Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Anyone can develop Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a fairly common disorder with a range of symptoms affecting the large intestine.  Although women are twice as likely to be affected as men, IBS can be developed at any time. The onset of the disorder can be triggered by many things, including stress, specific foods and hormone levels.These triggers activate certain genes, causing the muscles of the intestines to abnormally contract, resulting in symptoms such as pain, cramping, bloating, excess gas and diarrhea or constipation. It’s estimated that 10-15 percent of adult Americans have IBS symptoms, but only half have been diagnosed.

Managing IBS

Due to the wide range of symptoms that IBS can evoke, there are many different options to manage the disorder. People often experiment with the use of laxatives, pain medications, antidepressants, or other drugs to ease their symptoms. It is well-known that such approaches may help – what is less known is how natural health practices like meditation, breathing exercises or diet can be less expensive and safer options to provide relief.

A Mindful Approach to IBS

Meditation has been shown to be one of the leading alternative health options for managing IBS. For example, one study assessed the effect of a mindfulness training group compared to a regular support group. Seventy-five women with IBS were enrolled for the eight-week-long study, being evaluated before and after the treatment and at the three-month follow-up. Researchers found that following the intervention, subjects in the mindfulness group had greater reductions in symptom severity, and this was found again at the three-month follow-up. The mindfulness group was also found to have greater improvements in quality of life and anxiety. Keefer and Blanchard followed participants from a previous meditation study to determine if their continued meditation practice had any effects on their IBS. At the one-year follow-up, researchers found that the participants continued to show reductions in abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence and bloating – a significant finding as pain and bloating are reported to be the most distressing symptoms of IBS.

Meditation May Alter Genes Involved with IBS

Kuo and colleagues at Harvard recently uncovered one of the ways meditation has been able to relieve symptoms of IBS. As previously mentioned, certain genes can become activated, which can prompt inflammatory cells and the intestine’s immune system, resulting in symptoms. The Harvard researchers assessed the effects on the genes involved in IBS after a nine-week mind-body group intervention involving meditation, yoga, Tai Chi and mind/body counselling. Post-intervention, they found that the expression of 119 genes involved with IBS were altered. This altered expression likely explains participants’ resulting reductions in symptom severity and anxiety as well as scores indicating increased quality of life after the treatment.

Nick’s comment: “An easy way to begin a meditation practice is to use the Heart Math biofeedback method.  Read about Heart Math below.”

HEARTMATH/EMWAVE 2

The heart at rest was once thought to operate much like a metronome, faithfully beating out a regular, steady rhythm. Scientists and physicians now know, however, that this is far from the case. Rather than being monotonously regular, the rhythm of a healthy heart-even under resting conditions—is actually surprisingly irregular, with the time interval between consecutive heartbeats constantly changing. This naturally occurring beat-to-beat variation in heart rate is called heart rate variability (HRV).

Heart rate variability is a measure of the beat-to-beat changes in heart rate. This diagram shows three heartbeats recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Note that variation in the time interval between consecutive heartbeats, giving a different heart rate (in beats per minute) for each interbeat interval.

The normal variability in heart rate is due to the synergistic action of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—the part of the nervous system that regulates most of the body’s internal functions. The sympathetic nerves act to accelerate heart rate, while the parasympathetic (vagus) nerves slow it down. The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS are continually interacting to maintain cardiovascular activity in its optimal range and to permit appropriate reactions to changing external and internal conditions. The analysis of HRV therefore serves as a dynamic window into the function and balance of the autonomic nervous system.

Scientists and physicians consider HRV to be an important indicator of health and fitness. As a marker of physiological resilience and behavioral flexibility, it reflects our ability to adapt effectively to stress and environmental demands. A simple analogy helps to illustrate this point: just as the shifting stance of a tennis player about to receive a serve may facilitate swift adaptation, in healthy individuals the heart remains similarly responsive and resilient, primed and ready to react when needed.

HRV is also a marker of biological aging. Our heart rate variability is greatest when we are young, and as we age the range of variation in our resting heart rate becomes smaller. Although the age-related decline in HRV is a natural process, having abnormally low HRV for one’s age group is associated with increased risk of future health problems and premature mortality. Low HRV is also observed in individuals with a wide range of diseases and disorders. By reducing stress-induced wear and tear on the nervous system and facilitating the body’s natural regenerative processes, regular practice of HeartMath coherence-building techniques can help restore low HRV to healthy values.

In general, emotional stress—including emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety—gives rise to heart rhythm patterns that appear irregular and erratic: the HRV waveform looks like a series of uneven, jagged peaks (an example is shown in the figure below). Scientists call this an incoherent heart rhythm pattern. Physiologically, this pattern indicates that the signals produced by the two branches of the ANS are out of sync with each other. This can be likened to driving a car with one foot on the gas pedal (the sympathetic nervous system) and the other on the brake (the parasympathetic nervous system) at the same time—this creates a jerky ride, burns more gas, and isn’t great for your car, either! Likewise, the incoherent patterns of physiological activity associated with stressful emotions can cause our body to operate inefficiently, deplete our energy, and produce extra wear and tear on our whole system. This is especially true if stress and negative emotions are prolonged or experienced often.

In contrast, positive emotions send a very different signal throughout our body. When we experience uplifting emotions such as appreciation, joy, care, and love; our heart rhythm pattern becomes highly ordered, looking like a smooth, harmonious wave (an example is shown in the figure below). This is called a coherent heart rhythm pattern. When we are generating a coherent heart rhythm, the activity in the two branches of the ANS is synchronized and the body’s systems operate with increased efficiency and harmony. It’s no wonder that positive emotions feel so good – they actually help our body’s systems synchronize and work better.

Coherence: A State of Optimal Function

The Institute of HeartMath’s research has shown that generating sustained positive emotions facilitates a body-wide shift to a specific, scientifically measurable state. This state is termed psychophysiological coherence, because it is characterized by increased order and harmony in both our psychological (mental and emotional) and physiological (bodily) processes. Psychophysiological coherence is state of optimal function. Research shows that when we activate this state, our physiological systems function more efficiently, we experience greater emotional stability, and we also have increased mental clarity and improved cognitive function. Simply stated, our body and brain work better, we feel better, and we perform better.

The Quick Coherence Technique will help you reach the optimal state.

Step 1: Heart Focus. Focus your attention on the area around your heart, the area in the center of your chest. If you prefer, the first couple of times you try it, place your hand over the center of your chest to help keep your attention in the heart area.

Step 2: Heart Breathing. Breathe deeply, but normally, and imagine that your breath is coming in and going out through your heart area. Continue breathing with ease until you find a natural inner rhythm that feels good to you.

Step 3: Heart Feeling. As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing, activate a positive feeling. Recall a positive feeling, a time when you felt good inside, and try to re-experience the feeling. One of the easiest ways to generate a positive, heart-based feeling is to remember a special place you’ve been to or the love you feel for a close friend or family member or treasured pet. This is the most important step.

You can do the Quick Coherence® Technique anytime, anywhere and no one will know you’re doing it. In less than a minute, it creates positive changes in your heart rhythms, sending powerful signals to the brain that can improve how you’re feeling. Apply this one-minute technique first thing in the morning, before or during phone calls or meetings, in the middle of a difficult conversation, when you feel overwhelmed or pressed for time, or anytime you simply want to practice increasing your coherence. You can also use Quick Coherence whenever you need more coordination, speed and fluidity in your reactions.

Inner Balance is a free app for IOS and Android that lets you know how you are doing with the technique. The bluetooth pulse sensor that pairs with the app can be bought here.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=xcGYRQp8As0&offerid=181219.10000069&subid=0&type=4

from Health Info Newsletter April 1, 2018: Irritable Bowel and meditation and Heart Math

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME – Acupuncture

“Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: primary care based pragmatic randomised controlled trial,” Macpherson H, Tilbrook H, et al, BMC Gastroenterol; 2012 Oct 24; 12(1):150. (Address: Hugh MacPherson, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK. E-mail: hugh.macpherson@york.ac.uk ).

A parallel-arm, randomized, controlled trial involving 233 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients found that acupuncture conferred an additional benefit over usual treatment alone. Subjects had IBS for an average duration of 13 years and a score of at least 100 on the IBS Symptom Severity Score (SSS) and received either 10 weekly individualized acupuncture sessions plus usual care (n=116), or usual care alone (n=117). Results showed that at 3 months, the acupuncture group experienced a greater reduction in SSS as compared to the control group, and that this benefit persisted at 6, 9 and 12 months. These findings indicate that acupuncture may effectively provide additional benefit in conjunction with conventional IBS treatment, and that it’s benefits may be sustained over a long term.

I have used acupuncture to treat IBS with success. One of the options is that I teach people to treat themselves with acupuncture… it is a very easy thing to learn. Tthat way treatments can be done on a regular basis without any cost.

From Health Info Newsletter November 26, 2012:: Zinc for Colds, IBS, Avocados, Hearing Loss

Sick every Christmas? Not this year!

Q: Every year, I end up with an awful cold around the holidays. I want to enjoy myself this year. If I do come down with a cold is there anything I do to get rid of it faster?

Dr Wright: Zinc lozenges are one of the best ways to get over a cold FAST — if you’re taking the right ones. One study showed that people taking zinc acetate lozenges got over colds faster (4.0 days vs. 7.1 with placebo), had a shorter cough duration (2.1 days vs. 5.0), and shorter periods of nasal discharge (3.0 days vs. 4.5).

Like I said, though, you have to make sure you’re taking the right ones. And that means checking the label to make sure those lozenges are zinc acetate, not any other kind! It has to do with the way it dissolves — the “acetate” form allows 100% of the zinc to be left behind to do its job — other forms aren’t as effective. In fact, some leave behind close to 0%!

Available at Emerson Ecologics as ZINC LOZENGES (EBY’S ORIGINAL) 30 LOZ (ZIN18)

Treatment with Acupuncture May Provide Additional Benefits to IBS Patients

From Health Info Newsletter November 26, 2012:: Zinc for Colds, IBS, Avocados, Hearing Loss

SOAP IS GOOD

from www.drjanson.com

Common household products that people use to make them safe from infections appear to do more harm than good. Plain soap and warm water are perfectly adequate to clean hands and bodies without the anti-bacterial agents that are added, supposedly to make them more effective. One of the common ones is triclosan. Companies formerly used an antibacterial product called hexachlorophene, but it was suspected of being carcinogenic and caused neurological problems, so it was banned by the FDA in non-medicinal products (such as Dial Soap, which changed to triclosan).

Triclosan is not as effective as hexachlorophene as an antiseptic, but neither is it necessary for routine skin cleaning at home no matter how dirty your hands are. A new study evaluated children’s urinary levels of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), including triclosan, bisphenol A (BPA), and parabens (used as preservatives in many skin preparations, mouthwash, toothpaste, and shampoos, including some found in health food stores). The researchers then analyzed the number of children with allergies to airborne allergens and foods based on IgE antibody levels in the blood.

IgE levels were available for 860 children evaluated as part of the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that the odds of having at least one allergy-related IgE elevation was almost four times higher among male children with the highest levels of urinary triclosan compared to those with the lowest levels. (Savage JH et al., Urinary levels of triclosan and parabens are associated with aeroallergen and food sensitization. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012 Jun 14. [Epub ahead of print])

Parabens were also associated with an increase in allergy sensitization. Although BPA interferes with hormonal function, it was not associated with allergies in this study. It is a common chemical in plastics, including food storage containers (but BPA-free varieties are now available, and the labels will say “BPA free.”  Check labels of all cosmetics and other products to see if they contain parabens. Use non-anti-bacterial soaps and wash hands often, especially if using any public facilities. You can also use hand sanitizers, as they do not contain parabens or triclosan.

Cataracts

Q: Are there any natural products that can get rid of cataracts?

Dr. Wright: In a study published in 2002, researchers enrolled 49 cataracts patients. Twenty-six of the participants used eyedrops containing one 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 still 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”

To order Can-C please go to this site: http://tinyurl.com/wellevate-me-nick-soloway

Health Info Newsletter October 21, 2012:: Soap, Probiotics, Cataracts

Probiotics Useful in Reducing Hayfever and Respiratory Allergies  

DoctorMurray.com

Background:
Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dander, and dust mites, can lead to hayfever and asthma symptoms. There is some evidence that probiotics may be helpful in preventing and treating these allergic conditions. Specifically, studies have shown that giving probiotics (active cultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species) to children lowers the risk of developing allergies. Some of this protective effect may be mediated by the action of probiotics increasing the level of an antibody (mucosal IgA) that lines the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract that participates in the neutralization and elimination of allergens.

Benefits of Probiotics Confirmed by Clinical Research:
Promotion of Proper Intestinal Environment
Stimulation of Gastrointestinal Tract and Systemic Immunity
Prevention and Treatment of:
Antibiotic-induced Diarrhea
Urinary Tract Infection
Vaginal Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis
Eczema
Food Allergies
Cancer
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s Disease
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Lactose Intolerance

New Data:
Children with a history of allergies and current symptoms of hayfever and upper respiratory allergies were given either a probiotic supplement providing 4 billion colony forming units of Lactobacillus salivarius (n=99) or a placebo n=100) daily 12 weeks. Symptoms were scored in each subject 2 weeks prior to treatment initiation (visit 0), at the beginning of the treatment, then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting treatment. Results indicated quite clearly that the probiotic treatment reduced symptoms of allergies as well as in the use of allergy medications. This study indicates that probiotic supplementation is an important consideration in children with allergies.

Reference:
Lin TY, Chen CJ, Chen LK, Wen SH, Jan RH. A Randomized Prospective Double Blind Controlled Trial of the Effect of Probiotics on Allergic Rhinitis Confined to Df, Dp or Dust-sensitive Children. Indian Pediatr. 2012 Jun 10. pii: S097475591100603-1. [Epub ahead of print].

Health Info Newsletter October 21, 2012:: Soap, Probiotics, Cataracts

Why you need to eat flaxseed, not just the oil  from…

SecondOpinionNewsletter.com

Flaxseed oil is one of the few oils I recommend you take on a regular basis. But, as you may know, I’m a huge fan of the whole food. And new research gives us ample reason to eat the actual flaxseed. It can significantly reduce your cholesterol.

In a recent study, researchers conducted a randomized controlled study on 30 men with high cholesterol. They found that flaxseed lignans significantly reduced their LDL and improved their LDL/HDL ratio.

While that’s impressive enough, the lignans did even more. They also improved their liver enzymes count. This suggests that these plant compounds can and will protect your liver.

In my book, flaxseed is a superfood. Lignans are phytoestrogens, which have significant healing and preventive properties when ingested. They are found in the hull of the flaxseed, not in the oil. So if you’re just taking the oil, you’re missing out.

Men, don’t worry, the estrogen won’t grow breasts on you. In fact, phytoestrogens activate the beta estrogen receptor in your prostate and other organs (like your brain). This can be incredibly beneficial for preventing prostate disease and preserving your brain.

And women? You don’t have to worry either. Phytoestrogens are not likely to stimulate breast cancer. In fact, they seem to actually prevent it. Many of my colleagues use phytoestrogens, especially from soy, to treat breast and other cancers as well.

In addition to eating flaxseed, you can get flax lignans in supplement form at http://www.lignans.net.Their product contains 33 mg per capsule and the dose in this study was 100 mg. So, you’ll need three capsules per day.

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed

Keep That Runner Running

from Jonathan Wright, MD

Q: My husband was devastated when his doctor gave him a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in both hips. He’s an avid runner, and can’t imagine having to give it up. Is there anything we can do?

Dr. Wright: My first suggestion to all osteoarthritis sufferers is to eliminate nightshade vegetables — such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, paprika, and eggplants — from the diet. I also suggest 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate three times a day — but stay away from chondroitin, since it may increase the risk of prostate cancer. A separate note of caution, in people with diabetes, glucosamine may elevate blood sugar.

Along with the glucosamine, I recommend 1,000 milligrams of niacinamide three times daily. Many people report complete relief of their pain and swelling within three or four weeks of taking niacinamide.

Also quite effective, yet largely unknown to many, is boron. I advise taking 3 milligrams twice daily. As an added bonus, boron also is a treatment for osteoporosis and aids in cancer prevention.

If adjusting the diet and these supplements don’t bring relief, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may be worth trying. It can be expensive, but some patients — though not all — have been helped by it. I usually recommend 400 milligrams once or twice daily. These supplements are all safe and natural, and I have been recommending them for years to relieve arthritis pain with great success.

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed

Curcumin May Prevent Diabetes

Curcumin is a derivative of turmeric, a common spice in South Asia and a standard component of curry powders. It has numerous healthful properties. Consumption of curcumin is associated with a decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. A new study shows that it can also help prevent diabetes.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 240 subjects with pre-diabetes, researchers gave either curcumin or placebo capsules for nine months. They assessed the progression of their condition to diabetes and also did other testing. This included changes in beta-cell function (the cells that produce insulin), insulin resistance, C-peptide levels, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. (Chuengsamarn S, et al., Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2012 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print])

After nine months, 16.4 percent of the placebo group were diagnosed with diabetes, while none of the curcumin treatment group developed the disease. The curcumin group also had lower insulin resistance, better beta-cell function, and lower C-peptide levels. Curcumin is one of many natural treatments for diabetes and its prevention. These include high-fiber diets and exercise, and supplements of chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, cinnamon, milk thistle (with standardized amounts of silymarin), and coenzyme Q10.

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed

Tinnitus: Can Melatonin Stop the Ringing?

Background
Tinnitus refers hearing a constant ringing, roaring, clicking or hissing sound. It is Millions of people in the U.S. have tinnitus. People with severe tinnitus may have trouble hearing, working or even sleeping. Causes of tinnitus include hearing loss, exposure to loud noises or medicines (particularly Valium-type drugs [benzodiazepines]). Tinnitus may also be a symptom of other health problems, such as allergies, high or low blood pressure, tumors and problems in the heart, blood vessels, jaw and neck.

Treating Tinnitus
Treatment depends on the cause. If it is due to barotraumas from long-term exposure to load noise or music, scuba diving, or other causes of damage it is more difficult to treat. Magnesium supplementation may help, however. Other natural medicines that have been shown to be useful include:

• Zinc supplementation can relieve or eliminate tinnitus in those with zinc deficiency – a common occurrence in many cases of tinnitus.
• The results double-blind studies with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) are contradictory. People with recent-onset tinnitus are more likely to respond to GBE compared to those who have had tinnitus for at least 3 years.
• Forty-seven percent of patients with tinnitus are deficient in B12. Many people with low B12 levels experience complete resolution of their tinnitus when given methylcobalamin. Take 2000 mcg twice daily for one month and then reduce it to 1000 mcg daily as a maintenance dose.

New Data:
A previous study demonstrated that 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime significantly improved tinnitus as well as sleep quality. In a new double-blind, crossover clinical trial 61 adults with chronic tinnitus were randomized to receive 3 mg melatonin or placebo nightly for 30 days followed by a 1-month washout period before switching over to the other treatment. Results demonstrated very convincingly that melatonin was associated with a statistically significant decrease in tinnitus intensity and improved sleep quality in these patients with chronic tinnitus. Melatonin was most effective in men, those without a history of depression, those who have not undergone prior tinnitus treatments, those with more severe and bilateral tinnitus, and those with a history of noise exposure.

Reference:
Hurtuk A, Dome C, Holloman CH, et al. Melatonin: can it stop the ringing? Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2011 Jul;120(7):433-40.

Green Tea Extract and L-Theanine Improve Mental Function

Background:
L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, helps reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep. L-theanine is found in tea leaves in low concentrations (less than 2 percent), which means that effective dosage levels (of 100 – 200mg/day) cannot be delivered from drinking tea. Recently, animal studies and human studies have shown that a high dose of L-theanine (100 mg) combined with caffeine about at the level of a single cup of tea (40 mg), can help to improve attention, memory, and cognition.

L-Theanine Actions
There is no question that caffeine increases alertness, but this effect comes at a price. L-Theanine appears to counteract some of the stimulatory effects of caffeine while exerting benefits of its own. Some of the effects noted for L-theanine include:

• Increasing brain serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels.
• Binding to various brain receptor sites.
• Improving learning and memory in animal studies.
  • • Positive results in double-blind studies showing it:
    • Reducing feelings of stress.
    • Improves the quality of sleep.
    • Diminishes the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome
    • Increasing the production of alpha brain waves

   

L-theanine is a very is a popular ingredient in function foods and beverages as well as dietary supplements designed to produce mental and physical relaxation, without inducing drowsiness.

New Data
In a study of 91 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjects were given either the green tea-theanine combination or a placebo. Neuropsychological tests (Rey-Kim memory test and Stroop color-word test) and electroencephalography (EEG) were conducted to evaluate the effect of green tea-theanine on memory and attention. The results demonstrated that the green tea-theanine product led to improvements in memory and attention. The EEG tracings indicated an increase in brain theta waves, an indicator of cognitive alertness.

Reference:
Park SK, Jung IC, Lee WK, et al. A combination of green tea extract and l-theanine improves memory and attention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Med Food. 2011 Apr;14(4):334-43.

Search for both green tea and Theanine, there is more info here.

“A Randomized, Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Chandran B, Goel A, et al, Phytother Res, 2012 March 9; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Nirmala Medical Centre, Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India).

In a randomized study involving 45 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation with 500 mg/d curcumin (an active agent found in the yellow curry spice, turmeric) was found to be associated with significant improvement in symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Subjects were randomized to: a) curcumin (500 mg/d); diclofenac sodium (50 mg/d); combination of curcumin and diclofenac sodium. Subjects in the curcumin alone group showed the greatest improvements in Disease Activity Score and American College of Rheumatology criteria for reduction in tenderness and swelling of joint scores. Curcumin was found to be safe and no adverse effects were noted. The authors conclude, “Our study provides the first evidence for the safety and superiority of curcumin treatment in patients with active RA, and highlights the need for future large-scale trials to validate these findings in patients with RA and other arthritic conditions.

Here is a very good article on using Lavender and its use in anxiety and depression both as aromatherapy and orally. The oral form is Lavela WS 1265 60 softgels and can be purchased through Emerson Ecologics. See the top of the page on how to order.

http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2012-02/lavender-oil-anxiety-and-depression-0

From Health Info Newsletter July 13, 2012: Tinnitus, Green Tea/brain function, Rheumatiod Arthritis, Lavender & mood

Red Clover for Menopausal Symptoms

Red Clover Isoflavones in Postmenopausal Women: Skin, Appendages, Mucosal Status

“Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women,” Lipovac M, Chedraui P, et al, Obstet Gynecol Int, 2011; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Public Teaching Hospital Korneuburg, 2100 Korneuburg, Austria).

In a crossover, placebo-controlled study involving 109 postmenopausal women, supplementation with red clover extract isoflavones was found to improve scalp hair and skin status, libido, mood, sleep, and reduce tiredness.

Subjects were randomized to: 2 daily capsules of the red clover extract (80 mg), or placebo, for a period of 90 days, after which the interventions were crossed over (after a 7 day washout period). Subjective improvements in scalp hair and skin status, libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness were found after supplementation with red clover extract.

No significant differences in urinary complaints, nail, body hair, and oral/nasal/ocular mucosa were found. Subjects in the red clover extract group reported higher overall satisfaction. The authors conclude, “RCE supplementation exerted a subject improvement of scalp hair and skin status as well as libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness in postmenopausal women.”

Red Clover Isoflavones and Vasomotor Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

MENOPAUSE, VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS, HOT FLASHES, NIGHT SWEATS – Red Clover Isoflavones

“The effect of red clover isoflavone supplementation over vasomotor and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women,” Lipovac M, Chedraui P, et al, Gynecol Endocrinol, 2012 March; 28(3): 203-7. (Address: Martin Imhof, General Public Teaching Hospital Korneuburg, Wiener Ring 3-5, A-2100 Korneuburg, Austria. E-mail: martin.imhof@meduniwien.ac.at and martin@imhof.at ).

In a placebo-controlled study involving 109 postmenopausal women aged 40 years or older, supplementation with red clover isoflavones (80 mg/d) for a period of 90 days, was found to be associated with reducing daily hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms and overall intensity of menopausal symptoms.

Specifically, subjects were randomized to 80 mg/d red clover isoflavones or placebo for a period of 90 days, after which the interventions were crossed over (following a 7 day washout). Supplementation with red clover isoflavones was associated with significant reductions in daily hot flashes, night sweats, and overall menopausal symptom intensity, while placebo was associated with increases in all indices.

The authors state, “Red clover isoflavone supplementation was more effective than placebo in reducing daily vasomotor frequency and overall menopausal intensity in postmenopausal women.”

From Health Info Newsletter February 24, 2012: GMOs, Red Clover for Menopause, Green Tea