Diet rich in calcium tied to lower cancer rate

HICAGO - A study in nearly half a million older men and women bolsters evidence that diets rich in calcium may help protect against some cancers.

The benefits were mostly associated with foods high in calcium, rather than calcium tablets.

Previous studies have produced conflicting results. The new research involved food questionnaires from participants and a follow-up check of records for cancer cases during the subsequent seven years. This research method is less rigorous than some previous but smaller studies.

But because of its huge size — 492,810 people and more than 50,000 cancers — the new study presents powerful evidence favoring the idea that calcium may somehow keep cells from becoming cancerous, said University of North Carolina nutrition expert John Anderson, who was not involved in the study.

The study was run jointly by the National Institutes of Health and AARP. The results appear in Monday's Archives of Internal Medicine.

National Cancer Institute researcher Yikyung Park, the study's lead author, called the results strong but said more studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Duke University nutrition researcher Denise Snyder said the results support the idea that food rather than supplements is the best source for nutrients.

Participants were AARP members aged 50 to 71 who began the study in the mid-1990s. A total of 36,965 men and 16,605 women were later diagnosed with cancer. There were more than 10 different kinds of cancer, the most common being prostate, breast, lung and colorectal.

Compared with people who got little calcium, those who consumed the most had the lowest chances of getting colon cancer. Those in that highest category got on average 1,530 milligrams a day among men and 1,881 milligrams daily among women. The recommended amount for older people is 1,200 milligrams, and getting much more than that didn't result in any greater protection. Adults can get that amount from four cups of milk or calcium-fortified orange juice.

Men who got the most calcium from food were about 30 percent less likely to get cancer of the esophagus, about 20 percent less likely to get head and neck cancer and 16 percent less likely to get colon cancer, when compared to men who got low amounts of calcium.

Among women, those who got the most food-based calcium were 28 percent less likely to get colon cancer than low-calcium women.

Read More......

Ending prostate test safe for most elderly men

Study: If PSA reading is low, stopping screening doesn't increase death risk

WASHINGTON - Most men over age 75 can safely discontinue screening for prostate cancer with the PSA blood test, although such screening may still benefit some older men, U.S. researchers said on Friday.

Use of the prostate-specific antigen blood test to screen for prostate cancer in elderly men has been controversial. A panel of experts called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force last year urged doctors to stop screening men 75 and older.

The new findings involved 849 U.S. men taking part in a study of aging run by the National Institutes of Health.

For men over 75, not one died of prostate cancer if they had a PSA reading below 3 nanograms per milliliter. That represents at least two thirds of the population.

"For the overwhelming majority of men over age 75, discontinuing PSA screening is probably a very safe thing to do," Dr. H. Ballentine Carter of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, one of the researchers in the study appearing in the Journal of Urology, said in a telephone interview.

But for men with a PSA higher of 3 ng/ml, Carter said continued screening might be of value.

"What we found was that at any age, men with a PSA greater than 3, their risk of prostate cancer, and even an aggressive prostate cancer, during the remaining years of their life continues to increase," Carter said.

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and its levels may shoot up when prostate tumors grow or spread. Higher PSA levels also can indicate a benign prostate enlargement.

Doctors consider PSA test results in deciding whether to order a biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.

Many prostate tumors are slow-growing and may take years if they ever are to become dangerous to a man. But other tumors can be aggressive and life-threatening.

From mnsbc.com

Read More......

Old drug combination in TB fight

Two drugs already used for fighting other infections may help in the battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis, researchers say. The combination of clavulanate and meropenem was effective against 13 strains of the most drug resistant TB in the laboratory.

Clinical trials are now being planned by the US researchers, who reported their results in the Science journal.UK experts urged caution but said new TB treatments were desperately needed. It is thought one-third of the world's population is infected with TB - 10% of whom develop active disease. There is growing concern about extensively drug resistant disease - known as XDR-TB - against which first choice and at least one second choice treatments do not work.

The latest study revisits the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics, the family which includes penicillin and is very widely used in the treatment of infection but has never been successful against TB.

This lack of effectiveness is largely because the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium contains a highly active enzyme which inactivates the antibiotics.

Combination

In the latest study, researchers looked at several combinations of one drug to stop the enzyme working and one beta-lactam antibiotic.

They found that clavulanate was the best enzyme inhibitor and meropenem, a fairly modern antibiotic, the best partner in potently killing different strains of TB.

Clinical trials are being planned later this year.

Professor John Blanchard, a biochemist from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, said the idea of using these drugs in tandem was not new but what they had done was carry out a detailed investigation into what combination may work against TB.

He explained that the drugs also seemed to work against TB in the non-active phase which is notoriously difficult to treat.

"The number of untreatable cases is increasing worldwide every year.

"We are excited about this because, with the caveat that this needs to be shown to be effective in controlled clinical trials, this would be the first new drug to be introduced in the treatment of TB in 40 years."

Professor Denis Mitchison, an expert in medical microbiology at St George's, University of London, said the theory of using a penicillin and clavulanate was not a new one but such combinations had not been sufficiently effective in the past.

"The use of merepenems is new and the combination now sounds effective, though there are already reports of rare resistant strains of other bacteria."

He urged caution about using the drug combination alone.

But he added: "The more drugs that can be used in the treatment of multidrug resistant and XDR-TB, the better."

Dr Ruth McNerney, a TB expert at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the drug combination needed to be tested in patients before any conclusions could be drawn.

"But we desperately need drugs for XDR-TB," she added.

From BBC News

Read More......

Pusat Seks Ada di Kepala Anda

Mariyln Volker, Ed. D, terapis seks dari Miami Florida menyebutkan, satu bagian tubuh yang sangat penting peranannya dalam mensukseskan penis laki-laki bekerja maksimal adalah otak.

Di otak, hormon yang mengatur keseimbangan emosi terletak. Di otak pula reaksi dari sebuah peristiwa menjalani transit. Tanpa transit ini, emosi yang bereaksi tidak akan terolah. Akibatnya, hidup kita tanpa kendali.

Begitu pula dengan kerja penis. Bila otak tidak bekerja maksimal akibat stres dan tekanan berat, rangsangan seksual (di antaranya ketertarikan pada pasangan) tidak akan muncul dan terolah di otak. Akibatnya, gairah seksual menurun. Penis tidak akan bekerja maksimal. Ejakulasi dini, salah satu efeknya.

Sebab itu, jaga dan pelihara kesehatan otak Anda dengan beberapa tips berikut ini:

• Atur diri supaya tidak stress,
• Istirahat cukup,
• Olahraga teratur dan proporsional,
• Makan makanan bergizi, dan
• Selalu bergembira

Read More......

Manfaat Yoga Untuk Seks

Manfaat yoga selain membuat Anda relaks dan tenang, dapat pula membantu Anda saat melakukan aktivitas seksual. Menurut Ellen Barrett, penulis buku Sexy Yoga, yoga membentuk tubuh yang kuat dan lentur sehingga membuat Anda mudah melakukan lebih banyak variasi gerakan atau posisi dalam bercinta. Masih belum percaya? Berikut adalah empat alasan lain mengapa Anda 'wajib' mengenal yoga.

Melancarkan Aliran Darah

Sama halnya jika Anda melakukan olahraga pada umumnya, yoga juga dapat melancarkan aliran darah. Pada posisi yoga tertentu, seperti posisi elang, gerakan tersebut langsung melatih otot panggul Anda dan melancarkan aliran darah pada bagian panggul. "Semakin sering Anda melatih otot ini, ruang gerak Anda akan semakin luas," ujar Becky Jeffers, Direktur Berman Centre for female sexual health and menopause manajement di Chicago. Menurut Becky, melatih otot panggul akan membantu Anda melakukan kontraksi dan relaksasi lebih kuat yang akhirnya membawa Anda pada pengalaman orgasme yang lebih lama.

Menumbuhkan Kepercayaan Diri

Ketika Anda melakukan gerakan-gerakan yoga, Anda melatih konsentrasi pikiran dan fokus Anda. Hal ini membuat Anda semakin fokus pada apa yang Anda lakukan. "Ketika Anda menerima diri sendiri, Anda akan tahu apa yang dibutuhkan untuk bisa menikmati aktivitas seksual bersama pasangan," ujar Becky lagi. Anda bisa mengkomunikasikan perasaan ini kepada pasangan saat Anda berdua melakukan aktivitas tersebut.

Mengurangi Rasa Sakit

Bagi beberapa perempuan yang aktif, terutama yang suka olahraga lari, otot pinggul dan paha yang tegang terkadang bisa menghambat aktivitas seks. Yoga membantu untuk merilekskan otot tersebut. "Otot panggul yang tegang dapat mempengaruhi bagaimana panggul itu berkontraksi saat Anda melakukan aktivitas seks," ujar Becky. Satu bagian otot yang tegang dapat mempengaruhi gerak otot lainnya sehingga orgasme pun tidak bisa maksimal dan permainan cinta Anda tidak bisa dinikmati secara maksimal.

Jadi, santai saja, dan biarkan semuanya mengalir, dan orgasme akan datang

Memberikan Sensasi "Lebih Hidup"

Gerakan segitiga dalam posisi duduk bersila dalam yoga menstimulasi cakra Anda. Menurut filosofi Timur, kehidupan seks diatur oleh beberapa cakra. Cakra adalah pusat energi yang mengitari tubuh Anda. "Ketika cakra Anda sehat dan bekerja baik, kehidupan seks Anda juga akan sehat dan memuaskan," tutur Becky. Tiga cakra paling berpengaruh pada aktivitas seks Anda adalah the root chakra (pada daerah perineum, area antara tulang vagina dan anus), the sacral chakra (bagian tengah perut bagian bawah), dan the heart chakra (bagian tengah dada). Gerakan-gerakan yoga membuat darah mengalir lancar menuju area-area sensitif tersebut dan membuka prana (semangat hidup) Anda. Hal tersebut akan membuat Anda lebih terbuka dan lebih bereksplorasi pada aktivitas seksual dan Anda menjadi pribadi yang lebih bahagia.


Sumber: CBN

Read More......

Manfaat Mandi Bagi Kesehatan Tubuh

Mandi, Bikin Segar dan Sehat!

Menurut penelitian terbaru mandi ternyata tidak hanya baik untuk membersihkan tubuh dari kotoran dan menjauhkan stress, tapi mandi juga memiliki peranan penting meningkatkan sistem kekebalan, membantu kulit terhindar dari penyakit seperti eksema dan bahkan menyembuhkan masalah medis serius.

Sebuah studi yang diterbitkan dalam New England Journal of Medicine menunjukkan penderita diabetes yang menghabiskan hanya setengah jam berendam dalam bak air hangat dapat menurunkan tingkat gula darah sekitar 13 persen.

Penelitian terpisah di Jepang menunjukkan 10 menit berendam dalam air hangat dapat memperbaiki kesehatan jantung baik pria maupun wanita, membantu mereka menjalani test olahraga lebih baik dan mengurangi rasa sakit.

Apa manfaat mandi dan berapa lama anda sebaiknya mandi? Berikut beberapa petunjuk mandi asyik dan menyehatkan:

Mengeluarkan racun

Mandi air hangat sekitar 32-35 derajat Celsius membuka pori-pori yang dapat membantu mengeluarkan toksin. Mandi air hangat juga dapat membantu menurunkan tingkat gula darah, menyembuhkan sakit otot dan membantu menjaga usus besar bekerja dengan baik. Waktu yang dianjurkan selama 10-20 menit.

Stress

Jika anda benar-benar mengalami stress, mandi air dingin akan menjadi jawaban yang tepat. Temperatur yang dianjurkan sekitar 12-18 derajat Celsius. Mandi air dingin sangat baik meredakan ketegangan, sebaliknya dari air hangat karena mandi air dingin dapat mempersempit darah dan meningkatkan tingkat gula darah.

Eksema

Penyakit kulit tertentu seperti eksema, ruam atau gatal-gatal dengan menambahkan baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) ke dalam bak mandi dapat membuat perbedaan besar. Sodium bicarbonate bertindak sebagai antiseptik. Isi air dengan air hangat kuku, tambahkan kira-kira satu pound baking soda dan aduk sampai rata. Dianjurkan berendam selama 10-20 menit.

Infeksi

Infeksi yeast seperti sariawan dapat dibantu dengan menambahkan tiga atau empat cuka dari sari buah apel ke dalam bak mandi. Ini juga baik untuk mengeluarkan racun dari dalam tubuh karena cuka dapat menyeimbangkan kembali asam. Tambahkan pada air hangat dan berendam selama 15-20 menit.

Flu dan Sakit Kepala

Merendam kaki dalam air hangat dapat membantu menyembuhkan flu dan sakit kepala dan juga menyegarkan kembali kaki yang lelah. Masukan air hangat secukupnya dalam bak sampai menutupi kaki dan pergelangan kaki tambahkan beberapa tetes minyak seperti lavender, peppermint atau lemon. Setelah selesai basuh dengan air dingin. Lakukan selama 10-20 menit.

Insomnia

Merendam kaki dalam air dingin sangat baik bagi anda yang memiliki masalah insomnia atau mereka yang memiliki masalah tidur. Masukan kaki sampai kaki merasa dingin. Pengobatan ini juga berguna bagi kaki lelah, pendarahan hidung, flu dan sembelit.

Sirkulasi

Cobalah merendam kaki secara bergantian antara air hangat dan air dingin jika anda mengalami masalah sirkulasi. Mulai dengan merendam kaki selama satu atau dua menit dalam air hangat, kemudian 30 menit dalam air dingin. Cobalah lakukan selama 15 menit kemudian diselesaikan dengan air dingin.

Read More......

Tips Merencanakan Jenis Kelamin Bayi

Merencanakan jenis kelamin bayi yg diinginkan dpt dilakukan sejak awal, sejak kita merencanakan kehamilan. Tapi sebelum berbicara ttg perencanaan jenis kelamin, kita harus mengetahui lebih dulu ttg kromosom dan sifat2nya, kondisi vagina wanita, dll, hal ini agar kita mempunyai gambaran yg jelas ttg hal2 yg melatarbelakangi dan menjadi dasar dari teknik2 yang akan dijelaskan nanti.

Kromosom

Perempuan dalam hal ini sel telur perempuan (ovum) mempunyai 2 kromosom yang sama yaitu X dan X (XX).

Laki-laki dalam hal ini sperma mempunyai kromosom X dan Y (XY).

Jika sperma laki-laki yg mengandung kromosom X bertemu dengan sel telur yg berkromosom X, maka akan menjadi pasangan kromosom XX, jadi anak perempuan.

Sementara jika sperma laki-laki yg mengandung kromosom Y bertemu dengan sel telur yg berkromosom X, maka akan jadi pasangan kromosom XY, jadi anak laki-laki.

Sifat Kromosom

Sifat kromosom X (pembentuk perempuan) :

Gerakannya lambat, tahan dg suasana asam, dan dapat bertahan hidup hingga 72 jam.

Sifat kromosom Y (pembentuk laki-laki) :

Gerakannya cepat, tdk tahan suasana asam, daya tahan hidupnya kurang dari 48 jam.

Kondisi Vagina Wanita

Sekitar 1/3 bagian luar vagina wanita suasananya bersifat asam, semakin ke dalam suasananya semakin berkurang keasamannya.

Orgasme pada wanita

Jika wanita mengalami orgasme saat berhubungan intim, maka ia akan mengeluarkan cairan yg bersifat basa/alkalis.

Teknik Pemilihan Jenis Kelamin bayi

Cara Medis

Secara medis di dunia kedokteran ada yg namanya inseminasi buatan, dg teknik ini sperma yg mengandung kromosom X dan Y dipisahkan dg cara khusus, kemudian sperma dg kromosom yg diinginkan disuntikkan ke dalam rahim istri saat masa subur.

Cara praktis

Disamping cara medis tersebut, ada cara praktis yg bisa dilakukan pasangan suami istri untuk memperoleh anak dengan jenis kelamin yg diinginkan.

Teknik mendapatkan anak laki2 a.l:

a. Penetrasi Dalam

Saat hubungan intim suami melakukan penetrasi penis sedalam2nya ke vagina istri. Istri mengangkat pantat dan panggul yg tinggi atau diganjal bantal agar penis suami dapat masuk sedalam2nya ke vagina istri, ini jika pasutri menggunakan posisi istri di bawah dan suami di atas. Utk mendptkan penetrasi dlm bisa jg dg menggunakan posisi doggy style (suami masuk dari belakang).

Mengapa harus penetrasi dalam?

Sifat kromosom Y (yg akan menjadi pembentuk anak laki2) adalah gerakannya cepat, tdk tahan suasana asam, dan daya tahan pendek (<>

Dg penetrasi yg dalam diharapkan kesempatan sperma dg kromosom Y untuk lebih dulu membuahi sel telur akan lebih besar sebelum gugur di tengah jalan, disamping itu suasana vagina bagian dalam tdk seasam bagian luarnya, shg sperma dg kromosom Y dpt bertahan hidup dan membuahi sel telur.

b. Istri Orgasme Lebih Dahulu

Jika menginginkan anak laki2, sebaiknya biarkan istri orgasme lebih dulu, dg demikian diharapkan cairan yg dikeluarkan istri saat orgasme (bersifat basa) dpt membantu sperma dg kromosom Y lebih mudah sampai sel telur.

c. Hubungan Intim Saat Ovulasi

Dg berhubungan intim saat ovulasi, akan memberi kesempatan sperma dg kromosom Y utk langsung membuahi sel telur.

Teknik mendapatkan anak perempuan a.l:

a. Penetrasi Pendek

Maksud penetrasi pendek adalah suami saat melakukan hubungan intim sebaiknya tdk melakukan penetrasi terlalu dalam ke dalam vagina istri. Mengapa?

Dg penetrasi pendek kesempatan sperma dg kromosom X utk sampai sel telur lebih besar sebab ia lebih tahan suasana asam (vagina bagian luar lebih asam), gerakannya lambat, dan umurnya lebih panjang (> 72 jam). Dg penetrasi pendek, sperma dg kromosom Y akan kesulitan utk lebih dulu mencapai sel telur karena ia tdk tahan suasana asam, dan tdk dpt bertahan lama, sehingga sebelum sampai sel telur ia sudah gugur duluan, hal ini akan memberi kesempatan lebih besar pd sperma dg kromosom X utk bisa sampai sel telur dan membuahinya.

b. Hindari Orgasme

Nah utk mendptkan anak perempuan tdk perlu menunggu istri orgasme duluan, karena sperma dg kromosom X justru senang dg suasana vagina yg asam, yaitu suasana vagina tanpa cairan orgasme.

c. Hubungan intim sebelum ovulasi

Dg berhubungan intim sebelum ovulasi akan memberi kesempatan sperma dg kromosom X utk dpt membuahi sel telur pd saat ovulasi. Mengapa?

Sperma dg kromosom X kan gerakannya lambat dan dpt bertahan hidup lebih lama dibanding sperma dg kromosom Y. Sehingga diharapkan saat ovulasi, tinggal sperma dg kromosom X yg tinggal dan membuahi sel telur.

Baik dg cara medis maupun cara praktis, tdk dpt dilepaskan dari kuasa Allah, biar bagaimanapun kita berusaha, jika Allah berkehendak lain, sekali lagi keakuratan cara2 tersebut tdk dpt dijamin 100%.

Berikut sebagai pendukung supaya kans perencanaan pemilihan jenis kelamin baby ini tambah besar, bisa coba tabel berikut.
Kapan pembuahan yg tepat utk mendapatkan jenis kelamin baby sesuai umur ibu pd saat pembuahan
misal umur ibu 25 th dan pengen baby boy, bisa pilih saat pembuahan pd bulan April, Juni, Agustus, dst.(lihat tabel) ikuti aja link berikut
http://parenting.ivillage.com/ttc/ttcsigns/0,,j736,00.html

Dirangkum dari berbagai sumber

By : Maya Mai Farnomisa, S.Psi/Maya Siswadi

Read More......

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in many foods, fats, and oils. It is also an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs.

The build-up of free radicals over time is largely responsible for the aging process and can lead to various health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions (for example, arthritis). Antioxidants provide some protection against these conditions and also help reduce the damage caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants.

Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and it helps the body to use vitamin K.

People who are unable to absorb fat properly may develop vitamin E deficiency and other conditions such as:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Biliary diseases (illnesses of the gallbladder and biliary ducts)

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of muscle mass
• Abnormal eye movements
• Impaired vision
• Unsteady gait

Chronic deficiency may also cause problems with kidney and liver function. In addition, severe vitamin E deficiency can be associated with serial miscarriages and premature delivery in pregnant women.

There is some concern that eating a diet rich in fish oil for many months may induce a deficiency of vitamin E. People who eat a diet high in fish or who take fish oil supplements should ask their doctor if they should take vitamin E supplements.

Uses of Vitamin E

Heart Disease

Vitamin E helps prevent arteries from clogging by blocking the conversion of cholesterol into the waxy fat deposits called plaque that stick to blood vessel walls. Vitamin E also thins the blood, allowing for blood to flow more easily through arteries even when plaque is present. In the last 10 years, clinical studies have reported that the use of vitamin E supplements help prevent heart disease and other types of cardiovascular disease.

One large clinical study suggested that vitamin E from foods may reduce the risk of death from stroke in postmenopausal women. The study results do not support the use of vitamin E supplements as part of a preventive strategy.

However, there is some evidence that vitamin E supplements may reduce atherosclerosis. A 2-year clinical study compared the use of aspirin with and without vitamin E in men with a history of stroke. Researchers found that vitamin E with aspirin significantly reduced the tendency of plaque to stick to vessel walls and decreased the risk of stroke.

Clinical study results have been mixed. More evidence is needed to determine if there are benefits to vitamin E supplementation, whether for prevention or for treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence does support the contribution of vitamin E to the maintenance of vascular function and health -- particularly when used in combination with other antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Cancer

While researchers can draw no firm conclusions about vitamin E's ability to protect against cancer, clinical studies show that people with cancer often have lower levels of vitamin E. Plus, population based trials (observing groups of people over long periods of time) suggest that diets rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, may be connected to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer. Supplementation with vitamin E, though, does not appear to increase the risk of developing cancer in humans.

Laboratory studies have shown that vitamin E inhibits the growth of some cancers in test tubes and animals, particularly hormone responsive cancers such as breast and prostate. Therefore, some researchers believe that supplementation may prove beneficial for both prevention and treatment of these types of cancers.

Despite the encouraging results from test tube and animal studies, research on people has been much less promising. One large clinical study involving nearly 35,000 women, looked at the dietary intake of antioxidants and occurrence of breast cancer after menopause. They found little evidence that vitamin E has a protective effect. More research is needed before researchers can come to any firm conclusions about whether added vitamin E has an impact on cancer and, if so, which forms of the vitamin are most effective for treatment and what the optimal dosage is.

Researchers have also pointed to the fact that the body’s antioxidant defense system is complex, which suggests that focusing on one vitamin in isolation may not be the best approach. In fact, experts believe that dietary forms of antioxidants taken together from foods may be the best way to stave off cancer.

Photodermatitis

This condition involves an allergic type reaction to the UV rays of the sun. An 8-day clinical study comparing treatment with vitamins C and E to no treatment found that the vitamin group became significantly less sensitive to the sun. Another clinical study, lasting for 50 days, also showed a protective effect of the combination of vitamins C and E to UV rays.

Osteoarthritis

A few clinical studies suggest that vitamin E may be helpful in both the treatment (pain relief, increased joint mobility) and prevention (at least in men) of osteoarthritis. In a study comparing vitamin E with diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis, the two were equally effective. However, other clinical studies have found that vitamin E has a low level of effectiveness for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Alzheimer’s Disease

There are several reasons why vitamin E might help treat Alzheimer’s disease. The fat-soluble vitamin readily enters the brain and exerts its antioxidative properties. Since researchers believe oxidative stress contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, in theory antioxidants like vitamin E should help prevent this condition. Clinical studies have suggested that vitamin E supplementation improves cognitive performance in healthy individuals and in those with dementia from causes other than Alzheimer’s (for example, multiple strokes). In addition, vitamin E, together with vitamin C may prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Menopause

According to a review article on alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women with breast cancer, vitamin E is the most effective option for reducing hot flashes among this group of women. Presumably, this would also be true for women who are not taking HRT. Vitamin E also helps reduce other long-term risks associated with menopause such as Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration and cardiovascular disease.

Eye Health

Because of its antioxidant action, vitamin E may help protect against cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) and age related macular degeneration (ARMD, a progressive deterioration in the retina, the back part, of the eye). Both of these eye disorders tend to occur as people age. These conditions seriously compromise eyesight (ARMD is the number one cause of blindness in the United States). To minimize risk of ARMD, experts advocate diets high in vitamins C and E and carotenoids, especially spinach, kale, and collard greens. Taking supplements as a preventive measure, as opposed to getting vitamin E from food sources, remains controversial.

Uveitis is another eye disorder for which the antioxidant vitamins C and E may be helpful. A clinical study of 130 patients with uveitis compared treatment with oral vitamins C and E to placebo and found that those who took the vitamins had significantly better visual clarity than those who took a “dummy pill.” Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the sclera (white outer coat of the eye) and the retina. The uvea contains many of the blood vessels that nourish the eye, so inflammation in this area can affect the cornea, the retina, the sclera, and other important parts of the eye. Uveitis occurs in acute and chronic forms.

Diabetes

People with diabetes tend to have low levels of antioxidants. This may provide an explanation about why they’re at increased risk for conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E supplements and other antioxidants may help reduce the risk of heart disease and other complications in people with diabetes. Research shows that antioxidants help control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels in those with type 2 diabetes while protecting against the complications of retinopathy (eye damage) and nephropathy (kidney damage) in those with type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin E may also play a role in the prevention of diabetes. In one clinical study, 944 men who did not have diabetes at were followed for 4 years. Low levels of vitamin E was associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes during that time course.

Pancreatitis

Oxidative stress plays a role in pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). In fact, those with pancreatitis have low levels of vitamin E and other antioxidants. This may be due to lack of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin E) because the enzymes from the pancreas, which are required to absorb fat, are not functioning properly. Or, this may be due to poor intake because those with pancreatitis are not eating due to pain and need for bowel rest. Some experts advise taking vitamin E and other antioxidants to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with pancreatitis.

Other

Vitamin E, along with other standard treatments, may also be beneficial for the following:

• Slowing the aging of cells and tissues
• Protecting from frostbite and other cold-induced injuries
• Diminishing the negative effects of environmental pollutants
• Improving anemia
• Speeding wound and burn healing
• Reducing scarring
• Lowering blood pressure
• Slowing progression of Parkinson’s disease
• Easing premenstrual discomfort, especially breast tenderness
• Treating lupus
• Replacing necessary nutrients in those with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
• Avoiding miscarriage (also called spontaneous abortion), which may be associated with very low levels of this nutrient
• Helping weight gain and relieving oxidative stress in those with HIV or AIDS

Dietary Sources:

The richest source of vitamin E is wheat germ.
Other foods that contain a significant amount of vitamin E include:

• Liver
• Eggs
• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts)
• Sunflower seeds
• Corn-oil margarine
• Mayonnaise
• Cold-pressed vegetable oils, including olive, corn, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, and canola
• Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale
• Greens (beet, collard, mustard, turnip) sweet potatoes
• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Yams

Read More......

Prevent and Treat Health Problems With Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, the location of about 99% of the body's calcium. Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. It is probably best known for its effects in preventing osteoporosis. Your body needs several other nutrients in order for calcium to be absorbed and used properly, including magnesium, phosphorous, and especially vitamins D and K.

The best way to get calcium is through food (see Dietary Sources). But although many foods are fortified with calcium, some people may still need to take calcium supplements. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones. It is especially important to get enough calcium as you age. Postmenopausal women, people who consume large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or soda, and those who take corticosteroid medications may need calcium supplements. Calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection.

Getting enough calcium can help prevent or treat the following conditions:

Osteoporosis

Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced by older men. If you do not get enough calcium in your diet, taking a supplement may be necessary.

Hypoparathyroidism

People with this condition have underactive parathyroid glands, which are four small glands that sit on the four corners of the thyroid in the neck and produce a hormone that regulates calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D levels in the body. People with this condition should follow a high-calcium, low-phosphorous diet as prescribed by their doctor. Most often, they will also need to take calcium supplements.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

One large, well-designed study showed that women who took 1,200 mg of calcium per day reduced their symptoms of PMS by 50%, including headache, moodiness, food cravings, and bloating. A smaller study suggested that calcium may help reduce menstrual pain.

High Blood Pressure

People who do not get enough calcium may be at higher risk for hypertension, and there is some mixed evidence that suggests increasing calcium levels may lower blood pressure slightly. However, not all studies have found that benefit; and researchers aren’t sure whether calcium supplements would have any benefit, or whether it’s the effects of a diet that includes low-fat dairy products (which contain calcium) that is responsible. If you want to try calcium supplements, do not stop taking your blood pressure medication; talk to your doctor and let the doctor determine the proper dose of calcium for you. You may need to take calcium for 6 - 8 weeks before you see any improvement in blood pressure.

Some studies suggest that calcium supplementation may play a role in the prevention of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and preeclampsia (a combination of high blood pressure, fluid retention, and high levels of protein in the urine that some women develop in the last trimester of pregnancy). However, not all studies show the same benefit. A prenatal vitamin, which provides magnesium, folic acid, and many other nutrients, together with adequate calcium intake through the diet, may lower the risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Obesity

Some animal and human studies have found that consuming low-fat dairy products may help you lose or maintain a proper weight. However, researchers aren’t sure whether the calcium in the dairy products affects weight, some other nutrient -- or even a combination of nutrients. In addition, not all studies have found any benefit; and there’s no sound evidence that calcium supplements (as opposed to dairy products) would help in losing weight. More research is needed.

High Cholesterol

Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to lower cholesterol slightly. From these studies, it appears that calcium supplements (along with exercise and proper diet) may be better at keeping cholesterol at normal levels than at lowering them once cholesterol is already high. More research in this area is needed.

Rickets

Rickets causes softening and weakening of the bone in children. Although virtually eliminated in North America and Western Europe, where milk consumption is common, it still occurs in many parts of the world. Researchers have thought that rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D; however, a study in 2000 showed that calcium supplementation is an effective treatment.

Other Uses

Stroke -- In a population-based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time), women who take in more calcium, both through their diet and with supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14-year period. More research is needed.

Colon Cancer -- Although not all studies agree, some show that people who consume higher amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and milk in their diets are less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same nutrients. But researchers are not sure whether calcium supplements would have the same effect as calcium in the diet, or even whether calcium itself is responsible for the benefit.

Dietary Sources:

The richest dietary sources of calcium include cheeses (such as parmesan, Romano, gruyere, cheddar, American, mozzarella, and feta), low-fat dairy products (milk, yogurt), tofu, and blackstrap molasses. Some other good sources of calcium include almonds, brewer's yeast, bok choy, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, dried figs, kelp, dark leafy greens (dandelion, turnip, collard, mustard, kale, Swiss chard), hazelnuts, oysters, sardines, and canned salmon,.

Foods that are fortified with calcium, such as juices, soy milk, rice milk, tofu and cereals, are also good sources of this mineral.

Available Forms:

There are a number of forms of calcium available as dietary supplements. They differ in the amount of calcium they contain, how well they are absorbed by the body, and how much they cost. The two most popular forms are calcium citrate and calcium carbonate.

• Calcium citrate: Easily absorbed and digested by the body, particularly in the elderly. It does not contain as much elemental calcium (the amount your body actually absorbs) as calcium carbonate. It is more costly than calcium carbonate, however. Also, calcium citrate should not be used with aluminum-containing antacids (see Possible Interactions).
• Calcium carbonate: Less expensive than calcium citrate and contains more elemental calcium. Requires a certain amount of stomach acid to be absorbed, so it is usually taken with a glass of orange juice. Many antacids contain calcium carbonate.

Calcium supplements that are derived from oyster shells, dolomite, and bone meal are best avoided as they may contain lead, a toxic metal (particularly worrisome in children and those with kidney disease) that can harm the brain and kidneys, cause anemia, and raise blood pressure.

Read More......

Green Tea- A Refreshing Health Drink

Today, hundreds of millions of people drink tea around the world, and studies are now suggesting that green tea (Camellia sinesis) in particular has many health benefits. There are three main varieties of tea -- green, black, and oolong. The difference between the teas is in their processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet rays from the sun, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) also give rise to these damaging particles. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in India, China, Japan, and Thailand. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include treating flatulence (gas), regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes.

Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for the following health conditions:

Atherosclerosis

Population-based clinical studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. (Population-based studies means studies that follow large groups of people over time or studies that are comparing groups of people living in different cultures or with different dietary habits.) In May 2006, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected a petition from teamakers to allow tea labels to claim that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease. The FDA concluded that there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for green tea or green tea extract reducing the risk of heart disease.

High cholesterol

Research shows that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol in both animals and people. One population-based clinical study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body. In another small study of male smokers, researchers found that green tea significantly reduced blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

Cancer

Several population-based clinical studies have shown that green tea helps protect against cancer. For example, cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where people regularly consume green tea. However, it is not possible to determine from these population-based studies whether green tea actually prevents cancer in people. Emerging clinical studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea may play an important role in the prevention of cancer. Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop their progression.

Bladder cancer. Only a few clinical studies have examined the relationship between bladder cancer and green tea consumption. In one study that compared people with and without bladder cancer, researchers found that women who drank black tea and powdered green tea were less likely to develop bladder cancer. A follow-up clinical study by the same group of researchers revealed that bladder cancer patients (particularly men) who drank green tea had a substantially better 5-year survival rate than those who did not.

Breast cancer. Clinical studies in animals and test tubes suggest that polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who consumed the most green tea experienced the least spread of cancer (particularly premenopausal women in the early stages of breast cancer). They also found that women with early stages of the disease who drank at least 5 cups of tea every day before being diagnosed with cancer were less likely to suffer recurrences of the disease after completion of treatment. However, women with late stages of breast cancer experienced little or no improvement from drinking green tea. In terms of breast cancer prevention, the studies are inconclusive. In one very large clinical study from Japan, researchers found that drinking green tea was not associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer. In a clinical study conducted on ovarian cancer patients in China, researchers found that women who drank at least one cup of green tea per day survived longer with the disease than those who didn’t drink green tea. In fact, those who drank the most tea, lived the longest.

Colorectal cancer. Clinical studies on the effects of green tea on colon or rectal cancer have produced conflicting results. Some clinical studies show decreased risk in those who drink the tea, while others show increased risk. Further research is needed before researchers can recommend green tea for the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Esophageal cancer. Studies in laboratory animals have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cells. However, clinical studies in people have produced conflicting findings. For example, one large-scale population-based clinical study found that green tea offered significant protection against the development of esophageal cancer (particularly among women). Another population-based clinical study revealed just the opposite -- green tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. In fact, the stronger and hotter the tea, the greater the risk. Given these conflicting results, further research is needed before scientists can recommend green tea for the prevention of esophageal cancer.

Lung cancer. While green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer cells in test tubes, few clinicial studies have investigated the link between green tea consumption and lung cancer in people and even these studies have been conflicting. One population-based clinical study found that Okinawan tea (similar to green tea but partially fermented) was associated with decreased lung cancer risk, particularly among women. A second clinical study revealed that green tea and black tea significantly increased the risk of lung cancer. As with colon and esophageal cancers, further clinical studies are needed before researchers can draw any conclusions about green tea and lung cancer.

Pancreatic cancer. In one large-scale clinical study researchers compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers and found that those who drank the most tea were significantly less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. This was particularly true for women -- those who drank the most green tea were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who drank less tea. Men who drank the most tea were 37% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. However, it is not clear from this population-based study whether green tea is solely responsible for reducing pancreatic cancer risk. Further studies in animals and people are needed before researchers can recommend green tea for the prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Prostate cancer. Laboratory studies have found that green tea extracts prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells in test tubes. In a large clinical study conducted in Southeast China researchers found that the risk of prostate cancer declined with increasing frequency, duration and quantity of green tea consumption. However, both green and black tea extracts also stimulated genes that cause cells to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, people should not drink black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) while receiving chemotherapy.

Skin cancer. The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that may help prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.

Stomach cancer. Laboratory studies have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells in test tubes, but clinical studies in people have been less conclusive. In two studies that compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, researchers found that people who drank tea were about half as likely to develop stomach cancer and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) as those who did not drink green tea. However, a clinicial study including more than 26,000 men and women in Japan found no association between green tea consumption and stomach cancer risk. Some clinicial studies even suggest that green tea may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Further clinicial studies are underway to determine whether green tea helps reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Although green tea is considered safe for people at risk for stomach cancer, it is too soon to tell whether green tea reduces the likelihood of developing this disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. If green tea proves to be helpful for preventing colon cancer, this would be an added benefit for those with IBD because they are at risk for colon cancer.

Diabetes

Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar), starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body.

A few small clinical studies have found that daily supplementation of the diet with green tea-extract powder lowered the hemoglobin A1c level in individuals with borderline diabetes.

Liver disease

Population-based clinical studies have shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop disorders of the liver. Green tea also seems to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol. Animal studies have shown that green tea helps protect against the development of liver tumors in mice.

Results from several animal and human studies suggest that one of the polyphenols present in green tea, known as catechin, may help treat viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver from a virus). In these studies, catechin was isolated from green tea and used in very high concentrations. It is not clear whether green tea (which contains a lower concentration of catechins) confers these same benefits to people with hepatitis.

Weight loss

Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese individuals. Some researchers speculate that substances in green tea known as polyphenols, specifically the catechins, are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect.

Other uses

Drinking green tea has been found effective in a small clinical study for dental caries, or tooth decay. More studies need to be performed. Green tea may also be useful in inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. Research indicates that green tea may benefit arthritis by reducing inflammation and slowing cartilage breakdown. Chemicals found in green tea may also be effective in treating genital warts and preventing symptoms of colds and influenza.

Read More......

Lavender

Many people appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis) for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects.

Parts Used:

Essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant and used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Human clinical studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Lavender oil is also used together with other forms of integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.

Insomnia

In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender flowers to help the restless fall sleep. There is now scientific evidence to suggest that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Studies also suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety. In one recent study, participants who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more positive than participants who received massage alone. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.

Alopecia areata

In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (a disease of unknown cause characterized by significant hair loss, generally in patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair re-growth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. It is not entirely clear from this study whether lavender (or a combination of lavender and other essential oils) was responsible for the beneficial effects.

Other uses

Aromatherapists also use lavender as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments (conditions affecting the muscles and joints). One study evaluating essential oils, including lavender, for treating children with eczema concluded that the oils added no benefit to therapeutic touch from the mother; in other words massage with and without essential oils was equally effective in improving the dry, scaly skin lesion. A recent study found that the use of lavender oil may improve postoperative pain control. Fifty patients undergoing breast biopsy surgery received either oxygen supplemented with lavender oil or oxygen alone. Patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than patients in the control group.

Available Forms:

Commercial preparations are made from dried flowers and essential oils of the lavender plant.
These preparations are available in Aromatherapy oil,Bath gels, Extracts, Infusions, Lotions, Soaps, Teas, Tinctures, Whole, dried flowers.

Read More......

Aloe Benefits for Health

The Aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, most notably burns, wounds, skin irritations, and constipation. It is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations, including South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries and it remains one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States today. However, oral use of aloe for constipation is no longer recommended, as it can have severe side effects.

Burns

Aloe gel, made from the central part of the aloe leaf, is a common household remedy for minor cuts and burns as well as sunburns. It can be found in many commercial skin lotions and cosmetics. Aloe contains active compounds that may decrease pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair. For this reason, aloe vera gel has gained tremendous popularity for relief of burns, with individual success in helping minor burns. In a review of the scientific literature, researchers found that patients who were treated with aloe vera healed an average of almost 9 days sooner than those who weren't treated with the medicinal plant. However, other studies show mixed results, including at least one study that found aloe actually delayed healing. Aloe is best used for minor burns and skin irritations, and should never be applied to an open wound.

Herpes and skin conditions

Preliminary evidence also suggests that aloe gel may improve symptoms of genital herpes and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis. In fact, one study found that aloe vera gel displayed anti-inflammatory effects superior to 1% hydrocortisone cream or a placebo gel. As such, researchers claim that aloe vera gel may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, such as ultraviolet-induced erythema.

Constipation

Aloe juice or aloe latex, a yellow, bitter liquid derived from the skin of the aloe leaf, is a powerful laxative. However, it can cause painful cramping and is not recommended. Other gentler, herbal laxatives from the same plant family as aloe (such as cascara and senna) are generally recommended first.

Diabetes

Preliminary studies suggest that aloe juice may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. More research is needed to determine whether aloe is helpful for diabetes.

For Healthy stomach

The gel inside the leaf (buy a real leaf and open it yourself - dont buy gel from a health store) is very healing to the gut and stomach and prevents and heals inflammatory bowel disease, ulceritis colitis etc etc. Just peel off the skin of a leaf and wash off all the sap real properly (the sap is a laxative and purge so you dont want to eat that!) from the gel. Eat a big piece of the gel or put it in a food processor and add it to a smoothie once a week if you are healthy or whenever you have a tummy ache or feel sick.

Read More......

Coffee Cuts Stroke Risk in Women

Biggest Benefit Seen in Women Drinking 4 or More Cups of Coffee a Day
By Caroline Wilbert WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Elizabeth Klodas, MD, FACC
Feb. 16, 2009 -- Coffee addicts: Your habit may actually be good for you.

Regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of stroke in women, according to a new study. The study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, shows that women who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 20% reduced risk of stroke compared to women who had less than one cup per month. Drinking two to three cups per day reduced risk by 19%. Drinking a cup five to seven times a week reduced risk by 12%.

Researchers analyzed data on 83,076 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. Participants began the study in 1980 with no history of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Every two to four years, the women filled out food frequency questionnaires about their diets. During the study, which lasted 24 years, 2,280 strokes were documented.

The benefits of coffee are much more significant for nonsmokers. For women who had never smoked or quit the habit, drinking four cups or more of coffee a day was associated with a 43% reduction in stroke risk. For women who smoked, drinking four cups or more was associated with only a 3% reduction in risk.

"The potential benefits of coffee cannot counterbalance the detrimental effects smoking has on health," Esther Lopez-Garcia, lead author of the study and assistant professor of preventive medicine at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain, says in a news release.

In addition to smoking, having high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol also neutralized the coffee effect.

The benefits do not appear to come from caffeine. Participants who drank tea and caffeinated soft drinks did not experience the same reduction in stroke risk. "This finding supports the hypothesis that components in coffee other than caffeine may be responsible for the potential beneficial effect of coffee on stroke risk," Lopez-Garcia says. "Antioxidants in coffee lower inflammation and improve blood vessel function.

"The beneficial effects of coffee can only be applied to healthy people," she says. "Anyone with health problems that can be worsened by coffee (insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, or heart problems) should talk to their doctor about their specific risk."

And the data suggest that women still need to pay attention to any stroke risk factors they may have. Drinking coffee will not make those risk factors go away.

SOURCES: Lopez-Garcia, E., Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, Feb. 17, 2009; vol 119. News release, American Heart Association.

Read More......

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other marine life such as algae and krill, certain plants (including purslane), and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.

It is advised that pregnant women and mothers, nursing mothers, young children, and women who might become pregnant not eat several types of fish, including swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. These individuals should also limit consumption of other fish, including albacore tuna, salmon, and herring. They can take omega-3 fatty acids in quality dietary supplements that are certified mercury-free by a reputable third-party lab.

There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body. Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include extreme tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.

It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 2 - 4 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 - 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.

In contrast, however, the Mediterranean diet consists of a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. It also contains another fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acids, which have been reported to help lower risks associated with cancer and heart disease. The Mediterranean diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.

Uses of Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Clinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions. The evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but the range of possible uses for omega-3 fatty acids include:

High cholesterol

Those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" )cholesterol levels. Similar to those who follow a Mediterranean diet, Inuit Eskimos, who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, also tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fatty material that circulates in the blood). In addition, fish oil supplements containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been reported in several large clinical studies to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Finally, walnuts (which are rich in alpha linolenic acid or ALA) have been reported to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with high cholesterol levels.

High blood pressure

Several clinical studies suggest that diets or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in individuals with hypertension. An analysis of 17 clinical studies using fish oil supplements found that supplementation with 3 or more grams of fish oil daily can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension.

Heart disease

One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). Clinical evidence suggests that EPA and DHA found in fish oil help reduce risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is also strong evidence that these substances can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of which tends to clog arteries. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks, and stroke. Similarly, people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.

Strong evidence from population-based clinical studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acid intake (primarily from fish) helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. In fact, eating at least 2 servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%. However, people who eat more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and raise HDL, so people with diabetes may benefit from eating foods or taking supplements that contain DHA and EPA. ALA (from flaxseed, for example) may not have the same benefit as DHA and EPA because some people with diabetes lack the ability to efficiently convert ALA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can use readily. There have been slight increases reported in fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes while taking fish oil supplements.

Weight loss

Many individuals who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Clinical studies suggest that overweight people who follow a weight loss program that includes exercise tend to achieve better control over their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring) is a staple in their low-fat diet.

Arthritis

Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (and low in the inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids) may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis. In fact, several test tube studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been reported to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis. In some participants, symptoms worsened before they improved.

An analysis was conducted of 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials assessing the pain relieving effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or joint pain caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). The results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids are effective treatment, along with conventional therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs, for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea.

Osteoporosis

Clinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA help increase levels of calcium in the body, deposit calcium in the bones, and improve bone strength. In addition, studies also suggest that people who are deficient in certain essential fatty acids (particularly EPA and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA], an omega-6 fatty acid) are more likely to suffer from bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids. In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those given EPA and GLA supplements experienced significantly less bone loss over 3 years than those who were given a placebo. Many of these women also experienced an increase in bone density.

Depression

People who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids or do not maintain a healthy balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in their diet may be at an increased risk for depression. The omega-3 fatty acids are important components of nerve cell membranes. They help nerve cells communicate with each other, which is an essential step in maintaining good mental health. In particular, DHA is involved in a variety of nerve cell processes.

Levels of omega-3 fatty acids were found to be measurably low and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids were particularly high in a clinical study of patients hospitalized for depression. In a clinical study of individuals with depression, those who ate a healthy diet consisting of fatty fish 2 - 3 times per week for 5 years experienced a significant reduction in feelings of depression and hostility.

Bipolar disorder

In a clinical study of 30 people with bipolar disorder, those who were treated with EPA and DHA (in combination with their usual mood stabilizing medications) for 4 months experienced fewer mood swings and recurrence of either depression or mania than those who received placebo. Another 4-month long clinical study treating individuals with bipolar depression and rapid cycling bipolar disorder did not find evidence of efficacy for the use of in EPA in these patients.

Schizophrenia

Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that people with schizophrenia experience an improvement in symptoms when given omega-3 fatty acids. However, a recent well-designed study concluded that EPA supplements are no better than placebo in improving symptoms of this condition. The conflicting results suggest that more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for schizophrenia. Similar to diabetes, individuals with schizophrenia may not be able to convert ALA to EPA or DHA efficiently.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids (including EPA and DHA) in their bodies. In a clinical study of nearly 100 boys, those with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated more learning and behavioral problems (such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances) than boys with normal omega-3 fatty acid levels. In animal studies, low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower the concentration of certain brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) related to attention and motivation. Clinical studies that examine the ability of omega-3 supplements to improve symptoms of ADHD are still needed. At this point in time, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids is a reasonable approach for someone with ADHD. A clinical study used omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation in 117 children with ADHD. They study found significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behavior in the children over the 3 months of therapy. Another clinical study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation helped to decrease physical aggression in school children with ADHD. More studies, including comparisons with drug therapies (such as stimulants), should be performed.

Eating disorders

Clinical studies suggest that men and women with anorexia nervosa have lower than optimal levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including ALA and GLA). To prevent the complications associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies, some experts recommend that treatment programs for anorexia nervosa include PUFA-rich foods such as fish and organ meats (which include omega-6 fatty acids).

Burns

Essential fatty acids have been used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims. Animal research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids help promote a healthy balance of proteins in the body -- protein balance is important for recovery after sustaining a burn. Further research is necessary to determine whether omega-3s benefit people in the same way.

Skin disorders

In one clinical study, 13 people with a particular sensitivity to the sun known as photo dermatitis showed significantly less sensitivity to UV rays after taking fish oil supplements. Still, research indicates that topical sunscreens are much better at protecting the skin from damaging effects of the sun than omega-3 fatty acids. In another study of 40 people with psoriasis, those who were treated with medications and EPA supplements did better than those treated with the medications alone. In addition, many clinicians believe that flaxseed (which contains omega-3 fatty acids) is helpful for treating acne.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

When added to medication, such as sulfasalazine (a standard medication for IBD), omega-3 fatty acids may reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis -- the 2 types of IBD. More studies to investigate this preliminary finding are under way. In animals, it appears that ALA works better at decreasing bowel inflammation than EPA and DHA. Plus, fish oil supplements can cause side effects that are similar to symptoms of IBD (such as flatulence, belching, bloating, and diarrhea).

Asthma

Clinical research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements (in the form of perilla seed oil, which is rich in ALA) may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in adults with asthma. Omega-6 fatty acids have the opposite effect: they tend to increase inflammation and worsen respiratory function. In a small, well-designed clinical study of 29 children with asthma, those who took fish oil supplements rich in EPA and DHA for 10 months had improvement in their symptoms compared to children who took a placebo pill.

Macular Degeneration

A questionnaire administered to more than 3,000 people over the age of 49 found that those who consumed more fish in their diet were less likely to have macular degeneration (a serious age-related eye condition that can progress to blindness) than those who consumed less fish. Similarly, a clinical study comparing 350 people with macular degeneration to 500 without the eye disease found that those with a healthy dietary balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and higher intake of fish in their diets were less likely to have this particular eye disorder. Another larger clinical study confirms that EPA and DHA from fish, 4 or more times per week, may reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Notably, however, this same study suggests that ALA may actually increase the risk of this eye condition.

Menstrual pain

In a clinical study of nearly 200 Danish women, those with the highest dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids had the mildest symptoms, such as hot flashes and increased sweating, during menstruation.

Colon cancer

Consuming significant amounts of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, Eskimos, who tend to follow a high-fat diet but eat significant amounts of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have a low rate of colorectal cancer. Animal studies and laboratory studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids prevent worsening of colon cancer while omega-6 fatty acids promote the growth of colon tumors. Daily consumption of EPA and DHA also appeared to slow or even reverse the progression of colon cancer in people with early stages of the disease.

Clinical studies have reported that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body are a marker for an increased risk of colon cancer.

However, in an animal study of rats with metastatic colon cancer (in other words, cancer that has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver), omega-3 fatty acids actually promoted the growth of cancer cells in the liver. Until more information is available, it is best for people with advanced stages of colorectal cancer to avoid omega-3 fatty acid supplements and diets rich in this substance.

Breast cancer

Although not all experts agree, women who regularly consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer. In addition, the risk of dying from breast cancer may be significantly less for those who eat large quantities of omega-3 from fish and brown kelp seaweed (common in Japan). This is particularly true among women who substitute fish for meat. The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids appears to play an important role in the development and growth of breast cancer. Further research is still needed to understand the effect that omega-3 fatty acids may have on the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. For example, researchers speculate that omega-3 fatty acids in combination with other nutrients (namely, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and coenzyme Q10) may prove to be of particular value for preventing and treating breast cancer.

Prostate cancer

Laboratory and animal studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids (specifically, DHA and EPA) may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Similarly, population based clinical studies of groups of men suggest that a low-fat diet with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil help prevent the development of prostate cancer. Like breast cancer, the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids appears to be particularly important for reducing the risk of this condition. ALA, however, may not offer the same benefits as EPA and DHA. In fact, one recent clinical study evaluating 67 men with prostate cancer found that they had higher levels of ALA compared to men without prostate cancer. More research in this area is needed.

Other

Although further research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may also prove helpful in protecting against certain infections and treating a variety of conditions, including autism, ulcers, migraine headaches, preterm labor, emphysema, psoriasis, glaucoma, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythmatosus (lupus), irregular heart beats (arrhythmias), multiple sclerosis, and panic attacks. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may also help to reduce stress and the effects it has on the body.

Read More......