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IN THIS ISSUE:
  • B vitamins key for elderly

    Two recent studies underscore the importance of adequate B vitamin levels for aging people, both for brain and bone health. Supplementing with Bs can help keep seniors more active in both mind and body. In the first, University of Oxford researchers found that vitamin B12 may protect against brain volume loss in older people,and ultimately [...]

  • Best prostate cancer prevention? Women!

    According to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada, half of Canadian men do not make a point of booking an annual doctor’s appointment. A survey also found that most men admit that they have been reminded by a woman to visit a doctor. "If men aren’t getting themselves to the doctor annually, they won’t [...]

  • Bottle-fed prebiotics cut allergy risk

    Bottle-fed children of parents with allergies are less likely to develop allergies themselves if given prebiotics – supplements that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine. The infants were fed a hypoallergenic infant formula supplemented with either a combination of 90% galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and 10% fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or placebo, for the first [...]

  • Cut kids’ eczema risk

    Probiotics reduce and prevent eczema in children under two, say New Zealand researchers. "Our study has found when you give pregnant women the probiotic supplement, L rhamnosus, during the last five weeks of pregnancy, and for six months after birth while mothers are breast feeding, and then you give their infants the same probiotic up [...]

  • Gum for oral health?

    Can chewing gum improve the health of your teeth and gums? Japanese researchers say yes, as long as it’s spiked with eucalyptus extract. In a recent trial, people who chewed gum with either 0.6% or 0.4% eucalyptus extract over a period of 12 weeks showed significant improvement in plaque accumulation, gingival index, bleeding on probing, [...]

  • Herb helps postmenopausal anxiety, sex drive

    Postmenopausal women experiencing anxiety, depression or low sex drive may find help from the herb maca. Australian researchers at Victoria University report on a recent study in which 14 postmenopausal women supplemented with powdered Maca. The dose was 3.5grams per day for a period of 6 weeks. They found that the herb significantly reduced psychological [...]

  • Herb helps skin condition

    Up to two percent of the population has vitiligo, a difficult-to-treat skin disorder in which a loss of pigment-producing cells creates white patches on various parts of the body. A recent review of potential natural treatments for vitilago highlights a study using 40 mg of Ginkgo biloba,three times per day for six months. Of those [...]

  • Herbal tea helps diabetics

    Having a soothing cup of chamomile tea with meals may help prevent complications of diabetes, including loss of vision, nerve damage and kidney damage, say researchers in Japan and the UK.Scientist Atsushi Kato and colleagues point out that chamomile has been used for years as a medicinal cure-all to treat a variety of medical problems [...]

  • Homeopathic remedy proven for post-op pain

    Homeopathic arnica is a popular remedy for pain, bruising and swelling after injury or trauma. A recent study compared the effects of taking arnica after a common foot operation (bunion removal) with a commonly used painkiller, diclofenac. Arnica D4 (a 4Xdilution) was given at a dose of 10 pills taken three times a day. In [...]

  • Spirulina superb!

    Korean researchers noted significant health benefits in 78 seniors who took a spirulina supplement. The men and women, aged 60-87 years, were randomized to get either spirulina (8 grams per day) or a placebo for 16 weeks. In men, spirulina intake was associated with a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and a significant increase in [...]

  • Nutrition Wise

    Nutrition questions answered by Karen Collins, MS, RD,CDN of the American Institute for Cancer Research Q: Do vegetarian children need any special supplements? A: Children who are growing normally while eating well-planned vegetarian diets generally meet all of their nutritional needs with food, especially when dairy products are included. Diets that eliminate all animal products, [...]

  • Natural flu fighters – What’s new?

    Now that cold and flu season is near, you’ve likely begun hearing a lot about popular immune system helpers like echinacea, goldenseal, zinc and vitamin C – and for good reason. Years of solid research show that these natural remedies can help prevent a viral infection taking hold, and ease symptoms when one does slip [...]

  • Low D linked with chronic pain

    A recent review of 22 clinical studies involving patients with varied chronic pain and fatigue syndromes found almost all patients lacked vitamin D. Stewart B. Leavitt, author of the report, said that when sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, the aches, pains, weakness and related problems in most of the patients either vanished or were [...]

B vitamins key for elderly

Two recent studies underscore the importance of adequate B vitamin levels for aging people, both for brain and bone health.

Supplementing with Bs can help keep seniors more active in both mind and body.

In the first, University of Oxford researchers found that vitamin B12 may protect against brain volume loss in older people,and ultimately reduce the risk of developing dementia.

"Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of our control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets to consume more vitamin B12 [may] prevent brain shrinkage and so perhaps save our memory," said lead author Anna Vogiatzoglou.

Over five years of study, the researchers noted a greater decrease in brain volume among people with lower vitamin B12. The study followed 107 community-dwelling volunteers aged 61 to 87 years. It is important to note that none of the volunteers were vitamin B12 deficient.

In a second study, researchers found that low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 and high levels of homocysteine were associated with increased risk of hip fracture. In this study, 714 senior men and women underwent tests to measure bone density and blood levels of homocysteine and B vitamins,folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12,at the outset and after 4 years. The data showed that those with low vitamin B6levels experienced more bone density loss than people with normal B6 levels,and people with B6 deficiency lost the most bone. Low and deficient levels of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as high levels of homocysteine were also all independently associated with more hip fractures.

Sources: Neurology 2008, Volume 71,Pages 826-832; J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2206

Two recent studies underscore the importance of adequate B vitamin levels for aging people, both for brain and bone health.

Supplementing with Bs can help keep seniors more active in both mind and body.

In the first, University of Oxford researchers found that vitamin B12 may protect against brain volume loss in older people,and ultimately reduce the risk of developing dementia.

"Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of our control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets to consume more vitamin B12 [may] prevent brain shrinkage and so perhaps save our memory," said lead author Anna Vogiatzoglou.

Over five years of study, the researchers noted a greater decrease in brain volume among people with lower vitamin B12. The study followed 107 community-dwelling volunteers aged 61 to 87 years. It is important to note that none of the volunteers were vitamin B12 deficient.

In a second study, researchers found that low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 and high levels of homocysteine were associated with increased risk of hip fracture. In this study, 714 senior men and women underwent tests to measure bone density and blood levels of homocysteine and B vitamins,folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12,at the outset and after 4 years. The data showed that those with low vitamin B6levels experienced more bone density loss than people with normal B6 levels,and people with B6 deficiency lost the most bone. Low and deficient levels of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as high levels of homocysteine were also all independently associated with more hip fractures.

Sources: Neurology 2008, Volume 71,Pages 826-832; J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2206

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Best prostate cancer prevention? Women!

According to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada, half of Canadian men do not make a point of booking an annual doctor’s appointment. A survey also found that most men admit that they have been reminded by a woman to visit a doctor. "If men aren’t getting themselves to the doctor annually, they won’t be screened for prostate cancer and this is worrisome. Our survey clearly indicates the important role women play as the family’s health watchdog and that they are usually the ones who make sure the men in their lives see the doctor regularly," explains John Blanchard, the former President and CEOof the Foundation and a prostate cancer survivor.

Source: CanadaNewsWire, Sep 9, 2008

According to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada, half of Canadian men do not make a point of booking an annual doctor's appointment. A survey also found that most men admit that they have been reminded by a woman to visit a doctor. "If men aren't getting themselves to the doctor annually, they won't be screened for prostate cancer and this is worrisome. Our survey clearly indicates the important role women play as the family's health watchdog and that they are usually the ones who make sure the men in their lives see the doctor regularly," explains John Blanchard, the former President and CEOof the Foundation and a prostate cancer survivor.

Source: CanadaNewsWire, Sep 9, 2008

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Bottle-fed prebiotics cut allergy risk

Bottle-fed children of parents with allergies are less likely to develop allergies themselves if given prebiotics – supplements that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine. The infants were fed a hypoallergenic infant formula supplemented with either a combination of 90% galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and 10% fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or placebo, for the first six months of life, then followed for two years.Researchers found that the two-year-old children who received the prebiotic-supplemented formula were less likely to experience allergies. They were half as likely to have had eczema, one-third as likely to have had recurrent wheezing, and one-seventh as likely to have had hives as children in the placebo group. They also had fewer upper respiratory tract infections such as ear, throat, and sinus infections, and fewer prescriptions for antibiotics.

Source: J Nutr2008;138:1091

Bottle-fed children of parents with allergies are less likely to develop allergies themselves if given prebiotics - supplements that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine. The infants were fed a hypoallergenic infant formula supplemented with either a combination of 90% galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and 10% fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or placebo, for the first six months of life, then followed for two years.Researchers found that the two-year-old children who received the prebiotic-supplemented formula were less likely to experience allergies. They were half as likely to have had eczema, one-third as likely to have had recurrent wheezing, and one-seventh as likely to have had hives as children in the placebo group. They also had fewer upper respiratory tract infections such as ear, throat, and sinus infections, and fewer prescriptions for antibiotics.

Source: J Nutr2008;138:1091

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Cut kids’ eczema risk

Probiotics reduce and prevent eczema in children under two, say New Zealand researchers. "Our study has found when you give pregnant women the probiotic supplement, L rhamnosus, during the last five weeks of pregnancy, and for six months after birth while mothers are breast feeding, and then you give their infants the same probiotic up to two years of age, there is a 50% reduction in eczema by the age of two," study researcher Julian rane said.

Source: NZHerald, Sept 9, 2008

Probiotics reduce and prevent eczema in children under two, say New Zealand researchers. "Our study has found when you give pregnant women the probiotic supplement, L rhamnosus, during the last five weeks of pregnancy, and for six months after birth while mothers are breast feeding, and then you give their infants the same probiotic up to two years of age, there is a 50% reduction in eczema by the age of two," study researcher Julian rane said.

Source: NZHerald, Sept 9, 2008

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Gum for oral health?

Can chewing gum improve the health of your teeth and gums? Japanese researchers say yes, as long as it’s spiked with eucalyptus extract. In a recent trial, people who chewed gum with either 0.6% or 0.4% eucalyptus extract over a period of 12 weeks showed significant improvement in plaque accumulation, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal probing depth, compared with a placebo group.

Source: JPeriodontol, 2008; 79(8): 1378-85

Can chewing gum improve the health of your teeth and gums? Japanese researchers say yes, as long as it's spiked with eucalyptus extract. In a recent trial, people who chewed gum with either 0.6% or 0.4% eucalyptus extract over a period of 12 weeks showed significant improvement in plaque accumulation, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal probing depth, compared with a placebo group.

Source: JPeriodontol, 2008; 79(8): 1378-85

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Herb helps postmenopausal anxiety, sex drive

Postmenopausal women experiencing anxiety, depression or low sex drive may find help from the herb maca. Australian researchers at Victoria University report on a recent study in which 14 postmenopausal women supplemented with powdered Maca. The dose was 3.5grams per day for a period of 6 weeks. They found that the herb significantly reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and also reduced sexual dysfunction in the women, independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.

Maca improved both mood and sex drive without affecting hormones

Unlike some other herbs that affect hormone levels, maca appeared to exhibit no significant effects on serum concentrations of estradiol, FSH, LH, and sex hormone-binding globulin. The researchers conclude that "supplementation with the herb, maca, may reduce anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women" and that additional research is warranted.

Research on men, backed by animal studies, indicates that maca is also effective for improving male sexual function. A 12-week study in2002 aimed to determine if reports of increased sexual desire were due to effect on mood or on serum testosterone levels. At the 8-week mark, researchers noted a marked improvement in sexual desire; however, serum testosterone andestradiol levels were not different in men treated with maca and in those treated with placebo. The researchers were not able to determine the exact mode of action for maca.

Sources: Menopause, 2008 September 6[Epub ahead of print]; Andrologia, 2002 34(6):367-372

Postmenopausal women experiencing anxiety, depression or low sex drive may find help from the herb maca. Australian researchers at Victoria University report on a recent study in which 14 postmenopausal women supplemented with powdered Maca. The dose was 3.5grams per day for a period of 6 weeks. They found that the herb significantly reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and also reduced sexual dysfunction in the women, independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.

Maca improved both mood and sex drive without affecting hormones

Unlike some other herbs that affect hormone levels, maca appeared to exhibit no significant effects on serum concentrations of estradiol, FSH, LH, and sex hormone-binding globulin. The researchers conclude that "supplementation with the herb, maca, may reduce anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women" and that additional research is warranted.

Research on men, backed by animal studies, indicates that maca is also effective for improving male sexual function. A 12-week study in2002 aimed to determine if reports of increased sexual desire were due to effect on mood or on serum testosterone levels. At the 8-week mark, researchers noted a marked improvement in sexual desire; however, serum testosterone andestradiol levels were not different in men treated with maca and in those treated with placebo. The researchers were not able to determine the exact mode of action for maca.

Sources: Menopause, 2008 September 6[Epub ahead of print]; Andrologia, 2002 34(6):367-372

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Herb helps skin condition

Up to two percent of the population has vitiligo, a difficult-to-treat skin disorder in which a loss of pigment-producing cells creates white patches on various parts of the body. A recent review of potential natural treatments for vitilago highlights a study using 40 mg of Ginkgo biloba,three times per day for six months. Of those taking ginkgo, disease progression was halted in 80%, and 40% experienced complete repigmentation, compared with only 8% in the placebo group. "Ginkgo’s apparent efficacy without the need for phototherapy – thus eliminating the adverse events inherent with phototherapy make sit a therapeutic option worth investigating," said the authors.

Source: BMJDermatol 2008;doi:10.1186/1471-5945-8-2

Up to two percent of the population has vitiligo, a difficult-to-treat skin disorder in which a loss of pigment-producing cells creates white patches on various parts of the body. A recent review of potential natural treatments for vitilago highlights a study using 40 mg of Ginkgo biloba,three times per day for six months. Of those taking ginkgo, disease progression was halted in 80%, and 40% experienced complete repigmentation, compared with only 8% in the placebo group. "Ginkgo's apparent efficacy without the need for phototherapy - thus eliminating the adverse events inherent with phototherapy make sit a therapeutic option worth investigating," said the authors.

Source: BMJDermatol 2008;doi:10.1186/1471-5945-8-2

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Herbal tea helps diabetics

Having a soothing cup of chamomile tea with meals may help prevent complications of diabetes, including loss of vision, nerve damage and kidney damage, say researchers in Japan and the UK.Scientist Atsushi Kato and colleagues point out that chamomile has been used for years as a medicinal cure-all to treat a variety of medical problems including stress, colds and menstrual cramps. In their animal model study,researchers gave chamomile extract to a group of diabetic rats for 21 days.The chamomile-supplemented animals showed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels compared with a control group. The herb also inhibited ALR2enzymes and sorbitol, both of which are associated with diabetic complications.

Source: MedicalNews Today, Sep 15, 2008

Having a soothing cup of chamomile tea with meals may help prevent complications of diabetes, including loss of vision, nerve damage and kidney damage, say researchers in Japan and the UK.Scientist Atsushi Kato and colleagues point out that chamomile has been used for years as a medicinal cure-all to treat a variety of medical problems including stress, colds and menstrual cramps. In their animal model study,researchers gave chamomile extract to a group of diabetic rats for 21 days.The chamomile-supplemented animals showed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels compared with a control group. The herb also inhibited ALR2enzymes and sorbitol, both of which are associated with diabetic complications.

Source: MedicalNews Today, Sep 15, 2008

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Homeopathic remedy proven for post-op pain

Homeopathic arnica is a popular remedy for pain, bruising and swelling after injury or trauma. A recent study compared the effects of taking arnica after a common foot operation (bunion removal) with a commonly used painkiller, diclofenac. Arnica D4 (a 4Xdilution) was given at a dose of 10 pills taken three times a day. In total, 88 people took the arnica or the diclofenac for four days after having surgery.

Arnica: rivals pain drug after operation.

The German researchers found that arnica and diclofenac performed equally well in terms of reducing redness, swelling and heat (signs of inflammation) in the wound. Those taking arnica had better mobility, while those taking diclofenac experienced less pain. However, the arnica produced significantly fewer side effects: 4.5% reported side effects, while 20% of those taking diclofenac reported intolerance to the medication. The arnica also cost less than half the price of the drug. The authors conclude, “After foot operations, arnica D4 can be used instead of diclofenac to reduce wound irritation.”

Sources: J Altern Comp Med 2008;14(1):17-25

Homeopathic arnica is a popular remedy for pain, bruising and swelling after injury or trauma. A recent study compared the effects of taking arnica after a common foot operation (bunion removal) with a commonly used painkiller, diclofenac. Arnica D4 (a 4Xdilution) was given at a dose of 10 pills taken three times a day. In total, 88 people took the arnica or the diclofenac for four days after having surgery. Arnica: rivals pain drug after operation. The German researchers found that arnica and diclofenac performed equally well in terms of reducing redness, swelling and heat (signs of inflammation) in the wound. Those taking arnica had better mobility, while those taking diclofenac experienced less pain. However, the arnica produced significantly fewer side effects: 4.5% reported side effects, while 20% of those taking diclofenac reported intolerance to the medication. The arnica also cost less than half the price of the drug. The authors conclude, "After foot operations, arnica D4 can be used instead of diclofenac to reduce wound irritation." Sources: J Altern Comp Med 2008;14(1):17-25

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Spirulina superb!

Korean researchers noted significant health benefits in 78 seniors who took a spirulina supplement. The men and women, aged 60-87 years, were randomized to get either spirulina (8 grams per day) or a placebo for 16 weeks. In men, spirulina intake was associated with a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and a significant increase in plasma interleukin-2 (an immune system responder). In women, researchers also noted significant increases in IL-2levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and a significant decrease intotal cholesterol. "The results demonstrate that spirulina has favourable effects on lipid profiles, immune variables, and antioxidant capacity in healthy, elderly male and female subjects," say the authors.

Source: Ann NutrMetab, 2008; 52(4): 322-328

Korean researchers noted significant health benefits in 78 seniors who took a spirulina supplement. The men and women, aged 60-87 years, were randomized to get either spirulina (8 grams per day) or a placebo for 16 weeks. In men, spirulina intake was associated with a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and a significant increase in plasma interleukin-2 (an immune system responder). In women, researchers also noted significant increases in IL-2levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and a significant decrease intotal cholesterol. "The results demonstrate that spirulina has favourable effects on lipid profiles, immune variables, and antioxidant capacity in healthy, elderly male and female subjects," say the authors.

Source: Ann NutrMetab, 2008; 52(4): 322-328

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Nutrition Wise

Nutrition questions answered by Karen Collins, MS, RD,CDN of the American Institute for Cancer Research

Q: Do vegetarian children need any special supplements?
A: Children who are growing normally while eating well-planned vegetarian diets generally meet all of their nutritional needs with food, especially when dairy products are included. Diets that eliminate all animal products, including eggs and dairy products, however, need fortified milk alternatives or supplements of calcium and vitamins B12 and D. Children have high calorie and nutrient needs, but their stomachs are small. Since a vegetarian diet’s higher fibre content can make it more filling, these children, especially, need several nutritious snacks throughout the day. Good choices include concentrated sources of calories, such as: seeds and nuts,beans, nut or bean spreads, juice and dried fruits, along with enough added healthy fats. Fortified cereals can also help provide vitamin B12, iron and zinc.

Q: Do calcium supplements cause constipation?
A: In some people, calcium supplements may have a mild constipating effect. Some experts suggest that problems occur most often in people who are also taking a medication that has a constipating effect. If you experience constipation and are relying on supplements to provide the calcium you need, be sure you’re not taking more than 500 mg of calcium at one time; spread doses out through the day if you have higher calcium needs. Next, follow the advice typically given to anyone suffering from constipation: eat more high-fibre vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans; drink more water; and make sure you’re getting a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day.If these suggestions don’t resolve the problem, experiment with other supplement brands, especially those that contain calcium citrate instead of the more common calcium carbonate. Finally, if constipation persists, talk to your doctor or health care provider to discuss other possible causes and solutions.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

Nutrition questions answered by Karen Collins, MS, RD,CDN of the American Institute for Cancer Research

Q: Do vegetarian children need any special supplements?
A: Children who are growing normally while eating well-planned vegetarian diets generally meet all of their nutritional needs with food, especially when dairy products are included. Diets that eliminate all animal products, including eggs and dairy products, however, need fortified milk alternatives or supplements of calcium and vitamins B12 and D. Children have high calorie and nutrient needs, but their stomachs are small. Since a vegetarian diet's higher fibre content can make it more filling, these children, especially, need several nutritious snacks throughout the day. Good choices include concentrated sources of calories, such as: seeds and nuts,beans, nut or bean spreads, juice and dried fruits, along with enough added healthy fats. Fortified cereals can also help provide vitamin B12, iron and zinc.

Q: Do calcium supplements cause constipation?
A: In some people, calcium supplements may have a mild constipating effect. Some experts suggest that problems occur most often in people who are also taking a medication that has a constipating effect. If you experience constipation and are relying on supplements to provide the calcium you need, be sure you're not taking more than 500 mg of calcium at one time; spread doses out through the day if you have higher calcium needs. Next, follow the advice typically given to anyone suffering from constipation: eat more high-fibre vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans; drink more water; and make sure you're getting a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day.If these suggestions don't resolve the problem, experiment with other supplement brands, especially those that contain calcium citrate instead of the more common calcium carbonate. Finally, if constipation persists, talk to your doctor or health care provider to discuss other possible causes and solutions.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

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Natural flu fighters – What’s new?

Now that cold and flu season is near, you’ve likely begun hearing a lot about popular immune system helpers like echinacea, goldenseal, zinc and vitamin C – and for good reason. Years of solid research show that these natural remedies can help prevent a viral infection taking hold, and ease symptoms when one does slip by. However, a few lesser known remedies are now joining the ranks of powerful cold and flu fighters due to impressive research in the area of immune system health.

People who forgo a flu shot have many alternatives.

Quercitin
A new study reveals that quercetin, a substance found in fruits and vegetables, can lower the chances of contracting the flu, even for those under physical or psychological stress."Quercetin was used because of its documented widespread health benefits,which include antiviral activity, abundance in the diet and reported lack offside effects when used as a dietary supplement or food additive," said J.Mark Davis of the University of South Carolina.

Using an animal model, he and colleagues examined groups of mice exposed to a common flu virus. The researchers found that mice that exercised to fatigue were more likely to develop the flu (and develop it sooner) than mice that did not exercise, but that those who exercised an took quercitin had nearly the same rate of flu as those that did not exercise. In other words, quercetin canceled out the negative effect of stressful exercise. Quercetin also had protective effects for the mice that did not exercise. A recent human study found similar results.

Elderberry
New research on elderberry backs up years of use in folk medicine to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis. It has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex, the virus that cause scold sores.

Researchers investigated the safety and effectiveness of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections in 60 adult patients suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 hours or less. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms. Researchers found that symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier, and use of medication to relieve symptoms was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.

"Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza," the researchers conclude.

Pelargonium sidoides
German scientists at the University Hospital Freiburg report that a preparation of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630, or Umcka) can significantly improve symptoms of acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis, commonly associated with cough, is predominantly caused by viral infections.

The researchers tested the herbal preparation on 217adult outpatients with acute bronchitis. Compared with placebo, a marked improvement was seen for the herb group for all disease symptoms (cough,sputum, rales, dyspnoe, pain on coughing, hoarseness, headache, fatigue, fever and limb pain). Patients in the herb group were sooner able to return to work and spent less time confined to bed. The herbal preparation was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed.

Sources: American PhysiologicalSociety, Sep 3, 2008; J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40;Planta Med. 2008 May;74(6):686-92

Now that cold and flu season is near, you've likely begun hearing a lot about popular immune system helpers like echinacea, goldenseal, zinc and vitamin C - and for good reason. Years of solid research show that these natural remedies can help prevent a viral infection taking hold, and ease symptoms when one does slip by. However, a few lesser known remedies are now joining the ranks of powerful cold and flu fighters due to impressive research in the area of immune system health.

People who forgo a flu shot have many alternatives.

Quercitin
A new study reveals that quercetin, a substance found in fruits and vegetables, can lower the chances of contracting the flu, even for those under physical or psychological stress."Quercetin was used because of its documented widespread health benefits,which include antiviral activity, abundance in the diet and reported lack offside effects when used as a dietary supplement or food additive," said J.Mark Davis of the University of South Carolina.

Using an animal model, he and colleagues examined groups of mice exposed to a common flu virus. The researchers found that mice that exercised to fatigue were more likely to develop the flu (and develop it sooner) than mice that did not exercise, but that those who exercised an took quercitin had nearly the same rate of flu as those that did not exercise. In other words, quercetin canceled out the negative effect of stressful exercise. Quercetin also had protective effects for the mice that did not exercise. A recent human study found similar results.

Elderberry
New research on elderberry backs up years of use in folk medicine to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis. It has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex, the virus that cause scold sores.

Researchers investigated the safety and effectiveness of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections in 60 adult patients suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 hours or less. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms. Researchers found that symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier, and use of medication to relieve symptoms was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.

"Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza," the researchers conclude.

Pelargonium sidoides
German scientists at the University Hospital Freiburg report that a preparation of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630, or Umcka) can significantly improve symptoms of acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis, commonly associated with cough, is predominantly caused by viral infections.

The researchers tested the herbal preparation on 217adult outpatients with acute bronchitis. Compared with placebo, a marked improvement was seen for the herb group for all disease symptoms (cough,sputum, rales, dyspnoe, pain on coughing, hoarseness, headache, fatigue, fever and limb pain). Patients in the herb group were sooner able to return to work and spent less time confined to bed. The herbal preparation was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed.

Sources: American PhysiologicalSociety, Sep 3, 2008; J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40;Planta Med. 2008 May;74(6):686-92

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Low D linked with chronic pain

A recent review of 22 clinical studies involving patients with varied chronic pain and fatigue syndromes found almost all patients lacked vitamin D. Stewart B. Leavitt, author of the report, said that when sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, the aches, pains, weakness and related problems in most of the patients either vanished or were at least helped to a significant extent.

In some cases, aches and pains vanished after taking vitamin D.

Other findings from the panel of eight experts include the fact that a majority of people in many parts of the world do not get adequate vitamin D from sun exposure or diet. They say the currently recommended dose of vitamin D (up to 600 IU per day) is outdated and far too low. Most children and adults need at least 1,000 IU per day, and people with chronic musculoskeletal pain would benefit from 2,000 IU or more per day of supplemental vitamin D, say the researchers. They also point out that vitamin D supplements interact with very few drugs and are usually not harmful unless extremely high doses (50,000 IU or more) are taken daily for an extended period.

In an earlier study involving 150 children and adults with unexplained muscle and bone pain, almost all were found to be vitamin D deficient; many were severely deficient. Gregory A. Plotnikoff, MD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School found a much higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the patients with unexplained muscle and skeletal pain than expected, regardless of their ages.

"The message here is that unexplained pain may very well be linked to a vitamin D deficiency," Plotnikoff said. "My hope is that patients with unexplained pain will be tested for vitamin D status, and treated, if necessary."

Source: UPI, Jun 23, 2008; Mayo ClinicProceedings, Dec 2003

A recent review of 22 clinical studies involving patients with varied chronic pain and fatigue syndromes found almost all patients lacked vitamin D. Stewart B. Leavitt, author of the report, said that when sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, the aches, pains, weakness and related problems in most of the patients either vanished or were at least helped to a significant extent.

In some cases, aches and pains vanished after taking vitamin D.

Other findings from the panel of eight experts include the fact that a majority of people in many parts of the world do not get adequate vitamin D from sun exposure or diet. They say the currently recommended dose of vitamin D (up to 600 IU per day) is outdated and far too low. Most children and adults need at least 1,000 IU per day, and people with chronic musculoskeletal pain would benefit from 2,000 IU or more per day of supplemental vitamin D, say the researchers. They also point out that vitamin D supplements interact with very few drugs and are usually not harmful unless extremely high doses (50,000 IU or more) are taken daily for an extended period.

In an earlier study involving 150 children and adults with unexplained muscle and bone pain, almost all were found to be vitamin D deficient; many were severely deficient. Gregory A. Plotnikoff, MD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School found a much higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the patients with unexplained muscle and skeletal pain than expected, regardless of their ages.

"The message here is that unexplained pain may very well be linked to a vitamin D deficiency," Plotnikoff said. "My hope is that patients with unexplained pain will be tested for vitamin D status, and treated, if necessary."

Source: UPI, Jun 23, 2008; Mayo ClinicProceedings, Dec 2003

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