Several natural substances and alternative therapies have been studied for their effects on bone health. Here's a look at some key findings:
1) Tai Chi
In a 2007 study of 49 older adults with osteopenia or osteoporosis, scientists found that 18 weeks of training in tai chi (an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, graceful movements with meditation and deep breathing) helped improve balance and may reduce risk of falling.
A systematic review published the same year concluded that tai chi may be an effective, safe, and practical intervention for maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. However, the review's authors note that existing studies on tai chi's bone-protecting effects are limited in quantity and quality.
2) Green Tea
Consumption of green tea might improve bone mineral density by stimulating activity in bone-forming cells and inhibiting activity in bone-weakening cells, according to a report published in 2009.
3) Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is common among patients with osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis), suggests a 2006 study of 448 individuals. Vitamin D is essential for helping the body absorb calcium, a mineral key to forming and maintaining bone.
Exposure to the sun's UVB rays helps the body synthesize vitamin D. However, since UV exposure is known to increase your risk for skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends obtaining vitamin D from foods and supplements.
Better Bone Health
These strategies can also help preserve bone health:
•getting enough calcium (between 1000 to 1500 mg per day, depending on your age, dietary intake, and other health conditions)
•getting regular exercise, including weight-bearing exercise
•limiting caffeine intake
•avoiding smoking
Monday, March 15, 2010
What You Need to Know About Osteopenia
Osteopenia is a condition marked by low bone mass. Although people with osteopenia have less dense bone than normal, the condition is not as severe as osteoporosis. However, people with osteopenia are at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis if their condition is left untreated.
An estimated 18 million people in the U.S. have osteopenia.
Risk Factors for Osteopenia
Because aging-related processes deplete bone of minerals and mass, your risk for osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis) is likely to increase as you get older.
In addition, women are more prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis than men, due to their naturally lower bone mineral density and certain bone-affecting hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Other factors that may raise your risk for osteopenia include:
•eating disorders or other issues that prevent the body from absorbing a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins
•exposure to radiation therapy or chemotherapy
•a family history of osteoporosis
•excessive consumption of alcohol
•use of certain medications, such as steroids
An estimated 18 million people in the U.S. have osteopenia.
Risk Factors for Osteopenia
Because aging-related processes deplete bone of minerals and mass, your risk for osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis) is likely to increase as you get older.
In addition, women are more prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis than men, due to their naturally lower bone mineral density and certain bone-affecting hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Other factors that may raise your risk for osteopenia include:
•eating disorders or other issues that prevent the body from absorbing a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins
•exposure to radiation therapy or chemotherapy
•a family history of osteoporosis
•excessive consumption of alcohol
•use of certain medications, such as steroids
Benefits of Kudzu
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a climbing vine that belongs to the pea family. Its flowers and starchy white roots have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Uses for Kudzu
In herbal medicine, kudzu is typically used to treat the following:
•alcoholism
•menopausal symptoms
•diabetes
•the common cold
•fever
Benefits of Kudzu
Kudzu contains isoflavones, estrogen-like compounds thought to offer various health benefits. Here's a look at the science behind kudzu's health effects:
1) Kudzu for Postmenopausal Women
For a study published in 2003, researchers assigned 127 postmenopausal women (aged 50 to 65 years) to receive hormone replacement therapy, kudzu supplements (delivering 100 mg of isoflavone daily), or no treatment for three months. While only participants in the HRT group had a reduction in cholesterol levels, HRT- and kudzu-receiving study members both showed improvements in cognitive function and attention span.
A more recent study, published in 2007, found taking kudzu extract in capsule form daily for 24 weeks helped alleviate vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.
2) Kudzu and Alcohol Intake
Kudzu extract may be helpful in reducing alcohol intake, according to a 2005 study. Using a real-life setting (an apartment with a television, reclining chair, and refrigerator stocked with beer), researchers performed an experiment involving heavy drinkers. They found that those who took kudzu capsules for seven days prior to the experiment drank an average of 1.8 beers in 90 minutes (compared to the average of 3.5 beers consumed by those who took a placebo prior to the study).
Uses for Kudzu
In herbal medicine, kudzu is typically used to treat the following:
•alcoholism
•menopausal symptoms
•diabetes
•the common cold
•fever
Benefits of Kudzu
Kudzu contains isoflavones, estrogen-like compounds thought to offer various health benefits. Here's a look at the science behind kudzu's health effects:
1) Kudzu for Postmenopausal Women
For a study published in 2003, researchers assigned 127 postmenopausal women (aged 50 to 65 years) to receive hormone replacement therapy, kudzu supplements (delivering 100 mg of isoflavone daily), or no treatment for three months. While only participants in the HRT group had a reduction in cholesterol levels, HRT- and kudzu-receiving study members both showed improvements in cognitive function and attention span.
A more recent study, published in 2007, found taking kudzu extract in capsule form daily for 24 weeks helped alleviate vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.
2) Kudzu and Alcohol Intake
Kudzu extract may be helpful in reducing alcohol intake, according to a 2005 study. Using a real-life setting (an apartment with a television, reclining chair, and refrigerator stocked with beer), researchers performed an experiment involving heavy drinkers. They found that those who took kudzu capsules for seven days prior to the experiment drank an average of 1.8 beers in 90 minutes (compared to the average of 3.5 beers consumed by those who took a placebo prior to the study).
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Hot Cayenne Pepper
Another excellent herb to include as part of your daily dietary regime is cayenne pepper.
One of the foremost compounds in cayenne is capsaicin, which gives the herb its “hotness” and spiciness. Somewhat ironically, this substance actually gives cayenne the soothing effect it has on one’s digestive tract. Digestive tract ailments such as stomach cramps and acid reflux could thus benefit from the use of cayenne.
Cayenne’s most potent healthful property is its ability to stimulate circulation. It raises body temperature and improves blood circulation; if you have ever taken cayenne pepper and felt your face flush, you would know all about this. In this regard, cayenne benefits various circulatory conditions, and also gives heart and overall cardiovascular health a boost.
Further, cayenne has the effect of improving the fast and even distribution of nutrients which are consumed; for this reason, cayenne is included as part of many herbal formulas, to improve the effectiveness of other herbs which are used. Indeed, whatever natural health remedies you are using, cayenne can be very helpful.
Cayenne also helps to regulate your blood pressure, provide relief from inflammatory joint conditions, lessen pain and itching, tackle infections, improve digestion, relieve constipation as well as alleviate sore throats.
In addition, cayenne is able to stop bleeding quickly and effectively, and this applies to both internal and external bleeding. Because of this and the other properties of cayenne, this herb has been used for numerous emergency type situations, including fainting, shocks, bleeding, and even strokes and heart attacks.
Ground cayenne, in powder form, can be added to meals or mixed with warm water and consumed as a tea. Generally speaking, the hotter the peppers, the more powerful their health properties will be. Cayenne which is rated at about 200,000 heat units can be considered very strong. Liquid extracts can also be used, although those are more commonly used in emergency situations. Even if you do not consume cayenne regularly, this herb is very useful to have in your herbal cabinet.
Almost like garlic, cayenne has quite literally too many health benefits to mention in a short article. And, also like garlic, cayenne is a potent herb, and your body might thus take some time to adjust to it. As always, it is a good idea to start with a small dosage and slowly work your way up. One possible starting dosage is 1/8 teaspoon of powered cayenne per day, with the final target a daily dose of 3 teaspoons.
One of the foremost compounds in cayenne is capsaicin, which gives the herb its “hotness” and spiciness. Somewhat ironically, this substance actually gives cayenne the soothing effect it has on one’s digestive tract. Digestive tract ailments such as stomach cramps and acid reflux could thus benefit from the use of cayenne.
Cayenne’s most potent healthful property is its ability to stimulate circulation. It raises body temperature and improves blood circulation; if you have ever taken cayenne pepper and felt your face flush, you would know all about this. In this regard, cayenne benefits various circulatory conditions, and also gives heart and overall cardiovascular health a boost.
Further, cayenne has the effect of improving the fast and even distribution of nutrients which are consumed; for this reason, cayenne is included as part of many herbal formulas, to improve the effectiveness of other herbs which are used. Indeed, whatever natural health remedies you are using, cayenne can be very helpful.
Cayenne also helps to regulate your blood pressure, provide relief from inflammatory joint conditions, lessen pain and itching, tackle infections, improve digestion, relieve constipation as well as alleviate sore throats.
In addition, cayenne is able to stop bleeding quickly and effectively, and this applies to both internal and external bleeding. Because of this and the other properties of cayenne, this herb has been used for numerous emergency type situations, including fainting, shocks, bleeding, and even strokes and heart attacks.
Ground cayenne, in powder form, can be added to meals or mixed with warm water and consumed as a tea. Generally speaking, the hotter the peppers, the more powerful their health properties will be. Cayenne which is rated at about 200,000 heat units can be considered very strong. Liquid extracts can also be used, although those are more commonly used in emergency situations. Even if you do not consume cayenne regularly, this herb is very useful to have in your herbal cabinet.
Almost like garlic, cayenne has quite literally too many health benefits to mention in a short article. And, also like garlic, cayenne is a potent herb, and your body might thus take some time to adjust to it. As always, it is a good idea to start with a small dosage and slowly work your way up. One possible starting dosage is 1/8 teaspoon of powered cayenne per day, with the final target a daily dose of 3 teaspoons.
More Detox Herbs in the Kitchen
Herbs for Mercury Detox
Meanwhile, you can use garlic and MSM [methylsulfonylmethane], a natural form of organic sulfur — an essential nutrient available in capsule/pill form — to remove the toxic effects of mercury.
Garlic and MSM are both rich in sulfur — sulfur, as you know, is a good anti-mercury agent. It is always good to use garlic in food. Garlic improves the body’s sulfur reserves.
Clove is another good chelating agent; try to eat 2-3 cloves everyday.
You may also introduce cilantro [a member of the carrot family, and also referred to as Chinese parsley and coriander] to your diet.
Cilantro helps “muster” mercury, and other toxins, and flushes them out of the body through excretion.
Cilantro, or coriander, is available in most grocery stores.
Also, you may take a multi-purpose vitamin supplement — especially, vitamins C and E — on a daily basis — to improve the chelation process. However, make sure your capsule contains all the essential minerals.
Your Detox Shopping List
In summary, besides incorporating MSM and a multi-purpose vitamin that includes C & E seek out recipes that incorporate Cilantro, Clove, Garlic, Coriander, Turmeric and add a super green food like Chlorella or algae to your diet; Add chlorophyll rich foods, and include some fiber like psyllium which is best to take before retiring.
These simple additions to your lifestyle will help you maintain a healthier body system.
When browsing through an Indian cookbook many great meals also incorporate these simple detox herbs. You’ll enjoy the food and spices, while supporting giving your body system a boost.
Meanwhile, you can use garlic and MSM [methylsulfonylmethane], a natural form of organic sulfur — an essential nutrient available in capsule/pill form — to remove the toxic effects of mercury.
Garlic and MSM are both rich in sulfur — sulfur, as you know, is a good anti-mercury agent. It is always good to use garlic in food. Garlic improves the body’s sulfur reserves.
Clove is another good chelating agent; try to eat 2-3 cloves everyday.
You may also introduce cilantro [a member of the carrot family, and also referred to as Chinese parsley and coriander] to your diet.
Cilantro helps “muster” mercury, and other toxins, and flushes them out of the body through excretion.
Cilantro, or coriander, is available in most grocery stores.
Also, you may take a multi-purpose vitamin supplement — especially, vitamins C and E — on a daily basis — to improve the chelation process. However, make sure your capsule contains all the essential minerals.
Your Detox Shopping List
In summary, besides incorporating MSM and a multi-purpose vitamin that includes C & E seek out recipes that incorporate Cilantro, Clove, Garlic, Coriander, Turmeric and add a super green food like Chlorella or algae to your diet; Add chlorophyll rich foods, and include some fiber like psyllium which is best to take before retiring.
These simple additions to your lifestyle will help you maintain a healthier body system.
When browsing through an Indian cookbook many great meals also incorporate these simple detox herbs. You’ll enjoy the food and spices, while supporting giving your body system a boost.
Detox Herbs in the Kitchen
Herbal “Plumbers” for Wellness
We all tend to accumulate a great deal of toxins and other wastes, including pollutants, in our body.
In the long run this does our body no good — the built up toxins only cause health problems including clogging in the arteries.
Here’s help from your kitchen — to cleanse your body of toxins and promote a healthier you.
Chelation Body Cleansing and Detoxing
The process of cleansing we are talking about is called chelation. To chele — a Greek term — means “to claw.”
You could think of the chelation process as something we often do to clear our drainage system.
When a drain is clogged, we add a chemical. The substance dissolves the blockage. Soon after, the resulting compound is also removed from the drain through the plumbing system.
The chelation process works in the same manner in our body. But, don’t be alarmed — chelation is safe and its good effects are immense.
Do you know there are a handful of easy-to-do chelation programs that you can do at home to catch the free radical phantom by its neck? Free radicals are a major cause of the disease process, including heart problems, diabetes, and cancer.
Natural Herbs for Detoxing the Body
Your first objective is to improve your elimination to aid the release of toxic elements. You can do that with simple foods, such as the chlorella shown above.
•Sustain at least two bowel movements per day. If you find this difficult, you may add psyllium, or isapgol [from the genus, plantago] to your diet plan. Take a tablespoon of isapgol in a glass of water, last thing before going to bed.
•You may also use chlorella to remove toxic metals from the connective tissues, likewise.
Chlorella is an algae with protein and high levels of chlorophyll. It is one of the purest, most potent forms of food on Earth. Only thing is — it may not be tolerated by some people.
We all tend to accumulate a great deal of toxins and other wastes, including pollutants, in our body.
In the long run this does our body no good — the built up toxins only cause health problems including clogging in the arteries.
Here’s help from your kitchen — to cleanse your body of toxins and promote a healthier you.
Chelation Body Cleansing and Detoxing
The process of cleansing we are talking about is called chelation. To chele — a Greek term — means “to claw.”
You could think of the chelation process as something we often do to clear our drainage system.
When a drain is clogged, we add a chemical. The substance dissolves the blockage. Soon after, the resulting compound is also removed from the drain through the plumbing system.
The chelation process works in the same manner in our body. But, don’t be alarmed — chelation is safe and its good effects are immense.
Do you know there are a handful of easy-to-do chelation programs that you can do at home to catch the free radical phantom by its neck? Free radicals are a major cause of the disease process, including heart problems, diabetes, and cancer.
Natural Herbs for Detoxing the Body
Your first objective is to improve your elimination to aid the release of toxic elements. You can do that with simple foods, such as the chlorella shown above.
•Sustain at least two bowel movements per day. If you find this difficult, you may add psyllium, or isapgol [from the genus, plantago] to your diet plan. Take a tablespoon of isapgol in a glass of water, last thing before going to bed.
•You may also use chlorella to remove toxic metals from the connective tissues, likewise.
Chlorella is an algae with protein and high levels of chlorophyll. It is one of the purest, most potent forms of food on Earth. Only thing is — it may not be tolerated by some people.
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