مطالعات اخیر نشان می دهد، مصرف سبزیجاتی که برگ پهن سبز رنگ دارند، احتمال ابتلا به آب سیاه (گلوکوم) را 30 درصد کاهش می دهد.

مطالعه بیش از 105 هزار داوطلب بین سال های 1984 تا 2012 توسط محققان دانشکده پزشکی هاروارد، نشان می دهد، رژیم غذایی حاوی سبزیجات برگ پهن مانند کاهو و اسفناج، احتمال ابتلا به آب سیاه را 30 درصد کاهش می دهد. اختلال آب سیاه به دلیل اختلال در جریان خون عصب بینایی بوجود می آید.
سبزیجات برگ پهن حاوی مقادیر بالای اکسید نیتریک هستند. اکسید نیتریک یک عامل مهم در تنظیم جریان خون چشم است. از طرفی، این سبزیجات حاوی دو آنتی اکسیدان قوی به نام های لوتئین و زیگزانتین هستند که احتمال ابتلا به بیماری های مزمن چشم از قبیل گلوکوم، آب مروارید و انحطاط ماکولا را کاهش می دهند.
محققان توصیه می کنند که در صورتی که در خانواده سابقه بیماری آب سیاه وجود دارد، سبزیجاتی مانند اسفناج، کاهو، کرفس، کلم پیچ، کلم بروکلی، نخود فرنگی و جوانه کلم بروکسل، بیشتر مصرف شود.این مطالعه نشان می دهد نقش سبزیجات در بهبود بینایی، موثر تر از هویج است.
به گزارش مرکز کنترل و پیشگیری از بیماری ها، در آمریکا بیش از سه میلیون نفری که به آب سیاه مبتلا هستند، می توانستند با رژیم غذایی سالم مملو از سبزیجات برگ پهن، از بیماری خود اجتناب کنند. نتایج این تحقیقات در نشریه JAMA منتشر شده است.

 Sunflower seeds are the fruits of the beautiful sunflower plant, which is native to North America and is characterized by its impressive height and light yellow petals. These seeds possess a firm texture and a mildly nutty taste, and were a significant source of food for the American Indians. Sunflower seeds remain a popular food in contemporary America, too, although they're more likely to be consumed raw as a snack than incorporated into cooked meals.

While sunflower seeds don't quite reach the nutritional heights of chia seeds or hemp seeds, they're still an enormously healthy food. Aside from being a vital source of natural energy, they are rich in a large number of nutrients in which many of us are unknowingly deficient, making them an excellent addition to any Western diet.

The benefits of sunflower seeds
Packed with fiber and protein -- One cup of dried sunflower seeds supplies us with 16 percent of our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fiber and 19 percent of our RDA of protein.(1) Most of the fiber found in sunflower seeds is the insoluble kind, which remains intact in our digestive tracts and flushes the colon of accumulated waste. This fiber content makes sunflower seeds a good constipation aid as well as a suitable food for diabetics (fibrous foods tend to have a low glycemic load). Moreover, the protein contained in sunflower seeds contains all eight essential amino acids, making them a fantastic complete protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

High in omega fatty acids -- Like most plant seeds, sunflower seeds are rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot make themselves. While the main omega-3 fatty acid found in sunflower seeds, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is not as potent as the EPA and DHA found in animal products such as fish oil, its benefits should not be underestimated. For example, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that ALA could help lower glucose and high triglyceride levels in human participants.(2) Another study, published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, suggested that ALA could help treat symptoms associated with obesity in animal models.(3)

Rich in phytosterols -- A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that sunflower seeds (and pistachios) had the richest levels of phytosterols out of all the nuts and seeds commonly consumed in the United States as a snack.(4) Phytosterols are plant compounds whose chemical structures closely resemble that of cholesterol, and are believed to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream when consumed in sufficient amounts.(5) Additionally, a study featured in Life Sciences noted that "[p]hytosterols have been shown experimentally to inhibit colon cancer development."(6)

Excellent source of vitamin E -- One cup of dried sunflower seeds provides us with a whopping 15.3 milligrams of vitamin E, or 76 percent of our RDA.(1) A fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E travels throughout our bodies, scavenging free radicals that would otherwise harm fat-containing molecules and structures such as brain cells, cholesterol and cell membranes. Aside from protecting us from degenerative diseases, this antioxidant activity also produces anti-aging benefits. Vitamin E is also a potent anti-inflammatory and can reduce the symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.(7)

Sunflower seeds are high in numerous other nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and most B vitamins. The seeds' magnesium content is especially significant, since between 60 and 80 percent of the American population are estimated to be deficient in this essential, calcium-balancing mineral.(8)

Taking a class of drugs commonly used to reduce acid in the stomach is linked to a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, compared with not taking them.
Stomach and esophagus
Over 15 million Americans used prescription PPIs - drugs that reduce stomach acid - in 2013, at a cost of over $10 billion.

This was the finding of a new study led by the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

However, the authors also point out that finding a link between use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and chronic kidney disease does not prove the drugs actually cause the disease - that is for further studies to establish.

It could be, they suggest, that the participants who were prescribed PPIs may have been at higher risk of chronic kidney disease for reasons unrelated to their PPI use.

However, the researchers also note that previous studies have linked use of PPIs to a form of kidney inflammation called acute interstitial nephritis.

PPIs are among the most commonly used drugs worldwide. They are used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They are also prescribed for treating peptic or stomach ulcers and damage to the lower esophagus caused by acid reflux.

PPIs work by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by cells in the lining of the stomach. They are not the same as antacids, which work by neutralizing excess acid after it has entered the stomach.

There are many types and brands of PPI; examples include omeprazole (brand name Prilosec, also available without a prescription), esomeprazole (Nexium) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). The side effects vary from drug to drug.

In an accompanying editorial article - where they summarize recent evidence on the adverse effects of taking PPIs - Drs. Adam Jacob Schoenfeld and Deborah Grad, of the University of California-San Francisco, note that:

"A large number of patients are taking PPIs for no clear reason - often remote symptoms of dyspepsia or 'heartburn' that have since resolved."
10-year risk of kidney disease higher for PPI users

For their study, the Johns Hopkins researchers and their colleagues first analyzed data on 10,482 participants followed up for a median of nearly 14 years in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Fast facts about acid reflux

    Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), happens when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus
    It is felt as heartburn when stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus
    A more serious, persistent form - gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - affects about 20% of the US population.



They then replicated the results in a bigger cohort of 248,751 participants followed up for a median of 6 years - these participants were members of the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania.

They found that at the beginning of the monitoring period, PPI users in both groups were more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and to be taking aspirin, statins or drugs to control high blood pressure.

In the ARIC group, 56 of 332 participants using PPIs developed chronic kidney disease, compared with 1,382 of 10,160 non-users. These figures translate to 14.2 and 10.7 per 1,000-person years, respectively. Participants were classed as a PPI user if they were taking the drugs at the start of the follow-up.

Further analysis of these ARIC figures revealed that the 10-year absolute risk of developing chronic kidney disease in the PPI users was 11.8%, compared with 8.5% if they had not used PPIs.

When they repeated this same analysis in the Geisinger cohort, the researchers found 1,921 of 16,900 PPI users and 28,226 of 231,851 of non-users developed chronic kidney disease, which translates to 20.1 and 18.3 per 1,000 person-years, respectively.

Again, further analysis of the larger cohort showed PPI use was associated with higher risk of disease. The 10-year absolute risk of developing chronic kidney disease among the PPI users was 15.6%, compared with 13.9% had they not used the drugs.

Commenting on their own findings, the authors emphasize the point that their study "is observational and does not provide evidence of causality," but should the link between PPI use and chronic kidney disease prove to be causal, then it could have important implications for public health, given the widespread use of the drugs.

Over 15 million Americans used prescription PPIs in 2013 at a cost of over $10 billion, they note, and conclude:

    "Study findings suggest that up to 70% of these prescriptions are without indication and that 25% of long-term PPI users could discontinue therapy without developing symptoms. Indeed, there are already calls for the reduction of unnecessary use of PPIs."

In 2010, Medical News Today reported how a study by researchers from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, also found that use of PPIs and another class of acid reflux drug called histamine2 receptor antagonists may be linked to higher risk of pneumonia.

For many people, the word "meditation" is likely to evoke images of a cross-legged individual, eyes closed, humming to themselves, but there is so much more to the practice than meets the eye.


Meditation is an ancient mind and body practice that is estimated to date back as far as 5,000 BCE. It is believed meditation originated in India, with the earliest documented records of the practice deriving from the teachings of Vedantism - an ancient Hindu philosophy.

In general, meditation involves training the mind to induce a state of consciousness that promotes a sense of serenity and increased concentration.

While meditation was traditionally practiced to induce a deeper religious and spiritual understanding, it has evolved to become a popular method of relaxation and stress reduction.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) - part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - meditation is practiced by around 18 million adults in the US, or 8% of the population.
Types of meditation

There are numerous forms of meditation, though most fall into four groups: concentrative, open awareness, mindfulness and guided meditation.

Concentrative meditation involves focusing the mind on a single object, such as an image, sound or breathing; Transcendental Meditation is one of the most common forms, in which the practitioner sits comfortably with their eyes closed for 20 minutes twice daily.

Open-awareness meditation, also referred to as non-directive meditation, aims to induce a sense of awareness without focusing on a specific object. Instead, the practitioner embraces all feelings and sensations that arise. Zazen - a Zen sitting practice - is a common form of open-awareness meditation.

Mindfulness is the most common form of meditation in the Western world; it combines both concentration and open awareness. In mindfulness meditation, the practitioner focuses on an object, such as sounds, bodily sensations, feelings, thoughts or breathing. Mindfulness is not as restrictive as concentrative meditation; the practitioner can focus on more than one object at a time.

Guided meditation involves the use of imagery, sounds and/or in-person guidance in order to induce a serene state of mind. Any form of meditation can fall into this category.

Meditation is commonly used to reduce anxiety and stress, but increasingly, researchers have found the benefits of meditation may have a much wider reach.
The potential benefits of meditation

Reduced brain aging and better memory

Since a key focus of meditation is to induce a tranquil state of mind, it is perhaps no surprise that researchers have found the practice yields brain benefits.

Earlier this year, a study reported by Medical News Today suggested meditation may reduce brain aging.
[An illustration of the human brain]
Studies have suggested that meditation may reduce brain aging.

The study of 100 individuals aged 24-77 - of whom 50 were meditators - found that those who engaged in meditating showed reduced gray matter loss in certain brain regions, compared with non-meditators.

Another study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2012, suggested that mantra-based meditation - a form of concentrative meditation in which a word, phrase or sound is repeated to prevent distracting thoughts - may help older individuals with memory loss.

The researchers, from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, found that 12 minutes of mantra-based meditation daily for 8 weeks increased cerebral blood flow to the prefrontal, superior frontal and superior parietal cortices of 12 older adults with memory problems and improved their cognitive function.

While it remains unclear exactly how meditation affects the brain, researchers are getting closer to finding out.

Last year, MNT reported on a study in which researchers found individuals showed higher brain activity in brain regions associated with processing self-related thoughts, feelings and memory retrieval when they practiced Acem meditation - a form of open-awareness meditation - compared with when they were resting.

However, when the same participants practiced concentrative meditation, their brain activity in these regions was the same as when they were resting. This, according to the researchers, suggests that open-awareness meditation allows greater processing of memory and emotions than concentrative meditation.
Reduced pain

Chronic pain - defined as pain lasting at least 12 weeks - is one of the leading causes of disability in the US, affecting around 100 million Americans. The most common types of pain include low back pain, severe headache or migraine and neck pain.

While medications such as opioids are commonly used to treat pain, studies have increasingly suggested meditation could be an effective pain reliever.

Last year, a study led by the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC, found an 8-week mindfulness-based meditation program that incorporated yoga reduced the frequency and severity of migraines; those who completed the program had 1.4 fewer migraines a month.

More recently, a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience last month - also by researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center - found that individuals who engaged in mindfulness meditation showed a 44% reduction in emotional response to physical pain and a 27% reduction in pain intensity.

Further investigation using brain imaging revealed that mindfulness meditation reduced participants' pain by activating the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex brain regions, which play a role in self-control of pain.

"Based on our findings, we believe that as little as four 20-minute daily sessions of mindfulness meditation could enhance pain treatment in a clinical setting," said lead author Fadel Zeidan.
Better sleep

With today's hectic lifestyles, it is no wonder so many of us have problems sleeping; around 50-70 million people in the US have some form of sleep disorder. But could meditation help? Some researchers think so.

In February this year, a study reported by MNT found that mindfulness meditation improved the sleep quality of older adults; more than half of American adults aged 55 and older have problems sleeping.

Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study revealed mindfulness meditation 2 hours a week for 6 weeks reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores among the adults from 10.2 to 7.4, compared with a reduction from 10.2 to only 9.1 for those who completed a sleep hygiene education program.

And last year, a study by researchers from Canada found mindfulness-based meditation improved both mood and sleep quality for teenage cancer patients.

On the next page, we look at how meditation may benefit heart health, help quit smoking, and why health professionals say more of us should take up the practice.

    

 مطالعات جدید نشان می دهد که 82 درصد افرادی که به سندرم روده تحریک پذیر (IBS) مبتلا هستند از کمبود ویتامین D رنج می برند.
سندرم روده تحریک پذیر یک اختلال شایع گوارشی است که با علایمی مانند اسهال، یبوست، شکم درد، استرس، خستگی مزمن و نفخ همراه است.
مطالعات محققان گوارش مولکولی دانشگاه شفیلد نشان می دهد که 82 درصد از افراد مبتلا به IBS، به کمبود ویتامین D دچار هستند. کمبود ویتامین D علایم IBS را تشدید می کند. محققان در این مطالعه بیماران مبتلا به IBS را تحت درمان با دوز بالای ویتامینD3 قرار دادند و مشاهده کردند علایم بیماری به طور قابل توجهی کاهش می یابد. محققان در حال بررسی تاثیر مکمل های ویتامین D بر سندرم روده تحریک پذیر هستند.
حدود 10 تا 23 درصد از جمعیت جهان و 10 تا 15 درصد از جمعیت آمریکا به این اختلال مبتلا هستند. هرسال حدود 2.4 تا 3.5 میلیون نفر بر اثر این عارضه در آمریکا به پزشک مراجعه می کنند. هزینه های ناشی از این عارضه شامل درمان، مراقبت های پزشکی، کاهش بهره وری و غیبت در محل کار حدود 21 میلیارد دلار در سال برآورد شده است.
کنترل رژیم غذایی، تغییر سبک زندگی، اجتناب از تنش های روحی و ورزش، مهمترین روش های درمان سندرم روده تحریک پذیر هستند. نتایج این تحقیقات در نشریه BMJ Open Gastroenterology منتشر شده است.

norexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder, affecting over 3 million Americans. New research published in Psychosomatic Medicine suggests that people with this debilitating disease may have very different gut microbial communities than those found in healthy individuals.

Moreover, researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine speculate that this bacterial imbalance could be linked to some of the psychological symptoms related to the disorder, which has the highest mortality rate of any mental health issue.

The research, led by Ian Carroll, PhD, senior author of the paper and assistant professor of medicine in the UNC Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, suggests that gut bacteria, the trillions of bacteria that affect digestive health and immunity, could play a prominent role in the symptoms of anorexia nervosa.

It is known that microbial diversity is a sign of better overall health. Previous studies have also suggested that the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota could also affect the so-called "gut-brain axis."

In previous research, scientists took gut microbial communities from an obese person and put them into germ-free mice, which are maintained in sterile conditions and lack intestinal microbiota. The result was a greater weight gain in mice with these bacteria than in germ-free mice that had been colonized with gut microbiota from a lean person. This suggests that gut microbes could mediate weight gain or loss.

In other experiments where gut bacteria were added to germ-free mice, altered behavior resulted, especially in relation to anxiety and stress.
Less diverse microbial communities in those with very low weight

The UNC team wanted to study this relationship further to find out if altering gut microbiota could help patients with anorexia nervosa to maintain weight and stabilize mood over time.

They collected fecal samples from 16 women with anorexia nervosa after they were first admitted into the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, and then again on discharge from the center after their weight was restored. The samples were analyzed for composition and diversity of gut microbiota.

They also collected gut microbiota from 12 healthy individuals for comparison.

Susan Kleiman, a graduate student in Carroll's lab and first author of the paper, found significant changes in the gut bacteria populations between admission and discharge.

The samples taken at admission had fewer different types of bacteria, making the intestinal communities much less diverse. On discharge, the microbial diversity had increased but was still significantly less diverse than that of the healthy individuals.

As the microbial communities in patients with anorexia improved during clinical care and weight gain, the moods of patients also improved, suggesting a link between the two.


Learn more about anorexia nervosa

The next question is whether improving microbial abundance and diversity could help relieve symptoms related to the eating disorder.

To help them find out, Carroll and a team of researchers have received a 5-year, $2.5-million grant from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) to further study the relationship between gut microbiota and anorexia nervosa.

The team will characterize the microbiotas of a large number of people with anorexia nervosa as they enter UNC's clinic and when they are discharged, normally when they reach about 85% of their ideal body weight.

Then they will put those gut bacteria in germ-free mice, to investigate how the microbiota from anorexia nervosa patients affects the biology and behavior of the mice.

If the bacteria have a detrimental effect on the mice, it is possible that cultivating a healthy microbiota could be used in therapy for people with anorexia nervosa.

Carroll says:

    "We're not able to say a gut bacterial imbalance causes the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, including associated symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. But the severe limitation of nutritional intake at the center of anorexia nervosa could change the composition of the gut microbial community.

    These changes could contribute to the anxiety, depression, and further weight loss of people with the disorder. It's a vicious cycle, and we want to see if we can help patients avoid or reverse that phenomenon."

Treatments for anorexia nervosa need improvement. The process of weight gain and renourishment can be extremely uncomfortable, so that after leaving the hospital, patients often begin to lose weight again and face readmission.

If specific alterations in the microbiota can help decrease the discomfort of renourishment, enable better weight regulation and positively affect behavior, this could lead to better outcomes for patients.

Carroll points out that this will not be "the magic bullet for people with anorexia nervosa," because other important factors are involved. But he believes that if the gut microbiota is associated with a variety of health and brain-related issues, it could make a difference for people with anorexia nervosa.

While anorexia nervosa mostly starts during adolescence, a Spotlight from Medical News Today has previously investigated how eating disorders can affect people of any age.

 Pumpkin seeds are an edible seed typically roasted for consumption. They are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine and are also often eaten as an individual snack. The seeds of the pumpkin are also commonly referred to as pepitas, Spanish for "little seed of squash."

This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It provides a nutritional breakdown of pumpkin seeds and an in-depth look at their possible health benefits, how to incorporate more pumpkin seeds into your diet and any potential health risks of consuming pumpkin seeds.
Nutritional breakdown of pumpkin seeds

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, approximately two tablespoons of unshelled pumpkin seeds (28 grams) contains 125 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrate (including 0 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fiber) and 5 grams of protein as well as 5% of your daily iron needs.

Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium.
Possible health benefits of consuming pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds with pumpkin and leaves.
Pumpkin seeds contain significant amounts of the macromineral magnesium.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like pumpkin seeds decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.
The benefits of magnesium

Pumpkin seeds are exceptionally high in magnesium, one of the seven essential macrominerals. Two tablespoons of pumpkin seeds contain 74 mg of magnesium, about 1/4th of the daily recommended dietary allowance.

Magnesium plays an important role in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body, including the metabolism of food and synthesis of fatty acids and proteins. Magnesium is involved in neuromuscular transmission and activity and muscle relaxation.

Magnesium deficiency, especially prevalent in older populations, is linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease and osteoporosis.

Bone health

Magnesium is important for bone formation. High magnesium intakes are associated with a greater bone density and have shown to be effective for decreasing the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Diabetes

For every 100 mg/day increase in magnesium intake, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes decreases by approximately 15%. Low magnesium levels can impair insulin secretion and lower insulin sensitivity.

Heart health

Improvement in lipid profiles has been seen with an intake of 365 mg of magnesium per day.
Heart and liver health

Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber. This combination has benefits for both your heart and liver.1

The fiber in pumpkin seeds helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease, while research to date suggests that omega-3s can decrease the risk for thrombosis and arrhythmias, which lead to heart attack, stroke and sudden cardiac death.

Omega-3s may also decrease LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce atherosclerotic plaque, improve endothelial function and slightly lower blood pressure.
Insomnia prevention


A study published in Nutritional Neuroscience suggested that consuming tryptophan from a gourd seed alongside a carbohydrate source was comparable to pharmaceutical grade tryptophan for the treatment of insomnia.

Having a few pumpkin seeds before bed, with a small amount of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, may be beneficial in providing your body with the tryptophan needed for melatonin production.2
Pregnancy

It is estimated that over 80% of women worldwide have inadequate zinc intake.3 Low levels of zinc alter circulating levels of multiple hormones associated with the onset of labor. In addition to this, zinc is essential for normal immune function and prevention of uterine infections. All of these could potentially contribute to preterm birth.4

Recently, Vitamin C has been forced into the backseat as other antioxidants have stood in the limelight.  Vitamin C is the grandfather of antioxidants and it has clear health benefits.(1)

Dr. Ronald Hunninghake is well known for being an expert on this vitamin.  He joined Dr. Hugh Riordan over twenty years ago and conducted research on I.V. administration of vitamin C for cancer patients.   Though his clinic is the leading expert on vitamin C therapy for cancer, that hasn’t stopped others from completing similar research.(1)
New study builds on prior work of Dr. Hunninghake and shows that vitamin C kills colorectal cancer cells!

A recent study found that vitamin C could help fight colorectal cancer.  The equivalency of vitamin C found in 300 oranges was found to kill colorectal cancer cells.  Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States.  Approximately 50 percent of cases are more aggressive and do not respond to conventional therapies.(2)

The new study from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York discovered that in these cases, that high-dose vitamin C caused oxidation in the cancer cells and impaired the growth of the tumors.(2)
Vitamin C concentration equivalent to 300 oranges effective in causing oxidation of colorectal cancer cells and impairing growth of the tumor!

Vitamin C is generally thought to improve health because of its antioxidant effect, which prevents or delays some types of cell damage.(2)

The studies findings may also be helpful in treatment of renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer.  The authors of the study report that that dosage would most likely need to be through I.V. as oral doses are not absorbed efficiently enough through the intestine.(2)
High doses of vitamin C do not absorb efficiently through the intestine and should be administered intravenously

Dr. Hunninghake recommends an average person take 1 gram of vitamin C twice per day.  If you are suffering from chronic infections or fatigue you can gradually increase the does to a bowel tolerance dose.  For most patient, oral dosages are fine but if you are fighting a serious illness, Dr. Hunninghake recommends I.V. vitamin C therapy.(1)

If you are seeking to increase vitamin C consumption through food, consider increasing your fruit and vegetable intake.  Many eat oranges for their vitamin C content, but red and yellow bell peppers have the highest vitamin C coming in at 306 percent of daily value.  Other fruits and vegetables are guavas, dark leafy greens, kiwi, broccoli, berries, tomatoes, peas, papaya, and of course oranges.(3)

As winter approaches, don’t forget about vitamin C!  Start eating more fruits and vegetables and consider adding a high quality supplement.  If you are battling cancer or another chronic disease, consider intravenous vitamin C therapy!

offee and diabetes are two of the most commonly covered topics in current medical news. The latest research looks in detail at some of coffee's ingredients and their potential effects on diabetes.

The prevalence of coffee and diabetes in modern media makes a great deal of sense: almost 1 in 10 Americans are diabetic, and more than half of American adults drink coffee daily.

The US spends roughly $40 billion on coffee per year, and in 2012, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in America was $245 billion.

Any links between these two unlikely bedfellows are likely to be chased down with vigor.

Recent research published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Natural Products gives us a glimpse into the potential benefits of some of coffee's natural compounds in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes

Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a resistance to insulin. Insulin normally helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. If levels are high, it instructs the liver and muscles to absorb more.

Diabetes causes the body to stop reacting to insulin as it should. Insulin is released, but the liver and muscle cells no longer absorb the excess glucose. In the early phases of the disease, an increased amount of insulin is produced in an effort to convince the body to take on more glucose.

As the disease progresses, insulin-producing cells in the pancreas slowly die off through overuse.

The health implications of diabetes can be dire: damage to large blood vessels in the heart, brain and legs. Also, damage to smaller blood vessels can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes, feet and nerves.
The chemistry of coffee

All in all, there are more than 1,000 distinct chemical compounds in coffee. This impressive recipe includes quinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, acetylmethylcarbinol, dimethyl disulfide, putrescine, niacin, trigonelline, theophylline and our old friend and foe, caffeine.

Each of coffee's ingredients has the potential to affect human biology. More than likely, the majority of compounds, in the tiny amounts they are present in coffee, will not have a great effect on the body.

Having said that, there is no reason not to study each of these molecules in an effort to get to grips with the myriad of effects that coffee appears to exert on us.
Coffee and diabetes

Research into coffee and its ability to prevent or slow the onset of type 2 diabetes has garnered a fair amount of attention. A recent review of the literature concluded that habitual coffee drinking does seem to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The next challenge is to tease apart the many components of coffee to pinpoint the active ingredients. As the bewildering list of chemicals above infers, this may be a gargantuan task.

Recent research conducted by Søren Gregersen and colleagues at the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark may have narrowed the search.

Gregersen and his team looked at the effect of a number of coffee's constituents on rat cells in vitro. Most of the compounds did not have significant effects, but cafestol and caffeic acid threw out some intriguing results.

When surgeon Alan Bauman started his hair restoration practice in Boca Raton, Fla., in the late 1990s, about 10% of his patients were women. Now, he says, half are. Joseph Greco, a hair loss specialist in Sarasota, Fla., says his share of female patients has gone from 25% to 60% in the last decade alone.

There's no reason to think more women these days are losing hair. Almost all women lose some hair as they age and some women – just like some men – are genetically predisposed to lose a lot. Women rarely go bald, but what starts with a widening part, noticeable shedding or a shrinking pony tail can become significant, scalp-exposing hair thinning for about one third of women, studies show.

How women feel about that may be changing, says Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss at the Cleveland Clinic.

"I think there is an increased awareness and an increased interest in treatment," Piliang says. "For our grandmothers' generation, women over 50 were considered old. Now women that age are considered pretty young. Many also have jobs in which appearance is important."

And, it's fair to say, many also are seeing marketing for an increasing array of hair restoration products and procedures aimed at women – including a pricey but unproven treatment that both Bauman and Greco specialize in. It involves scalp injections with something called platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Bauman, Greco and other practitioners – some of whom market PRP as a "vampire hair treatment," akin to the bloody "vampire facials" made famous by Kim Kardashian – say that substances in concentrated plasma, taken from a patient's own blood, can stimulate hair regrowth. They say the procedure is safe and produces noticeable results in most, but not all, male and female patients. A 20% to 25% increase in hair mass is typical, Bauman says.

But studies so far have been small and most have lacked the comparison groups that would show how PRP stacks up against other treatments or no treatment at all. "The early findings show promise, but more studies are needed to know whether this is a safe and effective treatment," the American Academy of Dermatology says.

Also, a lack of standardization – with each clinic using its own methods – "means it's buyer beware out there," Bauman says.

Those buyers are spending big bucks: Bauman charges $2,500 for a PRP treatment that he says needs to be repeated once a year on average. Greco says he repeats his version three times over the first 18 months for typical "female pattern hair loss" patients, charging $1,600 for the first treatment, $1,400 for the second and $1,000 for the third. Patients have an incentive to return because any new hair will fall out when treatment stops – just as it does with any treatment except for hair transplants.

But no one considers PRP the first-line treatment for women with hair loss.

That distinction goes to minoxidil, a liquid or foam applied to the scalp, available over the counter for years. The Food and Drug Administration approved a full-strength foam (a 5% solution) for women in 2014 and it is now sold as Women's Rogaine. The big advantage over older 2% versions is that it can be used once a day, instead of twice. It costs about $35 for a four-month supply.

Pililang says about 80% of women using minoxidil will stop losing hair and about half will regrow some. "It's not going to take someone who's 50 or 60 back to the hair they had at 20," she says.

"It doesn't work for everybody, but I tell my patients to use it diligently for six months and then look in the mirror and see how they feel," says Paradi Mirmirani, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, Calif. Because hair loss caused by aging and genes gets worse over time, even maintaining hair "is a win," she says. "But patients have to decide whether it's worth the time and money."

The main side effects associated with minoxidil are scalp irritation and itching. And some women report unwanted facial hair growth – something that package instructions say might be prevented with careful application.

Another treatment that might work for some women: laser therapy with comb devices that sell for about $200 to $500 or caps that cost even more. These are FDA-approved for safety and recent studies suggest "a modest benefit," Mirmirani says.

Some women are candidates for hair transplant. But because women tend to lose hair all over their heads, not in the distinct bald spots common in men, finding lusher sections that can be moved to cover sparser areas is "more challenging," Piliang says.

Supplements such as biotin, marketed for hair health, are unproven, Piliang and Mirmirani say. But eating a healthy diet, protecting hair from the sun and not smoking can help, they say.

Also important to know: not all women's hair loss is the result of aging and genes. And some causes are treatable or temporary. Among them:

• Pregnancy. Many women see temporary hair loss after pregnancy.

• Stress. Hair also can shed after stressful or traumatic events.

• Iron deficiency, thyroid, hormone and immune disorders. Treating them can often stop any associated hair loss.

• Medications. Cancer drugs but also drugs used to treat acne, depression, blood clotting and other conditions can cause hair loss.

How to get perfect skin

We all suffer from bad skin days from time to time, but there are many tips and tricks you can use to get perfect skin naturally. To make spots and blemishes a thing of the past, check out these seven tips for clear skin.

Clear skin tip 1: Ditch the chemicals

It can be tempting to reach for chemical peels and ingredients such as salicylic acid to help clear up problem skin. However, many chemical-based skin products not only contain potentially harmful ingredients, they can also excessively dry out skin and exacerbate skin problems. For a gentler approach to fighting acne, opt for natural spot-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil or manuka honey.  Manuka honey not only has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to fight spots, it also has the benefit of being able to reduce the scarring and marks left by spots.


Clear skin tip 2: Use spot-fighting makeup

We all know what it’s like to have a bad skin day when you just want to hide away under layers of makeup. However, while makeup can temporarily disguise the look of spots, it can also make the problem much worse. For confidence-boosting coverage that won’t cause flare-ups, make sure you opt for non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog pores. To further increase the spot-fighting powers of your cosmetics, try using mineral makeup containing zinc oxide, which will fight against acne-causing bacteria.

Clear skin tip 3: Sip spearmint tea

Acne is generally caused by hormones called androgens, which can over-stimulate the sebaceous glands leading to oily skin, blocked pores and spots. To counteract these effects, oral contraceptives are often prescribed to women suffering from acne. However, while beneficial for clearing spots, these contraceptive pills can have inconvenient and even dangerous side effects. Luckily, research suggests that spearmint tea has similar anti-androgen properties, which could help reduce acne and hormone imbalances in women.

Clear skin tip 4: Reduce your skin’s contact to bacteria

You may be surprised at how often your skin comes into contact with dirt and germs that can lead to acne. During the time you are asleep, your pillow comes into contact with makeup, skin oils and saliva, making it a breeding ground for bacteria that can worsen acne. Likewise, unwashed makeup brushes can spread bacteria to your skin. To minimise your skin’s contact to bacteria, make sure you wash makeup brushes every two weeks and change your pillowcase regularly. Also, avoid touching your face as much as possible and clean your phone with antibacterial wipes before making calls.

Clear skin tip 5: Cleanse your skin properly

If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin it can be tempting to over-cleanse your skin to dry out oils and kill bacteria. However, cleansing your skin too frequently or using harsh cleansers can dry out your skin, causing flakiness which can clog pores. It can also cause your skin to produce more oils to compensate. Instead, wash your skin twice a day with a gentle, PH-neutral cleanser so as not to destroy the acid mantle of the skin, which protects against moisture loss and bacteria. Remove the cleanser with a muslin cloth to lightly exfoliate the skin.
Clear skin tip 6: Change your diet

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants is one of the key factors behind beautiful looking skin. However, there are also certain foods you can cut back on or eat more of in order to help get rid of spots. Research suggests that dairy is a major precursor of acne for many people due to the hormones it contains. Plastic water bottles and food packaging can also leach out chemicals which can lead to hormone imbalance. Swap packaged foods for fresh, skin-friendly produce including lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Clear skin tip 7: Find ways to deal with stress

Research findings published in the journal Archives of Dermatology suggest that high stress levels can significantly worsen acne. It is thought that this may be due to the fact that stress stimulates the production of hormones which stimulate oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Stress is also thought to instigate the release of chemicals which can lead to inflammation. To help keep your skin clear and spot-free, try to find healthy ways to deal with stress such as exercise, meditation or pampering. Try to talk through problems with someone else as well to help relieve any worries.

 

Fish oils come from fatty fish, also known as oily fish, specifically the tissue of fatty fish, such as trout, mackerel, tuna, herring, sardines, and salmon.

Fish oils are of interest to nutritionists and health care professionals because of two main ingredients: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) - both types of Omega-3 fatty acids.

The fillets of oily fish contain up to 30% oil; this figure may vary. White fish, on the other hand, only contain high concentrations of oil in the liver, and have much less oil. Apart from omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish are also good sources of vitamins A and D. Whitefish also contain these nutrients, but at much lower concentrations.

Health experts commonly tell people that oily fish have more health benefits than white fish. However, their recommendations have never been compellingly proven scientifically in large population studies.

Many health authorities around the world advise people to consume either plenty of oily fish or to take supplements, because of their supposed health benefits. Studies over the last ten years have produced mixed results regarding the benefits of the dietary intake of fish oils.
Possible health benefits of fish oils

Over the last ten years, there have been dozens of studies on fish oils and omega-3 oils. Some have backed up these claims, while others have not.

Fish oils are said to have several health benefits if they are included in a human diet, including:
Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Fish oils are said to help people with MS. However, a study carried out by researchers from University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, in April 2012 found that omega-3 fatty acids do not help people with MS.1
Prostate cancer

Fish oils reduce men's risk of developing prostate cancer if they follow a low-fat diet, one study found, while another linked omega-3 levels to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer2.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that omega fish oils raise prostate cancer risk. The authors, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported that high fish oil intake raises the risk of high-grade prostate cancer by 71% and all prostate cancers by 43%.3
Post-natal (post-partum) depression

Fish oils protect from post-partum depression - Dr. Michelle Price Judge, of the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, said after carrying out a study in 2011 "DHA consumption during pregnancy at levels that are reasonably attained from foods has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression."4
Mental health benefits

fish oils help young people with behavioral problems, especially those with ADHD.5
Memory benefits

Working memory can improve in healthy young adults if they increase their Omega-3 fatty acids intake, researchers reported in the journal PLOS One (October 2012 issue).6
Protection from Alzheimer's disease

Claims were made for many years that regular fish oil consumption would help prevent people from developing Alzheimer's disease. However, a major study in 2010 found that fish oils and a placebo were no different in Alzheimer's prevention.

In contrast, a study published in Neurology in 2007 reported that a diet in fish, omega-3 oils, fruit and veggies reduces dementia and Alzheimer's risk.7
Protection from vision loss

Adequate dietary consumption of DHA protects people from age-related vision loss, Canadian researchers reported in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.8
Benefits for the fetus

omega-3 consumption boosts fetal cognitive and motor development - scientists from L'Université Laval Laval found that omega-3 consumption by the mother during her last three months of pregnancy improved her baby's sensory, cognitive and motor development.