to treat stress, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.However, after much discussion and research, including extensive analysis by Singh, he says there is convincing proof that kava is safe, although more research on the matter is warranted."There is no strong evidence that kava consumption in the traditional manner has severe adverse health effects," says Singh. "However, there is evidence to provide some concern about liver toxicity related to pharmaceutical kava preparations, although it is not sufficient to make firm conclusions."The kava herb is derived from the kava plant, a robust, well-branching perennial shrub. It thrives at altitudes of between 150 to 300 feet above sea level and grows well in stony ground, both when cultivated and in the wild.The plant can be found extensively on the islands of the Pacific Ocean, including Fiji, which is located northeast of Australia and north of New Zealand. It’s the native home of Singh, who lived in the country for about thirty years and taught at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.Centuries of kava useSingh was in Suva last November to attend the Pacific Kava Research Symposium "to clarify this whole situation," he says. "We were all mystified on why this (liver toxicity) was happening. It is of crucial importance there, because a lot of these countries depend on kava for economic reasons, mainly for exporting."The traditional manner of consuming kava dates back many centuries. Kava acquired important symbolic meanings and with it came certain rules and procedures for its preparation, distribution among participants, and consumption.Besides being the social beverage for chiefs and noblemen, it was also used to welcome distinguished visitors at formal gatherings. In time, it was used in almost all phases of life on the islands, including ceremonies, rituals, and religious activities. Many medicinal purposes were reported as well. In Hawaii, for example, it was used to soothe the nerves, to induce relaxation, to counteract fatigue, and for congestion in the urinary tract, asthma, rheumatism, and weight reduction.The traditional manner in making kava is to take the dried roots and lower stem of the plant and reduce them to fine particles. Water is poured into a large bowl containing the particles. The mixture is worked together, scooped up in a strainer and the infusion drained into the bowl, which is poured into a coconut shell cup for serving.In the western world, instead of using pure water, organic solvents are utilized to extract the final kava product, which is then put into pill and other forms. Organic solvents are used because they extract larger amounts of kavalactones, the active ingredients, and the procedure is more efficient than water.Contrasting methodsThe two different ways of making kava have become the central focus of the kava investigation."We aren’t sure if it’s the method of extraction that is causing the toxicity," says Singh, who points out that the kava supplement has been banned in countries like Great Britain, Switzerland, and Germany. "Water only extracts those things that are soluble in water, but with organic solvents, there is a good possibility other substances that may be toxic are also extracted."To verify that the water extraction process does not cause toxicity, since island inhabitants report no liver problems, Singh and Ashwini Devkota, a junior SDSU pharmacy student from Nepal, conducted a research project to prove the point."We evaluated the level of toxicity of kava on the liver function of young rats by measuring the effects on certain enzymes," explains Singh. "A significant increase in these enzymes would be considered an indication of liver toxicity."After a few weeks of monitoring the animals, blood was obtained and serum prepared for enzyme analysis. The results showed there were no notable differences in the body weight and enzyme activity of the animals after two different dosage levels of kava."The data shows that kava did not produce any significant effects on the normal biological markers of liver toxicity," notes Singh, who indicates the research will now turn its attention to acetone extracts of kava. "Acetone is a very common organic solvent used to extract kava, so that’s the next step in our research effort."International conference slatedThe symposium Singh attended voted to hold an international kava conference in November 2003. The meeting will include representatives involved in the medical, pharmaceutical, social, trade, and economic aspects of kava.The conference will have two goals, according to Singh. One: consider multi-national clinical studies on the safety of traditional kava use in the community, and, two: collaborative laboratory research on toxicity of traditional kava extracts and kava-based pharmaceutical products."We want to provide a clear statement of the broad issues involved in the safety of kava use worldwide," he says. "How safe is kava when consumed both traditionally or as a pharmaceutical product? We hope to address these issues at the conference this fall." Thu, 30 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/popular-herb-kava-is-vindicated-for-the-time-being http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eastenders-spurn-atkins-for-the-fat-kat-diet Eastenders Spurn Atkins for the ‘Fat Kat. DietSource: www.news.scotsman.comEastEnders co-stars Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie have started a joint diet because they reckon the show has made them fat.The pair, who play Kat and Alfie, are on a mission to fight the flab after piling on the pounds behind the bar of the Queen Vic.Bosses on the BBC show were reported to have ordered Wallace to shift some weight.Richie told Now magazine: “Me and Jessie are doing low-carbs. Every day we arrive at work saying, ‘What have you had?’ We’re always discussing what we’ve eaten.“We’d both put on weight from being behind the bar and doing scenes together. Jessie would get out a bag of crisps and I’d say, ‘Go on then, give us a bag...’.”The 39-year-old star said the couple had decided agains the Atkins diet because it is too time-consuming and expensive, and because Wallace couldn’t live without bread or crisps.Instead Richie eats cereal for breakfast, a baked potato for lunch and no carbohydrates for his evening meal – and he can already see the results.“I’ve probably lost close to a stone in eight weeks. It’s coming off nice and slowly. I weigh myself in the dressing room and write my weight on the wall,” he said.“Jessie’s doing really great as well. She’s dropping weight left, right and centre. She’s actually looking fantastic at the moment.”Richie denied EastEnders bosses had told them to lose weight but admitted there was a huge pressure on TV stars to keep slim.And he rushed to defend Wallace, 30, against criticism that she was chubby: “Jessie’s a very sexy woman. If that wasn’t the case, she wouldn’t keep winning all these ‘sexiest woman’ awards.” Wed, 22 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/eastenders-spurn-atkins-for-the-fat-kat-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/improved-glucose-response-with-high-protein-diet-in-individuals-with-type-2-diabetes Improved Glucose Response with High-protein Diet in Individuals with Type 2 DiabetesSource: www.docguide.comA high-protein diet may lead to lower plasma glucose concentrations in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new American study.Dietary recommendations for both healthy and diabetic persons have traditionally focused on carbohydrate and fat intake, with protein being largely disregarded. However, several single-day and single-meal studies have suggested that protein ingestion may actually lead to a decrease in postprandial glucose concentrations. Mary C. Gannon, MD, of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and colleagues conducted a study to examine the effect of a high-protein diet on glucose levels over a longer term.Twelve subjects with mild, untreated type 2 diabetes (mean age, 61 years; 10 males) were randomly assigned to either a control diet designed according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association (protein:carbohydrate:fat, 15:55:30) or a high-protein diet (30:40:30) for a period of 5 weeks. The subjects were given a 2 to 5 week washout period after the first 5-week phase, and then switched to the opposite diet for a second the following 5 weeks.Dr. Gannon found that fasting glucose concentration was consistently lower after the high-protein diet, with no significant change in body weight. The mean 24-hour integrated glucose area responses (with fasting glucose concentration as baseline) were 34.1 ± 7.2 mmol x h/L and 21.0 ± 4.2 mmol x h/L after the control and high-protein diets, respectively, revealing a 40% decrease with the high-protein diet.The high-protein diet also showed a greater decrease in the mean total percent glycated haemoglobin (0.8%) compared with the control diet (0.3%, P Thu, 16 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/improved-glucose-response-with-high-protein-diet-in-individuals-with-type-2-diabetes http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-may-play-role-in-ibs-and-dyspepsia Diet may play role in IBS and dyspepsiaSource: www.eurekalert.orgTwo recent studies released today attempt to unravel the role that diet plays in gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia. The preliminary findings suggest that both fructose and fat contribute to symptoms of IBS, a disorder affecting about 10 to 15 percent of the American population. The findings will be presented at the 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. For several years, University of Iowa researchers have been investigating how fructose, the simple sugar found in honey and many fruits, may play an important role in some of the symptoms of IBS, a leading cause of referral to a gastroenterologist. IBS is characterized by abdominal discomfort, bloating, and change in bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea). Although lactose intolerance is well-known, fructose intolerance is just beginning to be recognized. Young K. Choi, M.D., and colleagues from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City, IA) found previously that one-third to one-half of patients with IBS symptoms are fructose intolerant. "A fructose-restricted diet significantly improved symptoms in patients with IBS and fructose intolerance," said Dr. Choi. "Fructose intolerance is yet another piece of the IBS puzzle, whose treatment -- when adhered to -- confers significant benefits." For this study, the University of Iowa researchers tested 80 patients with suspected IBS and found that 30 were fructose intolerant. Patients were taught about eliminating fructose from their diet, and after one year, 26 were interviewed to assess their symptoms. Only one-half of the patients complied with the fructose-restricted diet. For those who were compliant, symptoms (such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea) declined significantly (P Mon, 13 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/diet-may-play-role-in-ibs-and-dyspepsia http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnesium-in-diet-may-alter-heart-disease-risk Magnesium in diet may alter heart disease riskSource: www.heartcenteronline.comGreater intake of magnesium -- one of the minerals recommended in a healthy diet -- appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, a study of more than 7,000 men shows. Dr. Robert D. Abbott of the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, and others, note in the American Journal of Cardiology that although magnesium deficiency is believed to be detrimental for the heart, the association "has not been clearly identified." In order to do so, the researchers examined dietary magnesium intake in 7172 men who took part in the Honolulu Heart Program. At enrollment, the average daily dietary magnesium intake was 268 milligrams, with a range of 50 to 1138 mg. During 30 years of follow-up, 1431 cases of coronary heart disease were identified. Within 15 years of the first dietary assessment, the rate of heart disease was significantly lower in those with the highest daily magnesium intake (340 mg or more) compared with those with the lowest intake (186 mg or less). The researchers calculate that the rate of heart disease was the equivalent of 4 cases per 1000 people per year for those in the high magnesium group, versus 7 cases among those with the lowest intake. Commenting on the results, Abbott told Reuters Health that "although I believe that they are provocative, further work needs to be undertaken to explore the value of magnesium supplementation. Our findings, however, are consistent with current guidelines for the intake of magnesium--along with the usual recommendations for exercise and a healthy diet. There is no magic bullet here." However, he added, "Whether increases in dietary magnesium intake can actually alter the future risk of disease, warrants further study." SOURCE: American Journal of Cardiology, September 2003. Mon, 13 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/magnesium-in-diet-may-alter-heart-disease-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-supplements-effective-treatment-for-mild-hypertension Vitamin E Supplements Effective Treatment for Mild HypertensionSource: www.docguide.comVitamin E supplements of 200 IU/day improved the blood pressure status of 70 mild hypertensive subjects in Iran, according to research presented here September 29th at the 13th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis."This improvement in blood pressure appears to be a result of nitric oxide," said presenter Maryam Boshtam, MD, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.It has been speculated that hypertension is due to inhibition of the nitric oxide system, causing decreased endothelial vasodilation, which results in increased blood pressure. Dr. Boshtam and colleagues further hypothesised that antioxidants can, via the neutralising effects of superoxides, cause a decrease in blood pressure status.The researchers selected 70 patients, ages 20 to 60 years, based on an initial systolic blood pressure of 140 to 160 mm Hg, a diastolic blood pressure of 90 to 100 mm Hg, and presence of no other cardiovascular risk factors.They were randomly divided into 2 groups; one received vitamin E, and the other a placebo for a period of 27 weeks. In accordance with the Hansen & Warwick method, serum vitamin E levels were measured fluorimetrically in all subjects. Blood pressures were measured at baseline, midpoint, and end of the study using 1 random zero mercury sphygmomanometer. Similarly, heart rates were recorded at these intervals. A survey was used to collect personal specification and nutritional habits of each participant.Subjects who received vitamin E supplements had a 24% decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to a 1.6% decrease among placebo controls. A less significant decrease was seen in diastolic blood pressure, with a 12.5% decrease in the supplement group and a 6.2% decrease in the placebo group. Patients who received vitamin E had a greater decrease in heart rate than placebo controls.Hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is present in 28% of Isfahan residents. Long-term use of a vitamin E supplementation may reduce blood pressure in this group. Moreover, presence of a large number of vitamin E rich foods in Iran may further help improve blood pressure status in this segment of the population. Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-e-supplements-effective-treatment-for-mild-hypertension http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/b-vitamin-status-and-concentrations-of-homocysteine-and-methylmalonic-acid-in-elderly-german-women1-2-3 B vitamin status and concentrations of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in elderly German women1,2,3Source: www.ajcn.org1 From the Institute of Food Science, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Hanover, Hanover, Germany. Background: Prior investigations found that elderly persons are at higher risk than are younger persons for B vitamin deficiency, which leads to elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations that are associated with an increased risk for certain diseases such as coronary artery disease. To date, published data have shown decreased vitamin status and elevated tHcy among the elderly. Objective: We evaluated the dietary intake and the blood status of various B vitamins and tHcy and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in 178 younger (60–70-y-old) female seniors. Design: Dietary intake was assessed with a 3-d diet record. Thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 activity coefficients of erythrocyte transketolase (EC 2.2.1.1), erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2), and erythrocyte -aspartic aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) were used as functional indexes for the status of the 3 vitamins, respectively. Concentrations of serum and red blood cell folate, serum cobalamin and MMA, and plasma tHcy were measured. Results: Indexes of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin indicated insufficient status in one-third of the women, whereas tHcy and MMA concentrations were elevated in 17.4% and 9.6% of the women, respectively. An association between vitamin intake and vitamin concentration in the blood was found only for folate. The mean tHcy concentration in subjects in the lowest quartile of serum folate concentration was 23% higher than that in subjects in the highest quartile. There was no association between riboflavin and tHcy concentrations. MMA was positively correlated with age and inversely correlated with serum cobalamin concentration. Conclusions: Even in younger, well-educated, female seniors, the prevalence of low B vitamin status and elevated plasma tHcy concentration is high. Thiamine, pyridoxine, folate, and cobalamin supplementation should be considered. Key Words: Elderly • women • dietary intake • vitamins • folate • thiamine • riboflavin • vitamin B-6 • vitamin B-12 • pyridoxine • cobalamin • homocysteine • methylmalonic acid Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/b-vitamin-status-and-concentrations-of-homocysteine-and-methylmalonic-acid-in-elderly-german-women1-2-3 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-benefits-of-a-vegetarian-diet The benefits of a vegetarian dietSource: www.finalcall.comFirst, a vegetarian diet is easier on our stomachs and is a diet more in line with the composition of our bodies. Our bodies and the earth are approximately 70 percent water and 30 percent matter. It makes sense to eat a high water content diet of soup, vegetables, fruit, whole wheat bread and pure milk. According to the book, "How to Eat to Live" by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, we can survive a long time on bean soup, whole wheat bread and pure milk. This combination of food is a good source of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Furthermore, a vegetarian diet leaves us feeling light, energetic and fulfilled. Meat (dead, decomposed flesh) is really too hard on our digestive system and is linked to a lot of health issues. Meat doesn’t give us long life, especially with the hormones, etc. that are being injected into the animals of today. Most importantly, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad states in "How to Eat to Live" Book II: "It is good for us to abstain from eating meat, for we should not eat meat at all. Meat is not good for our health nor for our body. Actually by nature, we are not made to live off meat" (p. 52-53). What does the American Dietetic Association say about a vegetarian diet? "Can vegetarian eating supply your body with enough nutrients? Yes, as with any eating style, you need to choose foods carefully—and consume enough food energy, or calories. É For most vegetarians, adequate protein is not an issue. Except for fruit, almost every food of plant origin contains protein—at least a small amount É because protein is abundant in plant foods, vegetarian meals and snacks usually can supply enough proteins—and their building blocks, called amino acids." (The American Dietetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, p. 561.) Can a vegetarian diet help you lose weight? Yes, a vegetarian diet can definitely help you lose weight, if you add exercise to eating a lot of vegetables and staying away from sweets, dairy products and fattening processed foods like white bread and pasta. One fattening food that you should stay away from if you are trying to lose weight is macaroni and cheese. Macaroni is a starchy, processed food. "How to Eat to Live" Book I states that a person shouldn’t eat pasta if they are overweight (p. 31). It is also a dish that is usually made with lots of fattening cheese, milk and butter. Granted, we can eat cheese, milk and butter, but an abundance of these ingredients can cause you to gain weight. Depending on the ingredients, a cup of macaroni and cheese can have as much as 250-400 calories! Try making a cheese casserole dish using brown rice (instead of pasta), low-fat milk and cheese. You could also throw some vegetables in the mix.Instead of fattening foods such as pizza made with white bread and fatty cheeses, make your own pizza using whole wheat bread, cheese and sauce sprinkled with a little cheese, or just have a bowl of bean soup, salad and whole wheat bread. If you are trying to lose weight, make sure you add more vegetables and high water content food (which is often low in fat and calories).Need an appetizer? Try fruit. Eat some kiwi fruit while you are waiting for your meal to cook and get extra fiber and vitamin C at the same time. Fresh fruit allows your body to take the necessary nutrients and "move right through." According to the book, "Fit for Life," fruit takes only about 20 minutes to digest. Lastly, don’t forget to exercise. If you want to lose weight and be fit, you need to perform some type of exercise. Make it a habit to take a walk after dinner or early in the morning. Get moving to get fit! Let’s eat to live and get fit for life! Read a good book on nutrition and consult with a dietician to see what foods you would like to incorporate into your diet. Tue, 30 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/the-benefits-of-a-vegetarian-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/childhood-exercise-develops-healthy-cartilage Childhood exercise develops healthy cartilageSource: www.cbc.caChildren should keep active to protect against degenerative knee disorders when they grow older, researchers say. In an editorial in the October issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers in Australia reviewed previous research on the effect of physical activity on cartilage development. Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue cushioning joint bones. Loss of cartilage is a sign of the joint disease osteoarthritis (brittle bones). The authors say evidence suggests physical activity in young children is linked to healthy development of cartilage. One study found children who had not been active in the previous two weeks had up to 25 per cent less cartilage than mildly active kids. Studies on animals back up the conclusion. Withholding exercise for young horses and mice prevents normal development of joint cartilage, researchers say. Prof. Flavia Cicuttini of the Monash University medical school in Melbourne and her colleagues wrote that bone density is largely determined by genes. But exercise is important during childhood to ensure the highest bone density, they say, adding that good bone density reduces the risk of osteoporosis in later life. The authors acknowledge more long-term studies are needed on humans to sort out whether physical activity helped growth of cartilage, independent of age. Objective measures of physical activity are also needed. "Nevertheless, the current evidence supports a prescription of vigorous physical activity for optimum joint development in children," the study concludes. Mon, 29 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/childhood-exercise-develops-healthy-cartilage http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-lift Vitamin liftSource: rdu.news14.comA recent study shows elevated stress levels and high blood pressure were greater in participants who did not take Vitamin C. Those who did said they felt less stressed after they took the vitamin. You can get Vitamin C from fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, like citrus fruits and red peppers. Mon, 22 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-lift http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-helps-stroke-survivors Exercise helps stroke survivorsSource: www.healthandage.comA new study shows how a structured exercise program can improve endurance, balance and mobility after stroke. The length and quality of rehabilitation measures after stroke both vary widely. There is a trend towards shortening the rehabilitation period. Therefore, it is important to know what really works for a stroke survivor. Researchers at the University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainsville, have been looking at the impact of a structured, therapist-supervised exercise program for stroke. In a study involving 100 patients, the exercise program was compared to usual care. Both groups experienced improvements in strength, balance, movement control and walking speed. But the exercise group enjoyed greater gains than those in the usual care group in measures of endurance, balance, six minute walk distance and walking speed. Such advantages need to be taken into account when planning the content of a stroke rehabilitation program. Fri, 19 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/exercise-helps-stroke-survivors http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herbal-weight-loss-products-caused-liver-damage-in-japan Chinese Herbal Weight-Loss Products Caused Liver Damage In JapanSource: www.intelihealth.comTwo herbal weight-loss products manufactured in China and sold in Japan and on the Internet caused liver injury to 12 patients taking the product, according to a new study. One patient died and another needed a liver transplant; the remaining patients recovered after stopping the products, Chaso and Onshido. Both were advertised by their manufacturers as containing only botanicals, but were found to contain N-nitroso-fenfluramine, a relative of the drug fenfluramine that was taken off the market in the United States after it was linked to heart problems. The authors caution that consumers and health professionals should be aware that so-called herbal supplements for weight loss may be harmful. Thu, 18 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/chinese-herbal-weight-loss-products-caused-liver-damage-in-japan http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-fats-may-stop-cancer-weight-loss Fish-Oil Fats May Stop Cancer Weight LossSource: paktribune.comDietary supplements enriched in omega-3 fatty acids, a component of fish oil, may help cancer patients gain weight, new research suggests. Weight loss and muscle deterioration are common problems for people with advanced cancer. In animal studies, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to protect against this problem, also known as cachexia. The current findings, reported in the medical journal Gut, are based on a study of 200 patients with pancreatic cancer who received a diet supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids or a similar supplement lacking these fatty acids for 8 weeks. The subjects were instructed to consume two cans per day of the assigned supplement. In the overall analysis, both supplements were equally effective in stopping the loss of body weight and muscle tissue, Dr. K. C. H. Fearon, from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the UK, and colleagues report. However, on average, patients only consumed 1.4 cans per day of supplement--well below the recommended dose of 2 cans per day. When the data was reanalyzed taking this into account, the authors found that as the amount of the omega-3 supplement consumed went up, so did weight and muscle gain. In contrast, this effect was not seen with the supplement lacking omega-3 fatty acids. The team also found that only weight gain with the omega-3 supplement was actually tied to an improved quality of life. Because many patients did not take the recommended daily amount of supplements, "further trials are required to examine the potential role of omega-3 enriched supplements in the treatment of cancer cachexia," the investigators conclude. Sat, 13 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/fish-oil-fats-may-stop-cancer-weight-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/synergy-of-tomato-cartotenoids-arrest-progression-of-atherosclerosis- Synergy of tomato cartotenoids arrest progression of atherosclerosis.Source: www.foodingredientsfirst.comLycoRed Natural Products awarded patent on discovery effecting LDL Oxidation Synergy of tomato cartotenoids arrest progression of atherosclerosis. LycoRed Natural Products Industries, Ltd., manufacturer of Lyc-O-MatoÒ the world’s foremost natural tomato lycopene complex, has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 6, 515, 018 B1 for the patent titled "Synergistic Compositions for Lycopene and Vitamin E for the Prevention of LDL Oxidation".Zohar Nir, Ph.D., VP of Marketing and Sales for LycoRed, was excited by the impact this news will have on the industry. Dr. Nir, stated "This patent reveals the health advantages of combining vitamin E, an antioxidant which is widely used in the industry, with Lyc-O-MatoÒ , which provides a complex of antioxidant tomato carotenoids in addition to naturally occurring tocopherols. Consumers are sure to benefit from new formulations which take advantage of this important synergy which prevents the oxidation of LDL". Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is thought to be a causative factor in atherosclerosis – the single major cause of death in western society. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which fatty substances and cholesterol build up and eventually deposit in the arteries forming "plaque". The plaque causes the arterial walls to harden and thicken which can reduce blood flow. If the plaque ruptures, blood clots can result leading to heart attack or stroke. Prevention of LDL oxidation by antioxidants may arrest the progression of atherosclerosis. The present patent is based upon the discovery that there is an unexpected and surprising synergistic effect found between lycopene and vitamin E in the prevention of LDL oxidation. Commenting on this patent, Dr. Michael Aviram of the Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine and Rambam Medical Center,Bat-Galim Haifa Israel, states "The ability to prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaque has major implications for public health. A therapeutic agent that both lowers cholesterol and inhibits oxidative changes to LDL might have beneficial effects that are superior to the effects attributed to individual agents."The formulation described in the patent, a synergistic mixture of lycopene and vitamin E, provides precisely these benefits. It prevents LDL oxidation and therefore arrests the progression of atherosclerosis, while at the same time moderately lowering cholesterol. Research behind the patent adds further support to the already accumulating evidence that the health benefits of a whole tomato complex, such as Lyc-O-MatoÒ , which contains a mixture of antioxidants, including lycopene, vitamin E and beta carotene, produces more pronounced antioxidative effects than lycopene, vitamin E or beta carotene alone. Thu, 11 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/synergy-of-tomato-cartotenoids-arrest-progression-of-atherosclerosis- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rich-diet-adds-to-breast-cancer-risk RICH DIET ADDS TO BREAST-CANCER RISKSource: www.mirror.co.ukBRITISH women are more prone to breast cancer because of their affluent lifestyle, researchers claimed yesterday.Their rich diet means they produce more of the hormone oestrogen which is known to fuel breast cancer but protects against heart disease.Expert Dr Tessa Pollard said the high levels of oestrogen in British women could explain why breast cancer is more common here than in Africa where women produce less of the hormone.Speaking at the British Association Festival of Science at Salford University, she said: "Why do so many women in countries like the UK get breast cancer?"What is it that protects women, particularly after the menopause, from heart disease? It seems likely that oestrogen is a big part of the answer to these questions."Researchers who studied women in traditional communities found that they produced less oestrogen over a lifetime than those in developed societies.A study of Dogon women in Mali, West Africa, found they menstruated an average of 109 times over their lifetime compared to 400 times for Western women.And other research showed that Lese women in Congo had much lower levels of oestrogen than women who were studied in Boston, Massachusetts.Women in Africa generally have a small risk of getting breast cancer while one in nine British women will contract the disease.It is the most common female cancer in the UK with 40,000 new cases diagnosed each year.Experts have previously found that women who started their periods early, had a late menopause or became mothers late were at greater risk of breast cancer. And using hormone replacement therapy for a long time has been linked with the disease too. Wed, 10 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/rich-diet-adds-to-breast-cancer-risk http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-adds-bite-to-teeth-development Nutrition adds bite to teeth developmentSource: www.thekansan.comNutrition plays an important role in the development and continued health of the teeth and gums. Listed below are some facts and advice for dental-friendly eating. Fluoride, in the form of drinking water, supplements, toothpaste or rinses, is the major factor responsible for the phenomenal decline we have seen in tooth decay among children during the past 30 years. All children should receive a routine source of fluoride. Check with your pediatrician or pedodontist regarding the best source of fluoride for your child. Both the form and frequency of carbohydrates play an important role in acid production. Foods that stick in, around and between the teeth, whether raisins, cornflakes, animal crackers or gumdrops, produce more acid than foods that quickly leave the mouth. Eating sticky foods rich in carbohydrates sets off an acid attack in the mouth, leaving teeth susceptible to erosion and decay."Baby bottle tooth decay" is a classic example of how constant exposure of teeth to carbohydrates can result in severe decay. Youngsters who continually suck small amounts of milk, juice or sugared beverages from a bottle, especially throughout the night, often experience significant decay of their baby teeth (and, in extreme cases, damage their erupting permanent teeth).Foods high in acid also contribute to dental downfall, especially if they are consumed frequently. Sugared soda pop strikes a double blow to teeth with its high-acid and high-sugar content. Even diet pop, rich in phosphoric and citric acids, has been reported to erode teeth when sipped excessively.Not all foods are foes when it comes to dental health. Researchers have pinpointed certain "protective" foods, which seem to counteract acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. Cheeses, especially the aged varieties, peanuts, eggs, meat and sugarless gum all have been found to neutralize acid in the mouth when consumed close to the time when carbohydrates are eaten. However, this is not suggested as a substitute for brushing teeth.So, how does a "dental-smart" kid go about avoiding the evils of cavity-producing carbos? The first line of defense is to brush sticky foods out of the teeth. At the very least, rinse mouth with water, take a few bites of cheese or nuts to neutralize acid, or chew sugarless gum. The greatest harm occurs within the first 20 minutes of eating a fermentable carbohydrate, so quick action is needed to combat cavities. Fri, 01 Aug 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/nutrition-adds-bite-to-teeth-development http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dialysis-patients-live-longer-with-newer-vitamin-d Dialysis Patients Live Longer with Newer Vitamin DSource: reuters.comA newer form of vitamin D, called paricalcitol, may help people with kidney failure live longer, new research suggests. Vitamin D plays an important role in controlling levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. In order to do this, however, vitamin D must be "activated" or chemically altered by the kidneys. People with kidney failure have problems activating their vitamin D, so, as a consequence, their calcium and phosphorus levels are abnormal.To overcome this problem, an activated form of vitamin D, known as calcitriol, is typically given to these patients. Unfortunately, there is concern that the drug may lead to high levels of calcium and phosphorus that hasten death. Paricalcitol also raises these levels, but to a lesser extent, and could, therefore, improve patient survival.The new study, which is reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved more than 65,000 kidney failure patients who had been getting their blood cleansed with dialysis for many years. Between 1999 and 2001, these patients were treated with paricalcitol or calcitriol.Patients who received paricalcitol had a 16 percent better chance of survival than those who received calcitriol. As expected, calcium and phosphorus levels increased to a much lesser extent in the paricalcitol group compared with the calcitriol group."This is the first evidence that a specific form of vitamin D" can improve survival among dialysis patients, Dr. Ravi Thadhani, a researcher involved in the study, said in a statement."While we await verification of these results, we also need to investigate the mechanism behind this improved survival," Thadhani, from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, noted. "That could give us more knowledge about how vitamin D is really working and how we might apply these findings to patients before they start dialysis, as well as those who undergo a kidney transplant." SOURCE: The New England Journal of Medicine, July 31, 2003. Thu, 31 Jul 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dialysis-patients-live-longer-with-newer-vitamin-d http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-common-homeopathic-remedies Some common homeopathic remediesSource: icwales.icnetwork.co.ukARNICA: Perhaps the most widely used homeopathic remedy, it protects against shock, can stem the flow of bleeding, helps reduce pain and prompts healing. It is also claimed that in higher potencies it can resolve the residual effects of both physical and psychological injury or trauma, years after the event.It is perhaps best used for the treatment of bruising and any other injuries where blood or bodily fluids have been forced out of their normal channels.It is also thought that arnica can reduce discomfort and bleeding during childbirth, prevent or help jet lag and relieve ongoing pain from rheumatism and sore backs.BELLADONNA: Derived from the deadly nightshade, this is another common remedy, used to treat acute, feverish conditions. It is commonly used in the first stages of a cold, fever or inflammation when other symptoms have not yet fully developed, particularly for heat and discomfort.CHAMOMILLA: From the chamomile plant and used most frequently to help with teething in young children. The remedy works by reducing the bad temper, the crying and screaming that stems from teething.LACHESIS: Comes from the poison of the bushmaster snake and is considered one of the most important homeopathic remedies. Its use is considered wherever the patient is a warm-blooded person who talks a lot and has a forceful personality. It can also be used to treat inflammations, septic conditions or eruptions Tue, 15 Jul 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/some-common-homeopathic-remedies http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dairy-food-may-reduce-risks-of-child-asthma-study Dairy food may reduce risks of child asthma- studySource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comWholemeal bread also seems to offer some protection from wheezing, according to the study. 30/06/2003 Drinking full-fat milk and eating yoghurt and butter may halve asthma risks in young children, according to Dutch research that pinpoints the dairy connection strongly for the first time. Wholemeal bread also seems to offer some protection from wheezing, according to the study, which adds to the growing suggestion that processing food may increase its allergy- causing potential. Alet Wijga, of the Netherlands National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, recorded details of the regular diets of nearly 3000 two-year-olds. One year later, Dr Wijga asked their parents whether the children had a recent diagnosis of asthma or wheezing. Among the children who drank whole milk daily, 3.4 per cent had recent asthma, compared with 5.6 per cent of those who did not. For those who had milk products such as yoghurt or flavoured milk every day, the asthma rate was 13.7 per cent, versus 18.4 per cent in those who consumed them less frequently or not at all. For butter, the difference was even more marked, with only 1.5 per cent of the daily butter eaters having a recent asthma diagnosis, compared with 5.1 per cent of the three-year-olds who did not eat it every day. Something in the composition of dairy fat could be protecting the children against asthma, said Dr Wijga, whose study was published yesterday in the journal Thorax. Alternatively, the high saturated fat content of the children`s diets might mean they were eating less polyunsaturated fat such as vegetable oils and margarines - implicated in asthma development in a separate study by doctors at Melbourne`s Royal Children`s Hospital in 200l. That research also showed that having a parent with a history of asthma doubled the risk for a child. It was unlikely the children who ate most dairy products had less asthma because their parents were more health-conscious, Dr Wijga said, because dairy foods were generally not perceived as typical constituents of a healthy diet or lifestyle. The new results were consistent with observations that children who grew up on farms suffered less asthma than those raised in other environments, Dr Wijga added. Most research on that topic had focused on the children`s exposure to animal bacteria and viruses and was based on the theory that these could prime the immune system, making it less sensitive to more benign irritants. But it was also possible children who lived on farms were benefiting from eating farm produce. Guy Marks, the head of the epidemiology group at Sydney`s Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, said the results indicated there was unlikely to be any value in the widespread practice of excluding dairy foods from children`s diets as a means of preventing allergy. But this "common view" that milk products were not good for children with "mucusy conditions" might have skewed the Dutch results, if parents restricted dairy foods in children who already had some allergic symptoms, Professor Marks said. Source: Theage.com.au Mon, 30 Jun 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/dairy-food-may-reduce-risks-of-child-asthma-study http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-analog-boosts-radiotherapy Vitamin D analog boosts radiotherapySource: www.healthandage.comGiving a compound related to vitamin D alongside radiation therapy is better at killing off breast tumors. It has long been suspected that vitamin D could play a role in beating breast cancer. But it might not be wise to use the vitamin itself as a drug because it may have some unwanted side effects. Instead, researchers at Dartmouth Medical School now report on the application of an analog of vitamin D on breast tumors in mice. The drug was used in conjunction with radiotherapy, with the aim of boosting its effect. Used alone radiotherapy fails to kill some cancer cells and these can then be the source of a recurrence. This work suggests that the vitamin D analog helps wipe out the resistant cells. Mice with breast tumors received either radiotherapy and the vitamin D compound or radiotherapy alone. The tumors shrank 50 per cent more in the first group, suggesting that the treatment is effective. The researchers hope that the treatment could help not just patients with breast cancer, but those with prostate and brain cancer as well. Source Clinical Cancer Research June 2003 Tue, 10 Jun 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-d-analog-boosts-radiotherapy http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-energy-2st-lighter More energy, 2st lighterSource: www.timesonline.co.ukJENI AYRIS, a South African who runs a café in Edinburgh, says that the Atkins diet has worked as well as she had hoped, but that it has not been easy going. Ms Ayris, 38, a volunteer on BBC One’s Diet Trial, is 5ft 5in (1.6m) and weighed 12st 12lb (81.4kg) when she started. In six months she lost 2½st. She has tried to maintain the diet, with reasonable success. Since January she has put on 5lb but is still well below her starting weight. “The first two weeks were a nightmare,” she said. “I constantly craved something sweet, and I am used to lots of coffee, but I wasn’t allowed any. I had smelly breath, and I was quite tired. But once the diet kicked in I was a different person, with loads of energy.” The hardest meal of the day is lunch, she says. Very few cafés have low-carbodydrate lunches — even salads often contain pasta or rice. “So at my café, Ndebele, we have started putting out olives and a selection of cheeses.” Yesterday her lunch was bacon (“my friend”), coleslaw, cheese and lettuce with mayonnaise. “I can’t see myself eating like this for the rest of my life, but I will never go back to where I was.” Thu, 22 May 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/more-energy-2st-lighter http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bowel-cancer-survival-chances-increase-by-high-calorie-diet Bowel cancer survival chances increase by high-calorie dietSource: www.foodingredientsfirst.comBowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the developed world, and is linked to dietary factors such as the consumption of red meat, fat, and refined sugars. 14/05/2003 Bowel cancer sufferers may help increase their chances of survival by switching to a diet that is high in calories, say French researchers. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the developed world, and is linked to dietary factors such as the consumption of red meat, fat, and refined sugars. However, the disease is difficult to treat and survival rates for sufferers are generally poor – less than half of those diagnosed are still alive after five years, according to statistics.Dr Marie-Christine Boutron-Ruault, from the Institute of Food and Nutrition in Paris, and colleagues studied the energy intake of 148 patients who had undergone successful surgery to remove cancerous growths from their bowels. All of the patients were then followed-up for 10 years.During the first five years, 46 patients died, with the strongest predictor of mortality being how advanced the tumour was when the patient was first diagnosed. Factors such as smoking before diagnosis, exercise and alcohol consumption had little effect on the survival rates of patients.However, the researchers found that patients with a low to moderate intake of calories before diagnosis were up to three times more likely to die within five years than those with a high-calorie intake. Overall, six of the 50 patients on a high-calorie diet died within five years of diagnosis, compared to 22 of 48 patients on a moderate-calorie diet, and 18 out of 50 on a low-calorie diet. The researchers say they did not identify a specific food or nutrient that increased survival.Writing in the journal Gut, the researchers say, “High energy intake was strongly associated with prolonged survival in patients who underwent potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer.”However, they say that the biological explanation for this remains unclear, especially as a calorie-laden diet seems to increase the risk of developing bowel cancer in the first place. They add that, although larger studies are needed to confirm their findings, their study should prompt the nutritional evaluation and follow-up of bowel cancer patients. Wed, 14 May 2003 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/bowel-cancer-survival-chances-increase-by-high-calorie-diet http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-identify-over-200-herbal-plants-in-uluguru-mts Researchers identify over 200 herbal plants in Uluguru mtsSource: www.ippmedia.comResearchers from the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre in Arusha have identified about 201 medicinal plants in the Uluguru mountains in Morogoro Region. The local people use the plants to treat about 68 known human, animal and crop diseases, according to them. A report prepared by the centre for a recent scientific workshop on Indigenous Knowledge (IK) said in many cases the medicines from plants are mixed with meat or taken with other meals. Different combinations of plant species are used to prepare medicine where some provide active ingredients with others used for neutralizing purposes. “This knowledge has been developed for a number of years and has proved to be useful to the rural communities” it said. In order to protect the forests where medicinal plants are found, the local communities have adapted a number of taboos prohibiting people to visit the “sacred” areas as a regulatory mechanism against misuse of resources. In Tanga, the researchers reported that local herbalists there have come out with plant extracts “which have proved to have some positive effects on HIV/AIDS patients”. However, they pointed out that despite efforts to encourage herbalists to exploit the commercial value of traditional medicine, information on indigenous medicines is still restricted to few people and not readily accessed to researchers. The situation has been complicated by failure to recognize and award local people who developed and preserved the original medicinal materials for many years before landing in the hands of modern scientists. “We are therefore faced with the challenge of devising ways and means of recognizing and sharing benefits equally with the community whose many generations developed the material before landing into the hands of researchers”, the report added. An attempt to introduce benefit-sharing on traditional medicine in Tanzania, according to the genetic resources centre officials, has been incorporated in legi-slation on Plant Breeders Rights of 2002. The legislation recognises Farmers’ Rights and empowers the Minister responsible to set aside a certain percentage of fees collected under the Act for the benefit of traditional farmers. “This is indeed the first step towards recognising the owner of the traditional varieties in general but the challenge to share benefits equitably as prescribed by the Convention on Biological Diversity is yet to be achieved,” they pointed out. The researchers have proposed that IK and technology, including traditional medicine known to exist in the country be documented and that local legislation relating to IK and biodiversity should incorporate aspects of intellectual property rights. Concerted efforts should also be made to improve conservation of IK and the related biological diversity and improvement of traditional crops which are adapted to the prevailing conditions. It was pointed out that the reliance of exotic plant crops was risky because of their vulnerability to biotic and abiotic conditions in the country. Wed, 19 Mar 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/researchers-identify-over-200-herbal-plants-in-uluguru-mts http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-supplements-fine-for-anemic-kids-with-colds Iron Supplements Fine for Anemic Kids With ColdsSource: story.news.yahoo.com A new study found that when anemic children with a cold or other upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) took iron supplements, it improved their iron status without increasing stomach upset or causing any other side effects. Conflicting findings from previous research has made doctors cautious about giving iron supplements to anemic children with colds or other upper respiratory tract infections. This study included children recruited from a hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During the study, 127 children with URTIs were given iron supplements of 60 milligrams a day, and 52 other children with URTIs were given a placebo. Also, 134 children without URTIs were given iron and 50 were given the placebo. The study found that of the children with infections, those who received the iron supplements had 29 percent fewer upper respiratory episodes than the children who received a placebo. And the children with infections who received the iron supplements had infectious episodes that were 40 percent less severe than the children who received placebos. The findings appear in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Mon, 03 Feb 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/iron-supplements-fine-for-anemic-kids-with-colds http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-too-much-vitamin-a-raises-risk-of-broken-bones HEALTH: Too much Vitamin A raises risk of broken bonesSource: www.dailytimes.com.pkNEW YORK: Men in their 40s and 50s who have the highest blood levels of vitamin A are more likely to break a bone in their old age than their peers with lower levels, reports a web portal quoting Swedish study. The results—which confirm two other studies in women—suggest that some people may be getting too much of a good thing via supplements and fortified food, the study’s authors say. They believe that “current levels of vitamin A supplementation and food fortification in many Western countries may need to be reassessed,” according to the report. Dr. Karl Michaelsson of University Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden and colleagues looked at 2,322 men aged 49 to 51 and followed them for 30 years. Men with the highest blood levels of vitamin A at the beginning of the study were 1.6 times as likely to break a bone as men with an average amount of vitamin A in their blood. When it came to breaking a hip, those with elevated vitamin A had a 2.5-fold greater risk than men with lower levels of vitamin A. Overall, 266 men broke a bone during the study. There was no link between blood levels of beta-carotene, a compound that is converted to vitamin A in the body, and fracture risk, according to the report in the January 23rd issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Vitamin A is found in fish liver oils, liver, kidney and milk. It is sometimes added to dairy products, which in Sweden includes margarine and low-fat dairy products. While vitamin A is necessary for growth, vision, reproduction and a healthy immune system, too much vitamin A has long been known to be dangerous. Taking too much vitamin A (25,000 IU to 50,000 IU per day or more) over long periods can cause bone and joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. And a single extremely high dose can cause drowsiness, irritability, headache, vomiting and widespread peeling off of the skin. In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Paul Lips of Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, notes that blood levels of vitamin A tend to increase with age, probably because it takes longer to clear from the body. The risk of too little vitamin A is greatest in malnourished children and the risk of too much is greatest for adults—especially older people, Lips notes. The current study “suggests that vitamin A supplementation and fortification of food with vitamin A may be harmful in Western countries, where the life expectancy is high and the prevalence for osteoporosis is increasing.” Mon, 27 Jan 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/health-too-much-vitamin-a-raises-risk-of-broken-bones http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/minister-fights-back-over-herb-control Minister fights back over herb controlSource: www.health-news.co.ukHealth Minister Lord Philip Hunt has denied that proposals for increased regulation of the European herbal medicine market will restrict consumer choice.Photo Matthew Munro - Health Media LtdProposals for tougher herbal medicine controls The European Commission is negotiating a European directive on traditional herbal medicine products. The legislation aims to standardise regulation across Europe.However, organisations such as the Alliance for Natural Health and the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association, which represent the herbal medicine market, have serious concerns about the proposed ruling.They say the legislation would have a negative effect on consumer health and complementary medicine by restricting the range of products available.But speaking before a parliamentary debate on the subject, Lord Hunt said he “firmly denied” reports that the herbal health industry would suffer.He said there was wide agreement that existing regulations for unlicensed herbal remedies were “unsatisfactory” and that the directive would protect the public by stopping the sale of second-rate products. Existing rules do not set quality or safety standards, require consumer information about safe use of products or allow companies to tell the consumer what the product is for, he said.“Whilst there are many responsible producers out there, we have also come across repeated examples in UK and elsewhere, of unsafe or poor quality unlicensed products, which contain illegal ingredients, the wrong herb and which also come with poor labelling,” Lord Hunt said.“Quality and safety are basic standards and there should be no quarrel with the argument that what is stocked on our shelves should, at the very least, be able to pass those benchmarks.”He added that the government was working closely with the herbal industry and understood the importance of keeping the regulatory impact of the directive to a minimum.“We want to protect public health, enhance the status of herbal medicine and maintain wide consumer choice,” he said. Mon, 20 Jan 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/minister-fights-back-over-herb-control http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-linked-to-heart-failure Vitamin linked to heart failureSource: www.heraldsun.news.com.auA LACK of vitamin D could contribute to heart failure, researchers claim.A study has found a link between deficiency in the vitamin and excessive supplies of a hormone involved in heart problems. Experts claim it is too early to recommend that heart patients take extra vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin.But they are carrying out further studies using supplements.German scientists from the University of Bonn, working with the Bad Oeynhausen Heart Centre, claim they have found clear indications that vitamin D deficiency contributes to the disease. Vitamin D is known to slow down production of the dehydration hormone ANP, which appears in heart patients as fluid accumulates because of poor circulation.In the latest study, levels of vitamin D in the blood were measured in 54 heart failure patients and 34 healthy people.The heart patients had vitamin D levels up to 50 per cent lower than the healthy group.Their ANP level, by contrast, had increased to more than twice the normal level, says a report on the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.There was also a link between the severity of the disease and the extent of the vitamin D deficiency.The researchers are carrying out further tests. Wed, 15 Jan 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/vitamin-linked-to-heart-failure http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/clinic-finds-rare-genetic-disorders-among-amish Clinic finds rare genetic disorders among AmishSource: www.cantonrep.comMIDDLEFIELD — A doctor looking for genetic causes to health problems in a small Amish community has found them — including three cases of a severe disorder previously found in only 40 people worldwide.Another Amish family has four children with a condition so rare that researchers might end up naming it for them.Dr. Heng Wang started in May as the first physician of the Das Deutsch Center for Special Needs Children, which serves both Amish and “English” children with disabilities and seeks genetic links. The clinic has more than 50 patients.In mostly rural Geauga County, between Cleveland and Youngstown, Amish represent about 12 percent of the population but nearly half the local cases of severe mental and physical retardation. Wang suspects genetics because Amish traditionally marry among themselves.Wang is treating a young Middlefield Township boy for an inherited deficiency of an enzyme needed in the production of collagen, a protein essential for healthy skin, bones and tendons. Those with the disorder have frequent infections and open sores on the face and extremities.The boy’s sister died at age 2 in 1998 of the same disorder, called prolidase deficiency. Wang also has diagnosed a third case. Patient names and ages were not released.“I suspect that we have even more in this community than three,” he told The (Willoughby) News-Herald.Wang is using vitamin supplements, including manganese and Vitamin C, to help the boy’s symptoms.A child with the disorder has inherited chromosomes with the same mutation from both parents. Its prevalence is unknown, but about 40 cases have been reported, according to Orphanet, an Internet database on rare diseases sponsored by the French government. There is no known effective treatment.Wang, who makes house calls, has said one doctor immersing himself in the community and in a patient’s complicated array of problems can avoid the repeat tests that can occur if different doctors are treating separate aspects of a child’s condition.Researchers in London, England, now are working with Wang on a genetic profile of an Amish family from Burton Township. The study, called “Windows of Hope”, previously had profiled another Amish family to pinpoint the mutations behind a neuromuscular disorder that makes the legs stiffen.Wang says he suspects a genetic cause behind the limited muscle control in the four children of farmer Mark Kauffmann and his wife, Esther. The couple must help the children with nearly every basic need.“Hopefully, they’ll be able to tell which gene, which chromosome area,” Wang said. “We can do more study to see if we can do intervention.”If no known diagnosis fits, the disorder might be named for the family, Wang said. Sun, 12 Jan 2003 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/clinic-finds-rare-genetic-disorders-among-amish http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mechanisms-differ-between-depression-and-either-vitamin-b12-or-folate Mechanisms Differ Between Depression and Either Vitamin B12 Or FolateSource: American Journal of Psychiatry By Elda HauschildtThe associations found between depressive disorders and either vitamin B12 or folate may have different underlying mechanisms, Dutch researchers suggest."Vitamin B12 may be causally related to depression, whereas the relation with folate is due to physical comorbidity," say investigators from Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.The associations between depression and vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine were examined in a population-based study of 3,884 elderly people screened for depressive symptoms. Those who screened positive underwent psychiatric workups.The researchers then compared blood levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in 278 people with depressive symptoms and 416 randomly selected reference participants. Depressive symptom participants included 112 people with depressive disorders.Adjustments were made for age, gender, cardiovascular disease and functional disability.Results indicate hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and, to a lesser extent, folate deficiency all were related to depressive disorders.The investigators point out, however, that the associations for folate and hyperhomocysteinemia and depressive disorders were "substantially" reduced when they made adjustments for functional disability and cardiovascular disease.The association for vitamin B12 appeared to be independent, on the other hand. American Journal of Psychiatry, 2002; 159: 2099-2101. "Vitamin b(12), folate, and homocysteine in depression: the rotterdam study." Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/mechanisms-differ-between-depression-and-either-vitamin-b12-or-folate http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tesco-raises-its-profile-in-the-health-sector Tesco raises its profile in the health sectorSource: NutraIngredients.com- A new market report on the dietetic foods industry last week highlighted the growing number of consumers buying their supplements and health foods in supermarkets rather than specialist retailers. This trend is to continue, according to the report, as mass-market channels develop ever more professional approaches to the marketing of products in this sector. UK retailer Tesco is currently leading the trend among the country’s main supermarket groups with its new Nutri Centre store, opened in London last month, demonstrating its commitment to the sector.The new store is the first outside the original Nutri Centre in the Hale Clinic, near Harley Street, in which Tesco now owns a majority share. Based alongside its flagship supermarket for the south-east region, the branch is being run by Nutri Centre staff and according to Tesco offers the same level of expertise and services, such as qualified nutritionists on site to advise customers and a ‘learning zone’ with access to the latest news and research. The joint venture with the Nutri Centre was formed in early August 2001 when Tesco, currently the leading supermarket group in the UK with sales of £12.7 billion (€20.2bn) last year, paid £2.9 million (€4.6m) for a 51 per cent share. Since then, the company has been selling Nutri Centre herbals and supplements in its stores, of which more than 200 already have pharmacy counters, and through its online and mail order channels.“We knew we weren’t experts in this area, so we hooked up with the experts,” Simon Soffe, press manager at Tesco, explained in an interview with NutraIngredients.com. The connection to the Nutri Centre will indeed offer credibility to the venture - the Hale Clinic is said to be the leading complementary therapy centre in Europe, and whether the Nutri Centre retains this reputation under Tesco ownership or not, it certainly seems to be a good fit in its present form.“We’ve been growing the whole side of the pharmacy business. We want to be as expert in this type of business as in the food sector,” claims Soffe, echoing the current trend in supermarket development. The supermarkets have already taken a considerable bite out of specialist health retailers’ sales by offering wider food choices, such as products for special dietary requirements. This has led the specialist retailers to move away from food products, where they cannot compete with the prices and convenience offered by the grocery chains, and further into vitamins and supplements. Yet this category will be the next hit - Mintel estimates that health food stores are struggling to maintain their share of the VMS (vitamins, minerals and supplements) market, dropping by 1 per cent from 1998 to 2001. They are therefore vulnerable to supermarkets using their pharmacies to expand sales in vitamin, herbal and homeopathic products.Soffe however maintains that Tesco’s drive into this sector is not about stealing market share of these products. “This is not about impacting on other businesses. It is merely our way of meeting demand for a growing market. It is about spotting new ways of making access to these products easier, opening up the market, and growing our business.” He argues that demand is such that there is no case for taking business away from other outlets.The demand for complementary medicine is certainly growing in the UK, said to be the biggest market for herbals in Europe. Indeed Tesco brought forward the opening of its new branch, a few months ahead of the scheduled date next year, because of customer demand. Since the Nutri Centre was brought on board last year, the retailer has seen booming sales of many products, such as those which boost sexual performance, rising by 140 per cent. Sales of echinacea, a herbal remedy used to fight colds and flu, have increased by 72 per cent and Tesco now claims to be volume market leader in vitamins, minerals and supplements, a position it has held since April 2002.If this success continues at the new store, we may see other branches opening within the new year, although Soffe refuses to speculate on future plans. He does add however that business at the new store is “exceeding all our expectations. We’ll be finding out how we can improve on the offer there [Kensington] first, before planning expansion. As always with Tesco, it’s better to put our toes in the water gently first rather than launching ahead.”“We always knew a store in Kensington would be an ideal location,” he adds, explaining that the catchment area covers a large distance, including Wandsworth, Fulham and Clapham, with good transport links into the shopping zone. The high-profile location will also attract interest from other areas.With this location, Tesco is obviously targeting a consumer with a certain level of income, although the profile of the alternative health consumer is changing, with growing consumer awareness of health issues and in the UK in particular, celebrities raising the profile of supplements and self-medication (Soffe is able to cite a number of personalities, ranging from Prince Charles to footballer Beckham, who have grabbed the attention of Tesco shoppers). He adds however that the business does not have a profile customer. “There is no such thing as an average shopper at Tesco and no particular profile person. There is a huge range of different people coming to our stores, and many have been showing interest in looking after their own health. We are providing a huge resource for them, both in terms of information and products.”The Internet is an invaluable information source for the self-medicating consumer, and will also prove a useful tool for capturing key data to assess demand for products and relate demand to geographical region. Tesco.com, which claims to be ‘the world’s largest e-tailer’, is connected to NutriCentre.com, and offers educational resources that many health food stores do not. And sales of this kind of product from online and mail order outlets are growing.There is also the Clubcard which allows the firm to predict product demand, according to Soffe. “With the Clubcard we can spot trends very quickly. We are not going to dictate what areas are growing but we will follow demand from our customers.”Tesco still has a long way to go before it eats into sales of vitamins and supplements at Boots, the chemist which currently dominates the overall health foods sector in the UK and whose own-brand range is the country’s biggest VMS brand. But several outside trends are likely to maintain consumer demand for these products at the supermarket. New, tougher legislation on its way from the EU will give the consumer increasing confidence in the sector, and sustained discontent with national healthcare, and rising rates of obesity will also play a role. Mon, 09 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/tesco-raises-its-profile-in-the-health-sector http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sleepless-nights-banished-by-calming-herbs-humorous-herbalist-dear-humorous-herbalist-i-enjoyed-reading-last-week-s-article-on-valerian- Sleepless nights banished by calming herbs Humorous Herbalist Dear Humorous Herbalist, I enjoyed reading last week’s article on valerian .….Source: By Laurel Dewey - Glenwood Springs Post IndependentDear Humorous Herbalist, I enjoyed reading last week’s article on valerian. I’m one of that percentage group that you mentioned who have the opposite reaction to this herb. I found it interesting when you gave a personality profile of the kind of people who benefit from valerian (i.e., more passive, easy going folks.) Are there similar personality profiles for other sedative herbs? I’m mostly interested in kava kava and passionflower? Jim, Glenwood Springs Dear Jim, There are similar profiles for other calming plant remedies. Daniel Gagnon, an herbalist, provided me with an excellent scale to rate seven popular sedative herbs. His scale starts at one (a mild sedative) to 10 (a real calmer). 1. Chamomile — This is a 1 on the scale. Chamomile brings you down one notch. This is an excellent herb for children and toddlers who are fussy, especially about going to bed. Chamomile is renowned for its quieting effect on babies when they are teething. A tea is the best way to take chamomile. 2. Passionflower — Rates about 2 on the scale. Passionflower has a multitude of wonderful uses to calm the mind. It does not interfere with daytime concentration and can be safely used on a daily basis. This is the herb for people who suffer from “The Busy Brain” syndrome, especially at night. If you lie in bed awake at night making lists of what you need to do tomorrow and can’t turn off your head, passionflower could be your ticket to dreamland. Gagnon says that it is good for lawyers, accountants, teachers — anyone who works with their head. It’s also great for those who suffer from high blood pressure that can lead to stress. In addition, people with asthma brought on by nervous agitation may also benefit. To aid in sleep, take at bedtime. Within 45 minutes to one hour, one should be happily asleep. The liquid extract made from the fresh plant is your best bet. The adult dose is 30 to 60 drops in warm water. Do not give passionflower to children under the age of 1 since it may cause vomiting. 3. Valerian — A 3 on the sedative scale. Valerian has been clinically shown to reduce the time it takes to get to sleep if your problem is falling asleep (not waking up during the night). It is also very good for soothing indigestion in the very young and the very old. However, the personality profile for valerian states that if you are a high strung, “Type A” personality, the herb may have the opposite effect (i.e., keep you awake and anxious.) The extract made from the fresh root is preferred, although the tea is also viable. Valerian can make some people wake up with a “cotton in the head” feeling. If this happens to you, reduce your dose or discontinue the herb. 4. California Poppy — A 4 on the scale. California poppy is known as the herb to take for those who wake up in the middle of the night (usually between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.) or at the same time every night and cannot get back to sleep. According to Gagnon, this herb is a “sleep modulator.” It can also be effective for people who sleep so deeply that they cannot wake up (bed wetters would fall into this category.) California poppy is also good for children who cannot settle down during the day. It tends to work best after two or three consecutive nights of taking it. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery if you take California poppy during the day. Do not take if you are pregnant, due to the alkaloids in the flower. Once again, the extract made from the fresh flower and root is preferred. 5. Skullcap (also spelled “scullcap”) — This is about a 5 on the scale. Great for those who are hyper and experience constant muscular twitching during the day and in bed. Gagnon recommends skullcap for people who are “overly sensitive to their surroundings.” If you are someone who reacts with irritation at loud noises, repetitive sounds, strong aromas or even bright colors, skullcap could be your herb. This is an herb that needs to be taken in extract form, specifically one made from the fresh whole plant. 6. Wild oats — A 6 or 7 on the scale. Oats are a tonic and therefore must be taken consistently over at least one month. They are great for people who are weaning off cigarettes, amphetamines and drugs. Wild oats have been used successfully for those recuperating from a nervous breakdown. Take only the liquid extract that is made from the fresh oat seed in its milky stage. The dose is 30 to 60 drops, two times a day for at least one month. 7. Kava kava — An 8 or 9 on the scale. Kava is for people who wake up in the morning already tired. Their jaw tightens up immediately. As they go about their day, a knot begins to form in their belly. Kava works very well for those who try to control their environment and may even be obsessive/compulsive about it. If you push them and make demands, they become tighter and tighter. By bedtime, their head aches and they cannot relax. Kava is a muscle and brain relaxant. While it soothes the nerves, it improves concentration and task management. For sleep, take one hour before bedtime. The extract or capsules work well. The information in this column is not meant to take the place of your physician, nor is it intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before using herbal therapy. Fri, 29 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sleepless-nights-banished-by-calming-herbs-humorous-herbalist-dear-humorous-herbalist-i-enjoyed-reading-last-week-s-article-on-valerian- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lonza-s-l-carnitine-enhances-vitamin-absorption Lonza`s L-Carnitine Enhances Vitamin AbsorptionSource: Hill`s Pet Nutrition (Topeka, Kansas) Kansas State Research Foundation (Manhattan, Kansas) and Lonza Ltd. (Basel, Switzerland).The method comprises orally administering a fat soluble vitamin 25/11/2002 A method for increasing intestinal absorption of fat soluble vitamins in post-menopausal women was patented today by Hill`s Pet Nutrition (Topeka, Kansas) Kansas State Research Foundation (Manhattan, Kansas) and Lonza Ltd. (Basel, Switzerland). This method applies also to companion animals.The method comprises orally administering a fat soluble vitamin and L-Carnitine.L-Carnitine enhances the antioxidant defense mechanism and lowers the risk of certain degenerative diseases, such as coronary heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, osteoporosis, cancer and Alzheimer`s, in post-menopausal women.US Patent #6,476,010 explains:* L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in the energy supply of tissues by modulating the entry of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix and their subsequent oxidation.* Consistent with such a metabolic role, L-Carnitine has been shown to be effective in lowering the serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and free fatty acids, while increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol prevents the depositing of fats and fatlike substances in the arteries.* Existing evidence indicates that L-Carnitine and its esters enhance the stability and integrity of erythrocyte membranes by participating in the reacylation (repair) of membrane phospholipids subjected tooxidative damage.* Postmenopausal women make up over 15% of the total population in industrialized countries. By 2030, the proportion of postmenopausal women is predicted to increase to 23% of the total population.* In addition, numerous epidemiological studies have shown that depletion of estrogen at the menopause influences cause-specific morbidity and mortality in later life.* From the nutritional standpoint, menopause is the time when the body`sability to absorb, assimilate and metabolize nutrients begins to deteriorate. Consequently, the body status of nutrients is compromised at and after menopause, with the manifestations of specific nutrient deficiency symptoms with time.* It is well documented that postmenopausal women are substantially more susceptible to coronary heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, osteoporosis, cancer and Alzheimer`s disease. Although this is partly associated with the process of aging and deterioration of bodily functions and the immune systems, epidemiological evidence suggests that a significant association exists between the risks (or incidence) of certain chronic diseases and the inadequacies or deficiencies of specific nutrients in postmenopausal women.* Current evidence strongly suggests that the compromised body status of lipid-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D and E, is a key factor influencing or contributing to the onset or development of the diseases. Mon, 25 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/lonza-s-l-carnitine-enhances-vitamin-absorption http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-may-help-prevent-tooth-loss Calcium and Vitamin D may help prevent tooth lossSource: DR. JERRY GORDONPatients who took the fake pills had lost 27percent of their teeth, whereas those who took calcium and vitamin D had lost only 13 percent of their teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection that causes bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and tooth loss. An estimated 56 million Americans suffer from gum disease, and is the main reason that people lose their teeth. Good dental hygiene and regular dental care are essential for the prevention and treatment of gum disease. A new study shows that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may also help prevent tooth loss associated with gum disease.It is well known that calcium is an important mineral that helps keep our bones strong. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, the remaining one percent circulates in the bloodstream and is necessary for muscles to contract, blood to clot and nerves to carry their messages. Vitamin D has also been identified as important for healthy bones. For those with vitamin D deficiency, which occurs more frequently in older Americans and post-menopausal women, there is a greater occurrence of hip fractures. Calcium and vitamin D intake has been shown in some studies to help prevent the damaging effects of osteoporosis, but may also help limit bone loss around the tooth roots caused by gum disease.A recent study in the American Journal of Medicine included 145 healthy patients 65 years of age or older. The study consisted of a three-year period where one group of patients took calcium and vitamin D supplements and the other a placebo. This was followed by a two-year observation period to evaluate bone loss from the hip and tooth loss. At the end of the study, patients who took the fake pills had lost 27percent of their teeth, whereas those who took calcium and vitamin D had lost only 13 percent of their teeth. The results seem to imply that calcium and vitamin D supplementation appropriate for the prevention of osteoporosis may also prevent tooth loss from gum disease.The most important ways to prevent gum disease are with regular brushing and flossing as well as professional dental cleanings at least twice a year. Patients with gum disease should see their dentist at least four times a year and have all recommended treatment performed. Those who have gum disease or are hoping to prevent it should also be sure to eat a balanced diet that has a sufficient supply of calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium can be found in milk, yogurt, cheese, dark green vegetables, nuts, grains, beans, canned salmon and sardines. Vitamin D is abundant in cereal, breakfast bars, salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, fortified milk, and many other foods. Vitamin and mineral supplements should also be considered for those who lack an optimal dietary amount of calcium or vitamin D. Dr. Jerry Gordon can be reached at 215-639-0571. Comments, questions, and second opinions are available at The Dental Comfort Zone, 2734 Street Rd. Bensalem, PA 19020. To learn more: www.dentalcomfort zone.com E-mail: DrGordon@dentalcomfortzone.com. Tue, 19 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/calcium-and-vitamin-d-may-help-prevent-tooth-loss http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/basil-mood-swings Basil & Mood SwingsBasil is a powerful mood-enhancer because of the eugenol. borneol volatile oils it contains. It also has cleansing and antibacterial uses helping relieve kidney and bladder problems. Tue, 13 Aug 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/basil-mood-swings http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sage-menstrual-cycle Sage & Menstrual cyclePurple Sage it is felt has the strongest medicinal properties. Helping to balance female hormones, reducing the ups and downs of the menstrual cycle. It is also good for indigestion and sore throats. Tue, 13 Aug 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/sage-menstrual-cycle http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scutellaria-hayfever Scutellaria & HayfeverA useful Chinese herb, which has proven powerful anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory properties. Scutellaria has properties that reduce the allergic response. Tue, 13 Aug 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/scutellaria-hayfever http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-black-cohosh Menopause & Black CohoshThis herb has a significant oestrogenic effect and lowers levels of luteinizing hormone; this is thought to account for a number of menopausal symptoms. Black Cohosh, in clinical trials has compared favourably with Valium and is said to reduce symptoms, which include flushes, vaginal dryness, anxiety, flushes, depression and loss of libido. This herb should be taken daily in tinctures until symptoms improve. Tue, 13 Aug 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-black-cohosh http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-a-natural-remedy-for-osteoarthritis- Is there a natural remedy for Osteoarthritis?Source: Dr John Briffa, The Daily MailI suffer from stiffness in my hands, hips and knees and wanted to know what alternative treatments are available for osteoarthritis? Ask John I have heard that glucosamine and chondroitin are effective. Is this true and if so, how much should I be taking? John says... Osteoarthritis is a condition characterised by the degeneration of joint cartilage, and predominantly affects the major weight bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine. It is also common in the hands, particularly the last joints in the fingers and the base of the thumb. The condition commonly leads to problems with pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints. Osteoarthritis can cause major disability, with a significant number of sufferers eventually requiring surgical joint replacement. You are right, the natural agents glucosamine and chondroitin do have the ability to help combat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is an essential building block in the manufacture of cartilage tissue. Several studies exist which show glucosamine to be an effective agent in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The normal recommended dose of glucosamine sulphate is 500 mg, three times a day. Once therapeutic benefit is achieved, it is usually possible to taper down to a once or twice a day dose. Chondroitin sulphate seems to work by attracting fluid into the joint cartilage tissue. This may improve the spongy, shock-absorbing qualities of the cartilage, and may also help bring essential nutrients to the area too. A study which examined the effect of chondroitin sulphate on osteoarthritis found it to be significantly better than placebo (inactive medication) at controlling symptoms such as pain and stiffness. The normal recommended dose of chondroitin sulphate is 400 mg, three times a day. Again, this dose may often be reduced once symptoms have been controlled. Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-a-natural-remedy-for-osteoarthritis- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pmt-mexican-yam PMT & Mexican YamRecent research suggests that extract of wild Mexican yams may offer some relief for sufferers of Premenstrual Tension. The yam contains diosgenin, which resembles the hormone progesterone, which is supposed to relieve the symptoms of PMT. Mon, 10 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pmt-mexican-yam http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pms-genistein-phyto-soya- PMS & Genistein (Phyto Soya)Genistein is a plant hormone found in soya beans that has ben shown to influence our hormone cycles and health. Phyto-oestrogen can help to reduce the symptoms of the menapause and PMS ti can even lower the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. The Journal of Nutrition roported that soya supplements can suppress carcinogenesis and lower cancer-related deaths. Mon, 10 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/pms-genistein-phyto-soya- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-a-natural-cure-for-cold-sores- Is there a natural cure for Cold Sores?Source: Dr John Briffa, The Daily MailDo you know of any new natural remedies for cold sores? Mine are on my nose and are irritated by the sun. Can you help? John says... Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once it has infected the body, the virus lies dormant, but may reactivate and cause a cold sore at any time, especially when the immune system is weak or run-down. Cold sores typically last for 7 - 10 days, are unsightly, and can cause considerable discomfort. Fortunately, there is much you can do to prevent and treat attacks. The HSV virus needs an amino acid called arginine to multiply in the body. Arginine is found in high concentration in nuts (especially peanuts and cashews), chocolate and grains, and many individuals report that eating these foods can bring on a flare-up of symptoms. Avoiding these foods, especially at the first sign of an attack, may help to prevent problems. While arginine encourages growth of the HSV, another amino acid, lysine, actually inhibits it. Most studies which have looked into this association show that lysine can reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore attacks. Take 500 mg per day, and increase this to 1 g, two - three times a day during an acute attack. To this regime I would also add vitamin C and bioflavonoids, a combination of which has also been found to reduce the duration of symptoms by more than half. Take 200 mg of vitamin C and 200 mg of biofavonoids, three to five times each day at the first sign of an attack. Another nutrient which may be used as a general preventive is selenium. This trace mineral has been shown to inhibit several viruses, including the herpes virus. Take 300 - 400 mcg per day. For topical relief, I recommend vitamin E. Take a soft gelatine vitamin E capsule and soak a small piece of tissue with its contents. Apply this to the cold sore for a full fifteen minutes. Do this twice during the day. Quite often, this approach can resolve a cold sore within a day or two. Wed, 06 Jun 2001 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/is-there-a-natural-cure-for-cold-sores- http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/heal-yourself-in-the-bath Heal yourself - in the BathSource: Charlotte Harding, The Daily MailSoaking in a hot tub has long been used as a way to relax and soak away the stresses of the day. But did you know you may actually be able to alleviate certain health complaints by simply lazing in your bath? Aromatherapy oils, perhaps best known for their use in massage or vaporisers, can also be effective when added to your bath water. Oils used in the bath are believed to work in two ways. They are absorbed by the skin, pass into the blood stream and move on to work on different organs in the body. When the oils are inhaled they also pass through the nerve endings in the nasal passage and pass directly to the limbic centre of the brain, which controls your emotions. Using aromatherapy in the bath has other advantages. It is a treatment you can carry out at home and in private. The heat of the water will also help to disperse the aroma of the oils through the room, heightening any therapeutic effect. Essential oils are composed of volatile chemical compounds. Because of this, pregnant women or anyone with high blood pressure or epilepsy should seek medical advice before using them. How to prepare your aromatherapy bath You must not use aromatherapy oils like bubble bath, just adding them at random. Practitioners warn that the oils can have a powerful effect even in very small amounts. Because of this you should only use two to three drops in a bath. The oils must also be mixed with either milk or a dispersing agent such as oilatum - available in chemists - before they are added to the bath. This is because if they are added on their own they will not mix with the bath water and if they are used in their raw form may even damage the coating of plastic baths. To measure the amount of milk or dispersing agent you need, fill an egg cup almost to the top with whichever you are using. Then add two or three drops of your chosen oil. To prepare your bath you should run the water first, keeping the temperature quite tepid. If the water is too hot you will sweat and your body will not absorb the oil in the bath. Once the bath is run, add the essential oil and dispersing agent. To get the full benefit you should remain in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes if possible. You may wish to turn off the lights and use candles around the bath to heighten the therapeutic effect. STRESS Marjoram: Marjoram has a warming action on the body. Marjoram can ease stress-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once it is absorbed by the body into the blood stream it increases blood flow around the body which in turn helps to remove the build up of toxins in muscles, so aiding relaxation. Bergamot: This oil, the main ingredient in Earl Grey tea, is especially good for stress linked with depression and anxiety. It works on the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates feelings of anxiety. COLDS Lavender: Lavender contains more than 20 different chemical compounds and because of this is one of the most versatile essential oils. It is anti-viral and anti-bacterial and can help boost the immune system which becomes overloaded when you suffer a cold of flu. Lavender can relieve colds-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eucalyptus: There are more than 700 different types of eucalyptus. The best to use is eucalyptus radiata. Eucalyptus a powerful de-congestant. When breathed into your respiratory tract the vapours help to open up restricted bronchial tubes and break down mucous, allowing it to be expelled from the body more easily. Eucalyptus: a powerful de-congestant-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MENTAL FATIGUE Rosemary: This powerful oil works on the brain to help it secrete a chemical called noradrenaline. This chemical stimulates the brain and so relieves mental fatigue. Juniper: This oil also helps the brain to secrete the noradrenaline. PMT, PERIOD PAIN AND MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS Clary sage:Clary sage contains an oestrogen-like substance called sclarelol. Aromatherapists believe the link between hormone levels, the nervous system and the emotions mean this oil can relieve many of the symptoms of PMT, period pain and menopausal symptoms. Contacts: International Federation of Aromatherapists: 02067422605 The Scottish College of Complementary Medicine 0141 332 4924 Tue, 13 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/heal-yourself-in-the-bath http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/memory-gotu-kola Memory & Gotu KolaSource: Lucy Shakeshaft, Daily MailThis supplement is said to increase intelligence and rejuvenate the nervous system. Sat, 10 Jun 2000 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/memory-gotu-kola http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-estroven Menopause & EstrovenSource: Lucy Shakeshaft, Daily MailAt the age of 48 an office administrator from East Sussex began to suffer the first signs of the menopause. Her GP prescribed Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT) to help control the hot flushes and night sweats. However because she experienced side effects from the medication she decided to stop taking them. Her symptoms soon returned so she went back to using HRT. For many years, HRT has been doctors ‘first-line’ approach for women experiencing symptoms of the menopause. But many women suffer side effects, mood swings, weight gain and migraine. The average duration for use of HRT amongst women is a mere nine months! In an effort to find an alternative to HRT our office administrator discovered a natural supplement called Estroven. Estroven contains isoflavones, which are derived from Soya (non-GM) and Japanese arrowroot, known to mimic the effect of the female hormone oestrogen in the body. Isoflavones may not just help control menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes but may also reduce the risk of co Tue, 06 Jun 2000 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/menopause-estroven http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrow-dishes-on-her-favourite-natural-beauty Gwyneth Paltrow dishes on her favourite natural beauty 16 October 2011 Gwyneth Paltrow has turned her trend-setting eye on natural beauty in the latest instalment of her Goop lifestyle newsletter. The Hollywood superstar said: "Some of our readers were curious about good organic skin products so we did our due diligence and tried and tested many great brands." Some of the favourites? Bentley Organic for one. She says: "At home, we've recently made the change to organic hand sanitiser, which we always have in the car for the trip back from school and from play dates." Good to know little Apple and Moses are getting sanitised safely. Gwynnie also has a good word for Dr. Bronner's. "An all-around good soap for the shower, Dr. Bronner's has been around since the 70s and is organic and Fair Trade," Gwyneth said. "The claim is that the Pure Castile Liquid soaps can be used even as shampoo, and as toothpaste (!) but I stop at body soap for the shower. The lavender is great for a relaxing end of day bath." Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://www.247healthfoods.co.uk/news/latest-news/gwyneth-paltrow-dishes-on-her-favourite-natural-beauty