With thanks to  © Good Health Naturally Inc.

SerraEzyme™ New Double Strength Enteric Coated Serrapeptase MegaCapsules

Serrapeptase digests non living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. 

The late German physician, Dr. Hans Nieper, used Serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients.

Serrapeptase protects against stroke and is reportedly more effective and quicker than EDTA Chelation treatments in removing arterial plaque.  He also reports that Serrapeptase dissolves blood clots and causes varicose veins to shrink or diminish. Dr. Nieper told of a woman scheduled for hand amputation and a man scheduled for bypass surgery who both recovered quickly without surgery after treatment with Serrapeptase.

SerraEzyme™ (Serrapeptase) has wide clinical use spanning over twenty-five years throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and the more potent NSAIDs. Unlike these drugs, SerraEzyme is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and is devoid of gastrointestinal side effects.

SerraEzyme™ is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism, Serratia E15. This enzyme is naturally present in the silkworm intestine and is processed commercially today through fermentation. This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Histologic studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occurring enzyme.

Indications shown in various studies and reported by Practitioners on their patients:

1. Pain of any kind.
2. Arthritis, MS, (Multiple Sclerosis), Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus etc.
3. Headaches and Migraines caused by inflammation.
4. Lungs – Emphysema, Bronchitis, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Bronchial Asthma, Bronchiectasis etc
5. Eye Problems from inflammation or blocked veins etc.
6. Sinusitis problems, chronic ear infections and runny nose etc
7. Sports Injuries, traumatic swelling, post operative swellings and leg ulcers that are not healing.
8. Inflammation of any kind: inflammatory bowls diseases-, (Crohn’s, Colitis etc) Cystitis etc and in joints or muscles e.g. Fibromyalgia
9. Breast Engorgement, Fibrocystic Breast Disease etc
10. Cardiovascular Disease and Varicose Veins etc

The main question we are asked is: “Will this conflict with any drugs I am taking or cause my blood to become to thin?”

Answer: There are many opinions about what to take with what and what is a so called ‘blood thinner’. Firstly Aspirin is NOT a blood thinner such as Warfarin. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory as are all proteolytic enzymes. They cause the blood to flow normally, not thinner than normal by stopping the inflammation in the blood stream that causes blood clotting.

The prime cause of western diseases is now considered to be chronic inflammation caused by eating starchy carbohydrates, processed, micro-waved and generally overcooked foods. This is measured by the rise in C-Reactive proteins after eating such foods.

When we have chronic inflammation as well as free radical damage, we get what is known as sticky blood, where the platelets stick together and can clot.

Any method of anti-inflammatory action would cause the blood to thin when the blood cells stop being sticky.

Even just eating salad or raw vegetables would cause the same action as Aspirin or Warfarin. I have yet to see Doctors telling people not to eat too much salad when they are taking Warfarin (but who knows what they may say next?).

It could even be taken even if you had nothing wrong whatsoever (inflammation also being the cause of premature ageing).

A Potent Proteolytic Enzyme. The inflammatory response is an important mechanism for protecting the body from attack by invading organisms and faulty cells. In the case of immune dis-regulation, the body loses its ability to differentiate between innocuous and potentially dangerous substances.

This defective mechanisms results in a wide array of autoimmune diseases such as allergies, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, multiple sclerosis and some forms of cancer.

Standard drug therapy for inflammatory-mediated diseases and trauma include steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Both classes of drugs offer temporary, symptomatic relief from swelling, inflammation and accompanying pain without treating the underlying condition.

These drugs may also be immunosuppressive and cause dangerous side effects. The conscientious physician must weigh the benefits and long-term risks associated with the use of NSAIDs, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

If left untreated, the inflammatory process itself can lead to limitation of joint function and destruction of bone, cartilage and articular structures.

NSAIDs are among the most widely prescribed drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Their effects are mediated through inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. They work by irreversibly blocking cyclooxygenase, the enzyme which catalyses the reactions of arachidonic acid to endoperoxide compounds.

The neurological and gastrointestinal side effects of these agents have been reviewed in considerable detail. All of the NSAIDs, with the exception of Cytotec, inhibit prostaglandin El, a local hormone responsible for gastric mucosai cytoprotection.

A common side effect from these medications is gastric ulcers. More serious adverse reactions such as blood dyscrasias, kidney damage and cardiovascular effects have been noted.

Most physicians rotate among the ten most widely prescribed NSAIDs, as soon as one causes side effects or stops working.

The search for a physiologic agent that offers anti-inflammatory properties without causing side effects may have ended with the discovery of the Serratia peptidase (SP) enzyme.

This anti-inflammatory agent is in wide clinical use throughout Europe and Asia as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen (sold as an OTC in the U.S.) and the more potent NSAIDs.

Unlike these drugs, SP is a naturally occurring, physiologic agent with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and devoid of gastrointestinal side effects.

SP is an anti-inflammatory, proteolytic enzyme isolated from the microorganism, Serratia El5. This enzyme is naturally present in the silkworm intestine and is processed commercially today through fermentation.

This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Histologic studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occurring enzyme.

The silkworm has a symbiotic relationship with the Serratia microorganisms in its intestines. The enzymes secreted by the bacteria in silkworm intestines have a specific affinity to avital tissue and have no detrimental effect on the host’s living cells.

By dissolving a small hole in the ~ silkworm’s protective cocoon (avital tissue), the winged creature is able to emerge and fly away.

The discovery of this unique biological phenomenon led researchers to study clinical applications of the SP enzyme in man.

In addition to its widespread use in arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, researchers in Germany have used SP for atherosclerosis. SP helps to digest atherosclerotic plaque without harming the healthy cells lining Z the arterial wall.

Today, researchers consider atherosclerosis an inflammatory condition similar to other degenerative diseases. Some immunologists are even categorizing atherosclerosis as a benign tumour. Hardening and narrowing of the arterial wall is a cumulative result of microscopic trauma; inflammation occurs in the presence of oxidized lipids. SP doesn’t interfere with the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, but helps clear avital tissue from the arterial wall.

It is important to note that cholesterol in its pure state is an antioxidant and a necessary component of the major organ systems in the body. The use of medications, which block cholesterol biosynthesis, may eventually damage the liver and compromise anti-oxidant status of the eyes, lungs and other soft tissues.

While studies with SP in the treatment of coronary artery disease are relatively new, a wealth of information exists regarding its anti-inflammatory properties.

SP has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, to improve the elimination of bronchopulmonary secretions, traumatic injury (e.g. sprains and torn ligaments), post-operative inflammation and to facilitate the therapeutic effect of antibiotics in the treatment of infections.

In the urological field, SP has been used successfully for cystitis and epididymitis.

SP has been admitted as a standard treatment Germany and other European countries for the treatment of inflammatory and traumatic swellings.

In one double-blind study of SP conducted by Esch et al at the German State Hospital in UIm, 66 patients with fresh rupture of the lateral ligament treated surgically were divided in three randomised groups.

In the group receiving the test substance, the swelling had decreased by 50% on the third post-operative day, while in the other two control groups (elevation of the leg, bed rest, with or without the application of ice), no reduction in swelling had occurred at that time.

The difference was of major statistical significance. Decreasing pain correlated for the most part with the reduction in swelling. The patients receiving SP became pain-free more rapidly than the control groups. By the 10th day, all patients were free of pain in the SP-treated group.

The therapeutic daily dose was 1-2 tablets (5 mg) 3 times daily. In another double-blind study, the anti-inflammatory enzyme, SP, was evaluated in a group of 70 patients with evidence of cystic breast disease.

These patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a placebo group. SP was noted to be superior to placebo for improvement of breast pain, breast swelling and induration with 85.7% of the patients receiving SP reporting moderate to marked improvement.

No adverse reactions were reported with the use of SP.

The use of enzymes with fibrinolytic, proteolytic and anti-edemic activities for the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the ear, nose and throat has gained increasing support in recent years.

In a third double-blind study, 193 subjects suffering from acute or chronic ear, nose or throat disorders were evaluated. Treatment with SP lasted 7-8 days, two 5 mg tabs, t.i.d.

After 3-4 days treatment, significant symptom regression was observed in the SP-treated group, while this was not noted in the control group.

Patients suffering from laryngitis, catarrhal rhinopharyngitis and sinusitis noted markedly rapid improvement. The physicians’ assessments of efficacy of treatment were excellent or good for 97.3% of patients treated with SP compared with only 21.9% of those treated with placebo.

In a similar study of chronic bronchitis, conducted by a team of otolaryngolosits, the SP-treated group showed excellent results compared with the placebo group in the improvement of loosening sputum, frequency of cough and expectoration.

Other improvements included the posterior nasal hydro rhea and rhinos enosis. The administration of SP reduces the viscosity of the nasal mucus to a level at which maximal transport can be achieved.

It has also been demonstrated that the simultaneous use of the peptidase and an antibiotic results in increased concentrations of the antibiotic at the site of the infection.

The mechanisms of action of SP, at the sites of various inflammatory processes consist fundamentally of a reduction of the exudative phenomena and an inhibition of the release of the inflammatory mediators.

This peptidase induces fragmentation of fibrinose aggregates and reduces the viscosity of exudates, thus facilitating drainage of these products of the inflammatory response and thereby promoting the tissue repair process.

Studies suggest that SP has a modulatory effect on specific acute phase proteins that are involved in the inflammatory process. This is substantiated by a report of significant reductions in C3 and C4 complement, increases in opsonizing protein and reductions in concentrations of haptoglobulin, which is a scavenger protein that inhibits lysosomal protease.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a form of musculol-igamentous strain caused by repetitive motion injury. Individuals who work at keyboard terminals are particularly susceptible to this condition. While surgery has been considered the first line treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, recent studies reveal that the use of anti-inflammatory enzymes (e.g. SP and bromelain) in conjunction with vitamins B2 and B6 are also effective.

The use of non-invasive, nutritional approaches to the treatment of this common condition will become more important as a generation of keyboard operators approach retirement.

Several research groups have reported the intestinal absorption of SP. SP is well absorbed orally when formulated with an enteric coating. It is known that proteases and peptidases are only absorbed in the intestinal area.

These enzymes are mobilized directly to the blood and are not easily detectible in urine. Other enzymes with structural similarities have been reported to be absorbed through the intestinal tract.

Chymotrypsin is transported into the blood from the intestinal lumen. Horseradish peroxidase can cross the mucosal barrier of the intestine in a biologically and immunologically active form.

Several studies have appeared so far which refer to the systemic effects of orally given proteases and peptidases (e.g. SP), such as repression of oedema and repression of blood vessel permeability induced by histamine or bradykinin.

These enzymes also affect the kallikrein-kinin system and the complement system, thus modifying the inflammatory response.

In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that SP has a specific, anti-inflammatory effect, superior to that of other proteolytic enzymes.

A review of the scientific literature, including a series of controlled, clinical trials with large patient groups, suggests that Serrapeptase is useful for a broad range of inflammatory conditions.

If one considers the fact that anti-inflammatory agents are among the most widely prescribed drugs, the use of a safe, proteolytic enzyme such as SP would be a welcome addition to the physician’s armamentarium of physiologic agents.

The simple answer is serrapeptase is the best anti-inflammatory enzyme available.

It does NOT affect any drugs whatsoever except that it may make them unnecessary.

Click here for Serrapetase References or visit www.Serrapeptase.info

© Good Health Naturally Inc.

With thanks to the Telegraph 19.5.08 and Zeus Information Service:

The pain-relieving properties of rosehip, which has previously been linked to reduced inflammation in osteoarthritis, have been suggested for decades.

Now scientists have found that powder made from a wild variety of rosehip, Rosa canina, is better at reducing pain in patients than paracetamol.

It is hoped that the fruit of the plant could bring relief to the more than two million sufferers of osteoarthritis in Britain, many of whom suffer acute pain.

A review of studies, published in the medical journal, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, looked at the effect of the powder on more than 300 patients who were given different pain-relieving medications for an average of three months.

They found that rosehip was almost three times more effective than standard paracetamol at relieving pain.

It was also almost 40 per cent more effective than another common therapy, the drug glucosamine.

Rosehip powder also did not have the side-effects associated with other pain medications, including constipation and
drowsiness.

The team which conducted the study, led by Dr Robin Christensen, of the Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen, believes the powder works by also tackling the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Dr Kaj Winther, an inflammation specialist at the Frederiksberg Hospital, said:

“This is very exciting news for arthritis sufferers. Some of the main advantages of taking an alternative medication such as rosehip to reduce pain are that, firstly, it is readily available over the counter and, secondly, unlike traditional painkillers, it does not produce unpleasant side-effects.”

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, although it is most common in the hands, knees, hips and spine. The disease is caused by the slow deterioration of the joint over many years and tends to run in families.

With Thanks to Mercola.com and Fairfax Digital:

SUNSHINE SAVES LIVES

A breakthrough study was recently published, which demonstrated just how important getting regular exposure to sunlight is for you.

Regularly spending even relatively short intervals of only 10 to 15 minutes in the sunlight allows your body to produce vitamin D, and having adequate vitamin D3 levels can drastically reduce your risk of colon and breast cancer.

The researchers, from the Moore’s Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), estimated that by increasing vitamin D3 levels, particularly in countries north of the equator, 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer, and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented worldwide.

In all, that amounts to 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer prevented, including close to 150,000 in the U.S. alone.

This is an unprecedented study because it’s the first to take satellite measurements of sunshine and cloud cover in the same countries where blood serum levels of vitamin D3 had also been taken.

In all, surveys of serum vitamin D levels from 15 countries were evaluated for the study during the winter when sunlight is at a minimum. continue reading:

See also:

Millions of Australians are exposing themselves to bone disease, fractures, diabetes and cancers by failing to get enough vitamin D, a crucial nutrient produced when skin is exposed to sunlight.

Experts have warned the highly acclaimed “Slip Slop Slap” campaign may have been taken too far by a nation terrified of skin cancer.

Melbourne Pathology director Ken Sikaris, who oversees 1500 vitamin D tests a week, said the rate of deficiencies was “mind-boggling”.

Dr Sikaris said people had become overly protective when it came to sunshine, pointing out that Slip Slop Slap “is a pendulum and it’s gone a bit too far”.

“There’s a balance, you need sunlight but don’t go out in the middle of the day for an hour when the UV is most harmful,” he said.

Sydney endocrinologist Terry Diamond said under current recommendations 20 to 30 per cent of the population had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. continue reading:

Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells Jennifer Rhode, Sarah Fogoros, Suzanna Zick, Heather Wahl, Kent A. Griffith, Jennifer Huang and J. Rebecca Liu BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2007, 7:44

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is a natural dietary component with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.

The ginger component [6]-gingerol has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects through mediation of NF-KB. NF-KB can be constitutively activated in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and may contribute towards increased transcription and translation of angiogenic factors.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of ginger on tumor cell growth and modulation of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

Methods: The effect of ginger and the major ginger components on cell growth was determined in a panel of epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. Activation of NF-KB and and production of VEGF and IL-8 was determined in the presence or absence of ginger.

Results: Ginger treatment of cultured ovarian cancer cells induced profound growth inhibition in all cell lines tested. We found that in vitro, 6-shogaol is the most active of the individual ginger components tested. Ginger treatment resulted in inhibition of NF-kB activation as well as diminished secretion of VEGF and IL-8.

Conclusion: Ginger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells.

The use of dietary agents such as ginger may have potential in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.

Ginger inhibits overian cancer cell growth

The Journal of Natural Products, published by the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, concluded that tart cherries may relieve pain better than aspirin and many other anti-inflammatory drugs. It turns out that consumption of about 20 cherries reduces inflammation in a similar manner as aspirin or Cox-2 inhibiting drugs without the lethal side effects of gastric bleeding or vitamin depletion associated with these drugs. The molecules in cherries, called anthocyanins, work to reduce inflammation at ten times less dosage than aspirin.

Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activities of Anthocyanins and Their Aglycon, Cyanidin, from Tart Cherries Journal Natural Products 1999 Feb; 62(2): 294–6 Haibo Wang, Muraleedharan G. Nair,* Gale M. Strasburg, Yu-Chen Chang, Alden M. Booren, J. Ian Gray, and David L. DeWitt Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Horticulture and National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Department of Biochemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824

The anthocyanins (1-3) and cyanidin isolated from tart cherries exhibited in vitro antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities comparable to commercial products. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation of anthocyanins 1-3 and their aglycon, cyanidin, were 39, 70, 75, and 57%, respectively, at 2-mM concentrations. The antioxidant activities of 1-3 and cyanidin were comparable to the antioxidant activities of tert-butylhydroquinone and butylated hydroxytoluene and superior to vitamin E at 2-mM concentrations. In the antiinflammatory assay, cyanidin gave IC50 values of 90 and 60 mM, respectively, for prostaglandin H endoperoxide synthase-1 and prostaglandin H endoperoxide synthase-2 enzymes.

Molecular Mechanisms Behind the Chemopreventive Effects of Anthocyanidins J Biomed Biotechnol. 2004; 2004(5): 321–325 De-Xing Hou,1* Makoto Fujii,1 Norihiko Terahara,2 and Makoto Yoshimoto3. 1Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
2Department of Food Science for Health, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Minami-Kyushu University, 5-1-2 Kirishima, Miyazaki 880-0032, Japan 3Department of Upland Farming Research, National Agricultural Research Center for Kyushu Okinawa Region, Miyazaki, Miyakonojo 885-0091, Japan

Anthocyanins are polyphenolic ring-based flavonoids, and are widespread in fruits and vegetables of red-blue color. Epidemiological investigations and animal experiments have indicated that anthocyanins may contribute to cancer chemoprevention. The studies on the mechanism have been done recently at molecular level. This review summarizes current molecular bases for anthocyanidins on several key steps involved in cancer chemoprevention: (i) inhibition of anthocyanidins in cell transformation through targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and activator protein 1 (AP-1) factor; (ii) suppression of anthocyanidins in inflammation and carcinogenesis through targeting nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene; (iii) apoptotic induction of cancer cells by anthocyanidins through reactive oxygen species (ROS) / c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated caspase activation. These data provide a first molecular view of anthocyanidins contributing to cancer chemoprevention.

Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network: longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham Heart Study

Objectives To evaluate whether happiness can spread from person to person and whether niches of happiness form within social networks. Framingham Heart Study social network. Participants 4739 individuals followed from 1983 to 2003. Main outcome measures Happiness measured with validated four item scale; broad array of attributes of social networks and diverse social ties.

Results Clusters of happy and unhappy people are visible in the network, and the relationship between people’s happiness extends up to three degrees of separation (for example, to the friends of one’s friends’ friends).

People who are surrounded by many happy people and those who are central in the network are more likely to become happy in the future.

Longitudinal statistical models suggest that clusters of happiness result from the spread of happiness and not just a tendency for people to associate with similar individuals. A friend who lives within a mile (about 1.6 km) and who becomes happy increases the probability that a person is happy by 25% (95% confidence interval 1% to 57%).

Similar effects are seen in coresident spouses (8%, 0.2% to 16%), siblings who live within a mile (14%, 1% to 28%), and next door neighbours (34%, 7% to 70%). Effects are not seen between coworkers. The effect decays with time and with geographical separation.

Conclusions People’s happiness depends on the happiness of others with whom they are connected. This provides further justification for seeing happiness, like health, as a collective phenomenon.

Happiness is a fundamental object of human existence, so much so that the World Health Organization is increasingly emphasising happiness as a component of health.

Happiness is determined by a complex set of voluntary and involuntary factors. Researchers in medicine, economics, psychology, neuroscience and evolutionary biology  have identified a broad range of stimuli to happiness (or unhappiness),  including lottery wins, elections,  income, job loss, socioeconomic inequality, divorce,  illness,  bereavement and genes.

These studies, however, have not addressed a possibly key determinant of human happiness: the happiness of others.

Emotional states can be transferred directly from one individual to another by mimicry and “emotional contagion,” perhaps by the copying of emotionally relevant bodily actions, particularly facial expressions, seen in others.

People can “catch” emotional states they observe in others over time frames ranging from seconds to weeks. For example, students randomly assigned to a mildly depressed room-mate became increasingly depressed over a three month period,  and the possibility of emotional contagion between strangers, even those in ephemeral contact, has been documented by the effects of “service with a smile” on customer satisfaction and tipping.

Yet, despite the evidence that certain emotions might spread over short periods from person to person, little is known about the role of social networks in happiness or about whether happiness might spread, by a diverse set of mechanisms, over longer periods or more widely in social networks.

As diverse phenomena can spread in social networks, we investigated whether happiness also does so. We were particularly interested in whether the spread of happiness pertains not just to direct relationships (such as friends) but also to indirect relationships (such as friends of friends) and whether there are geographical or temporal constraints on the spread of happiness through a social network.

The Framingham Heart Study was initiated in 1948, when 5209 people in Framingham, Massachusetts, were enrolled into the “original cohort.”

In 1971, the “offspring cohort,” composed of most of the children of the original cohort, and their spouses, was enrolled. This cohort of 5124 people has had almost no loss to follow-up other than death (only 10 people dropped out).

Enrolment of the so called “third generation cohort,” consisting of 4095 children of the offspring cohort, began in 2002. The Framingham Heart Study also involves certain other smaller cohorts (such as a minority over-sample called the OMNI cohort, enrolled in 1995).

At regular intervals participants in all these cohorts come to a central facility for detailed examinations and collection of survey data.

We used the offspring cohort as the source of 5124 key individuals to study—whom we term “egos.” Each ego in this cohort is connected to other people via friendship, family, spousal, neighbour, and coworker relationships. Each relationship is a “social tie.”

Each person who has a relationship with an ego was called an “alter.” For example, one ego in the offspring cohort had 18 alters: a mother, a father, a sister, two brothers, three children, two friends, five neighbours, and three coworkers. We wanted to know how each of these alters influences an ego.

Many of the alters also happened to be members of a studied cohort in Framingham, which means that we had access to detailed information about them as well.

Overall, within the entire Framingham Heart Study social network, composed of both the egos and any detected alters in any Framingham Heart Study cohort, there were 12 067 individuals who were connected at some point in 1971-2003.

James H Fowler1, associate professor, Nicholas A Christakis, professor

1Department of Political Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA , 2 Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, and Department of Sociology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA

With thanks to Natural News:

Lemons and other citrus fruits contain chemicals that can help prevent against the development of kidney stones, says John Milner, a urology expert from the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

“Lemons are very high in citrates, which inhibit the growth of kidney stones,” Milner said. “[Real] lemonade, not the powdered variety that uses artificial flavoring, actually slows the development of kidney stones for those who are prone to the development of kidney stones.”

Milner made the comments in the context of warning people to drink enough water during the hot summer months. Insufficient fluid intake is the most common cause of kidney stones, which occur when mineral crystals form in the kidneys or the ureters, which connect the kidney and the bladder. For those who are reluctant to drink enough water because they want something with more flavor, Milner suggested adding lemon slices.

People at risk of kidney stones definitely should not drink large quantities of ice tea, he said.

“People are told that in the summertime they should drink more fluids. A lot of people choose to drink more iced tea, thinking it’s a tastier alternative,” Milner said. “However, in terms of kidney stones, they’re getting it going and coming. They’re actually doing themselves a disservice.”

Iced tea contains high levels of the chemical oxalate, which encourages the development of kidney stones.

“For people who have a tendency to form kidney stones, it’s definitely one of the worst things you can drink,” he said.

People who are concerned about kidney stone should also consume lower levels of chocolate, rhubarb, nuts and spinach, all of which are high in oxalates, Milner said, as well as meat and salty foods.

Kidney stones are four times more likely to occur in men than in women, particularly men who have reached the age of 40.

With thanks to Natural News:

Chia seeds are an ancient super food that has been used by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas. In fact, Chia means “strength” in the language of the Mayans, and was considered running food because messengers could run all day with the help of these tiny seeds.

Chia seeds were considered medicine and were actually prized more than gold due to their incredible health enhancing properties.

Independent and government researchers have studied chia seeds to identify its nutritional composition as well as its benefits to overall health and well being.

*Chia seeds are a complete source of protein. They actually have 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain.

*They are one of the best sources of fiber. They are fabulous colon cleansers and actually clear out the digestive tract so that you absorb more nutrients and eliminate waste more efficiently. It also prevents indigestion and heartburn without risk of harmful side effects.

*This is a super food for diabetics because they help stabilize blood sugar levels.

* Chia seeds are great for weight loss because they easily bulk up the food without changing the taste. Because the carbohydrates re released incredibly slow, it make people feel full. They also bulk up and cleanse the body of old “junk” so the body can detox and lose weight.

*As well as improving endurance and physical fitness, they also help keep the body hydrated and the electrolytes balanced, so they are the perfect foods for athletes.

*These tiny seeds have are packed with calcium, and they also contain boron which is a trace mineral that helps calcium get into your bones.

*This super seed is a seriously potent antioxidant; in fact, it has 3 times more antioxidant activity than blueberries. Not only does this help you to fight disease and defy age naturally, it also keeps the Chia seeds from going off like other seeds such as flax.

*Chias have 3 more iron than spinach, which is needed to carry oxygen from the lungs into the muscles and organs.

*These little super food seeds have incredibly high levels of omega 3 and omega 6, both of which are essential for brain function, reversing depression, and overall health. Because of its high amount of good fat, it manages to survive and thrive without any chemical interference. The bugs never touch it and so it needs absolutely no pesticides.

Research

Improve Diabetes

Research done at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada has concluded that the use of Chia seeds significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems in people who have type 2 diabetes. Among these results was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure while maintaining good blood sugar control. Head researcher Vladimir Vuksan said of Chia: “You add this to any food, even bad food, and it will improve your health.”

Lowers Cholesterol

In a study conducted at the University of Arizona Chia seeds were fed to chickens and other livestock, significantly lowering the lipid content of the products produced from these animals. When the same study was done with flax seeds, there were fewer eggs produced, and when fish oil was used, there was fishy flavor in the eggs; neither problem was an issue in the chia seed research.

In another study done The University of Arizona, cholesterol levels and other heart disease risk factors were significantly lowered in rats that were fed Chia seeds for a period of thirty days.
Chia seeds can be used in jams, smoothies, cakes, or just about anything else you can think of. They are incredibly versatile and they don’t change the flavor.

Chia seeds Chocolate Cake

Melt coconut butter in a double boiler (add boiling water to one pan, and then put the pan with the coconut butter inside). Add Chia seeds and let stand for 5 minutes. Then add raw chocolate powder, Lucama (a powdered fruit), goji berries, and agave nectar. Stir it up and put in the refrigerator until it is hard. It is incredibly delicious and packed packed PACKED with super food goodness!

With thanks to Natural News:

The Berber tribal women of Morocco have been lavishing their skin with argan oil for thousands of years. These women are known for their colorful jewelry and makeup, and have been the sole cultivators of this nourishing oil, which is nicknamed “The gold of Morocco.”

Argan oil is treasured as a beauty enhancer because it softens and deeply moisturizes the skin, combating, dry, cracked, wrinkled skin.

The golden oil is an incredibly rich source of vitamin E; in fact it contains twice as much as olive oil. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which keeps the skin smooth and youthful while reducing any aging inflammation.

Argan oil also contains saponins, which soften the skin and promote elasticity. They are also thought to help to reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin’s water lipid layer and to cool and soothe.

Argan oil is also a potent source of essential fatty acids, especially the vital linoleic acid which cannot be made by the body and must therefore be obtained in nature. These essential fats have been shown to prevent dry, aging skin while rejuvenating the protective connective tissue and healthy skin cells.

Argan oil also contains rare plant sterols not found in other oils, making this one of nature’s truly special oils. These plant nutrients make this super food for the skin and body. Its versatility soothes and smoothes all parts of the body including face, body, hands, nails, scalp and hair.

Because this oil is completely natural and chemical free, it is fantastic for problematic skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. The high vitamin E content make it useful for scarring and the combined power of this oil make it extremely beneficial for people with dehydrated, damaged from overexposure to the sun or toxins. It also helps prevent stretch marks.

Other Benefits of Argan oil

Like all super nutrients from nature, it is not only good for the skin; it is good for the whole body. After all, why would we put something on our face that we wouldn’t put on our mouth? The both end up in the same place…our blood stream and our liver.

Argan oil is used in traditional Moroccan recipes such as Amlou, which is a delicious dip made also with almonds and honey.

Argan oil is well known for its ability to reduce joint and muscle pain, as well as stiffness and swelling. The potent combination of nutrients makes it a perfect super food for people who have arthritis.

It is also great for lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation and boosting the immune system. The deep moisturizing that it offers the body makes it soothing to all parts of the body including the lungs and the digestive system. The antioxidants and essential fats make it a great brain food, preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Couple formation of prostaglandins, some of which reduce pain and swelling, while others help blood circulation.

Argan oil can reduce joint and muscle pain, stiffness and swelling.

Where does Argan oil Come From?

Argan oil comes from the Argan trees in the southwest part of Morocco. This area is a particularly harsh climate of extreme heat, poor soil and drought. The fact that this tree grows in such a harsh environment is probably why it is so good for protecting the skin from harsh environments.

The argan tree produces a round fleshy fruit with an olive like texture and a nut (or a seed) inside. This nut is where the nutritious oil is extracted from.

With thanks to Mercola.com and Science Direct:

Vitamin D research is the new buzz in scientific research, apparently having a role in preventing influenza, heart attacks and now its role in brain function is being studied:

Accumulating data have provided evidence that vitamin D is involved in brain function. Vitamin D can inhibit the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase and increase glutathione levels, suggesting a role for the hormone in brain detoxification.

The study shows that vitamin D helps remove mercury from your body safely by radically increasing the amount of intracellular glutathione. Neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of this hormone have also been described in several experimental models, indicating the potential value of vitamin D in helping neurodegenerative and neuroimmune diseases.

In addition, vitamin D induces glioma cell death, making the hormone of potential interest in the management of brain tumors. These results reveal previously unsuspected roles for vitamin D in brain function and suggest possible areas of future research.

The expression of vitamin D-metabolizing enzymes and vitamin D receptors in neural tissues, in addition to novel evidence for neuroprotective and neuroimmune effects of 1a,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, support pivotal functions for this hormone in both central and peripheral nervous system.

Accumulating data have provided evidence that 1α,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] is involved in brain function. Thus, the nuclear receptor for 1,25-(OH)2D3 has been localized in neurons and glial cells. Genes encoding the enzymes involved in the metabolism of this hormone are also expressed in brain cells.

The reported biological effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in the nervous system include the biosynthesis of neurotrophic factors and at least one enzyme involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. 1,25-(OH)2D3 can also inhibit the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase and increase glutathione levels, suggesting a role for the hormone in brain detoxification pathways.

Neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of this hormone have been described in several experimental models, indicating the potential value of 1,25-(OH)2D3 pharmacological analogs in neurodegenerative and neuroimmune diseases.

In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 induces glioma cell death, making the hormone of potential interest in the management of brain tumors. These results reveal previously unsuspected roles for 1,25-(OH)2D3 in brain function and suggest possible areas of future research.

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