Nutrition Month

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Natural Alternatives for Pain Relief

Herbal Alternatives for pain relief
A new study has found that healthy people who take certain
NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
pain relievers may increase their risk of heart attack and stroke.

People commonly use NSAIDs, especially OTC formulations, to reduce fever and relieve pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, headache, toothache, back pain, muscle pain, menstrual cramps or minor injury.

Previous studies linked NSAIDs and cardiovascular risks in persons with other high risk factors or established heart disease, however this study is the first to measure the increased cardiovascular risk caused by NSAIDs in healthy people.

“We conducted this study to answer whether any specific NSAID carried a risk of cardiovascular adverse events among healthy individuals and to explore if there were safer alternatives within the group of NSAIDs,” study authors said.

Researchers in Denmark studied 1,028,437 healthy Danish individuals with an average age of 39 from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2005 for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with the use of rofecoxib (Vioxx), diclofenac, celecoxib, naproxen and ibuprofen.

Rofecoxib, marketed as the brand name Vioxx, is no longer available in the United States. Merck voluntarily withdrew the drug from the market in 2004 after studies showed an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Vioxx was widely used in the U.S. before its withdrawal, generating $2.5 billion in sales revenue in 2003.

Diclofenac, marketed as brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR and Zipsor, and Celecoxib marketed as Celebrex are only available by prescription in the U.S., while consumers can purchase ibuprofen over-the-counter (OTC) as brand names such as Advil, Motrin, Midol and Nuprin. Naproxen is available by prescription, but consumers can also purchase naproxen (Aleve) over-the-counter.

According to Healthday News, compared to people who took no NSAIDs, researchers of the study found that patients taking diclofenac had a 91% higher risk of death from heart attack and stroke, much higher than the 66% increased risk for those taking rofecoxib (Vioxx). People taking the largest doses of diclofenac saw risk of heart attack doubled and for those taking the largest doses of rofecoxib (Vioxx) risk tripled.

Perhaps the most relevant study finding for U.S consumers self-medicating with OTC ibuprofen products is that ibuprofen showed a 29% higher risk of stroke.

Researchers found no increased risk of heart attack or stroke with use of naproxen. Their analyses of celecoxib were not conclusive.

“Because treatment with NSAIDs is so widely distributed in the general population, it is also of great importance that a safe alternative is found when NSAID treatment cannot be avoided. The safety of naproxen has been much debated, but it is widely accepted that naproxen is probably the NSAID with the safest cardiovascular risk profile, and our results support this assumption,” the researchers said. “Our results suggest that naproxen could be a safer alternative when NSAID treatment is required.”

The study appears in the June 8, 2010 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a Journal of the American Heart Association.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires drug labels for NSAIDs to warn of increased risk of heart attack or stroke associated with long-term continuous use of the drug. The Denmark study population had a median exposure time to NSAIDs of 14 days, indicating short-time exposure in most individuals.

Retrieved from http://newyorkcity.injuryboard.com/fda-and-prescription-drugs/popular-nsaid-pain-relievers-increase-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke.aspx?googleid=282136


See our list of natural alternatives to NSAIDS below:

Some of the side effects and health risks associated with taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) include stomach bleeding, ulcers, nausea, rash, headaches, dizziness, liver and/or kidney damage, and according to a recent Denmark study, NSAID use can increase the risk for heart attack and stroke (see article above). it is important to know about safer alternatives for reducing inflammation and pain. Natural products also support, rather than interrupt, the healing process. There are several choices when it comes to natural anti-inflammatory products. Keep in mind that not everyone responds the same. As long as there is no medical reason to not use a natural product, give it time to take effect. If you don't see results in a reasonable period of time, try another product.


1) ResVita Ultimate (Formerly Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai Ultimate)
Contains Resveratrol, Alpha Lipoic acid, and Green Tea

Alpha lipoic acid is thought to work as an antioxidant in both water and fatty tissue, enabling it to enter all parts of the nerve cell and protect it from damage.Preliminary studies suggest that alpha lipoic acid may help. In one of the largest studies on the use of alpha lipoic acid, 181 people took 600 mg, 1200 mg or 1800 mg of alpha lipoic acid a day or a placebo. After 5 weeks, alpha lipoic acid improved symptoms. The dose that was best tolerated while still providing benefit was 600 mg once daily.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is great for stiff muscles—it has nine muscle-relaxing compounds, more than just about any other plant.

Resveratrol, a phytochemical derived from grape skin, is also abundant in members of the Polygonum genus, widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol were first described in 1997 after an animal model determined its primary activity to be the inhibition of COX-1.17Then a study led by some of the same researchers from Cornell Medical College in New York City revealed resveratrol's COX-2 inhibitory effects.18
A compound found in plants such as grapes can protect intervertebral disc cartilage and reverse cartilage damage, which may have implications for treating disc damage responsible for back pain, according to research published in the Nov. 15 issue of Spine. Xin Li, M.D., Ph.D., from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and colleagues investigated the effect of the phytoestrogen resveratrol, found in plants including grapes and red wines, on bovine disc cells. Previous work had shown that resveratrol could protect articular cartilage from damage, the study authors note.




2) FatBurner
Contains White willow bark, Garcinia, green tea and cinnamon

White willow bark is one of the oldest home analgesics, dating back to 500 b.c. in China. Modern research confirms old-time wisdom, showing it helps back, osteoarthritic and nerve pains. Willow bark contains apigenin, salicin and salicylic acid, which provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-neuralgic actions. At the end of a four-week study of 210 individuals suffering from back pain, reported in the American Journal of Medicine in 2000, 39 percent of those who had received 240 mg of salicin daily were essentially pain-free, compared to 6 percent of those given a placebo.

Cinnamon is considered a pain-killer due to its prostaglandin-inhibiting action.
Garcinia kola appeared to have clinically significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. Garcinia kola is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier



3) Rhodi Ultimate (Formerly Rhodigandha)
contains Rhodiola and Ashwagandha, Acai, Pomegranate
For people who suffer from neurological disorders, rhodiola rosea may be able to offer the comfort needed to enjoy day-to-day living. The herb acts as a muscle relaxant and also regulates blood flow.
For those who suffer from fibromyalgia, rhodiola rosea regulates the adrenal glands which may not be producing enough cortisol. Cortisol is used by the body to reduce muscle stress and pain. In some people, the adrenal glands secrete too much cortisol and a person may not have enough to sustain them throughout the day. Rhodiola rosea is used to help the adrenal gland slow down and secrete enough cortisol for the entire day. This helps a person who is suffering from fibrolmyalgia to sleep through the night and function normally throughout the day.
Ashwagandha also relaxes blood vessels and stimulates circulation and has an anti-inflammatory and tonic effect in rheumatic and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Animal studies have found that naturally occurring steroids in ashwaganda are more potent than treatment with the synthetic steroid hydrocortisone for controlling inflammation. Ashwagandha is also used in the treatment of low back pain and sciatica.





The products and the claims made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

20 benefits of taking Ashwagandha

A powerful tonic and adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used in India for more than 3,000 years and is often referred to as “Indian Ginseng. Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, promoting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes imbalances that may lead to disease, whether from poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment. Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women.



1. A plant with several medicinal properties, is known to help treat disorders such as fatigue

2. Because of its anti-stress properties, Ashwagandha is useful in treating stress-related illnesses. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center also evaluated the effects of the herb and found that extracts of the Ashwagandha had activities that were similar to GABA that might tell us why the herb is so effective in providing stress relief.

3. It has been administered as a natural anti-depressant with no side effects. A study involving 25 individuals with depression found that ashwagandha supplementation over a period of two months offered noticeable improvement in both anxiety and depression symptoms.

4. It has also been used to enhance sexual potency for men and women and is widely recognized for its rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha root was used historically as an aphrodisiac. This herb is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb to be used for heightening sexual experience, This herb has the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. Laboratory studies show it can produce nitric oxide which is known to dilate blood vessels.

5. Ashwagandha which has been called the “Indian Ginseng” has an amazing quality that is rare among medicinal herbs. It is generally acknowledged to have the ability to revitalize and improve human memory.

6. Hair loss may be caused by a lot of things. One factor is a weakened immune system. Ashwagandha provides hope to those having hair loss problems. Ashwagandha makes you feel energized and healthier. It stops stress, increases vigor and may help regrow lost hair.

7. Ashwagandha has been the subject of several recent, significant, independent studies, which point to its possible, promising effectiveness in stimulating the thyroid, and subsequently relieving the effects of hypothyroidism, or under active thyroid, including weight gain, depression, constipation and sluggishness

8. Helps control the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may mean less belly fat!

9. Can be used as a natural alternative for menopause. Ashwagandha is helpful in dealing with sleeping trouble, alleviating stress, increasing stamina and balancing hormones by working with the adrenal glands. The antioxidants in ashwagandha help reduce symptoms like mild hot flashes, anxiety and depression associated with menopause.

10. Great for those who suffer from mild anxiety and want to try a natural remedy. A study done in 1991 at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of ashwagandha had GABA-like activity. This may account for this herb’s anti-anxiety effects.

11. One small study found ashwagandha root was able to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and had a diuretic effect.

12. Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia.

13. For a 2008 study, scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.

14. Helps with fertility. In a study men and women were given root powder of W. somnifera for 3 months. Results showed decrease in stress, improved the level of anti-oxidants and improved overall semen quality in a significant number of individuals. The treatment resulted in pregnancy in the partners of 14% of the patients.

15. Ashwagandha has been used to reduce the symptoms of drug withdrawal.
16. Eases alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In 2009, researchers from the National Institute on Drug Dependence at Peking University in Beijing evaluated the benefits of using traditional herbal remedies in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. While there's no data on humans identifying the advantages of using Withania somnifera for alcoholism treatment, the study, published in the "American Journal of Drug Alcohol Abuse," found that ashwagandha may help addicts reduce alcohol intake. Ashwagandha can be used to complement proven medications for drug withdrawal treatment, and possibly, prevention of relapse.

17. Relives adverse effects caused by alcohol consumption (hangover) especially when combined with Rhodiola. extracts from Rhodiola Rosea will sober up most people within less than an hour and have you wake up feeling like a night of drinking never took place. After all, a hangover is just leftover toxins from too much alcohol and adaptogens will help flush them out.

18. Ashwagandha also has antioxidant properties and therefore is beneficial for anti aging

19. Can help with Asthma symptoms. Many times asthma attacks are caused by allergies. Because adaptogens work so well on allergies, they can also greatly reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks. Asthma attacks can also be induced by stress; adaptogens take care of that too.

20. Ashwagandha has been found to have important healing effects on solid tissues, skin support, connective tissue, lymph tissues, blood vessels, and mucous membranes. Ashwagandha has found its most successful applications in treatment of conditions involving venous insufficiency, tissue inflammation and infection, and post-surgical healing.


IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The statements on this website and this web page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. FDA laws do not allow any nutritional product to claim relief from or curing of any disease; only FDA approved drugs can make statements or claims of disease cure.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Herbal Preparation for Stem Cell Retrieval



By definition, a stem cell is characterized by its ability to self-renew and its ability to differentiate along multiple lineage pathways. Ideally, a stem cell for regenerative medicinal applications should meet the following criteria:

Can be found in abundant quantities (millions to billions of cells)

Can be harvested by a minimally invasive procedure

Can be differentiated along multiple cell lineage pathways in a regulatable and reproducible manner.



Green cell therapy increases adult stem cells and stem cell release for optimum health benefits. Green cell therapy helps by getting rid of toxins that block nutritional benefits in your body. Green cell therapy may enable the effective use of nutrients in your body to the greatest degree possible.

Look for this in you green superfood supplement:

Should be made of organic ingredients.
Should be made of wild crafted ingredients.
Should have ingredients from seaweeds.
Should have as many super foods as possible, like kale, horsetail, spinach, nettles, parsley, alfalfa, wheat grass, oat grass, and barley grass to mention just a few.
Should have spirulina and chlorella added (algae).
Should contain probiotics.
Should contain enzymes.
Should contain enzymatically active sprouts.
Should be free from fillers.
Should be free from preservatives.
Should be free from sweeteners.
No GMO products.
Should be fresh freeze-dried or cold-dried.


A Green superfood supplements is also good for Mother Earth.

All the chemicals we use also have a big impact on our nature. Our goal should be to gradually shift to organic products. We find toxic chemicals in so many different products that we use and surround our self by daily, not only in fruit and vegetables. We find chemicals in cosmetics, body care products, kid’s toys and clothing’s, just to mention a few. Change to organically produced products and Mother Earth and your kids will thank you.

Green superfood powders are not a replacement for fruits and vegetables.

Organic green superfood supplements are meant as just that, a supplement, and not as a replacement for fruit and vegetables or other healthy whole foods.

The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Prostate cancer... herbal thoughts. Click here



 Prostate cancer, meaning cancer of the prostate gland, is a common adenocarcinoma in men. The probability of getting prostate cancer rises with age. It is generally treated by surgically removing the small prostate gland or with radiation. It is generally detected by high PSA levels and/or by surgical biopsies.


Inhibiting angiogenesis alone can be effective in some cases of cancer. But for breast and prostate cancer, addition of an aromatase inhibitor may prove to be a more effective regimen because many aspects of the cancer are being targeted at the same time. First, the formation of blood vessels that feed the tumor is prevented. Second, by precluding the action of aromatase, estrogen production is greatly diminished, helping prevent the proliferation of tumor cells.


Treatment with either an angiogenesis or an aromatase inhibitor by itself certainly has merit. But combining both therapies, particularly for estrogen-responsive diseases like breast and prostate cancer, has such tremendous potential success that it should be considered as a complementary treatment.



Although aromatase activity has been detected in malignant prostate cancer tissues, the use of aromatase inhibitors as standard prostate cancer treatment is not yet considered the norm. But they are currently being explored as potential therapy because of emerging research linking aromatase expression, estrogen dominance and prostate cancer.
PriVita is an herbal product designed with estrogen blocking and aromatase inhibition in mind. It contains resveratrol, pomegranate, green tea, turmeric and many other antioxidant ingredients. Resveratrol works through more than a dozen different anticancer mechanisms and selectively targets cancer cells. This single supplement modulates hormones, has several mechanisms that stop cancer cells from multiplying, and even has the ability to destroy cancer cells.One remarkable aspect of resveratrol is that it can be very toxic to cancer cells but does not harm healthy cells; in fact, a person taking resveratrol for protection against prostate cancer may receive cardiovascular benefits as a side effect. Another important aspect of resveratrol is that it may be combined with other phytofactors to potentially enhance its effects. Resveratrol naturally occurs with other polyphenols such as quercetin in plants such as grapes. Pomegranate juice An antioxidant that delays rise in PSA (doubling time indicating tumor growth), as well as helping promote penile blood flow to reduce erectile dysfunction. Indole-3-Carbinol An anti-cancer compound found in cruciferous vegetables that decreases the risk of developing cancer. Green Tea Boosts immune system and induces prostate cancer programmed cell death (apoptosis)














The products and statements made about specific products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.