07/11/2007
Tumerric /Curcumin| Cystic Fibrosis
Turmerric is a common spice that contains curcumin, a substance that helps turn curry and mustard yellow might; and, which might also help treat deadly cystic fibrosis. That is according to a study by Yale University scientists published in the journal, "Science."
The study showed that eating large doses of curcumin, the substance found in the spice turmeric, significantly cut deaths among mice with the genetic disease. The discovery excited a lot of people involved in the fight against this deadly disease as evidenced by the following statement:
Still, "it's very promising," said Dr. Peter Mogayzel Jr., director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital. "This is research that really has the potential, I think, to benefit patients down the road." This research has also prompted The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and SEER Pharmaceuticals to fund a study of 12 CF patients once they identify an appropriate dosage level and identify any potential side effects.
This research is of special interest to the nearly 30,000 American children and young adults stricken with CF. It attacks patients' lungs with a thick mucus, trapping bacteria. CF also interferes with digestion and vitamin absorption as the mucus clogs other organs.
Eventhough we have found treatments for the lung infections and improvements in nutritional protocols to dramatically improve care and lengthen survival into their 30's, these only treat the symptoms. The curcumin research, published in the journal, "Science", shows a possible way to attack the disease's underlying cause.
The research focuses on Dr. Michael Caplan's different approach to the treatment of a protein, CFTR, that is responsible for balancing the salt content of the cells lining the lungs and certain other organs. When this protein does not function properly the chloride (salt)ions cannot escape, and an eventual salt buildup inside cells leads to the dangerous mucus formation.
Dr.Caplan promotes the use of a special calcium-inhibiting strategy, which allows the chloride ions to escape. The problem, the drug that showed this strategy is effective also spur's cancer. The need for a substitute to inhibit calcium (turmeric does not block the absorption of calcium your body needs)in the way Dr.Caplan wanted led to the discovery that curcumin (which previous studies showed could be tolerated in fairly high dosages) seems to inhibit calcium in this special way.
In a series of experiments, Caplan and Yale CF specialist Dr. Marie Egan showed:
Curcumin administered daily slashed the death rates of CF-stricken mice.
The mice had the same genetic defect that causes the human disease, but they quickly die of a mucus-blocked digestive tract instead of lung damage. Only 10 percent of curcumin-treated mice died within 10 weeks, compared with 60 percent of untreated mice — and the survivors gained weight.
Curcumin-treated mice improved from very poor levels to almost normal in how well their nasal tissue released the chloride ions.
Additional test-tube studies, performed with the University of Toronto, showed CFTR got to the cell surface and functioned after addition of curcumin.
It was the combination of scientific evidence that led to the CF Foundation's interest in doing human trials. Remember, we are not advocating the use of turmeric for CF; but, simply, pointing out the health potential of this major antioxidant, liver protective, immune supporting herb.
Those with an interest in CF, should follow the upcoming research. For more research studies involving curcumin/turmeric refer to Milk Thistle Report click on more information tab.
* 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.
07:40 Posted in Nutritional Supplements | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Tumerric, Curcumin, Cystic Fibrosis
07/09/2007
Healthy Water| What is healthy water?
With so many types of bottled water on the market, one asks "what is healthy water? Does it really matter what type of water we drink? What role does water have for optimum health?"
Facts:
*75% of our body is composed of water.
*Water is responsible for nearly EVERY bodily reaction. We need water for digestion, absorption, circulation, getting rid of toxic wastes, transportation of nutrients and adjust our body's temperature.
*Water is the main lubricant in joint spaces and helps prevent arthritis and back pain.
*Water affects your skin. It makes your skin smoother and gives it that sparking luster.
*Water is the ultimate detoxifier.
*Water has zero calories and helps control appetite.
Did you know that by the time you actually experience the sensation of thirst, it's often too late?
You are already dehydrated!
Dehydration can imbalance your own ecosystem causing you to live in a man-made dessert. Dehydration is especially common among folks over the age of forty.
Tell tale signs that shout signs of dehydration!
Is your skin dry?
Do you have muscle cramps?
Are you constipation?
Do you feel tired and worn out?
Are headaches something you live with daily?
Do you feel anxious?
Do you feel depressed for no reason?
Do you experience heartburn after a meal?
Is lower back pain a way of life?
Are you experiencing chest pain?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Of all the body's need for balanced health, water is the most important.
Water...the blue arteries of the earth is often called "the gift from God."
You may go a month or two without food, but you will not last a week with water.
What is Healthy Water?
Since water is so vital to our health, the type and quality of water we take into our body is important. Health water is free from chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, aluminum and other impurities.
Water that has an alkaline Ph and is magnetized has benefits. For an example, North Pole water (water exposed to the north pole of a magnet) has a calming and healing effect and will help to overcome infection since it retards the growth of cells. South Pole water does the opposite. It stimulates and encourages the growth of human cells, plant cells, and even pathogenic cells, such as bacteria. Mixed pole water (both poles) seems to offer the best of both worlds and can be used for general health improvement.
It is possible to actually alter water’s “structure” to create “healthier water” by drinking water with an alkine PH and by declustering or magnetizing water molecules.
Scientists say that declustered water will reduce water surface tension and renders it more “biological” available. Declustered water can improving the transfer of nutrients into cells – and the removal of waste from cells.
The M&M Story
Think of a water molecule as a coated M&M candy. Just as the shell of a M&M is hard so a water molecule surface that is hard can resist nutrients from entering or wastes from exiting. But by declustering water molecules, you will be absorbing the precious nutrients your body needs. This facilitates biological function that contributes to overall better health.
An alkine Ph water has many benefits:
* its molecular structure facilitates better hydration (inside and out). The same molecular structure allows for a more efficient nutrient delivery at the cellular level and a more efficient toxin release.
* helps establish an alkaline atmosphere within the body (this is important when you realize that most diseases exist in an acid environment).
* enhances antioxidant capability.
All of these various benefits allow the body to address a myriad of health concerns from immune challenges and blood sugar concerns to digestive issues – a whole gamut of issues just to to name a few. I would encourage you to go to the website description section to learn more about alkine Ph water.
How to stay hydrated?
*Sip good water all day long
*Drink water when you first get up
*Drink at room temperature – ice cold water can compromise digestion
*Limit caffeine intake. When you consume decaffeinated drinks your body get rid of more water than is in the drink. So, not only does it dehydrate, caffeine also depletes important minerals and nutrients.
SORRY drinking soda pop, juices, coffee and beer DO NOT COUNT!
*Avoid Soda pop. Soda pop are high in calories and without any nutritional value. The are high in acids which predispose bone loss and osteoporosis. Heavy users of of soft drinks spills large amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals in their urine. Diet sodas contain aspartame which many claim triggers brain cell death. It takes approximately 32 ounces of high pH water to neutralize one soft drink.
*Try decaffeinated tea
*Add a slice of fresh lemon or lime with maple syrup, honey or stevia to taste
*Use natural sparling carbonated water such as San Pellegrino.
*Use declustered water with an alkaline pH
*The safest type of bottled water to drink water from is glass. However it is not as convenient. Choose a bottle water that is high in pH significantly reduces leaching plastic into the water. Example of high pH bottled water include Trinity, Penta, Essential and Fiji.
*Never drink any beverage that has a plastic taste! Never reuse plastic bottles.
So next time you have a headache or feel anxious instead of reaching for an aspirin try drinking a glass of GOOD water.
Other uses of Vita Enhanced Water. Many call their Vita Enhanced Water as a “miracle” for their “owies”.* It truly seems to be when it comes to cuts, scrapes, and bruises—and insect bites!
I have seen potential bruises not develop and burns thought to be serious only become pink with immediate and frequent applications of Vita Enhanced Water.
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.
06:30 Posted in Nutritional Supplements | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this | Tags: alkine water, ph water, vitawater, healthy water
07/08/2007
Folic Acid and Hearing Loss
It has been reported that supplements of folic acid may prevent age-related hearing loss in older men and women. This is according to a new double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial from the Netherlands.
The study published in Jan 2nd, 2007 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, states supplements of folic acid may prevent age-related hearing loss in older men and women. In a Netherlands trial, the study followed 728 men and women between the ages of 50 and 70 who were to receive either a folic acid supplement (800 micrograms per day—the level found in an anti-aging formula, Vita-Che) or placebo for three years.
According to Jane Durga, lead author, and her colleagues from Wageningen University and Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, and University Hospital Maastricht, said that in the low frequency regions the folic acid-supplemented group exhibited lower age-related hearing loss.
Durga holds high hopes for the use of folic acid in countries currently not fortifying their diets with folic acid. Durga said, "Considering that the folate status of older adults is generally low in countries without folic acid fortification programs, our findings suggest a possible way to diminish the public health burden of hearing loss in those countries.”
Folate is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, chickpeas and lentils. We have recognized through an overwhelming body of evidence that folate deficiency in early pregnancy (unfortunately not all pregnant women took advantage of dietary folate) is linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTD) – most commonly spina bifida and anencephaly – in infants. This is what led to the mandatory fortification programs that we are now learning may be helping in areas other than NTD.
At the start of the Netherlands study, the average threshold for hearing in the low frequency range (0.5 to 2 kHz) was 11.7 decibels (dB), and 34.2 dB in the high frequency range (4 to 8 kHz).
At the end of the study, the thresholds had increased for both folic acid and placebo groups, meaning a louder noise was required before the participants heard the noise. However, the increase was lower in the supplemented group in the low frequency range (1.0 versus 1.7 dB increase for folic acid versus placebo groups, respectively).
Researchers suggested that the hearing loss may be linked to homocysteine levels, which could be reduced by folic acid supplementation.
Durga, focused on older men and women with average plasma total homocysteine concentrations of 13 micromoles per liter or more and vitamin B12 levels of at least 200 picomoles per liter.
Normal homocysteine levels are defined as between five and 15 micromoles per liter of blood. This placed the study participants at the upper end of the ‘normal’ bracket.
What is homocysteine? It’s a metabolite (meaning a product of metabolism that is generally required for normal growth, development and reproduction). Like I was saying it’s a metabolite of the essential amino acid methionine.
It’s good to have low levels of homocysteine in the body, high levels are suspected of causing heart diseases like angina, stroke and deep vein thrombosis, in addition to over 100 other medical conditions.
The results were stated by the researchers: “Folic acid supplementation slowed the decline in hearing of the speech frequencies associated with aging in a population from a country without folic acid fortification of food. The effect requires confirmation, especially in populations from countries with folic acid fortification programs.”
Robert Dobie from the University of California, Davis said that if such a benefit could be applied generally then a five-decibel decrease in age-related hearing loss might be observed over a 20-year period. This would lead to a subsequent significant reduction in the need for hearing aids.
Certainly bonds well for the continuation of mandatory fortification and makes a good case for supplementation—especially for seniors.
Can older people taking folic acid supplementation had improved memory and ability to process information, as well as a slower rate of age-related cognitive decline?
Jane Durga, the lead author, wrote in the Jan. 20, 2007 issue of the Lancet: “In 818 older adults, daily oral folic acid supplementation for three years beneficially affected global cognitive function, and specifically memory, and information processing: functions that are sensitive to aging.”
While we know that cognitive performance declines naturally with age, the results of Folic Acid and Carotid Intima-media Thickness (FACIT) trial suggests that this could be slowed by folic acid supplementation.
The same study randomly assigned the subjects between the ages of 50 and 70 to receive either a folic acid supplement (800 micrograms per day) or a placebo for three years. And, all of the other parameters applied too (upper “normal” ranges of homocysteine and B12 levels of at least 200 Picomoles per liter.)
They used a battery of tests to assess cognitive function, including the word learning test, concept shifting test, stroop color-word test, verbal fluency test, and the letter digit substitution test. The mini-mental state examination to screen for possible dementia; but it was not used for the study outcome.
The researchers reported: “Three-year folic acid supplementation confers an individual the performance of someone 4.7 years younger for memory, 1.7 years younger for sensory motor speed, 2.1 years younger for information processing speed, and 1.5 years younger for global cognitive function.”
They also report that delayed recall for the folic acid supplemented group was similar to a performance of someone 6.9 years younger.
The researchers summed it up this way: "We have shown that 3-year folic acid supplementation improves performance on tests that measure information processing speed and memory, domains that are known to decline with age. [Our study was conducted] in older adults with raised total homocysteine concentrations.”
The researchers wanted to be sure that the public knew they recognized that “the effect of folic acid supplementation might be greater than would be expected in populations with lower plasma total homocysteine concentrations – eg. in countries such as the USA, with mandated fortification of flour with folic acid.”
They made it clear that all of the participants had sufficient levels of Vitamin B12 because Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a form of anemia in elderly people, which can cause dementia.
Durga asked and answered the question most of us want to know: “Will folic acid supplementation lead to a reduced incidence of dementia?”
Durga answered this way: “Although folic acid improved performance on tests of memory, including delayed recall, additional research is needed to determine whether folic acid supplementation can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.”
There was an editorial comment from Martha Morris and Christine Tangney from Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, who said, in an accompanying editorial, the FACIT trial was “well-designed and unique in its approach of targeting individuals who might benefit from folate supplementation.”
They also agreed with others that the trial warrants further investigation.
These two new areas of hope(age-related hearing loss and mental decline) certainly do make folic acid an important target nutrient especially when coupled with the information of it potential impact on heart disease and stroke as presented in the 2002 British Medical Journal.
A study from the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine in London found that folic acid can help offset heart disease and stroke by reducing levels of homocysteine (a known risk factor since the 1970’s) in the body.
High homocysteine levels can be caused by various factors, including shifting hormone levels (like menopause), genetics and vitamin B deficiencies. Taking extra folic acid -- along with vitamin B6 and B12 has been shown to bring levels back to normal.
According to the study published in the British Medical Journal in 2002 it was estimated that even a very small decrease (3 micromoles per liter) in homocysteine levels can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 16 percent and cut your stroke risk by 24 percent.
Pretty impressive statistics. These statistics seem to be born out by the following results based on what one can call a “Reality Check”, because it deals with known statistics of countries using folic acid fortification as opposed to those not using it. Perhaps these facts will be the determining factor in your realization that folic acid is necessary for your general well-being.
When was mandatory fortification introduced in the U.S. and Canada?
Mandatory fortification of certain foods with folic acid was introduced in the US and Canada in 1998.
The reason this was implemented was to reduce birth defects; and, that the program has been successful in cutting the number of children born with neural tube defects by over 25 per cent.
Researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compared stroke mortality rates in the United States and Canada for 1990 to 1997 ( the period before fortification), and 1998 to 2002( the period after fortification), with stroke mortality rates in England and Wales.
The study based stroke mortality rates on statistics from the national centers for health statistics in the respective countries. And, that the reported rate of decline in the number of deaths from stroke in the U.S. between 1990 and 1997 was .3% as compared to 2.9% after introduction of the mandatory fortification program.
In Canada, the fall in stroke mortality was even more dramatic, with the average decrease being 1% between 1990 and 1997, and 5.4 per cent between 1998 and 2002.
What types of trends were observed in countries not receiving fortification?
The researchers reported that in England and Wales, the death rate due to stroke was actually greater for 1999 to 2002(this was the period in which deaths trended down in the U.S. and Canada presumably due to folic acid fortification) than for 1990 to 1997.
The lead author, Quahne Yang, wrote in the journal, Circulation (Vol. 113, pp. 1335-1343):“The epidemiological analysis presented here certainly does not establish causality, but the trends we observed are consistent with the hypothesis that folic acid fortification is contributing to a reduction in stroke deaths.”
As you might suppose, the review of the compiled complete medical records from the United States participants revealed that the levels of homocysteine decreased and folate levels in the blood increased for all age groups and races studied after the introduction of fortification. This gives support for the hypothesis that folic acid may reduce stroke mortality.
Yang went on to say, “If folic acid fortification is responsible for even a fraction of the accelerated improvement we observed, this public health benefit is an important bonus to the reduction in neural tube defect rates previously demonstrated.”
The value of folic acid in the prevention of birth defects is well known, making the taking of folic acid supplementation vital to young women and possibly even men of child bearing age. Perhaps the information presented will impress upon you the potential health benefits of taking folic acid as you age.
So, whether you’re young enough to take Children’s Chewable Vitamins or Vita One or your young at heart enough for our anti-aging formula, Vita-Che, or you are a woman with special needs that call for VitaWoman you’ll get folic acid at optimum, supportive levels.
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.
06:25 Posted in Nutritional Supplements | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this | Tags: folic acid, vitaone, vitache, natural supplements, benifits of minerals
04/28/2006
Nutritional supplement | 3 Simple Things that can Make a Difference
If you are a health conscious person you are probably taking one or more nutritional supplements. And if you are like many folks, you may be disappointed at the results you are getting.
3 Simple Things That can Make a Difference
If that describes you, then I’m here to tell you, it may not be your fault.
Listed below are three simple things you can do that can dramatically make a difference in your health and well-being.
1) Not all vitamins are created equal.
The biggest reason supplements do not work is simple because they are not absorbed into your bloodstream. This may be caused by poor quality supplements or poor digestion (more about that later).
No supplements are 100 percent absorbed, but the cheaper ones tend to be much less absorbable. Some formulas are based on older research and are not balanced in such a way that supports current scientific research.
For an example:
Calcium, Magnesium and many other minerals are best absorbed when bound to citrate, aspartate or amino acid chelate.
Natural form of Vitamin E is better absorbed than the synthetic Vitamin E. How can you tell the difference? Simple. Your vitamin supplement will either say d-alpha-tocopherol or dl-alpha-tocopherol. Dl-alpha forms of Vitamins are synthetic.
Most B vitamins will break down in your body and some forms can by-pass your liver. For an example, pyridoxine which is commonly known as Vitamin B6 is metabolized through the liver. On the other hand, Robert Jay Rowen MD writes, “Pyridoxyl-5-phosphate, or P-5-P, is a co-enzyme form of vitamin B6. That is, it turns B6 in your body, and does so without going through your liver. So it’s easy to absorb and well tolerated. If you think you want co-enzymes B’s, look for Pyridoxyl-5-phosphate on the label as an indicator of the form of the B vitamins it contains.”
2) Poor digestion
If you want to know if you have digestion problem, simply ask yourself…Do you pass gas, feel bloated, experience heartburn, or indigestion? Do you feel like taking a nap after a meal? No worry.
The solution is easy. Just take digestive enzymes and probiotics.
Enzymes must be present before any chemical reaction can take place in your body. Your life depend on the metabolic action of enzymes to aid in building new muscle, getting rid of toxins and releasing energy.
You might of heard of a probiotic called Lactobacillus acidophilus. Acidophilus lives in our small intestines and produce enzymes that help digest foods. These enzymes help ferment fiber found into fatty acids. One of these fatty acids is butyric acid. People who suffer with digestive disorders such as colitis, colon cancer, and irritable bowel have low levels of butyric acid.
Acidophilus also acidify your small intestines. Minerals need acid in order to be absorbed.
Probiotics creates an environment that kills pathogenic bacteria. Many people who get food poisoning have low levels of probiotics.
Probiotics also aids in the absorbation of many Vitamins. Since Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the large intestines, taking probiotics may increase your absorbption level of B12.
Foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, tofu, miso, and tempeh will increase your probiotic level. But do not depend on a serving of yogurt to solve your low-probiotic problem over night.
If you decide to take supplements, look for probiotics cultured from super stains.....
I have found a product that contains high levels of probiotics and many folks have had wonderful results.
3)Toxins and Pollutants
It is not always enough to put good stuff into your body, you have to get rid of the bad stuff too!
We are much more exposed to pestacides and chemicals than we think. We add preservatives and coloring to our foods. Our water is tanted with chemicals. And we think this is good for us!
Detoxify your body.
Eat only the things God intended you to eat. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts perferably organic. Avoid fake foods and fats that contain preservatives.
Drink water that is free of aluminum, fluoride and chlorine. Water is a powerful detoxifier.
Consider having chelation therapy to get rid of heavy metals.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee and drugs.
By following these simple steps and choosing the right product for you, you can improve the absorbtion of supplements by five times! How will you know? There is a labatory close at hand, it will not lie to you. That is your body. It will tell you. You will feel the difference!
To your Health,
Monique
The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute advice from your physician. You should not use the information for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with your physician before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.
06:55 Posted in Nutritional Supplements | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Natural health