Health News:

Hawthorn May Fight Cataract Development

Hawthorn extract, according to a new animal study. In tests on rat pups, scientists discovered that eye drops containing hawthorn extract helped fight cataracts by revving up antioxidant activity.

The world's leading cause of blindness, cataracts develop when fibers in the lens of the eye clump together and result in blurred vision (or complete blindness, if left untreated). In previously published population studies, researchers have found that loading up on lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants found in yellow or dark-green leafy vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats found in flaxseed and certain fish) may help reduce risk of cataracts.

Often touted as a natural remedy for heart health, hawthorn extract has been shown to keep blood pressure in check and prevent atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries) in past research.

Hawthorn May Fight Cataract Development originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 06:00:20.

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For Strong Bones, Girls May Need Vitamin D At An Early Age

To build strong bones, girls may need to start taking vitamin D supplements prior to early adolescence. In a recent study of 73 girls (ages 12 to 14), those who received four doses of 150,000 IU of vitamin D over the period of a year showed no significant improvement in bone health. According to the study's authors, this finding suggests that earlier supplementation is needed in order to make the most of peak bone-building years.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous, which in turn helps support the hardening of bones. Running low on vitamin D may lead to the development of osteoporosis, a condition marked by decreased bone density.

Although vitamin D is available in some foods (such as certain fish and fortified cereals), it's difficult to get your recommended daily intake solely through dietary sources. Your body can synthesize vitamin D during exposure to the sun's UVB rays, but getting too much sun can raise your risk of skin cancer. Therefore, many medical experts recommend taking a daily supplement in order to boost your levels of vitamin D.

For Strong Bones, Girls May Need Vitamin D At An Early Age originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 06:00:52.

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Vitamin E May Shield Brain Health

Filling your plate with foods high in vitamin E may help reduce your risk for Alzheimer's disease, a new study shows.

For the study, researchers sized up dietary information provided by 5,395 participants (all of whom were 55 years or older and did not have dementia between 1990 and 1993). Over the course of about 9.6 years, 465 study members developed dementia. Among the participants with dementia, 365 were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In analyzing their data, the researchers found that study members whose diets were highest in vitamin E were 25 percent less likely to develop dementia. Dietary intake of vitamin C and beta-carotene, however, was not associated with a reduction in dementia risk.

In the study, the major food sources of vitamin E were margarine, sunflower oil, butter, cooking fat, soybean oil, and mayonnaise. The study's authors suggest that vitamin E (considered an antioxidant) may help protect against dementia and Alzheimer's by fighting off free radicals.

Vitamin E May Shield Brain Health originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 06:00:31.

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Zinc Nasal Sprays May Lead to Loss of Smell

Using zinc nasal sprays to soothe cold symptoms may dull your sense of smell, a new study shows.

The study included 25 patients, all of whom had been treated at a nasal dysfunction clinic. The patients reported experiencing a burning sensation immediately after using zinc nasal sprays, followed by a loss of sense of smell within minutes to hours of using the sprays. According to the study's authors, the only "probable explanation for the smell loss is chemical injury due to the use of intranasal zinc." What's more, the study's authors note, previous research suggests that zinc nasal sprays may not be effective when it comes to preventing or treating colds.

In past studies, several other natural remedies have been found to help reduce the duration and/or severity of the common cold. These remedies include herbs like echinacea and astragalus, as well as nutrients like vitamin C.

Zinc Nasal Sprays May Lead to Loss of Smell originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 06:00:33.

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Vitamin D May Reduce Parkinson's Risk

Boosting your vitamin D levels may help shield you from Parkinson's disease, according to a recently published study.

For the study, researchers looked at data on 3,173 older adults, 50 of whom had Parkinson's (a motor system disorder that results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells). Results revealed that study members with the highest vitamin D levels had a 65 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson's (compared to those with the lowest vitamin D levels). It's possible that running low on vitamin D could lead to a chronic loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, the study's authors suggest.

Although there's no known way to prevent Parkinson's disease, some research suggests that getting your fill of omega-3 fatty acids (a type of healthy fat available in supplement form and found naturally in oily fish like salmon and sardines) may also help reduce your Parkinson's risk.

Vitamin D May Reduce Parkinson's Risk originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at 06:00:38.

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Vitamin D May Not Reduce Depression Risk

New research suggests that low vitamin D levels may not be linked to depression. This finding contradicts a number of previously published studies showing that boosting your levels of the so-called "sunshine vitamin" may help reduce your depression risk.

For the study, researchers sized up data on 3,916 adults (age 20 and older). In addition to measuring the participants' blood levels of vitamin D, the researchers assessed each study member's depressive symptoms. Results revealed "no significant associations" between vitamin D deficiency and moderate-to-severe depression, major depression, or minor depression. However, the study's authors note that these findings should be further tested in future studies.

Available in supplement form and found naturally in some foods, vitamin D is produced by the body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Essential to building strong bones and protecting against diseases osteoporosis, vitamin D may also aid in prevention of cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin D May Not Reduce Depression Risk originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 06:00:14.

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Honey May Offer Sweet Relief From Coughs

Honey may soothe coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medications, a new study shows. The study involved 139 children (ages two to five), all of whom were dealing with coughs caused by upper respiratory infections.

For the study, participants received honey, dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), or no medication. After about 24 hours, scientists tested all participants for the frequency and severity of their coughs. Study results showed that the 2.5-ml dose of honey provided greater cough relief, compared to both medications and the control treatment.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds, honey has been found to protect against sinusitis in past research. If you're seeking a natural alternative to cough medication, you may also want to consider marshmallow and mullein (two herbs known to ease irritation in the throat).

Honey May Offer Sweet Relief From Coughs originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 23:27:38.

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FDA Recalls Joyful Slim

The Food and Drug Administration has recalled Joyful Slim, an herbal supplement marketed as a weight-loss aid. In its lab analysis of Joyful Slim, the FDA found that the supplement contains an undeclared and potentially dangerous drug called desmethyl sibutramine.

Known to act as an appetite suppressant, desmethyl sibutramine may significantly increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some individuals. According to the FDA, the drug "may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke." The FDA advises consumers to avoid use of Joyful Slim, and to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Furthermore, any adverse reactions to Joyful Slim should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

If you're seeking natural support for your weight-loss efforts, consider turning to mind-body practices shown to aid in weight management (such as yoga, acupuncture, and tai chi.

FDA Recalls Joyful Slim originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 06:00:03.

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Cashew Extract May Combat Diabetes

New research reveals that an extract of cashew seeds may help fight diabetes. In a series of test-tube experiments, scientists found that cashew seed extract helped muscle cells to absorb blood sugar. According to the study's authors, this finding suggests that cashew seed extract could improve the body's response to its own insulin (a hormone that helps the body use blood sugar for energy).

In people with diabetes, the muscle, fat, and liver cells fail to respond properly to insulin. As the pancreas produces more and more insulin to help blood sugar enter cells, excess blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream. By improving the body's insulin response, the study's authors suggest, cashew seed extract may help keep blood sugar in check and protect against diabetes.

Past studies show that a number of other natural remedies--including ashwaghanda, fenungreek, and bilberry--also hold promise as a means of improving insulin response.

Cashew Extract May Combat Diabetes originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, August 9th, 2010 at 06:00:11.

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Low Vitamin D Levels May Endanger Diabetics

For people with type 2 diabetes, running low on vitamin D may increase risk of death from all causes. That's the finding of a new study of 289 diabetes patients who were followed for an average of 15 years.

By the study's end, 68 percent of participants had died. Looking at data on the study members' vitamin D levels, researchers determined that those with severe vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have died during the course of the study.

Past research shows that older adults with low levels of vitamin D may have an increased risk of dying from heart disease (the leading cause of death in the United States). What's more, maintaining optimal levels of vitamin has been found to protect against high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Since it can be extremely difficult to achieve sufficient levels of vitamin D solely through dietary sources and sunlight exposure, many medical experts recommend upping your vitamin D levels by taking a dietary supplement.

Low Vitamin D Levels May Endanger Diabetics originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 06:00:50.

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