“AI” on the rise: The autoimmune epidemic

Autoimmune (AI) disorders are among the most difficult diseases of our modern age, and their rates are skyrocketing. Beyond the life-sapping symptoms, there’s the element of betrayal. Instead of defending the body, the immune system goes rogue, attacking joints, organs, tissues, even the brain, causing inflammation and destruction.

In the U.S., as many as 23 million people, mostly women, suffer from more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases. These conditions often share vague symptoms, at least in the beginning: fatigue, mild fever, difficulty concentrating, allergies and unexplained pains. Misdiagnoses are extremely common and all too often the disease is blamed on psychological factors.

For many, a clear diagnosis comes at the end of a long road of struggle and self-doubt.  And once diagnosed, treatment options are limited.

Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for autoimmune disorders. Most AI therapies are designed to control symptoms rather than address causes – because we still don’t conclusively know what those underlying causes are. Conventional treatments suppress flare ups and include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune suppressors and other medications – all of which can have significant side effects.

The good news in that there are a handful of holistic approaches that can help manage these conditions and reduce disease severity, help control a rogue immune system and ease some of the discomfort.

What’s happening to the body

On the simplest level, autoimmune diseases can be viewed as the result of a communication breakdown. For some reason, immune cells lose the ability to differentiate between healthy tissue and disease-causing invaders. In type 1 diabetes, for example, immune cells destroy pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin and keep blood sugar under control.

All autoimmune conditions share this theme of self-destruction: Addison’s disease, lupus, celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis; the list goes on. They’re all a result of attack on specific tissues by an out-of-control immune system.

Theories abound

Until recently, many scientists felt that autoimmune disorders were caused entirely by genetics. However, continuing research is showing that it’s much more complex. The saying, “genetics may be the gun, but it’s the environment that pulls the trigger” has gained a lot of traction in this field.

There’s increasing evidence that chronic exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins can increase a person’s risk of developing one of these disorders. For example, lupus clusters have been observed in farmworkers heavily exposed to specific pesticides, and in other areas of increased toxin exposure.

In general, there’s a growing belief among scientists and doctors that our accumulated exposure to toxins is sending the immune system into overdrive, particularly in sensitive individuals.

The potential role of bacteria

Researchers have suspected that bacteria and other pathogens may also play a role in AI diseases. In some cases, an infection may start off with a normal immune response, but escalate into an overreaction that becomes chronic.

Other research is showing that bacteria found in the gut, our individual microbiome, may play a significant role in AI diseases. We know that the species of gut bacteria varies greatly between individuals and even cultures (pun intended). One study conducted by Harvard, Sloan-Kettering and NYU showed an association between the bacterium Prevotella copri and rheumatoid arthritis. They found P. copri in 75 percent of stool samples from patients who had just been diagnosed with RA, but only in 21 percent of samples from healthy people. This is a fascinating area of research which one day may open the door to innovative forms of treatment.

Why women?

Women are three times more likely to develop an autoimmune condition, and women of childbearing age seem to be at particular risk. Once again, we don’t understand the mechanisms involved, but hormonal influences are suspected to play a role. Toxins are known to bind to estrogen receptors, so there may be hormonal dysregulation fueling the reaction.

Stress may also be a factor, triggering cascades of pro-inflammatory hormones. Women who are juggling career, family, etc. are particularly at risk for the type of chronic stress that keeps the body in overdrive mode, which in turn may contribute to autoimmune conditions.

On a mind-body level, modern society pushes women to be more critical of themselves and to sacrifice their own needs. When viewed from a holistic perspective, this type of “self-sabotage” is similar to what’s happening on a cellular level in AI diseases. Being mindful of this burn-out risk and taking time to practice loving self-care can benefit people struggling with autoimmune conditions — both men and women.

Managing an autoimmune condition

With limited conventional treatment options — none of which address root causes — a holistic approach is an important part of effective AI management. This includes diet, exercise, stress reduction, trigger avoidance and targeted supplementation.

An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle form the basic foundation for health — in AI disease, this approach is a must. Emphasize organic produce and meats, lean protein, lots vegetables, some brightly colored fruits, healthy fats, raw nuts and seeds and unprocessed foods. I particularly recommend cruciferous vegetables which, when metabolized, produce a compound called DIM that helps maintain hormone balance. In addition, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, chard, kale and cabbage are excellent detoxifiers. A recent study found that a drink made from broccoli sprouts helped remove the highly prevalent toxin, benzene.

Sugar is inflammatory, so be sure to limit intake as much as possible. The same is true of alcohol, caffeine and gluten, as well as processed foods full of inflammatory chemicals.

Addressing food sensitivities/allergies is also a must, as certain foods can be powerful inflammatory triggers that damage the protective gut lining where much of our immune activity takes place. An elimination diet is a good first step, but this is an area best explored with a qualified healthcare provider.

It’s also a good idea to support our microbiota by incorporating fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchee. These are rich in nutrients, enzymes and healthy bacteria to help balance the immune system.

Sleep is another critical component to address. Research continues to show the profound impact of restful sleep on all areas of health. Melatonin, the master sleep hormone produced in response to darkness, triggers a cascade of signals that influence neurological, hormonal, immune, cellular function and more. It makes sense that when we are in tune with our natural circadian sleep/wake cycles, that our other systems are better able to maintain proper balance.

Meditation and meditative practices like yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gong have shown benefit for sleep disturbances, and have a favorable impact on the immune system. Since these practices lower inflammatory stress hormones, they can be a very effective part of a daily routine for managing an autoimmune condition.

In addition, I always urge my patients to identify and avoid personal inflammatory triggers that cause their symptoms to flare up. These can be highly individual: dust, molds, animals, certain foods, or a specific household product.

Medicinal mushrooms

You may have heard that medicinal mushrooms are immune boosters, which is true. But that’s only part of the story. They actually seem to train the immune system to respond appropriately.

If all mushrooms did was gear up the immune system, it wouldn’t make sense to use them to combat an autoimmune response. So it’s important to understand that mushrooms are more immune modulators than immune boosters. They can be useful both to accentuate an underactive immune response, and to tamp down an overactive one. In other words, medicinal mushrooms have the innate ability to help the body find immune balance. In addition, mushrooms can be quite helpful in any detoxification regimen, as their porous structures tend to absorb toxins. I recommend reishi, coriolus, cordyceps, polyporus, agaricus and others.

Tibetan herbal formula

Botanicals and herbs that regulate inflammatory responses in the body are also important in the management of AI diseases, along with antioxidants to mop up free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. I especially recommend a Tibetan herbal formula to regulate healthy immune responses and balance inflammatory signaling. Nutrition and homeopathy can help in this area as well.

Modified citrus pectin

Emerging research is identifying one of the most important botanicals for addressing numerous chronic, inflammatory conditions:  modified citrus pectin (MCP), made from the pith (white inner portion) of citrus peels. MCP is a form of pectin that has been broken down into smaller particles to enable it to pass from the digestive system into the circulation and exert system-wide benefits.

For those suffering from autoimmune conditions, MCP is an excellent detoxifier, gently removing heavy metals, dioxins and a variety of other toxic compounds. MCP also serves another important function by inactivating a protein called galectin-3, which is often elevated in people with chronic inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune disease. By blocking harmful galectin-3 signals, MCP reduces inflammatory stimulation. Elevated galectin-3 has also been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, organ fibrosis and damage (a hallmark of autoimmune diseases) and other pro-inflammatory conditions.

In addition to these targeted supplements, other herbs and spices can also help control inflammation and promote healthy immune responses. Ginger, rosemary, garlic and turmeric are some top recommendations. These can be incorporated into meals, or taken in supplement form for more concentrated effects.

The AI toolkit

Many people have made significant improvements in their autoimmune conditions by taking the reins and committing to anti-inflammatory dietary changes, targeted supplements, and nourishing lifestyle practices. Each healthy modification adds to a more balanced life, bringing more energy and stamina and an immune system that works for us, rather than against.

For more health and wellness information, visit www.dreliaz.org.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/ai-rise-auto-immune-epidemic/

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Cancer Patients - Meditation and Therapy Sessions

Newsletter #537

Lee Euler, Editor

27 September 2015

Cancer Patients See Changes at the Cellular Level From Meditation and Therapy Sessions

It’s been about a year and a half since I wrote to you about spontaneous remission and the power of mind-body medicine (see Newsletter #398).

I’m happy to report some fantastic things are taking place in this field. Scientific research is showing strong support for the therapeutic value of meditation and similar practices, and more health practitioners are embracing them.

In fact, scientists now know that healthy changes take place at the level of individual cells if you engagee in these practices. Keep reading for the full story. . 

Newsflash: Meditation improves physical wellness

It’s pretty well-known that meditation and other mind-body therapies provide emotional benefits, such as helping you de-stress and develop a more positive outlook on life. But recent research shows that meditation also produces measurable physical benefits, especially if you’re a cancer survivor.

I’m referring to some fascinating findings recently published in the journalCancer. In a randomized, controlled study, researchers examined whether mindfulness-based cancer recovery helps breast cancer survivors on a physical level.

The researchers worked with three groups of breast cancer survivors: A control group, plus two groups who received interventions involving mind-body therapies.

One of the groups was trained in mindful meditation and gentle Hatha yoga. Each week for eight weeks, participants attended an hour-and-a-half session. They were also asked to practice their meditation and yoga at home, daily, for 45 minutes at a time.

The second group underwent group therapy with a focus on emotional expression. They met once a week for an hour and a half in a group setting where they were encouraged to talk and share their concerns and feelings.

The control group attended a single, six-hour stress management seminar.

There were 88 participants in all, and each had completed their treatment at least three months prior to the study. All were over age 55 and had experienced significant levels of emotional distress (a requirement to participate in the study).
 

You could see the results in their cells

The results of the study were striking. Researchers measured telomere length of the participants over a three-month period and found that both of the groups who received longer-term psychosocial interventions had a trend toward maintaining their telomere length. Those in the control group saw their telomere length decrease.

This is incredible for several reasons. Telomeres are the protein caps at the ends of your chromosomes. They basically keep the ends of your chromosomes from deteriorating, much the same way the caps on the ends of shoelaces keep them from unraveling.

Recent studies show that telomere length affects the pace of aging and the onset of disease, so you really want to keep those chromosomal tails as long as possible. Interestingly, telomere length has also been associated with breast cancer prognosis.

Though a lot of questions about telomeres remain unanswered, one thing that’s clear is that they’re somehow involved in regulating disease. The longer your telomeres, the more likely you are to be protected from several diseases, including cancer. So it’s a huge breakthrough if simple meditation and related practices can keep your telomeres from shortening.

Proof the mind-body connection really does exist

The fact that mental and emotional states can affect the body’s biomarkers is nothing new. Stress is a prime example, as it activates the release of cortisol and other stress hormones and makes you more likely to catch infections like colds and viruses. Depression is known to be associated with heart disease and inflammation in the immune system.

What is yet to be determined is exactly how these emotions affect you on the cellular level, and in particular your telomere length. But at least now we know there’s a direct connection, and that’s more than half the battle.

Admittedly, this isn’t the first time mindful meditation has been connected to a cellular response. In a 2013 study conducted by a group of researchers spanning Wisconsin, France, and Spain, it was found that mindfulness can limit the “expression” of genes associated with inflammation.

And in a 2005 study, men and women who meditated just 40 minutes a day had thicker cortical walls than did non-meditators. This feature of the brain’s cortex is associated with decision-making, attention, and memory. So effectively, these people’s brains were aging at a slower rate.

Don’t wait to get started

In a way, it’s no surprise that mind-based awareness can have such a profound effect on health in general and cancer in particular. But it is a relief that increasing amounts of proof are being found in a form scientists are willing to embrace, because that opens the door wide for funding and further research.

If you want to incorporate mindful meditation into your own healthcare regime, follow these basic steps:

• Find a comfortable, quiet spot with as few distractions as possible.
• Decide how long you plan to sit – even five or ten minutes can bring benefits. Set a timer.
• Once you’re comfortably settled, perhaps sitting on a blanket or pillow, pay attention to your breath.
• If your attention wanders, bring it back to your breath. Notice the flow of air into your body, and then back out again.

For more guidance on learning mindful meditation, read this article fromMindful magazine. There are also specific Christian meditative practices if you wish to practice mindfulness within your religious tradition. Contrary to what many think, meditation is not the sole property of Eastern religions.

http://www.cancerdefeated.com/cancer-patients-see-changes-at-the-cellular-level-from-meditation-and-therapy-sessions/

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Simple '4-7-8' breathing trick can induce sleep in 60 seconds

Dr Andrew Weil says it works because it allows the lungs to become fully charged with air, allowing more oxygen into the body, which promotes a state of calm

By Sarah Knapton, Science Editor

11:51AM BST 06 May 2015

Simple breath control can make falling asleep easy Photo: Alamy

A deep breathing trick can make insomniacs drop off to sleep in under one minute, a health expert has claimed.

The method involves making a loud whooshing noise with the mouth then holding the breath in stages.

Called the ‘4-7-8’ method, it has been pioneered by the US sleep expert Dr Andrew Weil who claims that the technique works by calming the mind and relaxing the muscles.

• How to get to sleep; eight surprising tips and tricks

• Why lack of sleep is bad for your health

One in three Britons suffers from poor sleep, with stress, computers and taking work home often blamed for the lack of quality rest.

Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions including obesity, heart disease and diabetes - and it shortens your life expectancy.

But Dr Weil, founder of the Arizona Centre for Intergrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, claims a simple alteration to normal breathing could be the answer.

“This comes from yoga and in yoga breathing you have to keep the tip of the tongue behind the upper front teeth,” he said.

“ You breathe in through your nose quietly and blow air out forcefully through your mouth making a whoosh sound. It takes all of about 30 seconds so there is no excuse for not doing it.

“It produces a very pleasant altered state of consciousness. You may not get that the first time you do it but it’s one of the benefits of practicing.”

The trick is holding the breath for four seconds, breathing out then holding for seven seconds. After that exhale completely for a count of eight. The steps are then repeated between two and four times.

Dr Weil says it works because it allows the lungs to become fully charged with air, allowing more oxygen into the body, which promotes a state of calm.

“You have to do this two times a day religiously. It will become a wonderful way to help you fall asleep. You can do it more often throughout the day,” added Dr Weil.

"It is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere.

“After about four to six weeks you will see wonderful changes in your body.”

• Are you getting enough sleep?

• How to get a baby to sleep in 42 seconds using a tissue

It can also be used to help deal with cravings and to control anger. Dr Weil claims it can also improve digestion and stop the ‘fight or flight’ response in the body, lowering stress levels.

The method is based on an ancient Indian practice called pranayama, which means regulation of breath, and is used widely in yoga and pilates.

Breathing deeply has been prven to affect the heart, the brain, digestion, the immune system and even the expression of genes.

Research has shown that breathing exercises like pranayama can have immediate effects by altering the pH of the blood, or changing blood pressure.

But more importantly, they can be used as a method to train the body's reaction to stressful situations and dampen the production of harmful stress hormones.

^{The method is based on an ancient Indian practice called pranayama}

Rapid breathing makes the body think it is stressedm but deep breaths stimulates the opposing parasympathetic reaction, which calms people down.

In 1975 Harvard University researcher Herbert Benson discovered that short periods of meditation triggers a 'relaxation response' and even alters genes.

"It does away with the whole mind-body separation," Benson said in his book The Relation Response. "Here you can use the mind to change the body, and the genes we're changing were the very genes acting in an opposite fashion when people are under stress."

Start practicing ‘4-7-8’ method with these steps:

1. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.

3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.

4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.

5. This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11585755/Simple-4-7-8-breathing-trick-can-induce-sleep-in-60-seconds.html

This post is on Healthwise

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Coping with stress

Coping with stress

Posted on 27 August 2014 - 04:52pm

Steve Yap

Healthwise

STRESS is a major risk factor for many chronic health disorders. However, it is really a perception issue: it arises when we perceive an inability to cope with the various demands placed on us.

Consequently, raising our stress-coping ability goes a long way in lowering our stressful feeling. Just having a 20-minute walk, jog, run and/or swim daily or being deeply involved in a healthful hobby or supportive club can help.

Recent longevity study also shows that meditation can lengthen our telomere, which is a marker that determines our lifespan as well as our susceptibility to major chronic diseases. Possessing a positive and cheerful attitude towards life events can pay rich dividends.

It’s also common to develop sugar/carbohydrate cravings during stressful times. Excess sugar intake can worsen heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, fungal infection, or tumour/cancer growth. Allowing bacteria in our teeth, gum, and gut to flourish can adversely affect our heart too.

A diet low on refined carbohydrates and sweet fruits benefit both diabetic and heart patients. It’s now known that only oxidised (damaged by free radicals due to lack of antioxidants) or glycated (attached to sugar) ‘bad’ cholesterol is likely to clog our arteries.

Regular exercise and adequate intake of foods rich in ascorbic acid (chilli, bell pepper, garlic, guava, freshly-harvested fruits and berries) help raise production of the good HDL cholesterol, which is beneficial for the heart as well as for longevity.

Nutritional therapy uses alpha lipoic acid, chromium and niacin to further enhance the effect of ascorbic acid.

Fructose (fruit sugar) has been implicated in research to cause elevated uric acid, hypertension, and accelerated diabetes type II. This so-called ‘natural’ sugar which causes fruits to rot is a major contributor to fatty liver besides alcohol beverages.

Refrain from having packaged fruit juices for breakfast , especially if you also suffer from pre-diabetic, insulin resistance, hypoglycaemia, diabetic, kidney disease, or high blood pressure.

High intake of refined sugar/starch lowers our defence against infection, besides promoting fungal or yeast infection (candidiasis) commonly found in people living the tropics.

Calcium supplement may lower production of digestive enzymes from both the stomach and pancreas. Even calcium in milk has been shown to promote prostate enlargement/tumour in men.

Research suggests that taking a calcium supplement should be accompanied by adequate intake of vitamins K2 and D3 in order to reverse osteoporosis and calcified plaques in arteries.

Magnesium intake may be good for elderly people since this mineral is responsible for activating more than 350 enzymes in the body. It also lowers elevated cholesterol and hypertension, stabilises irregular heartbeat, reduces muscle/artery spasms and kidney stones, and also binds to other minerals to build stronger bones.

Cocoa (not chocolate drink), organic nuts, seeds and beans are a rich source of magnesium.

Research has shown that men who consume raw nuts regularly lower their heart disease risk. But avoid deep-fried nuts or seeds since they may contain harmful rancid (oxidised) or trans fats which clog arteries.

Stress hormone such as cortisol tears down protein in our body, which leads to a higher demand for protein-rich food when stressed. High-blood cortisol can cause adrenal fatigue leading to diminishing cortisol production. This might lead to the development of autoimmune disorders.

Nutritional therapist uses ascorbic acid, gensenosides, eluthero and other adaptogenic herbs to rejuvenate the stressed-out adrenal glands and to balance their abnormal stress hormone production.

Ribose (d-ribose), which is a sugar produced by our body to feed the heart and other vital organs, may be supplemented to replenish deficient cellular energy levels and for those with ischemic heart disease or congestive heart failure. Other useful energising nutrients include Co-Q10 ubiquinol, creatine, and L-carnitine.

Having adequate sleep at night helps us to cope with stress since it lowers stress hormone production. Avoid strong tea or coffee since it lowers melatonin production leading to insomnia.

Sleep-promoting foods rich in the essential (can’t be produced by the human body) amino acid L-tryptophan include soy isolate, soy protein, tofu, fresh corn, brown rice, egg white, sea algae, sesame, pumpkin seeds, bean sprouts, spinach, watercress, seaweed, wheat germ, wheat bran, duck meat, turkey, game meat, cod, tuna, and crustaceans.

Excess L-tryptophan is converted by the body to niacin, which is a heart-protective nutrient.

Retiring just before midnight helps raise production of anabolic growth hormone so long as the last meal doesn’t contain too much refined sugar/starch which causes insulin elevation.

For chronically-stressed men, their production of the anabolic testosterone hormone is lowered. Intake of foods rich in vitamin C and zinc while reducing refined sugar/starch can help raise blood testosterone levels.

Stress-relieving mind-body therapies licensed with the Ministry of Health under complementary medicine (www.fcnmam.org.my) also help.

These include hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, and psychotherapy as well as physical therapies such as soft tissue manipulative therapy and reflexology.

Biological-based treatment for elevated stress include nutritional and herbal medicine which aims to bring the stressed body into equilibrium through physiological regeneration and hormonal balancing.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1153200

Healthwise

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Simple steps to develop a positive outlook

Follow these nine steps to practise a form of meditation to develop a sense of relaxation. Start off doing this for ten minutes, working up to 20 minute sessions

The Telegraph
8:01AM BST 11 Jul 2013

Instead of focusing on anxieties or negative thoughts, focus on your breathing 

 

^ALAMY Concentrate on the beating of the heart, and imagine it pumping blood around your body

 

^ALAMY Consider any thoughts that make you feel anxious objectively rather than reacting to them

 

^GETTY Don’t try to stop your thoughts, just try to consider them calmly 

^{DAB Radio Alamy} Treat your thoughts like they are background noise, like having a radio on
in the background, and don’t make them your main focus

Attempt to not judge your thoughts as good or bad, but instead consider your thoughts with curiosity 

^GETTY If your mind wanders, acknowledge that this has happened and bring your focus back to your thoughts 

Continue to work with your fears for the period of time you have chosen 



^ALAMY During meditation you can feel like you have more thoughts than
normal, but remember this is not the case – you are just becoming more aware
of them and dealing with them becomes easier the more you practice 

The Mindful Manifesto, by Dr Jonty Heaversedge and Ed Halliwell, Hay House, £10.99
 

Source:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/10172949/Simple-steps-to-develop-a-positive-outlook.html

Don’t Forget! Keys To Protect Your Brain

Dr. Isaac Eliaz | Jun 21, 2013

Who would you be if you couldn’t recall your memories? As people age, the fear of losing their identity to mental decline becomes more prevalent, and for good reason: Rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive loss are on the rise. But with the right protective steps, we may be able to reduce these risks and increase our general health in the process. Healthy nutrition and lifestyle are our smartest defenses for overall brain health.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans have the disease, the most common form of dementia. This number could triple by 2050. While the mortality rates for cancer, heart disease and other conditions go down, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and cognitive loss are increasing.

A number of factors may be responsible, including genetics, but this relationship is far from conclusive. Many of the genetic risks are associated with rare, usually early onset, versions of Alzheimer’s disease. Cardiovascular health plays a large role, in part because the brain relies on a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. High blood pressure and cholesterol can also increase risks of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Additional risks include smoking, unhealthy diet, pollution, depression, obesity and even diabetes.

Diabetes Type 3?

Over the past several years, Alzheimer’s has earned the nickname “diabetes type 3.” Simply put, insulin resistance — a hallmark of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes — damages brain cells and aggravates memory loss and disorientation, along with other problems. Also, sugar and excess blood glucose fuel inflammation throughout the body, including the brain, furthering cognitive decline over time. So it makes sense that many of the steps we take to address diabetes and metabolic syndrome, such as a low-glycemic diet and regular exercise, can also support brain health.

Brain Exercises

The relationship between regular physical activity and brainpower has been known for some time. As noted, reduced blood flow is a factor in dementia. In particular, aerobic exercise, such as walking and running, has been shown to be helpful.

But don’t ignore the importance of strength training. A recent study by scientists at the University of British Columbia found that women with mild cognitive impairment improved their memory following weight training. The researchers conducting the study followed these women for several months as they lifted weights, performed aerobic exercise or stretched. At the end of six months, the women in the weights and aerobics groups did far better on memory tests than the ones who simply stretched.

Smart Foods

A low-sugar, low-glycemic diet can support brain health in a number of ways. Nutrient-dense foods such as lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates from vegetables, sprouted grains and legumes offer sustained, healthy energy for the brain and keep inflammation in check. Emphasize green leafy and cruciferous vegetables in your diet: items like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. Some research has shown that these can reduce cognitive decline.

Foods that are rich in antioxidants are also important. These include berries, raw cacao, sprouted legumes, nuts and many others. Antioxidant foods provide significant anti-inflammatory support, and they help to control harmful free radical molecules that wreak havoc throughout the body, including the brain. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E are also shown to reduce depression and support neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

As noted, cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for cognitive decline. In other words, choosing foods that protect the heart — lean proteins, whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables — can also improve brain health.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to support brain health. Fatty fish, like salmon, are a great source, as are nuts and flax seeds. Animal studies have shown that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega-3, reduces the beta amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. DHA is essential for brain development as well as for ongoing structural maintenance. DHA is primarily found in seafood but is also found in some species of algae. The healthiest seafood choices include salmon and small fish such as anchovies, sardines and herring.

Avoid the standard american diet (SAD), which is heavy in inflammation-fueling processed foods. Sugar, gluten and unhealthy fats may be the biggest culprits in brain inflammation. Animal studies have shown that this type of diet reduces learning and memory.

Herbs And Nutrients

Numerous herbs, compounds and nutrients have been found to support neurons, boost blood flow to the brain and protect against cerebral inflammation, among other benefits. For example, a recent study found that polyphenol chemicals found in cacao beans may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Cacao is rich in antioxidants, so researchers originally attributed this neuro-protection to cacao’s actions against harmful free radicals in the brain. However, new research shows that cacao polyphenols also work by interacting with biochemical pathways that specifically protect against brain cell death.

Another protective compound is resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine and other herbal sources such as Japanese knotweed. Preclinical studies have shown that resveratrol reduces the amyloid plaque tangles that are found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

An important antioxidant shown to protect the brain is honokiol, which is derived from Magnolia bark. Honokiol has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a mild sedative, and it is 1,000 times more powerful than vitamin E in its ability to neutralize free radicals.

Importantly, honokiol crosses the blood/brain barrier, where it fights inflammation, modulates specific neurotransmitters, protects against the beta amyloid plaque deposits found in Alzheimer’s disease and has other powerful benefits.

Considering the relationship between cardiovascular disease and dementia, we should also work to improve circulation. Found in a fermented soybean product called natto, nattokinase is a powerful enzyme that promotes healthy blood flow and reduces inflammation. Another good supplement for circulation is the amino acid L-carnitine, which is also an antioxidant.

Detoxification

A growing body of research is confirming the links between toxins, brain health, cardiovascular health and overall wellness. For example, a recent report linked air pollution with cognitive decline in older people. Other correlations between heavy metal toxicity and neurological damage have been noted. Healthy detoxification, done slowly and gently, may play an important role in protecting brain health over time.

Meditation

Research shows that meditation is great for the brain. It helps control stress and maintains a positive mood. It also appears to improve memory. A study of people with mild cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s who performed meditation found, in follow-up tests, that participants increased blood flow to the brain and improved their scores on cognitive tests.

Another study showed that meditation alters the brain structure. Specifically, meditation increases folding in the cerebral cortex, which improves how the brain deals with information. This positively impacts the ability to retrieve memories, make decisions and focus.

Social Intelligence

People who volunteer, take classes, work collectively or have other forms of group engagement appear to do better cognitively over the long term. This is no surprise; social engagement has been shown to increase lifespan, improve health and decrease depression. A number of studies have found that social connections can reduce dementia. One of the best things we can do for our brain and overall health is to maintain positive relationships as we age and build new ones along the way.

Ongoing research into this important field of prevention and treatment continues to uncover new ways that we can support and protect cognitive health. By incorporating these and other beneficial steps, we can help keep our minds sharp over time and enhance our overall health in the process.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/alternative-medicine/dont-forget-keys-to-protect-your-brain/

What Is Cancer? A Shocking Truth ... (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE12wWAxOvs

 0:15 Cancer is natural

 1:07 Cells mutate to adapt to changing environments

 1:20 Cancer cells are groups of cells mutating in an unnatural environment:  Our blood that has gone too toxic for normal cells to live

 1:48  Unfortunately doctors tell us that the solution to cancer treatment is chemotherapy or nuking the cancer cells with radiation. But what they don't tell us is why the cancer cells mutated in the first place. Or unless the environment is changed, more cells will mutate sooner or later, which is why so many cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy and the whole thing relapses again. From the cells perspective, they either mutate or they die. Mutation of cells is natural. Cancer is the evolution of a group of cells who thrive to survive in a very toxic environment. Try to understand that very clearly.

 3:06  Try to kill those cells without changing the environment is like trying to kill the flies without taking the garbage out. To take action to immediately rapidly improve the environment, here are 3 simple solutions:

 3:28  1. Breath DEEP - the very first stimuli that cause cells to mutate and become cancerous is lack of oxygen. Cancer cells mutate to adapt to low oxygen environment. The less oxygen there is, the better they thrive, is the evolution of normal cells to survive in a toxic state will low oxygen levels. The solution - breath DEEP. Here is s simple exercise to increase the level of oxygen in your blood - listen to

 4:08 - walk 5 minutes and breath in this way - 4 counts in, hold for 4 counts and breath slowly out on 4 counts. Breath in from my nose and out my mouth. Breath into your abdomen not your chest - that's the correct way to breath.

 5:05  2. Stop eating acids - the second stimuli that cause cells to mutate into cancer cells is an acidic environment. It is their response to survive in an acid world. Mutated cells die in an alkaline environment and thrive in an acidic one. To make your body more alkaline, eat more alkaline foods. Vege juicing and vege smoothies are also very effective. Avoid sugar, coca cola, pepsi and all kind of pop, soda, coffee, meat products, milk, cigarettes and alcohol. Eat more of raw green leafy vegetables, fruits, alkaline water, and coconut water. Drink green smoothies every morning if you want to see a quick change, and nothing else until lunch.

 6:33 Finally, 3. Mind your body. Stress weakens the immune system. Stress is the number one killer because for most diseases, it increases acid and generally affects everything in the body. It is very important to maintain a healthy happy mindset. How do you do that? Meditate. Watch funny movies. Avoid horrible things going on in your life. Read inspirational books, get a pet, make some friends and invest on the relationship. Let go of old grievances and past grudges. And finally, share this message with as many people as you can.

 7:27  Help people wake up from this nightmare of pharmaceutical propaganda. Avoiding cancer and healing from it is so simple it is almost ridiculous. Think in the right way. Change the water when the fish is sick. Nuking the bowl is not the solution. Go make the world a little bit better today.

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