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.

Sources for this article include:

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J Invest Dermatol 2004;122:510-7.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2004;13:1042-51.
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Am J Clin Nutr 2011;141:207-13.
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Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2007;20:199-210.
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Atherosclerosis 2011;219:789-93.

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

Treatment of Thyroid disorders

Heal your thyroid by banishing inflammation, boosting immunity and improving digestive health

(NaturalNews) Thyroid hormones regulate other hormones, including the adrenal glands' adrenaline production. Thyroid gland hormones also influence cellular metabolism, digestion, libido, and overall energy.

There are three maladies involving the thyroid. Not everyone knows he or she has a thyroid issue even while exhibiting low energy or the inability to lose weight. One is an autoimmune disease and the other two are conditions.

The disease is known as Hashimoto's disease, which actually slowly destroys the thyroid while potentially creating both conditions. In addition to both conditions alternating with Hashimoto's disease, a swollen thyroid or goiter which becomes evident.

The two conditions are hypothyroidism, not enough hormone production or utlization, and the other is hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid that causes too much hormone production.



Hypothyroidism is the more common condition with its symptoms of low energy, fatigue, low libido, overweight problems and sensitivity to cold.

Hyperthyroidism can lead to nervousness, restlessness, manic behavior, and difficulty concentrating. Goiter and weight loss can also manifest. Pre-Nazi Germany used sodium fluoride to reduce the excessive hormone production of hyperthyroid patients.

Now, fluoride is in over 75 percent of USA's public water supplies, to keep American citizens dumb and docile with decreased thyroid hormone production.

It's a good idea to eliminate the possibility of Hashimoto's disease before pursuing hypothyroid solutions because the solutions for hypothyroidism are actually dangerous for those with Hashimoto's disease.

Hypothyroidism signs and remedies

Hypothyroidism may be the most common hormonal deficiency in the Western world. It can even occur when the thyroid does produce enough thyroid hormones that are not utilized properly. That's known as thyroid hormone resistance, which produces the same symptoms as hypothyroidism.

Many who think they have fibromyalgia may simply have one of these two manifestations of hypothyroidism. According to Dr. John Lowe, conventional testing can fall short of diagnosing hypothyroidism, especially for those with thyroid hormone resistance.

That's because the T3, T4, and TH hormone counts can appear normal with someone experiencing thyroid hormone resistance. Also, allopathic endocrinologists often have a low expectation of normal. When it comes to remedying thyroid hormone resistance, the high amounts of thyroid hormone Dr. Lowe recommends shock the average endocrinologist.

Dr. Lowe has discovered that treating fibromyalgia complaints the same as hypothyroidism works very well. He uses an additional TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) test with symptom observations.

A simple self-administered test would be to take your temperature immediately upon waking up from a regular night's sleep. A low temperature indicates probable thyroid hormone deficiency, according to Donna Gates of Body Ecology website.

Here is an abbreviated list of other symptoms, most of which resemble fibromyalgia.

* Fatigue mistaken as fibromyalgia
* Unable to lose or stop gaining weight
* Feeling cold easily and often
* Dry skin, eyes, or hair
* Excess muscle tension
* Low immunity
* Low basal body temperature
* Delayed tendon reflex, when the foot returns position slowly after tapping the Achilles heel

Dr. Lowe's complete list of symptoms can be found here: (http://www.drlowe.com/geninfo/hyposymptoms.htm)

It's common for holistic health practitioners to recommend a quality iodine supplement or seaweed consumption. Iodine is thyroid food. They also recommend various natural thyroid hormone supplements.

It makes sense that increased fibromyalgia incidents coincide with a rise in iodine deficiency since iodine was taken out of table salt. Increasing iodine or using thyroid hormone supplements will help a thyroid that's hormone deficient.

Additionally, a comprehensive metabolic approach is required that could also prove helpful for Hoshimoto's disease.

Avoid inflammation causing processed foods and pharmaceutical drugs. Eat organically produced whole vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits and grains (some say eliminate grains). Hydrate with non-fluoridated water, exercise, and stress less. (http://www.naturalnews.com/032129_fluoridation_intelligence.html)

Sources for this article included:

http://bodyecology.com/articles/low_thyroid_symptoms.php

http://bodyecology.com

http://bodyecology.com

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/hashivshypo.htm

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036522_thyroid_inflammation_immunity.html#ixzz21883lXRQ

Omega-3 fats

Omega-3 fats reduce systemic inflammation and lower feelings of anxiety

(NaturalNews) The Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA continue to garner well deserved attention as essential components of human health. Researchers publishing in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity show that the long-chain fat duo significantly lowers elevated levels of systemic inflammation, the metabolic flame that promotes most chronic conditions from heart disease and cancer to dementia and diabetes. The study authors found that consuming more fish or supplementing with omega-3 fish oil reduced both anxiety and inflammation among a group of young healthy individuals. Many health-minded children and adults alike will want to ensure adequate fish consumption from diet or supplementation with fish oil to lower dangerous cellular inflammation and reduce the underlying effects of anxiety.



A team of researchers from Ohio State University set out to determine the science behind more than thirty years of data that suggests a link between psychological stress and immunity. Omega-3 fats including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are known to be critical nutrients required for early development and health maintenance in the human diet. Earlier research suggested that the long-chain fatty compounds might play a role in reducing the level of inflammatory metabolites in the body known to promote inflammation and even reduce depression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce the Effects of Stress and Anxiety by Twenty Percent

The study authors wanted to test the theory that increased production of inflammatory cytokines in the body was caused by psychological stress and that increased levels of omega-3 fats could be used to mitigate the metabolic process and reduce inflammation. They assembled a group of 68 volunteer medical students known to be under a high degree of stress. The students were divided into six groups and interviewed at six intervals during the study to determine their levels of stress, anxiety or depression. Half the participants were given omega-3 supplements while the other half were given placebo pills.

Study co-author Martha Belury, professor of human nutrition, explained: "The supplement was probably about four or five times the amount of fish oil you'd get from a daily serving of salmon, for example". Or, it was an equivalent to 1,200 mg EPA/DHA from a fish oil supplement. The results of the psychological surveys demonstrated an important change in anxiety among the students. Those receiving the omega-3 supplements showed a 20 percent reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo group. Blood samples taken from the medical students showed a similar reduction in circulating inflammatory factors.

Inflammation is a natural immune response necessary to protect us and help the body heal. Systemic inflammation from stress and the release of cytokine chemicals in the body are behind many chronic illnesses ranging from arthritis to heart disease to cancer. Ensure proper omega-3 status by including fatty fish in your diet several times each week or by supplementing with an organically distilled fish oil supplement and lower stress, anxiety and whole-body inflammation.

Sources for this article include:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159111004685
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/237409.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121313.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237508.php

About the author:
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034256_omega-3_inflammation.html#ixzz1yv9sX0kA

Yoga

Yoga improves mood, reduces inflammation and relieves chronic diseases

(NaturalNews) As it turns out, yoga is no longer just a gentle stretching for aging hippies. Ongoing research shows that this ancient ritual improves mood, helps breast cancer survivors, reduces inflammation and counteracts fibromyalgia.



It's common knowledge that yoga improves mood and shrugs off stress, but until recently, we didn't know why. Chris Streeter, MD, and his colleagues from Boston University School of Medicine discovered that it may be because of yoga's ability to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous antidepressant neurotransmitter present in the brain.

They followed several healthy individuals who were divided into two groups. The first group practiced yoga over a 12-week long period, while the participants in the other group walked for the same period of time. At the end of the study, researchers evaluated psychological state of both groups and found that subjects who practiced yoga experienced a greater decrease in anxiety and more significant improvements in mood than those who walked.

"Over time, positive changes in these reports were associated with climbing GABA levels," explains Streeter. The findings of the study demonstrate that yoga is superior to other types of exercise in its positive effects on anxiety and overall mood.

Yoga reduces inflammation and helps chronically ill

According to last year's studies, yoga exercises may have the ability to improve recovery of breast cancer survivors and combat fibromyalgia:

• Conventional cancer treatments leave many women in pain, immobilized, depressed and tired. That's why Amy Speed-Andrews from University of Alberta decided to examine how a 10-week session of Iyengar yoga makes a difference in the recovery of women struggling with breast cancer. The results were impressive as 94 percent of study participants experienced improvements in their quality of life and 87 percent reported being happier. 80 percent also said they were less tired.


• Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by fatigue and chronic widespread pain. Fortunately, the journal Pain published a study comparing 53 female subjects that proved that an eight-week yoga program can combat a wide variety of fibromyalgia symptoms. Participants of the study experienced a reduction in depression (up to 42 percent), pain (24%) and fatigue (30%).

Furthermore, yoga also reduces the amount of cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the blood. This compound is associated with the body's inflammatory response and plays one of the key roles in a host of debilitating diseases. "We know that inflammation plays a major role in many diseases. Yoga appears to be a simple and enjoyable way to add an intervention that might reduce risks for developing heart disease, diabetes and other age-related diseases," says Ron Glaser, a co-author of a study that revealed the link between yoga and inflammation.

For the study, the scientists analyzed blood samples of 50 women, age 41 on average. As a result, those who had regularly practiced yoga for one or two years had significantly lower levels of inflammation than novices. They were also better able to limit their stress responses, too.

"People need to be educated about this," says Bill Malarkey, one of the co-authors of the study. "They need to be taking responsibility for their health and how they live. Doing yoga and similar activities can make a difference."

References

Oregon Health & Science University (2010, October 14). Yoga can counteract fibromyalgia, study suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101014083119.htm

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (2010, November 12). Yoga's ability to improve mood and lessen anxiety is linked to increased levels of a critical brain chemical, research finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111160539.htm

Boston University Medical Center (2010, August 23). New study finds new connection between yoga and mood. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819112124.htm

University of Alberta (2010, August 17). Special yoga classes aimed at breast cancer survivors improves recovery. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817111835.htm

Ohio State University (2010, January 14). Yoga reduces cytokine levels known to promote inflammation, study shows. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111122643.htm

About the author

James Schreiber was a long time sufferer of Candida albicans - a little known and frequently misdiagnosed condition that causes seemingly unrelated symptoms such as chronic fatigue, digestive problems and flu-like symptoms. After completely transforming his diet and lifestyle to triumph over Candida infection, Schreiber made educating people on how to better cope with the disease a mission. He shares the secrets of his success at http://www.ecandida.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031721_yoga_mood.html#ixzz1ydgENltz

Aloe vera

The aloe vera miracle: A natural medicine for cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, inflammation, IBS, and other health conditions

I'm truly excited to be bringing you this information today about the miraculous healing abilities of aloe vera. First off, in case you don't know, let me emphasize that I don't sell aloe vera products of any kind, I haven't been paid to write this article, and I don't earn any commissions from the sale of any products mentioned here. I am, however, an enthusiastic supporter of natural medicine, and I personally grow and eat aloe vera plants in Tucson, Arizona.

In fact, my yard is an aloe farm, and each day before I make mysuperfoodbreakfast smoothie, I walk out to my yard, slice off analoe veraleaf, thank the plant for granting me its healingmedicine, then I fillet the leaf and drop thealoe vera gelinto my blender. A few minutes later, I'm enjoying the most impressivemedicinalherb that nature has ever created. (Click here to see the new PhotoTour showing step-by-step pictures of how to fillet aloe vera and remove the inner gel.)

When I sayaloevera is the most impressive medicinal herb invented bynature, I don't make that statement lightly. Of all theherbsI've ever studied -- and I've written thousands of articles onnutritionand disease prevention --aloe vera is the most impressiveherbof them all. (Garlic would be a close second.) There is nothing on this planet that offers the amazing variety of healingbenefitsgranted by aloe vera. In a single plant, aloe vera offers potent,natural medicinethat: