Fish Oil lowers risk for dementia

from www.SecondOpinionNewsletter.com

Did you know that a supplement you’re probably already taking can cut your risk of dementia by 39% or more?

You probably already know that omega-3 fatty acids are great for your heart, your colon, and your lungs. But a new study suggests they’re also a great way to protect yourself from dementia.

A study followed 1,214 subjects for four years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had dementia. During the four years, 65 developed dementia. Having a high EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) level reduced that risk by 31% regardless of depression. Higher arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid that can cause inflammation) compared to another omega-3 fatty acid called DHA raised the risk 39%. And the omega-6 fatty acid was particularly devastating to those with depression.

Omega fatty acids must be in balance. A natural human diet will contain from 4:1 to 2:1 omega 6 to omega 3. The average American intake is 6:1 or greater. This can be very pro-inflammatory, which is a huge risk for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.

There are many ways to increase your omega-3 fatty acids. The best way is to eat a diet rich in chia seeds, flax seeds, cold water fish from Alaska (or other northern waters), and also take supplements. Fish oil supplements, are a great way to get omega-3 fatty acids.

Resveratrol could replace HRT from http://www.wrightnewsletter.com

You’re no stranger to the hazards associated with HRT–the increased risk of breast cancer being just one of them. Some women feel there’s no choice, though–I have family members who won’t give up this risky conventional treatment. The symptoms of menopause are just too much for them to handle, they say.

But as more dangers are uncovered, more safe and natural alternatives are also being brought to light.

And now there’s another one to add to the list.

Resveratrol. That’s right–the miracle substance in grape skins and red wine that could increase our longevity could also replace dangerous HRT and help prevent breast cancer, according to new research.

You see, resveratrol is a phytoestrogen like red clover and lignans (found in soy, berries, and others). Phytoestrogens are nothing new– numerous studies have shown they can reduce cancer risk and help your heart. And resveratrol could prove a very powerful phytoestrogen.

The study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, demonstrated the high antitumor and estrogenic activity of resveratrol. Researchers compared resveratrol to other phytoestrogens and found that it increased cancer-cell death more than any of the others.

It also lowered a measure called the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, which determines the susceptibility of cancer cells to apoptosis (basically cell suicide).

They called it the “most promising candidate as an HRT alternative and chemopreventive reagent for breast cancer.”

Researchers say more investigation is needed to understand how resveratrol suppresses cell growth, but if you want to start taking it right away, Dr. Wright recommends 200–300 milligrams daily.

Sweet relief for recurring ear infections

http://www.wrightnewsletter.com

Q: My poor grandson is constantly getting ear infections. I know they can lead to serious damage later in life—what can be done to help?

Dr. Wright: All physicians skilled and knowledgeable in nutritional and natural medicine have plenty of clinical evidence showing that ear infections can be completely eliminated by doing two things: eliminating refined sugar and eliminating and desensitizing food allergies. But as it turns out, there’s a sweet alternative to sugar that can also prevent this commonly recurrent childhood ailment. It’s a naturally occurring sugar-alcohol called xylitol. In a double blind, placebo-controlled study, children who chewed xylitol gum had 40% fewer ear infections than children taking placebo. Children taking xylitol syrup experienced 30% fewer infections. Of course, be sure to check the label on any product you’re thinking of picking up—if it contains artificial flavoring, coloring, preservatives, or any other chemicals, put it right back on the shelf and leave it there.

More info here: http://www.xlear.com/

Xylitol is available at most health food stores

Acupressure for nausea

P6 marks the spot.

That’s the acupressure point – also known as “Inner Gate” – that relieves nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy.

A 2000 study was published in Oncology Nursing Forum in which 17 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were divided into two groups. One group received standard care, while the other group received standard care plus instruction on how to address nausea by finding and pressing P6.

Another acupressure point known as ST36, or “Three Miles,” was included in the instruction. ST36 is located one hand width below the knee just to the outside of the shin bone, and P6 is located on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, right between the tendons. Rub the most tender spot in the area.

Study results showed that acupressure subjects significantly curbed nausea and lessened its intensity compared to subjects who didn’t use acupressure. Similar results were reported in a University of California study released this summer. In that study, the placebo group was taught to apply pressure to a sham acupressure point. Subjects in the control group said acupressure didn’t do much good right after chemo was administered, but was effective in relieving bouts of nausea over the following days.

Some drugstores carry wristbands (SeaBand) designed with a hard nub that puts pressure on P6.

These points can also work for any kind of stomach upset….motion sickness, morning sickness…anything that disturbs the stomach.

Vitamin D

In a June 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, Austrian researchers checked vitamin D levels in blood tests from more than 3,200 male and female heart patients whose average age was 62. Blood tests were conducted frequently for more than eight years.

Results confirmed the potential danger of vitamin D deficiency. Subjects with the lowest D levels were significantly more likely to die of any cause over the study period. And even when researchers excluded patients with serious heart risk factors, they found that vitamin D deficient subjects were more likely to die of heart-related complications.

Another D study – published within days of the Austrian research – offers very promising results for anyone who experiences chronic pain.

In the June 2008 issue of Pain Treatment Topics, editor Stewart B. Leavitt, Ph.D., reports on a meta-analysis of more than 20 studies that included patients with osteoarthritis, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. Dr. Leavitt reports that most of these patients had insufficient D levels.

Here are three key points Dr. Leavitt uses to summarize his findings:

• “While further research is needed, current evidence demonstrates that supplemental vitamin D can help to resolve or alleviate chronic pain and fatigue syndromes in many patients who have been unresponsive to other therapies.”
• “A 2400 IU to 2800 IU per day supplement of vitamin D3 is proposed as being helpful for patients with chronic nonspecific bone and joint pains and related muscle pain or weakness.”
• “Vitamin D therapy is easy for patients to self-administer, well tolerated, and very economical. Other therapies need not be discontinued during a trial of vitamin D ‘analgesia.'”

Treating and reversing cataracts

By Dr. Jonathan Wright

There is a very effective, all-natural treatment that can help reverse many cases of cataracts in as little as six months.

In a study published in 2002, researchers enrolled 49 cataracts patients. Twenty-six of the participants used eyedrops containing 1 percent N-acetylcarnosine twice daily, 13 research volunteers used a placebo eyedrop twice daily, and the other 10 individuals got no eyedrops at all.

After six months, 90 percent of the N-acetylcarnosine-treated eyes showed improvement ranging from 7 percent to 100 percent in visual acuity, and 88.9 percent showed a 27 to 100 percent improvement in glare sensitivity. And what makes these results even more impressive is that the improvements were sustained over the entire two-year study period—not a single patient taking the N-acetylcarnosine eyedrops had any worsening of vision!

By contrast, the control groups showed significant worsening after both six and 24 months. All the patients taking the N-acetylcarnosine eyedrops tolerated them well, and there were no reports of side effects in the eyes or anywhere else in the body.

Even though the research is technically in the “preliminary” stages, if you have early or moderate cataracts, you might want to consider trying N-acetylcarnosine anyway, for two important reasons: It may work for you, and it’s safe. None of the individuals I have worked with have had even minor side effects, and no adverse effects have been discovered by researchers.

It’s always a good idea to have your eyes checked before starting and perhaps six months to a year later, if for no other reason than to help you decide whether to continue using it if you haven’t noticed a significant difference by then. (But keep in mind that since cataracts naturally get worse over time, if yours stay the same, that’s still progress— although obviously not as much as actual reversal would be.)

The version of N-acetylcarnosine eyedrops tested in the studies is called “Can-C” and is sold through this site:
http://www.antiaging-systems.com/scripts/iasrefer.cgi?SOURCE=WAY1&DESTINATION=canc

Can-C is a remarkable breakthrough, an eye-drop that can reverse senile cataracts and help prevent other eye aging disorders

This product is available at: http://tinyurl.com/wellevate-me-nick-soloway

In the East, particularly in Russia, over the last several years, there has been research into a special analogue of the di-peptide carnosine. This particular form is known as N-acetylcarnosine and it has been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of cataracts.

Senile cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical operation in the world today. There are 1.35 million eye operations each year in the USA, and while cataract surgery is generally recognised as being one of the safest operations, there is a significant complication rate. For example, in the United States 30% to 50% of all patients having cataract extraction, develop opacification of the posterior lens capsule within two years and require further laser treatment.

N-acetylcarnosine eye-drops provide treatment without surgery, and allow the patient to keep their natural lens rather than cope with an artificial one.

The statistics in the human trials show that N-acetylcarnosine eye-drops applied for 6-months twice daily into the eye, in patients all suffering from senile cataract, had the following results:

88.9% had an improvement of glare sensitivity.
41.5% had an improvement of the transmissivity of the lens.
90% had an improvement in visual acuity.

How does N-acetylcarnosine work in the eye:
Cataracts are caused by the hardening and discoloration of the lens due to lifelong cross-linking (glycosylation) of the lens proteins with ascorbate. This persists in the aqueous humor at high concentrations, due to the low availability of natural defenses in the form of anti-oxidants (which decline with advancing age).

N-acetylcarnosine delivers L-carnosine into the aqueous humor of the eye (the fluid area surrounding the lens) where it acts as a natural and comprehensive anti-oxidant, protecting structural lens proteins from the free-radical induced oxidation process.

Using N-acetylcarnosine Eye-drops:
N-acetylcarnosine eye-drops have been shown to have measurable affects within only 1-month of use. However, it is recommended that for maximum efficacy, that administration be continued for a period not less than 3-5 months. In addition, the drops’ effectiveness is increased the sooner they are used after a cataract is detected.

Also, considering that senile cataracts are an on-going aging disorder. N-acetylcarnosine may be required on a regular basis to help maintain the eye’s natural anti-oxidant defenses.

Additional benefits:
Other than senile cataract, N-acetylcarnosine may have other benefits. Although the information is not yet published, the unique N-acetylcarnosine formula with its added and synergistic lubricants, could also provide beneficial results with the following eye-disorders:

• Presbyopia.
• Open-angle primary glaucoma (in combination with beta-blockers).
• Corneal disorders.
• Computer vision syndrome.
• Eye strain.
• Ocular inflammation.
• Blurred vision.
• Dry eye syndrome.
• Retinal diseases.
• Vitreous opacities and lesions.
• Complications of diabetes mellitus and other systemic diseases.
• Contact lens difficulties, particularly with soft contact lenses. (Not only do the lubricants in the Can-C N-acetylcarnosine eye-drop help to make wearing contact lenses more comfortable, but n-acetylcarnosine is also believed to reduce the build up of lactic acid in the eye, thus enabling the lens to be left safely in the eye for longer).

Can-C is the original, high purity, tested and approved brand. If you want assurances about what will work and what will be safe in your eye to use for months at a time, insist on Can-C eye-drops. Can-C is the brand approved and patented by Innovative Vision Products the inventors of this technology.

Further Information:
Dr. Babizhayev explains why other forms of carnosine should not be used in eyes in an interview that can be read by clicking here http://www.antiaging-systems.com/extract/babizhayev.htm

He also elaborates about his discovery and 15-years of research with carnosine. We also recommend reading the latest article about N-acetylcarnosine eye-drops http://www.antiaging-systems.com/extract/nac.htm

For more technical information, links and testimonials. Here you can read everything you need to know about Can-C eye-drops. For example, about why only a certain kind of N-acetylcarnosine is safe, and why only certain formulas are efficacious for long-term use, plus much more beside-go to http://www.nacetylcarnosine.com/index.htm for further details.

Dosage:
As a preventative measure, two drops into both eyes once a day may be a suitable on-going regime. As for treatment, two drops into the affected twice daily is the ideal regime- there is no benefit in exceeding this dose. It is recommended that occasional use of N-acetylcarnosine eye-drops continue even after the reduction/reversal of the cataract to prevent any re-occurrence.

Please use this link to order Can-C as I get a small commission. Thanks, Nick

http://www.antiaging-systems.com/scripts/iasrefer.cgi?SOURCE=WAY1&DESTINATION=canc

Side effects:
To date, no serious side effects or contraindications have been noted in any of the clinical trials.

Binaural recording

Binaural recording reproduces the sound recorded as if you were hearing through someone’s ears. You are familiar with stereo, how the sound can seem to move from left to right and back. In binaural recording the sound can be perceived as if it were anywhere, in front of you, behind you, above and below you. The sound space is essentially spherical. This is a sample of binaural recording. It is a must that you listen to this with headphones on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDTlvagjJA

For more recordings go to my son’s site:

http://www.binauralairwaves.com/

Arthritis and Food Allergy

Foods may play a role in making rheumatoid arthritis (RA) worse. Many patients report such an association, and a new study supports this claim. Researchers evaluated 14 RA patients and compared them with 20 controls. Intestinal secretions showed remarkably higher levels of food antibodies in the subjects than in the controls.

The most common offending foods were milk, eggs, pork, and codfish. Because antibodies to multiple foods were found in each subject, the researchers suggested that many small effects could add up to major symptoms. (Hvatum M, et al., The gut-joint axis: cross reactive food antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. Gut. 2006 Sep;55(9):1240-7.)

Avoid suspect foods and take supplements to help symptoms, such as vitamins C and E, SAMe, fish oil, borage oil, curcumin, and boswellia.

More arthritis info

Some people have suggested that foods from the nightshade family, such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants might contribute to arthritis, this may not be true for most patients. However, some foods might increase inflammation, and others might reduce it.

Foods that contain land animal fat might increase inflammation because of the arachidonic acid that they contain (this is a non-essential fatty acid found in meat and poultry, as well as milk, and is a precursor of prostaglandin E2, which promotes inflammation). Trans fatty acids, from hydrogenated vegetable oils such as margarine and shortening, also increase inflammation. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced inflammation, but it is not clear which specific components are responsible.

The fish oil that you take and the vitamin C may both help to reduce inflammation and reduce arthritis pain. Olive oil and gamma-linolenic acid (from evening primrose or borage oils) enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil. Vitamin E (800-1200 IU daily) also lowers the markers of inflammation, such as CRP, by up to 50 percent.

A number of supplements also help reduce the inflammation or pain associated with arthritis. Curcumin, a turmeric extract (300-600 mg), ginger (250-750 mg), and boswellia (400-600 mg) can all help with arthritis. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) is beneficial in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (200-600 mg). Some combination of a healthy diet and these supplements should be helpful.

The herbal breakthrough easing pain and reversing arthritis

By Kerry Bone

(From http://www.wrightnewsletter.com)

When I first wrote about Boswellia almost 10 years ago, I focused on its role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of course, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition and is quite different from the more common form of the disease, osteoarthritis (OA). And Boswellia appeared to act on a type of inflammation specific to RA, so the thinking at the time was that this herb was only good for this form of arthritis. But over the past few years, researchers have discovered that Boswellia might just work for osteoarthritis after all.

In fact, several studies have shown that Boswellia not only relieves arthritis symptoms, but might actually change the course of OA, slowing its progression and possibly even reversing this chronic disease.

As effective as arthritis drugs—and a whole lot safer

The first trial, published in 2003, was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Boswellia extract in 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. For eight weeks, 15 patients took 1,000 milligrams of Boswellia extract (containing 40 percent of the active compounds, called boswellic acids) while the other 15 took a placebo. Then the groups switched treatments for another eight weeks. While they were taking the Boswellia, all the patients reported a significant decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexibility, and increased walking distance.1 Except for minor gastrointestinal upset, there weren’t any side effects associated with the Boswellia.

But what’s most striking about this study trial is the substantial clinical benefit the researchers observed. For example, in the first eight-week treatment period, the pain index in the Boswellia group fell from 2.7 to 0.26, the loss of movement index was reduced from 2.8 to 0.30, and the swelling index went from 1.1 to zero.

The second trial was a randomized study that compared Boswellia with the drug valdecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor.2 The patients received either 1,000 milligrams per day of Boswellia extract (again containing 40 percent boswellic acids) or 10 milligrams of valdecoxib per day for six months. Boswellia took longer to kick in than the drug, but by the end of the second month, patients in both groups reported comparable relief. And they continued to have equal effects for the remainder of the trial.

But what surprised the researchers was what happened one month after the patients discontinued both treatments. The patients who had been taking the drug were back to square one in terms of their arthritis pain. But even a full month after they stopped taking their treatment, the patients in the Boswellia group were still reporting major symptom and pain relief. In other words, the drug was just masking the symptoms, and while it worked faster than the Boswellia, it wore off just as quickly. The Boswellia was slower to take effect, but those effects were long-lasting, even after the patients stopped taking it. Which suggests that the Boswellia had actually improved the arthritis itself.

The third study was published just last year.3 In this trial, 75 patients with knee OA received either Boswellia extract (containing 100 or 250 mg of selected boswellic acids/day) or placebo for 90 days. The Boswellia offered statistically significant improvement in both pain and physical functioning. And the higher the dose, the faster it worked—in some cases in as little as seven days.

But apart from the fact that Boswellia was effective for OA, this trial provided two other useful pieces of information. First, it showed significant reductions in a substance called matrix metalloproteinase-3, which breaks down cartilage, making OA worse. Again, this suggests that Boswellia could slow down the progression of OA.

Second, this study showed that taking a larger amount of Boswellia early on—a loading dose—offers faster results. I often do this by starting my patients on double the long-term dose for a few weeks (the long term dose, as per the studies, should be about 1,000 mg of extract containing at least 400 mg of boswellic acids). Then, once their symptoms have started to improve, they can taper back to that long-term maintenance dose.

One other way to make Boswellia work even better is to take it with meals, especially a main meal that contains a reasonable amount of (healthy) fat. According to one study, dietary fat appears to make the boswellic acids four times more bioavailable than they are when Boswellia supplements are taken on their own.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a condition of the colon with pockets forming on the intestinal wall due to increased pressure, most likely from constipation. Sometimes food collects in these pockets (like bubbles on a tire inner tube when the outer tire is weak), and this can lead to infection and inflammation, a condition called diverticulitis.

For many years, patients with diverticulosis have been told to avoid certain fibrous foods, such as nuts, seeds, and corn, particularly popcorn. However, this was a theoretical concern, as it “seemed logical” that these foods could get trapped in the diverticula and lead to problems. It now turns out that the scientific data does not support these restrictions (most fibrous
foods are not irritating, and indeed can help move things through the bowel and reduce constipation).

Researchers followed 47,228 men over 18 years and compared those with high nut, seed, corn, and popcorn consumption with those who consumed the least. (Strate LL, et al., Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease. JAMA. 2008 Aug 27;300(8):907-14.) For the most part they found no association between these foods and diverticular disease. However, contrary to “popular” medical opinion, high intake of nuts and popcorn actually significantly reduced the incidence of diverticulitis, by 20 percent in the case of nuts, and by 28 percent for popcorn. In general, high fiber foods are associated with less diverticulosis, and now it appears
that they can help prevent the inflammatory consequences that sometimes occur.

Gum Disease:

In following this information you may be able to reverse gum disease and avoid gum surgery.

Xylitol

One of the things you might try is to chew xylitol gum or use Xylitol mints. Xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to the surfaces of your teeth and gums. So will be less harmful bacteria in your mouth and as a result your gum health may improve.

Xylitol products can be found at most health food stores.

How to use Xylitol ( from http://www.xlear.com/)

It is not necessary to replace all sweeteners to get the dental benefits of xylitol. Look for xylitol sweetened products that encourage chewing or sucking to keep the xylitol in contact with your teeth. The best items use xylitol as the principal sweetener.

How much?
Studies show that 4 to 12 grams of xylitol per day are very effective. Its easy to keep track of your xylitol intake. The “all xylitol” mints and gums contain about one gram of xylitol in each piece. You could begin with as little as one piece four times a day for a total of four grams. It is not necessary to use more than 15 grams per day as higher intakes yield diminishing dental benefits.

How often?
If used only occasionally or even as often as once a day, xylitol may NOT be effective, regardless of the amount. Use xylitol at least three, and preferably 5 times every day.

Timing
Use immediately after eating and clearing the mouth by swishing water, if possible. Between meals, replace ordinary chewing gum, breath mints, or breath spray with comparable xylitol products.

CoEnzyme Q10 (CO Q10)

Coenzyme Q10 has been shown in several studies to have an effect on gum health. The dose was 50 mg a day. After 1-2 months all supplemented study groups showed significant improvement in gum health. You can take more COQ10 than 50mg as it has many other benefits especially for heart health.

Folic Acid

Folic acid as a topical mouth rinse has also been shown to make significant improvement in gum health. Rinsing for a minute twice a day with a 1% solution for four weeks in studies made a major improvement in gum health. I have a product called FOLIRINSE that works well.

Vitamin C

And also make sure that you’re taking enough vitamin C again anywhere from 1000 to 2000 mg a day divided up through the day for better utilization. One of the first signs of marginal vitamin C deficiency is bleeding gums. The main disease of vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, in severe cases of it the teeth will fall out so it makes sense to get enough vitamin C to help with your gum health.

Don’t forget to brush and floss

You may want to try this toothpaste:

THIEVES DENTAROME ULTRA TOOTHPASTE
Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, essential oil concentrate containing peppermint essential oil, Thieves® essential oil blend (a powerful blend of clove†, cinnamon bark†, lemon†, Eucalyptus radiata†, and rosemary†, zinc oxide, deionized water with papain, xylitol, vegetable glycerine, essential oil base (thymol from Thymus vulgaris), Eucalyptus globulus†, and methyl salycilate from wintergreen†, xanthum gum, zinc citrate, Lecithin, and stevioside.

Many of the ingredients in this toothpaste have antibacterial properties to reduce plaque and help prevent gum disease.

You can order this toothpaste from Young Living
https://www.youngliving.org/nicksoloway

The beehive bacteria-destroyer and 3 other herbs that will help keep you denture-free

By Kerry Bone

Between electric water picks and toothpastes promising everything from whiter teeth to an end to tartar buildup, I think it’s safe to say that dental hygiene has come a long way since the days when people gnawed on sticks to clean their teeth. But maybe our ancestors had the right idea all along.

Most commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride. And while it has been touted by the mainstream for decades as the best protection for your teeth, the truth is that there’s just as much—if not more—evidence showing that fluoride actually causes more problems than it solves (not the least of which being that it leads to the formation of abnormal bone crystals, which, in turn, increases your risk of fractures).

Taking a back-to-basics approach to oral health not only protects you from the potential hazards of fluoride and all the other synthetic chemicals in most toothpastes and mouthwashes, but it also does just as good a job of protecting your teeth and gums from cavities, periodontal disease, and gingivitis.

So this month I’m rounding out my series on topical uses for herbs with a few that have some proven benefits for dental hygiene. And just to put your mind at ease, you won’t have to chew on any sticks to keep your mouth healthy and denture-free.

The beehive secret to healthy teeth and gums

The first item on the list is one that has its roots in plant sources, so to speak, but is actually produced by bees. It’s called propolis and technically it is a resin bees manufacture from plants and use as a sealant when they’re constructing their hives. But propolis also has strong antimicrobial benefits against all kinds of bacteria, including ones that cause tooth decay.

In one placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers investigated the effects a propolis extract as an additional treatment after scaling and root planing for chronic perio-dontitis. They found that using the propolis extract in conjunction with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone.

Another double-blind crossover study looked at its ability to fight and prevent plaque buildup. During each 3-day study period the volunteers refrained from all oral hygiene and rinsed with a 20-percent sugar solution five times a day to enhance plaque formation. One group of volunteers also used a propolis mouthwash twice a day while the other group used a placebo rinse. Halfway through the study, the groups switched mouthwashes. At the end of the trial, the researchers found that the plaque index for the propolis treatment was significantly lower than placebo. Propolis toothpastes have shown similar results and both types of products are available in natural food stores as well as from numerous Internet sources.

But if beehive sealant isn’t quite your cup of tea, there are a few other options to choose from, starting with tea tree oil. In one double-blind study volunteers received treatment with either tea tree oil gel, a chlorhexidine gel, or a placebo gel. While the tea tree oil didn’t reduce the participants’ plaque levels, it did significantly improve their gum health, reducing both bleeding and gingivitis.

Candy for gum health?
Most people know of tannins as the substances that cause the infamous “red wine headache.” But tannins are also found in both green and black tea, and several studies have found that the tannins in tea can prevent two of the major types of bacteria involved in tooth decay, Streptococeus mutans and S. sobrinus, from adhering to teeth.

And one double-blind study also investigated the effects of chewing green tea candy on gum inflammation. A total of 47 volunteers were randomly assigned to chew either eight green tea or placebo candies per day for 21 days. At the end of the trial, the green tea group showed improvement while the placebo group had deteriorated slightly.

Blood root beats plaque
Last on our list is an herb that, unlike tea tree oil and tannins, you probably haven’t heard of. But the value of blood root in toothpastes and mouth rinses has been extensively explored by herbalists over the years.
Of course, like studies on most herbs and natural substances, clinical trials have produced conflicting results. But the general consensus is that one particular alkaloid in blood root, called sanguinarine, does help curb plaque formation, although it appears to be more effective as a mouth rinse than in a toothpaste.

One note of caution about blood root: It is a highly potent herb that is best used only for a few months at a time.

A new book is out, called: The Open Focus Brain

This breakthrough book presents a disarmingly simple idea: The way we pay attention in daily life can play a critical role in our health and well-being. According to Dr. Les Fehmi, a clinical psychologist and researcher, many of us have become stuck in “narrow-focus attention”: a tense, constricted, survival mode of attention that holds us in a state of chronic stress—and which lies at the root of common ailments including anxiety, depression, ADD, stress-related migraines, and more. To improve these conditions, Dr. Fehmi explains that we must learn to return to a relaxed, diffuse, and creative form of attention, which he calls “Open Focus.”

To read more about it and listen to excerpts from the CD that comes with the book go to this link…

Balance Training:

A new study shows that balance training prevents reoccurring injuries of the ankle, knee and hip. The best way to start balance training is to stand in a doorway with your hands at either side of the door jamb. Sta nd on one foot and just balance there. Practice using both feet, not just the one that has had injuries.

As it becomes easier try doing it with your eyes closed.

As this becomes even easier stand on a small pillow to make the balancing surface less firm.