August 8, 2017

Sweet Relief: Sunburn Remedy Found in Vitamin D

The role of sun exposure in the formation of vitamin D in the body is well known. Now it appears that the vitamin may also play a role in protecting the skin from burning after being exposed to potentially damaging amounts of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. In a randomized trial reported on May 30, 2017 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 20men and womenwere given 50,000 international units (IU), 100,000 IU or 200,000 IU vitamin D3, or a placebo one hour following ultraviolet UV lamp sunburn to the inner arm. The patients were examined 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and […]
August 8, 2017

The 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Going Gluten-Free

To say that there are hurdles involved when learning to navigate a gluten-free lifestyle is quite the understatement. Learning to manage this new lifestyle and all of the changes it brings can result in a lot of mistakes, but sometimes mistakes can be good. Mistakes allow us to learn from experiences and to improve. But let’s be honest — sometimes it’s hard to know when you’re making a mistake. And what you don’t know, you can’t fix! So we’ve compiled the 4 biggest mistakes that people make on a gluten-free diet — I’ll bet some of you don’t even realize […]
August 1, 2017

Olive Oil Intake Associated With Better Memory

Findings from a study reported on June 21, 2017 in the  Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology indicate a potential protective role for extra virgin olive oil consumption against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  Olive oil is a prominent component of the Mediterranean diet and has been suggested by some researchers to be the reason behind the diet’s beneficial effects. “The thinking is that extra virgin olive oil is better than fruits and vegetables alone, and as a monounsaturated vegetable fat it is healthier than saturated animal fats,” commented lead investigator Domenico Praticò, MD, who is a Professor in the Departments of […]
July 25, 2017

Can Grape Seed Extract Prevent Colon Cancer?

Research conducted at Pennsylvania State University indicates that grape seed extract and resveratrol, which occurs in red grapes, can suppress colon cancer stem cells. The study was reported in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. “We are particularly interested in targeting stem cells because, according to cancer stem-cell theory, cancerous tumors are driven by cancer stem cells,” explained coauthor Jairam K.P. Vanamala, who is an associate professor of food sciences at Penn State. “Cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal, cellular differentiation and maintain their stem cell-like characteristics even after invasion and metastasis.” In human colon cancer stem cell cultures, a […]
July 25, 2017

Flax Seed: Be Healthy, Stay Safe

Dear Health-Minded Readers, Lately, several of my patients have asked me about adding flaxseed to their diets. They’ve heard a lot about the important health benefits of Omega-3 fats and that flaxseeds are high in these good fats. While I agree that adding Omega-3 fats by adding flaxseeds to your diet is highly beneficial, you also need to exercise a little caution in doing so. Let me explain. The Health Benefits of Flax Seeds Flaxseed is truly a miraculous food with many health benefits that are varied and include the following: Rich in alpha linoleic acid. A rich Omega-3 fat, which […]
July 18, 2017

Poor Diet May Fuel Alzheimer’s Disease

The University of Southern California issued the following news release: A diet high in cholesterol, fat and sugar may influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease in people who carry the ApoE4 gene, a leading risk factor for the memory-erasing disease, indicates a new USC study. The study on mice, published June 12 in the journal eNeuro, is the latest to explore the association between obesity and Alzheimer’s disease, both of which are associated with inflammation and both of which affect millions of people. For the study, researchers at the USC Davis School of Gerontology compared the effects of a poor […]
July 18, 2017

Herbal Staple Wins Thyme After Thyme

The delicious culinary herb thyme is a staple in most kitchens and one of the most popular herbs today, but there may be health benefits to using it medicinally as well. Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial shrub with small grey-green leaves native to the Mediterranean. Culinarily, thyme is used in a variety of seasonings from poultry and other meats to vegetables, dressings, sauce, soups and stews. But thyme is also used medicinally for: Lung issues (cough, bronchitis) Gastrointestinal troubles like gastritis, colic, diarrhea Stimulating appetite Sore throats Skin disorders Thyme oil and extract is used topically and in […]
July 11, 2017

200 Scientists Fight Antibacterial Agents

Today EWG joined an international roster of more than 200 scientists and medical professionals to call for stricter limits on antibacterial chemicals that are added to thousands of consumer products, despite evidence that they are ineffective and pose health risks. In a statement published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives, scientists, doctors, nurses, government officials and others from 30 nations urged avoidance and tighter regulation of triclosan, triclocarban and other antimicrobial chemicals. These chemicals are approved for use in more than 2,000 products, from shampoos and toothpastes to toys and paints. They build up in people’s bodies, persist in […]