THE NEWSLETTER FOR CLIENTS AND OTHER PEOPLE
INTERESTED IN IMPROVING THEIR HEALTH
WHAT THE
RESEARCH SAYS…...
- Meta-analysis of 38 research studies
concluded 31-47grams of soy protein
daily can reduce Total cholesterol
and LDL by 10-12%,
Dewell etl al.2006. J Clin Endocrinol
Metab. 91:772-780.
- Left handed women may have increased
risk of breast cancer.
Ramadhani et al. 2005.
BMJ.331:882-883.
- Sea cucumber extract found to
inhibit proliferation in several cancer
cell lines, including gastric,
colorectal,liver, breast, ovarian
cancers and leukaemia. Tong et al.
2005. Int J Cancer.114(6):843-853.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine may be helpful in
preventing and treating chemotherapy-
induced nerve pain. Bianchi et
al. 2005. Eur J. Cancer. 41:1746-
1750.
- Voltaren higher risk of cardiovascular
side affects than Celebrex,
Naproxen, and Ibuprofen. McGettigan
and Henry. 2006. JAMA. Sept
12.
- Periodontitis affects almost 40% of
the adult population. Treatment
reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.
D’Auto et al. 2006. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol.Apr-Jun;19
(2 suppl):1-12.
- An Arizona study found children
with autism found lower levels of
iodine and lithium. Their mothers
were also found to have low lithium
levels. Adams et al.2006. Biol Trace
Elem Res. Jun;110(3):193-209.
- Fish oil supplementation shown to
reduce non-alcoholic fatty liver
disease in animals. Capanni et al
2006. Aliment Pharmacol Ther.
Apr 15:23(9):1143-51
- Trans fatty acids in our diet and the
way we prepare food is dangerous
to our health. See
www.bantransfats.com
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HERBAL MEDICINE IN TREATMENT OF STROKE
Most strokes are due to blockage of key
brain blood vessels. At micro level blockage
of blood vessels results in poor blood supply
and subsequent damage to brain tissue.
Factors contributing to brain damage after
stroke include:
-
damage to brain cells by rogue oxygen
molecules—product of disrupted
chemical reactions in the brain
-
release of excitory proteins such as
glutamic and aspartate acid which
interfere with cell communications
I.e. neurotransmission
-
Depletion in adenosine triphosphate
(ATP) needed for cell energy due to
excess nitric oxide release in response
to ischaemia (lack of blood supply
Research has attempted to find suitable neuroprotective
compounds but to date no
wonder-drug has been found.
A number of nutritional agents have been
found helpful eg. zinc, some specific amino
acids such as leucine, taurine, and vitamins
C and E.
Review of the research available on herbs
shows in animal studies a number of herbs
which have exciting possibilities for neuroprotection
in humans.
Ginkgo, Rhodiola, Bacopa, Withania, Centella,
Baical skullcap, and Tumeric have all
demonstrated neuroprotection and three of
these Bacopa, Withania, and Centella have
shown ability to repair damaged brain cells.
One can only ask why there are not well
funded clinical trials being undertaken with
these herbs. Is it because herbs as such are
not patentable and therefore not financially
attractive for research investment?
64% of people who survive one month after
stroke will still have a mobility or movement
deficit. 50% of people who survive one year
will still have a motor deficit.
(NZ Life after Stroke Guidelines, 2003).
Common problems after stroke include problems
with:
- Blood pressure
blood sugar
- Swallowing and speech
- Continence
- Pain—particularly shoulder pain
- Mood and emotional state
Herbal medicine has a range of herb s that
can be used to help reduce these problems.
For example scan of the literature shows
clinical trial evidence for a number of antirheumatic
herbs such as White willow,
Devil’s Claw, Fever few, Nettle, and Ginger
which can be used to treat shoulder pain.
There is good evidence that Crateva can
help treat urinary incontinence.
USNEA BARBATA –NZ HAS IT TOO
During my career exchange to USA earlier in the year I met with
Deb Soule at Avena Botanicals. One of the herbs she mentioned as
a good herb for the immune system, and particularly infections
(particularly gram positive bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus,
and TB.) was Usnea barbata. Usnea is also antispasmodic
and is useful for treating spasm in the gut and lungs. It is commonly
used to increase resistance to colds and influenza. Usnea is a
beard-like lichen that grows on trees. It is common in New Zealand
forests (an introduced species). Maori bruised it into a powder and
applied it to burns and skin infections. The lichen is composed of
an algae and a fungus. It is also antifungal and can be used topically
to treat athletes foot and ringworm.I have gathered some and
soaked it in red wine over a period of six weeks to make a tonic
wine. Taste is OK!.
MEN’S MENOPAUSE - MORE COMMON THAN WE THINK!
The male hormone testosterone usually declines with ageing—
around 1% per year from 40 years of age. A Male Ageing
study in Massachusetts (1987-2004) suggests that testosterone
levels are deficient in around 20% of males over 40
years of age and in 30-70% of males in their 70’s.
Testosterone deficiency can result in symptoms such as decreased
libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, irritability,
pains in muscles and joints, decreased muscular strength
and energy, fatigue, memory problems, sleep disturbance,
inability to cope with life, and even as their female counterparts—
hot flushes. Obesity, alcohol, and stress can contribute
to depletion of testosterone as can a wide range of
medications. For example antihypertensives, antihistamines,
antidepressants, the anti-ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet,
digoxin, and some diuretic drugs. Blood levels of testosterone
can be measured and ‘normal’ ranges are age specific.
Herbal medicine has a number of herbs to reduce the symptoms
of male menopause and improve testosterone levels..
A FISHY COMPARISON
DHA and EPA are the two healthy essential fatty acids (Omega 3) found in fish. Levels of EPA/DHA are much lower in farmed fish, therefore fish from the wild are more desirable as a source. Tuna and swordfish tend.
| |
|
|
| Wild fish |
% EPA |
%DHA |
 |
Arctic cod liver |
9.0 |
14.0 |
|
Anchovies |
6.0 |
9.0 |
|
Sardines |
4.0 |
6.0 |
|
Herring(Summer) |
2.1 |
2.2 |
|
Herring(Winter) |
1.2 |
1.3 |
|
Mackerel (Autumn) |
1.0 |
2.5 |
|
Mackerel (Spring) |
0.3 |
0.7 |
|
Cod |
1.0 |
2.0 |
|
Salmon |
0.3 |
0.9 |
|
Trout |
0.1 |
0.5 |
|
Oyster |
0.3 |
0.2 |
|
Shrimp |
0.3 |
0.2 |
|
Crab |
0.2 |
0.1 |
BY GUM!
Periodontitis is a chronic infectious
disease of the gums. According
to D’Aiuto et al (2006) it affects
almost 40% of the adult
population. It can lead to progressive
loss of the supportive tissue around teeth and ultimately
loss of teeth. However a greater worry is that this
chronic disease of the mouth can contribute to chronic
disease development such as arteriosclerosis and Diabetes
Type II. (Nishimura et al, 2005). So treating this
chronic mouth infection is important. Herbal remedies as
mouthwashes, gargles, or direct application to gums can
be used to reduce this chronic inflammation.
References:
D’Aiuto, F et al. 2006. Periodontitis :from local infection
to systemic diseases. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol.Apr-
Jun. 19(2 supple):1-12.
Nishimura, F. et al. 2005. Periodontal disease as part of
the insulin resistance syndrome in diabetic patients. J Int
Acad Periodontal. Jan 7(1):16-20.
A HEALTHY SUMMER SALAD
Ginger Salad
Dressing
Half a carrot (chopped)
1 tbsp ginger grated
2 tbsp onion chopped
1-2 tbsp sesame oil
Half cup olive oil
Pinch of dry mustard
1 tbsp sweet rice wine.
Mix all ingredients in blender and store in refrigerator. Use as a
dressing on salad or vegetables
Source: Herbal Medicine, Healing, and Cancer by Donald Yance..
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Chris |
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