Study Confirms Efficacy of Homeopathy in Treating Seasonal Allergy
Homeopathy can no doubt help in treating the symptoms of seasonal-type allergies. However, as to the causes, they must be addressed from a diet and exercise foundation. Allergies being hypersensitivity to any excess irritants or acids being stirred up, with a bottom line need for reduction of acids (a more alkaline diet), detoxification and the re-balancing of the body chemistry….

Probing Rice Bran’s Cancer-Fighting Potential?
Rice bran is no doubt a good natural supplement rich in minerals and vitamins; especially the B Vitamins, which are so helpful in the assimilation of the minerals and vitamins: this alone being helpful to the immune system. However the best way to deal with cancer is not to get it in the first place as a result of a toxic diet, and/or the abuse of medicines, drugs and smoking…

Laetrile and Cancer
Laetrile itself is not poisonous. It is Vitamin B17 and along with Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid) is used by the body to help store Vit. C. Which can then help people to fight all sorts of things from virus’s, to bacteria’s to cancer.

However, when derived from apricot pits, it can contain trace cyanide, thus the potential for danger when abused or used long term. But at the same time just taking B17 is not dangerous at all. This being just another example of the FDA throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Adding to the growing list of prohibited herbs and supplements. Using the exceptions to the make the rules, and letting the drug companies get the rights to these things so they can make the profit. Taking our God given rights to the use of the herbs (or supplements derived from them) as stated clearly even in Genesis where it talks about giving us the herbs and every green thing for our medicines.

In fact many foods contain vitamin B17 the highest of which is millet.

Obesity Increasing
Again proof positive that poor diet and exercise habits are leading to troublesome lifetime consequences. And for every severe obese problem there are 10 on the approach runway to “jumbo” status. Something the pH Balance Program can “immensely” help with.

A simple pH test giving us guidelines to a balanced diet approach, and specifically the foods and supplements that would be most conducive to getting body chemistry back in balance, our digestion’s strong and the energy to exercise!

A minerally deficient body cannot lose the weight long term. And a body chemistry that has become too alkaline, unable to absorb the potassium and calcium lactate necessary to digest ones foods properly is never going to be able to get back in balance. Again something a pH Self-Test evaluation can diagnose in a minute.

Potassium is another component of the CVD prevention program worth mentioning. Although having no direct correlation to cholesterol, adequate potassium levels appear to play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular incidents, (which is a nice way of saying heart attacks and strokes). In fact, in a 12-year study cited in the New England Journal of Medicine , individuals who died from strokes had significantly lower potassium intake than survivors of strokes and individuals who died from other causes. Another important fact outlined in this study was that eating just one serving of potassium-rich fresh fruits or vegetables daily may provide a 40 percent reduction in the risk of having a stroke. The lesson here is to eat a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some potassium-rich foods include avocados, bananas, chard, citrus fruits, lentils, nuts, parsnips, sardines and spinach.

Regardless of any food supplements you may be taking to reduce your risk for CVD, a healthy whole-food diet remains your best defense. In fact, a healthy diet alone may be enough to prevent or reduce the risk of developing this disease. Epidemiological studies posted in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition clearly show that a higher consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables (rich in phytochemicals) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the reduction of salt (for salt sensitive individuals) and appropriate use of monounsaturated olive oil will go a long way in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Now, many reading this article may have trouble eating the five fruit and vegetable servings per day recommended for optimal health and prevention of CVD. If this is you, taking a few food supplements may help you make up where your diet leaves off.

While there are many food supplements that are useful in maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing disease, only a few seem to have benefits that are specific to CVD prevention. These are: magnesium, vitamin E and C, Coenzyme Q1O, and Garlic.

A story in Natural Health Resources reports that magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes, heart attack and diabetes.

Vitamin E has been shown to play a powerful role in the prevention of heart attacks because it can reduce platelet adhesion (clot formation) and prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. (Please note that dosages over 400IU of Vitamin E may cause blood thinning and prolonged bleeding. Those taking blood thinners such as Coumadin® should consult their healthcare professional before taking this supplement).

Vitamin C can also have an effect on cardiovascular disease. In a study cited in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , individuals consuming vitamin C at two to three times the RDA had improved lipid profiles, corresponding to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the production of energy at the cellular level and is also a key nutrient for the heart. Current theory suggests a significant portion of congestive heart failure may be due, at least in part, to a coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

Lastly, while not a vitamin or mineral, garlic is an herb that appears to benefit those with cardiovascular disease. According to an article in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology garlic is effective in lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides and inhibits platelet aggregation, which may help prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Although food supplements are beneficial to the cardiovascular system and help to reduce or prevent the development of CVD, a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables is still the best means of prevention. Food supplements are very useful and even necessary at times, but they can only do so much if your diet is poor.

As cardiovascular disease is predominately related to lifestyle, it is within the power of each of us to make the lifestyle changes today that will ensure we have a healthy and strong cardiovascular system tomorrow. Prevention is the key and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a good start on the road to a healthy heart.

Organic weight loss remedies are wonderful, safe way to the difficulties of over mass and obesity. Here’re the most effective natural diet pills that reduce hunger and inhibit the absorption of fats in the body.

However, did you know that CVD is actually a term used to indicate a collection of conditions or risk factors that have a detrimental effect on the heart and vascular system? These risk factors or conditions associated with CVD include; elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, blood homocysteine levels, blood lipoproteins levels, diabetes and free radical damage. Sounds a little more complicated now than just cholesterol levels, doesn’t it?

The two most common dietary factors associated with cardiovascular disease are fat and cholesterol. However, recent data suggests arterial plaque development has several other contributing factors, which highlights the point that focusing primarily on dietary intake of fat and cholesterol alone may not be sufficient to prevent CVD in some people.

While medical science has identified some genetic causes of this condition, the majority of risk factors for cardiovascular disease are associated with diet, nutrition and lifestyle. Some of these factors include consumption of salt, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

To understand the role diet has in the development of CVD, let’s first outline the process of arterial plaque development (the process of developing clogged arteries). Essentially, the process of arterial plaque development is related to Low-Density lipoproteins (LDL). These fat-protein molecules attach to the endothelial arterial walls and become oxidized or glycosylated. This process of oxidizing LDL is capable of damaging the arteries and initiating the process called atherosclerosis. Once the arterial walls are damaged, plaque builds up and eventually obstructs the artery. In the case of a coronary or heart-supplying artery, you have a heart attack. So, controlling this plaque formation process is seen as the key to prevention and treatment of CVD.

Further complicating the issue is the fact that polyunsaturated vegetable oils, which were thought to be “heart-healthy,” are actually very damaging to the vascular system. These are the oils and fats commonly found in “cholesterol-free” foods. It turns out these fats may be even more damaging for you than the cholesterol containing fats you are trying to avoid. An article in Natural Health Resources says high intake of polyunsaturated fats and oils, without adequate antioxidant protection, appears to actually increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the latest research, polyunsaturated oils are easily oxidized, which results in the creation of free radicals that can lead to vascular damage.

A related issue is the process of hydrogenation. Hydrogenation turns polyunsaturated fats into products such as margarine, shortening and other types of processed foods. This process of partial hydrogenation alters the structure of fats, creating trans-fatty acids. As with the polyunsaturated fat itself, trans-fatty acids appear to be as, or even more, damaging than just plain saturated fats. In fact, according to that same Natural Health Resources article, trans-fatty acids have been shown to be positively associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The issue with trans-fatty acids is they actually block an enzyme that would normally help metabolize cholesterol and remove it from the body. Which means, eating modified polyunsaturated fats actually increases your serum cholesterol, not the other way around. In fact, in a study cited in Nutrition Reviews , individuals who consumed the most trans-fatty acids (an average of 5.7 gm/day) were found to be 50 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than individuals who consumed the least (2.4 gm/day).

The moral of this story is that margarine and other trans-fatty acid-containing foods may be cholesterol-free, but they inhibit the body’s ability to eliminate cholesterol, which may actually increase your serum (blood) cholesterol instead of lowering it. So is there any fat okay to eat? Most research on the subject indicates that monounsaturated olive oil appears to be the healthiest dietary fat/oil and is part of the much-publicized Mediterranean diet.

Organic diet remedies are wonderful, safe way to the issues of over weight and fatness. Here are the most diet pills that curb hunger and repress the absorption of fats in the body.

The main difficulty in sorting through all the manufacturers’ claims, counterclaims, your friend’s endorsements of a particular vitamin and so on, is that none of us really has the time to go through all the information ourselves. All we really want is a supplement that will help us lead a healthier lifestyle. Obviously, nobody needs them all, we probably need fewer than five. A simple solution is to identify and settle on what you want to get out of supplements. Do you want “dietary insurance” to protect yourself against possible nutritional omissions and deficiencies? Are you looking to reduce your risk for disease in general or a specific disease? All of the above? Once you have a concrete reason for supplementing, you’ll have a basis for selection and something to measure claims against.

1. I eat a healthful diet. Do I really need to spend money on this stuff?
There’s no replacement for eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean and/or white meats, and whole grains. Check our vitamin and minerals guide as well as our encyclopedia of nutrients you get with every bite of fresh produce before going about choosing a supplement. If you’re getting the nutrition you need in your balanced diet, there’s no need to spend your money on any supplements. We caution those choosing supplements, however, that taking them doesn’t mean you can now eat junk food regularly, and make up for it by swallowing a capsule or chewing a multivitamin.

2. What is an antioxidant?
This is the rallying cry of die-hard supplement takers. Antioxidants include vitamins C and E, enzyme Co-Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid. They are considered anti-disease and anti-aging nutrients. They protect cells against damaging molecules called free radicals which are found in inhaled smoke, paint and car fumes and are produced naturally by your own body. The question is whether you need to supplement with antioxidants or if you’re getting enough from fruits and vegetables.

3.Do vegetarians have special needs?
Vegetarians tend to take in more antioxidants than the average person, but many vegetarians are missing out on lots of other nutrients which are needed to absorb and use all those antioxidants. These missing nutrients include vitamins A and D, B12 and zinc. Vegans have to work a little harder than others to get these nutrients into their diet. Vegans also tend to have lower levels of carnitine, an important component of protein, than lacto-ovo vegetarians and meat eaters. Low carnitine levels can leave us more susceptible to colds, and some studies show, even cancer.

4.What else should we look for in a supplement?
Unfortunately, the word “natural” means next to nothing in terms of supplement value and quality. Look for very exacting labels specifying what is in each tablet, gel capsule or per volume of liquid.

5.Please tell me gel caps aren’t really gelatin
Gel caps, or gelatin capsules, are indeed made from animal byproducts. If you find this repulsive, no problem. Most vitamins/supplements are available in chewable tablet and liquid and powdered forms these days.

6.What else is in a supplement besides the vitamins I want?
All capsules and tablets contain something called “excipients”. They are inert substances that ensure manufacturing consistency and promote complete absorption of the supplements. Tablets tend to have more excipients than capsules. Most reputable companies identify on their labels on in their catalogs whether the excipients are from animal or non-animal sources, how much of it is present and whether there is a known allergy to it. For example, lactose and cellulose are two of these inert substances.

7.Will fat-soluble vitamins make me fat?
No, absolutely not! Vitamins come in two types. Some like the B vitamins and C, are water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water easily and both easily absorbed and lost. They have to be replenished on a daily basis. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, meaning they need a little oil or fat for absorption. This doesn’t mean eating an extra dollop of butter with every meal, just your meal’s regular, minimum fat content is all that’s needed. You can draw on your body’s stores of these fat-soluble nutrients for weeks before deficiency symptoms appear.

8.Eat it, drink it, swallow it or what?
It depends on personal preference and your budget. Capsules dissolve and release their ingredients quickly, but generally cost more. Lesss-expensive tablets are designed to disintegrate after 45 minutes in the body, but they don’t always. For example, if you have poor stomach acid, it may take up to 3 hours for a tablet to dissolve. Liquid vitamins tend to be high in sugar to mask the taste, but that makes them more palatable for smaller children. Powdered supplements are all the rage in smoothies and bubble tea these days, and they are reasonably priced for the most part. Their taste is masked by the other ingredients in smoothies and such, but inherent problems with measuring (should you use a level or heaping teaspoon?) leaves a lot to be desired. Recommendation: capsules or tablets.

9. Should I take them on an empty stomach to make them dissolve faster?
Most multipurpose supplements are best taken with whole foods, ideally breakfast, because they can help your body use protein and burn carbohydrates for energy. But a piece of fruit or bread is as beneficial to supplement intake as a full meal. It’s important to take a fat-soluble vitamin with some slightly oily or fatty food–and no, we don’t mean fried chicken, burgers or pizza with extra cheese (I know, I know, shucks!). Try peanut butter, nuts, tofu or plant-oil based salad dressings to enhance absorption. Vitamin C can be taken any time, and individual amino acid supplements (eg. carnitine or tyrosine) are best taken on an empty stomach before breakfast.

10.Can I take this B-complex from 2002?
Most products have a shelf-life of at least a couple of years. After the (conservative) expiration date, ingredients slowly lose their potency. A good rule of thumb: toss them six months after the expiration date regardless of how much is left in the bottle. An exception is “probiotics” such as lactobacillus acidophilus, which should be kept in the fridge and used within a year of purchase. In general, supplements should be kept out of direct sunlight and heat sources (room temperature shouldn’t exceed 80 degrees for long periods of time).

11.What’s the deal with the cotton? It sticks to the pills when I try to take one out.
Many bottles contain cotton or plastic, which keep tables from breaking during shipping. All those heavy-handed, sweaty, hormonal dockside boys, you know. Once you open the bottle, you can throw the insert out-as long as you put the lid back on! Some moisture-sensitive supplements such as carnitine and fish liver oil contain little packets of silica gel which absorb excess humidity. Keep these little packets in the bottle. They’re designed not to break open. Just remember they’re not edible!

12.If it’s “non-essential” why do I need it?
The RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances) are renamed RDIs these days (Reference Daily Intakes) by the National Academy of Sciences though you’ll still see some magazines and bottles using RDA values. The National Academy of Sciences doesn’t address nonessentials such as flavonoids (such as anthocyanidins) which are found in fruits and vegetables. Even though their absence don’t result in any obvious deficiency symptoms, they work together with other essential nutrients for long-term health and prevention of cancer and heart disease. Do you need to go out and buy these? Sure–but we recommend them in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables eaten daily.

13.(A + C)/E = ?
It’s no myth that the beneficial effect of one vitamin often depends on the presence of others, so it’s probably best to take a combination, such as though found in fresh fruit and veggies, in a multivitamin or antioxidant formula. Lester Packer of UCBerkeley showed that antioxidants “recycle” each other and enable one another to last longer in the body. Similarly, the 10 B-vitamins work together to create beneficial effects.

14.Extra calcium – true or just hype?
Females need lots of calcium (1000 mg daily, 1200 mg daily when pregnant), and so do guys (1200 mg daily) to maintain strong bones, give the body the ability to repair itself and make your noggin’ work properly. Calcium isn’t the only nutrient needed for building healthy bones. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium more efficiently, magnesium is also essential, vitamins B12 and K also help prevent bone disease and degeneration. Taking a ton of calcium or B12 doesn’t mean you can binge on those highly salted snacks, however. The body has a balance to maintain; if it has to get rid of too much salt, it takes other nutrients along with it.