Red Yeast Rice – remains anchor nutrient for cholesterol management.

By Don on January 18, 2010

Comprehensive formula in support of cholesterol managment

Comprehensive formula in support of cholesterol managment

Although many nutrients have been found to effectively manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Red Yeast Rice remains the most effective. The fact that it is one of the only natural statins known, and that 85% of the work done on pharmaceutical cholesterol drugs are just synthetic versions of what this fermented nutrient does organically may have much to do with that recognition. RYR contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. And because the “synthesis” happens in the Liver, persons taking RYR or a synthetic pharmaceutical version should take preventive steps to protect their Liver by supplementing with Co-enzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) and other nutrients that strengthen the organ from potential damage.
While many people respond to RYR by itself, there is a segment of people who require more comprehensive regimens that combine RYR with nutrients such as; Policosanol, Guggulipids, Chromium, Inulin (from Israeli artichoke), and Taurine. Ask a health professional with a natural health background which is best for you.

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Pine Bark Extract shows promise for diabetic retinopathy

By Don on January 14, 2010

Recent studies published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed improved blood flow of blood in the tiny blood vessels of the retina, and enhanced sight in diabetics with early stage eye problems. The pine bark extract, pycnogenol was given to 46 diabetics in a randomised controlled study in which visual acuity, or the clearness of vision, was found to improve from 14/20 to 17/20. “Our study suggests that pycnogenol taken in early stages of retinopathy……favourably improves vision of patients,” said the lead researchewr, Dr. Robert Steigerwalt. In the U.S., there are almost 24 million people with diabetes, equal to 8 percent of the population. It is estimated that up to 45% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes already have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. Pycnogenol benefits in many areas of health, including its antioxidants potential, have been known for 35 years.diabetic retinopathy

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Alpha-Lipoic Acid – Still the Universal Antioxidant

By Don on December 16, 2009

alpha-lipoic-acidKnown as the “Universal Antioxidant”, Alpha-Lipoic Acid has  unique solubility traits in water and fat. It serves as a coenzyme in the energy production process, which allots for quick bursts of energy at one time. ALA is vital for the aerobic metabolism while cutting down on muscle fatigue and protecting the brain and nerve cells in the process.

The body needs ALA to produce energy. Alpha lipoic acid converts glucose (blood sugar) into energy.It plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. The body actually makes enough ALA for these basic metabolic functions. This compound acts as an antioxidant, however, only where there is an excess of it and it is in the “free” state in the cells. But there is little free ALA circulating in your body,unless you consume supplements or get it injected. Foods contain only tiny amounts of it. What makes ALA special as an antioxidant is its versatilty it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals in many bodily systems.

Its been over 30 years since Burt Berkson M.D. wrote his his book “The Alpha-Lipoic Acid Breakthrough” and while his position is that injections are the most effective treatment, many have found that 300mg of supplmental ALA each day can be one of the best cost effective preventives available.

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Selenium-based Antioxidants vs. Colon/Prostate Cancer

By Don on December 14, 2009

seleniumIt would appear the Cancer Institute of Italy, based in Genoa has brought forth findings that may or may not be enough science to launch a new wave of research into the mineral selenium’s ability to prevent prostate cancer and reduce the number of colon polyp reoccurances.

While there is accepted science on the mineral’s potential to reduce the incidents of prostate cancer, the recent double blind study involving 400 subjects and a 40% reduction in reoccuring polyps has been met with much debate and skeptisism. One things for sure, there is enough evidence over the last 50 years to suggest that making selenium part of a man’s daily multi-mineral is well justified.

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Inexpensive Breast Cancer Preventives

By Don on December 9, 2009

Women's HealthThe University of Michigan has joined other researchers in confirming the effectivenenss of curcumin, found in tumeric and piperine, found in black pepper to decrease the number of stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. “If we can limit the number of stem cells, we can limit the number of cells with potential to form tumours,” explained lead author Madhuri Kakarala.
Add this finding to the recent findings on the effectiveness of Indole-3-Carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables and the arsenal of preventives against breast cancer become formidible.

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Case Study: Beauty through Inside/Outside Protection

By Don on November 30, 2009

For several years the cosmetic industry has been investing in R & D with regard to the use of herbs, botanicals, and various nutrients in promoting beauty and anti-aging. Most recently, terminology such as Cosmeceuticals have been coined to referred to a class of such nutrients that provide protection, rejuvenate, or restore skin, hair, nails, etc…

According to a recent case study out of  San Jose, CA, two botanicals; Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) and Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), have shown to provide significant protection when taken both internally (ingested: capsule form) and externally (topically: cream). Both have powerful bioactive phytocompounds that have shown an ability to prevent lipid peroxidation caused by UV damage and triggering the production of damaging free radicals, inflammatory reactions, and accelerated skin aging.

The study was conducted via independant lab.  I predict you’ll see these two nutrient providers in more products real soon.

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Attitudes changing about acceptable levels of daily nutrition.

By Don on November 20, 2009

Optimum Multi-Nutrient

Optimum Multi-Nutrient

 

As the health care debate raging on, more and more people are coming to the conclusion that prevention is more cost effective than post illness treatment. To that end an entire generation is becoming more and more serious about the daily regimen. One part of that regimen is nutrient supplementation. More than a multi-vitamin, multi-nutrient implies more, much more than just vitamins and minerals. Products like Nutrient Max by Advent Health Sciences were developed specifically for the those for who daily nutritional therapy is serious business for optimal health.

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Curcumin findings strong against cancer cells.

By Don on November 10, 2009

University College Cork and Mercy University Hospital Cork, Ireland may have layed additional ground work for the validity of the phytochemical commonly found in the curry spice turmeric and its effects on esophageal cancer, which they said is increasingly prevalent and has poor survival rates. In their British Journal of Cancer article the scientists concluded curcumin represents “a promising anticancer agent for prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.”. While many CAM Therapist have known of the anti-cancer properties for years, creditable studies like this add to an ever growing acceptance of that fact.

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Twenty reasons why vitamin D is better than a swine flu vaccine

By Don on November 4, 2009

Mike Adams, who calls himself the Health Ranger for natrualnews.com posted an excellent article on the Vitamin D alternative for the H1N1 Vaccine and why.
by: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
http://www.naturalnews.com/027385_Vitamin_D_swine_flu_vaccine.html

The news is out: Vitamin D is better than the swine flu vaccine at halting H1N1 infections. In fact, without vitamin D, chances are that a vaccine won’t generate much of an immune response in the first place.

That’s because vitamin D is essential for healthy, active immune function. That’s just one of the reasons smart people are choosing vitamin D instead of the swine flu vaccine. Here are nineteen more reasons:

#1 Vitamin D activates your immune system to respond to any viral exposure (not just one virus).

#2 Vitamin D naturally belongs in your body.

#3 Vitamin D has been functioning as medicine in the human body since the beginning of the human species.

#4 Vitamin D is available right now and there’s no shortage of it.

#5 Vitamin D won’t cause your brain to swell and put you into a coma.

#6 Vitamin D doesn’t require an injection with a scary needle.

#7 Vitamin D is found naturally in many foods such as sardines or salmon.

#8 Vitamin D has a perfect safety record. No one ever died from consuming it.

#9 Vitamin D is affordable. You can even get it for free (from sunlight).

#10 Vitamin D doesn’t contain viral fragments from diseased animals (like vaccines often do).

#11 Vitamin D doesn’t contain thimerosal or other chemical preservatives.

#12 Vitamin D doesn’t need a warning sheet describing possible side effects.

#13 Vitamin D doesn’t hurt your arm when you take it.

#14 Vitamin D also improves sugar metabolism, bone density and healthy moods.

#15 Vitamin D is safe for the environment.

#16 Vitamin D doesn’t contain squalene or other inflammatory adjuvant chemicals.

#17 Vitamin D works on everyone and is safe for everyone, including infants and children.

#18 Vitamin D is made in nature, not a laboratory.

#19 Vitamin D is found naturally in breast milk.

#20 You can walk, and chew gum, and generate vitamin D from sunshine all at the same time!

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Two types of depression require different HTP approaches.

By Don on November 3, 2009

For years CAM Therapists and Practitioners have known the positive benefits L-5-HTP on mild depression. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan as the name suggests is derived from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, a prominent amino acid in Turkey. Several years ago a proported shipment of L-Tryptophan from Japan, launched an FDA pre-emptive strike against the use of the amino acid on depression, the “prescription only” ban lasted for over 10 years. As necessity is the mother of invention, the end result in this case was the derivitive L-5-HTP. But HTP was not only effective, it didn’t tax the liver as much to process it into activity – shorter reponse time, easier on the body. Over time it was found that HTP responded even better when combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Oriental Medicine used this information and went one step further by adding Luo Bu Ma (Dogbane). While the positive results were immediate, a new finding emerged, while extremely effective on lethargic depression, those suffering from manic depression expressed increase frustration and anxiety to the point of uncontrolled anger. By a simple substitution of GABA (gama-amino butyric acid) for the Lou Ba Ma component and sufferers of manic depression now have their pathway to relief and nutritional support. Two types of depression – two natural answers.

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