Nature Health

Archive for the ‘Health News’ Category

The acai berry is getting a lot of attention in the news lately…Dr. Perricone, who is an avid supporter of the Acai’s  Health News , was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show when he listed the top 10 foods everyone should consume to help you look and age better!

He described the acai berry, which was one of the 10 foods, as “an almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle function.”

This little, dark, purple berry is loaded with antioxidants, healthy monosaturated fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols that help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.

This berry is packed with a natural complex of B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, anthocyanin (an antioxidant), zinc, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium and especially phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant based nutrients that help guard and protect the immune system.

The Acai berry contains the highest recorded ORAC value of any fruit or vegetable tested to date. A high ORAC value fights against the free radicals that can cause declining joint function and mobility as we get older.

Some of the other Acai benefit / Health News that people have reported:

Skin tone: Youthful, healthier-looking skin.

Healthier eyes: Better night vision

Greater energy /stamina.

Improved mental focus.

Improved digestion.

Improved sexual function.

Better sleep

Improved circulation

The acai berry also has been discussed in many of the Health News :

High levels of antioxidants, which help us, fight colds and flu

High levels of dietary fiber.

High levels of essential amino acids and trace minerals.

High levels of plant sterols, which have been shown to help control cholesterol.

Essential fatty acids that resemble olive oil, which have been shown to help fight heart disease.

ADHD has been at your receiving end of tremendous research over the particular past few years and newer drugs, both conventional and natural, have been explored as treatment modalities for the actual disease gets better and better.

An interesting new development has been the willingness of people across the world to try out alternative remedies like natural remedies for ADHD which includes your use of herbs proven to work. The particular main reason for this specific lies in the fact that prescription drugs are associated together with lot of side effects as well as at the actual same time people have access to a wealth of information on your internet. This particular wealth of information arms people with valuable inputs into various alternative remedies and they may be understanding your use of more along with more herbs because of the medicinal benefits associated together with these herbs.

What are your major benefits of natural remedies or herbs?

1. They are completely natural.
2. No withdrawal effects.
Three or more. No side effects.
4. No addiction potential.

Valerian (Valerian officinalis) and also Ginkgo biloba help calm the nerves and also increase the ability of a person to focus better. Gotu cola is another herb that has been purported to benefit people using ADHD. It is supposed to have properties to relieve anxiety and stress and also at the same time it also helps in improving concentration. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) have also been recommended for people together with ADHD. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) have also been reported to have beneficial effect. One recent study indicated that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) in combination with Gingko biloba may improve the particular symptoms of ADHD.

It is critical to exercise some caution just before using just about any of these herbs. Several herbs have not been evaluated scientifically for their medicinal benefits. Thus it is imperative to seek the actual services of a qualified herbalist or naturopath and also ask these the particular possible uses along with riaks of using these herbs. Even if you order online read all about the herbs, make a note of their actions and also possible drug interactions with virtually any prescription drugs you might be taking along with then ask around people who have used it or experts in your field just before making any kind of decisions. The bottomline is that herbs are natural as well as thus there is no harm in trying them out. If it works then that is the very best solution to stay away from potentially dangerous prescription drugs.

For the last decade dolphin therapy has been largely publicised by the media, who reported several successful case stories. Dolphin therapy was started in the early seventies by Dr Betsy Smith, an educational anthropologist who noticed the therapeutical effects of dolphins on her disabled brother. A few years later dolphin therapy was developed by Dr Nathanson at the Dolphin Human Therapy centre in Florida, America. Dr Nathanson studied the interaction between dolphins and children with Down’s syndrome and as he obtained good results more centres opened world wide.

The aim of the therapy is to increase sensory activities, programmes take place in a pool with captive or semi-captive dolphins and therapists who assist the children, children are asked to swim, touch, feed or pat the animals. Therapists work on specific areas such as speech, behaviours and motor skills, they customise programmes to the needs of the children.

Dolphin therapy is not a cure but it can help alleviate some symptoms associated with children conditions by enhancing their healing process. Samples of blood were analysed before and after the therapy, results showed that after swimming with dolphins there is a change of hormones, endorphins and enzymes as well as T-cells, how this is possible is still not well understood. There is ongoing research in universities and dolphin research centres but the evidence that dolphin therapy works remains anecdotal. Several theories have been hypothesised:

Therapy in a pleasant environment:
Encounters with dolphins evoke a deep emotional response and trigger the release of deep feelings and emotions. It is believed that children are more responsive to the therapy because they play in a pleasant environment, they are motivated to complete the tasks, they are happy and therefore they pay greater attention to the therapists’ work. It has also been suggested that dolphins can sense areas of disability and physical trauma in the human body, they motivate children to use these parts.

Sound:
For others, the healing principle is similar to that of sound therapy: rhythm and vibrational sound facilitate an altered mood. According to Dr Cole, Chairman of the Aquathought Foundation, swimming with dolphins can create physiological cell and tissue change in the body, he explains that dolphins have a natural sonar, they emit ultrasound waves to localise things and to communicate, this process is called “echolocation”. Sounds emitted by the dolphins are so intense that that they can cause “cavitations”: they create holes in the molecular structure of fluids and soft tissues. Cole believes that the dolphins’ signal frequencies can have a profound effect on the human brain by modifying the brainwave activity. Results of EEG tests carried out on people who experienced the echolocation showed that the dominant human brain frequency drops from beta to alpha.

It was also noted that both sides of the brain enter into synchronisation which means there is a far better communication between the left and right sides of the brain, this is an uncommon neurological state, which is typically associated with heightened awareness and increased learning ability.

Results noticed
· Strong emotional change
· Children calm down
· Improved communication
· Increased attention span
· Increased confidence and self esteem
· Improved gross or fine motor skills
· Better co-ordination
· Better eye contact, smiling, laughing, touching
· Better immune system.

Conditions that may respond to dolphin therapy
Neurological disorders, autism, Down’s syndrome, global developmental delay, ADHD, pain relief for spinal injuries, muscular paralysis, and depression.

Cost
Dolphin therapy is expensive and it is important not too expect dramatic results.

Honey is not just one of the most delicious substances known to mankind, it is also  incredibly valuable for nutrition and healing – and has been for thousands of years. Here  are 5 modern day health benefits of honey.

1. Honey as a Hay Fever Remedy

If you suffer from hay fever, locally produced honey may help ease your symptoms. All  honey will contain traces of pollen – and if it is locally produced honey, it will contain the  same pollen which causes your hay fever. So if you take small amounts of this honey every  day, the theory is that you will de-sensitize yourself to your pollen allergy.

As yet there is no scientific proof that this works, but many people do swear by it, so if you are a sufferer it is certainly worth a try. Of course, the most local honey you can get will be that produced by your own bees in your own backyard – great reason to start beekeeping now, if you haven’t already!

2. Increased Energy

Honey is also a great natural source of carbohydrates giving us strength and energy and is a stimulant, giving an instant boost in performance and endurance and reducing muscle fatigue – particularly in athletes.

Honey is known to keep blood sugar levels fairly constant compared to other types of sugar. This is because it is a natural source of fructose and glucose, which are very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and play a crucial role in preventing fatigue during exercise. Of course, it is not just when doing exercise that a boost can be useful, but also in everyday life.

3. Boosting the Immune System

Honey is an important source of vitamins and minerals, and honey’s antioxidant properties help remove free radicals from the body improving your digestive system, and enabling you to stay healthy and fight disease. This is a key health benefit of honey, as a powerful immune system booster

4. Treating Minor Injuries

Externally, honey has been used as a first aid treatment for cuts, burns and wounds. Its antiseptic properties help keep wounds free of infection, and it can help promote healing. It is also thought to be anti-inflammatory, so it will reduce swelling and pain from injuries.

Manuka honey is made by bees feeding on flowers from the Manuka bush, principally found in New Zealand. This bush has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making Manuka honey the most antibacterial of all the different types of honey and so is it particularly good for wound dressing.

5. Treating Sore Throats and Colds

Honey is a great natural treatment for sore throats. It not only soothes the pain of a sore throat, but also helps kill the harmful bacteria that cause the infection. Studies show it is often better than over the counter remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats. Particularly for children, when taken before bedtime honey can help stop coughing and allow a good night’s sleep.

There are many other uses of honey, but there is no doubt that honey benefits health – it truly is one of nature’s wonder products.

In 2008, researchers in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that individuals who kept their cell phone against one side of their head for several hours a day were 50 percent more likely to develop parotid tumors.
Unfortunately, like most Americans, she was under the false assumption that cell phones and other household electronics were safe. Now, she knows better. And it is even more crucial to be aware of the danger to children.
In fact, the very electronic and digital innovations that have made modern life more convenient and efficient are also exposing people to thousands of artificial electromagnetic frequencies and wavelengths never before experienced by human beings.
There are simple ways to reduce exposure in the rooms where Americans spend the most time in-the bedroom, family room, and home office:

1. Remove Wi-Fi and cordless phone chargers in the bedrooms
Cordless phone chargers emit radio frequency power even when not in use. The pulsed digital signals are more damaging than the analog signals, and they should not be anywhere near the head of the bed. Baby monitors should not be placed closer than 6 feet to the crib.

2. Walls do not stop magnetic fields
The backs of refrigerators produce large electromagnetic fields which go through walls-so if a family room shares a wall with the refrigerator, the sofa should not be against that wall. It is also recommended to stay out of the kitchen when self-cleaning ovens are operating; these oven settings use very high wattage to burn debris off the oven walls.

3. Don’t cradle your laptop
It may be called a laptop, but pregnant women especially should keep a good distance. Even before birth, children are exposed to electropollution in the womb. Since a fetus spends 40 weeks essentially floating in a sack of water (a well known conductor of electricity), it is particularly vulnerable.

Consumers need to be more aware. San Francisco became the first city in the nation to adopt an ordinance requiring retailers to inform consumers about the radiation levels of mobile phones at point of sale. This and similar measures should be implemented in every retail outlet selling mobile phones (and other electronics) throughout the country.

Everyone’s at risk when it comes to electropollution, the new invisible pollutant. It was once thought cigarettes, lead paint and tanning beds were safe. Electropollution has the potential of being even more deadly for people now, future generations and our planet.

There are a number of ways parents can protect their children during flu season, experts say.The best defense is to get children vaccinated, according to doctors at  Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre and the American Academy of Pediatrics. They also offered other tips on how to prevent the spread of flu germs:

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue. If a tissue isn’t handy, bend your arm and sneeze or cough into it. Teach your children to do this.
• Use tissues to wipe runny noses and throw tissues in the garbage after each use. People who are coughing or sneezing frequently should wear a mask.
• Don’t kiss your child on or around the mouth or face if either of you are ill.
• Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after coming into close contact with someone with the flu.
• Don’t allow children to share pacifiers, cups, spoons, forks, washcloths or towels. Never share toothbrushes.
• Use hot, soapy water or the dishwasher to wash dishes and utensils.
• Flu viruses can live for more than 30 minutes on surfaces. Use soap and hot water or a disinfectant to clean all surfaces, including toys, countertops, toilet handles and doorknobs.
• Replace cloth towels often and launder them in hot water.
• Protect children from secondhand smoke, which can increase their risk for respiratory illness.

LONDON (Reuters 02-02-2010) – Forty percent of the 12 million people diagnosed with cancer worldwide each year could avert the killer disease by protecting themselves against infections and changing their lifestyles, experts said Tuesday.

A report by the Geneva-based International Union Against Cancer (UICC) highlighted nine infections that can lead to cancer and urged health officials to drive home the importance of vaccines and lifestyle changes in fighting the disease.

“If there was an announcement that somebody had discovered a cure for 40 percent of the world’s cancers, there would quite justifiably be huge jubilation,” UICC president David Hill told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“But the fact is that we have, now, the knowledge to prevent 40 percent of cancers. The tragedy is, we’re not using it.”

Cervical and liver cancer, both caused by infections which can be prevented with vaccines, should be top priorities, the report said, not only in rich nations, but also in developing countries where 80 percent of global cervical cancer occur.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and the total number of cases globally is increasing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The number of global cancer deaths is projected to rise by 45 percent from 2007 to 2030 from 7.9 million to 11.5 million deaths, driven partly by a growing and aging global population.

The UICC said it wanted to focus policymakers’ attention on cancer-preventing vaccines — like ones made by GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co against the human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer, and others against hepatitis B, which causes liver disease and cancer.

“Policymakers around the world have the opportunity and obligation to use these vaccines to save people’s lives and educate their communities toward lifestyle choices and control measures that reduce their risk of cancer,” Cary Adams, UICC’s chief executive, said in a commentary on the report.

Other cancer-causing infections include hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Epstein Barr, a herpes-type virus transmitted by saliva.

The experts said the risk of developing cancer could potentially be reduced by up to 40 percent if full immunization and prevention measures were deployed and combined with simple lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating healthily, limiting alcohol intake and reducing sun exposure.

Hill said national health authorities should also work to dispel widespread myths about cancer, in particular a sense of fatalism felt by many people in the face of the disease.

As part of this, the UICC is launching a campaign called “Cancer can be prevented too” on World Cancer Day on February 4 to encourage people to face up to the fact that smoking, poor diet and some infections carry high cancer risks.

European cancer experts issued a report last year warning that a wave of cancer now threatens developing countries, estimating that around half of the 12.4 million new cases in 2008 occurred in low and middle income countries.

Despite the availability of so much scientific knowledge about the disease’s causes, Hill said there was great concern among health experts that “the opportunity to prevent this huge escalation of cancer may be