Omega-3 fats

Making omega-3s work better

(NaturalNews) Omega-3 fats make for better bodies in many ways. They help protect heart, brain, joint, skin, immune, and vision health. However, omega-3s are highly fragile and need protection in their own right. Once oxidized, they're more harmful than helpful. Several nutrients protect omega-3s to help them work better.

Oxidation and inflammation

The aging process is largely about oxidation, which makes substances stick to blood vessels in atherosclerosis, promotes macular degeneration in the eye, weathers skin, and leads to dementia and depression. Oxidation also fuels inflammation, which essentially makes the body attack itself. Intact (non-oxidized) omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, and help reduce blood triglycerides, enable blood fat to flow more freely, improve LDL-cholesterol quality, stabilize plaque to prevent heart attack and stroke, help relax arteries, and reduce blood pressure. The eyes, skin, brain and most other body organs and tissues rely on intact omega-3s to function properly.

A number of antioxidants can protect omega-3 fats and LDL-cholesterol from oxidation, including carotenoids, vitamin E, curcumin, capsaicin, quercetin, olive leaf extract, green tea, chitin-glucan fiber, and polyphenolic compounds from fruits and vegetables. Krill oil is an omega-3 that's naturally protected by the carotenoid astaxanthin.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin (LZ)

These carotenoids are particularly protective of omega-3s in the eyes, blood, brain, and skin. In mice fed high-fat diets, LZ lowered fat oxidation and arterial lesions dramatically. In humans, artery stiffness was 80 percent greater in people at the lowest versus highest blood LZ levels.

The brain is composed largely of omega-3s. LZ comprises roughly 75 percent of all brain carotenoids, and is concentrated in regions involved in memory and learning. Higher LZ in the brain means better cognitive function, and cognitive impairment is linked to low blood zeaxanthin in the elderly. In a recent clinical trial, learning and memory were improved by omega-3 or LZ, but especially in combination.

LZ are also the only carotenoids found in the retina and lens of the eye. They form the macular pigment, which acts like a pair of internal sunglasses to protect omega-3s in the retina from oxidation to help prevent macular degeneration.

Skin is also subject to sun damage. Solar radiation and environmental pollutants oxidize fats, proteins and DNA, which leads to photoaging and cancer. Antioxidant treatment (i.e., ascorbic acid, tocopherol, alpha-lipoic acid, melatonin) is a promising approach to counteract photoaging skin. Carotenoids are also deposited in skin, where they protect against excessive sun exposure. Carotenoids like LZ, beta-carotene and lycopene work like internal sunscreen to help defend against sunburn. People with high vitamin D, lutein and total carotenoid intake show significantly reduced risk for melanoma. In one human clinical study, subjects receiving LZ showed enhanced elasticity, skin hydration, and sunburn protection. Carotenoids also show anti-cancer potential, in part because they support omega-3 anti-inflammatory activity. Total carotenoid intake is strongly associated with anti-aging, likely by protecting omega-3s.

Thus, the best way to promote omega-3 benefits is to increase antioxidant intake, particularly carotenoids like LZ. Vitamin B6 also increases omega-3 content in membranes.

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About the author:
Dr. Phil Domenico is a nutritional scientist and educator with a research background in biochemistry and microbiology. Formerly an infectious disease research scientist, he now works as a consultant for supplement companies and the food industry.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037824_omega-3s_inflammation_heart_health.html#ixzz2BJS4bbNb

Fall allergies and their control

Control fall allergies with natural remedies

(NaturalNews) Although many people associate allergy season with the onset of spring, fall can also wreak havoc with allergy sufferers. This year, instead of suffering under mounds of tissues or resorting to over-the-counter or even worse yet, prescribed medications or allergy shots, discover the relief that natural remedies can bring.

What is an allergy?

An allergy occurs when an individual breathes in certain triggers (such as pollen). The body sees this as a foreign invader, much like a bacteria or virus, and sends out its defenses, releasing antibodies to attack these allergens. This leads to the release of chemicals (histamines) which result in a runny nose, sneezing, watering eyes, inflammation and congestion.

We generally don't consider allergies to be as serious an issue as an infection. However, a severe allergy can result in infection. A prolonged or severe allergy can block sinus drainage sites leading to a sinus infection. Congestion can also drain to the chest, causing respiratory infections that can result in asthma or even pneumonia. A primary allergy cause is an impaired immune system due to toxic overload.

Fall allergy triggers

During both spring and fall, pollen is a common allergy trigger. Male plants that begin to pollinate during August, often continue this process into the fall season. The biggest offender is ragweed. A great number of people allergic to spring pollen are also allergic to ragweed. Moreover, the wind can carry ragweed pollen for hundreds of miles, so this offender may not necessarily come from your own back yard.

Another offender not to be overlooked is mold. Mold spores can easily become airborne, putting us at risk. Mold grows in damp areas, indoors and outdoors. A common place for mold growth is in those leaves that fall from trees during this season. Piles of damp leaves are perfect breeding grounds for mold.

Dust mites are another danger. Although dust mites are mostly present during humid summer months, they can be stirred up and become airborne when the furnace is first used on a cool fall night.

In certain parts of the country, fall allergens can also include goldenrod, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, sheep sorrel, and sagebrush.

Ways to control allergens

*Avoid contact with allergens as much as possible. Keep your house well ventilated, making sure that your filtration system is up to date.

*Rake those fallen leaves in your back yard in a timely manner.

*A natural diet containing antioxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids will help to detox the body, thereby strengthening the immune system.

*Many people find significant allergy relief by consuming local, raw, organic honey.

Various nutrients, herbs and other supplements can support your immune system, minimizing or eliminating allergy attacks

*Colloidal silver provides immune support to the body, lessening or eliminating allergic reaction. It is also instrumental in preventing infections that can occur with prolonged or severe allergies.

*Butterbur taken four times a day is as effective as over-the-counter medications, without any adverse side effects.

*Quercetin stabilizes cells and prevents the release of histamines.

*Omega-3 fatty acids. People who eat a high content of Omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to resist allergy symptoms.

*Probiotics helps support the body's natural terrain and strengthens the immune system.

*Cayenne, ginger, onions, and garlic are effective allergy treatments.

*Use stinging nettle leaf at the first sign of an allergy.

*Fortify your body with vitamins C and E to strengthen your immune system.

Lastly, keep your body hydrated with plenty of water. It is important to replace those fluids that are being expelled from the body.

Sources:

http://allergies.about.com/od/noseandsinusallergies/a/sinusitis.htm
http://www.liferesearchuniversal.com/allergy.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com

About the author:
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Lifewebsite for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets"

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037463_allergies_natural_remedies_herbs.html#ixzz28mvhpAnN