Inflammation Fighting Herbs

1) Curcumin - a component of the curry spice turmeric. Research shows that curcumin inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory substances in the body, offering powerful relief from pain and swelling. 2) Ginger - has many of the same anti-inflammatory benefits as curcumin, yet affects the body differently. Recent studies have found that 75-100% of patients with joint or muscle pain experienced significant relief after taking ginger. 3) Boswellia - is a powerful inflammation fighter that provides fast relief, while also helping to prevent the breakdown of carilage. In a landmark study, boswellia was shown to ease knee pain and stiffness within just seven days. 4) Bromelain - an enzyme found in pineapples, has been shown to speed healing while reducing pain and inflammation. Amazingly, studies show that bromelain can actually reduce knee pain as effectively as some pain medications. 5) Tart Cherry - has unique anti-inflammatory properties that specifically target muscles. Recent research shows that tart cherry improves post-exercise recovery and may offer better muscle pain relief than over the counter painkillers.

8 HERBS FOR ARTHRITIS

Turmeric: The spice that makes curry yellow, contains the potent anti-inflammatory chemical curcumin.

Ginger: Another curry spice, decreases pain and inflammation.

Boswellia: Also called Indian Frankincense, improves knee arthritis.

Devils Claw: South African native herb helps with decreasing arthritis symptoms.

Cats Claw: From South America shown to relieve knee pain during activity, also reduces rheumatoid
                    arthritis symptoms.

Willow Bark: Has long been used to reduce pain and inflammation.

Cayenne: Contains capsaicin, which inhibits inflammation and interferes with pain transmission.

Stinging Nettles: Application of the fresh leafs relieves hand arthritis. Eating stewed nettles can
                             improve arthritis symptoms. Wear gloves while harvesting.

Potential Health Benefits of Tea

Green Tea: Made with steamed tea leaves, it has a high concentration of EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea's antioxidants may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers: Prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, reduce risk of stroke, and improve cholesterol levels.

Black Tea: Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.

White Tea: Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.

Oolong Tea: In an animal study, those given antioxidants from oolong tea were found to have lower bad cholesterol levels. One variety of oolong, Wuyi, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement, but science has'nt backed the claims.

Pu-erh Tea: Made from fermented and aged leaves. Considered a black tea, its leaves are pressed into cakes. One animal study showed that animals given pu-erh had less weight gain and reduced LDL cholesterol

Source: WebMD

Lower Your Triglycerides

EAT FRUIT, which contains fiber and slows the rate at which the fructose is broken down, rather than drinking fruit juice.

DECREASE total carbohydrate intake, especially from foods that contain simple and processed carbs.

LIMIT ALCOHOL intake to one drink per day for women, two per day for men, excess alcohol consumption can raise triglycerides.

EXERCISE with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 30 minutes per day at least five days a week.

Exercise Lowers The Prostate Cancer Risk

A recent study conducted through Duke University clearly demonstrated a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men who exercise. Exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits and now reduction of prostate cancer risk can be added to the list.
The latest research found that in men who exercised moderately, the equivalent of three or more hours of brisk walking a week, were two-thirds less likely than their sedentary counterparts to have prostate cancer. Of interest also was that among men who did have cancer, those who exercised at least one hour of walking a week, were less likely to have aggressive, faster growing cancers. In other words, men who exercised were less likely to get prostate cancer and if they did get cancer it was easier to cure.

Vitamin D Deficiency Almost Epidemic

While the optimum amount of vitamin D is still subject to debate, a new study finds one thing for certain; over six million American children are getting too little of this essential nutrient. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children obtain blood levels of vitamin D of at least 50 while for adults 75 to 100 could lower the risk of heart disease and specific cancers. Based on this data researchers found that 6.3 million US children, almost one in five, were deficient in vitamin D. Of interest, 80% of Hispanics, 92% of blacks, and 59% of white children were found to be vitamin D deficient.
The body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sun. In addition the intestines, liver, and kidney all work in conjunction with the skin to form the ultimate end product: vitamin D3, otherwise known as cholecalciferol.
Only a few foods contain vitamin D including salmon and egg yolks. In addition milk and some cereals are fortified with vitamin D. It seem prudent in the wake of the recent information that not only children but adults as well would benefit by taking a vitamin D3 supplement

Source: Institute For Healthy Living February 24,2010

Low Levels Of Omega-3 May Shorten Life Span

A new study from researchers at Harvard found Omega-3 deficiencies can cause up to 96,000 preventable deaths annually in the United States. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency ranked as the sixth highest killer of Americans. Tobacco smoking ranks as the highest risk factor for preventable death followed by high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, and high salt intake.

Studies on Omega-3 fatty acids are becoming increasingly more important as we recognize the benefits of Omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid consisting of EPA and ALA. On this note oily fishes such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are good sources of Omega-3. However, given that our oceans and streams are polluted withmercury, dioxins, and contaminants, even too much fish can be hazardous. Therefore researchers suggest fish consumption be limited to two times a week.

Relying on adequate levels of Omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources alone seems ill advised. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for heart health, circulation, brain, neurological functions as well as maintaining good hair, skin and nails. Clearly daily supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids

Source: The Institute For Healthy Living February 17, 2010

How To Tell If You're B12 Deficient

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is found in meat and dairy. It plays a critical role in the health of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. The American Academy of Family Physicians has listed the following as symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency: dementia, depression, anemia, nervous system abnormalities, an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Vitamin B12 is one of the water soluble B vitamins. The B vitamins are also known as the brain vitamins and the vitamins most necessary to help us in times of stress. In addition, in times of a B12 deficiency, patients often report difficulty thinking and concentrating. Jitteriness, irritability, and mood swings as well as fatigue, lack of energy, and cold hands and feet. Many people are B12 deficient and rather than take B12, assume their problem is related to something else. A simple, easy way to evaluate B12 status is to begin taking an excellent supplement and see if symptoms improve. Upon supplementation some people notice improvement within a few days; for others it can take up to three months. However, virtually everyone who begins taking a good B12 supplement reports improvement in energy, stamina, and well being.

The Institute of Healthy Living February 10th, 2010

Green Tea May Cut Risk Of Dying

Drinking green tea continues to show health benefits particularly among women. A recent study conducted in Japanese women demonstrated drinking five or more cups of green tea a day cut the risk of dying from pneumonia by 47%. Drinking as little as one cup or less of green tea a day was associated with 41% less risk of dying from pneumonia.
This study followed over 19,000 men and 21,000 women average age 40-79 over the course of 12 years. The benefits of green tea and reducing pneumonia risk were clearly identified. These findings were reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
These findings supported the possibility that green tea contains compounds capable of destroying and inhibiting the growth of viruses and microorganisms. This study becomes one more of many that show the benefits of green tea. For many individuals, drinking green tea is not as convenient an option as taking green tea extract in pill form.

Source: Institute of Healthy Living February 3, 2010