Natural Health Advisory

What if you discovered you or your loved ones were being exposed to a dangerous toxin that could affect the health of your brain?  This may sound like the plot of a Sci-Fi movie, but according to research, exposure to environmental toxins in our high-tech age is becoming more and more common.  And, repeated exposure to these contaminants can increase your susceptibility for developing mild cognitive impairment (pre-dementia), dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Although diet, lifestyle, and genetic makeup affect one’s risk for mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, environmental toxins also come under scrutiny as risk factors. In one study, 20% of those with a cognitive disorder had been exposed to chemicals at work or through another source, and researchers have found early-onset mild cognitive impairment and dementia to be associated with a history of toxic exposure. Also, studies show certain pesticides and solvents increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

The Top 3 Environmental Toxins That Affect Brain Health

• Lead – It’s well known babies and children should avoid lead, but so should adults. Research shows increasing levels of lead in the bones is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. Those with higher lead toxicity showed an additional 15 years of cognitive aging compared to those with lower levels. Also, prenatal exposure to lead may trigger genes that increase production of abnormal brain proteins associated with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. Manufacturers are still legally allowed to use small amounts of lead in paints and other products, even research shows there are no “safe” levels of lead exposure.
• Aluminum – Many people avoid antiperspirants containing aluminum because of older research associating aluminum with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s risk. One study even suggests aluminum-based antiperspirants increase the risk of Alzheimer’s by 60 percent. Newer studies also show aluminum from dietary sources accumulates in the brain, and that higher dietary levels are associated with memory loss. (Read about 8 ways to protect yourself from aluminum poisoning here.)
• PCBs -  Polychlorinated biphenyls were once used in flame retardants, plasticizers, lubricants, and adhesives; but they were banned in the 1970s. However, because they do not break down easily, dangerous levels continue to contaminate our air, water, and food. PCB exposure still affects most of the U.S. population, especially those consuming contaminated fish. PCBs not only affect fetal brain development, but are also may increase the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that higher levels of exposure are associated with an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment. Also, the toxin significantly increased the rate of death from Parkinson’s and dementia for workers exposed to PCBs on the job. (Read more about endocrine disruptors here.)

How to Lower Your Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

To “clean up” your brain, employ these important strategies:

1. The most obvious way to lower your risk of contamination from toxins is to lower your exposure. Avoid them as much as possible. This means using household and body care products that are natural. The Environmental Working Group has great resources to help you select the best natural products. Many people also prefer organic bedding, clothing, and furniture and use an air filter in their home to remove airborne contaminants.
2. Eeat a whole foods diet free of additives, pesticides, and preservatives, and drinking filtered water. Buy organic or locally-grown produce that is free of these harmful chemicals.
3. Don’t heat food or baby formula in plastic containers or bottles.  Heating plastics (especially in the microwave) can cause toxic chemicals such as PCB’s to leach into the food or beverage.  Also, don’t drink out of water bottles that have been left in a hot car or sunlight for long periods of time. Again, this can cause leaching of the chemicals into the water.

It is important to note that in today’s world, being totally toxin-free is nearly impossible. Unfortunately, toxins have infiltrated every aspect of our environment and we are all contaminated to some degree. Therefore, to further reduce your risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s important to follow other proven strategies such as exercising regularly, avoiding processed “junk” foods, reducing consumption of sugar laden and  starchy foods, and minimizing chronic stress.

Should I Detox?

When most people think of detoxes, they think of herbs to boost the liver. However the liver cannot process most environmental toxins today, so a liver detox is not really the answer. Instead, by minimizing stress and following other prevention strategies, you can avoid depleting glutathione levels- your body’s master oxidant.

Keeping your levels of glutathione sufficient is key for protection from toxins. Foods that boost glutathione include asparagus, broccoli, avocado, spinach, raw eggs (best to use organic pastured eggs from a clean farm), garlic and fresh unprocessed meats. Glutathione cannot be utilized as an oral supplement. Instead, people take precursors that can boost glutathione, such as n-acetyl-cysteine, milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid, or undenatured whey protein. Glutathione can also be absorbed through an IV at the office of a naturopath or integrative doctor, from transdermal creams, a  nebulizer, or a suppository. To find a naturopath or integrative doctor in your area, use our free online directory.

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[1] Safer Chemicals Healthy Families health report. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases.

[2] Jansson, Erik T. “Aluminum Exposure and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Journal of Alzheimer\’s Disease. 3(2001): 541-549. 9 Jan. 2008.

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Natural Health Advisory

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood lower triglyceride levels and offer a variety of other health benefits. While fish oil has been promoted as a leading source of these valuable nutrients, a new generation of omega-3 supplements is on the rise.

Krill, a type of tiny crustacean at the bottom of the food chain, is one of the most prominent species of zooplankton in the Antarctic.[1] It contains the same omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil, and research shows that it may be even more effective at lowering triglycerides than its well-known counterpart.

Learn how to achieve normal triglyceride levels with one or more of our 7 Top Options for Lowering Triglycerides Naturally in our FREE 14-page report, How to Lower Triglycerides Naturally – Diet, Supplement and Spice Options!

How are krill oil and fish oil different?

Two of the main omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and krill oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).[2] These fatty acids are thought to promote anti-inflammatory processes and have been shown to reduce circulating levels of blood triglycerides.[3] Krill has less EPA and DHA than fish, but the way the fatty acids are stored may make it easier for the body to absorb.[3] In fish oil, the fatty acids are stored as triglycerides; in krill oil, 30% to 65% of the fatty acids are stored as phospholipids.[4]

Is krill oil better than fish oil?

Many studies have confirmed that krill oil effectively lowers triglyceride levels in both healthy people and in those with high triglyceride levels.[5] A study in Lipids in Health and Disease compared the effects of  4 weeks of supplementation with either krill oil, fish oil, or corn oil as placebo. The results showed that the krill oil supplement led to the largest increase in EPA and DHA levels in participants. The authors attribute this effect to the structural differences between krill oil and fish oil.[2]

Another study found that krill oil reduced triglyceride levels more effectively than fish oil, even when given at lower doses. The authors conclude that krill oil “offers a superior approach toward reduction of risk for cardiovascular disease.”[3] Read more about another source of omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed, here.

Dosage guidance

Krill oil is available as an oral capsule. Research shows that a dosage of 2 to 3 g per day effectively lowers triglycerides.[2,3] Safe, natural, and without side effects, krill oil can be a valuable resource to keep your heart healthy.

For more ideas on natural ways to lower triglycerides, read about tocotrienols here,/span>.

Share your experience

Have you ever used fish oil or krill oil as a supplement? What was your experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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References

[1] Lipids. 2011 Jan;46(1):37-46.
[2] Lipids Health Dis. 2013 Dec 5;12:178.
[3] Altern Med Rev. 2004 Dec;9(4):420-8.
[4] J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Feb;112(2):344.
[5] Nutr Res. 2014 Feb;34(2):126-33.

This post originally appeared in 2014 and has been updated.

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Are you at risk of becoming part of the global 26% of adults with high blood pressure, putting you at increased risk for heart disease and strokes? If so, including low-fat dairy or yogurt in your diet can help keep blood pressure under control according to two new studies. While the identification of these foods as high blood pressure remedies is not new, the studies help to build the growing repertoire linking their consumption to lower blood pressure.

In the first study, researchers found that eating a six-ounce cup of low-fat yogurt every three days lowered the risk of developing high blood pressure by 30% compared to those who at one or less servings of yogurt per month. This study examined the effects of consuming low-fat yogurt in just over 2000 adults. Results of the study, funded by Dannon, were presented by a Tufts University doctor at the American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions in September.

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Commenting on the findings, Dr. Rachel Johnson, chair of the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee, said that the yogurt study reinforced what’s already known about the role of dairy products in the diet.[2]  But she warned that while yogurt can be an effective way to add more dairy products to your diet, care must be taken regarding the amount of sugar in yogurt: “We know that added sugars have the opposite effect on BP, so you need to watch the amount of sugar, and some yogurts are high in sugar.”[2]

The second study, performed by nutrition researchers in the Netherlands, was a large analysis of nine different studies including over 57,000 subjects that have looked at how dairy consumption influences the risk of high blood pressure.[3] The researchers found that people who ate the most total dairy, particularly in the form of low fat dairy and milk, were significantly less likely to develop high blood pressure. The average intake was about 7 ounces (200 grams) low fat dairy or milk per day.

Not surprisingly, cheese and high-fat dairy were not high blood pressure remedies. Neither did yogurt, although the researches did not look at just low-fat yogurt. Had the researches done a separate analysis for low-fat yogurt only, the results may have corroborated those from the Tufts study, above. Other studies have found the association between maintaining normal blood pressure and dairy consumption to be true for both yogurt and milk.[4]

Berries are One of the Most Effective High Blood Pressure Remedies

If you’re avoiding dairy because of lactose intolerance, a milk allergy, or for other reasons, there are still plenty of other high blood pressure remedies you can include in your diet. Plant foods contain chemicals known as polyphenols, which have been shown to have blood pressure-lowering effects. A particular type of polyphenol, a flavonoid called anthocyanin which is found especially in berries, has been shown to be strongly associated with preventing hypertension.[5]

More generally, diets higher in plant foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, contain more blood-pressure lowering polyphenols. In fact, European guidelines currently stress that simply increasing your consumption of vegetables and fruit is a key way can lower your blood pressure if it’s slightly increased.  To learn more about these and other natural high blood pressure remedies, view our resources on the topic.

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[1] Wang H, Livingstone KA, Mayer J, et al. Yogurt consumption, blood pressure and incident hypertension: a longitudinal study in the Framingham Heart Study. Presented at the American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions; September 21, 2012; Washington, DC. Abstract 188.

[2] Nainggolan, L. Food Fighters: Yogurt, Cranberries, Rice/Bran Oil Lower BP. Heartwire; September 20, 2012.  Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1OSPpzc.

[3] Soedamah-Muthu SS, Verberne LD, Ding EL, et al. Dairy Consumption and Incidence of Hypertension: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Hypertension. 2012 Sep 17. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 22987924.

[4] Ralston RA, Lee JH, Truby H, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of elevated blood pressure and consumption of dairy foods. J Hum Hypertens. 2012 Jan;26(1):3-13.

[5] Cassidy A, O’Reilly ÉJ, Kay C, et al. Habitual intake of flavonoid subclasses and incident hypertension in adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;93(2):338-47.

This post originally appeared in 2012 and has been updated.

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Natural Health Advisory

A study indicates that doctors may not be ordering the right test—and patients with chronic fatigue symptoms may therefore not be getting the right treatment—when it comes to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is one of hundreds of causes of anemia, the most common blood condition in the US which affects about 3.5 million Americans.

Anemia occurs when your blood can’t effectively carry oxygen to your cells. This develops when you have too few red blood cells or hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that bind oxygen. When your cells can’t get the oxygen they need, you experience chronic fatigue symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, and feeling sleepy all the time.

Iron Deficiency But Not Anemia

It is possible, especially if you are a woman of reproductive age, to become deficient in iron without becoming fully anemic. Like anemia, iron deficiency without anemia has been shown to cause fatigue.  Low iron levels without anemia are also associated with lower vitality, decreased immune function, and poorer mental health and have even been shown to impair your ability to perform physically and mentally.[1]

How to Measure Iron

The best way to see whether you have an iron deficiency is by measuring your level of ferritin, a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body. The lower the ferritin level, even within the “normal” range, the more likely it is that you do not have enough iron.

However, most doctors don’t order this test. Instead, they may order only what is known as a  CBC, which stands for Complete Blood Count, to check a patient’s red blood cell and hemoglobin levels. If the CBC, which is a simpler, less expensive test, comes back normal, the doctor may send the patient away without ordering a ferritin test and with no explanation for the patient’s fatigue.

What Research Shows

In the recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, French and Swiss researchers decided to check ferritin levels.[2] They wanted to see whether iron supplementation would help women with fatigue symptoms who had either low or “borderline” ferritin levels (<50 mcg/L) but were not anemic (meaning they had normal hemoglobin levels, >12 g/dL). Interestingly, the “normal” reference range for ferritin in women is typically 18-160 mcg/L, but the researchers considered any level below 50 mcg/L to be borderline-low. 

The researchers randomly assigned 198 women with unexplained fatigue to take either 80 milligrams of iron a day (as sustained-release ferrous sulfate) or a placebo. Over 12 weeks, women on iron supplements noticed a significant improvement in their fatigue. On average, scores on a standard measure of fatigue fell by nearly half – from about 25 to 13, on a scale of zero to 40 – among women getting the extra iron.

Those in the placebo group also improved, but not as much as those in the iron group.[2] They concluded their study by stating that in “women with unexplained prolonged fatigue, iron deficiency should be considered when ferritin values are below 50 µg/L, even when hemoglobin values are above 12.0 g/dL.”

Why You Should Test First

Other studies have also shown that treatment of iron deficiency with either supplementation or a high iron diet results in improved mental health, increased energy, and decreased fatigue among women of childbearing age.[1,3] But please be aware that it would be a mistake for you to take iron supplements or multivitamins with iron – thinking it will help your fatigue – without knowing if you are iron deficient in the first place. Studies have shown that excessive iron increases Alzheimer’s risk and can lead to serious health problems such as liver and heart disease.[4]

We discuss in much more detail the dangers of too much iron in Part Two of this article. The ferrous sulfate used in the study cited above is the most commonly prescribed form of iron supplementation by conventional healthcare practitioners. However, naturopathic physicians and other integrative healthcare practitioners trained in nutritional supplementation will often recommend other forms of supplemental iron which are better absorbed and cause less side effects. To learn more about these supplements and additional alternative remedies to fight fatigue symptoms, read Part Two of this article.

The conclusion to draw from this important study is that iron deficiency should always be considered as a possible underlying cause of your fatigue symptoms. However, because many doctors check only for anemia but not for low iron, this condition is commonly missed. Since too much iron is toxic and leads to serious health problems, you’ll want to absolutely know if you have low iron by checking your serum ferritin level before taking any iron supplements. If your serum ferritin level is less than 50 mcg/L, use the suggestions found in Part Two to get your iron levels–and your energy–back to normal.

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[1] Patterson AJ, Brown WJ, Roberts DC. Dietary and supplement treatment of iron deficiency results in improvements in general health and fatigue in Australian women of childbearing age. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Aug;20(4):337-42.

[2] Vaucher P, Druais PL, Waldvogel S, Favrat B. Effect of iron supplementation on fatigue in nonanemic menstruating women with low ferritin: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2012 Jul 9. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 22777991. [3] Verdon F, Burnand B, Stubi CL, Bonard C, Graff M, Michaud A, Bischoff T, de Vevey M, Studer JP, Herzig L, Chapuis C, Tissot J, Pécoud A, Favrat B. Iron supplementation for unexplained fatigue in non-anaemic women: double blind randomised placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2003 May 24;326(7399):1124. [4] Castellani RJ, Moreira PI, Perry G, Zhu X. The role of iron as a mediator of oxidative stress in Alzheimer disease. Biofactors. 2012 Mar-Apr;38(2):133-8.

This post originally appeared in 2012 and has been updated.

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Over the past few decades, toxic organophosphate pesticides have been increasingly replaced by pyrethroid pesticides. This newer family of pesticides is considered a safer, less toxic alternative. But are pesticides bad for us, even pyrethroid pesticides? New studies provide compelling evidence that pyrethroid pesticides may not be as safe as once thought, especially for our children.

What are pyrethroid pesticides?

Pyrethroid pesticides are a family of pesticides that are used in agriculture, as well as many household products like insecticides for the home, pet sprays and shampoos, lice treatments, and mosquito repellents. Children, in particular, are at risk for exposure to these pesticides because they are closer to and have more contact with the floor and surfaces where the pesticides collect. Children tend to have higher levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their urine compared to adults.[1]

So why are pesticides bad for kids? For one thing, pyrethroid pesticides seem to be neurotoxic, meaning they alter the normal function of our nervous system. They have been linked to alterations in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which involved in attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).[2]

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Download our FREE report: The 9 Top Health Tips of All Time: How to Implement the Health Choices that Matter Most. You’ll get our healthy eating plan, find out why stress is so dangerous and what to do about it, learn how to get quality sleep, and much more!  

Pyrethroid pesticide exposure and ADHD

A new study published in the journal Environmental Exposure measured levels of a pyrethroid metabolite called 3-PBA in the urine of children and teens aged eight to 15 years old. They found that children with detectable levels of 3-PBA  were more than twice as likely to have ADHD compared to those with non-detectable levels. For every 10-fold increase in 3-PBA levels, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms increased by 50%. When the researchers broke down the results by sex, they found that ADHD symptoms and 3-PBA levels were significantly associated in boys but not in girls.[2]

These pesticides may cause cognitive impairments, too

Another recent study followed 287 pregnant mothers and their children up to their sixth birthday. They measured pyrethroid metabolite concentrations in the urine of both the mothers (during pregnancy) and their children later on. They found that 3-PBA and cis-DBCA (another marker of pyrethroid exposure) levels during childhood were strongly associated with reduced verbal comprehension scores and reduced working memory scores at six years of age. There seemed to be no effect of pesticide exposure during pregnancy and cognitive scores, however.[1]

Reducing your exposure

If you want to keep your child safe from these neurotoxic effects, reducing their exposure is key. The biggest source of pyrethroid exposure in the general population is through diet,[1] so the most important step you can take is to choose organic foods. Going organic will significantly reduce your exposure to most dangerous pesticides. If you have a limited selection of organic produce near you, learn which foods are the most important to buy organic (and which are okay if non-organic) here.

Pesticides from household products can settle in dust and get ingested by children, so be sure to also keep your home clean and dust-free.

To read more about the health risks of pesticides, read the following blogs:

• The Alarming Link Between Pesticides and Autism
• Are Pesticides Harmful? Pesticides on Food May be What Causes Low Sperm Count in Some Men
• Alarming New Evidence Links Pesticides Used in GMOs and Cancer

By choosing organic, pesticide-free foods and keeping your home dust-free, you can significantly reduce your family’s exposure and keep them safe from the many dangers that pesticides pose.

Share your experience

How do you protect yourself and your family from pesticides? Do you buy organic? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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[1]Environ Int. 2015 Jun 4;82:69-75.

[2] Environ Health. 2015 May 28;14:44.

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Making healthy changes is hard. But studies show that the way we think about these changes can make a bit difference. If you’re trying to lose weight naturally, the way you think about what you can and can’t eat is key to your success. And if a child, spouse, parent, or friend has asked you to support them in losing weight, how you frame your messages is also key. Studies show that people respond better when they focus on what they should do, rather than what they shouldn’t.

Do vs. don’t messages

Researchers make the distinction between gain-framed and loss-framed health messages. Gain-framed messages focus on the benefits that can be acquired by following a specific recommendation. Loss-framed messages focus on what the person will lose by doing something.[1] For example, a gain-framed or “do” message would be something like, “You should eat more vegetables because they will help you lose weight.” A loss-framed or “don’t” message would be, “You shouldn’t eat donuts because they will make you fat.”

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It turns out that most people respond far better to gain-framed messages than they do to loss-framed ones. Researchers from Cornell University discovered that for most of us, “don’t” messages just don’t work. In their study, the researchers looked at 43 published papers that involved health and nutrition messages. They found that “don’t” messages only tend to work with healthcare professionals; these people are knowledgeable in the subject area and are highly involved in solving health problems, so telling them why they shouldn’t do something seems to work well.

But in the general public, people prefer to be told what foods they should eat (and why they are good for them) rather than what they shouldn’t eat (and why they are bad for them).[2]

How to focus on positive, “do” messages

If you want to make better dietary choices, how you frame your message is key. Instead of focusing on the harms of drinking soda, consider how healthy pomegranate juice is instead. Instead of telling yourself (or your loved one) that you shouldn’t eat potato chips as a snack, buy nuts and focus on how they lower cholesterol, make you feel full, and fight heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Browse our extensive collection of blogs to learn more about a variety of super foods like cruciferous vegetables or fermented foods that can help improve health and lower weight.

Share your experience

Have you successfully lost weight? How did you do it? Have you ever supported someone else in his or her weight loss efforts? Which strategies worked best? Share your experience in the comments section below.

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[1] Nutr Rev. 2015 Jan;73(1):4-11.

[2] Cornell University Food and Brand Lab. 2015 July.

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What if you knew a common treatment approach has been shown to actually increase the risk of bone fractures?  That is almost as laughable and sad as the antidepressant drugs having increased risk of suicide as one of their side effects. There has to be a better way! We all know that osteoporosis is where the bones become very porous, break easily and heal slowly. Osteopenia is where bone loss, as measured by bone mineral density, is abnormal but not as severe as osteoporosis. If no attention is given to reversing osteopenia, the condition will likely progress to full-blown osteoporosis.  One in 3 women and one in 12 men over the age of 50 worldwide have osteoporosis.[1]  And, millions of Americans are currently taking medications for osteoporosis or osteopenia  – Are you one of them?

Discover what causes osteoporosis and learn natural remedies for osteoporosis symptoms with our top five osteoporosis guidelines in our FREE 13-page report, Osteoporosis Guidelines: Natural Remedies for Osteoporosis Symptoms!

No doubt, the “standard of care” treatment for osteoporosis is prescription medication. Particularly, drugs called bisphosphonates (Actonel, Atelvia, Boniva, Zometa, Aredia and Fosamax) are the most commonly prescribed bone medications.  Truth be told, approximately 4.7 million Americans are currently taking oral bisphosphonates.[2] Unfortunately, research has uncovered that these medications have a sundry of alarming side effects.

A recent study presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons revealed bisphosphonates – drugs supposedly used to strengthen bones – may actually increase the risk of a femur (thigh) fractures.[3]  That’s right – a drug used to prevent fractures actually causes fractures!  A second study, published in the Journal of Dental Research revealed that these same medications were associated with a risk of jaw bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw.  This a serious condition in which blood flow to the bone is reduced, causing death of bone tissue. Patients taking oral bisphosphonates were nine times more likely than those who didn’t to develop the condition![4] Furthermore, bisphosphonate have been linked to the development of certain cancers including cancer of the esophagus and stomach.[5]  Astonishingly, side effects of bisphosphonates can occur as early as a few months after beginning the drugs.

You might be asking… Isn’t there a better way to fight osteoporosis than taking drugs with all these side effects?  Logically, a medication used to prevent fractures that in turn, causes fractures, is worth second guessing!  Fortunately, there are several effective natural remedies available. While calcium often gets the most attention, there are many other important nutrients that can improve bone health: Magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, manganese, boron, zinc and copper, to name a few. Therefore, the first and most important step you can take in fighting this potentially debilitating disease is to begin a daily regimen of high quality supplements with a combination of these chief nutrients.  With proper supplementation, your body can slow down the loss of bone mass and even begin increasing the density of your bones.

It is important to note that supplements are not the only method of combating the disease and, in fact, the best results for reversing bone loss come from a multi-faceted treatment program. That’s why we offer a thorough list of natural osteoporosis treatment options in our FREE special report, Osteoporosis Guidelines:  Natural Remedies for Osteoporosis Symptoms. Don’t wait until you have a fracture to think seriously about osteoporosis (and the drugs to go along with it). Start protecting yourself and download our FREE report today!

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[1] National Osteoporosis Foundation.

[2] American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 2009.

[3] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Osteoporosis Medication Linked to Unusual Thigh Fractures.” WebMD., Feb. 8, 2012. Web.

[4] Kaiser Permanente “Commonly prescribed osteoporosis drug associated with very low risk of serious jaw.”  February 14, 2011 web from “J. L. Fellows, D.B. Rindal, A. Barasch, C. M. Gullion, W. Rush, D. J. Pihlstrom, J. Richman. Journal of Dental Research.  ONJ in Two Dental Practice-Based Research Network Regions.

[5] Green J, et al “Oral bisphosphonates and risk of cancer of oesophagus, stomach, and colorectum: case-control analysis within a UK primary care cohort” British Medical Journal, 2010.

This post originally appeared in 2012 and has been updated.

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A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that drinking green tea or taking it in capsule form is linked to significant reductions in total and LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

Dr. Olivia J. Phung, of the College of Pharmacy at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, published that green tea catechins, at doses ranging from 145 to 3,000 mg per day (including consumption as green tea beverage and extract in capsules) taken for 3 to 24 weeks, led to statistically significant reductions in total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol compared to controls who did not consume any.[1] Catechins are naturally-occurring antioxidants in green tea.

Learn the top 7 solutions for lowering cholesterol naturally without the use of drugs in our FREE 12-page report, 7 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol: Top Foods, Supplements & Therapies to Achieve Normal Cholesterol Readings!

Besides lowering LDL cholesterol levels, consuming green tea catechins has many other positive health benefits:

• Helps lower high blood pressure[2] and prevents heart attacks[3]
• Stabilizes blood sugar[4]
• Promotes weight loss[5]
• Fights pathogens (bacteria, fungi and viruses)[6]
• Improves mental alertness[7]
• Slows arthritis[8]

“I don’t like the taste of green tea!”
Many people simply do not like the flavor of green tea, nor do they enjoy hot beverages. If you are one of these people, don’t give up on green tea altogether. We have a few simple suggestions to help you get your daily dose of the healthy drink:

• First, know that green tea is available in a variety of flavors and can be served either hot or cold.  You can try drinking green tea with a fruit flavor such as mango or pomegranate.  You can add it to a glass of lemonade or add fresh squeezed juice, such as orange or lime over ice.  Or, you can add a natural sweetener such as xylitol to your hot or cold glass of green tea.
• Green tea is also available in powder form. So, you can conveniently take the powder packets on-the-go and add a small amount to your favorite beverage throughout the day. However, know that green tea powder typically lacks the high antioxidant level of traditional green tea.
• If you still can’t handle the green tea taste, you can take green tea capsules. In fact, many nutritionists recommend green tea capsules over liquids. This is because two tiny capsules of green tea extract per day are considered to be able to provide all of the benefits of anywhere between 2 to 10 cups of green tea. Green tea extract typically contains many more catechin antioxidants than are found in a single cup of green tea. Although, selecting green tea capsules can be tricky. When purchasing green tea extract, you should look for a product that is standardized to a minimum of 90% polyphenols and 55% EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate), the most beneficial catechin in green tea.

Precautions
You should be aware that green tea, especially in capsule form, contains high levels of caffeine. Therefore, green tea should not be taken at bedtime, as it can prevent a good night’s rest. Furthermore, caffeine is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are nursing, or people with certain liver conditions or heart conditions, including high blood pressure. For people who need to avoid caffeine altogether, know that decaffeinated green tea can be purchased.

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[1] Amie Kim, Andrew Chiu, Meredith K. Barone, Diane Avino, Fei Wang, Craig I. Coleman, Olivia J. Phung: Green Tea Catechins Decrease Total and Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association November 2011; Vol. 111, Issue 11, Pages 1720-1729.

[2] Yang YC, et al: The protective effect of habitual tea consumption on hypertension. Arch Intern Med. July 2004; 164: 1534-40.

[3] Potenza, MA, et al: Epigallocatechin gallate, a green tea polyphenol, improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity, reduces blood pressure, and protects against myocardial ischemia/referfusion injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Am J Physiol Endocrin Metab Jan 2007.

[4] Fukino Y, et al: Randomized controlled trial for an effect of green tea consumption on insulin resistance and inflammation markers. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. Oct 2005; 51: 335-42.

[5] Diepvens K, et al: Metabolic effects of green tea and of phases of weight loss. Physiol Behav. Jan 2006; 87:185-91.

[6] Taylor, P. W., Hamilton-Miller, J. M. T., & Stapleton, P. D. (2005). Antimicrobial properties of green tea catechins. October, 2, 71-81.

[7] Owen GN, Parnell H, et al. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8.

[8] Tedeschi E, Suzuki H, Menegazzi M. Anti-inflammatory action of EGCG, the main component of green tea, through STAT-1 inhibition. Annals of New York Academy of Science. 2002;973:435–437.

This post originally appeared in 2012 and has been updated.

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Natural Health Advisory

The benefits of fish oil supplementation for borderline personality disorder treatment have been confirmed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Fish oil supplements were found to be safe and effective for significantly reducing depression, aggression, and other borderline personality disorders symptoms compared to placebo in both clinical studies.

What is borderline personality disorder?

People with borderline personality disorder are extremely moody, often feel out of control, and have painful and difficult relationships. They suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety, problems regulating emotions and thoughts, and impulsive and reckless behavior. Borderline personality disorder Those with this mental illness also have high rates of substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and completed suicides.

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Few people with this difficult-to-treat mental health condition get adequate relief from standard treatments—prescription antidepressants and mood stabilizers. But the results of two studies indicate that daily intake of omega-3 fish oil supplements which contain EPA and DHA, the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, are effective.

3 months of fish oil supplements significantly reduces borderline personality disorder symptoms

The most recent study to demonstrate this was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 15 adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The teens all had their omega-3 fatty acid blood levels tested at baseline and then were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either fish oil supplements (containing a daily total of 1,200 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) or placebo.

Before fish oil treatment, those patients with the higher baseline blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids functioned better psychologically and socially than did those with low omega-3 levels, who had more severe symptoms. By the end of the intervention, the omega-e fish oil supplements significantly improved functioning and reduced borderline personality disorder symptoms compared with placebo. Side effects did not differ between the treatment groups.

An earlier study published in 2003 in the American Journal of Psychiatry also found that fish oil supplementation can significantly reduce symptoms of borderline personality disorder without the negative side effects associated with standard medications. In that study, researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard University compared the effects of daily fish oil supplementation with placebo in 30 women with borderline personality disorder.

Harvard study finds benefits of fish oil for depressive symptoms and aggression

Twenty women were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of treatment with 1000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) while 10 women were given a placebo. After the 2-month treatment, women who took the supplements had decreased severity of depression as well as significantly less aggression compared with the placebo group. The study authors concluded that omega-3 fish oil in the form of EPA (1000 mg per day) may be a safe and effective therapy for women with moderately severe borderline personality disorder.

How to take fish oil for borderline personal disorder treatment

Most fish oil supplements contain a combination of EPA and DHA, which are the 2 major omega-3 fatty acids primarily responsible for fish oil’s health benefits. The most recent study used a concentrated fish oil containing both these fatty acids. In the 2003 Harvard study, however, the researchers used a concentrated form of EPA-only. There is no reason to believe that an EPA-only formulation is necessary, as long as a full 1200 mg of EPA plus DHA or a full 1000 mg of an EPA-only fish oil product is consumed daily.

Your fish oil supplement label will list the amount of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids per capsule or serving size. Depending on the type and concentration of your fish oil, you may require anywhere from 2 to 10 or more fish oil capsules per day to reach this dose of EPA and DHA. To avoid so many capsules, many consume fish oil in liquid form where the bottle is kept in the refrigerator. Vegan sources of omega 3 EPA and DHA, typically derived from algae, are also now widely available and may be used in place of fish oil with the same expected benefits so long as the EPA dose is adequate.

For more information on how to use omega-3 fatty acid supplements to improve mood and mental health, see our comprehensive guide to natural treatment of depression and anxiety, found here.

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[1] Can J Psychiatry. 2013 Jul;58(7):402-8.

[2] Am J Psychiatry. 2003 Jan;160(1):167-9.

This blog was originally published in 2013 and has been updated.

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Natural Health Advisory

Chronic pain without the hope for relief is a reality for too many people. Sadly, the shocking truth is 46% of the people suffering from chronic pain never obtain adequate pain relief from conventional medicine therapies such as pharmaceutical pain pills or injection therapy.[1] So where do you turn? Fortunately, there is an alternative medicine procedure that has been validated by scientific studies to conquer chronic pain and is being recognized and used more and more in the medical community. That is acupuncture, and it’s only been around for about 2,000 years. If you suffer from chronic pain and have not considered acupuncture, now may be the time to do so.

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But Does Acupuncture Work?

You may ask, “Does acupuncture work?” and the good news is that studies support the use of acupuncture to treat a variety of painful conditions. Back pain is the most commonly reported use, followed by joint pain, neck pain, and headache.  Acupuncture has also been proven effective for treatment of postoperative dental pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, and tennis elbow.[2]

• Chronic back pain – A study released in 2009 in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that acupuncture was more effective at relieving chronic back pain than standard care such as medication and physical therapy.[3]
• Migraine headaches – Researchers from Britain have found that compared with standard medical care, acupuncture offers substantial benefits in preventing headaches and improving the quality of life for people who suffer from migraines.[4]
• Arthritis – A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that compared to anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy, acupuncture provided greater pain relief and improved function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.[5]

Does Acupuncture Work for Other Conditions?

Acupuncture has been proven effective for a variety of medical conditions:  Infertility, allergies, smoking cessation, skin problems, digestive disorders, cataracts, insomnia, chronic fatigue, blood pressure regulation, Parkinson’s disease and even depression and anxiety.[6]

How Does Acupuncture Work?

There is not one scientific theory that collaboratively explains all of the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture.  It is proposed that acupuncture primarily produces its effects through regulating the nervous system.  It aids in the activity of pain-killing endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters which affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and certain functions that regulate a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

Some of the physiological effects of acupuncture observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

There are a variety of acupuncture techniques, but those that have been most often studied involve penetrating the skin with hair-thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.   While people experience acupuncture differently, most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment, which is why it is important to only seek acupuncture treatment from a qualified practitioner.

Tips for Beginning Acupuncture Treatments

• Make sure you seek treatment from a qualified practitioner who is trained and specializes in acupuncture.  Many chiropractors and naturopathic physicians offer this treatment.
• Give it time.  Acupuncture is not a one-time treatment.  It usually takes 6 to 12 sessions before noticing improvement with pain or other chronic health conditions.  Depending on the diagnosis and duration of symptoms, more treatments may be required.  Treatments generally begin at an occurrence of three to four times per week and gradually decrease to weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
• Be sure to incorporate other alternative therapies simultaneously with your acupuncture treatment.  While acupuncture will address the symptoms of your condition, it may not fix the underlying root cause.  For more advice on natural remedies including supplement use, download our FREE report, Natural Health 101: Living a Healthy Lifestyle.

So does acupuncture work for you? If you have utilized it for your chronic pain or another medical condition, we would love for you to share your experience in the Comments section below. By doing so, you may be able to encourage others to try this approach for their chronic pain.

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[1] American Pain Foundation.

[2] National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine from the National Institutes of Health.

[3] Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A Randomized Trial Comparing Acupuncture, Simulated Acupuncture, and Usual Care for Chronic Low Back Pain. Archives of
Internal Medicine. 2009;169[9]:858-866.

[4] Vickers AJ, Rees RW, Zollman CE, et al. Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care: large, pragmatic, randomized trial. British Medical Journal Online First; doi:10.1136/bmj.38029.421863.EB. Published March 15, 2004.

[5] Scharf HP, Mansmann U, Streitberger K, Witte S, Krämer J, Maier C, Trampisch HJ, Victor N. Acupuncture and knee osteoarthritis: a three-armed randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2006 Jul 4;145(1):12-20.

[6] The University of Chicago Medicine.

This blog was originally published in 2012 and has been updated.

 

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santé nature innovation

Chère lectrice, cher lecteur,

La maladie de Crohn est une inflammation chronique (chronique veut dire permanente, ou revenant régulièrement) du tube digestif. Elle peut toucher n’importe quelle partie, de la bouche à l’anus, provoquant aux endroits touchés des ulcères (plaies), des fistules (trous), voire le cancer du côlon (dans le gros intestin).

À chaque poussée, la victime souffre de douleurs aux endroits touchés, de fièvres, d’une grande fatigue, et bien sûr de toutes sortes de problèmes digestifs (diarrhée, saignements), quand elle parvient encore à manger.

L’inflammation de l’intestin est parfois telle que la paroi grossit jusqu’à obstruer le passage de la nourriture.

On parle alors d’occlusion intestinale (fermeture). Les conséquences sont abominables, pouvant aller (âme sensibles, ne lisez pas la suite de cette phrase) des vomissements jusqu’à des remontées d’excréments par la bouche, et la mort du patient si une opération chirurgicale n’est pas pratiquée pour déboucher.

Le traitement est alors aussi brutal que simple : on coupe la partie de l’intestin qui s’est trop enflammée et qui a rétréci (les médecins appellent cela la « sténose ») et on recoud les deux parties saines de l’intestin.

Malheureusement, ces deux parties saines ne tardent pas à s’enflammer à leur tour. Le patient, qui a encore plus de mal à digérer qu’avant puisque son intestin a été raccourci, n’a absolument pas été guéri par l’opération.

C’est donc une opération indispensable dans l’urgence, mais qui aggrave encore la situation.

Si le malade se plaint trop, on lui donne des médicaments antidouleur, sachant que leur efficacité est limitée et provisoire. On peut aussi lui donner de la cortisone ou des produits dérivés pour diminuer l’inflammation, mais l’effet est provisoire lui aussi car l’accoutumance est rapide. Dans les cas les plus graves, on donne des antibiotiques et des médicaments qui suppriment les réactions du système immunitaire, puisque c’est lui qui provoque l’inflammation. L’énorme inconvénient de ces traitements est qu’ils consistent précisément à détruire vos défenses naturelles. Les symptômes de votre maladie de Crohn reculent, mais vous risquez d’attraper toutes les infections qui passent à votre portée.

Surtout, ne pas les écouter

Ajoutez à toutes ces calamités que la maladie de Crohn s’étend parfois à d’autres zones du corps : les inflammations, les ulcères peuvent apparaître partout sur le corps et même dans les yeux.

Or, la triste vérité est que personne ne sait quelle est la cause de la maladie de Crohn, et qu’aucun traitement n’existe.

Toutes les pistes semblent avoir été explorées :

1. On a pensé un temps que le stress était en cause. Une série de récentes études ont écarté cette piste.
2. On a pensé bien sûr que la cause était alimentaire : là non plus, aucun aliment particulier, aucune allergie n’ont pu être identifiés. Bien entendu, supprimer le lait, le gluten, certains fruits, noix et allergènes améliore la situation de certains malades, mais il semble n’y avoir aucune règle. Pendant les crises, on nourrit le malade avec des aliments liquides (jus, purées diluées) et par intraveineuse.
3. On cherche actuellement une bactérie ou un virus qui causerait la maladie. Toutes sortes de pistes sont à l’étude, mais rien n’est prometteur.

Comme toujours dans ces cas là, certains scientifiques se croient tirés d’affaire en déclarant que la cause est « génétique », autrement dit c’est la faute à pas de chance, vous avez tiré les mauvais gènes à la loterie des spermatozoïdes et des ovules…

En réalité, là encore, les choses sont complètement floues, des dizaines de gènes (70 pour être précis) ont été identifiés comme plus fréquents chez les gens touchés par la maladie de Crohn. Mais comme on ne peut changer ses gènes comme on change de chaussettes, ça n’avance de toute façon à rien.

Ces propos déprimants ayant été formulés, faut-il s’enfoncer dans son canapé et dans le désespoir ?

Surtout pas !

Car la maladie de Crohn, comme le cancer, l’arthrose, l’Alzheimer, la maladie de Charcot (sclérose latérale amyotrophique) et tant d’autres maladies terribles, ne se développe jamais de la même façon et à la même vitesse chez deux personnes différentes.

Cela veut dire que vous pouvez, malgré tous les mystères qui entourent cette maladie, entreprendre toute sorte de choses pour apaiser vos maux, espacer les crises, limiter la progression de la maladie.

Je dirais même que c’est le cas typique de la maladie où votre personnalité, votre énergie, votre volonté, vont faire toute la différence par rapport à une autre personne qui démissionne dès le départ.

Bien sûr, ce n’est pas drôle, ça fait mal, c’est même souvent handicapant, quand s’éloigner des toilettes devient une angoisse.

De plus, 20 % des personnes touchées par la maladie de Crohn sont hospitalisées au moins une fois par an, ce qui est un fardeau terrible quand vous avez des responsabilités familiales, professionnelles ou sociales.

Néanmoins, vous pouvez vous prendre en main et faire si bien que vous ne perdrez pas une seule année de vie à cause de la maladie de Crohn. Même s’il n’y a aucune pilule miracle, aucune piqûre magique, voici le plan de bataille à suivre pour vivre le mieux possible avec la maladie de Crohn.

1. Arrêter le tabac

Si vous fumez, arrêtez de toute urgence : le tabac est le seul facteur dont il a été clairement établi qu’il aggrave la maladie de Crohn.

2. Connaissez votre alimentation de façon scientifique

Ainsi qu’indiqué ci-dessus, les médecins n’ont pas la moindre idée des aliments qu’il faut éviter quand on a la maladie de Crohn.

Toutefois, selon toute probabilité, il y a des aliments qui provoquent chez vous des réactions positives ou négatives. Tel Sherlock Holmes, vous allez devoir mener votre enquête pour comprendre quels sont ceux qui vous font réagir en bien et en mal.

Pour cela, commencez par vous rapprocher le plus possible d’une alimentation normale d’être humain, autrement dit évitez tous les aliments industriels, transformés, trop cuits, mélangés jusqu’à ne plus pouvoir identifier ce qu’ils contiennent, chargés de colorants et autres additifs. Nourrissez-vous uniquement de produits entiers, biologiques, de saison, crus ou peu cuits, se rapprochant le plus possible de ce que l’on trouve dans la nature : légumes, fruits, noix, œufs, viande, poisson. Evitez les sucres, les fritures et les huiles végétales industrielles.

Buvez de l’eau de qualité, en bouteille ou filtrée à l’osmose et, si vous appréciez, un ou deux verres de vin de bonne qualité chaque jour.

Ce régime étant établi, notez méticuleusement dans un carnet tout ce que vous mangez, ainsi que les symptômes que vous observez (douleurs, diarrhées, saignements, inflammation). Evitez de tirer toute conclusion hâtive. Prenez votre temps. Au bout de trois mois, reprenez vos notes et essayez d’identifier des rapports de cause à effet. S’il vous semble qu’un aliment particulier est souvent associé à une aggravation de votre maladie, éliminez-le pendant au moins 3 semaines. Si les crises s’arrêtent vraiment, réintroduisez-le pour voir si les crises réapparaissent.

Peu à peu, vous parviendrez ainsi à déterminer quels sont, dans votre cas, les aliments qui aident et ceux qui vous nuisent.

Sur les forums Internet, vous lirez les témoignages les plus variés. De nombreuses personnes disent être soulagées depuis qu’elles ont arrêté le lait et le gluten. D’autres disent que ça ne sert à rien. Mais cela ne veut rien dire pour vous. La seule façon est d’essayer vous-même, de faire votre propre expérience. Toutefois, de très nombreux témoignages sont publiés sur l’efficacité du régime hypotoxique Seignalet [1].

3. Soignez votre tube digestif

Votre tube digestif souffre. Faites tout ce que vous pouvez pour l’apaiser.

La première chose à faire est de vous assurer qu’il soit protégé par de bonnes bactéries. Comme vous le savez, le tube digestif n’est pas un environnement stérile, il est au contraire tapissé de milliers de milliards de bactéries. Les probiotiques sont les bactéries qui ont un effet protecteur et positif pour la santé. Bien des personnes ont naturellement une microflore (ou microbiome, c’est-à-dire l’ensemble des bactéries intestinales) saine, mais il est fréquent que les personnes souffrant de la maladie de Crohn aient beaucoup de bactéries pathogènes (mauvaises pour la santé).

Votre meilleur moyen de lutter est d’éviter le sucre, qui alimente les mauvaises bactéries, de manger beaucoup d’aliments fermentés (choucroute, yaourts) et de prendre des probiotiques. Une revue systématique des études scientifiques publiées sur le sujet a conclu à l’efficacité de la souche de probiotique Saccharomyces boulardii pour réduire la diarrhée chez les personnes atteintes de la maladie de Crohn [2].

La seconde chose à faire est de consommer des aliments aux vertus anti-inflammatoires : les plus connus sont les acides gras oméga-3, que vous trouvez dans les petits poissons gras des mers froides (sardines, anchois, harengs, maquereaux) ou sous forme de capsules en complémentation nutritionnelle. Même si une revue d’études en 2009 affirme que rien n’est démontré dans les cas de la maladie de Crohn [3], les oméga-3 ont un effet anti-inflammatoire démontré scientifiquement sur les artères, les articulations, le cerveau, et donc très probablement sur le système digestif aussi. Il existe aussi des nutriments bien connus pour leur effet anti-inflammatoire, la curcumine et la pipérine (dans le curcuma et le poivre), à rajouter donc autant que possible à votre cuisine. D’autres aliments très anti-inflammatoires sont les légumes et fruits très colorés, riches en antioxydants. Les myrtilles en particulier, jusqu’à 250 g par jour, semblent avoir un effet apaisant sur la maladie de Crohn [4] (et sont très bonnes pour les yeux).

4. Plantes et compléments nutritionnels

Les plantes et certains nutriments sont vos alliés indispensables contre la maladie de Crohn :

1. La tisane de camomille allemande (Matricaria recutita) est la boisson incontournable. Son efficacité est officiellement reconnue en Allemagne par la Commission E, qui examine les vertus médicinales des plantes. La camomille allemande peut aussi être utilisée sous forme d’extraits secs (gélules).
2. La Boswellia Serrata, plus connue sous le nom d’encens, est une résine utilisée depuis des millénaires en Inde, au Moyen-Orient, en Afrique, et chez nous dans les églises où elle est brûlée pour en faire un parfum. Dans le cadre de la maladie de Crohn, elle est utilisée sous forme de capsules de 300 à 400 mg de Boswellie en extrait standardisé à 37,5 %, trois fois par jour. Selon une étude réalisée en 2001, elle serait aussi efficace que la mésalazine, un des médicaments classiques utilisés pour traiter la maladie de Crohn, mais sans aucun de ses effets indésirables [5].
3. La poudre d’absinthe est également un traitement très prometteur contre la maladie de Crohn. Une étude en double-aveugle contre placebo a été réalisée en 2007. Elle a montré une très nette amélioration des personnes traitées, en complément des traitements médicaux conventionnels [6]. Selon une étude réalisée en 2010, cette efficacité tient au fait que la poudre d’absinthe diminue les facteurs d’inflammation TNF-alpha. Le produit utilisé dans ces études était un produit breveté appelé Sedacrohn [7].
4. La complémentation nutritionnelle en fer assimilable (type Feralim des laboratoires Lorica) est souvent nécessaire, les saignements gastro-intestinaux de la maladie de Crohn provoquant souvent une anémie ferriptive. Cette anémie doit toutefois être confirmée par un médecin avant tout traitement, la supplémentation en fer étant nocive lorsqu’elle n’est pas nécessaire (le fer, comme le cuivre, est un élément qui nuit autant quand il est en excès que quand il manque).

À noter que la phytothérapie (médecine par les plantes) connaît de très nombreuses autres plantes aux vertus anti-inflammatoires (pin sylvestre, basilic, saule blanc, laurier, camomille romaine…), ainsi que de nombreuses huiles essentielles (gaulthérie couchée, citron, genévrier, eucalyptus citronné, lavandin…) à utiliser seules ou en mélanges. Dans ce domaine comme dans l’alimentation, c’est un itinéraire de découverte pratiquement infini que chacun peut et doit mener pour trouver l’équilibre qui lui conviendra et qui sera efficace dans son cas.

5. Massages

Les massages, et en particulier les massages du ventre, sont à pratiquer aussi souvent que possible dans la maladie de Crohn.

Il s’agit là d’un traitement à prendre très au sérieux, surtout s’il est pratiqué avec de l’huile de magnésium. D’importants effets anti-inflammatoires sont à attendre, ainsi qu’un effet régénérant sur les tissus, y compris dans les profondeurs des viscères grâce à la pénétration transdermique du magnésium [8].

La difficulté principale des massages est qu’ils sont fatigants et d’un agrément limité de les pratiquer soi-même. Les personnes qui ont les moyens de s’offrir les services d’un masseur professionnel sont très avantagées, pas autant toutefois que celles qui ont un conjoint aimant, qui pratiquera ces massages avec tendresse et attention.

6. Thérapies à l’oxygène

Il existe de nombreux témoignages de l’efficacité des thérapies à l’oxygène contre la maladie de Crohn.

L’oxygénothérapie hyperbare consiste à respirer de l’air dans un caisson sous-pression, jusqu’à 2,5 atmosphères. Dans une étude de 1994, ce traitement a permis de guérir plusieurs patients, et ce sans aucun effet secondaire [9].

Une autre approche, similaire, est le « bol d’air Jacquier » qui a fait l’objet d’un article complet dans le numéro d’avril 2015 d’Alternatif Bien-Être.

7. Acupuncture

Je l’ai mis en point numéro 7 car il s’agit d’un traitement qu’on ne peut pratiquer soi-même. Le recours à un médecin acupuncteur est indispensable et donc compliqué voire impossible pour certains.

Cependant, l’acupuncture fait partie des tout premiers traitements efficaces contre la maladie de Crohn. Deux études scientifiques, en 2004 [10] et 2007 [11], ont été réalisées à ce sujet, chacun ayant montré un effet sur le bien-être et sur les symptômes de la maladie.

Si vous avez la possibilité de consulter un acupuncteur, c’est donc un traitement à envisager absolument.

8. Le meilleur pour la fin

Je vous ai gardé le traitement le plus efficace pour la fin. Il s’agit en effet d’un traitement complètement nouveau, probablement très efficace, mais qui demande une telle ouverture d’esprit, une telle dose de courage que peu de personnes osent pour l’instant s’y lancer.

Ce traitement, c’est la transplantation fécale. Comme son nom l’indique, cela consiste à introduire dans le côlon (gros intestin) d’une personne malade un petit peu de matière fécale (excréments) d’une personne saine. C’est en train de devenir une véritable folie aux Etats-Unis, depuis deux ans maintenant, les résultats de ceux qui ont osé faire l’expérience s’étant révélés spectaculaires [12].

Les excréments « sains » contiennent en effet un équilibre et une richesse en bactéries qu’il est impossible de reproduire en laboratoire. Mais une fois implantées dans le côlon du malade, ces bactéries se reproduisent et colonisent les lieux jusqu’à les faire ressembler à ceux de la personne saine, avec les mêmes bienfaits pour la santé.

Dans le cas de la maladie de Crohn, il semble que ce soit un des moyens les plus prometteurs connus actuellement pour réduire l’inflammation et restaurer la bonne santé de la paroi de l’intestin [13].

Des sociétés aux Etats-Unis sont actuellement en train de développer des comprimés de matière fécale saine, spécialement étudiés (on l’espère !) pour ne pas se dissoudre dans la bouche.

Cependant, les autorités de santé américaines, tatillonnes à l’extrême, ont récemment mis de considérables bâtons dans les roues de ce nouveau traitement. Elles ont déclaré (il fallait oser !) que les matières fécales sont des médicaments (« drugs ») et que, à ce titre, elles ne peuvent être utilisées sans avoir obtenu une coûteuse autorisation administrative.

Les matières fécales ne pouvant pas être brevetées, aucune compagnie pharmaceutique ne s’est déclarée prête pour l’instant à consacrer les fonds nécessaires à obtenir cette autorisation.

Le traitement est donc aujourd’hui bloqué, mais pas tout à fait au point mort car de nombreuses personnes se débrouillent, en famille, entre voisins ou entre amis, pour se procurer de la matière fécale et se l’implanter directement avec une seringue et un tube.

Comme vous pouvez l’imaginer, cela n’est pas très simple, et il n’est pas exclu que certains accidents se produisent (en se transmettant ainsi une maladie). Toutefois, comme dans beaucoup de « découvertes » naturelles prétendument révolutionnaires, il s’avère que ce traitement n’est pas du tout nouveau.

On a retrouvé en effet le récit de transplantations fécales réussies dans un manuel de médecine chinoise du IVe siècle, écrit par le médecin Ge Hong, qui prescrivait la « soupe jaune » (une soupe d’excréments) comme remède contre les diarrhées sévères.

Aux Etats-Unis, un chirurgien de l’hôpital de Denver, Ben Eiseman, utilisait dans les années 50 les transplantations fécales et publia quatre études de cas dans la revue scientifique Surgery.

Maintenant, j’estime avoir fait mon « devoir » en signalant ce traitement, mais chacun reste libre, comme toujours, et entièrement responsable de l’utilisation qu’il souhaitera en faire.

Conclusion

La maladie de Crohn est une maladie compliquée qui nécessite une implication totale du patient dans son traitement.

Plus que toute autre, elle nous confirme que le corps (et la vie !) restent des mystères insondables, face auxquels la seule attitude raisonnable et digne est d’adopter la plus profonde humilité.

Les plus grands professeurs, les meilleurs spécialistes, n’y comprennent rien. Ils n’en savent probablement pas beaucoup plus que moi, et certainement pas beaucoup plus que vous si vous êtes touché. Au contraire, c’est vous qui en savez le plus sur votre maladie, parce que c’est vous qui en savez le plus sur vous-même.

Votre but est de vivre le mieux possible avec cette maladie, en vous appuyant sur votre bon sens, vos propres forces morales et spirituelles, et sur votre entourage si vous avez la chance de pouvoir compter sur lui.

De mon côté, croyez bien que je suis conscient que mon article, malgré tous mes efforts, vous sera d’un usage limité, et je m’en excuse profondément. Ce que je peux vous dire, par contre, c’est que vous avez droit à toutes mes pensées, toute ma considération, et que je continuerai à suivre ce sujet de près pour vous apporter d’autres solutions, j’espère le plus vite possible, car je suis profondément conscient des douleurs que cause cette terrible maladie.

Bien à vous,

Jean-Marc Dupuis

PS : Si vous n’êtes pas abonné à La Lettre Santé nature Innovation, je vous invite à faire l’essai ci-dessous en inscrivant votre adresse de messagerie électronique dans la case prévue à cet effet.

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Natural Health Advisory

Vascular dementia, the second leading kind of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, is relatively unknown and unrecognized by the general population compared to Alzheimer’s. Yet it is responsible for at least 20% of cases of dementia.[1]

The majority of dementia sufferers actually have both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia; this combination is now the leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment.[1]

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is a brain disease characterized by problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory and other thought processes. It is caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to your brain.

Anything that narrows, blocks, or chronically damages your brain’s blood vessels can lead to vascular dementia by reducing circulation and depriving your brain of vital oxygen and nutrients. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die and brain function becomes impaired.

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Vascular dementia symptoms

The symptoms of vascular dementia are highly variable and depend on the cause and location of the blood flow impairment. They can develop suddenly, in distinct steps downward, or very gradually.

Once full-blown vascular dementia has developed, the symptoms can overlap with those of Alzheimer’s disease and can include:

• Problems with memory
• Trouble paying attention and concentrating
• Trouble deciding what to do next
• Confusion
• Reduced ability to organize thoughts or actions
• Difficulty analyzing situations, developing an effective plan and communicating that plan to others
• Restlessness and agitation
• Unsteady gait
• Sudden or frequent urge to urinate or inability to control passing urine
• Depression

High blood pressure is a common cause of vascular dementia

High blood pressure is a leading cause of vascular dementia. While not everyone with high blood pressure will develop vascular dementia, hypertension significantly increases the risk.[2] Even if you have just slightly elevated blood pressure (prehypertension), your risk of vascular dementia is three times greater compared to someone with normal blood pressure.[3] And if you have stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension, your risk is even greater—4.5-fold and 5.6-fold, respectively. Your risk is especially high if you develop high blood pressure in mid-life. In that case, even if your late-life blood pressure is reduced to less than 140/90, your risk remains elevated.[3]High blood pressure causes excessive free radical production (oxidative stress) and inflammation directly within the blood vessels that supply the brain.[2] Through these and other mechanisms, hypertension gradually injures the brain’s blood vessels, particularly the small arteries. Over time, the arterial damage caused by high blood pressure leads to what are called “white matter lesions.”

White matter lesions

The brain consists of gray matter and white matter. The gray matter contains the nerve cells while the white matter is composed of nerve fibers and myelin, which form the connections between the nerve cells and help to insulate and accelerate impulses.

Alzheimer’s-related dementia is caused primarily by lesions in the grey matter —called amyloid plaques. In contrast, vascular dementia is associated with white-matter lesions that occur when the small arteries that supply the brain are injured.

Many older people who have brain MRIs show white-matter lesions. While there appear to be multiple causes, hypertension is one of the most well-known.[4] Not everyone with white matter lesions develops vascular dementia, but the risk is much greater if white matter lesions are present.

Strokes

Another way high blood pressure leads to vascular dementia is by causing strokes. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is either blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). High blood pressure causes both types of strokes by damaging blood vessels so they either become blocked or burst more easily.

A single, major stroke can cause immediate dementia. But even mini strokes (transient ischemic attacks) or strokes that don’t cause any noticeable symptoms (silent brain infarctions) increase dementia risk. The more mini or silent strokes you have over time, the more your vascular dementia risk increases.

How to treat vascular dementia naturally

While the ultimate goal is to prevent vascular dementia before it occurs, treating your hypertension and improving your underlying blood vessel health may also sometimes slow the progression of vascular dementia when it is already present, preventing further decline. Your best bet for naturally lowering your blood pressure and improving the underlying health of your blood vessels is to follow a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment program that includes dietary therapy, exercise, nutritional therapy, stress reduction, sleep optimization, and other natural lifestyle interventions.

Dual impact natural treatments

Many of the natural treatments that lower blood pressure, such as physical activity and healthy diets like the DASH and Mediterranean diets, also help protect the brain. For some excellent ideas on how to naturally lower your blood pressure while simultaneously protecting your brain, you can also take the following simple steps:

1. Eat specific blood-pressure lowering foods. See: The Best High Blood Pressure Diet: The Top 8 Foods to Lower Blood Pressure.
2. Take vitamin C. See This Natural Remedy for High Blood Pressure is Safe and Effective According to Johns Hopkins Researchers.
3. Take grape seed extract (See Grape Seed Extract Benefits Blood Pressure and Cholesterol) or olive leaf extract (See Olive Leaf Benefits: High Blood Pressure Supplement and More).

Losing your ability to think and remember is one of the most devastating manifestations of high blood pressure. Get started today with a plan to keep your brain’s blood vessels clear and healthy to keep vascular dementia at bay.

Share with me and our readers what you do to naturally lower your blood pressure and protect your brain. Leave a comment below.

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[1] Neuron. 2013 Nov 20;80(4):844-66.

[2] Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Jul;26(7):661-9.

[3] Hypertension. 2011 Jul;58(1):22-8.

[4] Hypertension. 2014; 63:894-903.

[5] Stroke. 2011; 42: 2672-2713.

The post What Is Vascular Dementia and How Does High Blood Pressure Cause It? appeared first on Natural Health Advisory.

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Natural Health Advisory

In a study that followed more than 60,000 people over 17 years, researchers measured subjects’ fitness level using a treadmill exercise test. During the study, 164 of the subjects died due to dementia. Researchers discovered that 123 out of those 164 belonged to what they dubbed the “low-fitness group.”

The researchers concluded people in the medium- and high-fitness groups had less than half the risk of dying than the low-fitness group.[1]

Exercise thwarts genetic tendency for Alzheimer’s

Another study found that a sedentary lifestyle especially increases your risk for Alzheimer’s if you already have a genetic tendency for the disease.[2] Researchers looked at a group of 201 adults between the ages of 45 and 88 who showed no symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Of that group, 56 carried a gene that makes them 15 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

Researchers also scanned the subjects’ brains for signs of amyloid plaques, a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s. The group of subjects genetically prone to Alzheimer’s showed much more amyloid plaque than the others—unless they exercised.

The carriers of the gene who walked or jogged at least 30 minutes five times a week had the same plaque accumulation as the group who did not carry the gene. The researchers concluded that regular exercise can reduce plaque accumulation and the risk of Alzheimer’s in people who are genetically predisposed to the disease.

Sedentary subjects showed highest Alzheimer’s risk

Unfortunately, however, the study also showed that the gene-carrying subjects who rarely or never exercised also had the most plaque accumulation in the group, raising their risk of Alzheimer’s later in life.[3]

Consistency is key to preventing Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation says that regular physical exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s by 50 percent, and can slow deterioration in those who have already developed cognitive decline. Developing an exercise routine to protect your brain health and longevity doesn’t mean you have to launch into an intimidating or grueling regime.

The body and brain thrive on regular activity and putting the muscles to use. In fact, most people report that an exercise routine elevates their mood, improves self-confidence, and helps them think more clearly.

To encourage consistency, pick something enjoyable, such as walking with a friend, and set goals you can easily attain to inspire confidence. A combination of both aerobic and strength training exercise is better than either one done alone. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week, which can include walking, cycling, or swimming, or other exercise that gets your heart rate up.

Also include strength training two to three times a week. If you don’t have access to weights, don’t worry. You can get an excellent strength-training workout just using your own body with these bodyweight exercises.

For more tips, be sure to read:

• How to Get Motivated to Exercise
• Limited Exercise without Equipments Achieve Same Results as Daily Gym Workouts

Get started now

If you’re not currently active, start now and do whatever you can commit to. If you know that you can commit to taking a five-minute walk each day this week, then s

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[1] Liu R, Sui X, Laditka JN, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a predictor of dementia mortality in men and  women. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Feb;44(2);253-9

[2] Head D, Bugg JM, Goate AM, et al. Exercise engagement as a moderator of the effects of APOE genotype on amyloid deposition. Arch Neurol. 2012 Jan 9

[3] How Exercise May Keep Alzheimer’s at Bay, by Gretchen Reynolds. New York Times, Health, January 18, 2012. http://ift.tt/wHESjo

This blog appeared in 2013 and has been updated.

The post How to Improve Memory and Dementia Symptoms with Exercise appeared first on Natural Health Advisory.

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Natural Health Advisory

Doctors believed many decades ago that vitamin D was only good for healthy bones and teeth, but research has since proven otherwise. A deficiency in vitamin D has now been linked to numerous health problems including heart disease, depression and even cancer.[1] In fact, a recent study conducted by Boston University researchers revealed vitamin D deficiency actually affects your DNA: “Any improvement in vitamin D status will significantly affect expression of genes that have a wide variety of biologic functions of more than 160 pathways linked to cancer, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease.”

So, how can you tell if you are vitamin D deficient? First, you need to determine if you have one or more of the vitamin D deficiency symptoms, as these are commonly overlooked and often dismissed as normal, everyday aches and pains.

Start feeling better with our FREE special report How to Treat Depression Without Medication: 5 Natural Depression Therapies that Treat Serotonin Deficiency Symptoms and Other Common Causes of Depression. You'll find natural, simple strategies that you can implement today!

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms:

1. Weight gain
2. Bone softening (low bone density) or fractures
3. Fatigue and generalized weakness
4. Muscle cramps and weakness
5. Joint pain (most noticeable in the back and knees)
6. Blood sugar issues
7. Low immunity
8. Low calcium levels in the blood
9. Mood changes and irritability

#10. Depression is one of the major vitamin D deficiency symptoms!

The link between depression and vitamin D deficiency symptoms has long been established in both children and adults. Vitamin D is available in two different forms – D3 and D2. Research has shown that the connection between vitamin D and depression relief is linked to the D3 form – the same form of vitamin D that is obtained through sunlight. Scientists have found that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D were 11 times more prone to be depressed than those who had normal levels.[2] Vitamin D deficiency is actually more the norm than the exception, and has previously been implicated in both psychiatric and neurological disorders. Why? There are vitamin D receptors in the brain, and the vitamin may affect proteins in the brain known to play a role in mood, learning and memory, motor control, and possibly even maternal and social behavior.[3]

There may be more to your depression than low vitamin D levels. Other causes of depression include poor adrenal function (adrenal fatigue), neurotransmitter imbalance (serotonin, dopamine, etc.), sex hormone imbalance (estrogen, testosterone), environmental factors, or other nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, omega-3’s, etc.). To learn the true underlying cause of your depression, download our comprehensive guide, Natural Remedies for Depression: Beating Depression Without Drugs and get 20 life-saving techniques to help you overcome your depression symptoms! By discovering the true root causes of your depression, you can make sure those agonizing feelings of gloom and despair stay away for good.

Why Does it Matter if I Have Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms?

Vitamin D is the superstar nutrient you don’t want to be without! Vitamin D deficiency symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Osteopenia or osteoporosis
• Rickets in children
• Contracting the cold or the flu (weakened immune system)
• Asthma
• Tuberculosis
• Diabetes
• Periodontal disease
• Cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure and/or congestive heart failure)
• Major depressive disorder or seasonal affective disorder
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms?

1. Inadequate exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is unlike any other vitamin because it is a “pro-hormone” produced in the skin with sunlight exposure. In particular, the sun is the main source of Vitamin D3, a type of vitamin D that increases levels of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain called dopamine and serotonin. (Deficient levels of either of these neurochemicals can be an underlying cause of depression.)
2. Inadequate consumption of vitamin D in food. Although the sun’s rays are the primary source of vitamin D, the nutrient can also be found in foods such as fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel and cod), oysters, shrimp, beef liver and eggs.
3. Age. As you age, your kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol, which can lead to a deficiency.
4. Digestive Issues. Problems in the digestive tract can cause inadequate absorption of vitamin D.
5. Obesity (Body Mass Index greater than 30). Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells. The more fat in the body, the less vitamin D is released into the circulation.
6. Kidney or liver disease. Kidney and liver diseases can impair vitamin D conversion to its active form.

Testing for Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

If you suspect you may be vitamin D deficient – or you just want to know for sure – you should ask your doctor for a blood test called the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test (also called the 25-OH vitamin D test or Calcidiol 25-hydroxycholecalciferol test). This test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. To prepare for the test, do not eat for four hours before your appointment. The ”normal” range for vitamin D per most lab reports is 30.0 to 74.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), but virtually all integrative physicians will  recommended a minimum level of at least 50 ng/mL. Any levels below 20 ng/mL are considered serious deficiency states. To get an idea of just how widespread vitamin D deficiency is, consider that the late winter average of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in the United States is only about 15-18 ng/mL! If you have depression, you are most likely deficient yourself!

You can also test your own vitamin D blood level without a doctor’s order by using one of the Direct to Consumer Testing Labs. Learn how to do this in our comprehensive guide, Natural Remedies for Depression: Beating Depression Without Drugs.

How to Reverse Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

Reversing vitamin D deficiency symptoms can be achieved using inexpensive natural remedies:

1. Go out into the sun. Recommended sunlight exposure should be from 10 to 30 minutes per day. This is a great way of obtaining vitamin D3; not to mention, it’s very cost effective!
2. If getting out in the sun is not an option for you, consider sitting in front of a light box that supplies 10,000 lux of full-spectrum light for 30 minutes every morning. This is an especially good option for winter months, for night shift workers, and for those who live in the upper latitudes where the angle of the sun’s rays do not permit complete production of vitamin D.
3. Take supplements. For the vast majority of people who want to get their vitamin D levels consistently up above 50 ng/mL, supplementation is the easiest, safest, and most effective way to do so. Adults can take vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in regular capsule form at levels between 1000 IU and 5000 IU daily. Vitamin D3 is the most readily absorbable form. After a couple of months of supplementation, run the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test (by either your doctor or yourself directly) to make sure you’re not overdosing. Adjust your D3 intake accordingly. Although vitamin D overdosing is possible, the reality is far more people will need at least 5000 IU per day to keep their blood level above 50 ng/mL than those that will overdose. The inexpensive blood testing is the key to knowing where you stand. For children, multivitamins are available over-the-counter; these usually contain vitamin D. However, you should NOT give your child extra vitamin D supplements until consulting your family doctor, pediatrician or an integrative physician that has had specific nutritional training.

Tell Us Now How You Keep Your Vitamin D Levels Above 50 ng/mL

If you use Vitamin D3 supplements, tell us about it! Share with us your daily dosage – how much do you take in order to feel good and keep your blood levels above 50 ng/mL? What other techniques have you found effective in keeping your Vitamin D levels up?  Scroll down to the “Add Your Comments” section below and give your fellow readers some feedback and encouragement.

Start NOW in Your Depression Recovery!

Remember, depression can be caused by multiple factors. Overcoming this illness usually takes more than one natural healing technique at a time. In addition to boosting your vitamin D levels, you’ll likely need to take additional supportive nutrients that work synergistically with vitamin D to beat depression for good.

There’s no better time than the present. Start today your journey to overcoming depression without drugs by subscribing to the Comprehensive Guide on Depression. The best to you in your journey to complete recovery!

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[1] JAMA, Nov. 14, 2012; 308(18).

[2] PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58725.

[3] American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, December 2006; 14(12): 1032-1040.

[4] Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008 May;65(5):508-12.

[5] Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Feb;202:100-7.

This article was originally published in 2013 and has been updated.

The post 10 Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms You Can Identify Yourself appeared first on Natural Health Advisory.

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