Selenium A Vital Element To Boost Your Immune System

When it comes to taking care of your health and wellness, you can find a lot of inspiration in nature’s elements. One of the best ways to get a boost to your immune system is by taking minerals. Selenium is one such mineral that’s commonly found in foods such as sunflower seeds and nuts.

Selenium can be found in the food we eat daily, but the amount contained within will vary. This is because selenium is stored in the soil and the amount can vary depending on its location. When plants grow in soil rich in selenium, they too will absorb a large amount of the mineral.

Despite the fact selenium is common in the soil as well as water, many people around the world are deficient in this mineral. This can pose a threat to human health and wellbeing over time, especially when you consider just how valuable the mineral is for the process of fighting off miscellaneous diseases; everything from cancer to common colds.

Selenium Benefits

Perhaps one of the best things about selenium is that you don’t need a lot of it to receive significant benefit. In fact, the human body doesn’t need very much at all in terms of a daily serving — usually around 50 micrograms for an adult is advised. The important thing to remember is not to exceed the daily dose of selenium, as overuse has been correlated with some risks. Of course, you should also know that getting too much selenium is really hard to do unless you’re adding an extremely large amount of the supplement.

So why is it so hard to get a regular dose of selenium in your diet? Part of the problem is the sheer amount of processed foods that we eat…and selenium cannot handle processing, which causes the mineral to break down and become inert.

The powerful healing ability of selenium to impact our health comes from the fact that it is packed with antioxidants. This means it has the potential to prevent health issues and fend off infections or illnesses.

Selenium is often a “forgotten mineral,” meaning not many of us think about how important it is to our daily health and wellbeing. When we do not get enough of this mineral, our bodies are at risk for a number of problems including infectious disease and even heart problems.

Another important thing to mention about selenium: It plays a major role in alleviating stress, which is a big step in preventing diseases and health issues. As you know, stress is one of the key contributors to the way our body handles illness.

Perhaps one of the most shocking correlations between selenium levels and health are the links between its deficiency and cancer. In fact, recent studies from 2015 and 2016 have shown that the more selenium you have in your body, the less likely you are to have cancer, especially those types found in the bowels.

Preventing cancer isn’t the only benefit though. Selenium also offers to help:

• Boost the immune system through antioxidants
• Repair damaged skin cells and reverse aging
• Support overall body health

The boosts to your immune system are one possible correlation when it comes to fighting cancer, but studies are still underway to determine the exact cause. Since selenium targets your immune system, you can also expect to experience better overall well-being and more resistance to infectious diseases. Some people have even reported recoveries from antibiotic-resistant viruses!

When it comes to a whole body approach to improving our health, selenium can be a powerful weapon in our arsenal. For one, selenium is an effective tool when staving off an infection, and this includes both bacterial and viral infections. The reason it is so helpful is because it triggers a boost to your immune system through micronutrients found in the mineral.

These micronutrients are called seleno proteins, and they help control the body’s response to infection by reducing stress and inflammation.

You can also help your thyroid just by supplementing your diet with Nascent Iodine and Selenium which is essential to activate the iodine. The proper functioning of your thyroid is dependent a lot on the levels of this mineral in the body. This is due to the proteins discussed above. It truly is a “whole body” micronutrient.

Controlling Arthritis and Inflammation With Essential Oils

 

Arthritis and the painful inflammatory conditions associated with it plague millions in our country and more around the globe. For those who are plagued with arthritis in some form, pain is a regular – often daily – occurrence.

Managing pain and helping to prevent flare ups is a constant struggle when you have arthritis. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and supportive essential oils can help to ease the strain of day to day life with arthritis.

How Arthritis Works

Typically, we refer specifically to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when we speak generally of arthritis. One is primarily related to aging, while the other is genetic. One lays down calcium deposits while the other attacks joints and tissues with painful inflammation.

Really, though, arthritis refers to any of around a hundred different diseases that cause pain in the joints, bones, and surrounding tissues. It affects nearly one in 10 adults in the US, and far too many children. (1)

Arthritic diseases can be either inflammatory – like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia – or non-inflammatory – like osteoarthritis. Some basic lifestyle considerations apply for all types of arthritis, like getting good exercise and dropping extra weight, while others will depend on the inflammatory nature of a specific diagnosis.

Pain Relieving Essential Oils

If you could address arthritic pain without prescriptions, would you?

The most immediate and pressing need for arthritis relief is that of pain relief. Struggling against an illness defined by its various manifestations of pain isn’t easy. Often, the medications tied to relief are also laced with unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Unfortunately, they are often necessary – and even more unfortunately, they are often unable to eliminate or even scratch the surface of pain related to arthritic illness.

You may not be able to replace your arthritis medications with these essential oils, but they are likely to help take the edge off, sooth sharp pains, and relieve secondary conditions like insomnia.

Peppermint

A soothing oil with cooling effects, peppermint essential oil is a go-to for pain relieving applications. In one study on arthritis and essential oils, peppermint was part of a blend intended to relieve arthritic pain and depression associated with it. (2) The results were good – the pain relieving and stimulating effects of peppermint make it a valuable part of your natural arthritis remedy toolkit.

Frankincense

Inflammation is among both the most prevalent conditions in our society and the most difficult to treat. Natural solutions for inflammation are prized and sometimes life-changing substances. (3)

Because of the connection between inflammatory processes and pain, oils that are anti-inflammatory (as we will see below) are often analgesic, as well. Frankincense plays this double role well. The pain relieving ability of aromatherapy massage was tested with patients struggling with cancer. Treated with an aromatherapy hand massage that included frankincense, pain was relieved significantly. (4)

While the trial might have been directed toward cancer rather than arthritis, the hands are a common site of pain for people with arthritis, and the analgesic effects can be enjoyed by all.

Use these pain-relieving essential oils in diffusers, topical body care products, and directly inhaled.

Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils

With pain relief in the making, a focus on the cause is warranted and necessary in order to build a lifetime of health. For inflammatory arthritic illness, anti-inflammatory oils, herbs, and even foods are more than welcome!

Incorporate these anti-inflammatory oils into your regular, daily essential oil use routines in order to begin chipping away – so to speak – at the very cause of your arthritis.

Lavender

Typically used to improve sleep or treat the skin, lavender essential oil once again displays its wide range of effects when considering it for therapeutic benefits for arthritis.

As an anti-inflammatory oil, lavender can help to relieve the painful swelling and inflammation that arthritis in its various forms creates. Not only is it helpful in this way, but it is also an analgesic as well, tackling arthritic pain from multiple angles. (5)

Revisiting its uses for anxiety and depression, lavender may also help to relieve secondary issues that arise in a life of chronic pain.

Its gentle nature makes lavender a reliable choice for most people in many application forms.

Chamomile

Roman chamomile essential oil is a must have for its calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory effects. (6) As a whole herb, chamomile is renowned for its healing, soothing, and calming effects. The essential oil isolates some of these abilities, especially as an anti-inflammatory substance.

Add roman chamomile to topical massage oils to work the anti-inflammatory compounds into the skin and onto joints and other sites of pain. Additionally, you can diffuse chamomile for relaxing an anxious or depressed mind.

Yarrow

As a soothing and healing herb, yarrow essential oil also carries anti-inflammatory components that can be beneficial for arthritic ailments. As part of the Ayurvedic tradition, yarrow essential oil is used in many preparations, anti-inflammatory included. (7)

Topical preparations of yarrow can help to improve anti-inflammatory and pain relieving combinations. Making the most of synergistic reactions – oils working together to make each other more effective – creates one of a kind blends that help to relieve pain and inflammation for your specific arthritis conditions.

Wintergreen

Known as “liquid aspirin wintergreen oil is another traditional analgesic that has helped countless arthritis patients. Used with peppermint, it is particularly potent to reduce inflammation. In the words of 2014 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,

“The predominant natural ingredient in wintergreen oil is methyl salicylate, which is a compound closely related to acetyl salicylic acid, or aspirin. When applied to the skin, including tissues at the site of pain, wintergreen oil has analgesic properties… A combination of wintergreen oil and peppermint oil is commonly used because it is believed to give far better pain relief than either wintergreen oil or peppermint oil alone. In addition, the combination of the two oils may potentiate the individual effects of each oil, thus enabling the use of lower doses of each, which, as a consequence, is likely to produce fewer side effects.” (8)

Arthritis or Fibromyalgia?

Distinguishing the type of inflammatory joint disease you have is important for treatment protocols. If, for example, you have osteoarthritis, your body is likely depositing calcium around joints – probably a specific joint – and has gotten worse with age.

On the other hand, you may have fibromyalgia, which is not inflammatory by nature, and affects women primarily

Now, an anti-inflammatory medication is probably on your list, and anti-inflammatory herbs and essential oils are most likely not a bad idea in general. But the specific approach that works for an inflammatory arthritic illness might not be the same as for a non-inflammatory arthritis.

Pursue a diagnosis and understand what it means so that you can most effectively choose the whole-body approach that will work for you.

Resources:

1. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/general.htm
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15778570
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18203964
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18753801
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26247152
6. https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/most-commonly-used-essential-oils/
7. http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/ayurvedic-health-benefits-of-yarrow-essential-oil
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/

Dr. Eric Z

Chronic Stress Increases Inflammation

 

Chronic stress can increase the body’s inflammatory responses a study has found. Researchers from Ohio University directly measured the impact of stress and its reaction to the C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation.

The researchers recruited 34 healthy young women and were asked to give a speech to prove themselves as candidates for a job role, to two interviewers in white coats. One half of the group were asked to focus on their performance in a public speaking task and the other half were told to think about neutral activities such as a trip to the store or sailing ships.

By drawing blood samples, the researchers showed that the C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in those subjects who were asked to focus and dwell on the speech. Their inflammatory markers continued rising for at least one hour afterwards. During this same period, the marker returned to the initial levels in the subjects who were told to focus on the other more neutral thoughts.

This study provides a good example of how negative thinking, in particular when related to a task that may or may not have gone well, can lead on to higher levels of unhealthy inflammation within the body.

Why is Inflammation Bad?

Inflammation is one of the major causes of various diseases and painful symptoms within the body and is therefore important to monitor and reduce wherever possible. Reducing feelings of chronic stress is therefore necessary for anyone who wants to find relief for inflammation and its numerous negative side effects.

Dealing with Chronic Stress – Naturally

One of the most important things you need to do when feeling stressed is learn to address the root cause of the problem. If you’re feeling physically or emotionally challenged this can be difficult so it’s vital that you take the right nutrients that can support you through this time.

Robert Redfern

Cactus: The New SuperFood?

The latest superfood on the block is cactus [Photo: Rex Features]

Move over kale there’s a new superfood on the health block and it’s every bit as good for you. While you might think twice about plucking a prickly cactus leaf from the manky old plant languishing on your bathroom shelf, restaurants nationwide are serving up cactus leaves, stems and fruit in everything from salads, smoothies and even sandwiches (egg and cactus sarnie anyone?) And forget coconut water, for the health set it’s all about cactus juice these days.

So why exactly is a prickly plant fast becoming the go-to superfood of choice for healthistas?

It reduces blood sugar

We know the sugar drill, high blood sugar can lead to diabetes, heart disease and even strokes, according to the National Institutes of Health. But did you realize that cactus leaves can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels? Researchers at the University of Vienna tested nopal cactus leaf on 24 non-obese subjects who were suffering from high cholesterol. The results of the eight-week study, not only showed a reduction in cholesterol, but an 11 percent reduction in blood sugar levels which is attributed to the high fiber and pectin content in cacti.

Cactus smoothie anyone? [Photo: Rex Features]

It helps lower cholesterol

Nopal cactus, AKA prickly pear cactus has been linked to reducing cholesterol levels in the body. A 2007 French study  tested the impact of cactus leaf on 68 patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. After four weeks, “bad cholesterol” and triglyceride levels decreased, while “good cholesterol” increased. Researchers concluded that cactus leaf helps decrease cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

It can help with weight loss

If you’re struggling to shift a few excess pounds, cactus extract supplements could help with weight loss by acting as a diuretic. A 2010 study found that cactus extract reduced weight gain in rats by almost 20 percent. The rats were divided into three groups: one group was administered the cactus extract at a dose of 240 milligrams (mg) a day for seven days, the second group was given the pharmaceutical diuretic hydrochlorothiazide at a dose of 10 mg a day, and the third group acted as the control. The research concluded that the cactus extract did not deplete the body’s minerals and exerted an antioxidant effect.

health benefits of cactus [Photo: Rex Features]

Reduce Inflammation

Cactus contains a range of nutrients and antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, A, iron, calcium, and carotenoids, which help reduce inflammation in the body.  Plus, cacti contain a lot of water, which makes them hydrating. At just 14 calories per cacti cup, they’re super low calorie too.

It fights cancer cells

Cactus leaf contains phenolics and flavonoids, plant compounds that credited for its antioxidant properties. The National Cancer Institute believes that antioxidants protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are byproducts of oxidation. Free radical damage can lead to illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. A 2009 issue of “Plant Foods for Human Nutrition” concludes that when tested against colon, liver, breast and prostate cancer, cactus pear’s phytochemical compounds helped prevent the growth of cells in all four cancers without affecting healthy cells. Pretty amazing huh?

Marie Claire Dorking

How To Use Cactus Pear In A Green Smoothie

Both the cactus pear fruit and the cactus “leaves” or nopals can be used in green smoothies. The fruit is delicious and accents many other tropical flavors. The green nopal leaves can take the place of leafy greens by providing a fresh green flavor and minerals.

Two things you need to watch out for are spines and seeds. Cactus pears have seeds that do not pulverize in a blender – not even a high-powered Vitamix. Instead, you’ll end up with jagged bits of broken seed that could get caught in your throat or irritate your digestive tract. While it can be a pain, it’s best to remove the seeds prior to blending.

A trick for removing the seeds of cactus pear is to cut the fruit in half and scoop the seeds into a strainer. With a spoon, mash the seedy fruit pulp into the strainer held over a bowl. The juice will drain through the mesh of the strainer, and the fruit will be easier to separate from the seeds. I recommend using a metal bowl under the strainer to catch the fruit juice as it will stain plastic (clothing and skin, too).

As for the spines, be sure to check cactus fruit over carefully to be sure all of the spines have been removed. I recommend pealing the fruit before eating, that way you get even the tiny, hard to see spines close to the skin.

Cactus Pear Smoothie Recipes

Cactus Pear-Mango Green Smoothie

• 2 cactus pear fruit, skin and seeds removed
• 1/2 mango, peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 8 ounces of coconut water

Calories: 235 | Fat: 2 (grams) | Protein:3g | Carbs: 57g | Calcium: 16% | Iron: 1.8mg | Vitamin A: 23% | Vitamin C: 285%

Cactus Pear-Pineapple Smoothie

• 2 cactus pear fruit, skin and seeds removed
• 1/2 cup pineapple
• juice from 1/2 lime
• 2 cups spinach
• 4 to 6 ounces filtered water

Calories: 145 | Fat: 1g (grams) | Protein: 4g | Carbs: 35g | Calcium: 16% | Iron: 2.5mg | Vitamin A: 41% | Vitamin C: 122%

Cactus Pear-Pomegranate Green Smoothie

• 1 cactus pear fruit, skin and seeds removed
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
• 1 small banana
• 2 cups spinach
• 4 to 6 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
• Calories: 218 | Fat: 5g (grams) | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 52g | Calcium: 11% | Iron: 2.5mg | Vitamin A: 41% | Vitamin C: 65%
  

  How To Select Cactus Pear

  When selecting a ripe cactus pear look for one with a rich red color. It should also be slightly soft to the touch. Watch out for tiny spines that may not have been removed!

  The cactus pear is a summer fruit, and is harvested from June to September. The cactus pear is a sweet fruit with a flavor reminiscent of watermelon and kiwifruit.

  Tracy http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/about/

6 Ways to Achieve Optimal Health

Chronic disease is an epidemic and the number of cases is growing, despite any advances within medical technology. Yet research is showing that fundamentally, following the right nutrition, forming good lifestyle habits and monitoring your environmental exposure can have an enormous impact on your health. In the long term it can also play a key role in preventing diabetes, cancer, dementia, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and even accelerated aging.

Our environments plays an important role in influencing our genetic disposition however, by around 80% and is a concept known as “epigenetics”. Each of our everyday choices have an impact on our health and these include diet, sleep, exercise, supplementation and exposure to environmental toxins. The purpose of functional medicine is to study these effects at a cellular level while incorporating the latest within genetic science and systems biology to determine how environmental and lifestyle factors affect the emergence and progression and of the disease.

The 80% window that you can control through lifestyle factors is therefore worth investigating if you want to improve your health in the long term. Below are the six factors worth considering if you want to stay healthy…

 

1. Nutrition. One of the core elements of good health is good nutrition. A diet that’s rich in fresh and natural foods that includes a wide array of colorful fruits and vegetables, along with a source of lean protein is ideal. Drinking water can help to prevent dehydration and is good for cellular function.
2. Supplements. Getting a balance of essential oils such as Omega 3 and 6 found in Krill Oil or Hemp Seed Oil. Two good choices are from Good Health Naturally. Taking an optimal amount of Vitamin D3/K2 along with a phyto-nutrient supplement can help to enhance nutrition and any chronic illness can be improved with short term use of high dose intravenous nutrient therapy to “jump start” any cells that are relatively dysfunctional and/or nutrient depleted.
3. Exercise. Strength training and cardiovascular exercise can benefit our immune system, endocrine, heart, metabolic and respiratory health. While cognitive ability, moods and our overall sense of well-being can all benefit from regular exercise. Try rebounding on a mini trampoline or walking at a brisk and steady pace for 30 minutes daily for best result.
4. Inflammation. Reducing your levels of inflammation through regular diet, exercise, sleep and taking care of your mind-body-health will all reduce your chances of advanced aging and chronic illness. Consuming sugars and starches are a major source of inflammation and are best avoided. Taking anti-inflammatory substances on a regular basis can help.  Examples of these natural anti-inflammatory substances include curcumin and fish oil.
5. Sleep. Poor sleep can lead to stress and this has been linked to hormonal problems, increased inflammation, gastric problems and advanced aging. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to improve sleep and these include behavioral techniques, natural supplements and even electrotherapy devices. 5-HTP, Melatonin and Valerian Root can all help with this process.
6. Emotional Health. 50% of chronic ailments are thought to be caused by anxiety and depression. They are silent killers and many people live with severe stress, anxiety and depression on a daily basis and don’t know how to cope. Taking care of your mental and emotional issues by talking to a friend or relative, doing therapy or counseling can all benefit you emotionally and are worth pursuing.

Robert Redfern

6 Food Tips for Treating Autoimmune Disease

 

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one’s own body. In certain cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells that they are meant to protect. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases. They encompass a broad category of over 100 diseases in which the person’s immune system attacks his or her own cells and tissue.

The exact mechanisms causing these changes are not completely understood, but bacteria, viruses, toxins, and some drugs may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in someone who already has a genetic (inherited) predisposition to develop such a disorder. It is theorized that the inflammation initiated by these agents–toxic or infectious–somehow provokes in the body a “sensitization” (autoimmune reaction) in the involved tissues.

As the disease develops, vague symptoms start to appear, such as joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, possible rashes or low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, or weight loss. Numbness and tingling in hands and feet, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or repeated miscarriages may also indicate that something is wrong with the immune system.

How Acupuncture Treats Autoimmune Disorders

According to Oriental medicine, autoimmune disorders occur when there is an imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of Yin and Yang that disrupts the flow of Qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.

Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system.

In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies, including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.

Food

A class of plant chemicals — known as bioflavonoids — has been found to dramatically reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders.

Tea
Both green and black tea contain the flavonoids catechins and theaflavins, which are beneficial in autoimmune disease.

Apples
Apples (with the skin on) contain the flavonoid quercetin, which can reduce allergic reactions and decrease inflammation.

Quercetin also occurs naturally in other foods, such as berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea.

Carrots
Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation.

Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash and collard greens.
Christina Sarlo LMT, L.Ac., NCCAOM

Chronic Inflammation Can Lead to Cancer

Researchers have discovered that the immune system is capable of creating cancerous DNA mutations that can fight off infections. Chronic inflammation that’s caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals and disease can lead to cancers, according to researchers from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

Recent findings from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper published this week, have found a number of chemical warfare agents used within the immune system that can fight off infections. This causes DNA mutations, leading to cancer.

Inflammation is thought to cause or promote one in five cancers and this includes mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer that’s caused by inflammation. According to research associate Bogdan Fedeles from the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT, all of these are followed by chronic exposure to asbestos, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

What is Inflammation?

The body produces inflammation as a response to harmful irritants or any invading pathogens. The invaders are attacked by the immune system by a number of reactive molecules and this is designed to neutralize it and this includes nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorus acid.

The molecules cause collateral damage within healthy tissue and around the site of infection, but the presence of foreign pathogens can activate the immune response that tries to fight off any bacteria. However, this process can damage normal cells.

Studies Support The Link Between Inflammation and Cancer

The presence of lesions or structural damage to DNA otherwise known as 5-chlorocytosine (5CIC) were shown within the inflamed tissue of mice that were infected with the Helicobacter Hepaticus pathogen. This lesion is a kind of damaged DNA base cytosine and it’s caused by reactive molecules known as hypochlorus acid, one of the main ingredients that’s found in household bleach and is also generated within the immune system.

The 5CIC lesion was found high levels within the tissue according to lead researchers, John Essigmann, the William R. (1956) and Betsy P. Leitch Professor in Residence Professor of Chemistry, Toxicology and Biological Engineering at MIT.

DNA sequencing of the gastrointestinal tumors was found to reveal two kinds of mutation: cytosine ( C ) bases that changed to thymine ( T ) bases and adenine ( A ) bases that also changed to guanine ( G ) bases. As 5CIC has not been studied yet as a potential carcinogenic mutagen, further investigation is needed to determine if it’s mutagenic.

Researchers firstly looked at the specific site of the 5CIC lesion within the genome of the bacterial virus. They also replicated this virus within the cells. The discovery from the researchers was that instead of pairing a guanine base with a cytosine, by pairing it with an adenine base for 5% of the time, according to Essigmann this caused a medically relevant mutation frequency.

Research also suggests that when the immune system is triggered by an infection, it fires hypochlorus acid at the location, damaging the cytosines within the DNA of the surrounding tissue. Any damage caused to the cytosines then becomes 5CIC.

Additionally, researchers have hypothesized that hypochlorus acid can damage the cytosines within the nucleotide pool and this causes the nucleotide reservoir to become a part of the replicating cells DNA.

By replicating the lesion containing genome along with various kinds of polymerase, the enzyme assembling DNA that includes human polymerases was determined and it was confirmed that 5CIC is mutagenic within human DNA. “The same kind of mutations were seen within cells and this made the researchers confident that this occurs where 5CIC levels are high within human cells.”

This technique was developed in Essigman’s laboratory and found that by placing the 5CIC lesion at a specific site along with the bacterial virus genome, then replicating the virus within the cell. Researchers then paired the 5CIC with an adenine base for 5% of the time to create a medically relevant mutation frequency.

These findings suggest that when an infection is triggered within the immune system, it fires hypochlorus acid at the site and this damages cytosines in the DNA of the healthy tissue. This damage then causes cytosines to become 5CIC.

To confirm that 5CIC is mutagenic within human DNA, researchers replicated the genome containing the lesion within a variety of different types of polymerase, the enzyme assembling DNA, including human polymerases. In each of these cases it was found that the 5CIC was mutagenic, causing the same kind of mutations seen within cells. This gave them confidence that this phenomenon can also happen in human cells containing high levels of 5CIC.

How To Avoid Inflammation

What we eat on a daily basis is one of the biggest contributors of inflammation. Avoiding starchy carbohydrates in the form of pastas, cereals, sugary drinks and junk food is recommended. All of these foods promote inflammation in the body and promote disease, making it more difficult to get healthy.

Robert Redfern

Foods That Reduce Pain

 

Because of the relationship between pain and inflammation, people living with pain are also likely to have inflammation, even if the inflammation is not visible. And when inflammation gets worse, pain gets worse.

Although you might think you have no control over inflammation, you actually have more influence on it than you might think—particularly when it comes to what you eat. That’s because some foods increase inflammation and pain while other foods decrease it!

Let’s take a closer look at some of the foods that reduce pain:

• Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables
• Anti-Inflammatory Spices
• Water
• Omega-3 Fats
• Monounsaturated Fats

Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables

One of the easiest ways to manage pain with food is to eat more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. Good food sources of antioxidants include:

Fruits

• Apples
• Apricots
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Boysenberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons)
• Cranberries
• Grapes (dark colored varieties: purple, black, red)
• Rhubarb
• Strawberries

Veggies

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Green peppers (also yellow and red varieties)
• Hot peppers (jalapenos and other varieties)
• Kale
• Leeks
• Mustard greens
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes
• Turnip greens
• Winter squash (butternut squash, acorn squash, etc.)

Anti-Inflammatory Spices

There are two spices that stand out for managing pain: ginger and turmeric.

Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect and is known for being able to soothe upset stomachs. Before you start eating ginger regularly or taking it as a supplement, however, you should talk to your doctor. Ginger has natural properties that thin the blood, so it may be necessary to adjust your medication if you are taking a prescription blood thinner.

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice used in curry. If you are a bit of a chef, you can have fun with Indian recipes (many of which use a lot of turmeric), but be careful if you handle it in the kitchen. Turmeric has a tendency to turn things yellow, including your clothes, dish towels, and fingers.

 

Water

There are few things in a pain diet that will have as much immediate positive impact as drinking plenty of water every day.

Water helps lubricate joints, fight dehydration (many aches, including headaches, are the result of being dehydrated), enable your kidneys to properly filter toxins from the blood, and ensure that your body can make enough blood to maintain adequate circulation. Your body also needs water to repair itself. When the body can’t get enough water, it will divert what little it does get to its more primary functions—and that means some of the “repairs” must go undone, which can result in pain.

The old rule of thumb about drinking eight glasses of water a day is good, but I think six glasses a day will offer benefits in terms of managing your pain. You do not need to buy fancy bottled water; regular tap water is just fine. Remember, though, that water is not the same as other liquids. Do not count coffee, tea, sodas, power beverages, or flavored waters in your six to eight glasses a day.

 

Omega-3 Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids play a powerhouse role in managing pain by reducing inflammation, suppressing the production of cytokines and enzymes that can attack your joints, and improving circulation. They also may reduce anxiety, not to mention lower your cholesterol and reduce risk of heart attack.

The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, which means you must get omega-3 fatty acids from food or supplements—there is no other way. Food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Salmon
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Trout
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Some types of seaweed (used a lot in Japanese cooking and sushi)
• Soybeans
• Eggs (look for brands that are “omega-3 fortified”)
• Flax (as seeds, flour, or flaxseed oil)

Unfortunately, many people find that these natural dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are not enough to keep the body in good supply. For that reason, I recommend that anyone living with pain take a good quality omega-3 supplement in addition to regularly adding these foods to meals.

Monounsaturated Fats

When it comes to fat, it is much smarter to opt for monounsaturated fats like olive oil. Olive oil is not only a “good fat,” it actually decreases inflammation in the body! As for other fats, opt for lean proteins (leaner cuts of meat, fish), skim or low-fat milk, and low-fat dairy products.

Dr. Pergolizzi

Combing Turmeric and Omega 3 Fat May Prevent Diabetes

 

A combination of turmeric with omega 3 fat could help in preventing or delaying Diabetes Type 2 and its onset, says a research team led by Professor Manohar Garg from Nutraceuticals at Newcastle University.

The researchers believe that a compound found in turmeric known as curcumin, when combined with omega 3 fat, could potentially prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Curcumin, which is also used for food coloration, is a member of the ginger family.

Professor Garg noted, “Systemic inflammation is one of the main causes of Diabetes Type 2 and this impacts insulin function and secretion.” He added that: “We want to nip the inflammation in the bud. This study refers to the use of two bio-active compounds found in food: curcumin and the omega-3 fat. Both are vital anti-inflammatory agents.”

The diabetes treatment involved the use of turmeric and was tested on four divided groups of human volunteers. The first group was given curcumin without any omega 3 fat, the second group received the omega 3 fats without any curcumin and the third group was given both curcumin and the omega 3 fat. The fourth group was used as the control.

Participants in the study were people who were between the ages of 30 and 70 and were diabetes prone and either had impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. All of the participants were given 200g of curcumin capsules and one gram of omega 3 fat.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in India, for curing inflammation, bruises, sprains and wounds. The spice has abundant medicinal value and is often ignored due to the westernization of food. This has resulted in an increase of Diabetes Type 2 cases throughout the country.

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms around curcumin and omega-3 fats are also different, according to Garg and there is a need to test them to see if they complement each other and to determine the treatment synergies beyond their individual effects. The thinking behind this is that when used in combination, the curcumin and omega-3 fat will be as effective as drugs for managing diabetes.  As the curcumin is bound to fat, this increases the bio-availability of the curcumin by up to 40x when compared to ordinary curcumin and it’s readily absorbed within the body.

Robert Redfern

Little-Known Uses For Lemons

 

When life hands you lemons, lemonade is always an option—though water with a twist of lemon is a lower-calorie, healthier beverage choice. But there are several health benefits of lemons that you may not be aware of, as well as an abundance of other little-known uses for lemons.

Uses for Lemons in Your Home

Let’s start in the kitchen. While household uses are not a health benefit of lemons per se, these tangy citrus fruits are are a safe, effective way to eliminate odors in the kitchen and throughout your home. You can put small pieces of lemon peels down the garbage disposal to get rid of stinky smells or boil a pot of water with lemon peels, reduce heat, and simmer on low for several hours to create a natural air freshener that will permeate your entire house.

Another kitchen use for lemons is to utilize the juice to preserve the freshness of produce and prevent browning. Just drizzle or spritz lemon juice over guacamole or apple slices and see it work for yourself. Want to clean and deodorize your microwave without chemicals? You’re in luck. Cut a couple of lemons in half, squeeze the juice into in a bowl of water, and place the lemons in the bowl, cut side up. Microwave for 3–5 minutes and then wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth. It should smell clean and fresh.

The final household use for lemons I want to share is as a natural cleaner and disinfectant. Fill a spray bottle with lemon juice and water and use to clean windows, mirrors, and counter tops. You can even cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on cutting boards and kitchen sink fixtures to kill germs and foul odors and remove soap scum. As a natural alternative to chemical cleaners, this is a great non-toxic “green” use for lemons.

Health and Beauty Uses for Lemons

When it comes to beauty and health, there are many uses for lemons. Lemons contain citric acid, and when you combine lemon juice with a little baking soda, it creates an inexpensive at-home teeth whitener. Mix the two together in a small bowl until it bubbles and use a cotton swab to apply to teeth. Leave on for one minute (any longer will erode tooth enamel) and brush off.

As you may know, vitamin C and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) are popular ingredients in many pricey cosmetic products. Because lemons are rich in both vitamin C and AHAs (citric acid), skincare is another common—and economical—use for lemons. First, it can be used to lighten dark spots on the skin. Just apply full-strength juice topically for 5 to 15 minutes every day. You can also make your own brightening and hydrating facial mask by combining honey with lemon juice, applying it to the face and neck, letting it set for 20 minutes, and then rinsing it off. And soaking your fingertips and toenails in lemon juice can quickly remove dark polish and any other nail discoloration.

Health Benefits of Lemons

There are a plethora of health benefits of lemons. Added to hot tea or water, lemon juice helps ease the pain and inflammation of a sore throat, and its antimicrobial compounds help knock out germs. Furthermore, lemon juice is a great immune booster because of the robust levels of vitamin C it contains.

An additional health benefit of lemons is that their high citric acid content inhibits kidney stone formation. Researchers from the University of California found that drinking 4 ounces of lemon juice, diluted in water, and consumed over the course of a day significantly reduces the risk of developing kidney stones.

Drinking a cup of warm water with lemon juice in the morning may also stimulate the digestive process, flush out toxins, and make the bowels function more smoothly.

The final health benefit of lemons I’d like to pass along is one that you may not be familiar with. The smell of lemons is a proven natural therapy for quelling nausea. It’s also a great remedy for morning sickness. In a 2014 study, the scent of lemons significantly reduced pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Simply squeeze the juice of one lemon into a glass, add a pinch of sugar if you’d like, and inhale deeply. The fresh and sweet citrus scent is likely the key to soothing an upset stomach.

Benefits of Lemons Recap

So there you have it. A smattering of little-known uses for lemons that I hope you find helpful and entertaining. I’ll close with one caveat: When you are consuming lemon juice, always dilute it with water, as it is very acidic and can damage tooth enamel. And, remember, if you’re using it as a teeth whitener, leave on for one minute only.

Now it’s your turn: If you know of other health benefits of lemons and you’d like to share them, leave your suggestions in the comments section below.

Dr. Whitaker