Healthnotes Newswire (November 13, 2008)—If the news that diabetes rates have nearly doubled in the US over the last decade has you worried, a new study on diet and diabetes risk may be just what the doctor ordered. This latest research suggests that following a healthy diet pattern is a positive way to reduce diabetes risk.
Focus on food
These findings come out of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a research effort begun in 2000 and designed to examine connections between diet and chronic disease risk. Researchers collected diet and lifestyle information from 5,011 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese men and women living in the states of Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina, New York, California, and Minnesota. Researchers tracked new cases of diabetes in the group during seven years of follow-up.
Study participants who ate more whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, and low-fat dairy were 15% less likely to develop diabetes than those who did not follow this dietary pattern. Study participants who ate more refined grains, beans, tomatoes, high-fat dairy, and red meat were 18% more likely to develop diabetes than those who did not.
Study participants who followed a low-risk pattern, defined by the researchers as a diet that emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, nuts and seeds, and coffee were 13% less likely to develop diabetes than those who did not follow this pattern. The authors indicate that none of these findings were influenced by race or ethnicity, suggesting that these results apply to most people.
Study author Jennifer Nettleton, PhD, noted that studying diet patterns rather than any one food or nutrient is valuable and that “people who want to decrease diabetes risk should focus on increasing intake of key food groups, including whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables, and nuts [and] seeds.”
Finding foods that count
Along with maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly, diet can be a powerful ally in your fight against diabetes.
• Make those grains whole. When shopping for bread and cereals, avoid products with the word “enriched” in the ingredient list. “Enriched” is a tip-off that grains are refined, not whole.
• Snack on fruit and nuts. The combination of carbohydrates from fruit along with protein and healthy fat in nuts will satisfy your snacking urge.
• Sprinkle some seeds. Try a tablespoon or two of flaxseed or sunflower seeds in your yogurt and cereal.
• Stick with low-fat dairy. Skim or 1% milk, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and low- or no-fat yogurt are good choices. Limit whole milk, cream, and ice cream to special occasions.
• Go for the greens. Add kale, chard, or other green leafy vegetables to soups and stews.
• Enjoy coffee… in moderation. One or two cups per day may lower diabetes risk. Any more than this and you may run into trouble with side effects such as insomnia and rapid heart rate.
• Choose healthy proteins. Try for more fish, chicken, or soy products and other lean proteins. Limit red meat to one or two times per week and stick to a 3-ounce serving. (Three ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.)
(Diabetes Care 2008;31:1777–82; MMWR 2008;57:1169–73)
Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD, an author, speaker, and internationally recognized expert in chronic disease prevention, epidemiology, and nutrition, has taught medical, nursing, public health, and alternative medicine coursework. She has delivered over 150 invited lectures to health professionals and consumers and is the creator of a nutrition website acclaimed by the New York Times and Time magazine. Suzanne received her training in epidemiology and nutrition at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health at Ann Arbor.
Copyright © 2008 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Aisle7 content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Aisle7. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Aisle7 shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Aisle7 and the Aisle7 logo are registered trademarks of Aisle7.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Six Surprising Reasons to Drink Tea This Holiday Season
Why Tea? Why Now?
Tea is second only to water in worldwide consumption. While most drink it for the flavor, over the last few years scientists have discovered that tea offers health benefits, too.
That’s no news to me. I grew up drinking tea with my grandmother and she was always extolling the health benefits of tea. I thought it was just an old wives’ tale, but research now backs up what my grandmother always knew – tea is good for your body, mind and soul.
Six Surprising Health Benefits of Tea
Now, as the holidays are fast approaching, it makes even more sense to add tea to your diet. Here are the six reasons I’ll be drinking more.
1. Bolsters your immune system – While it’s great to get together with family and friends, the hugs, kisses, and close quarters are ideal conditions for sharing the latest bug. Certain teas like green tea, echinacea, rose hips, and eucalyptus can boost your immunity and keep your system strong.
2. Offers digestive support. The holidays are all about over-indulgence, but that often leads to stomach upset and digestive distress. Peppermint, ginger, and papaya teas are just a few of my favorite tummy-helpers.
3. Supports heart health. Starting at Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s, emergency rooms across the country see a dramatic rise in the number of patients with heart concerns. Rich, salt-laden foods, increased alcohol consumption and an irregular schedule can be blamed. And, if you’re uncomfortable, you’re more likely to chalk it up to overindulgence and ignore the warning signs. It’s too cold, dark, and inconvenient to exercise. And with holiday tension, stress and sadness, it’s no wonder your heart’s working overtime. Slow down and relax with a traditional favorite like chamomile or spearmint tea to help protect your heart.
4. Helps burn fat. No doubt you’ve heard of the health benefits of tea. Green tea helps inhibit the accumulation of excess body fat, suppresses your appetite, reduces the absorption of dietary fats and helps you burn more fat. After eating all those sweets, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of green tea on hand!
5. Provides powerful antioxidants. Teas with blueberries like black tea blueberry or green tea blueberry are particularly good at helping your body fight free radicals.
6. Supports blood sugar. Research shows cinnamon is a powerful nutrient for maintaining blood sugar levels already within the normal range. This now-patented discovery was found by accident when studying why people who ate apple pie had lower blood sugar levels. Turns out the active ingredient in cinnamon, called MHCP, works with the blood sugar in your system. That doesn’t mean you should binge on cinnamon buns. A cinnamon spice tea is ideal… without the additional calories.
While you can buy individual teas for your specific health issue, you might also consider Botanic Choice’s new Herbal Tea of the Month club for yourself or a friend. Select from a 3, 6 or 12 month membership and receive 36 teas each of three different varieties. Each month’s teas have been specially selected to coincide with the health concern of that particular season so you can stay strong and healthy all year long.
To your continued good health,
Dr. Karen Yale B.A., D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N.
Ease the Blues with St. John’s Wort
Healthnotes Newswire (November 6, 2008)—As the holiday season approaches, people with depression sometimes experience a worsening of their symptoms. For those interested in trying St. John’s wort, an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat mood disorders, new research review confirms that for people with mild to moderate depression it may be as effective as standard antidepressants, and cause fewer side effects.
Dealing with depression
Depression is a common condition, marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of pleasure, suicidal thoughts, sleep disruptions, and changes in appetite. A person may be diagnosed with depression when they experience a depressed mood and loss of interest or a lack of pleasure in daily activities for more than two weeks. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments, including talk therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, and complementary therapies such as St. John’s wort.
In a recent Cochrane Systematic Review on St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) extracts, researchers compared its antidepressant effects with standard antidepressants or placebo. The review included 29 trials and 5,489 men and women, in studies that lasted between 4 and 12 weeks. The Hamilton Depression Scale and other rating scales were used to assess the severity of participants’ depression before and after treatment.
In the majority of studies, St. John’s wort extracts were better than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression and as effective as standard antidepressants but with fewer side effects. People who were taking St. John’s wort extracts were less likely to drop out of a study due to side effects compared with people on standard antidepressants. The study authors note that results were more favorable in German studies where use of the herb is very common and often prescribed by doctors.
Always take precautions
The study authors warn that people who are interested in taking St. John’s wort should first consult a knowledgeable doctor. Herb-drug and herb-supplement interactions are a potentially significant problem, as certain combinations can interfere with medications or supplements, making them less effective or increasing side effects.
Donna Mehregany, MD, a psychiatrist and clinical instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine adds, “One concern with patients who self-medicate with St. John’s wort is that they often neglect necessary psychotherapy or lifestyle changes that are needed in order to treat a mood disorder such as depression. If a person chooses to use St. John’s wort they should place their treatment in the hands of a qualified physician who can recommend complementary treatments and monitor dosage, length of treatment, interactions with other medications, and possible side effects.”
Other tips for easing the blues
• Seek help. If you think you are depressed see your primary care doctor or a counselor. If you feel suicidal, contact your doctor or a suicide hotline immediately.
• Use a variety of tools. A combination of counseling and medications is important for easing depression symptoms, but a healthy diet, regular exercise, and finding ways to reduce stress are just as important for improving your mood.
• Stay connected with others. Reach out to supportive friends and family and get involved with social activities. Withdrawing or being socially isolated only makes things worse.
• Plan for the holidays. Find healthy and supportive environments and activities that offer comfort. This may be a good time to get creative and sign up for a new class that stimulates your mind, revisit an old hobby, or call a friend for a lunch date.
• Soothe negative thoughts with mind-body therapies. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and guided imagery may help relieve depression and focus the mind on positive, hopeful, and peaceful thoughts.
(Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD000448. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000448.pub3.)
Jane Hart, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, serves in a variety of professional roles including consultant, journalist, and educator. Dr. Hart, a Clinical Instructor at Case Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, writes extensively about health and wellness and a variety of other topics for nationally recognized organizations, Web sites, and print publications. Sought out for her expertise in the areas of integrative and preventive medicine, she is frequently quoted by national and local media. Dr. Hart is a professional lecturer for healthcare professionals, consumers, and youth and is a regular corporate speaker.
Copyright © 2008 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Aisle7 content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Aisle7. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Aisle7 shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Aisle7 and the Aisle7 logo are registered trademarks of Aisle7.
Dealing with depression
Depression is a common condition, marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of pleasure, suicidal thoughts, sleep disruptions, and changes in appetite. A person may be diagnosed with depression when they experience a depressed mood and loss of interest or a lack of pleasure in daily activities for more than two weeks. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments, including talk therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, and complementary therapies such as St. John’s wort.
In a recent Cochrane Systematic Review on St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) extracts, researchers compared its antidepressant effects with standard antidepressants or placebo. The review included 29 trials and 5,489 men and women, in studies that lasted between 4 and 12 weeks. The Hamilton Depression Scale and other rating scales were used to assess the severity of participants’ depression before and after treatment.
In the majority of studies, St. John’s wort extracts were better than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression and as effective as standard antidepressants but with fewer side effects. People who were taking St. John’s wort extracts were less likely to drop out of a study due to side effects compared with people on standard antidepressants. The study authors note that results were more favorable in German studies where use of the herb is very common and often prescribed by doctors.
Always take precautions
The study authors warn that people who are interested in taking St. John’s wort should first consult a knowledgeable doctor. Herb-drug and herb-supplement interactions are a potentially significant problem, as certain combinations can interfere with medications or supplements, making them less effective or increasing side effects.
Donna Mehregany, MD, a psychiatrist and clinical instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine adds, “One concern with patients who self-medicate with St. John’s wort is that they often neglect necessary psychotherapy or lifestyle changes that are needed in order to treat a mood disorder such as depression. If a person chooses to use St. John’s wort they should place their treatment in the hands of a qualified physician who can recommend complementary treatments and monitor dosage, length of treatment, interactions with other medications, and possible side effects.”
Other tips for easing the blues
• Seek help. If you think you are depressed see your primary care doctor or a counselor. If you feel suicidal, contact your doctor or a suicide hotline immediately.
• Use a variety of tools. A combination of counseling and medications is important for easing depression symptoms, but a healthy diet, regular exercise, and finding ways to reduce stress are just as important for improving your mood.
• Stay connected with others. Reach out to supportive friends and family and get involved with social activities. Withdrawing or being socially isolated only makes things worse.
• Plan for the holidays. Find healthy and supportive environments and activities that offer comfort. This may be a good time to get creative and sign up for a new class that stimulates your mind, revisit an old hobby, or call a friend for a lunch date.
• Soothe negative thoughts with mind-body therapies. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and guided imagery may help relieve depression and focus the mind on positive, hopeful, and peaceful thoughts.
(Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD000448. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000448.pub3.)
Jane Hart, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, serves in a variety of professional roles including consultant, journalist, and educator. Dr. Hart, a Clinical Instructor at Case Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, writes extensively about health and wellness and a variety of other topics for nationally recognized organizations, Web sites, and print publications. Sought out for her expertise in the areas of integrative and preventive medicine, she is frequently quoted by national and local media. Dr. Hart is a professional lecturer for healthcare professionals, consumers, and youth and is a regular corporate speaker.
Copyright © 2008 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Aisle7 content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Aisle7. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Aisle7 shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Aisle7 and the Aisle7 logo are registered trademarks of Aisle7.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Korean Red Ginseng May Aid in Erectile Dysfunction, but Better Quality Trials are Needed
Erectile dysfunction affects 30-50% of men over the age of 40. Current medical interventions for the management of erectile dysfunction include drugs, intrapenile therapies, and penile prosthetic implants. Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the steamed and dried roots of plants that are harvested six years after planting. One of the popular uses of red ginseng is the enhancement of sexual function. Few clinical trials have evaluated the effect of red ginseng on erectile dysfunction, and recent reviews of erectile dysfunction therapies did not include studies published in languages other than English. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the evidence from all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of red ginseng in men with erectile dysfunction.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine searched electronic databases from their inception until January 2008. The databases included MEDLINE, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), British Nursing Index, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), PsycInfo, The Cochrane Library, six Korean medical databases, four Chinese medical databases, and three Japanese medical databases. The researchers also manually searched relevant journals and checked the references of all articles identified in the search. The analysis included all articles that reported on a RCT in which human subjects with any type of erectile dysfunction were treated with any type of red ginseng, regardless of language of publication. Three independent reviewers read, extracted, and rated each article.
The researchers identified 28 potentially relevant trials, and 7 of these trials met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 363 men, ranging in age from 24 to 70 years, were studied in these 7 trials. The duration of treatment with red ginseng ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. The doses of red ginseng ranged from a daily total of 1800 mg to 3000 mg. Outcome measures included scores on the International Index of Erectile Function, the Watts sexual function questionnaire, global efficacy questions, and study-specific structured interview questionnaires related to erectile function.
Six of the trials reported an improvement in erectile function in subjects taking red ginseng compared to subjects taking placebo. A meta-analysis of data from the seven trials suggests that red ginseng is superior to placebo in improving erectile function (P < size="1">
Jang D-J, Lee MS, Shin B-C, Lee Y-C, Ernst E. Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol. October 2008;66(4): 444-450.
American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: 512-926-4900 | Fax: 512-926-2345 | Email: abc@herbalgram.org
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tea of the Month
Here at Botanic Choice we have a great new website and product just in time for the holiday season. Our Tea of the Month Club launched last month and we want to share it with you. Those cold winter nights are quickly approaching and what is a better way to warm-up than with a flavorful cup of tea?Enroll in our Herbal Tea of the Month Club and enjoy three different tea varieties (36 bags each) delivered fresh to your door. Select from a 3, 6 or 12 month plan. Compared to other tea clubs you get more fresh tea, more unique flavors, and save more money at Botanic Choice. No prepayment needed! Your credit card will be billed upon each month’s shipment with no shipping charges.
In addition to the club, you can also order herbal teas individually or try our Deluxe Tea Sampler Pack, which includes a variety of our most popular, best tasting teas. Makes a great gift for yourself or a fellow tea lover. Shipping is only $2.95 (reg. $5.95)!
For additional information on the Tea of the Month Club, call 1-800-644-TEAS or visit http://www.HerbalTeaoftheMonth.com.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Gotu Kola - Medical and Spiritual Uses
Gotu Kola has an extensive history of medicinal use. As an anti-aging herb, it has been used for longevity (A Sinhalse proverb states "Two leaves a day keep old age away") and to increase memory (See HC 050281.362 for a pilot study on gotu kola for cognition and memory enhancement in an elderly population). As a memory and energy enhancer, it is also good for students and others who require both physical and mental stamina. Gotu kola is considered a powerful blood cleanser and has been used to treat high blood pressure, circulatory, ailments, and skin diseases such as psoriasis and leprosy.
It balances the hormones and can be used for menopausal symptoms. Gotu kola enhances the formation of collagen in bones, cartilage, and connective tissue, and therefore, it can be therapeutic for injuries, burns, scar tissue, and wounds. Its greatest medicinal value lies in its nerve rejuvenative abilities. It has the capacity to bring both calmness and clarity to the brain and to prevent and treat nervous system disorders. Gotu kola can also strengthen the immune system and the adrenals.
While providing a number of physical benefits, gotu kola is also considered an extremely spiritual herb in India as an aid to the knowledge of supreme reality or Brahmin. This may have to do with the fact that the herb is labeled as "sattvic" - it balances all the doshas and both hemispheres of the brain. It rejuvenates Pitta (fire), calms Vata (aid), and reduces excessive Kapha (earth). In the Himalayas, yogis use gotu kola as a food for meditation.
To use for meditation, gotu kola can be drunk as a tea with honey. To rejuvenate the mind and body it can be mixed with ghee (clarified butter) - this mixture is said to rejuvenate the spirit. For external use on chronic skin conditions, the powder can be mixed with a little water to form a paste and applied to the skin. Gotu kola with milk can be used as a nerve tonic.
Lori Glenn
HerbClip™ Managing Editor
HerbClip™ News
October 15, 2008
This article was reproduced with the permission of the American Botanical Council. For more information please visit, www.herbalgram.org
It balances the hormones and can be used for menopausal symptoms. Gotu kola enhances the formation of collagen in bones, cartilage, and connective tissue, and therefore, it can be therapeutic for injuries, burns, scar tissue, and wounds. Its greatest medicinal value lies in its nerve rejuvenative abilities. It has the capacity to bring both calmness and clarity to the brain and to prevent and treat nervous system disorders. Gotu kola can also strengthen the immune system and the adrenals.
While providing a number of physical benefits, gotu kola is also considered an extremely spiritual herb in India as an aid to the knowledge of supreme reality or Brahmin. This may have to do with the fact that the herb is labeled as "sattvic" - it balances all the doshas and both hemispheres of the brain. It rejuvenates Pitta (fire), calms Vata (aid), and reduces excessive Kapha (earth). In the Himalayas, yogis use gotu kola as a food for meditation.
To use for meditation, gotu kola can be drunk as a tea with honey. To rejuvenate the mind and body it can be mixed with ghee (clarified butter) - this mixture is said to rejuvenate the spirit. For external use on chronic skin conditions, the powder can be mixed with a little water to form a paste and applied to the skin. Gotu kola with milk can be used as a nerve tonic.
Lori Glenn
HerbClip™ Managing Editor
HerbClip™ News
October 15, 2008
This article was reproduced with the permission of the American Botanical Council. For more information please visit, www.herbalgram.org
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