July/August 2008 Natural Health Newsletter « FeelGood Natural Health Food Stores

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Calcium reduces bone fractures
Results of a new trial suggest that taking a daily calcium supplement can dramatically reduce the risk of bone fractures. Researchers from University Hospital Zurich and Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire also report that the benefits were no longer observed when supplementation was stopped. Average citizens in a developed country are at risk of [...]
Compound inhibits fat cells
Resveratrol, a compound in grapes and red wine, reduces the number of fat cells and may one day be used to treat or prevent obesity, according to a new study. German researchers found that resveratrol inhibited pre-fat cells from increasing and prevented them from converting into mature fat cells. Also, resveratrol hindered fat storage. Most [...]
Herbal help for pesky canker sores
Canker sores appear as shallow mouth ulcers of different sizes and affects one in five North Americans. They can be caused by food allergies and hormonal changes, and also can cause severe mouth pain. But these bothersome sores may be relieved by licorice root herbal extract. Genetic predisposition may underlie most cases of recurring canker [...]
Ginger – how it soothes
Ginger is a traditional herbal remedy used to ease digestive discomfort and nausea. A new study reveals that ginger stimulates digestion by speeding up the movement of food from the stomach into the upper small intestine. Researchers had 24 healthy men eat a bowl of soup after taking either 1,200 mg of ginger or a [...]
Fat burning Vitamin C
In one study, taking 500 mg of vitamin C per day increased fat burning fourfold.
Lycopene improves gum disease
Gingivitis is a common dental problem which develops when bacteria multiply and build up between your teeth and gums, resulting in irritation, inflammation and possible bleeding. If not addressed, gingivitis can lead to more serious gum diseases, and eventually tooth loss. Indian researchers from Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences report on a randomized, double-blind study [...]
Probiotics tame allergy response
In the first human study of its kind, scientists at the Institute of Food Research found that probiotics can modify the immune system’s response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever. Taking a daily probiotic "changed the way" the body responded to pollen. "This was a pilot study based on small numbers [...]
Omega-3 for macular degeneration
According to Australian researchers, eating cold-water fish and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in elderly people. The researchers reviewed nine published studies that included a total of 88,974 people, including 3,203 people with AMD. The combined outcomes from [...]
What’s new to beat the blues?
On these hot, sunny days of summer, most of us find ourselves in a good state of mind, looking forward to a weekend spent with family and friends, or perhaps an upcoming vacation. But statistics show that 5% of Canadians are currently experiencing a major depressive episode. For this group, sunny thoughts are few and [...]
What’s Hot – Ubiquinol
What is it? The reduced form of coenzyme Q10, as typically found in human plasma. Why use it? To ensure greater absorption of CoQ10 for energy and heart health. What’s the research? In a study this year, critically ill patients with congestive heart failure who supplemented with ubiquinol for just three months experienced a 24 [...]
Vitamin D for heart health
It’s known that deaths from heart attack occur more frequently in higher latitudes and in the winter months. To find out why, Harvard researchers reviewed medical records and blood samples of 454 men who had non-fatal heart attack or fatal heart disease and compared them with samples from 900 living men with no history of [...]
Thicker hair with silica
According to a new study by German researchers, supplementing with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of silica (silicon) in gel form for six months can increase hair thickness by almost 13%. The study involved 55 healthy adult women with thin hair. Lead researcher I. Zschockel explains, "Though largely determined by heredity, hair thickness is also influenced [...]
Zinc cuts cold time
To prepare for the next cold season, have zinc lozenges on hand! Researchers found that taking zinc lozenges at the first sign of a cold could lead to milder symptoms and quicker recovery. Among 50 people given either lozenges (13 mg of zinc) or a placebo, taken every few hours while awake for as long [...]

Calcium reduces bone fractures

Average citizens in a developed country are at risk of sustaining two fractures over the course of their lifetime.

Among 930 healthy people (average age 61), far fewer fractures were seen in the group getting a daily calcium supplement than in those receiving a placebo.
The participants took either the calcium supplement, which contained 1,200 mg of elemental calcium, or a placebo for four years. They were then followed for another 10.8 years.

Measures of the primary outcomes of all fractures and minimal trauma fractures showed that people in the calcium group experienced 46 fractures, 15 of which were from minimal trauma, while 54 fractures were documented in the placebo group, 29 of which were from minimal trauma. A minimal trauma fracture is defined as being caused by falling from a sitting, standing, or walking position and height.

The researchers calculated that calcium supplements reduced the risk of fracture by 72%, but no difference between the groups was observed during the follow-up period when no supplements were consumed.

"Calcium supplementation reduced the risk of all fractures and of minimal trauma fractures among healthy individuals," concluded the researchers. "The benefit appeared to dissipate after treatment was stopped."

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2008: 87(6):1945-1951

Results of a new trial suggest that taking a daily calcium supplement can dramatically reduce the risk of bone fractures. Researchers from University Hospital Zurich and Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire also report that the benefits were no longer observed when supplementation was stopped.

Average citizens in a developed country are at risk of sustaining two fractures over the course of their lifetime.

Among 930 healthy people (average age 61), far fewer fractures were seen in the group getting a daily calcium supplement than in those receiving a placebo.
The participants took either the calcium supplement, which contained 1,200 mg of elemental calcium, or a placebo for four years. They were then followed for another 10.8 years.

Measures of the primary outcomes of all fractures and minimal trauma fractures showed that people in the calcium group experienced 46 fractures, 15 of which were from minimal trauma, while 54 fractures were documented in the placebo group, 29 of which were from minimal trauma. A minimal trauma fracture is defined as being caused by falling from a sitting, standing, or walking position and height.

The researchers calculated that calcium supplements reduced the risk of fracture by 72%, but no difference between the groups was observed during the follow-up period when no supplements were consumed.

"Calcium supplementation reduced the risk of all fractures and of minimal trauma fractures among healthy individuals," concluded the researchers. "The benefit appeared to dissipate after treatment was stopped."

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2008: 87(6):1945-1951

Tags: Calcium

Herbal help for pesky canker sores

Genetic predisposition may underlie most cases of recurring canker sores.

Researchers examined the effects of licorice extract applied via an adhesive patch for treatment of canker sores versus no treatment. After seven days of treatment, ulcer size in the group who took the licorice was significantly lower, while ulcer size in the no-treatment group had increased 13%.

Licorice, typically in the form of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is also widely used as a treatment for gastric ulcers. DGL lozenges are available in health food stores and may be an alternative to adhesive patches.

Among the causes of canker sores, a genetic predisposition might be the biggest cause, says Michael Martin, PhD, lead author of the study. "When both parents have a history of canker sores, the likelihood of their children developing them can be as high as 90%," he says.

The most serious side effect of canker sores is sharp pain in the mouth, which can interfere with an individual’s quality of life. Dr. Martin revealed that "in addition to speeding healing of the canker sores, the [licorice] helped to reduce pain after just three days of treatment."

Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD, an Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, adds: "Increasing vitamins and other herbs, such as vitamin C and zinc , can help treat canker sores because they help to regenerate tissue cells."

Source: General Dentistry, Mar/Apr 2008

Canker sores appear as shallow mouth ulcers of different sizes and affects one in five North Americans. They can be caused by food allergies and hormonal changes, and also can cause severe mouth pain. But these bothersome sores may be relieved by licorice root herbal extract.

Genetic predisposition may underlie most cases of recurring canker sores.

Researchers examined the effects of licorice extract applied via an adhesive patch for treatment of canker sores versus no treatment. After seven days of treatment, ulcer size in the group who took the licorice was significantly lower, while ulcer size in the no-treatment group had increased 13%.

Licorice, typically in the form of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is also widely used as a treatment for gastric ulcers. DGL lozenges are available in health food stores and may be an alternative to adhesive patches.

Among the causes of canker sores, a genetic predisposition might be the biggest cause, says Michael Martin, PhD, lead author of the study. "When both parents have a history of canker sores, the likelihood of their children developing them can be as high as 90%," he says.

The most serious side effect of canker sores is sharp pain in the mouth, which can interfere with an individual's quality of life. Dr. Martin revealed that "in addition to speeding healing of the canker sores, the [licorice] helped to reduce pain after just three days of treatment."

Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD, an Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, adds: "Increasing vitamins and other herbs, such as vitamin C and zinc , can help treat canker sores because they help to regenerate tissue cells."

Source: General Dentistry, Mar/Apr 2008

Tags: Allergies, Children, Food, Food allergies, Gas, Healing, Pain, Ulcers, Vitamins

Lycopene improves gum disease

Indian researchers from Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences report on a randomized, double-blind study involving 20 healthy subjects showing clinical signs of gingivitis. Among these subjects, supplementation with 8 mg per day of lycopene for a period of 2 weeks was found to significantly reduce bleeding index and scores on measures of gingivitis. In those taking the lycopene, researchers noted less salivary uric acid levels and a reduction in gingivitis at 1 and 2 weeks, compared to subjects receiving placebo. The authors conclude, "The results presented in this study suggest that lycopene shows great promise as a treatment modality in gingivitis. The possibility of obtaining an additive effect by combining routine oral prophylaxis with lycopene is also an exciting possibility, which deserves further study."

Source: Oral Health Prev Dent. 2007;5(4):327-36

Gingivitis is a common dental problem which develops when bacteria multiply and build up between your teeth and gums, resulting in irritation, inflammation and possible bleeding. If not addressed, gingivitis can lead to more serious gum diseases, and eventually tooth loss.

Indian researchers from Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences report on a randomized, double-blind study involving 20 healthy subjects showing clinical signs of gingivitis. Among these subjects, supplementation with 8 mg per day of lycopene for a period of 2 weeks was found to significantly reduce bleeding index and scores on measures of gingivitis. In those taking the lycopene, researchers noted less salivary uric acid levels and a reduction in gingivitis at 1 and 2 weeks, compared to subjects receiving placebo. The authors conclude, "The results presented in this study suggest that lycopene shows great promise as a treatment modality in gingivitis. The possibility of obtaining an additive effect by combining routine oral prophylaxis with lycopene is also an exciting possibility, which deserves further study."

Source: Oral Health Prev Dent. 2007;5(4):327-36

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Probiotics tame allergy response

In the first human study of its kind, scientists at the Institute of Food Research found that probiotics can modify the immune system’s response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever.

Taking a daily probiotic "changed the way" the body responded to pollen.

"This was a pilot study based on small numbers of patients, but we were fascinated to discover a response," says research leader Professor Claudio Nicoletti. "The probiotic significantly reduced the production of molecules associated with allergy."

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen or fungal spores, most commonly grass pollen. The immune system mistakes the spores for harmful invaders and produces excessive amounts of the antibody IgE to bind to them and fight them off. IgE stimulates the release of histamine, which produces the symptoms of hay fever.
In this study, volunteers with a history of seasonal hay fever drank a daily milk drink with or without live bacteria (Lactobacillus casei) over 5 months.

Blood samples were taken before the grass pollen season, then again when it was at its peak, and 4 weeks after the end of season. There were no significant differences in levels of IgE between the two groups at the start of the study, but IgE levels were lower in the probiotic group both at the peak season and afterwards. At the same times, levels of an antibody thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions were higher.

"The probiotic strain we tested changed the way the body’s immune cells respond to grass pollen, restoring a more balanced immune response," says Dr Kamal Ivory, a senior member of the research group.

Source: Institute of Food Research, June 3, 2008

In the first human study of its kind, scientists at the Institute of Food Research found that probiotics can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever.

Taking a daily probiotic "changed the way" the body responded to pollen.

"This was a pilot study based on small numbers of patients, but we were fascinated to discover a response," says research leader Professor Claudio Nicoletti. "The probiotic significantly reduced the production of molecules associated with allergy."

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen or fungal spores, most commonly grass pollen. The immune system mistakes the spores for harmful invaders and produces excessive amounts of the antibody IgE to bind to them and fight them off. IgE stimulates the release of histamine, which produces the symptoms of hay fever.
In this study, volunteers with a history of seasonal hay fever drank a daily milk drink with or without live bacteria (Lactobacillus casei) over 5 months.

Blood samples were taken before the grass pollen season, then again when it was at its peak, and 4 weeks after the end of season. There were no significant differences in levels of IgE between the two groups at the start of the study, but IgE levels were lower in the probiotic group both at the peak season and afterwards. At the same times, levels of an antibody thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions were higher.

"The probiotic strain we tested changed the way the body's immune cells respond to grass pollen, restoring a more balanced immune response," says Dr Kamal Ivory, a senior member of the research group.

Source: Institute of Food Research, June 3, 2008

Tags: Body, Fever, Food, Gain, Hay Fever, Immune, Immune system

What’s new to beat the blues?

Researchers found that an omega-3 fatty acid had the same therapeutic effects as Prozac.

While pharmaceutical drugs are still the treatment of choice for most people with depression, ongoing research into nutritional and herbal medicines indicates that there are other effective options. Here are a few of the most recent revelations.

Low mineral levels linked?
UK researchers at the Institute of Health Sciences, University of Reading, report that low levels of selenium were significantly associated with depression among elderly subjects. At the start of the eight-week trial, 29% of subjects showed significant symptoms of depression. Although all of the subjects had selenium levels within the "normal" range, serum selenium levels were still significantly associated with depression. Not a single subject who tested borderline or positive on the hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) rating scale had selenium levels greater than 1.2 mcg. After micronutrient supplementation, significant reductions in depression and significant increases in serum selenium levels were found. "In light of the prevalence of depression among older people living in nursing homes or residential homes, these results are significant," the researchers conclude.

Herbal help from rhodiola
Last year, scientists from Armenian State Medical University reported on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial involving 89 subjects with mild to moderate depression. The subjects who took a standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea experienced a significant improvement in symptoms of depression, insomnia and emotional instability after just six weeks, compared to subjects who received a placebo. No significant adverse effects were reported by the subjects.

EPA on par with Prozac
In another trial, the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) was deemed equal to a common drug for depression. The study involved 60 outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Researchers found that daily supplementation with 1,000 mg of EPA was as effective as Prozac in the alleviation of symptoms over eight weeks.

Furthermore, treatment with the combination of Prozac and EPA yielded even better results from the fourth week of treatment on. In all, 50% of those taking Prozac alone, 56% of those taking EPA alone, and 81% of those taking the combination had at least a 50% decrease in depression symptoms, assessed via the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

The researchers conclude that, "EPA and fluoxetine [Prozac] had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone."

Sources: Statistics Canada; Gerontology, 2008 May 8; Australia/New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2008; 42(3): 192-8; Nord J Psychiatry, 2007; 61(5): 343-8

On these hot, sunny days of summer, most of us find ourselves in a good state of mind, looking forward to a weekend spent with family and friends, or perhaps an upcoming vacation. But statistics show that 5% of Canadians are currently experiencing a major depressive episode. For this group, sunny thoughts are few and far between, and likely to be even harder to come by as autumn and winter approach.

Researchers found that an omega-3 fatty acid had the same therapeutic effects as Prozac.

While pharmaceutical drugs are still the treatment of choice for most people with depression, ongoing research into nutritional and herbal medicines indicates that there are other effective options. Here are a few of the most recent revelations.

Low mineral levels linked?
UK researchers at the Institute of Health Sciences, University of Reading, report that low levels of selenium were significantly associated with depression among elderly subjects. At the start of the eight-week trial, 29% of subjects showed significant symptoms of depression. Although all of the subjects had selenium levels within the "normal" range, serum selenium levels were still significantly associated with depression. Not a single subject who tested borderline or positive on the hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) rating scale had selenium levels greater than 1.2 mcg. After micronutrient supplementation, significant reductions in depression and significant increases in serum selenium levels were found. "In light of the prevalence of depression among older people living in nursing homes or residential homes, these results are significant," the researchers conclude.

Herbal help from rhodiola
Last year, scientists from Armenian State Medical University reported on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial involving 89 subjects with mild to moderate depression. The subjects who took a standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea experienced a significant improvement in symptoms of depression, insomnia and emotional instability after just six weeks, compared to subjects who received a placebo. No significant adverse effects were reported by the subjects.

EPA on par with Prozac
In another trial, the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) was deemed equal to a common drug for depression. The study involved 60 outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Researchers found that daily supplementation with 1,000 mg of EPA was as effective as Prozac in the alleviation of symptoms over eight weeks.

Furthermore, treatment with the combination of Prozac and EPA yielded even better results from the fourth week of treatment on. In all, 50% of those taking Prozac alone, 56% of those taking EPA alone, and 81% of those taking the combination had at least a 50% decrease in depression symptoms, assessed via the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

The researchers conclude that, "EPA and fluoxetine [Prozac] had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone."

Sources: Statistics Canada; Gerontology, 2008 May 8; Australia/New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2008; 42(3): 192-8; Nord J Psychiatry, 2007; 61(5): 343-8

Tags: Anxiety, Depression, Flu, Insomnia


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JULY/AUGUST 2008 NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER