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
Monday, March 15, 2010
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.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Natural Treatment for Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
A leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma causes damage to the eye's optic nerve (a bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain).
There are several types of glaucoma. The two most common are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly builds up and impairs the optic nerve.
In primary open-angle glaucoma, fluid drains from the eye too slowly, resulting in painless damage to the optic nerve and a very gradual loss of vision.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the iris partially blocks fluid drainage at the angle where the cornea and iris meet, causing an abrupt increase in eye pressure.
The following may increase your risk of glaucoma:
•Being over age 60
•Having a family history of glaucoma
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Eye injuries
•Nearsightedness
African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Although primary open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms, it leads to a very gradual loss of peripheral vision and - in advanced stages - tunnel vision.
Considered a medical emergency, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden, severe eye pain that may be accompanied by the following:
•Reddening of the eye
•Stomach upset (including nausea and vomiting)
•Sudden visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or the presence of halos around lights
Treatment for Glaucoma
If you experience symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include the use of medication and/or a laser procedure that promotes drainage of fluid from the eye.
Undergoing an eye exam every two years can increase your chances of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, delaying progression of the disease, and preserving your vision.
Standard treatments for glaucoma include eyedrops, oral medication, fluid-draining laser procedures, and conventional surgery that creates a new opening for fluid to leave the eye.
Alternative Treatment for Glaucoma
If not properly treated, glaucoma can result in total blindness. While alternative medicine alone can't treat glaucoma, certain remedies and therapies may help manage the disease. Consider talking with your eye doctor about using the following to help prevent or control glaucoma:
1) Ginkgo Biloba
This herb may boost blood flow to the optic nerve and, in turn, have a beneficial effect on glaucoma, according to a research review published in 2001. However, the review authors note that ginkgo biloba was not found to have a direct effect on eye pressure.
2) Vitamin C
Vitamin C - an antioxidant available in supplement form and also abundant in citrus, berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables - may help reduce eye pressure and benefit people with glaucoma, a 2001 study suggests.
3) Mind-Body Stress Management
Since stress is a risk factor for acute angle-closure glaucoma, including a stress-reducing practice such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation in your self-care may help protect your vision.
A leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma causes damage to the eye's optic nerve (a bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain).
There are several types of glaucoma. The two most common are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly builds up and impairs the optic nerve.
In primary open-angle glaucoma, fluid drains from the eye too slowly, resulting in painless damage to the optic nerve and a very gradual loss of vision.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the iris partially blocks fluid drainage at the angle where the cornea and iris meet, causing an abrupt increase in eye pressure.
The following may increase your risk of glaucoma:
•Being over age 60
•Having a family history of glaucoma
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Eye injuries
•Nearsightedness
African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Although primary open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms, it leads to a very gradual loss of peripheral vision and - in advanced stages - tunnel vision.
Considered a medical emergency, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden, severe eye pain that may be accompanied by the following:
•Reddening of the eye
•Stomach upset (including nausea and vomiting)
•Sudden visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or the presence of halos around lights
Treatment for Glaucoma
If you experience symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include the use of medication and/or a laser procedure that promotes drainage of fluid from the eye.
Undergoing an eye exam every two years can increase your chances of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, delaying progression of the disease, and preserving your vision.
Standard treatments for glaucoma include eyedrops, oral medication, fluid-draining laser procedures, and conventional surgery that creates a new opening for fluid to leave the eye.
Alternative Treatment for Glaucoma
If not properly treated, glaucoma can result in total blindness. While alternative medicine alone can't treat glaucoma, certain remedies and therapies may help manage the disease. Consider talking with your eye doctor about using the following to help prevent or control glaucoma:
1) Ginkgo Biloba
This herb may boost blood flow to the optic nerve and, in turn, have a beneficial effect on glaucoma, according to a research review published in 2001. However, the review authors note that ginkgo biloba was not found to have a direct effect on eye pressure.
2) Vitamin C
Vitamin C - an antioxidant available in supplement form and also abundant in citrus, berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables - may help reduce eye pressure and benefit people with glaucoma, a 2001 study suggests.
3) Mind-Body Stress Management
Since stress is a risk factor for acute angle-closure glaucoma, including a stress-reducing practice such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation in your self-care may help protect your vision.
Hawthorn for Heart Health
A tree native to Europe, North America, and northern Asia, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) produces berries that contain potent antioxidants. Extracts of the berries (as well as hawthorn leaves and flowers) have long been used in herbal medicine. In the United States, hawthorn products are typically marketed for their effects on heart health.
Uses for Hawthorn
Hawthorn is purported to help treat the following health problems:
•indigestion
•angina
•atherosclerosis
•congestive heart failure
•high blood pressure
Benefits of Hawthorn
The antioxidants in hawthorn are thought to boost heart health by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.
Although hawthorn's health effects have yet to be extensively studied in the United States, research suggests that hawthorn extracts may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of these cardiovascular problems:
1) Chronic Heart Failure
Hawthorn may help manage symptoms and improve physiologic outcomes when used as a supporting treatment for chronic heart failure, according to a 2008 research review of 14 studies (including a total of 855 chronic heart failure patients). The review's findings indicate that treatment with hawthorn may lead to improvement in exercise tolerance and in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
2) High Blood Pressure
In a pilot study published in 2002, 38 mildly hypertensive volunteers were assigned to a daily supplement of 600 mg of magnesium, 500 mg of hawthorn extract, a combination of magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. After 10 weeks, the 19 subjects who took hawthorn extract showed a greater reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure than other study members. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety.
In a more recent study, published in 2006, scientists discovered that hawthorn helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes.
3) Atherosclerosis
An animal study published in 2009 suggests that hawthorn may help reduce levels of blood fats (including cholesterol) and aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries).
Should You Take Hawthorn?
Given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's crucial not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). Make sure to consult your physician if you're considering the use of hawthorn in treatment of a heart problem.
Uses for Hawthorn
Hawthorn is purported to help treat the following health problems:
•indigestion
•angina
•atherosclerosis
•congestive heart failure
•high blood pressure
Benefits of Hawthorn
The antioxidants in hawthorn are thought to boost heart health by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.
Although hawthorn's health effects have yet to be extensively studied in the United States, research suggests that hawthorn extracts may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of these cardiovascular problems:
1) Chronic Heart Failure
Hawthorn may help manage symptoms and improve physiologic outcomes when used as a supporting treatment for chronic heart failure, according to a 2008 research review of 14 studies (including a total of 855 chronic heart failure patients). The review's findings indicate that treatment with hawthorn may lead to improvement in exercise tolerance and in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
2) High Blood Pressure
In a pilot study published in 2002, 38 mildly hypertensive volunteers were assigned to a daily supplement of 600 mg of magnesium, 500 mg of hawthorn extract, a combination of magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. After 10 weeks, the 19 subjects who took hawthorn extract showed a greater reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure than other study members. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety.
In a more recent study, published in 2006, scientists discovered that hawthorn helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes.
3) Atherosclerosis
An animal study published in 2009 suggests that hawthorn may help reduce levels of blood fats (including cholesterol) and aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries).
Should You Take Hawthorn?
Given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's crucial not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). Make sure to consult your physician if you're considering the use of hawthorn in treatment of a heart problem.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
