27 HEALINGSECRETSDOCTORS MAY NOT TELL YOU

Health Bytes is dedicated to empowering readers with natural and alternative therapies – and how to use them to treat disease

and stay well. In this special report, you'll read about some of these most startling remedies”

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27 HEALING SECRETSDOCTORS MAY NOT TELL YOU

Fleet Street Publications (Pty) Ltd

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27 HEALING SECRETSDOCTORS MAY NOT TELL YOU

Important: FSPHealthandFitness is dedicated to bringing its readers the newest, most hopeful and most trustworthy information and advice about natural health research, findings and products.

All material herein is provided for information only and may not be construed as personal medical advice. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The publisher is not a licensed medical care provider. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship with its readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, effectiveness, or correct use of information you receive through our publications, or for any health problems that may result from training programs, products, or events you learn about through the site. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. None of the information or products discussed on this site are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure any disease.

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Inside this special report: • Eat this tonight to help prevent Alzheimer’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg5

• Before you eat another potato – read this . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg6

• The simplest way to help slow heart disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg7

• Stop sneezing – right now! Here’s how . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg8

• The Arnold Schwarzenegger of antioxidants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg9

• What your doctor may not tell you about cancer prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg10

• A cheap, safe solution to help slow ageing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg11

• What EVERY South African needs to know about skin cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg12

• Why you shouldn’t take melatonin for jet lag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg13

• Add ‘onions’ to your shopping list today! Here’s why . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg14

• What your doctor may not tell you about lupus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg15

• The real reason your skin is so dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg16

• HRT may do more harm than good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg17

• Help prevent a fatal heart attack – here’s how . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg18

• Why you may not have to live with painful breasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg19

• What those white dots on your nails really mean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg20

• What cereal manufacturers don’t want you to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg21

• Reverse the ageing process without botox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg22

• The supermarket secret to getting 50% more from your food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg23

• Natural hangover remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg24

• A better (safer) alternative to antibiotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg25

• If your legs are feeling ‘restless’ – keep reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg26

• The secret that could protect your brain from memory-loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg27

• The popular fruit juice that prevents tummy bugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg28

• Want to prevent diabetes? Then do this . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg29

• A breakthrough in the prevention of Parkinson’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg30

• Boost your performance ‘on the field’ and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg31

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Healing Secret #1: Eat this tonight to help prevent

Alzheimer’s

Curcumin - one of the main ingredients in curry, alsoknown as turmeric – is a deep yellow spice thought tohave numerous beneficial health effects, includingprotecting against Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in India,where curcumin is used regularly, the rates of Alzheimer’sdisease are much lower than in western countries. It is one of those ancient culinary traditionsthat could rapidly become cutting-edge medicine if recent studies continue to provide thebackup.

Apparently, curcumin contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even anti-carcinogenicproperties that rival foods such as berries, spinach, garlic and sweet potatoes. According toscientists, because of its low molecular weight and polar structure, curcumin can penetrate theblood-brain barrier more easily than many other potential Alzheimer’s treatments. This isimportant because it can deliver the anti-inflammatory benefit where AD patients need it most -the brain.

But curcumin’s anti-inflammatory benefits make it useful for all sorts of other conditions aswell, not just Alzheimer’s: Arthritis, cancer, heart disease and many other health problems haveall been linked to inflammation, and that means curcumin could help alleviate them.

If you like Indian food and have any sort of inflammatory condition, include it in your diet asoften as possible. But there’s no need to limit the use of curcumin to Indian cooking. You cansprinkle it on meats and fish before grilling or while marinating. You can also purchasecurcumin supplements.

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Healing Secret #2: Before you eat another potato – read this…

Once a staple on western dinner tables, the white potato has been shunned as a high-carbfood outcast for the last couple of years.

In desperation, farmers are now trying to introduce a new “low-carb” potato to themarketplace. As with all genetically modified food, our stance here is to be cautious.

Instead, if you simply can’t resist the simple pleasure of the potato, you might reconsider thetemperature at which you eat it, rather than turn to a genetically altered variety.

While most people have been avoiding carbs to induce weight loss, the biggest sin of potatoes- and many other high-carb foods - is their high ranking on the glycaemic index. All foodsimpact your glucose levels when consumed, but high-glycaemic index foods affect it morethan others. And with the rates of diabetes soaring, monitoring weight and glucose levels gohand in hand.

Several factors impact the glycaemic index of a given food: Its fibre, protein and fat content;how much it has been processed, and the way it is cooked. Some researchers have proposedthat a possible fourth factor could be the temperature at which it is served. A recent studymeasured blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels before and three hoursafter eating hot boiled potatoes, boiled potatoes that had been cooled, and that glucose-spiking standby, white bread.

Apparently, the glycaemic index of the hot potatoes exceeded that of the white bread, but wassignificantly lower when the potatoes were served cool.

Of course, these results may not be limited to the potato alone. There are food wars ragingalready about whether cooked food or raw food is better for your health. Beyond just theirglycaemic loads, cooked foods are also suspect when it comes to causing cancer. When foodsare cooked beyond a certain temperature (for potatoes the magic temperature is roughly 120degrees Celsius) they form a cancer-causing agent called acrylamide. Acrylamide levels arehighest in potatos and cereal-based products subjected to heat processing such as frying,grilling, or baking.

But it is not an option (at least an appealing one) to eat potatoes - or a number of other foods -raw. Proponents of cooked foods contend that limiting your diet to raw foods can rob the bodyof some extremely healthy foods that are only edible or palatable when cooked. Also, there’sthe increased risk of bacteria and food-borne illnesses when foods are not cooked to a certaintemperature. But raw food advocates believe that cooking foods taints their nutritional value,and any food that cannot be eaten raw, shouldn‘t be eaten at all.

And if that wasn’t all confusing enough, now we can add temperature to the debate. Staytuned. This new study is certain to stimulate other researchers to see if this finding extends toother foods.

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Healing Secret #3: The simplest way to help slow heart

disease

One recent study on mice with elevated cholesterollevels showed that pomegranate juice slowed theprogression of atherosclerosis by at least 30%.

In another study, pomegranate juice helped increasenitric oxide production in heart cells by 50%. Nitric oxidehelps blood vessels relax, easing blood flow. This effect isn’t just good for your heart - it mayalso be good for your sex life. Increased blood flow is a prerequisite for men when it comes togetting and maintaining erections.

Here’s some heartfelt information. Drinking pomegranate juice may aid the cardiovascularsystem.

Pomegranates may not be the simplest fruit to eat, thanks to their many seeds, but thesestudies used pomegranate juice, which is available in health food stores and even most regularsupermarkets these days. Tests performed in both laboratory mice and in cultured humancoronary artery endothelial cells showed that the juice from the seeded fruit can offer provenbenefits.

So take this information to heart and drink some pomegranate juice.

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Healing Secret #4: Stop sneezing – right now! Here’s how…

A recent study showed that various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) procedures andtechniques are more effective with fewer side effects than anything the drug companies havecome up with for seasonal allergies.

Allergies are a result of an over reaction of the immune system to things in the environment -dust, pollen, animal dander, and often foods and chemicals as well. The most commonsymptoms are sneezing, wheezing, itching and other signs of inflammation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes therapies such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and taichi - all of which can help regulate the immune system and prevent it from over reacting andcausing allergy attacks.

One study with 52 participants who have allergic rhinitis received either weekly acupunctureand Chinese herbal medicine three times a week, or placebo for six weeks. Nearly 85% ofthose receiving TCM improved, compared to only 40% in the placebo group.

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Healing Secret #5: The Arnold Schwarzenegger of antioxidants

With peanut allergies on the rise, more and more people are steering clear of these nutsaltogether. There’s no arguing that peanut allergies can be extremely serious, and if you areallergic, you should certainly stay away from them. But if you’re not, you may want to take asecond look at peanuts.

They’re a great source of protein. And they’re also extraordinarily high in polyphenols - theArnold Schwarzenegger of the antioxidant family. Yes, peanuts are high in fat. But now weknow that, like avocados, they are high in the ‘good’ kind - monounsaturated fat. They alsocontain magnesium, folate, vitamin E, copper, arginine and fibre - all of which are known tolower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another one of peanuts’ virtues is that they contain high amounts of resveratrol. Studies haveshown that resveratrol can inhibit the growth of colorectal tumour cells. Since the other primarysource for this compound is red wine, it’s a challenge for people who don’t drink alcohol to getenough: Peanuts to the rescue!

Roasting actually increases the antioxidant content in peanuts by up to 22%. Since mostpeople prefer roasted nuts, this is a great discovery.

Here are some tips for getting as much benefit as possible from peanuts:

* Instead of eating peanuts doused with too much salt, combine the roasted, unsalted varietywith dried fruits for a tasty snack that is also packed full of polyphenols and other antioxidants.

* Make sure you buy natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugar. Look for brandsmade from roasted, organic peanuts, since conventionally grown peanuts tend to have highpesticide content.

* And if you’d like to indulge your inner child who still yearns for an occasional Peanut Butter &Jam, try natural peanut butter with sliced banana and drizzled with some honey. Believe me,you won’t miss the jam (or the refined sugar it contains) one bit.

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Healing Secret #6: What your doctor may not tell you about prostate cancer prevention

Beta-carotene has been a buzzword in cancer preventioncircles for some time, but that one carotene doesn’t tellthe whole story. Turns out there are 500-600 carotenoids,40 of which can be found in the human diet and only 14of those can be readily absorbed and used in the body.In addition to the popular beta-carotene, which is highly regarded for its ability to convert to the life-sustaining vitamin A, also of health significance is: Alpha carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and lutein.

It has been known for some time that lycopene, another popular carotene, provides protection against prostate cancer. But a recent study has shown that the entire carotenoid family is associated with a reduced cancer risk, prostate cancer in particular. That means more tomatoes, carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, apricots, mangoes, pumpkin, watermelon and the like. Opt for colourful fruits and vegetables and you’ll be on the right track.

Add lots of Brassica vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower too. As with breast cancer, keeping your 2/16 ratio of “good” to “bad” oestrogens in check is important too. Unfortunately, testosterone can convert to oestrogen in a process called aromatisation, which can cause your system to get out of whack. Also, if you’re in a high-risk category, you should also consider taking supplemental selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

While prostate cancer has a much higher survival rate than many other cancers, it’s not to be taken lightly. The truth is that prostate cancer claims 30,000 such lives a year, yet it is almost always treatable when detected early, and is highly preventable by making some changes in diet and lifestyle.

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Healing Secret #7: A cheap, safe solution to help slow ageing

If there were a safe little pill at the drug store that could literally slow the ageing process, who wouldn’t be waiting in line for a bottle? Well, grab the car keys and head to your local natural food store (or even the grocery store if it’s closer), because this amazing little pill already exists, and it’s actually one of the safest and most widely available vitamins around.

Researchers from the University of Florida recently completed a study showing that vitamin E can actually slow down physical ageing. In fact, older men and women who took vitamin E supplements and exercised regularly (but not strenuously) became healthier and significantly decreased their levels of a blood marker that signals the destruction of certain cells by free radicals. That process, known as free radical-induced oxidative stress, contributes to ageing and disease.

The study participants also had a 15-point drop in systolic blood pressure (on average) and about a 5-point drop in diastolic blood pressure, as well as increased weight loss and significant improvement in cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

But even if you don’t exercise, you should still take vitamin E. In fact, the same study showed that sedentary participants who took vitamin E also had decreases in oxidative stress and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure dropped an average of almost 7 points).

You can get vitamin E through diet. A few good sources are spinach, almonds, avocadoes, peanuts, and olive oil. Unfortunately, most people, no matter their age, just don’t get enough from diet alone. If you’re over 40 you should supplement with 800 IU of vitamin E daily – unless you suffer from hypertension or rheumatic heart disease. In these cases, you shouldn’t take more than 200 IU daily without checking with your doctor.

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Healing Secret #8: What EVERY South African needs to know about skin cancer

How do you know the difference between a suspicious spot on your skin that could be the early signs of skin cancer, and those little beauty marks you’ve had your whole life?

The way that doctors have been trained to spot it is to remember a simple ABCD acronym: Asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation and diameter greater than 6mm.

Now, researchers are proposing that an E should be added to the equation – for “evolving.” After looking at dozens of past studies that included 30 subjects or more, authors of a new report found that 88% of patients noted an evolution of their melanoma before it was removed. Enlargement was reported most often, but changes in shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), and shades of colour were also noted. That’s why they’ve chosen the word evolving, rather than enlargement as the basis for the ‘E.’

We’ve been led to believe that if we slather on sunscreen, we’re safe from skin cancer. But this connection doesn’t quite add up, considering that our use of sunscreen has skyrocketed in recent years – from sales of $18 million in 1972 to $500 million in 1996 in the US alone – and so has the incidence of skin cancer. In fact, some experts believe that sunscreen might actually be contributing to increasing skin cancer rates by offering a false sense of security and keeping people from looking toward better protection.

And speaking of better protection, a 1993 study showed a 40% risk reduction in those participants who ate the most fish. It also showed that alcohol consumption might increase risk, as well as high consumption of polyunsaturated fats. The study also concluded that antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, as well as zinc and iron warranted further investigation as possible skin cancer protectors.

So keep an eye on any skin spots – and apply the ABCD and E test to them. Don’t hesitate for a minute to get a suspicious spot checked out by your dermatologist since early detection makes such a big difference in treatment and outcome.

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Healing Secret #9: Why you shouldn’t take melatonin

for jet lag

Crossing multiple time zones can wreak havoc on eventhe most sophisticated flyer’s circadian rhythms, andfrequent travellers have come up with their own solutionsto combat the debilitating symptoms of jet lag. Somework, like avoiding alcohol before and during the flightand getting a good night’s sleep the night before you travel. But a new report from a sleep expert at the New York State Psychiatric Institute says that one method that some people have sworn by for years – taking melatonin supplements – may not be the ultimate answer to resolving jet lag.

While melatonin can help reset the body’s rhythms by shifting your internal clock, it can’t alleviate all the symptoms associated with jet lag – or the stress of travel itself. Things like running through busy airports, altered diets, and sudden weather changes, all of which contribute to the exhaustion and sleep disturbances of jet lag.

Although some people fly long distances and never experience any jet lag, the smart thing to do is try to eliminate some of the stresses of travel by planning ahead so you don’t begin your trip out of breath and in a panic over whether you’ll miss your flight. Pack the night before, eat a good breakfast and arrive early for your flight.

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Healing Secret #10: Add ‘onions’ to your shopping list today

Research has shown onions to have strong anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergicactions, which could be why they are the starting point of choice for the cuisine of so manycultures around the world.

There is also a wide variety of onions, and a recent study shows that all onions are not equalwhen it comes to their healthful qualities. Researchers sought to determine which varieties hadthe highest antioxidant qualities, as well as the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. The varietiesincluded in the study were: shallot, western yellow, New York bold, northern red, empire sweet,western white, Peruvian sweet, Mexico, Texas 1015, Imperial Valley sweet, and Vidalia. (I didn’teven know there were so many.)

The winner was the shallot, a staple in Asian, Mexican, French, and Mediterranean cooking.Shallots had the highest antioxidant activity among the 11 varieties tested, with six times morephenolics than the lowest-ranked onion, the Vidalia.

The shallot also had the greatest effect against liver cancer cell growth, along with the westernyellow and the New York bold, although the latter two were the highest ranked against coloncancer cell growth.

Onions get a bad rap for their effect on breath, and their ability to induce tears during mealpreparation, but this shouldn’t keep them off your shopping list. To combat the tears whenslicing and dicing, chill them for about an hour or so before cutting. This slows the activity ofthe enzyme that produces the allyl sulfate, which is what causes the tears.

As for that infamous “onion breath,” chew a sprig of parsley after any meal containing onion.

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Healing Secret #11: What your doctor may not tell you about lupus

As an autoimmune disease, lupus occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body. Some of the symptoms include mouth ulcers, hair loss, rashes, joint pain, fatigue, high blood pressure, and neurological problems such as seizures. More advanced or acute cases can also involve the kidneys, lungs, and blood vessels, and can cause life-threatening complications.

Lupus occurs primarily in women between the ages of 15 to 44 and according to US stats, the rate in African Americans and Latinos is three times higher than for Caucasians. Although it is less well known in this country, worldwide it is seen as more common than leukaemia, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Official estimates are that about 220,000 people have lupus in this country. Researchers believe there are thousands more cases going undiagnosed because there is less awareness of lupus, many of the symptoms mimic other common ailments, and the symptoms often come and go, making a definitive diagnosis difficult.

They say there is no cure for lupus, but there is a natural option you can try that may help you avoid steroids and minimise flare-ups. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, and of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EFA (eicosapentaenoic acid), all of which are powerful anti-inflammatories. The study also found that fish oil was most helpful with skin and neurological problems associated with lupus. Of course, it takes a combined approach to manage lupus, and no one thing – even fish oil – is the magic bullet. But the point is that there are natural things to try, even for ‘incurable’ diseases.

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Healing Secret #12: The real reason your skin is so dry

An EFA deficiency is one of the most common causes of dry skin. Most patients have found that their dry skin becomes normal again about eight weeks after they start increasing their EFA intake with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cod liver or flaxseed oil per day.

To make sure you’re supplementing safely, you should always accompany any increase in essential fatty acids with additional vitamin E in the form of mixed tocopherols, 400-800 IU daily is a good general range. Also, a small quantity of biotin (2-5 mg daily) has also been shown to boost the effectiveness of EFAs in some cases.

The second most common missing nutrient for skin health is zinc. Studies have shown that zinc can be as effective as tetracycline in clearing adolescent acne. Teenagers and adults with acne can try taking 30 mg of zinc (as picolinate or citrate) one to three times daily, depending on the severity of the problem. Zinc should be offset with a small quantity of copper, approximately 1 mg for every 15 mg of zinc.

As we age, our skin becomes thinner. This is due to a gradual loss of collagen in the underlying layers of our skin – ones that are a little too deep for most collagen-enriched creams to penetrate. However, extra vitamin C can offset the natural loss, since it’s one of the primary building blocks for new collagen. Take at least 1-2 g daily for optimal skin care.

Of course, food allergies can also cause skin problems, as can overconsumption of processed sugar and other foods. But if skin problems are your only indication of a food allergy, it may be better to try increasing your EFA and zinc intake first, before going through a drawn out process of food elimination for allergy.

The best news here today is that when you remedy skin problems from the inside out, you are generally improving all aspects of your health, not just your appearance. When your skin naturally has a healthy glow it’s indicating that your whole body is in good health, not just the top few layers.

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Healing Secret #13: HRT may do more harm than good

Researchers have found that hormone pills seem to worsen urinary incontinence, especially theleakage brought on by sneezing, laughing, coughing or walking.

Women on HRT have more than double the risk of developing this particular type ofincontinence, the study concluded, and the risk was especially acute for those taking pillscontaining oestrogen alone as opposed to the combination pill of oestrogen and progestin.Those taking oestrogen-only pills had a 53% greater chance of developing any type ofincontinence by the end of one year than women who were given a placebo. Women given pillscontaining both hormones experienced a 39% increase in risk.

For those who were already experiencing problems with urinary incontinence, hormones werefound to make it worse. Those taking oestrogen faced a nearly 60% higher risk of worseningsymptoms over the course of a year; women given a combination pill saw their risk climb 20%higher than those taking a placebo.

The findings come from the same US government study that over the past few years has linkedthe drugs to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and dementia in womentaking them to relieve symptoms of menopause. The study followed 27,347 women, ages 50 to79, as part of the Women’s Health Initiative.

This latest finding is particularly startling because it completely contradicted what all of the‘experts’ thought was true: that oestrogen and progestin actually lessened or preventedincontinence in menopausal women.

This is just one more reason to opt for bio-identical HRT instead of the synthetic, problem-laden variety. If you’d like to look into this option, you should discuss it with your doctor.

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Healing Secret #14: Help prevent a fatal heart attack – here’s how…

A recent study shows that individuals with high vitamin K levels experienced a 41% reduction in “incident cardiac heart disease”. This means they had fewer fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, and other forms of ischemic heart disease compared to those whose levels of vitamin K were lower.

Keep in mind, though, that all the research in the world won’t make vitamin K any more profitable for the pharmaceutical industry since it’s a natural substance that can’t be patented or deliver monster profits. So it may not get the recognition it deserves any time soon. But you don’t have to wait around for it to hit the newspaper headlines. You can get all of its benefits now from food sources and supplements.

Vitamin K is largely found in dark leafy greens. As for supplements, there are three forms of vitamin K: K1, K2, and K3. There are also natural and synthetic varieties – and as usual, natural is more effective. Take 5 to 15 milligrams per day. Since vitamin K is fat soluble it must be consumed with at least a small amount of fat to be absorbed by the system.

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Healing Secret #15: Why you may not have to live with painful breasts

Many doctors refer to fibrocystic breasts as the “un-disease”, because even though the lumps can be hard to live with, they won’t kill you, or even make you sick. But they can cause a lot of discomfort. Some women have cysts so painful they can’t lie on their stomachs or even be hugged without pain.

An easy recommendation that’s proven successful for many patients is cutting ALL caffeine from the diet, and supplementing with vitamin E. In fact, in one study, women with chronic fibrocystic breast disease took 200 or 400 milligrams of vitamin E (which equals roughly 444 and 888 IU, respectively) per day for three months. According to the doctor’s examination, 13 of the women showed marked improvement. Similar effects were seen in another group of women who took 600 IU of vitamin E per day.

Take 400-800 IU of vitamin E each day, since it’s non-toxic and seems to help many women.

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Healing Secret #16: What those white dots on your nails really mean

Most people believe that white spots underneath fingernails are an indication of calcium deficiency. But it turns out, that’s wrong.

Nutritional deficiency is a big factor, though in this case, calcium isn’t the culprit. It’s more likely a zinc deficiency. You might be surprised at how much of our health can be affected by not getting enough zinc: Your fingernails are just the beginning.

Zinc plays a significant role in growth and development and is implicated in just about every structural function in the body. It is literally essential to all forms of life. Neurological function and reproduction are particularly dependent on zinc. Deficiencies can have a serious impact and cause skin problems, diarrhoea, impaired wound healing, hair loss, impaired taste sensation, reduced appetite, night blindness, swelling and clouding of the corneas and even behavioural disturbances. In developing countries zinc deficiencies are more common, and often life threatening.

In developed countries, teenagers are at the highest risk of zinc deficiency, since zinc is used at higher rates by the body during times of intense cell growth and division.

But the food highest in zinc – oysters – is probably not going to make it to the top of a teen’s daily diet, unless you can slip them onto a pizza. But other seafood, eggs, liver and beef are also good zinc providers. But with the trend towards vegetarianism that is growing among teens, getting them to take supplements might be the best bet.

The risk of zinc deficiency doesn’t end with the teenage years, I’m afraid. So we’d all be well-advised to keep an eye out for those telltale white fingernail spots – and make sure to get 25-30 milligrams of zinc (picolinate or citrate) into your daily regimen, along with 2 milligrams of copper to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency.

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Healing Secret #17: What cereal manufacturers don’t want you to know

Snap, crackle, thud: That could be the jingle for cereal manufacturers who have tried low-sugarversions of some popular sugar-sweetened cereals.

Reduced-sugar versions of fruity rings, cocoa puffs, and frosted flakes have recently appearedon supermarket shelves, and most consumers who purchase them think they’re buying ahealthier alternative to the super-sweet originals.

But scientists have found that the cereals contain virtually the same amounts of calories,carbohydrates, fat, fibre and nutrients as the original versions. Nutritionists at five universitieswere recently asked by the Associated Press their opinion of these new cereals. Theysuggested that eating low-sugar cereals held no nutritional advantage.

The scientists found that the removed sugar had been replaced with other carbohydrates topreserve the cereal’s crunch. Since the body treats all refined carbohydrates the same, whetherthey are grains or sugars, these low-sugar cereals don’t even benefit people with diabetes.

Bottom line: The cereals are just a marketing ploy. They were introduced recently after themedia began focusing attention on the world’s obesity problem, particularly among childrenand adolescents. Food lobbying groups have frequently cited sugary cereals as part of theproblem, stating that the cereals encourage children to consume empty calories rather thannutritional whole foods.

All the negative publicity forced food companies to come up with new ways to sell theirproducts to a public obsessed with weight-watching and health.

What is the cereal manufacturers’ view on all this? Well, they claim they never said the low-sugar cereals were more nutritious, just lower in sugar. They say they simply are providing avariety of options to buyers who are concerned about the amount of sugar in their diets.

They can sugarcoat it all they want, but the truth is, if you’re concerned about your sugarintake, your best bet is to avoid these cereals altogether.

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Healing Secret #18: Reverse the ageing process without botox

Other than the wisdom we acquire with age, many of us would just as soon do without the many symptoms that crop up as we get older – such as weight gain, fatigue, and decline in sex drive, to name just a few of the most common complaints. Not to mention our increased risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Doctors have clumped many of these problems together into one name – metabolic syndrome. And they are starting to believe that DHEA could be the key to solving many of these problems.

Metabolic syndrome isn’t a disease, but is more a cluster of disorders of the body’s metabolism that often occur together, such as high blood pressure, high insulin levels, excess body weight, and abnormal cholesterol levels that combine to make you more prone to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Doctors believe that as many as one in four adults, and 40% of adults age 40 or older have metabolic syndrome – which is an increase of 61% over the last decade.

The loss of hormones is one of the primary causes of these symptoms, and researchers are trying to assess whether we can safely replace some of those hormones, without increasing our risk of cancer. The hormone DHEA has been one of the more controversial hormones up for replacement consideration. Now, a recent study shows that it might be particularly helpful for certain metabolic conditions, particularly those that cause abdominal obesity.

The study took place over the course of two and a half years, and was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial – the kind that makes it hard for even sceptics to argue with the results. All 56 of the participants were known in advance to have low levels of DHEA. The study concluded that raising the levels of DHEA in these individuals reduced their levels of abdominal fat, and helped to protect them against insulin resistance. Given the prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, the results of this study could qualify as something of a breakthrough.

The thing to remember, though, is that the best approach is to see if your DHEA levels really are low before you start supplementing, and to work closely with your doctor, since there are risks associated with raising DHEA levels too high. However, when used properly, it can be a powerful anti-ageing tool, helping you not only feel better, but avoid some of the more common and dangerous health complications associated with ageing.

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Healing Secret#19:

The supermarket secret to getting50% more from your food

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “the darker theberry, the sweeter the juice.” Well, I’m not sure about‘sweeter’ but new research shows that it may very well be healthier. Purple berries such aselderberry, black currant and chokeberry have as much as 50% more of the antioxidants(known as flavonoids) than other berries.

Berries are known to have the highest concentration of antioxidants among all fruits andvegetables, and there have been studies touting the benefits of cranberries and blueberries,but little research has been done on their dark-coloured counterparts. So researchers analysedthe antioxidant content of several varieties, including black currants, red currants,gooseberries, chokeberries and elderberries. They measured two classes of antioxidants foundin the purple berries, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.

The results showed that chokeberries were the richest in antioxidants, with 1,480 mg ofanthocyanin concentration per 100 grams of fresh berries. Gooseberries had the lowest.

While these berries may not be as common as blueberries or strawberries, that could changeas word gets out of the health benefits of the dark-skinned varieties. In the meantime, you maybe able to find them in health food stores or at local farmers’ markets.

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Healing Secret #20: Natural hangover remedies

Water seems too simple a solution (no pun intended). But it works: Alcohol causes dehydration, so drinking lots of water before bed and throughout the next day will go a long way in curbing your hangover. In fact, some researchers believe that it is the water people drink in order to swallow other purported hangover remedies, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, that makes the difference – not the pills themselves.

The reason you should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen is that they’re hard on your stomach, and so is alcohol. And products containing acetaminophen are hard on your liver too - which doesn’t need any extra strain while it’s working overtime to process all the alcohol you’ve consumed.

If you want to add to your hangover arsenal, I did dig up a few more natural remedies, compliments of Dr Allan Spreen, a member of the Health Sciences Institute Advisory Panel. Dr Spreen suggests taking the herb ‘feverfew’ in place of aspirin to ward off the headache without disturbing your stomach any further. Ginger capsules in a 500mg dose or drinking ginger tea will soothe your stomach. And an extra dose of vitamin B-complex will help, particularly if taken in advance of your night out, but also the next morning if you experience low energy.

Of course, the only sure fire way to avoid a weekend hangover is abstinence. Or at least, moderation, which is technically just one or two drinks over the course of a night out.

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Healing Secret #21: A better (safer) alternative to antibiotics

Tell all the mothers in your neighbourhood that they may be able to toss those antibiotics theirkids have been swallowing for ear infections in favour of a safer treatment. A study in the‘Journal of Infectious Diseases’ reports that all-natural essential oils may be just as effective.

This study compared the effects of essential oils to those of a placebo in rats. The investigatorsfound that the oils eliminated infection in up to 81% of the animals, while the healing rate forthe animals given a placebo was less than 6%.

Topical treatments for ear infections usually aren’t recommended because most are unable topenetrate the eardrum to reach the middle ear. But researchers found that the vapours fromsome essential oils like oil of basil have rapid bacteria-killing effects that may be able to reachthe area and destroy the bacteria that cause pain, infection and sleepless nights for so manychildren - and their parents.

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Healing Secret #22: If your legs are feeling ‘restless’ – keep reading

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) has always been a bit of a mystery, albeit one that affects millions of people. But now a new study has pinpointed at least one of the genes partly responsible for the disorder and its nagging symptoms of burning, tugging or creeping sensations in the legs.

This genetic factor may explain why about half the people who suffer from the disorder also have a family history of it. Individuals with the inherited form tend to be younger when symptoms first begin, although they have a slower progression of the condition.

While symptoms are mainly a factor at night, they can also occur during long stretches of inactivity, such as car trips, airline travel, in meetings or when watching movies. Most people say that the unpleasant feelings can only be resolved with voluntary movement, such as walking or crossing and uncrossing the legs. But there may be something else you can try.

Herbalist Kerry Bone recommends horse chestnut extract for his patients with restless leg syndrome. Horse chestnut extract helps promote healthy blood circulation throughout the body, including the legs. Relieving pressure on the veins in the legs and keeping blood flowing smoothly through them can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS.

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Healing Secret #23: The secret that could protect your brain from memory-loss

I love it when science proves me, and all the other advocates of natural medicine, right. This time the news is about ginseng. A few months ago, I read about how this herb helps stabilise blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes. Now another study finds that it may benefit the brain, too.

Actually, this isn’t the first study to offer evidence of ginseng’s advantage to the brain. Two years ago, a small Chinese trial found that ginseng helped people with stroke-induced dementia improve their memory.

The latest research comes out of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. A team of scientists there found that rats given a concentrated extract of ginseng were protected from the brain-damaging effects of Huntington’s disease.

The study compared a purified ginseng extract against a preparation from the whole root of American ginseng and a preparation of ground leaves and stems of the plant.

In this case it wasn’t the root of the ginseng plant that offered protection. Instead, a concentrated extract of purified ginseng, designed to be particularly rich in three specific ginsenosides, provided the most benefit. It significantly reduced motor impairment and brain cell loss in the Huntington’s-affected rats – and completely prevented mortality.

The research could also have relevancy to other degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.

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Healing Secret #24: The popular fruit juice that prevents tummy bugs

Here is some good news for you if you’ve ever suffered from a gastrointestinal virus. Cranberry juice may offer protection against these pesky and debilitating bugs.

Researchers from St Francis College in Brooklyn found that adding cranberry juice to intestinal viruses in the laboratory seems to render them inactive. Their findings were reported at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta. The scientists became interested in cranberry juice’s antibacterial properties after noting the growing number of studies that show the drink’s power for fighting urinary tract infections in women.

The study tested cranberry juice’s effects in fighting two types of intestinal animal viruses and found that it prevented the viruses from attaching to red blood cells or infecting host cells. And the cultures showed no viral particles after treatment with the juice. It is thought that the juice’s tannins and flavonoids may be responsible for this benefit.

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Healing Secret #25: Want to prevent diabetes? Then do this…

Chromium before and how it helps regulate blood sugar for those with adult-onset diabetes, and also how supplementing with this trace mineral can even help prevent diabetes in the first place. Now I have yet another study on my desk showing even more benefits of chromium for people with type 2 diabetes.

This time researchers used electrocardiograms to measure the heart function in patients with type 2 diabetes who supplemented with chromium. What they found was that a specific measurement on the test showed clear improvement after chromium supplementation, indicating a reduction in heart disease risk.

More specifically, scientists found that the duration of ventricular contraction of the heart muscle in those who took 1,000 micrograms (1 milligram) of chromium picolinate per day was significantly shorter than in those given a placebo. The researchers say that this likely indicates a reduced risk of heart disease.

In the investigation, the scientists studied 50 people with type 2 diabetes who were managing their disease through diet alone. Those in the trial had no evidence of serious complications such as heart or kidney failure. They were randomly assigned to either receive the chromium or a placebo for three months. After the three-month period, the two groups switched and each received the other’s treatment for another three months.

At the end of the first three months, insulin levels were significantly lower in the chromium group than in the placebo group. Their insulin levels stayed down during the second three months of the study when the individuals were only given a placebo, suggesting that the effects of chromium supplementation persisted even after treatment had stopped. The group that received chromium during the second three months of the study experienced a similar drop in insulin levels by the end of the study.

The insulin resistance that accompanies type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Since chromium acts to boost insulin’s effect, it potentially reduces insulin resistance and the subsequent risk of heart disease.

Although the news on chromium continues to be good, always check with your doctor when considering adding a particular supplement.

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Healing Secret #26: A breakthrough in the prevention of Parkinson’s

Bring out the guacamole. According to recent research, eating foods rich in vitamin E – such as avocadoes, olives, and nuts – could lower your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

This news comes from an analysis of past studies examining the role dietary antioxidants play in lowering Parkinson’s disease risk. Although the cause of Parkinson’s disease remains elusive, highly reactive free radicals appear to play an important part in the nerve damage that occurs in people with this disease. Antioxidants – like vitamin E – are nutrients that prevent free radicals from injuring cells.

Researchers at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal reviewed studies published from 1966 to March 2007 that focused on the possible link between Parkinson’s disease and the consumption of the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. While they found no protective benefit from either vitamin C or beta-carotene, they did find evidence that eating a diet rich in vitamin E could lower one’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, by as much as 19%.

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Healing Secret#27:

Boost your performance ‘on thefield’ and off

However you choose to stay active, whether you’rewalking, going for a run, taking a bike ride or working inyour garden, new research says you can increase your energy level with zinc.

According to a recent US Department of Agriculture study, zinc increases performance by helping the body get rid of carbon dioxide, which rises during exercise.

The study involved 14 active men in their 20s and 30s who were placed on a low-zinc diet of just 3.5 mg a day.

After nine weeks the men in the study were asked to perform two types of exercise tests on a stationary bicycle. During one of the tests – a 45 minute endurance ride – four of the men had to stop. Blood tests revealed that they weren’t getting the full effects of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. This is the enzyme that helps expel carbon dioxide from the body.

After six weeks, the men were given a high-zinc diet along with a 15 mg zinc supplement and were asked to repeat the exercise tests. Their performance improved dramatically.

Past studies have associated low zinc levels with poor muscle strength, fatigue, and a lack of speed during exercise. So if you want to boost your own performance, try adding more zinc-rich foods, like red meat, oysters, and beans to your diet or consider taking a zinc supplement. 25 to 30 milligrams of zinc (picolinate or citrate is recommended). Just make sure to balance it with copper. Long-term zinc use can lead to copper depletion, so if you decide to take it, make sure to take 1 1/2 to 2 milligrams of copper every day too.

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Now that you have these 27 healing secrets doctors may not tell you about, you can now look forward to implementing them and feeling healthier and full of energy.

I thought you might also be interested to know we publish Dr Golding’s monthly newsletter called Natural Health Dossier.

Dr Golding's Natural Health Dossier is a dedicated publication covering important health breakthroughs in greater detail as they’re developed to help keep your family healthy by the safest and most effective means possible. Every month, you’ll get breakthrough information about effective diet, vitamins, minerals, herbs, natural hormones, and substances as well as techniques to help prevent and heal illness.

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