Archive for September, 2009

Yerba Mate and Holistic News

September 30, 2009 Written by JP

Culture and geography have a profound influence over the types of scientific trials that are conducted worldwide. The health benefits of natural medicines such as cat’s claw or yerba mate are frequently investigated in South America. Ginseng and tea have been extensively researched by Asian institutes of medicine. In the United States, a great deal of time and energy has been devoted to the study of dairy products and eggs. The common link among all of these foods and herbal remedies is that they play a major role in the economy and health of their countries of origin. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 6 Comments & Updates

Healthy Hospital Tips

September 29, 2009 Written by JP

At one point or another almost everyone ends up in a hospital. Or, at the very least, someone that you care about pays a visit to one. When that time comes, it’s vital to be aware of certain resources that can help ensure a healthier and safer stay. The suggestions presented today have been validated by recent scientific studies. I’m sharing them in the hope that they will be helpful for both the patients being treated and the nurses and physicians who provide such care. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 9 Comments & Updates

Mangosteen, Sleep and Vitamin D Updates

September 28, 2009 Written by JP

We all need reminders. There’s so much information to process these days that much of what we learn is often misplaced somewhere deep in the recesses of our minds. While scouring through my list of scientific resources, I was reminded of some previous topics that needed updating and perhaps more importantly, expanding. Many times I’ll focus on a specific function of a food, supplement or therapy. By revisiting these topics, I can paint a broader and more accurate picture of the full potential of these gifts that nature provides. Read more »


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Posted in Memory, Nutritional Supplements | 4 Comments & Updates

Aged Garlic Extract

September 25, 2009 Written by JP

The wisdom that comes only after many years of living and learning is generally a desirable by-product of the aging process. On the other hand, many of the physical changes that are a part of the equation are almost always unwelcome. A similar dynamic occurs in the maturation of food. A certain degree of ripeness is necessary in order for most fruits and vegetables to be edible. But if they’re left to ripen for too long, they’ll spoil. However, there are certain instances where prolonged aging of food can yield medicinal properties. One example is the unique aging process that Allium sativum (garlic) sometimes undergoes. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Heart Health, Nutritional Supplements | 11 Comments & Updates

Soda Alternatives

September 24, 2009 Written by JP

Improving personal health and the health of our communities, countries and the world at large can take place one small step at a time. I was thinking about this the other day and I wondered whether there was a simple change that I could implement and suggest in order to do my part. Pretty much everywhere I go, I see people of all kinds drinking soda. The drinks range from high-calorie to no-calorie, loaded with caffeine or caffeine-free and artificially or naturally flavored. Some of the fizzy pop is as clear as water while other varieties are chemically enhanced to produce any color of the rainbow and beyond. But the one thing that these beverages have in common is that they always contains some questionable ingredients and virtually never provide any nutritional content. In my opinion, a health promoting alternative to such popular drinks is long overdue.
Read more »


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Posted in Diabetes, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 17 Comments & Updates

Red Wine Cancer Connection

September 23, 2009 Written by JP

Red wine has a mixed reputation in the medical community. Some health authorities cite evidence that indicates it may be the one form of alcohol that provides actual health benefits. Generally speaking, the positive research regarding red wine has to do with its impact on cardiovascular health. In recent years, scientists have begun to analyze the specific chemical make up of this popular beverage. In doing so, they’ve discovered several phytochemicals that could be the reason why fermented grapes discourage heart disease. Furthermore, some of these substances have exhibited benefits in other arenas, such as anti-cancer activity in animal models and in-vitro (test tube) experiments. However, these laboratory findings are often at odds with population studies that find negative associations between alcohol consumption and cancer incidence. Today I’ll examine the most recent findings regarding the alcohol cancer connection. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Men's Health, Women's Health | 7 Comments & Updates

Osteoarthritis Alternatives

September 22, 2009 Written by JP

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common consequence of aging in the modern world. On average, we’re living longer than ever and our joints are taking their fair share of the burden as a result. There are many conventional treatments for dealing with the impaired mobility and pain associated with this condition. However, many of us would prefer to avoid taking medications or resorting to surgical procedures unless it’s the only remaining option. In the field of natural medicine field, there are several well known alternatives for OA. The most familiar names are probably glucosamine and chondroitin. This duo is often effective in managing the symptoms of OA and perhaps even in slowing its progression. But they don’t work for everyone. Fortunately, the natural health industry is much like its pharmaceutical counterpart in that it’s always looking for new choices for consumers. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Diet and Weight Loss, Nutritional Supplements | 29 Comments & Updates

Cinnamon, Coffee and Male Fertility Updates

September 21, 2009 Written by JP

Medical studies often yield three different types of information. Firstly, findings that either confirm or dispute prior research. Performing multiple experiments helps scientists to form a consensus about the efficacy of any given treatment. A second category of evidence assists researchers to better understand how and why a therapy is effective. This knowledge allows for a more specific application of the test substance. Lastly, the third side on this medical triangle has to do with the discovery of new applications for already known medications and procedures. These observations take place in both allopathic and natural medicine. Read more »


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Posted in Diabetes, Food and Drink, Men's Health | 13 Comments & Updates

The Acne Diet

September 18, 2009 Written by JP

I’m entirely open to seeing a doctor and having appropriate medical tests conducted. I’m even willing to judiciously use medication if it’s truly warranted. But there are many conditions that effect quality of life without threatening mortality. These are the types of health concerns that are often best addressed by natural means. A good example is a common problem that afflicts a large segment of the adolescent population. Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that’s a major cause of both physical and psychological harm. It just so happens that there is an all natural, inexpensive and safe treatment plan that may help abate the suffering. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements | 26 Comments & Updates

Chocolate, Hot Tea, Lutein and Soy Updates

September 17, 2009 Written by JP

How you prepare food and the manner in which you consume it can make all difference. A healthy vegetable can easily be rendered into a health hazard by dipping it in batter and deep frying it in hydrogenated oils. On the other hand, marinating meat with aromatic herbs and spices and cooking it at the right temperature can prevent certain food-borne illnesses. These are a few of the more obvious examples. But looking a little deeper into the scientific literature reveals lesser known tips about how to get the most out of your dietary choices. Read more »


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Posted in Nutrition | 4 Comments & Updates

Compassionate Medicine

September 16, 2009 Written by JP

At this very moment in the United States there is a monumental debate going on about health care reform. Some citizens and politicians are proposing significant changes to the current paradigm while others are generally in favor of maintaining the system that’s already in place. I think there’s at least one issue that all sides can hopefully agree on – health care can and should be improved, in part, by the efforts made by individuals. One way to accomplish this is to take steps to improve personal health. Another important strategy is to help others enjoy better health. It may seem far-fetched, but simple acts of compassion and kindness can sometimes be a profound and essential adjunct to virtually any medical treatment. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Heart Health, Mental Health | 8 Comments & Updates

The Phytochemical Diet

September 15, 2009 Written by JP

Many doctors and nutritionists have long held the view that eating more fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Sometimes there’s some disagreement about what kinds of plant foods best serve this purpose. But ultimately, there is a general consensus that this is a positive step we can take towards combating obesity. It’s been widely assumed that fruits and veggies largely replace less nutritious foods in the average diet. This is frequently the case. However, recent scientific developments help explain exactly why plant-based foods have a fat fighting effect. This additional knowledge may provide a renewed incentive for eating more natural, whole foods. Read more »


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Posted in Diet and Weight Loss, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 5 Comments & Updates

Grapefruit and Breast Cancer

September 14, 2009 Written by JP

I think almost anyone who uses the Internet can relate to this scenario: You receive an e-mail from a family member or friend alerting you to a health threat that isn’t very well known, but potentially deadly. In recent years, one of the most frequently circulated e-mails of this type has focused on the supposed connection between eating grapefruits and breast cancer risk. As with many of these chain e-mails, there is some basis for the concern. But the question is: How alarmed should we be? Read more »


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Posted in Detoxification, Food and Drink, Women's Health | 7 Comments & Updates