Folic Acid

Published by admin on July 6th, 2011 - in Hormones, Vitamins and Minerals, Women's Health

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9, vitamin Bc or folacin) and folate (the naturally occurring form) is a B vitamin that the body needs to make healthy new cells.

Folic acid is present in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach. It is also thought that there is an association between folate levels in the blood and mood. Folic acid is regarded as a very safe substance with little to no specific side-effects.

There are numerous benefits of folic acid, and some of these cannot be stressed enough as extremely valuable in promoting health. Considerable benefit can exist for some people who take this supplement. Yet it’s always wise to understand that claims about a supplement can exist on numerous levels. There are medically proven benefits and then claims that have been disproved, which makes it important to understand what’s known and accepted, and what isn’t.

First and foremost, the most valuable of the benefits of folic acid is clearly proven. It aids in pregnancy and fetis health when it is taken prior to conception. Given its potential to protect the health of newborns, doctors strongly advocate that women begin taken folic acid supplements three months prior to the time they plan to conceive. A recent study also showed that a lack of folic acid in women trying to become pregnant could also be the cause for miscarrying. Folic acid is crucial to the growth and nurturing of an unborn fetus.

There are some other potential benefits of folic acid. It does appear to support normal blod pressure function because it relaxes blood vessels. It also may act to reduce signs of aging by helping people to retain memory and mental acuity.

Another of the claims regarding the benefits of folic acid is that it may have a role in regulating mood, especially when taken with other B vitamins. It reduces homocysteine levels, which supports a healthy well being. It’s often claimed that one of the benefits of folic acid is its cancer prevention role. It has been cited as reducing breast and pancreatic cancer. As beneficial as this supplement may be, evidence is to the contrary on this claim, and recent studies have found no cancer preventative benefits exist. Conversely, men who take folic acid may have a risk of prostate cancer, though this matter needs more study.

As good as folic acid may be, and US government certainly responded by adding it to a variety of grains and cereals, there are some concerns with taking this supplement. In addition to the possibility that it might elevate some cancer risk, it seems to also mask Vitamin B12 deficiency, which in worse cases is called pernicious anemia. Not only may this masking affect occur, but it may affect absorption of Vitamin B12 in all cases, and B12 has many benefits related to those given by folic acid.

What this means for people is that taking folic acid is much like taking anything else. It can be truly helpful, but it may not come without a price. Taking more of it than recommended may be particularly harmful instead of promoting better health.  Always consult with your health care professional for the dose that is correct for you.

 

 

 

WORKS CITED

 

The Benefits of Folic Acid for Women on MedicineNet.com.” Web. 25 June 2011. <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=41765>.

“More Benefits of Folic Acid.” Nutrition – About.com. Web. 23 June 2011. <http://nutrition.about.com/b/2005/01/19/more-benefits-of-folic-acid.htm>.

“Vitamin B9 (folic Acid) Benefits.” Vitamins Information Center. Web. 24 June 2011. <http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/vitamin-b9.html>.

 

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TWENTY FIVE WAYS TO BE HEALTHIER

Published by admin on June 27th, 2011 - in Uncategorized

By: Roger Mason

June 21, 2011

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Here are twenty-five ways to be healthier, feel better, and live longer. Most all of these cost nothing, or even save you money. Health is real wealth, and quality of life is everything. Natural health is about a total program of diet and lifestyle.

  • EAT MORE WHOLE GRAINS. Whole grains are literally the staff of life, the very basis of your daily food. Grains are full of nutrition and fiber.
  • EAT MORE BEANS. Beans are a wonderful food full of nutrition, protein, and fiber.
  • EAT MORE GREEN AND YELLOW VEGETABLES. We just don’t eat enough of them. Use innovative and international recipes to make them really taste good.
  • EAT TWO MEALS A DAY. You don’t need to eat three times a day. The less you eat the longer you’ll live and the healthier you’ll be.
  • FAST EVERY WEEK. Every week eat your dinner and then don’t eat until dinner the next day. This means 52 one day fasts every year! This is accumulative and very powerful.
  • EXERCISE REGULARLY. Even walking a half hour a day will change your life. Join a gym and go three times a week. Learn to “superset” and get a one hour workout in 15 minutes. Lack of exercise is a major reason for our obesity epidemic.
  • GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Sleep is healing and restorative. As you age, you may well find you need to sleep more than when you were young. Naps are very powerful as well.
  • DON’T TAKE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. With rare exceptions you should never take any. You cannot poison your way to health. Americans take far more than anyone else.
  • LIMIT OR END ANY BAD HABITS. You don’t have to be a saint, but you do have to at least limit such things as coffee and alcohol.
  • EAT LESS SUGAR AND SWEETS. Americans swill down over 160 pounds of various sugars every year. No one else does this. All these sugars cause poor health and disease.
  • DON’T EAT DESSERTS. Take the concept of “dessert” out of your life. Asians do not have the concept of desserts as part of their meals.
  • EAT OUT LESS OFTEN. Learn to cook better. Eating out is expensive, and you always end up eating things you shouldn’t be eating and wouldn’t eat at home.
  • TAKE YOUR LUNCH TO WORK. Take your own lunch to work. You’ll save money and have better tasting, healthier food. Have your children take their lunch to school.
  • TAKE DAIRY OUT OF YOUR LIFE. Dairy is the worst food on earth, due to the lactose and casein in milk and dairy foods. Use soy or other milk substitutes. Milk is bad food.
  • TAKE PROVEN SUPPLEMENTS. If under 40 there are only 8 you need. If over 40 there are about 20 you need. Read my book The Supplements You Need. You will SAVE money on medical bills by taking these proven natural supplements.
  • BALANCE YOUR BASIC HORMONES. Anyone over the age of 40 needs to balance their basic vital hormones, including melatonin, pregnenolone, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, T3, and T4. Women need to balance their three basic estrogens.
  • NO MORE MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGGS. Eat 10% seafood, or be a vegetarian. Meat, poultry, and eggs are full of animal proteins, cholesterol, and saturated fats.
  • STOP EATING NIGHTSHADES. Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants contain toxic solanine and other harmful alkaloids. These were never meant for human consumption.
  • STOP EATING TROPICAL FOODS. Tropical foods like bananas, avocadoes, citrus fruit, and mangoes are meant for tropical peoples living in tropical lands.
  • EAT SOUP BEFORE EACH MEAL. Eat a hearty bowl of soup before your two meals each day, and you will eat less food yet still be full. Soup makes you feel full.
  • DON’T SNACK. Eat your two meals a day and leave it at that. Our obsession with food, and eating 16 hours a day, is pathological.
  • EAT LESS FRUIT AND FRUIT JUICE. Read the article Fruits Have Almost No Nutrition in our free library. Fruits are basically sugar and water with almost no vitamins or minerals at all. Fruit juice has as much sugar as cola drinks and the same kind of sugar (fructose).
  • HAVE GOOD SEX regularly. This is good for mind, body, and soul.
  • MEDITATE EVERY DAY. Sit quietly and don’t think! Just a half hour or quiet meditation every day will change your life and your spiritual destiny.
  • BE THANKFUL. Be thankful just for being alive. Be thankful for everything you’ve been given. Life is a brief flash of light in the universe. Be thankful for pure existence. If you are missing anything in your life please read the article Affirmative Prayer in our free library. Affirmative prayer will bring everything you need into your life.
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SAM-e

Published by admin on June 17th, 2011 - in Amino Acids, Bone Health, Mood and Memory

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is an amino acid that can be used to assist with in certain circumstances such as: osteoarthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, headaches, and to increase bile flow. Other names for SAMe include: S-Adensyl Methionine, L-Methionine, Adomet, and Ademethionine.

SAM-e is a substance that occurs naturally in the cells of plants, animals and humans. It’s not an herb and is often used in the assistance of liver health, bone health and an overall state of well being. A recent study showed that the use of SAM-e could reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis as listed below in the suggested benefits section.

SAM-e was discovered in Italy about four decades ago (Cantoni, 1952). However, the first clinical study of SAM-e‘s use for depression was not completed until the 1970s (Agnoli et al., 1976). At that time there were no usable oral preparations and early studies had to use intravenous [IV] and intramuscular [IM] delivery. SAM-e was first introduced into the U.S. dietary supplement market in 1999. However, it has been available in Europe since 1975. Today an oral form is used that is more resistant to oxidation and gastric enzyme degradation. Thus, allowing the SAM-e to actually pass through the digestive track and into the blood flow.

Suggested Benefits of SAM-e

While healthy people do not need to supplement with SAM-e, researchers suggest that many people may benefit from this supplement. Suggested benefits of SAM-e supplementation include the following:

  • Osteoarthritis. A number of double-blind studies indicate that SAM-e may help individuals with osteoarthritis. Studies show that SAM-e may reduce stiffness, pain and swelling in arthritic joints, as well as improve overall joint health. Results of some studies even go as far as to suggest that SAM-e may be as effective in some instances as other over the counter pain medications. However, there is no evidence that SAM-e will be effective in any form of arthritis other than osteoarthritis.
  • Liver Health. Preliminary research indicates that SAM-e may also be helpful for a healthy liver. In one trial, people with liver cirrhosis caused by alcoholism who took SAM-e for two years experienced a nearly 50 percent lower death rate and/or liver transplantation rate, compared with study participant who received a placebo. The results of this trial, however, where not statistically significant. The results of similar trials conducted using people with less severe forms of cirrhosis have yielded more promising results.
  • Depression. SAM-e may be helpful for promoting mood and emotional well being and has been used by some people for the treatment of depression. This has resulted in a series of preliminary studies using oral and parenteral SAM-e to treat depression. While the results of these studies are promising they are still inconclusive.
  • Headache. Studies suggest that SAM-e may help in the treatment of migraines with fewer side effects than current treatments.
  • Mental Focus. Doctor’s are currently studying the effects of SAM-e on mental focus. The calming stress effects may be able to help one stay focused without being easily distracted.

 

For more research on SAM-e and its benefits/side effects, please visit http://www.sam-e-supplement.com/herbal-remedies/sam-e/sam-e-research

 

 

Works Cited

 

“SAM-e Benefits and Side Effects.” Natural Health Herbal, Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements | NutraSanus. Web. 13 June 2011. <http://www.nutrasanus.com/sam-e.html>.

“SAM-e Depression Supplement: Uses and Safety.” WebMD – Better Information. Better Health. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/sam-e-topic-overview>.

SAM-e for Depression – Information, Research, Articles and Side Effects. Web. 16 June 2011. <http://www.sam-e-supplement.com/>.

“Supplement Center, SAM-e at Men’s Health.com.” Men’s Health Magazine : Men’s Guide to Fitness, Health, Weight Loss, Nutrition, Sex, Style and Guy Wisdom. Web. 15 June 2011. <http://www.menshealth.com/supplements/supplement/SAM-e.php>.

 

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Maritime Pine Bark

Published by admin on June 7th, 2011 - in Antioxidants, Mood and Memory

Pycnogenol is a pine bark extract known as a powerful antioxidant with the ability to relieve inflammation, and to improve the immune and circulatory system. The first known reference to pine bark as a therapeutic application was by Hippocrates in the 4th Century B.C. He noted that pine bark could be used as a way to reduce inflammation. In 1479, Minner from Switzerland in his book Thesaurus Medicaminum said that pine bark was useful in healing wounds. Around the same time a German naturalist, Hieronymus Boch said that pine bark made a good topical remedy for many skin disorders.

The first documented use of pine bark for medical purposes was by the French Explorer, Jacques Cartier. When travelling through Quebec, many of Cartier’s men were struck by scurvy. An Iroquois Indian recommended pine bark to the expedition. Those who received the treatment seemed to be fully recovered after six days.

The medicinal benefits of pine bark remained obscure until some researchers in France ran across Cartier’s references to the incident with scurvy. They decided to do a little research. They found that pine bark contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (an anti-oxidant biflavonoid compound). This substance is now often referred to as pycnogenol.

Pycnogenol appears to have at least four benefits:

  1. As an anti-oxidant pycnogenol may help prevent cell damage and aging.
  2. It may promote a healthy circulatory system by influencing the production of endothelial nitric oxide.
  3. Pycnogenol may reduce inflammation by regulating the immune system.
  4. By binding to collagen and elastin, it could help protect skin, organs, connective tissue, and arteries.

According to a recent television show by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Maritime Pine Bark could possibly reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, he continued by saying the product contained antioxidants that could prevent damage to brain cells. This claim alone, gives hope to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who are affected by this disease. Later in the show Dr. Oz said, every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Pycnogenol as Antioxidant

Atoms needing electrons course through the body. They come as a by-product of certain biological processes, but also can come from smoking, exercise, toxins, and emotional stress. They steal electrons from other atoms situated within cell structures, damaging these cells. The only way to stop this oxidization process is with other atoms (called antioxidants) that are not part of the cell structure that can freely give away an electron, thus neutralizing the free radical. Pycnogenol is an antioxidant. In fact, it contains over 40 different kinds of biflavonoid antioxidants. These biflavonoids were found to be highly absorbed in moderate doses.

Pycnogenol’s Role in Circulatory System

Studies are not complete on why Pycnogenol seems to benefit the circulatory system. However, it is hypothesized that it helps regulate and increase the endothelial production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide (NO) helps relax blood vessels, helping to reduce high blood pressure and allowing for free blood flow. Pycnogenol might also help prevent platelets from becoming sticky, so they do not clump together.

Pycnogenol’s Other Benefits

Pycnogenol is thought to aid the immune system by reducing inflammation and increasing activity of defensive cells. This same anti-inflammatory quality may help with asthma, and joint discomfort. Skin health is promoted by the antioxidant activity reducing damage from the sun. Because pycnogenol bonds directly with collagen and elastin, it is carried directly to the skin where it can do the most good against ultra-violet rays. Claims have also been made for pycnogenol in cognitive functioning, gum health, and exercise performance.

National Institute of Health on Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is a trademark name for the extract from pine bark of French maritime pine trees, the Pinus pinaster. It should be noted that the name “pycnogenol” has also been used to describe a similar substance from grape seed extract that contains many similar properties. The U.S. government notes that Pycnogenol has been tested and proved effective for use in cases of asthma, and CVI – a syndrome that causes leg swelling and blood clots. It stresses that other claims made by producers of pycnogenol have not been fully tested.1

Supplements are taken orally in 25-360 mg doses. It can also come in chewing gum or topical ointments. When taken orally it takes approximately 20 minutes to enter the blood stream and remains effective for up to 72 hours. It is not recommended for use by children under 18.

Possible Side Effects of Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol may cause mild stomach discomfort, so it is most often taken with meals. It may alter blood sugar levels, which could be problematic for diabetes patients. It may also increase the risk of bleeding. This substance could interact with various drugs especially those taken for blood pressure, immunosupression, or sugar disorders. It is always wise to consult a physician when taking supplements in conjunction with drugs.

 

 

Works Cited

“Dr Oz: French Maritime Pine Bark for Alzheimers Disease & Memory Loss.” Dr Oz | Doctor Oz Fans. Web. 03 June 2011. <http://www.drozfans.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-french-maritime-pine-bark-for-alzheimers-disease-memory-loss/>.

 

“Learn about Pycnogenol® French Maritime Pine Bark Extract.” Pycnogenol.com. Web. 04 June 2011. <http://www.pycnogenol.com/industry/industry_about.php>.

 

“Maritime Pine Bark / Pycnogenol in Cancer Treatment. Herbal Treatment Programs for Cancer Patients, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Support with Herbal Medicine and Information on Alternative (herbal) Treatment for Cancer in People, Horses and Dogs.” Herbal Treatment Programs for Cancer Patients, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Support with Herbal Medicine and Information on Alternative (herbal) Treatment for Cancer in People, Horses and Dogs. Web. 04 June 2011. <http://www.cancer-herbal-treatment.com/article_maritime_pine_bark.html>.

 

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To Krill or not to Krill?

Published by admin on June 3rd, 2011 - in Anti-Aging, Antioxidants, Cholesterol, Joint Care, Mood and Memory, Omegas, Skin Care, Vitamins and Minerals, Women's Health

Krill oil, rationally enough, comes from the shrimp like crustacean, Krill, which lives in the coldest parts of the ocean. Although Fish oil has been commended for years for the benefits it can bring to the human life, a recent study comparing the two brought to light the possibility of Krill Oil actually outshining Fish Oil. One of the major pros for using Krill to harvest the Krill Oil is that Krill makes up one of the largest animal biomasses on the planet, making it readily available for collecting. Krill oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is why it has become so popular as a nutritional supplement. Given that Krill is readily available and offers a variety of health benefits, it is slowly but surely rising to the top of many individuals favorite supplements.

“Krill oil contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and canthaxanthin, which is — like astaxanthin — a potent anti-oxidant. The anti-oxidant potency of krill oil is such that when compared to fish oil in terms of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorptance Capacity) values, it was found to be 48 times more potent than fish oil.” (Eades)

 

The Nutrients in Krill Oil

Astaxanthin

One of the greatest benefits of krill oil that really sets it apart from fish oil and other supplements is that it contains astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is one of the strongest antioxidants we have. Antioxidants, as we know, make sure that our cells are not bombarded with harmful free radicals. Krill eat algae that contain astaxanthin and are in turn eaten by salmon, shrimp other crustaceans like lobster. Astaxanthin gives them their pink color. The presence of astaxanthin is just one reason to put these sea creatures into the healthy food category. Since these sea creatures get their astaxanthin from krill, it follows that krill oil would be one of the best natural sources of Astaxanthin. This gives krill oil the weapons necessary to fight inflammation and a host of related problems like skin damage by UV rays and muscle soreness.

Choline

Krill oil contains phosphatidal choline, a phospholipid. Phospholipids in your cell membranes help communication between your cells. Numerous studies show the importance of Choline in brain development. Many doctors advise pregnant mothers to take Choline to ensure the baby’s brain development.

Omega Fatty Acids

They have been the buzz in health awareness for a long time. That’s because both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are crucial to fight infection and inflammation-related diseases. Like fish oil, krill oil also contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In krill oil these fatty acids are found in phospholipids, resulting in the absorption and distribution of a higher proportion of EPA and DHA when compared to fish oil where EPA and DHA are found in triglycerides. EPA and DHA are found in higher potency in krill oil and without the fishy smell and flavor.

Krill Oil Health Benefits

Krill oil is known to provide health benefits such as:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

In a study published in June 2010, it was found that krill oil may be a useful intervention strategy against signs of inflammatory arthritis. An earlier study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition tested the effectiveness of krill oil (300 mg daily) in comparison to a placebo and found that krill oil was effectively reduced symptoms of arthritis and inflammation. Even if you don’t have arthritis, krill oil may help reduce back and joint pains and swelling.

Healthy Cholesterol Regulation

A high level of LDL (that is “bad” cholesterol) is bad because it indicates a greater risk of heart disease. In a study on the effects of krill oil on cholesterol levels of 120 people who were tested by administering krill oil, fish oil or a placebo—it was found that krill oil lowered LDL cholesterol by 34% and boosted HDL (“good”) cholesterol by 43.5% compared to the placebo. Surprisingly fish oil reduced LDL cholesterol by a mere 4.6% and increased HDL cholesterol by 4.2%.

Brain Development and Functions

The omega-3 fatty acids and choline are important for normal brain development and brain functions. The beneficial impact of both these nutrients appears to improve cognition, memory, mood and behavior.

Mental Health

Some studies show the regular intake of EPA and DHA may help those who suffer from mood swings, depression and other related mental disorders.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

There is some evidence that suggests two grams of krill oil a day may relieve symptoms of PMS.

Skin Health

Eczema is common skin ailment that can be the result of fatty acid imbalance. Krill oil, since it contains a greater amount of omega 3 fatty acids is more effective than fish oil in curing eczema. It has also been found to make skin healthier.

Helps Fight Signs of Aging

Krill oil contains the antioxidant vitamins, A and E along with astaxanthin. These help fight free radical activity in the body.

 

 

Works Cited

 

Eades, Dr. Michael. “Krill Oil 48x Better Than Fish Oil?” Rev. of Krill Oil. Web log post. The Blog of Tim Ferriss. Tim Ferriss. Web. <http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/07/23/krill-oil-48x-better-than-fish-oil/>.

“Krill Oil Benefits.” Krill Oil Benefits. Web. 24 May 2011. <http://www.krilloilbenefits.com/>.

 

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