Natural Health Alternatives
Up to date news and comment about worldwide developments in natural health.
February 14, 2012
Omega-3s linked to slower eye sight loss in people with retinal disease: Study
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids in combination with vitamin A supplements may slow the decline in eye sight in people with retinitis pigmentosa, says a new study in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
February 13, 2012
Magnesium linked to better blood pressure: Meta-analysis
Supplements of magnesium may offer 'small but clinically significant reductions' in blood pressure, says a new meta-analysis from the UK.
Read article at nutraingredients.com
Comment: Worldwide, several hundred million people suffer from high blood pressure. Of all cardiovascular health conditions, this is the single largest epidemic. The epidemic spread of this disease is largely due to the fact that, until now, the causes of high blood pressure have been insufficiently, or not at all, understood. Modern Cellular Medicine provides a breakthrough in our understanding of the causes, prevention and adjunct treatment of high blood pressure. The main cause of high blood pressure is a chronic deficiency of essential nutrients in millions of artery wall cells. To read about clinical studies in high blood pressure conducted by the researchers at the Dr. Rath Research Institute, click here. To access further studies and research reports on treating high blood pressure naturally, click here.
February 13, 2012
Exercise in early 20s may lower risk of osteoporosis
Physical exercise in the early twenties improves bone development and may reduce the risk of fractures later in life, reveals a study of more than 800 Swedish men carried out at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Read article at medicalxpress.com
Comment: Regular physical activity is a precondition for good health and should be performed by everyone. To read research and clinical studies about the health benefits of micronutrients in fighting osteoporosis, click here.
February 9, 2012
Fish oil might help prevent psychiatric disorders
A study is now underway to test the effectiveness of Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) for treating psychiatric symptoms. This new study by Researchers at Zucker Hillside Hospital's Recognition and Prevention (RAP) Program, is a randomised double-blind trial that was designed to test whether Omega-3 fatty acids improve clinical symptoms, and help adolescents and young adults (ages 12 to 25) who are at elevated risk for severe psychiatric disorders function better in school, work and other social environments.
Read article in The Times of India
February 8, 2012
Pneumonia wonder drug: Zinc saves lives
Respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, are the most common cause of death in children under the age of five. In a study looking at children given standard antibiotic therapy, new research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Medicine shows how zinc supplements drastically improved children's chances of surviving the infection. The increase in survival due to zinc (on top of antibiotics) was even greater for HIV infected children.
Read article at medicalxpress.com
February 8, 2012
Green tea helps keep elderly agile, study finds
Antioxidant-rich brew tends to slow onset of frailty
Elderly adults who regularly drink green tea may stay more agile and independent than their peers over time, according to a Japanese study that looked at thousands of people.
Read article in the Vancouver Sun (Canada)
February 1, 2012
Integrative medicine: Vitamin D can help turn health around
Paying attention to our vitamin D intake may be a way to improve medical conditions.
The winter season is upon us, with a lack of daylight hours, cloudy days and temperamental weather. And so we pack on the winter pounds, get the winter blues, and go into relative metabolic hibernation until spring arrives. But what if we could circumvent some of this seasonal downturn in our health? Paying attention to our vitamin D intake may be a way to improve our health, and to improve a host of medical conditions.
Read article in the Seattle Times (USA)
February 1, 2012
Vitamin C Prevents Radiation Damage
Nutritional Medicine in Japan
Workers with severe radiation exposure at the Fukushima nuclear plant had major reduction in cancer risk when supplemented with vitamin C and other anti-oxidative nutrients. Sixteen men aged between 32 and 59 years worked 5 to 6 weeks in a radiation contaminated area, collecting contaminated water, measuring radiation levels, operating heavy machinery, and removing debris. Blood samples were obtained to measure whole blood counts and blood chemistry, plasma levels of free DNA, and 47 cancer related gene expressions.
Four workers who took intravenous vitamin C (25,000 mg) therapy before they went in, and continuously took anti-oxidative supplements during the working period, had no significant change in both free DNA and overall cancer risk.
Three workers that did not have preventive intravenous vitamin C had an increase in calculated cancer risk.
Read news release at orthomolecular.org
January 31, 2012
Maternal omega-3 reduces eczema risk in children: Study
Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy could cut the risk of babies developing eczema and egg allergies by over a third, say researchers.
Read article at nutraingredients.com
January 31, 2012
Honey could be effective at treating and preventing wound infections
Manuka honey could help clear chronic wound infections and even prevent them from developing in the first place, according to a new study published in Microbiology. The findings provide further evidence for the clinical use of manuka honey to treat bacterial infections in the face of growing antibiotic resistance.
Read article at physorg.com
January 30, 2012
Vitamin D Can Boost Fertility In Men And Women
Going on holiday to sunnier climes could help boost your chances of having a baby, a study has revealed. Researchers discovered that sunlight boosts fertility in men and women by increasing their levels of vitamin D.
Read article on the Huffington Post (UK) website
January 27, 2012
Green tea may reduce functional disability risk: Study
Consuming at least five cups of green tea per day may reduce the risk of functional disabilities like osteoporosis and stroke, suggests new data from Japan.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 26, 2012
Preventing Migraines
Migraines are seriously debilitating and affect nearly 10% of the United States population. Women are affected more than men, at a ratio of about 3:1 (18% vs. 6%). There is an economic impact as well. It is estimated employers lose about $13 billion annually from lost workdays due to migraines. Not only are migraines extremely painful for those that experience them, but persons who have migraines are more likely to suffer from other chronic conditions, such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, hypertension and depression. Also, those that have a major depressive episode are almost three times as likely to have a migraine than those that do not have an episode (20.4% vs. 7.3%). Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, shows promise in helping those that suffer from migraines.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)
January 26, 2012
Aged garlic reduces cold and flu severity: RCT data
Supplements of an aged garlic extract may reduce the number of days a person suffers from cold and ‘flu by 61%, says data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 26, 2012
Study unlocks Pycnogenol’s skin health mechanism
Daily supplements of an extract from French maritime pine bark may boost skin elasticity by 25% and skin hydration by 8%, says a new study.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 24, 2012
CoQ10 may enhance anti-inflammatory potential of Med diet
Supplementing a Mediterranean-style diet with co-enzyme Q10 may reduce markers of inflammation and improve a range of health measures, including heart and joint health.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 23, 2012
Magnesium May Benefit Stroke Risk
In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, totaling 795,000 Americans each year. Of those Americans suffering a stroke, 137,000 will die, about 1 every 4 minutes, accounting for 1 of every 18 deaths. Stroke is currently the number 4 cause of death in the U.S. and will cost $73.7 billion for stroke-related medical costs and disability in 2010. While nutrition, including olive oil, 1000 mg per day of potassium, over 35 grams of fiber per day and over 47 mg of flavonols per day may help with stroke risk, a new study suggests that magnesium may also help.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)
January 19, 2012
Magnesium may reduce stroke risk: Meta-analysis
Increased intakes of magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of stroke, says a new meta-analysis from Sweden. Pooling data from seven prospective studies revealed that, for every 100 mg per day increase in magnesium intake, the risk of stroke was reduced by about 9%.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 18, 2012
Daily dose of rosehip extract could help cut heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
A daily dose of the herbal remedy rose hip could cut the risk of heart disease, new research shows.
Read article in the Daily Mail (UK)
January 11, 2012
More vitamin E linked to better mental function: Study
People with decreased mental function and Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have low blood levels of vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols, suggest new findings from an international team of researchers.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 11, 2012
Omega-3 linked to better memory in former depressives: Study
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in membranes of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is associated with better mental function in older people recovering from depression, suggests new research.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 9, 2012
Pycnogenol Improves Both Mental and Cellular Health in Elderly
Pycnogenol is a bark extract from the French maritime pine that is rich in plant antioxidants called polyphenols. These polyphenols are thought to be responsible for pycnogenol's significant health benefits at levels of 100-150 mg of Pycnogenol per day for up to 8 weeks. While recent research found 100 mg of Pycnogenol per day for 8 weeks to show “a role for Pycnogenol to improve cognitive function in normal students”, research also suggests that Pycnogenol may also improve cellular health and mental health in the elderly.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)
January 9, 2012
Inositol Helps Metabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women
Metabolic Syndrome affects over 47 million Americans and is characterized by a number of risk factors that include central obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen), increased blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher), and insulin resistance (the body can't properly use insulin to control blood sugar). The condition is also known as “Syndrome X” because it consists of so many symptoms. Metabolic Syndrome becomes a significant problem for postmenopausal women due to the physiological changes brought on by menopause. The increased risks of obesity, reduced blood sugar control and high blood pressure characterized by Metabolic Syndrome all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease which costs our healthcare system $450 billion per year. Now a new study (4) suggests inositol may help with metabolic health in postmenopausal women.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)
January 9, 2012
Vitamin D again shows anti-diabetic activity
Increased blood levels of vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing diabetes, suggests data from Spain that adds to a growing both of science supporting the anti-diabetic potential of the sunshine vitamin.
Read article at nutraingredients.com
January 6, 2012
Omega-3 may enhance benefits of strength training for the elderly
Supplementing a strength training regime with omega-3-rich fish oil may enhance the benefits of the regime, says a new study with 45 elderly women.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 4, 2012
'Silver bullet' supplement could slow brain aging
Professor David Rollo and a group of researchers at McMaster may have found a "silver bullet" when it comes to slowing the aging of the brain. The team's latest paper documents a new dietary supplement that completely maintains learning ability in older mice. "These findings are not just significant, they're remarkable," says Rollo. The tests were conducted by Vadim Aksenov, a PhD candidate in the Rollo laboratory in McMaster's Department of Biology. A complex nutritional supplement containing 30 ingredients, including vitamins such as B1, C, D and E, along with beta-carotene, ginseng, green tea extract, cod liver oil and other acids and minerals, was used in the test.
Read article at medicalxpress.com
Comment: In finding that a combination of micronutrients is effective in maintaining brain function, this study essentially confirms the nutrient synergy approach to health pioneered by Dr. Rath, Dr. Niedzwiecki and the researchers at the Dr. Rath Research Institute. The concept of nutrient synergy maximizes the health benefits of micronutrients through the discovery they work best in "teams". Thus, it is not the intake of any one single nutrient that ensures good health, but rather a combination of various different micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. The groundbreaking research carried out at the Dr. Rath Research Institute focuses on nutrient synergy as the most effective approach to optimizing cellular metabolism and restoring its balance, and has repeatedly shown that this approach is more effective than using individual nutrients, or their random combination.
January 4, 2012
Micronutrient combination may boost male fertility: Study
A combination of eight micronutrients may boost sperm quality and enhance the chance of conception, suggests new data from Austria.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
January 4, 2012
Exercise cuts bowel cancer risk
Researchers at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) have found people who engage in vigorous physical activity may be protected against types of colorectal cancer.
Read article at medicalxpress.com
January 2, 2012
Gold kiwifruit may slash severity of common cold: Study
Eating a couple of gold kiwifruit every day may reduce the severity of symptoms of the common cold, says new data from New Zealand.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com
Comment: Kiwifruit are a dietary source of vitamin C, a key micronutrient that has previously been shown to be helpful in the treatment of the common cold. To access scientific studies on the use of vitamin C against the common cold, click here.
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