Archive for March, 2009

The Natural Polypill – Alpha Lipoic Acid

March 31, 2009 Written by JP

A popular story has been floating around the mainstream media about a so-called “polypill”. It’s supposed to be the next “big thing” in treating heart disease. The pill in question combines several heart medications (aspirin, blood pressure medication and cholesterol lowering medication) in one easy to swallow tablet. This combo product isn’t on the market yet, but it will likely be available in the coming years. What you may not have heard on the nightly news is that there’s been some other promising developments in the world of cardiovascular disease management. The reason you probably haven’t seen these reports is because the “medicine” involved is actually a natural supplement that’s been on the market for many years.
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Posted in Nutritional Supplements | 7 Comments & Updates

Laxative Alternatives

March 30, 2009 Written by JP

One of the best types of testimonials I often hear about are from people who are able to stop using medications by adopting a healthier lifestyle or by utilizing a natural alternative. From my perspective, medications should only be used as a last resort. Unfortunately, my view may be in the minority. These days, medications are frequently used because they successfully mask bothersome symptoms and do so in a way that requires little to no effort from those using them. The problem with this philosophy is that every medication has the potential for side effects. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Detoxification, Nutritional Supplements | 12 Comments & Updates

Defiance – Movie Review

Written by JP

I’ll admit up front that I’m not a World War II aficionado. But even so, when I first sat down to watch the film Defiance, I really wondered what new things could possibly be said about this well worn period of history. I mean how many films, TV programs and mini-series can be dedicated to one war before things start to become redundant? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that when I screened Defiance I did indeed learn something new and experience the Second World War in a different way than I had before. Read more »


Posted in Movies | 2 Comments & Updates

Alzheimer’s Disease and Nutrition

March 28, 2009 Written by JP

Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Those two words often provoke a fearful and visceral reaction in many people. I think part of the reason is that when AD strikes there’s really nothing much that can be done to strike back. Today’s blog reports on a new “medical food” that may help those diagnosed with AD to regain some control over their destiny. Read more »


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Posted in Memory, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements | 9 Comments & Updates

Hot Tea Cancer Risk

March 27, 2009 Written by JP

You’ve probably heard or read news about how tea may help protect against cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a whole host of health related woes. It’s very possible that you’ve taken that information to heart and adopted a diet that regularly includes tea. That’s an excellent decision, but there is one caveat to this healthful practice: make sure not to drink your tea while it’s very hot. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink | 7 Comments & Updates

The 3 Hour Phobia Cure?

March 26, 2009 Written by JP

I have great news for anyone who suffers from phobias. Phobias are irrational fears that can lead people to avoid circumstances in which they’d be exposed to whatever they’re afraid of. Phobias technically belong to the family of anxiety disorders. The list of phobias is quite diverse. Some examples are: acrophobia (a fear of heights), agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces and large groups of people), glossophobia (a fear of speaking in public), mageirocophobia (a fear of cooking), nosocomephobia (a fear of hospitals) and zoophobia (a fear of animals). Read more »


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Posted in Mental Health | 6 Comments & Updates

Agave Danger!

March 25, 2009 Written by JP

As you’ve probably gathered I’m a big supporter of the natural health industry. On the whole I believe they promote a healthier society by providing alternative options for an increasingly toxic world. However on occasion I need to point out areas in which I disagree with certain prevailing notions within the industry. Today I’m going to discuss one disturbing trend with regard to the promotion of a natural sweetener called agave nectar (or syrup). Read more »


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Posted in Nutrition | 18 Comments & Updates

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

March 24, 2009 Written by JP

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Currently blood pressure readings of 120/80 and lower are considered normal. 120-139/80-89 are referred to as “prehypertension” and 140/90 and above is classified as high blood pressure. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Food and Drink, Heart Health | 11 Comments & Updates

Minerals for Diabetes

March 23, 2009 Written by JP

When most people think about minerals and diabetes the first thing that comes to mind is the trace element chromium. It’s a reasonable association since chromium has been used extensively to help manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetics for decades. But there are other minerals that are often lacking in diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals. If these deficiencies are addressed, it may reduce the damage that poor blood glucose control can bring about. Read more »


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Posted in Diabetes, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements | 12 Comments & Updates

Soul Men – Movie Review

March 22, 2009 Written by JP

It’s a story as old as time. Three friends from humble beginnings rise up from poverty to form an influential soul band. Their music shines and all the trappings of success come with it. All seems well until the charismatic lead singer decides to splinter off and plot a career path of his own. Read more »


Posted in Movies | No Comments;

Mushrooms and Cancer

March 21, 2009 Written by JP

According to the US National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that more than 186,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) this year alone. As many as 29,000 of those very same men will lose their lives because of this dreaded affliction that occurs almost exclusively in men over the age of 45. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 9 Comments & Updates

Mangosteen for Eczema and Psoriasis

March 20, 2009 Written by JP

Part of the reason I started this blog was to share observations that I’ve stumbled across in my personal life. In general I’ve been pretty fortunate in enjoying relative good health. But I’ve had my share of medical bumps along the road just like anyone else. One such event occurred last year when I had a rather severe inflammatory skin condition (a supposed combination of eczema and psoriasis). I went to see both conventional and holistic doctors and really wasn’t satisfied with the treatment plans that either of them laid out for me. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Heart Health, Nutritional Supplements | 48 Comments & Updates

Blueberry Science

March 19, 2009 Written by JP

I often see advice given by nutritionists and other medical experts recommending that you start the day with a healthy breakfast. Since blueberries are known to be one of the most beneficial of all fruits, a blueberry smoothie or yogurt topped with these berries are common suggestions. The trouble with this advice is that it may very well be counterproductive. Read more »


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Posted in Nutrition | 4 Comments & Updates