Sunday, May 24, 2009

Probiotics may reduce eczema risk by 60 per cent

Probiotics literally mean "in support of life" much as antibiotics are "against life" in that they were designed to kill bacterial infections. Probiotics are also known as "good bugs" or "friendly flora" and they live in the intestinal system. There are about 3 lbs of them in the average healthy adult and there are more of them than there are cells in the body. Most people know acidophilus but there are many more types and they have different functions. They are critical for digestion and absorption, immune function, and more.

In this study they showed effectiveness in preventing eczema in infants by 58%. Many health problems have the gut as a point of initiation. The skin is the body's largest organ and eczema is an external manifestation of an internal probiotic imbalance. This study also shows the general importance of how good nutrition impacts the body in a positive way. The body's built in intelligence knows what to do with the right raw materials it needs to function.

Magnesium may benefit blood pressure in hypertensives

Without minerals vitamins are useless and magnesium is an important mineral for many body functions. It's critical for enzymatic reactions involved in energy production, assists with the uptake of calcium and potassium, helps with nerve transmission, and helps the body maintain a normal pH.

Now researchers find that it helps reduce hypertension and the risk of diabetes.

The form you take is important for bio-availability and to prevent magnesium associated diarrhea. I recommend magnesium citrate to my patients.

Magnesium can be found in a wide variety of foods, especially dairy, fish, and meat. It can also be found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds, and beans.

Magnesium is depleted by alcohol, diuretics, fluoride, high fat and protein consumption, and excess Vitamin D and zinc. Foods high in oxalic acid such as almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach, and tea also hinder absorption of magnesium. These foods need not be avoided as part of a healthy diet.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Popular Cancer Drug Linked To Often Fatal Brain Virus

What's worse? Cancer or having your brain eaten away by a virus that's caused by the cancer drug you're taking?

While this drug seems to be right on target for lymphoma it's tied to death due to brain virus. And it belongs to a class of drugs which have also been connected to brain death (PML). It's drug relatives have already been pulled from the market.

Do yourself and favor and get yourself a toxicity test. Then detoxify through diet, chelation, etc. You have an immune system that should function properly but in today's world it may be overburdened and need some help.

Most of all don't wait until you have some type of symptoms. You must be proactive and informed regarding your health!



ScienceDaily (2009-05-18) -- A new study links use of the popular cancer drug rituximab to a swiftly moving and often fatal viral brain infection called PML. Rituximab is the most important and widely used cancer drug for lymphoma. It is also approved for rheumatoid arthritis and is widely used off-label to treat multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and autoimmune anemias. The results indicate a greater need for caution in prescribing the drug.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518161158.htm#