2011 February - Natures Remedy

How to Be a Brainiac

February 17, 2011 By Julie Sergel Leave a Comment

No matter what stage of life you may find yourself in, tending to the brain will prove highly beneficial—all 100 billion neurons of it! This vital conglomerate of nerve cells takes up a mere pinch of body weight (two percent), uses 25 percent of the body’s total oxygen and is responsible for regulating every organ and tissue in the body. Sad thing is, with such responsibilities, brain–related disorders on the rise. So, what can we do to support healthy brain matter and be wise like a Brainiac?—which, by the way, defined as “an exceptionally intelligent person.”

You are what you eat—and this is most clearly reflected by the brain. Most people relate food with physique—“ a moment on your lips, a lifetime on your hips,” but really we need to consider that old television commercial where an egg is violently fried and the narration explains, “this is your brain on drugs.” (Yikes.) So, maybe we could combine the two and come up with: what you put on your tongue, will make you either smart or dumb. (That was off the top of my head, folks!) Getting back to the point, good nutrition is very much related to optimal brain functionality. Also to be noted, food choices made by mothers during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood particularly play a role in a child’s mental development—and yet it also stands on it own: good solid nutrition can improve brain function and reduce risk of brain disorders. This way, if you mother didn’t know any better, you now do.

A serious Brainiac would typically eat plenty of good-for-you fats, high quality protein with vast stores of amino acids and stay plenty hydrated by drinking consistent amounts of water daily. Why? Because (a) the brain is made up of about 70 percent water and quickly succumbs to dehydration, (b) more than half of the “dry” weight of the brain is composed of fat, so it would make sense to feed on what you need on, and (c) amino acids supply the fuel for neurotransmitters to function properly. Protein is especially effective for starting the day right and should be included in everyone’s breakfast. Not only will it increase mental alertness, it will help stabilize blood sugar.

Proper supplementation to offer support would include Fish Oil with DHA to get the omega-3 fatty acids (along with adding cold-water fish into the diet such as anchovies, halibut, mackerel, herring, trout, tuna, and salmon), Flax Seed Oil, NSP’s Super Omega-3 or Super Algae, along with Nutri-Calm, also by NSP, for supplying the much needed B vitamins—and which may lower risks for Alzheimer’s, dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Foundational to any plan is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (organic when possible) –five to nine servings daily. Not only do they offer rich nutrients, but they help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which can harm the brain. Studies show these to be two huge factors that excite the aging process. So upping your anti-oxidant quotient via fruits and vegetables or concentrates with high ORAC values (like Thai-Go drink) are excellent lifestyle factors to adopt.

Foods that a Brainiac is just way too smart to eat include the bad fats—anything hydrogenated, deep-fried or highly processed. These are not only the wrong fuel, but cause damage as well. (Two strikes. OUT!) Of course, Brainiacs are probably busy getting some fresh air and exercising to even be tempted by such things—should they hypothetically suffer from mild dehydration and fall prey to bad fat food items. Circulation is another important aspect to brain health and exercising regularly keeps circulation in check–and gets blood to the brain!

Herbs that can help boost circulation to the brain are Ginkgo biloba and Gotu Kola. NSP also combines the two (Ginkgo/Gotu Kola with Bacopa) and offers Mega-Chel, a high-octane combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants formulated to aid the body in stripping plaque from artery walls and removing heavy metals.

If there are more specific concerns regarding brain health—such as ADHD, brain fog, anxiety, depression, confusion, nervousness, absent-mindedness, etc. please let the staff at Nature’s Remedy assist you. That’s another point about being a Brainiac—you’re smart enough to ask for help when you need it!

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Filed Under: Natural healing Tagged With: Absent mindedness, ADHD, Anxiety, Brain fog, Brain Health, Confusion, Depression, Nervousness

Burdock Root – a Powerful Medicine

February 9, 2011 By Nature's Sunshine Leave a Comment

Burdock root is considered powerful medicine in both Eastern and Western herbal traditions. In the East burdock is considered bitter and cool. It drains dampness and clears excess heat (or toxins) from the body. In the West burdock is traditionally used to cleanse the blood, and is thought to be useful in situations such as:

exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke or air pollution
parasites in the blood
heavy metals such as mercury, lead or arsenic in the blood
chronic bacterial or viral infections, such as chronic fatigue or Lyme disease

The dried root of the burdock species of plants is used to make an herbal remedy known simply as “the burdock”. This remedy is actually made from the dried first year root of the great burdock – botanical name: Arctium lappa L., or from the roots of the common burdock – botanical name: Arctium minus of the plant family Asteraceae found in the temperate regions of the world.

The great burdock is not grown widely in the United States and has been naturalized in many parts of the country while it is found to be growing in the wild in continental Europe – to which it is native. The common burdock is the main source of the root for the preparation of the herbal remedy in America.

It has many medicinal qualities and has been used in many herbal remedies. The root is sweet to the taste and has a gummy consistency. Traditionally, burdock has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. In modern times, burdock is also used in oncology and to treat many other serious health problems.

Historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were compressed to make a mixture that was effective in cleansing the bloodstream, easing pain from arthritis, and treating gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its alleged cancer-treating properties were also utilized in Russia and India. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and found it effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. The seeds of the plant contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which increases perspiration, which is essential in cleansing the body of toxins or harmful elements. According to traditional healers, diaphoretics are essential to treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys. Burdock is a favorite among herbalists to treat acne. It has been used to clear skin redness and blemishes.

In Japan and some parts of Europe, burdock is eaten as vegetable. Burdock contains inulin, a natural dietary fiber, and has also been used traditionally to improve digestion. In fact, recent studies confirm that burdock has prebiotic properties that could improve health. It has many nutrients like iron, and beneficial oils. Also, burdock can be used as a gentle laxative and help eradicate uric acid. Some of the active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, which are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals. Burdock may enhance the performance of many of the organs, which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste (like the kidneys, liver, colon, etc). This may help with overall health and helps correct disorders.

Despite the fact that burdock has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, very few scientific studies have examined burdock’s effects. It has been applied externally as well as internally to relieve eczema and psoriasis.

Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, is popular in Europe as a scalp treatment applied to improve hair strength, shine and body, help reverse scalp conditions such as dandruff, and combat hair loss. Modern studies indicate that burdock root oil extract is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids (including rare long-chain EFAs), the nutrients required to maintain a healthy scalp and promote natural hair growth. It combines an immediate relieving effect with nutritional support of normal functions of sebaceous glands and hair follicles According to some European herbalists, combining burdock root oil with a nettle root oil and massaging these two oils into the scalp every day has a greater effect than Bur oil alone.

Burdock leaves are used by some burn care workers for pain management and to speed healing time in natural burn treatment. Burn care workers hold that it eases dressing changes and appears to impede bacterial growth on the wound site and that it also provides a great moisture barrier.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid burdock as it may cause damage to the fetus.

If you are sensitive to daises, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also experience an allergic reaction to burdock.

Other Products containing Burdock Root:

Filed Under: Natural healing Tagged With: Blood, Burdock Root, Cleanse, Parasites, Toxins

Epigenetics and Health

February 3, 2011 By Nature's Sunshine Leave a Comment

DNA Strand

For several years now I have been hearing “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” A thought-provoking spinoff from this comment is “What happens in Vegas could affect your kids.” Another popular saying: “You are what you eat.” But a more recent and comprehensive statement reads “You are not only what you eat, but what your parents ate.” These recent commentary revisions all relate to the rapidly developing science called epigenetics.

The prefix epi means “on top of” and genome refers to genetic material. And so, the epigenome is situated on top of the genome in the nucleus of the cell. Chemicals, called epigenetic marks, provide basic instructions to the genes, telling them to either switch on or switch off. The genome can be viewed as cellular hardware, while the epigenome can be considered cellular software. The epigenetic changes, either activation or suppression of a gene, are definitely affected by the environment and can be passed on to offspring. Many health problems, ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disease to obesity, can all be caused, in part, by environmental epigenetic-mediated effects on DNA. In the case of cancer, tumor-suppressor genes genetically control cancer by acting as a brake on rapid cancerous cell growth. It is now clear that certain lifestyle choices can result in a change in certain epigenetic marks, which can switch off tumor-suppressor genes. This is called epigenetic silencing and, in this case, if the tumor-suppressing action is switched off, cancer will likely develop.

A fascinating study that focused on the inhabitants of Overkalix, a remote town in northern Sweden, has revealed that environment and lifestyle have a direct impact on future generations. During the early 1900s, there were periods of feast or famine depending on the success or failure of crops in the isolated Overkalix. Young men and women who went from a normal diet to routine overeating during a year of crop success produced children and grandchildren who experienced far shorter lives. The difference in longevity between these offspring and the offspring from parents who had endured a poor harvest was 32 years (1).

Epigenetic changes, which do not involve alterations to the genetic DNA code, are known to have several different mechanisms. One of these mechanisms has been shown to involve the addition of a methyl group to a gene (DNA methylation), which can change that gene’s expression. The B vitamins folic acid and cyanocobalamin (B12) are excellent methyl donors and have been shown to effectively contribute to gene methylation. DNA methylation can change gene expression, turning it on or off, and this can be transferred to offspring/descendents for up to four generations.

In a landmark experiment, a specific strain of mouse called agouti, which expresses a gene that results in a high probability of obesity and diabetes, was a model that yielded some amazing data. Pregnant agouti mice were divided into two groups with one group receiving a diet rich in folic acid and vitamin B12 and the other group receiving no dietary supplementation of the B vitamins. The folate and B12 methylated the agouti gene, thereby modifying its expression. This resulted in offspring of normal weight and no tendency to develop diabetes. The pregnant agouti mice that did not receive B vitamin supplementation gave birth to obese pups, many of which developed diabetes (2).

Unfortunately, a prolonged unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle choices do not “stay in Vegas” but rather are passed on to your children and their children. Of course, this applies to those in their child-bearing years. Keep in mind that not only are the children adversely affected by the parent(s) poor choice of diet and lifestyle but these parents will probably experience diminished longevity as well. And so, if you are young, be sure to make wise dietary and lifestyle choices for your future children and yourself. Older individuals also need to be prudent in their decisions on diet and lifestyle in order to extend their longevity. We all can have a longer, healthier life by using common sense and paying attention to evolving scientific information in our approach to diet and lifestyle.

Created by Dr. William J. Keller

References:

1. Bygren, L. O. et al. Acta Biotheoretica 49(1):53 (2001). Abstract available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/x61m87x016213823/

2. Waterland, R. A. et al Mol. Cell Biol. 23(15):5293 (2003). Available at: http://mcb.asm.org/cgi/content/full/23/15/5293?view=long&pmid=12861015

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Filed Under: Natural healing

Time Out For Teens

February 1, 2011 By Julie Sergel Leave a Comment

Teenagers

When children are young, most parents allot “time out” sessions for unruly behavior, but as little ones progress to become bigger ones parents are wise to discover what needs to be “put in” for teens. Various experts raise concern over the health and academic performance of today’s youth. The good news is that the best remedy for both starts with good nutrition.

Eating a proper diet rich in nutrients is, of course, vital for any age group and for each stage of life, for different reasons. The case for teens is the tremendous growth spurts—physically and emotionally—which place increased demand on sound nutrition. Deficiencies in this area affect behavior, growth and learning ability.

One of the most prominent aspects of diet and health is blood sugar. When blood sugar levels rise and fall like a roller coaster in an amusement park, emotions respond accordingly with anxiety, depression, irritability, cravings, lack of concentration or mental confusion, lethargy, and even juvenile delinquency. A book was written by a parole officer who changed diets of young offenders from junk food and alcohol to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats with no sugar, white flour, caffeine or alcohol. (Juvenile delinquents typically display blood sugar problems.) What she found was marked behavior changes by her subjects—and no more trouble with the law!

Balancing blood sugar means continually providing the body with high quality fuel throughout the day. Best breakfast bets should always include protein. Eggs contain all of the essential amino acids, plus vitamins A, B, and D. Complex carbohydrates found in fresh fruits and whole grains, along with some good fats are also admirable choices. (Please note the carbohydrate classification is “complex” and not “simple,” which actually sets the body’s physiology more than a few steps back by hiking and then slamming down blood sugar levels.) An easy route for those on the go is to concoct a protein shake with favorite fruits (fresh or frozen), protein powder (NSP’s SynerProtein), and yogurt, if you like. It’s also an open vehicle for adding in extra shots of undetected and yet entirely useful boosts like flaxseed oil, colloidal minerals, or nutritional yeast for enhanced performance in sports or academics. Super Algae is remarkably keen in offering high amounts of amino acids. Taken with breakfast (or three times daily depending on needs) it will assist brain function, mood, and curtail sugar cravings by balancing blood sugar levels. Licorice Root is also powerful in the same respect.

Food and supplements go hand in hand—supporting each other and ensuring strength, so along with healthy meals and snacks, be sure to infuse your teen with a good multivitamin and mineral source, along with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed oil, or NSP Omega-3 EPA). For those who tend to resist the virtues of high nutrition, lure them in with Thai-Go drink and hope they can refrain from consuming the entire bottle. Thai-Go is flooded with copious amounts of antioxidants. Most link antioxidants to anti-aging but teens need regular doses as well, to help protect against environmental toxins. Combination HSN-W supplies silica and trace minerals for healthy hair, skin, and nails, as well as bones, teeth, joints, and cognitive abilities—an excellent combination all around.

Stress can also burn up vitamin and mineral stores, so it’s important to watch out for depletion and counter nervous exhaustion with herbs and vitamins that feed the nervous system. Nutri-calm especially fortifies the nerves, reduces overwhelm, and improves mood—as does Eleuthero Root, which will also help to improve mental performance. For extra busy minds, Focus Attention is the solution and for the “simply distressed,” a blend of gently effective flower essences, appropriately named Distress Remedy.

With so many remedies, there’s no reason for teens to not enjoy this stage of life.