Health News - August 2003The Olive Branch |
=================================================================== Featured in this month's issue:
1. HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips for Better Living!
2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
3. FEATURED ARTICLE: "The Importance of Dietary Fiber"
4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Strawberry-Orange Smoothies
5. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS
6. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH: "PROANTHENOLS"
Most Potent Antioxidant Available
Supports Immune Function; Fights Aging
Certified Authentic Masquelier's OPCs=================================================================== 1. HEALTH BYTES - * Facts and Tips for Better Living
MUSCLE VS. FAT -- Muscle tissue is about 70 percent water, 22 percent protein, and 7 percent fat. Fatty tissue is about 22 percent water, 6 percent protein, and 72 percent fat. But one is designed to allow movement and the other to store fat, If someone very muscular stops working out, the muscles do atrophy (get smaller). If you get physically active, your muscles get larger and you burn even more fat, because larger muscles need more fuel. Also, muscles weigh more and no amount of exercise will turn fat into muscle - or vice versa.
INTESTINAL TOXEMIA -- Cleansing and detoxification encourage the body's natural internal processes to eliminate toxins from our system. An effective cleansing program targets two very important organ systems, the colon (for elimination) and the liver (for detoxification). Virtually every degenerative disease condition can be linked to intestinal toxemia. How? Because every tissue throughout the body is fed by the blood, which is fed by the bowel. Every substance your body consumes is absorbed through your intestinal wall directly into the systemic system for distribution to every cell. This means if your intestinal tract contains toxins, this is what circulates through your body. These toxins may contribute to the development of various acute chronic and degenerative disease conditions, as well as lack of energy and premature aging.
CLEANING TIPS FOR REMOVING ALLERGENS -- Common indoor allergens include residues from dust mites, cats, and cockroaches, as well as mold spores and bacteria. These allergens are often trapped and held by carpets. Dry-cleaning carpets can remove 75 percent of dust mite allergens, 85 percent of cat allergens, and 85 percent of mold spores, conclude studies conducted by Racine Industries in Racine, Wisconsin. Reducing indoor humidity and keeping surfaces dry helps keep mite, mold, and bacteria populations low as well. Set dehumidifiers to keep the relative humidity below 50 percent. Air conditioners in good repair also help reduce humidity.
CALM DOWN! -- Medical researchers have found that extreme anger can trigger a heart attack. They interviewed over 1600 patients after they suffered heart attacks and found that angry outbursts potentially doubled their risk of the attacks.
GARLIC AND HEALTH -- Garlic helps detoxify the body and protects against infection by enhancing immune system function. It also may lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Garlic is also known to lower blood lipid levels, aid in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, circulatory problems, colds and flue, digestive problems, heart disorders, insomnia, liver disease, sinusitis, ulcers, and yeast infections. Good for virtually any ailment or infection.
Researchers say garlic may have a variety of health benefits, including possible protective effects against cancer, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Study results, presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting in San Diego, indicate aged garlic extract may reduce or inhibit plaque formation in the heart's arteries and lower homocysteine levels in the blood, said Dr. Matthew Budoff, cardiologist at the Research and Education Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
More on the HeartWHY BUY ORGANIC -- Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of cancer-fighting chemicals called antioxidants. Plants naturally produce these bitter compounds in order to ward off insects. But when plants are sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, they produce lower levels of phenolics (which function as antioxidants), and that makes them less healthy. Antioxidant levels are much higher in the organic fruits and vegetables than in those which were grown with pesticides.
GINGER MAY EASE OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE PAIN -- People with osteoarthritis of the knee may be able to reduce symptoms of the disease by consuming highly concentrated ginger extract, according to preliminary study findings. In the study, 247 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who were experiencing moderate to severe pain were split into two groups. One group took purified, concentrated ginger extract while the other group was given an inactive placebo pill. Sixty-three percent of patients taking ginger reported a reduction in knee pain while standing, compared with 50 percent of those who took the placebo. Those taking ginger also reported less pain after walking 50 feet.
BEE STING REMEDY -- Flowers blooming means bees buzzing. Do not panic if you get stung - grasp and pull out the stinger as fast as you can. The less amount of venom that is pumped out, the smaller and less painful the welt. To ease the pain and inflammation, ice the area immediately and then apply a paste made with baking soda and water. You can also treat the area around the sting with full-strength tea tree oil, which is a very effective topical antiseptic.
=================================================================== 2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
** Q & A #1: What is collagen and why all the interest in it today?
Collagen is the most prevalent protein in our body, a major part of the structure holding us together. It is important to both maintain our collagen levels with good nutrition and protect existing collagen with antioxidant nutrients. As additional research is completed, scientists and clinicians are becoming even more aware of how important collagen really is in such areas as circulation.
** Q & A #2: What is the difference between starch and sugar?
Both sugar and starch are carbohydrates. Sugar is a "simple" carbohydrate, which means that its molecular configuration is only one molecule, or maybe two. Starch is complex as each molecule is made up of many, many individual units linked together to make a large "complex" carbohydrate. Two examples of sugars are sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar). Some examples of starch are baked potatoes and pasta. Sugars taste sweet and are absorbed quickly, which make it more difficult for the body to deal with. However, some of the newest understanding of starch is that it is absorbed quickly too and can be just as difficult to deal with.
** Q & A #3: Do I need sulfur?
Despite being the fourth most prevalent element in the body (after oxygen, phosphorus, and calcium), sulfur has yet to have an established recommended daily value. Nevertheless, it is an essential component of many of the life-supporting amino acids which make-up the vital proteins in our body, including many enzymes.
** Q & A #4: In my late 70's should I continue to have Pap smears?
Pap smears are an important tool for catching problems in their early stages, when something can be done about them. Most experts agree that it is a good idea for all women over 50 to have an annual Pap smear, although some feel every 3 years is okay. If you have had a hysterectomy due to a precancerous condition, testing should be more frequent than not. Always consider more frequent exams when symptoms like bleeding occur.
** Q & A #5: What can I do to improve poor circulation?
Some of the possible causes or contributing factors to poor circulation require medical attention, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or phlebitis. You can also talk to your doctor about what you can do to improve your circulation. Your doctor will probably advise you to start a program of regular aerobic exercise. The nature of the exercise will depend on your age, health, and preferences. Whatever you do, start out slowly and gradually increase your effort. Exercise, usually walking, is advised even for people who have pain in their legs with exercise, a condition called intermittent claudication. Exercise strengthens your muscles and improves blood flow. Some other things you can do to increase circulation include: If you are a smoker, quit. Cigarette smoking reduces the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood; Lose weight if necessary; Eat a healthy diet that is low-fat and high-fiber. Make sure your diet provides adequate vitamins and minerals. Consider taking a vitamin supplement; Cut down on caffeine and alcohol consumption; If you sit or stand in one place for long periods during the day, try to take frequent breaks to stretch and move around; If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to keep them under control with medication; Take especially good care of your feet. Keep them clean and wear comfortable shoes. Elevate your legs when sitting.
=================================================================== 3. FEATURED ARTICLE - * "The Importance of Dietary Fiber"
We eat far too little fiber. Official agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Cancer Society, all agree that our daily intake of fiber should range from 25 to 35 grams per day for adults. Yet, most of us eat less than 10 grams.
Fiber comes in two forms: soluble, which is found in many fruits and beans, and insoluble which is found in the hulls of grains, seeds, skins of fruits and vegetables. Some foods like oats and psyllium contain both types. It is easy to see why most of us do not obtain enough fiber from our diets, which are usually low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
One valuable effect of fiber is mechanical: adequate intake decreases the transit time of food traveling through our digestive tract. Fiber absorbs water, so stools are naturally larger, softer, and easier to be moved through. Faster transit time means less contact time for toxins and a reduced risk of colon problems. Stool does not collect in out-of-the-way areas of the bowel, so there is less chance of infection developing. And, with less straining required to pass a softer stool, the probability of developing hemorrhoids is usually reduced.
At the same time, soluble fiber delays stomach emptying. This in turn delays and spreads out the absorption of sugar, resulting in a more normal pattern of insulin secretion as well as better control of blood sugar. Fiber also binds cholesterol and bile in the digestive tract, preventing their reabsorption and re-circulation. If less cholesterol is absorbed, its level in the blood goes down. The liver makes bile from cholesterol and if more bile is lost in the gut, the liver will use up cholesterol to replace the bile, again resulting in lower cholesterol levels.
Fiber also binds and reduces the absorption of dietary fat, which can help with weight control. Decreased fat absorption also means decreased absorption of fat soluble toxins and this may help to explain a decreased risk of breast and prostate cancer with higher fiber intake noted by some researchers. Fiber stimulates the secretion of the hormone cholecystokinin, which alerts the brain that we've had enough to eat. High fiber meals also tend to be bulkier and contain fewer calories.
A diet high in fiber promotes the production of short chain fatty acids, which in turn results in a more acidic colon and a healthy population of "friendly" bacteria. This facilitates detoxification and bolsters our natural defenses against parasites and fungi.
Finally, through its beneficial effects on weight, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, higher fiber intake is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you are not already consuming 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day, take the necessary steps now to do so. This is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to make a dramatic impact on your overall health!
Fiber is generally associated with protecting against colon cancer, with the suggestion that increasing fiber intake about an additional 13 grams per day could reduce over 30% of colorectal cancer in the U.S. Some, but not all, published evidence suggests a possible reduction in the risk of breast cancer when adequate amounts of fiber are included in the diet. Researchers are evaluating fiber's role relative to cancers at other sites, including the male prostate. Dietary fiber may play several roles relative to diabetes, including potential effects on satiety, obesity and the absorption of certain sugars.
Fiber could play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease owing to its effect on blood cholesterol levels, especially where initial levels are high. Some studies have found an inverse relationship between fiber and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Low-fiber diets may be associated with development of diverticular diseases in the colon.
If you are not getting enough fiber in your diet, we suggest you consider trying the Life Plus product COLON FORMULA. It is an excellent product intended to cleanse the intestinal tract and provide beneficial microflora (Lactobacillus acidophilus) to your digestive system.
=================================================================== 4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Strawberry-Orange Smoothies
=================================================================== 5. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS:
We have several Special Editions that we issued on particular Health Issues or on Complimentary/Alternative Botanicals. You can view them from the following index:
=================================================================== 6. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH - * PROANTHENOLS
Potent, Safe, and Effective Antioxidant
Supports Immune Function; Fights Aging
Certified Authentic Masquelier's OPCsLife Plus PROANTHENOLS are a powerful, super-antioxidant supplement - 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C! These are the most effective antioxidants available! PROANTHENOLS are effective at strengthening your immune system and supporting joints, connective tissue, and the collagen in your skin. PROANTHENOLS can act as an anti-inflammatory substance and it has helped support the health of many people who fight arthritis and some auto-immune disorders like lupus and fibromyalgia!
More on Proanthenols - http://www.theolivebranch.com/opcs.htm
=================================================================== Have a wonderful day and Be Healthy!
The Culbreths
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The information in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure or treat disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.