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Health Updates

A new technology unveiled this month at a meeting of the Radiological Society of North America promises to reduce the need for breast biopsies in the years ahead. Elasticity Imaging appears to be remarkably good at distinguishing benign lumps from cancerous growths . . . and involves no needles or scalpels. Similar to the workings of ultrasound, which creates an image using high-frequency sound waves, the new technology involves a second scan, and software that analyzes the imagery. In a tests performed on suspicious lumps, Elasticity Imaging scored 17 out of 17 on cancerous lesions. Doctors are skeptical, but remain hopeful.

Ladies. . . let us pray.

Red Yeast Rice lowers cholesterol

In 1977, Professor Endo in Japan discovered a natural cholesterol-lowering substance that is produced by a strain of Monascus yeast (red yeast rice.) Recently, the supplement Red Yeast Rice has been developed as a product to lower blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

Did you know that pharmaceutical companies actually synthesized statin drugs by discovering and altering a molecule found in red yeast rice, according to natural health advocate Mike Adams. "But red yeast rice does not cause the dangerous side effects of statin drugs, nor does it require a high-priced prescription. It's safer, more natural and works better."

Osteoporosis + Cola

Lower mineral bone density in Cola drinkers Women who drink cola have higher risks for osteoporosis, according to state researchers at Tufts University in Boston. Bone mineral density at the spine and at three areas of the hip was measured and compared to dietary intakes in 1,143 women and 1,125 men in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. The results showed that cola intake significantly lowered bone mineral density in all hip areas, but not the spine, in women. Similar results were noted in diet cola and even decaffeinated cola drinkers. Cola contains phosphoric acid and caffeine, both of which are known to increase urinary loss of calcium.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (91,12:4866-4872,2006) reports that magnesium (300mg/d elemental) significantly increased bone mineral content of the hip and also slightly in the lumbar spine, in girls, 8 to 14.

Avoid Strokes with Folic Acid

Research scientists believe they have discovered the real reason people have strokes. High levels of homocysteine.

Homocysteine is an amino acid created in the body from the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid from animal protein. Because high levels of homocysteine are toxic, it is normally broken down in the bloodstream and converted back to methionine - with the help of folic acid and B vitamins.

Some people have a tendency to build up toxic levels of homocysteine that can damage the walls of their blood vessels. Cholesterol deposits into these damaged arteries, which can lead to stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Harvard School of Public Health reports that as blood levels and dietary intake of folic acid increase, the blood level of homocysteine decreases. And that's good for the heart.

Prevent Birth Defects with Folic Acid

Looks like Public Health Education is doing it's job to help prevent birth defects. More pregnant women today than ever are taking folic acid supplements, according to a study from Boston University School of Public Health. Responses from 16,000 women to questions about medication and supplement use before and during their pregnancies, showed that awareness of the importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects increased from zero in 1988 to more than 50% in 2002. Pregnant women need at least 400 micrograms daily of folic acid prior to conception to avoid risks of neural tube defects, one of the most prevalent forms of birth defects.
-American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2005; 192: 121-128

Amino Acids can Excite or Calm your Brain

Of the 28 amino acids used by the body, some are excitatory and some are inhibitory (calming). Increase the brain's tryptophan levels and you will get serotonin to promote feelings of contentment and normal sleep. Increase the brain's tyrosine levels and the neurons in your brain manufacture the neurotransmitters noreprinephrine and dopamine that promote alertness and activity.

Prostate problems alleviated with three aminos

Alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Some studies have shown that these three amino acids may help relieve the symptoms of one kind of prostate problem in men. Called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , the problem occurs when the prostate gland swells and presses against one part of the urinary tract, the urethra. BPH is especially prevalent among older men and is characterized by an increased frequency of urination, waking at night to empty the bladder, and a reduced flow of urine. Many amino acids are present in the prostate, but alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine seem to be the ones that can help control BPH symptoms.

How are natural supplements discovered?

Scientists at research labs are constantly analyzing the results of scientific studies to detect relationships between drugs, diet and health conditions. For instance, the discovery of the blood sugar benefits of cinnamon were accidentally discovered when diabetic volunteers exhibited improved blood sugar levels after eating apple pie. Further tests showed the beneficial ingredient to be cinnamon sprinkled on top of the pie.

Green Tea Extract : Fat Burner

The thermogenic benefit of green tea is finally catching on. Research suggests that the EGCGs in the green tea leaf stimulate thermogenisis, causing those who use it to experience greater calorie burn. To get the greatest benefit from green tea, people in Japan use the powdered form. Research at the University of Chicago showed that green tea powder affects the body's lipid metabolism and suppresses fat accumulation.

German Supplements

In Germany, people seeking herbal medicine have access to nearly 700 plant-based remedies, and the cost of many of them is covered by health insurance. In fact, some 70 percent of German physicians routinely prescribe phytomedicines. Drugstores carry them, and pharmacists are knowledgeable about their many uses.

In 1978, a German team of physicians, toxicologists, pharmacologists, and other specialists set about to produce the most comprehensive study of herbs in any Western country. The study covers some 400 herbs and establishes certain guidelines for dosage and uses. To arrive at its conclusions, the commission took scientific studies into account, but it also considered historical use, anecdotal evidence, and information from field studies as well as other sources. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines can be purchased from Amazon.com

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