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Resveratrol May Cool Inflammation Recent research shows that resveratrol (an antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes) may help tame inflammation. One of the first studies to test resveratrol's effects on human health, the research suggests that resveratrol may also fight free radicals (chemical byproducts known to damage DNA). For the study, 20 adults took either a dietary supplement (containing 40 mg of resveratrol) or a placebo pill once a day for six weeks. Results showed that resveratrol suppressed several substances known to increase inflammation in blood vessels. Those pro-inflammatory markers included compounds that may interfere with insulin and, in turn, increase diabetes risk. Available in supplement form, resveratrol has been found to suppress breast cancer progression, hinder age-related decline in heart health, reduce stroke damage, and lower cholesterol levels in previously published animal studies and test-tube research.Resveratrol May Cool Inflammation originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 06:00:22.Permalink | Comment | Email this Fish Oil May Fight Macular Degeneration For older adults, loading up on fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help fight age-related macular degeneration. A leading cause of vision loss in the U.S., age-related macular degeneration gradually wipes out your central vision (essential for everyday activities such as reading and driving). In a recently published study, 2,520 adults (ages 65 to 84) were surveyed about their consumption of fish/shellfish. Study results showed that those with advanced age-related macular degeneration were significantly less likely to eat seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids. The study's authors suggest that greater consumption of omega-3-rich fish (such as salmon and sardines) could protect against progression of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Available in supplement form, omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to lower cholesterol, keep blood pressure in check, and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.Fish Oil May Fight Macular Degeneration originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 06:00:47.Permalink | Comment | Email this Hawthorn May Fight Cataract Development Hawthorn extract, according to a new animal study. In tests on rat pups, scientists discovered that eye drops containing hawthorn extract helped fight cataracts by revving up antioxidant activity. The world's leading cause of blindness, cataracts develop when fibers in the lens of the eye clump together and result in blurred vision (or complete blindness, if left untreated). In previously published population studies, researchers have found that loading up on lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants found in yellow or dark-green leafy vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats found in flaxseed and certain fish) may help reduce risk of cataracts. Often touted as a natural remedy for heart health, hawthorn extract has been shown to keep blood pressure in check and prevent atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries) in past research.Hawthorn May Fight Cataract Development originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 06:00:20.Permalink | Comment | Email this For Strong Bones, Girls May Need Vitamin D At An Early Age To build strong bones, girls may need to start taking vitamin D supplements prior to early adolescence. In a recent study of 73 girls (ages 12 to 14), those who received four doses of 150,000 IU of vitamin D over the period of a year showed no significant improvement in bone health. According to the study's authors, this finding suggests that earlier supplementation is needed in order to make the most of peak bone-building years. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous, which in turn helps support the hardening of bones. Running low on vitamin D may lead to the development of osteoporosis, a condition marked by decreased bone density. Although vitamin D is available in some foods (such as certain fish and fortified cereals), it's difficult to get your recommended daily intake solely through dietary sources. Your body can synthesize vitamin D during exposure to the sun's UVB rays, but getting too much sun can raise your risk of skin cancer. Therefore, many medical experts recommend taking a daily supplement in order to boost your levels of vitamin D.For Strong Bones, Girls May Need Vitamin D At An Early Age originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 06:00:52.Permalink | Comment | Email this Vitamin E May Shield Brain Health Filling your plate with foods high in vitamin E may help reduce your risk for Alzheimer's disease, a new study shows. For the study, researchers sized up dietary information provided by 5,395 participants (all of whom were 55 years or older and did not have dementia between 1990 and 1993). Over the course of about 9.6 years, 465 study members developed dementia. Among the participants with dementia, 365 were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In analyzing their data, the researchers found that study members whose diets were highest in vitamin E were 25 percent less likely to develop dementia. Dietary intake of vitamin C and beta-carotene, however, was not associated with a reduction in dementia risk. In the study, the major food sources of vitamin E were margarine, sunflower oil, butter, cooking fat, soybean oil, and mayonnaise. The study's authors suggest that vitamin E (considered an antioxidant) may help protect against dementia and Alzheimer's by fighting off free radicals.Vitamin E May Shield Brain Health originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 06:00:31.Permalink | Comment | Email this Zinc Nasal Sprays May Lead to Loss of Smell Using zinc nasal sprays to soothe cold symptoms may dull your sense of smell, a new study shows. The study included 25 patients, all of whom had been treated at a nasal dysfunction clinic. The patients reported experiencing a burning sensation immediately after using zinc nasal sprays, followed by a loss of sense of smell within minutes to hours of using the sprays. According to the study's authors, the only "probable explanation for the smell loss is chemical injury due to the use of intranasal zinc." What's more, the study's authors note, previous research suggests that zinc nasal sprays may not be effective when it comes to preventing or treating colds. In past studies, several other natural remedies have been found to help reduce the duration and/or severity of the common cold. These remedies include herbs like echinacea and astragalus, as well as nutrients like vitamin C.Zinc Nasal Sprays May Lead to Loss of Smell originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 06:00:33.Permalink | Comment | Email this Vitamin D May Reduce Parkinson's Risk Boosting your vitamin D levels may help shield you from Parkinson's disease, according to a recently published study. For the study, researchers looked at data on 3,173 older adults, 50 of whom had Parkinson's (a motor system disorder that results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells). Results revealed that study members with the highest vitamin D levels had a 65 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson's (compared to those with the lowest vitamin D levels). It's possible that running low on vitamin D could lead to a chronic loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, the study's authors suggest. Although there's no known way to prevent Parkinson's disease, some research suggests that getting your fill of omega-3 fatty acids (a type of healthy fat available in supplement form and found naturally in oily fish like salmon and sardines) may also help reduce your Parkinson's risk.Vitamin D May Reduce Parkinson's Risk originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at 06:00:38.Permalink | Comment | Email this Vitamin D May Not Reduce Depression Risk New research suggests that low vitamin D levels may not be linked to depression. This finding contradicts a number of previously published studies showing that boosting your levels of the so-called "sunshine vitamin" may help reduce your depression risk. For the study, researchers sized up data on 3,916 adults (age 20 and older). In addition to measuring the participants' blood levels of vitamin D, the researchers assessed each study member's depressive symptoms. Results revealed "no significant associations" between vitamin D deficiency and moderate-to-severe depression, major depression, or minor depression. However, the study's authors note that these findings should be further tested in future studies. Available in supplement form and found naturally in some foods, vitamin D is produced by the body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Essential to building strong bones and protecting against diseases osteoporosis, vitamin D may also aid in prevention of cancer and heart disease.Vitamin D May Not Reduce Depression Risk originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 06:00:14.Permalink | Comment | Email this Honey May Offer Sweet Relief From Coughs Honey may soothe coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medications, a new study shows. The study involved 139 children (ages two to five), all of whom were dealing with coughs caused by upper respiratory infections. For the study, participants received honey, dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), or no medication. After about 24 hours, scientists tested all participants for the frequency and severity of their coughs. Study results showed that the 2.5-ml dose of honey provided greater cough relief, compared to both medications and the control treatment. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds, honey has been found to protect against sinusitis in past research. If you're seeking a natural alternative to cough medication, you may also want to consider marshmallow and mullein (two herbs known to ease irritation in the throat).Honey May Offer Sweet Relief From Coughs originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 23:27:38.Permalink | Comment | Email this FDA Recalls Joyful Slim The Food and Drug Administration has recalled Joyful Slim, an herbal supplement marketed as a weight-loss aid. In its lab analysis of Joyful Slim, the FDA found that the supplement contains an undeclared and potentially dangerous drug called desmethyl sibutramine. Known to act as an appetite suppressant, desmethyl sibutramine may significantly increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some individuals. According to the FDA, the drug "may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke." The FDA advises consumers to avoid use of Joyful Slim, and to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Furthermore, any adverse reactions to Joyful Slim should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. If you're seeking natural support for your weight-loss efforts, consider turning to mind-body practices shown to aid in weight management (such as yoga, acupuncture, and tai chi.FDA Recalls Joyful Slim originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 06:00:03.Permalink | Comment | Email this |
