B-complex vitamins are the Rodney Dangerfield of nutritional supplements—they don’t get no respect. All multivitamins contain a smattering of B vitamins, so what else do you need to know? Actually, there’s a lot of new research, especially on folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Here are 5 reasons why you should be taking these three vitamins—and at dosages higher than what you’re likely taking now.
1. Stay Mentally Sharp
We lose about two percent of our brain volume every decade as we get older. Although this is a normal part of aging, accelerated atrophy is linked with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. British researchers studied annual blood tests and MRI scans of older men and women and found that those with the lowest blood levels of vitamin B12 had a sixfold greater risk of excessive brain volume loss.
2. Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
An elevated level of homocysteine—a toxic amino acid that damages the arteries—is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that supplemental folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12, which lower homocysteine, reduce risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems.
3. Boost Your Energy
Vitamin B12 is an excellent energy booster. We offer B12 and magnesium injections at the clinic, and they’re so energizing that some patients learn how to self-inject so they can continue them at home. High doses of oral B12 also improves energy, especially in people who have low levels to begin with.
4. Lift Your Mood Folic acid, B6, and B12 also improve mood. These vitamins play an indirect, but critical role in the formation of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, and deficiencies—as well as high levels of homocysteine—are linked with mood disorders. Although B-complex vitamins are not a stand-alone treatment for depression, they’re an important adjunct.
5. Get a Handle on Migraines
Researchers from “Down Under” have discovered that people who have migraines with aura are more likely to have mutations in a gene that leads to elevated levels of homocysteine. When they gave these migraine sufferers high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 for six months, their homocysteine levels fell by 39 percent and their migraine disability scores were cut in half.
How much should you take? Forget about the RDAs. As an example, the RDA of B12 for adults is just 2.4 mcg per day. Dutch researchers found that normalizing a mild B12 deficiency, however, required between 647 and 1,032 mcg—300–500 times more than the RDA! Look for the recommended supplements in your local health food store, online, or by calling (800) 810-6655.
Today, I will let you in on an unusual chain of events that led researchers to discover that after all, there is another mineral besides calcium that plays a crucial role in osteoporosis. And that nutrition matters. I call it an out-of-laboratory experience…
Here’s what happened. The winter of 2005 turned out to be unusually cold in Spain. And on that same year, scientists at the Research Institute of Hunting Resources (IREC) noticed that deers’ antlers were breaking at an alarming rate. Nobody could figure out the reason for this strange occurrence.
Fast forward to January of this year, when the study that solved the mystery was published in the Frontiers of Bioscience journal.1 Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) and IREC, their findings and conclusion will most likely rattle the mainstream medical establishment. (more…)
(This Article is Re-Published in the Interests of Personal Health and Safety under the Need-to Know Clause of the Copyright Law. No compensation is derived from this action in any form, at any time — EVER)
Did You Know…
… that more than 75% of all commercial honey is “fake honey”—and is devoid of all health and medicinal benefits?
The medicinal and nutritional value of honey is no secret. We have been using honey as a sugar substitute in our tea for years, as a flavorful topping for our toast and English muffins, and even as a tonic for sore, scratchy throats. Some even slather it on their skin, hoping to capitalize on honey’s antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
Unfortunately, American consumers have been deceived. Chances are the honey we have been enjoying is nothing more than a mixture of sugar water, malt sweeteners, corn rice syrup and other non-nutritional additives.
According to a very recent report in Food Safety News (FSN) three-fourths of the honey on American shelves is ultra-processed and devoid of all medicinal properties. FSN researchers analyzed 60 jars, jugs and plastic “bears” of honey that lined the shelves of food stores in 10 states and the District of Columbia, to see if the honey lived up to the standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The results are shocking:
76 percent of the honey in major grocery stores contained no pollen.
77 percent of the honey in warehouse stores, such as Costco, Walmart and Target, was pollen-free.
100 percent of the honey in drugstores was absent of pollen.
100 percent of the individual honey packets produced by chains like Smuckers, McDonald’s and KFC had no pollen.
What is the significance of pollen-free honey?
According to the FDA, honey without pollen is essentially fake honey. The organization maintains that if a “honey” product has been filtered to the degree that there are no longer any microscopic pollen particles, then that product is not honey.
While the standards set by the FDA match the standards set by the World Health Organization and the European Commission, the FDA does not monitor imported honey to ensure that it comes from safe and sanctioned sources. The lack of a U.S. standard of identification explains the overwhelming amount of fake honey being sold in America.
What’s the motivation for ultra-processing? (more…)
There’s no denying. We live in a stressful world, and this can unfortunately affect a lot more than just our mood. As I write in the Save Our Bones Program, stress actually hurts our bones because,
“Stress is an acidifying process because of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The secretion of cortisol has the same effect on the alkaline/acid balance as when you eat highly acidifying foods” (more…)
Pimpinella anisum, endearingly called Aniseed or Anise (Chotti Saunf), is a native of the Mediterranean area. Mostly found in fragrances and cosmetics, Anise is a sweet aromatic flowering plant of the Apiaxeae family. The herbs is recognized as one due to its medicinal properties with a variety of elements like calcium, vitamin B, iron, potassium, chlorine and magnesium.
Anise benefits
A cure for cold symptoms: coughs, asthma, pneumonia and excessive mucus. It is a good expectorant.
Treats indigestion, nausea, gas and bloating. A good appetite enhancer, Anise, also helps the digestive system.
An aid to lactation. The herb takes up the estrogenic effect to produce breast milk in women.
Topical application helps in the treatment of scabies and lice. It is a wonderful antiseptic.
Aniseed oil is used as a natural aphrodisiac with its testosterone effect and was used eons ago to increase libido. The smell of the oil resembles that of black licorice. It is an aromatherapy oil used to relax, relieve pain and to cure minor abrasions.
Experts remark that the herb can also vitalize major organs and glands like lungs, brain, heart and liver.
Uses of Anise:
Anise tea can be made by boiling the crushed seeds in water for 20 minutes. Drinking this helps in gastric problems. This can be taken after a large meal.
Warm anise tea with honey can help cold related symptoms. Add some ginger and tulsi for the perfect herbal tea.
If you like the aniseed flavor add some powder in to your sweets. It can also be used with cinnamon for a unique flavour.
Sucking the seeds are said to give an aphrodisiac effect!
A glass of warm milk with a few seeds can cure insomnia.
Chewing anise can freshen up your mouth.
Always buy fresh green colored anise. You may store them as they are or powder them and store in an airtight container. Refrigerating is a good idea. However, excess usage should be avoided.
(Contributed by Bev, Canada. All Credits for pictures are in Links on the post. We do not own any of the pictures, but give credit where credit is due. We use the information under the Need To Know clause of the Copyright Law — Scooter)
Smoothies are a fabulous way to get additional fruits, veggies and fibre into your diet. And with a few modifications to your morning mixer, you can pack a more powerful punch to fuel your day.
Each one of these five ingredients offers serious health benefits, from boosting your energy levels to curbing your hunger.
Sweet Tip: Not all protein powders are created equal. Swap your US brand of whey protein for one made in Canada or New Zealand, where growth hormones aren’t injected into cattle.
(NaturalNews) Last week, I declared 2012 the “Year of Consciousness” for NaturalNews (http://www.naturalnews.com/034554_c…) and pointed out that the ultimate solution to ending tyranny, wars, corporate deception and environmental destruction is to upgrade our consciousness rather than “killing our enemies.” This announcement was greatly appreciated by NaturalNews readers, who for the most part have a very positive outlook on 2012 and beyond.
But there was something missing from the announcement: How do we achieve higher consciousness? (more…)
(Be Advised! We Do NOT Own the Rights to this Publication! It is reproduced in the interest of The Common Good, for Informational Purposes only. We do not gain any remuneration, or benefit, other than passing it along, nor will we ever profit from the publication of this material. — “It’s Better Now” Staff)
New years resolutions can be challenging at times so why not simply start by adding more good things into your diet as opposed to taking things out. Add these 4 simple detox tips to your day and you’ll be sure to feel great in no time. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2012!
1. Drink More Water
Too often we misinterpret thirst for hunger. Our signal for thirst may cause us to eat as we mistake it for hunger pains. Reach for water first and make sure you are well hydrated before eating any meal throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Where possible make sure to drink your water at least 30 minutes before eating as this will allow time for the water to properly penetrate the cells of your body and hydrate your stomach lining in preparation for proper digestion. I like to add lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to my water or green it up with barley grass powder, wheatgrass powder, spirulina or chlorella.Yum!(more…)
It’s time for New Year’s resolutions, and I’d like those who are resolving to exercise and lose weight to please raise your hand. Well, that’s about 80 percent. Now, how many of you did the same thing last year? Another 80 percent. Clearly, you need more than resolutions to achieve these goals. Let’s look at solutions to our obesity epidemic.
Eat, Exercise, and Check Your Hormones First and most obvious, you need to eat higher quality food, and you need to eat less of it. You know that cookies, breads, and starches such as French fries and pasta are your enemies. You also know that lean protein, salads, and high-fiber vegetables are your friends. If you eat like this, you will lose weight.
Second, you have to exercise. Exercise plays an integral role in weight control. The best way to get and stay active is to start walking. Resistance training (weight lifting) is also crucial. Muscle burns fat, and the more you have, the faster you’re going to lose weight.
Third, you should have your hormones checked. Age-related declines in hormone levels can contribute to weight gain. Here at the clinic, we routinely measure thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone levels. In many cases, correcting hormone imbalances solves a lot of problems. (more…)
Eighty percent of infections are spread through hand contact. After you touch a germ-infected object you have the germ
We ARE Disinfecting Today -- RIGHT, GUYS??
on your hand, and then you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and you then acquire the germ.
The germiest places in America are not where you might think. They are not restricted to public restrooms, toilet seats, and grungy bus seats—-many are right in your own home.
The following are only 10 of the germiest things:
ATM buttons-Chinese researchers found that each ATM key they tested contained an average of 1200 germs.
Ladies’ purses-your purse goes everywhere with you and gets plunked down on the floor, on countertops and on countless other surfaces. Dr. Charles Gerba, PhD, a professor of environmental microbiology at University of Arizona and his team found that most purses had tens of thousands of bacteria on the bottom. Some had millions. (more…)
The medical profession has a long history of opposing alternative healing professions. The rules of engagement have changed; as the AMA is finding new “legal” ways to discredit and limit practitioners of natural medicine
Alternative healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, naturopaths, and midwives have been targeted by the American Medical Association (AMA) for nearly a century, in spite of a federal court injunction against the AMA in 1987 for illegally trying to create a monopoly in the healthcare market
Other medical associations have joined forces to manipulate the public into believing natural medicine is quackery by spreading propaganda and mistruths
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and health-related research and is considered one of the leading health expert institutions in the world. Its mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone
The NIH got a lot of facts wrong in a recent newsletter. While agreeing you need some fat in your diet to stay healthy, they incorrectly demonize saturated fats while promoting vegetable oils like corn and canola oil, and the levels of recommended fat intake is far too low for most individuals who see optimal health
The NIH also incorrectly states that the source of calories is not as important as the overall number of calories, when in fact the opposite is true. Calories from fats, protein, sugar/fructose and grains are not interchangeable. In order for calorie restriction to improve your health and normalize your weight, you must restrict calories specifically from carbs (sugars and grains)
When reducing carbs, you need to increase healthy fats in your diet. Replacing carbs with protein is not recommended, as it can cause adverse hormone changes
Emerging evidence suggests most people need about 50-70 percent of their diet (calories) as healthy fats, which include organically-raised grass-fed meats, coconut oil, olives and olive oil, avocado, nuts, organic pastured egg yolks, and butter made from raw grass-fed milk
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Read the Full Article HERE, and Videos are included!
Al Sears, MD
11903 Southern Blvd., Ste. 208
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
December 26, 2011
Too Much Playtime
Dear David,
Christmas time is always fun for me. Even though I have family and friends around, I still get a little time to relax, recharge and do a few things I don’t get to do much.
This past weekend I was in Puerto Rico on a sailing vacation. My friend brought along Robert Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… andIt’s All Small Stuff.
It’s a very good book filled with 245 little pieces of useful, helpful advice about how to be more in tune with the present and with your life as you’re living it. We went through it aloud together.
I like the book because it jibes with my belief that we can and should take back control of our bodies from all the distractions forced on us.
The holidays are in full swing, and what better time to share a few holiday-themed cures with you. Read on to see how peppermint, frankincense, and an extract from pine tree bark can help treat a variety of health concerns.
Peppermint for IBS and Digestion Woes
Candy canes may only surface around the holidays, but peppermint is something you should keep in your medicine cabinet year round—especially if you suffer with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Peppermint oil is a proven remedy for relieving pain, gas and bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms of this common condition. Italian researchers gave patients with IBS either peppermint oil or placebo capsules twice a day. After four weeks, three quarters of the patients taking peppermint reported a greater than 50 percent improvement in symptoms, compared to just 38 percent of those in the placebo group.
Peppermint oil can cause heartburn in some people, so I suggest taking only enteric-coated capsules, which don’t break down until they’ve passed through the stomach. The dose used in most studies is one to two capsules containing 0.2 mL of oil twice a day. I also recommend a cup of fragrant peppermint tea after meals to aid digestion. Look for peppermint oil capsules and tea in your health food store.
Frankincense for Arthritis
In biblical times, frankincense was as valued as gold. This fragrant resin has also been treasured for its many medicinal uses, and it remains a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. The bulk of modern-day research focuses on an extract from the Indian frankincense tree, Boswellia serrata. Scientists have discovered that this extract mimics the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs and helps relieve arthritis pain—without any negative side effects.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of Boswellia serrata on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Those who received the supplement daily for three months reported significant pain relief, some in as little as one week. They also experienced improvements in function and stiffness. In addition, the group receiving boswellia had markedly lower levels of an enzyme that breaks down cartilage. Boswellia extracts are safe and well tolerated. To ensure potency, go with a supplement standardized for 65 percent boswellic acids. Good brands include Solgar and Nature’s Way. Look for them in your health food store and use as directed.
Pycnogenol for Asthma
More than 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, and its prevalence in children is particularly disturbing, as it has increased nearly 75 percent over the last 25 years. The usual treatments for this chronic condition are oral or inhaled corticosteroids or other drugs that reduce inflammation, and inhaled bronchodilators, which increase the diameter of the airways and are often used during attacks.
Recent research suggests that pycnogenol, an antioxidant-rich extract from the bark of pine trees (Pinus maritime), also improves asthma symptoms and reduces drug requirements. Researchers enrolled 60 kids, ages 6 to 18, with mild-to-moderate asthma in a three-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pycnogenol. They discovered that, compared with those taking placebo, children taking pycnogenol had significant improvements in pulmonary function and asthma symptoms as well as reductions in leukotrienes, a marker of inflammation. They were also able to discontinue or reduce their frequency of use of “rescue inhalers.” A previous study showed benefits for adults with asthma as well. The dose used in these studies was 1 mg per pound of body weight in both children and adults, up to 200 mg per day. Pycnogenol is sold in health food stores.
I hope these “holiday cures” are helpful to you or someone you know. Feel free to pass this eNewsletter along to friends and family, and enjoy the season and all it has to offer.
The medicinal and nutritional value of honey is no secret. We have been using honey as a sugar substitute in our tea for years, as a flavorful topping for our toast and English muffins, and even as a tonic for sore, scratchy throats. Some even slather it on their skin, hoping to capitalize on honey’s antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
76 percent of the honey in major grocery stores contained no pollen.
Too often we misinterpret thirst for hunger. Our signal for thirst may cause us to eat as we mistake it for hunger pains. Reach for water first and make sure you are well hydrated before eating any meal throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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