Meals That Heal

Are you worried about the H1N1 vaccine?

There seems to be a feverish pitch of concern about the HINI vaccine.

I have been asked by a number of mothers about what they think I would do in their shoes. It is one thing to avoid getting immunized yourself but what if something happened to their kid. I empathize with their hard choice. Really it comes down to the risk of your child not being able to fight off a virus naturally or the risk of an untested vaccine that has mercury, formaldehyde and new chemicals that augment the effectiveness of the vaccine. I legally cannot recommend to any mother what to do. I just know that there are far too much scary conventional media messages that are making mom's everywhere loose sleep at night.

I wanted to provide a review of studies so parents can determine if the risk is worth exposing their child to the vaccine.

Fifty-one studies with 294,159 observations were included in the Cochrane Review byJefferson T, Rivetti A, Harnden AR, Di Pietrantonj C, Demicheli V. http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004879.html

Inactivated vaccines have an effectiveness of 36% in children over 2 years of age.

Critical note: In children under two, the efficacy of inactivated vaccine was similar to placebo. My theory is that the immune system is too underdeveloped to make vaccine effective.

I thought I would give an alternative viewpoint to balance out what the media has reported. I am also including a chart that helps you know what is different about the symptoms of HINI so you are prepared if anyone in your family gets sick.

I hope this information is helpful in making an educated decision.

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc..

Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know.....

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced:

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face.

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive.

Immune System Boosting in Response to Threat of H1N1
by William Ware, PhD

In the context of influenza, mainstream medicine thinks of immunity and
immune boosting in terms of vaccines. This translates into artificial active
manipulation of the adaptive immune system. Traditionally the new flu
vaccine offered each year is composed of strains determine by a consensus
reached months before the season starts and to some is akin to using a
crystal ball to forecast the future. H1N1 is different in that a vaccine can
be made from the currently active strain although time is short, and the
vaccine will receive only limited testing over a very short period. Given
the circumstances, it is quite impossible to test for adverse effects that
might occur months after inoculation. The recommendation that all pregnant
women be vaccinated is a pure act of faith based on earlier experience that
there will be no adverse effects on either the mother, the fetus, or the
child, either in the near or long term. Some expectant mothers may find this
worrisome. Also, flu vaccines drawn from multi-injection bottles generally
contain the famous mercury preservative. H1N1 vaccines is also said to
contain a chemical or chemicals that augment the effectiveness but these
have not been used before and thus not extensively tested.

The approach which impacts the adaptive immune system is of course practical
but ignores the innate immune system which may well be more important if the
N1H1 virus mutates or if other vaccines do not contain the appropriate
strains for the coming flu season. For those who do not believe in vaccines
for one reason or another, the innate immune system becomes paramount to
their defence against this and other flu viruses. Mainstream medicine tends
to ignore protocols that boost the innate immune system because they involve
mostly non-prescription substances obtained at the health food store and
because the research available does not meet their standards. The latter
factor is not surprising. Using the profits of the drug companies as a
standard, there is no significant money to be made and thus no money for
trials that would satisfy those who insist that every intervention be backed
by large randomized clinical trials that follow after phase I and II trials.
This philosophy ignores the fact that a significant fraction of the modern
medicine is not evidence based, a situation which one or two major peer
reviewed journals have recently had the courage to document. And it
obviously is ignored in the case of seasonal vaccines.

The innate immune system comprises the mechanisms and cells that defend an
organism from infection by other organisms by recognizing and responding to
pathogens in a generic manner, recruiting immune cells to the sites of
infection, activating processes that identify invaders, and promote the
clearance of dead cells or antibody complexes. Involved is the
identification and removal of foreign substances present in organs, tissues,
the blood and lymph by specialized white blood cells. Thus the healthy
immune system distinguishes between self and non-self. Recommendations
commonly encountered suggest the immune function may be protected and
enhanced by supplementation.(1-3) Included are the following which are
readily available in most health food stores:
-- Selenium, 200 micrograms/day (maximum)
-- Zinc, 30 mg/day (maximum)
-- Probiotic sources guaranteed to contain significant levels of beneficial
bacteria (billions of cells) such as some yogurts, e.g. Activa®
-- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 1-2 g/day
-- Garlic extract, 1 g/day
-- Grape seed extract 100-200 mg/day
-- Green tea extract, 325 mg of EGCG/day
-- N-acetyl cysteine, 600-1000 mg/day
-- Alpha Lipoic acid, 200-500 mg/day
-- Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) such as ImmPower®, 1-2 g/day
-- Vitamin D3, 4000-5000 IU/day,
-- Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan, 750 mg twice daily. The preparation derived from
baker's yeast cell walls appears popular, e.g. Immutol®
-- Black elderberry extract, dose as suggested by supplier.
-- Vitamin A, 5000 IU/day maximum
-- Vitamin C, 200-500 mg 3 times a day
-- Vitamin E (natural source), 400 IU/day
-- Vitamin B6, 50-100 mg/day

The reader is cautioned that the scientific evidence of immune function
enhancement associated with the above supplements is limited, mostly
dependent on rodent studies which may or may not be applicable to humans,
and in some cases (e.g. AHCC) the evidence mostly involves individuals with
cancer or other disorders and when normal healthy individuals are studied,
only some immune functions are enhanced. The strongest evidence appears to
exist for vitamin D. But the silence regarding vitamin D remains deafening.
On the current vitamin D Council website there are two anecdotal emails from
physicians regarding the apparent remarkable power of vitamin D to prevent
flu. On the home page, click on the link "vitamin D and the H1N1 swine
flu."

Elderberry flavonoids have actually been tested in vitro for anti-H1N1
activity and found effective. Certain flavonoids in this berry bind to the
virus and inhibit its action.(4) This study found elderberry extract
equivalent in anti-influenza activity to Tamiflu®, the famous antiviral
that governments are stockpiling. This is consistent with a randomized,
placebo controlled trial of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of
influenza A and B virus infections which found it effective.(5) A variety of
extracts are commercially available. Perhaps alternating between two or
three brands would be wise since there is little guidance regarding dose or
extract type.

Precautions: Individuals taking warfarin (Coumadin) should consult their
doctor before taking large amounts of fish oil, although the risk of
enhanced bleeding is debatable. A number of mainstream guidelines recommend
1 g/day for heart health or other benefits. Garlic has blood-thinning and
anti-clotting properties, but is of course consumed in large amounts in many
cultures. Green tea extract combined with aspirin or warfarin can increase
the risk of bleeding. N-acetyl cysteine is contraindicated for individuals
with chronic liver disease, a history of kidney stones or peptic ulcer. If
one also takes a multivitamin, check the zinc and selenium content and do
not exceed the maximums given above. Many multivitamin preparations already
include the indicated amounts of these two minerals. AHCC has been widely
used in Japan for some time with no adverse effects.

If an individual has gut dysfunction this can greatly weaken the immune
system, cause nutritional deficiencies and presumably make one more
susceptible to influenza. This is a complex issue and symptoms can range
from subtle to acute. Symptoms include chronic constipation or diarrhea or
an alternation between the two, excessive gas or bloating, anemia, sugar
intolerance and chronic fatigue. A common cause is the heavy use of
antibiotics which can severely disturb the balance of good and bad gut
flora. Frequently this can be addressed with probiotics either from yogurt
or in capsule form or both. But many commercial yogurts in fact are
essentially probiotic free due to pasteurization. Lactose and gluten
intolerance may play an important role and can be addressed with diet
modifications. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (e.g. candida) may also play
a critical role in gut dysfunction and immune impairment and can be
challenging to diagnose. Frequent infections may also suggest an impaired
immune system. Readers are referred to the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome
by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride (Medinform Publishing, 2004) for a detailed
discussion of gut dysfunction and its treatment with diet and other
therapies. While the emphasis in this book is on children and the gut-brain
connection, much of the material is equally applicable to adults. The
chapter on probiotics is highly recommended.

Regular exercise should also not be ignored as a component of an immune
boosting program. This is particularly true for older individuals who are at
risk of so-called immunosenescence, the change n the immune system
associated with aging. One of the most important findings to emerge from
study of the relationship between exercise and immunity is that positive
immune changes appear to occur during each session of moderate physical
activity. It has been found that over time this results in fewer days of
sickness associated with the common cold, influenza and other infections,
and is consistent with public health guidelines recommending near-daily
physicals activity of 30 minutes or more.(6) However, vigorous exercise in
young individuals can have the opposite effect on the immune system, but
this is not seen in older persons.(7) In addition, aging can have a negative
effect on immunity due to stress and exercise may be an effective
intervention to limit the impact of stress in chronically affected older
populations.(8) The observed exercised-enhanced influenza immunity in older
adults may in fact be mediated in part by improvements in psychosocial
factors.9 In the case of upper respiratory tract infections, the amount of
physical activity required achieve protection is not clear since incidence,
seriousness and duration are issues. In one study walking for 90 minutes a
day was associated with the greatest protection. But data is limited. Daily
exercise such as a 30-60 minute walk appears to be one of the most
challenging interventions to implement, given the hectic modern pace and
complexity of daily life. But the benefits go well beyond immune boosting
and it seems clearly worth the effort to program such activity into ones
daily routine, difficult as this may be. For retired individuals or those no
longer raising children, exercise programs should be much easier to
implement, and they may stand to achieve the most benefit. The synergism of
exercise with diet has come up a number of times in studies discussed in
this Newsletter, most recently in connection with reducing the risk of
progression to diabetes.

Finally, several observational studies suggested that statin drugs protect
against pneumonia. A recent population based case-control study failed to
find any association with decreased risk of pneumonia among immuno-competent
community dwelling older individuals and suggest that previous studies may
reflect "healthy user" bias, a serious problem in observational studies
related to the particular population willing or enthusiastic about
participation.(10)

There is of course no guarantee that if one engages in a program of immune
boosting that they will not contract or even die from H1N1. But it is hard
to believe that the above interventions will be other than beneficial.

References

(1) Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed.
Rockland, CA: Prima Publishing; 1998.

(2) Encyclopedia of Natrual Healing. Burnaby, BC: Alive Books; 1997.

(3) Disease Treatment and Prevention. 4th ed. Hollywood, FL: Life
Extension Foundation; 2003.

(4) Roschek J, Fink RC, McMichael MD, Li D, Alberte RS. Elderberry
flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. PhytochemistryIn
Press, Corrected Proof.

(5) Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of
the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of
influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res 2004 March;32(2):132-40.

(6) Nieman DC. Current perspective on exercise immunology. Curr
Sports Med Rep 2003 October;2(5):239-42.

(7) Senchina DS, Kohut ML. Immunological outcomes of exercise in
older adults. Clin Interv Aging 2007;2(1):3-16.

(8) Phillips AC, Burns VE, Lord JM. Stress and exercise: Getting the
balance right for aging immunity. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2007
January;35(1):35-9.

(9) Kohut ML, Lee W, Martin A et al. The exercise-induced enhancement
of influenza immunity is mediated in part by improvements in psychosocial
factors in older adults. Brain Behav Immun 2005 July;19(4):357-66.

(10) Dublin S, Jackson ML, Nelson JC, Weiss NS, Larson EB, Jackson
LA. Statin use and risk of community acquired pneumonia in older people:
population based case-control study. BMJ 2009;338:b2137.

Distributed with permission. Originally published in the October 2009 issue
of International Health News. For more information, visit
www.yourhealthbase.com.

Bone Spurs- What are they and how do you treat them?

I was recently asked, "What can be done about nasty bone spurs?"

Here is a great article that explains in detail what bone spurs are. At the bottom, I will discuss what are the top remedies for treatment and provide studies that support their benifit.

Herbal remedies for bone spurs

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR (www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/herbal-remedies-bone-spurs.html)

Bone spurs are growths on a bone. A bone spur is caused by calcium deposits.
The most common site for these is the heel. Most people who have heel disorders are middle aged or overweight. Heel spurs are also common in people who have arthritis and tendonitis. Poorly fitting shoes may contribute to the problem.

Bone spurs occur in two situations. One type arises near a joint with osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Here, the cartilage has been worn through and the bone responds by growing extra bone at the margins of the joint surface. These "spurs" are called "osteophytes."

The second type of bone spur is the kind that occurs when the attachment of ligaments or tendons to bone become calcified. These can occur on the bottom part of the heel, around the Achilles tendon, and in the coracoacromial ligament of the shoulder.

The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest bone in the foot and absorbs most of the shock and pressure of weight-bearing. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth on the bottom of the heel bone. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a heel spur to develop. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the foot, especially with standing or walking.

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony projections that form along joints, and are often seen in arthritis. Bone spurs cause limitation in joint motion and can cause pain. Bone spurs can occur in any joint but are often seen in the shoulders, back, knees, and hips.

The reason for bone spur formation is that the body is trying to increase the surface area of the joint to better distribute weight across a joint surface that has been damaged by arthritis or other conditions.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t work and the bone spur can become restrictive and painful.

Spinal arthritis or osteoarthritis of the facet joints is a common problem associated with bone spurs. This condition is a cause of back pain in the older patient population (over 55 or 60). It can cause stiffness and lower back pain that is usually worse in the morning, gets better after moving around, then gets worse again at the end of the day.

The most common root cause of neck and low back arthritis is repetitive trauma to the spine from recreational or work related excessive strains. Patients may typically develop symptoms in their mid 40s to early 50s. Men are more likely to develop arthritic related symptoms earlier in life.

Enlargement of the bone due to spur formation can sometimes lead to narrowing of the spinal canal and result in spinal stenosis. This condition can cause nerve pinching, leading to pain down the legs that is worse when the patient stands and walks, and is better with sitting.

Back pain or neck pain is very common as osteoarthritis leads to inflammation involving the facet joints. Secondarily, the neck and back muscles become irritated. Patients usually complain of:

• Dull pain in the neck or lower back when they stand or walk.

• Radiating pain into the shoulders (often including headaches) if the cervical spine is affected, and buttocks and thigh if the lumbar spine is affected.
br> • Symptoms worsening with activity and often improving with rest. Lumbar arthritis symptoms often improve when an individual is bending forward and flexing at the waist, such as leaning over a shopping cart or over a cane.

As the nerves become compressed, patients complain of several symptoms including:

• Pain in one or both arms or legs.

• Numbness or tingling.

• Progressive weakness.

If the arthritic processes and stenosis is severe, progressive bowel and bladder dysfunction occurs.

Symptoms described above can also be caused by other medical conditions such as diabetes, poor blood circulation to the arms and legs, spinal tumors, fractures, and spinal infections. Many of the symptoms are similar to generalized arthritis, rheumatism, back strain and muscle fatigue, as well as acute disc ruptures with nerve compression.

Heel spurs develop as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of over-pronation (flat feet), but people with unusually high arches (pes cavus) can also develop heel spurs. Women have a significantly higher incidence of heel spurs due to the types of footwear often worn on a regular basis.

Bone spurs are caused by repeated trauma to a bone. Bone spurs occur in the back (spinal region commonly in the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar) regions, in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. The hips and knees are often areas of arthritis damage and bone spur formation.

Tips on preventing heel pain due to spurs:

• Select well-made, rubber-heeled shoes, these are better for the feet than leather.

Choose footwear for comfort, not for looks. Some jogging shoes can be very comfortable. Adding heel cushions to footwear helps to relieve pain.
br> • Avoid walking on hard surfaces such as concrete, wood, or hard floors without carpeting.

• If you walk or jog for exercise, try bicycling or swimming instead.

Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination by your physician. Other tests used to diagnose arthritis, trauma, and bone spur formation include:

• Electrical tests are commonly performed to document the degree and severity of spinal nerve injury. The EMG and nerve conduction test (EMG/NCV) tests will exclude peripheral nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Radiographs begin with an x-ray of the spine or other body area to determine the extent of arthritic changes and bone spur formation. With these films the physician may determine if destructive changes are present or further radiographic images are indicated.

• Computerized tomography (CT scans) with myelography and/or MRI scans can provide details about change in the spinal architecture and the degree of nervous system compression. With these films the clinician will correlate clinical symptoms with radiographic findings and recommend the corrective course of action, often seeking the consultation of the spine surgeon.

The key for the proper treatment of heel spurs is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rear-foot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation, and allow the condition to heal.

Other common treatments include stretching exercises, losing weight, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle, heel cup, or orthotic. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort and cushion to the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces experienced from everyday activities.

While some heel spurs are painless, others that cause pain may require medical treatment or surgical removal. Some physicians use cortisone injections to temporarily relieve pain. It is best not to have a heel spur surgically removed unless it is extremely irritating or painful. If the problem persists, consult your rheumatologist.

Alternative and Herbal remedies:

• To relieve pain, use hot linseed oil packs. Place linseed oil in a pan and heat but do not boil it. Dip a piece of cheesecloth or other white cotton material into the oil until the cloth is saturated. Apply the cloth to the affected area and cover it with a piece of plastic that is larger in size than the cotton cloth. Place a heating pad over the plastic and use it to keep the pack warm. Keep the pack in place for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, as needed.

• Ice massages on the bottoms of the feet can be helpful. Alternate between hot and cold foot baths.

• Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), applied topically to the affected area, is good for relief of acute symptoms. Note: Only DMSO from a health food store should be used. Commercial-grade DMSO found in hardware stores is not suitable for healing purposes. Using DMSO may result in a temporary garlicky body odor. This is not a cause for concern.

• Use arnica and chamomile to bathe the foot (or other joint). You can also wrap the herbs in a cloth and apply it to the affected area as a poultice.

Bone spurs can be prevented and effectively treated with calcium and magnesium supplements. A proper balance of these nutrients prevents abnormal calcium deposits from forming. The digestive enzyme betaine HCI helps the body absorb these nutrients.

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements which may be of help are whole leaf, cold processed aloe vera juice, glucosamine sulfate, shark cartilage, bromelain, evening primrose oil, and kelp.

In more difficult cases, intramuscular injections of B complex vitamins, especially vitamin B12, and magnesium sulfate are worth trying, or oral vitamin C pushed to bowel tolerance doses.

Other Herbal Remedies:

• Rose hip and horsetail tea help to heal and rebuild tissue. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for ten minutes, strain and drink 1 cup three times daily.

• The yellow pigment of turmeric is called curcumin. In some studies it has been reported to be equally effective as cortisone without any of the associated side-effects. The usual effective dose of curcumin is 500-1,000 mg three times daily on an empty stomach for about six weeks.

• Alternating hot and cold foot baths are helpful.

• Apply a flax seed hot pack to relieve the pain.

• If the problem fails to improve with diet change or supplementation, one should also consider the possibility of food allergy, digestive enzyme insufficiencies, especially hydrochloric acid, and assimilation problems. A nutritional doctor or naturopath can order a comprehensive digestive and stool analysis, food allergy tests, or other tests for nutritional status to find the source of the problem.

How much to take:

• Calcium, 1,200 mg
• Magnesium, 600 mg
• Glucosamine sulfate, 500 mg daily
• Bromelain, 2 capsules between meals
• Evening primrose oil, 500 mg
• Kelp, 1 tsp. daily
• Vitamin C, to bowel tolerance

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My research shows that there are an incredible number of natural remedies that are anti-inflammatory.

Two things I would disagree with about Nathan's article is the amount of calcium he suggests and using evening primrose oil. It is my experience that when the body is laying down calcium in inappropriate places, it is important to take equal amounts of magnesium with Vitamin C to assist in preventing abnormal calcium deposits. Instead of 1200 mg calcium and 600 mg magnesium, try 800 mg of each. You may experience lose stools at that dosage because magnesium is a laxative. Make sure to take what feels comfortable and work upto the dosage higher as you get used to it.

On the oil front, evening primrose oil is a great source of Omega 6 but in my experience, it is a dramatic deficiency in Omega 3 that is contributing to inflammation. Fish and Krill oil contains the highest amounts of EPA that has anti-inflammatory power. Dosage depends on body size but a standard amount for pain reduction is between 2000-3000 mg a day (about a tablespoon of body fish oil). NOTE: If you are blood thinners, be careful as fish oil works in the same way.

Here are some of the most powerful remedies that have scientific research to support their benifit:

Bromelain
Found in pineapple, this proteolytic enzyme has commonly been used in sinusitis as an anti-inflammatory and mucolytic (an agent that helps clear the airways). According to In Vivo, a 2005 German clinical study found that children with inflammation of the sinuses exhibited statistically significant faster symptom recovery when given bromelain compared to usual sinusitis treatment.

Cat’s Claw
In a recent study in Peru, 30 out of 45 people with inflammatory osteoarthritis were given freeze-dried cat’s claw for four weeks. Knee pain associated with physical activity and medical and patient assessment symptom scores were all significantly reduced, with benefits occurring in the first week of cat’s claw therapy. The researchers concluded that cat's claw is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight.

Flavonoids
Flavonoids are found in red wine, purple grapes and a variety of deep, dark fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and plums. Researchers revealed in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology that a study with a dog, monkey and human proved that 5 mL/kg body weight of flavonoid-rich red wine or 5-10 mL/kg of purple grape juice inhibits platelet activity and protects against the fight-or-flight response of platelets called epinephrine activation.

Consuming flavonoids from purple grape juice also enhances protection against LDL cholesterol oxidation, even though all of the study’s participants were taking another antioxidant vitamin E, 400 IU/day. From this research, it seems reasonable to suggest that moderate amounts of flavonoid-rich foods like red wine or purple grape juice be among the 5 to 7 daily servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as recommended by the American Heart Association, to help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Ginger
Ginger, a common kitchen spice, has the potential to treat many aspects of heart disease, especially the inflammatory aspect. A 2007 review in the International Journal of Cardiology suggests that ginger shows considerable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-platelet, hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects in human and animal studies. Human trials have been few and generally used a low dose with inconclusive results. But one 2002 study found that a low dose of ginger (50 mg/kg) caused significant changes in the blood markers of inflammation. However, higher doses of 5 g or more per day demonstrate the significant anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory activity of ginger.

Glucosamine Sulphate
Glucosamine sulfate contains anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. In a study with rabbits with chronic arthritis and atherosclerosis, oral dosing of this supplement reduced the markers of inflammation in the peripheral blood of the legs and arms, as well as the femoral and synovial membrane lesions. Glucosamine sulfate also prevented the development of inflammation-associated aortic lesions in the heart. This group of rabbits received 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate per kilogram body weight a day, verifies the journal Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

Omega-3 Oils

If you can only afford one supplement, I suggest you take an omega-3 (DHA/EPA). As discussed in Chapter 8, the omega-6 fatty acid arachadonic acid (AA or ARA) and the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have differing influences on inflammation. Arachadonic acid tends to yield metabolites that amplify the inflamma¬tory response, while DHA and EPA favor the fight against inflammation.

Recognizing the importance of omega-3 fats, the World Health Organization researched and devised a recommendation for the optimum ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the human diet: 4 to 1. Also outlined in Chapter 8, A.P. Simopoulos’ studies on the ratio between omega-3s and omega-6s have made us aware of the benefits of this ratio. Simopoulos findings showed “a ratio of 2.5 to 1 reduced rectal cell proliferation in patients with colorectal cancer…The lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio in women with breast cancer was associated with decreased risk. A ratio of 2/1 suppressed inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.”

The list of research on how the famous omega-3 oils protect against inflammation goes on and on. The bottom line: get more omega-3 in your diet!

Proteolytic Enzymes
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, however, it can hinder the healing process. Since the 1950s, scientists have known that proteolytic or protein-breaking enzymes reduce inflammation by neutralizing the byproducts of inflammation, specifically to the levels at which synthesis, repair and the regeneration of injured tissues can take place.

In one study, football players with ankle injuries found that proteolytic enzyme supplements accelerated healing; this got the players back on the field 50 percent faster than athletes who received placebo tablets. Other medical trials, including those featured in the journals Injury and Journal of Medicine, have shown that supplemental proteolytic enzymes can help reduce inflammation, speed the healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures) and reduce overall recovery time.

More recently, studies from the Archives of Surgery, Anaesthesist and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have shown reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness (typical signs of inflammation) in patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries when treated with proteolytic enzymes.

Turmeric
The main active compound in turmeric is a yellow pigment called curcumin. In a recent study, a 99.5 percent curcumin preparation was administered to five people with ulcerative proctitis and five others with Crohn’s disease. Three women and two men with ulcerative proctitis were given 550 mg of curcumin twice a day for a month, then three times a day for another month. All five had significant improvements in symptoms. Two people were able to stop taking drugs for their digestive symptoms while two more reduced the dose of their medications while taking curcumin.

Vitamin C
A diet rich in sources of the bioflavonoid vitamin C could cut the level of markers for inflammation by 45 percent, according to a new cross-sectional study, published in the March 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
This study looked at 3,258 men aged between 60 and 69, with no history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Blood levels of vitamin C, fruit intake and dietary vitamin C intake were significantly and inversely associated with mean concentrations of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation and blood vessel dysfunction, explained lead author S. Goya Wannamethee.

High blood levels of vitamin C were associated with a 45 percent reduced risk of inflammation (with respect to C-reactive protein levels) and a high fruit intake was related to a 25 percent reduced risk of inflammation.

Vitamin D
Increased inflammation is normally found in people with obesity or chronic diseases. A mounting body of scientific evidence links small decreases in vitamin D levels to the aggravation of symptoms in people who are already sick with chronic inflammatory conditions.

In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 75 percent of North Americans do not get enough vitamin D. Researchers have found that the deficiency may negatively impact immune function and cardiovascular health and increase cancer risk.
In July 2008, Dr. Catherine Peterson, a University of Missouri nutritional sciences researcher, found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammation in healthy women. Peterson’s study noted that the inflammation marker serum TNF-α was abundant in women with low vitamin D levels. This piece of information may help understand vitamin D’s position in handling and averting inflammatory diseases.

I hope this inspires you to try some of these powerful natural options. If you eat out a far bit or rely on convenience foods, you will need to supplement to help combat the nutrient robbing effect of white sugar/flour and refined cooking oils that are inflammatory (canola oil used for frying).

Recently I injured my food and out of all the remedies I tried, I noticed the most dramatic results by taking enzymes on an empty stomach. Dosage will vary depending on body weight.

If you have gotten this far in this epic blog post, you are a trooper!

This information is from my upcoming book and online course, "Meals That Heal Inflammation"... More coming soon!

To healing,

Julie D

address

Julie Daniluk, R.H.N.,R.N.C.P.

www.juliedaniluk.com

416-771-4496

How the hidden sources of sugar can cause inflammation

I have lots of clients who say, "I don't eat sugar" but sadly it is hidden everywhere!
You can consume piles of sugar in everything from condiments to deli meats!

Here is a roundup of unusual suspects:

Fresh Blueberry Bagels
9 grams per bagel

Wheat Thins 4 grams per serving (16 crackers)

Hunt's Ketchup
4 grams per tablespoon

Vanilla Silk Soy Milk
11 grams per serving (1.3 cups)

Spaghetti Sauces, such as Newman's Own Marinara
11 grams per 1/2 cup

Canned Sweet Peas
4 grams per serving

Commercial Red Wine Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
8 grams per 2 tablespoon

Frozen pizza, such as Tombstone Light Veggie Pizza
5 grams per serving (2 slices)

I suggest that you don't consume over 15 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of refined sugar a day. More than that can start to dampen our immune system and increase inflammation.

How does sugar cause inflammation?

aGe refers to advanced glycation end products. Glycation happens when sugar molecules
floating around in the blood attach to the protein molecules on the surface of cells, causing those proteins to lose some of their function. Normally, proteins that are embedded within cell membranes and that protrude to the outer surface of the cell have numerous vital functions such as hormone reception, communication between cells and cell identification. However, when a surface protein becomes incapacitated by glycation, it is changed into an AGE. Instead of helping cells communicate, the affected protein becomes a problem. Once an AGE is produced, it can actually speed up a chain reaction that further the damage to tissues

For example, in the skin and joints: Glucose in the blood attaches to collagen, thus causing the loss of elasticity in these tissues.

This explains why some people age gracefully while others have skin that withers like leather and joints that become stiff and brittle. It comes down to how quickly your pancreas is able to produce the insulin necessary to shuttle the sugar into the cell, how sensitive your cells are to insulin (that is, how efficiently insulin can bind to your cells to escort glucose in), how many minerals you have in storage such as chromium and vanadium that enhance insulin function.

The longer blood sugar remains elevated, the more damage to tissues that results.

This is an exert from my book Meals That Heal Inflammation, available at www.juliedaniluk.com

Why veggies are so good for you!

I was interviewed for this article and hope you find it useful. The phytochemicals in veggies and fruit are amazing and this explain why 7-10 servings a day is so important.

How Phytochemicals Paint Your Picture Of Healthy Living

How Phytochemicals Paint Your Picture Of Healthy Living

Author: Carole-Anne Stanway

What is a phytochemical anyways? In short, phytochemical ingredients are plant-derived compounds, which Julie Daniluk, holistic nutritionist and Co-owner of The Big Carrot Natural Food Market in Toronto, says protect the plants from environmental stresses, including insects, and weather ups and downs. Julie Daniluk says "While phytochemicals are not essential nutrients to human life, it is becoming quite clear that they do infer a great number of health benefits to us as well."

It is apparent that while phytochemicals offer protection to several chronic diseases, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, they also play a part in chemical warfare in a variety of ways.

Basically, the researcher's evidence show phytochemicals are able to reduce the oxidative damage to our cells, that cause various diseases like cancer. Foods such as grapes, dark chocolate and carotenoids, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables are examples of phytochemicals full of antioxidant material which help us to diseases like cancer.

Phytochemicals called allicin, found in garlic, contain antibacterial properties. Many people use garlic for their heart health and to avoid getting colds. Fortunately, those who do not want to have the "garlic breath syndrome", garlic can be purchased in capsules that do not give off the pungent aroma.

According to Julie Daniluk, various phytochemical have the ability to alter enzyme functioning in a way the helps stave off disease. There is a chemical called indole-3-carbonyl which is found in cabbage, broccoli and kale which stimulates enzymes that reduce the effectiveness of estrogen, thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Daniluk says "Some plant compounds such as isoflavones present in soy, can directly alter how hormones (such as estrogen) behave in the progression of disease." Isoflavones actually have been found to regulate hormonal action.

Even phytochemicals found in chemicals such as capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, can interfere in the reproduction of cell DNA to prevent the multiplication of cancer cells.

"The best way to give your diet a phytochemical boost is to load up your grocery cart with more fruits and vegetables", Daniluk says. She recommends we have at least 10 daily servings of produce will provide us with plenty of these disease fighters. Daniluk recommends that we eat multiple coloured fruits and vegetables, as the different pigment plays host to different chemicals. Think of all the healthy recipes you can create with the abundance of foods in the list below.

According to Daniluk, studies have produced results claiming these 10 phytochemicals are effective in helping us to keep healthy living. Each phytochemical will be named, what it does and where it is to be found.

Beta Carotene
Beta carotene supports reproductive health, boosts our immunity, and helps fights cancer. It is found in carrots, sweet potato, squash, cantaloupe and mango.

Lutein
Lutein helps fight age-related vision loss, and is found in spinach, Brussels sprouts, egg yolk, broccoli, and Swiss chard.

Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane helps reduce cancer risk and inhibits bacterial growth and is found in cauliflower, kale, bok choy, broccoli and broccoli sprouts.

Curcurmin
Curcurmin helps diminish inflammation and the spread of cancer cells; evidence has been found that it may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. Curcurmin is found in turmeric, curry powder.

Lycopene
Lycopene battles prostate cancer and heart disease, and is found in red bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, red grapefruit and apricots.

Resveratrol
Resveratrol helps to destroy cancer cells, fights back viruses and may even give a benefit to exercise performance. Resveratrol is found in grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine.

Quercetin
Quercetin helps fight cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. It is found in capers, onion, apples and citrus fruits.

Anthocyanin
Anthocyanin helps to improve cognitive ability, urinary tract infections and diabetes risk, and is found in berries, eggplant, red cabbage, legumes red and blue grapes.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
This phytochemical fights psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions as well as boosts memory.

Allicin
Allicin lowers cholesterol, and is a strong antibacterial/antiviral agent; it is found in leeks, onions and garlic.

Daniluk says that the most important thing is variety of fruits and vegetables. So very many phytochemicals are just being discovered, which makes it difficult to say which is more important. The idea is to fill your kitchen with whole grains, legumes, spices mentioned and more, herbs and nuts and "stay away" from all the processed food that is obviously phytochemical-deficient.

Remember the organic aisle in the grocery store as these items are pesticide free and usually local. This is an interesting concept; Daniluk says that "If the plant does not have to fight off insects, it reduces the need for its own phytochemical defence system." This is similar to our antibiotic overuse. If we always use antibiotics, soon the so be it, "bugs" become resistant.

All of the phytochemicals mentioned may be difficult to pronounce, but, you will know where to find them after reading this article.

Since phytochemicals have been in the news, they are available for the public to purchase in a supplement form. Talk to your doctor first before taking any form of supplement. Check your refrigerator and cupboard. See what you use and what you need in the form of phytochemicals in your foods. Eating organic foods containing these phytochemicals paints the best picture of the path to healthy living.

About the Author:

Carole-Anne Stanway has been a creative healthy recipe cook for many years. She loves to learn new living techniques as well. Learn how you too can make, create and bake many healthy recipes for healthy living at .healthyrecipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How Phytochemicals Paint Your Picture Of Healthy Living

Does Eating Less Help You Live Longer?

Canto, left, a 27-year-old rhesus monkey, is on a restricted diet, while Owen, 29, is not. The two monkeys are part of a study of the links between diet and aging. Dieting Monkeys Offer Hope for Living Longer

I have studied caloric restriction for many years but putting it into practice is a whole different ball game. The trick is to have all the same nutrition in 30% less calories! How is it possible? I go on and off my routine because it is emotionally challenging to restrict sweet and fat rich treats. That said, when I live like a cave women on lots of plants and well timed proteins, I feel more energetic, have more mental focus and feel more emotionally balanced. The most important success tool I use is to focus most of my consumption on nutrient dense veggies and fruit... It is so low in calories that you can munch on produce all day long and still be well under the 1600 calories a day to keep young. Why does the diet work? The main reason is the avoidance of AGE! Here is an explanation from my book, "Meals that Heal Inflammation":

The AGE of Excess Sugar
Before the days of refined sugar, carbohydrates from whole foods found their way (with the help of insulin) into the cells to be burned as fuel. Today, with the high refined carbohydrate content of crackers, soft drinks and bread, the pancreas can’t keep up. Cells that are overwhelmed by too much glucose (from too many carbohydrates) start to develop “Syndrome X” or insulin resistance. Glucose (sugar) that can’t get into a cell stays in the blood and sticks to the proteins on the surface of the cells. This action prevents the cell from communicating with other cells, as it should for optimal body functioning. Excess glucose that causes the protein molecules on the surface of the cells to loose some of their function is very destructive.

The acronym for the proteins affected by sugar is, appropriately enough, AGE: Advanced Glycosylation End products. AGEs can cause inflammation anywhere in the body, depending on where your genetic weak link happens to be. Consider these common situations as examples:

Withered Skin
Ever wonder why some people look like dried raisins by age 50 while others retain the radiant, youthful skin? This has nothing to do with the skin creams they use; beauty is more than skin deep! A daily sugar bath in your blood stream causes glycosylation of the collagen in the skin: lines appear early and the skin looses its elasticity. Forget the facelift! Just be sure to avoid spiking your blood sugar too often.

Arthritis
When glucose attaches itself to the collagen in the joints, they become more rigid and brittle. Functioning joints require lots of collagen. AGEs gum up your joints, impair joint movement and, if it runs in your family, results in arthritis. It comes down to how quickly your pancreas can shuttle sugar into the cells. If the sugar is left floating around in the blood for too long, the damage rages. So really, a doughnut during today’s staff meeting can cause the tomorrow’s aches and pains.

Heart Disease
AGEs can attack the junction between the cells in the arterial walls, making them leaky. The liver pumps out its own cholesterol like wallpaper paste to fill up these small lesions in the arteries, resulting in the arterial plaque we know as atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries or heart disease).

Cataracts
When glucose attaches to the proteins in the lens of the eye, it can change the lens cells from completely transparent and clear to slightly opaque or cloudy. At first you may notice only a slight blurring around the edges of your vision, but eventually the clouding can lead to a full cataract. Cataracts are caused by too much UV light, so be sure to wear good sunglasses when you’re outdoors.

High Blood Pressure
High blood sugar levels may stop the body’s ability to balance blood pressure, a function normally called auto-regulation. When blood pressure remains high, the arteries loose their rest phase (at this phase, they have a chance to recover before the next pump from the heart). If this continues long enough, the extra stress on the pipes makes them more likely to blow! Moreover, extra sweets and bread consumed in response to a stressful situation can amplify the problem.

So are you wondering what you can do?

Read this article from the New York Times Health Section and see if your inspired to give up the refined carbs and embrace 7 veggies and 3 fruits a day?

I am interested to hear from you what you think of this information so feel free to comment.

By NICHOLAS WADE
Published: July 9, 2009

A long-awaited study of aging in rhesus monkeys suggests, with some reservations, that people could in principle fend off the usual diseases of old age and considerably extend their life span by following a special diet.

Known as caloric restriction, the diet has all the normal healthy ingredients but contains 30 percent fewer calories than usual. Mice kept on such a diet from birth have long been known to live up to 40 percent longer than comparison mice fed normally.

Would the same be true in people? More than 20 years ago, two studies of rhesus monkeys were begun to see if primates responded to caloric restriction the same way that rodents did. Since rhesus monkeys live an average of 27 years and a maximum of 40, these are experiments that require patience.

The results from one of the two studies, conducted by a team led by Ricki J. Colman and Richard Weindruch at the University of Wisconsin, were reported Thursday in Science. The researchers say that now, 20 years after the experiment began, the monkeys are showing many beneficial signs of caloric resistance, including significantly less diabetes, cancer, and heart and brain disease. “These data demonstrate that caloric restriction slows aging in a primate species,” they conclude.

Some critics say this conclusion is premature. But in an interview, Dr. Weindruch called it “very good news.”

“It says much of the biology of caloric restriction is translatable into primates,” he said, “which makes it more likely it would apply to humans.”

In terms of deaths, 37 percent of the comparison monkeys have so far died in ways judged to be due to old age, compared with 13 percent of the dieting group.

Dr. Weindruch and his statistician, David Allison of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, said the dieting monkeys were expected to enjoy a life span extension of 10 percent to 20 percent, based on equivalent studies started in mice at the same age.

Few people can keep to a diet with 30 percent fewer calories than usual. So biologists have been looking for drugs that might mimic the effects of caloric restriction, conferring the gain without the pain. One of these drugs is resveratrol, a substance found in red wine, though in quantities too small to have any effect.

Dr. Weindruch said the study data offered “very encouraging” signs that resveratrol could duplicate in people some of the effects of caloric restriction.

The second rhesus monkey study, being conducted by the National Institute on Aging, is not as advanced as the Wisconsin study. The researchers have not yet reported on the number of deaths in the dieting and normal monkey groups. But there are signs that the immune system is holding up better in the dieting group, said Julie Mattison, the leader of the institute’s study.

The outcome of the rhesus monkey studies bears strongly on the prospects of finding drugs that might postpone the aging process in people. Although people are similar to mice in many ways, they differ in other ways, notably in how many cancer treatments are effective in mice but do not work in people.

Even if caloric restriction extends longevity in people as well as in mice, the extent of the effect remains unclear, though Dr. Weindruch believes the effects will be in the same general range. His monkeys were not started on the diet until 6 to 14 years of age, and seemed to be doing as well as mice that were started at equivalent ages. The most striking extensions of life span occur when the mice are put on the diet from birth.

Dietary restriction seems to set off an ancient strategy written into all animal genomes, that when food is scarce resources should be switched to tissue maintenance from breeding. In recent years biologists have had considerable success in identifying the mechanisms by which cells detect the level of nutrients available to the body. The goal is to find drugs that trick these mechanisms into thinking that famine is at hand. People could then literally have their cake and eat it, too, enjoying the health benefits of caloric restriction without the pain of forgoing rich foods.

Sirtris, a company based in Cambridge, Mass., is conducting clinical trials of resveratrol. It has developed several chemicals that mimic resveratrol and can be given in much smaller doses. On Wednesday, another such compound, the drug rapamycin, was reported to extend life span significantly in elderly mice, though it is not yet clear whether rapamycin sets off the same circuits as those that increase longevity in caloric restriction.

Dr. Weindruch joined the rhesus monkey experiment in 1990. He said he was used to being introduced as a man of incredible patience by biologists who study aging in laboratory roundworms, which live about three weeks. Dr. Weindruch will need the patience: he says he has another 15 years to go before the last monkey is expected to die.

Healthy Gourmet Launches Tomorrow on VIVA

I have to admit I was a bit taken back at the article in The TV Guide.

The idea that I need to be carted off to the loony bin for protecting people’s arteries made me realize how upside down most people have the food equation. Who really has your best interests at heart? Is it the defender of your body or the defender of your taste buds? I am willing to play the “Bad Cop”, as long as the viewer sees that by the end of the show I am really the "Tough Love" Good Cop! Anything to help people change their belief systems about what tastes good and what foods they can use to heal themselves!

I hope you have a chance to catch the show that premieres tomorrow (and every Saturday) at 7:30 pm on Viva (channel 72 on Rogers and Channel 526 on Bell)

It repeats at 6 pm Sunday’s for those of you who are out of town or socializing on this fantastic hot weekend!

Have a read of the article and let me know what you think?

Food wars

By Greg David

http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/Food+wars/Interviews/Features/Articles/090703_healthy_gourmet_GD.htm?isfa=1

A chef and a nutritionist battle to make us healthy

In Canada, we’re gradually changing the way we think about food.

We know we want – and need – healthier options, but how do we do that without compromising taste? That pound of butter sure is yummy, but we also know it will kill us eventually.

Healthy Gourmet is here to help, promising to get us eating better without sacrificing taste.

Co-hosted by nutritionist Julie Daniluk and chef Ezra Title, the 13-part energetic series takes some getting used to. After all, it’s not every day you see a group of fly fishers having their deep-fried fish and hush puppy lunch interrupted by Daniluk, who deems the meal a heart attack in the making.

Title represents the good cop, rolling his eyes at Daniluk’s comments, seemingly a phone call away from asking the dudes at the loony bin to take his comely cohort away.

“It’s fun joking around with Ezra because he’s so hardcore as a real, serious chef,” says Daniluk, former host of W Network’s The Right Fit. “I often tromp on his territory with all of my exceptionally healthy ingredients. Sometimes he gets his back up a little bit.”

She says the biggest challenge on Healthy Gourmet is “[convincing] people to take a leap of faith that other forms of fat taste as good as butter, cream and bacon.”

Daniluk, a former health editor of Viva Magazine, continues: “People are hardwired to what they use in their recipes, and I often have to hide what I put into the recipe so that they don’t know.

“We just shot an episode where I sprung this delicious lemon-flavoured oil on our guest – it tastes just like lemon meringue pie – and I stuck it in their mouth, and they loved it, and asked what it was. I said, ‘It’s cod liver oil!’ So, it’s all about breaking down people’s perceptions that healthy food tastes crummy.”

How does Title feel about Daniluk meddling with his classic recipes?

“I hate it,” he says with a laugh. “I’m used to being the boss and cooking what I want to cook, and now I have to collaborate with a nutritionist whose motivations are completely counterproductive to what I’m trying to do. It was a huge learning curve for me.

The chef/owner of boutique catering business Chezvous Dining continues: “I’m not the type of chef to put gallons of cream into everything. But she introduces a lot of ingredients that I’m not familiar with – alternative ingredients that aren’t part of the culinary world – and it’s taken a work to figure out how to incorporate the ingredients in a way that suits both of us.”

The back and forth between Daniluk and Title, who hadn’t met until production for Healthy Gourmet began, is the type that siblings would share – gentle teasing, indignation and mutual respect – and it makes for an entertaining half-hour.

Future episodes of Gourmet visit a dude ranch, a ladies’ motorcycle club, a dance academy, a gaggle of painters and a mountain climbing club where they whip up dishes on the fly for those in attendance.

It’s a tasty alternative to the stuff you see on Food Network.

Healthy Gourmet debuts Saturday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Viva

Note: I have to give a thank you and photo credit for one of my last postings about healthy nails. The photo was taken by Miguel Mata Langlois

Acute Allergies

A great question about allergies came in the other day so I thought I would share the answer.

Question:

I have an enlarged lymph node on my neck come about last Friday. The doctors say "it's just an allergy" and that's all.

Do you have ANY idea what kind of allergy can cause a lymph node on the side of your neck swell like a golf ball? It's been scary and docs are no help. I wondered if it was a new hair product but not sure.

The only allergies I know for sure that I have are bee stings, penicillin and gin. LOL

What do you suggest? Should I fast? Not drink any alcohol for a while?

I trust your opinion. I appreciate if you could offer some ideas.

Thanks,

Diane

Answer:

My dad has the same reaction every time he eats pecans. It is scary because for a few days it feels like it could be something really serious. I suggest you do avoid alcohol and try to keep a food log so you can pin point what the culprit is.

Big triggers include: nuts, dairy, wheat, soy or corn but any thing could be causing it sadly. Just letting you know that because you have a reaction to penicillin, you have to be very aware that some moldy cheeses like Brie are covered in penicillin mold!

Next I would get yourself down to a health food store you trust and ask for a natural anti-histamine that would take the swelling down.

The best kind includes enzymes like bromelain and bioflavonoids like Quercetin. A great brand called New Roots Herbal contain both in one bottle. It works great for me when ever I accidentally eat something I am allergic to. It is important to assist the body in reducing acute inflammation so it does not because chronic but do not use anti-histamines as a way to eat foods that consistently do not agree with you.

Do you wonder why all of a sudden you have developed a new allergy? Stress plays a big role in the health of the immune system. When the immune system is overwhelmed, it can start to see perfectly healthy food as an invader. I have seen immune system balancing work when the person commits to relaxation techniques and a detoxifying diet. So don’t see this as a life sentence but more of an alarm bell to be listened to.

Your fingernails tell the story of your health

I was asked recently what I do to have strong healthy nails (I had fun playing as a hand model for the apple picture). Jessica from B.C. wrote me to ask, "My nails are thin and break easily, and I’ve heard that this may have to do with my diet. Is there anything in particular I should eat or drink to get my nails strong and shiny"?

Photo by Miguel Mata Langlois

What Your Nails Reveal About You

The following are some changes that can be caused by nutritional deficiencies:

* Lack of vitamin A and calcium causes dryness and brittleness. Solution: Drink fresh carrot juice daily, this is high in vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus and is excellent for strengthening nails.

* Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causes hang nails. Eat a diet composed of 50% fruit and raw vegetables in order to supply necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Consume those foods that are rich in silicon and sulphur, such as fish, broccoli and onions. Incorporate food rich in biotin such as brewer's yeast, soy and whole grains.

* White bands across the nails are caused by protein deficiency.
If you do eat enough protein (50-80 grams a day) from beans, seeds, fish, chicken and free range beef, then it may be that you need a protein digestive enzyme to help break it down.

* A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid can cause splitting nail
Solution: Beets contain Betaine Hydrocloride that helps the digestive process. Make a fresh beet salad by grating it into your next salad.

* Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause dryness and splitting, overly rounded ends and discolouration of nails. Enjoy seafood or if your vegetarian consider B12 lozenges

* Insufficient zinc can cause development of white spots on the nails. Solution: Pumpkin Seeds contain rich amounts of zinc.

* Cuts and cracks in the nails may indicate a need for more liquids. Solution: Drink plenty of water by adding a herbal tea bag that is flavoured to your water bottle. When your liquid is pleasant to drink you more likely to finish your full 8 cup servings.

* Red skin around your cuticles can be caused by poor metabolism of essential fatty acids. Solution: Boost up your omega 3 fats by increasing seeds like chia or flax and make sure to eat lots of cold water fish like salmon and herring.

For more idea’s check out Julie Daniluk’s new book Meals That Heal Inflammation at:

www.juliedaniluk.com

The Sexy Pomegranate!

Pomegranates are all the rage. I think health craze is granted. Take a look at some of the cool facts about the fruit that the ancient Egyptians called an aphrodisiac. Many of the world's cultures and religions have also embraced the pomegranate as a symbol of abundance and fertility. I included one of my favourite recipes that I pull out when I want to make an impression i.e. at a dinner for 2. The best part is it only take 5 minutes to prepare!

Pomegranate is rich in minerals like Potassium and Copper. Iron is present in small quantity, while there are also traces of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium.

Pomegranate is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 and Pantothenic Acid.

The greatest benefit seems to be in reducing different types of inflammation in the body. In the Journal of Nutrition, Sept. 2005, Scientists at Case Western Reserve University reported that tissue cultures of human cartilage cells respond to pomegranate extract. Inflammation is reduced and the enzymes that break down cartilage become less active.

Pomegranate contains antioxidants like polyphenols, tannins and anthocyannins which effects in removal of free radicals from our body cells. It also helps in repair of cells and boosts the immune system. Pomegranate juice is known to be among the super healthy drinks of today. It is helpful in osteoarthritis and keeping the skin and heart healthy.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000 reported that pomegranates are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of heart disease. In addition, pomegranate juice, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

The only word of caution: Pomegranate juice appears to interfere with certain medications the same way that grapefruit juice does so be careful to ask your doctor if taking a prescription.

Pomegranate Poached Halibut

Halibut is a popular white fish choice, but you can use any kind of white fish, fresh or frozen. Other excellent choices include tilapia, basa, cod and haddock.


Ingredients:

2 red onions finely sliced
1 cup (250 mL) pomegranate juice
8 fillets halibut (most frozen fish fillets are small so use 2 per person)

Sauce:

1/2 cup (125 ml) “Veganaise” or natural mayo
1/4 cup (60 ml) yellow mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) nutritional yeast

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).

2. Put the onion in a large, flat glass or stainless steel dish with the pomegranate juice. Then
place the fish on slide in the oven and bake for 8 minutes for fresh fish or 12 minutes for
frozen.

3. Meanwhile, mix together sauce ingredients in a bowl.

4. Portion a spoonful of sauce on each piece of fish and return to the oven.

5. Switch the oven setting to broil and cook until sauce is light brown, about 5 minutes.


Makes 4 servings.

For more idea’s check out my new book Meals That Heal Inflammation at:

www.juliedaniluk.com

An apple a day...

You may have guessed from this picture from my website that apples are one of my favourite things. It looked easy to bathe in hundreds of apples. I thought you might find it funny that we did not realize that we needed to warm up the hundreds of apples before I dived in. Because they were stored in the fridge they were only 4 degrees when we created our photo shoot. When I had hundreds of cold apples all around me, I essentially made a huge cooler pack that made me feel like I was hugging ice. For the first 20 minutes it was funny but after awhile my teeth started to chatter and I thought my lips might turn purple. It took a screaming hot bath to get my core body temperature back to normal! I love that apples are the classic symbol for nutrition.

I have a real love affair with apples and use it as a main remedy when ever a sweet craving comes a knocking. Keep in mind that most fruit grown in the North like apples; pears, berries, plums, nectarines and peaches are the lower in sugar than tropical fruit and therefore make the best choices for anyone who needs to watch their blood sugar.

I grew up with the phrase ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ It turned out to be true. Researchers from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom reported a nine-year population study of 2,633 adults found that apple eaters have better lung function and lower risk of respiratory disease such as asthma than non-apple eaters.

In fact, eating five or more apples a week was linked to slightly better lung function. The lung capacity in those individuals who ate apples was 138 millilitres higher, as compared to those who did not eat apples.
Berries contain pigments that make their beautiful blue and red hues are good for your health. Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to reduce your risk of several types of cancers. Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision.
Grapefruit contain phytonutrients called limonoids that inhibit tumor formation by promoting the formation of glutathione-S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. This enzyme sparks a reaction in the liver that helps to make toxic compounds more water soluble for excretion from the body. Pulp of citrus fruits like grapefruit contain glucarates, compounds that may help prevent breast cancer.

In animal studies and laboratory tests with human cells, limonoids have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. Now, scientists from the US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have shown that our bodies can readily absorb and utilize a very long-acting limonoid called limonin that is present is citrus fruits in about the same way as we absorb vitamin C.
Pineapple Strengthens Bones because it is rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily-recommended amount of manganese, encouraging the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.

While many people often take extra vitamin C or drink extra orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating pineapple. Bromelain, the active enzyme found in pineapples, has been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus.

For more healing idea’s check out my book Meals That Heal Inflammation at www.meals-that-heal.com