Five Probiotic-Packed Fermented Foods

A few days ago we told you probiotics may help you prevent high blood pressure. It could be one of the easiest things you do to help protect your heart.

 INH ResearchAugust 29, 20141 Comment

 But the benefits of probiotics go way beyond heart health… It’s a long list of perks—from a whiter smile to easing allergies.

Getting enough probiotics isn’t always easy. Most people rely on yogurts. They don’t provide nearly enough and are usually loaded with sugar. This deletes all the benefits anyway. Some people take supplements. It’s a good idea. But fermented foods are another option. Lucky for us, their rising popularity is making them easier to find.

Here are our top five probiotic-packed fermented foods:

1. Kimchi: This popular Korean dish uses fermented Chinese cabbage as its base. But it gets mixed with probiotic-feeding foods like garlic and onion. This means more potent germs. It also comes with a lot of heat from hot pepper flakes. But studies show that kimchi can help obese subjects lower their blood pressure, shed body fat, and even stabilize blood sugar.1

Another study found that men who ate kimchi helped lower LDL cholesterol. And the more they ate, the lower their numbers dropped.2 This fiery food is also rich in vitamins A, B, and C. But most important of all, experts claim it has 1,000 times the amount of probiotics you’ll find in most yogurts.3

2. Sauerkraut: Think of it as kimchi’s helpful—but less exciting—cousin. It might not have the added flavor and benefit of ingredients like garlic and onion… But sauerkraut may be just as valuable as kimchi when it comes to supporting your health. It may even help reduce breast cancer risk. That’s because it’s rich in glucosinolates. These are potent anti-cancer enzymes.

A study of Polish women found that their breast cancer risk nearly triples after immigrating to America. Researchers found that the women living in Poland were 72% less likely to develop breast cancer. And the key difference in their diet was eating about four-times more sauerkraut each week.4

3. Kombucha: This one may be the strangest of them all… Kombucha is a type of fermented tea. It comes from a “mother” strain of bacteria that brewers use to make batch after batch. And it may remind you of beer. It has a light carbonation and a foamy head…even a small amount of alcohol from the fermentation process. But it also comes with serious health benefits.

Researchers found that Kombucha’s antioxidant power was just as effective as the prescription drug omeprazole in healing ulcers in mice.5 Another study revealed that Kombucha is a strong detoxifier. It helped boost the immune systems of rats exposed to lead acetate.6 Making this one on your own can be difficult—even dangerous. But you can find raw, organic Kombucha teas in most health food stores.

4. Miso: This seasoning is a staple of Japanese cooking. You’ve probably come across miso soup before. This is the product of fermenting barley, brown rice, or soybeans with koji. It’s a fungus that also goes by the name aspergillus oryzae. Koji has an antimicrobial and antibacterial effect. It has potential to be a safer, natural alternative to the antibiotics commonly found in chicken feed.7 But more important, miso contains dipicolinic acid (DA). It binds to heavy metals and helps carry them out of your body.8 Try to find a probiotic miso paste that comes from rice or another grain and soy-free source.

5. Kefir: It’s a beverage that comes from fermenting goat, cow, sheep, or nut milk and mixing it with live bacteria. Kefir looks like a cross between milk and yogurt. And the taste takes some getting used to… It’s a little bit like sour milk with a squeeze of lemon juice. But the benefits make kefir worth trying.

It may help support liver, gallbladder, and heart health. It may even boost blood and oxygen supply to your brain.9 Some research suggests that kefir may help prevent cancer. It does this by acting as an antioxidant. Kefir also helps slow down the enzyme activity that converts pro-carcinogenic compounds to carcinogens.10 You can make your own… But most grocers now carry at least one variety. Always go with the plain version with no added flavoring.

It may take you a while to warm up to fermented foods… Kefir definitely isn’t for everybody. But they all offer probiotic support. They also come with important health benefits. But start slow. Try adding some sauerkraut to your dinner. There are also some nice-tasting Kombucha products that won’t overpower you.

References:
1http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21745625
2http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/kimchi-cholesterol-lowering-superfood-study-article-1.1279677
3http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/04/27/health-benefits-kimchi/
4http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/BreastCancer/2035
5http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21776478
6http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14631833?dopt=Citation
7http://docsdrive.com/pdfs/ansinet/ijps/2006/1-3.pdf
8http://nourishedmagazine.com.au/blog/articles/mysterious-marvellous-miso
9http://www.probiotic.org/Kefir.htm
10http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833126/

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2014/08/five-probiotic-packed-fermented-foods/

Five Common Mistakes That Steal Testosterone

It’s one of the first—and most upsetting—casualties of aging… Testosterone levels start to drop as men get older. And it doesn’t wait until retirement. It can start as early as your 30s.

INH ResearchOctober 3, 2014

But age isn’t the only threat. There are some common—and sneaky—factors that drain this hormone from you no matter how old you are.

Here are five common mistakes that steal testosterone:

1. Going Low-Fat: You know all the myths about eating fat… But heart health and a slim waistline aren’t the only reasons to add more of it to each meal. Research shows that it only takes six weeks of reducing fat intake to lower your testosterone levels. Just dropping from 40% to 25% fat a day means around 15% less T.

So if you have been one of the millions of people in the U.S. afraid to touch fat, your testosterone levels could be suffering. Try adding avocados, coconut oil, and grass-fed butter to your meals. These clean fats will help set the table for healthy, natural production.

2. Skipping Sleep: It isn’t always easy to get a good night’s sleep… But if it’s happening more than a night or two a week, it could put your hormones in jeopardy. Just one full week of getting five or less hours of sleep each night can drop T levels by up to 15%.1 And that’s only one week. If you’re making a habit of burning the midnight oil—or have sleep problems you need to address—the damage could be even worse over time. Trying natural sleep aids will help you fall asleep easier—and keep your testosterone levels from sinking.

3. Drinking Too Much Alcohol: A glass of red wine with dinner can be good for your heart and help boost your health. But if you’re having more than two drinks a day, you’re helping your body convert testosterone into estrogen.2 That’s the female sex hormone. It’s true that men need this hormone in small amounts… But when it comes from sacrificing testosterone, it can put out your fire fast.

If you’re a beer drinker, it only gets worse… The hops in beer are estrogenic. They may even help women avoid hot flashes during menopause.3 Your best bet is to limit your alcohol to a glass of wine. If you prefer to sip the hard stuff instead, limit it to a drink or two on the weekends. This helps prevent inflammation and spares testosterone.

4. Over-Exercising: Health Watch readers know that less is more when it comes to exercise. But spending less time in the gym—and turning up the intensity—doesn’t just help keep your heart in top shape. A study at the University of British Columbia found that long-distance runners had at least 20% less testosterone.4 But it’s not just about running less. It’s about greater intensity.

Another study reveals that high-intensity interval training causes bigger testosterone spikes after workouts that normal running.5 It may not be as easy as a jog… But high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can cut your gym time in half—and brings your T levels to where they need to be to fight aging.

5. Eating Soy: It not only lowers your sperm count,6 eating soy depletes your testosterone. It may even prevent your body from being able to make more of it over time. One study found that taking a soy protein supplement led to a 19% drop in serum levels of this hormone in only two weeks.7 But avoiding soy isn’t always easy. That’s because it’s a popular filler ingredient in processed foods. It’s a cheap way to help foods—especially powders—emulsify. That’s why many protein supplements contain soy even though it isn’t being used as a protein source. But even “healthy” foods aren’t immune. Most of the salad dressings you’ll find—even the organic ones—use soybean oil as their base. Always make sure to read the labels on the foods and health products you buy to avoid this testosterone killer.

You don’t need dangerous hormone therapy or an expensive doctor’s prescription to start reclaiming your youthful vigor. There are natural ways to do it. But you need to protect any gains you make. Fixing these simple mistakes is the first step to reigniting your fire—no matter how low the candle may be burning.

Testosterone levels decline about 1% a year after age 30. This is just one more symptom of what we call “Male Aging Syndrome.” Most men think problems like lack of energy or libido are a natural consequence of getting older… when it may actually be an easy to fix chemical imbalance! See the four ways you can break free of Male Aging Syndrome here.

References:
1http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2011/20110531-sleep.html
2http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/sites/default/files//webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_testosterone.pdf
3http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20167461
4http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1724199/
5http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23310924
6http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18650557
7http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/16/12/2796.full

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2014/10/five-common-mistakes-that-steal-testosterone/

The Five Most Nutrient-Dense Fruits

Last month in Health Watch, we revealed the five most nutrient-dense greens. But that’s only half the story… Researchers at William Paterson University also looked at the nutrient density and bioavailability of fruits. The study reveals that fruits—based on their scoring system—aren’t as potent as vegetables…but that’s no reason to skip them. You just have to know which ones are the best. And just like last time, the results may surprise you…

INH Research August 1, 2014

Here are the top five most nutrient-dense fruits:

5. Strawberries: They’re a sweet snack that also helps protect your heart. Strawberries may help you lower LDL cholesterol. Their fiber content could start fighting heart disease in 30 days. And researchers in this study didn’t even take their phytochemical content into account.1 This includes powerful compounds—like anthocyanin—that can help lower blood pressure and prevent free radical damage.

4. Lemons: Don’t overlook this tart fruit. Lemons are a great way to add extra vitamin C to the foods you eat. Fresh lemon juice on a salad or in your water adds flavor and antioxidant power. But lemons also pack limonoids—potent anti-cancer compounds—in their peels.2 Adding the zest to your veggies or fish is a great way to get natural limonoids into your diet—and help keep cancer at bay.

3. Tomatoes: If it has seeds, it’s usually a fruit… And the lycopene in this fruit may help prevent breast cancer. It may even help you cut your heart disease risk in half. But researchers didn’t even consider that. They mainly looked at its vitamins C, K, A, and B content. Tomatoes are also a good way to get more biotin, potassium, and manganese. Just make sure to skip the tomato sauce in a jar… It’s a secret source of sugar that could be sabotaging your otherwise healthy diet.

2. Pumpkins: Pumpkins are actually a nutritional powerhouse. Their seeds are an excellent source of zinc. It’s a vital nutrient that you’ll need for healthy aging. They may even help you keep blood sugar levels in check. Pumpkins are also rich in beta and alpha-carotene. These carotenoids may help you preserve eyesight. They may also help fight the signs of aging caused by oxidative damage. You can find raw—or roasted—organic pumpkin seeds online and in most health stores year-round.

1. Red Peppers: These ranked higher than any other fruit. And not just because they’re high in vitamin C—they have more than an orange. Red peppers are also high in heart-healthy lycopene. Eating them may even help prevent Parkinson’s disease. These peppers contain small amounts of natural nicotine. Research shows that getting nicotine from peppers twice a week may help lower your risk for developing Parkinson’s by around 30%.3

The results are surprising… After all, some of the most popular fruits—like apples, bananas, and oranges—didn’t make the list. But remember: These rankings come from both how much nutrition is in each serving…and how easily your body absorbs it.

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t skip other fruits—like tart berries and pineapples—altogether. But consider swapping them out for some raw, organic red pepper slices a few times a week to get the most nutrition out of your fruits.

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References:
1http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/06/05/finally-a-list-of-powerhouse-fruits-and-vegetables-ranked-by-how-much-nutrition-they-contain/
2http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27
3http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.23884/full

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2014/08/the-five-most-nutrient-dense-fruits/

Five Shunned Foods You SHOULD be Eating

There are some foods out there that get an undeserved bad rap. They’re delicious, satisfying, and—most important—good for you. The problem isn’t, a lot of people aren’t getting them in the right form. They may even be avoiding these foods completely.

INH ResearchSeptember 26, 2014

Here are the top five shunned foods that you SHOULD be eating.

1. Butter: There has been a war on fats in the U.S. for decades now. And there has been no greater “enemy” than butter. Just look at how many chemical-filled butter substitutes you’ll find at your local grocer. But the problem isn’t butter per se. The problem is that most butter comes from sick, grain-fed cows. Then there’s the fake salt they put in most salted butter. But switching to grass-fed butter can make a big difference when it comes to your health. It gives you high doses of natural vitamins A, D, E, and K2.

This form—the real one—of butter fights inflammation and protects against heart disease. It may even help you avoid cancer.1 You can find grass-fed, unsalted butter in most health food stores. Some high-end grocers carry it too. Try adding your own natural sea salt for taste and trace minerals.

2. Chocolate: It’s no secret that we love it. In fact, we recommend you eat a serving of chocolate every day… Just not the kind waiting for you at the grocery store checkout line. These are full of high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives. We’re talking about real chocolate. It fights inflammation, lowers stress, and boosts cognitive function. But don’t expect these results if you aren’t eating the right form of it.

Look for dark, organic chocolate bars. The higher the percent of cocoa, the greater the health benefits in each bite. Aim for at least 70%. But be careful: Anything above 70% gets pretty bitter. Start low and work your way up. You can find a good variety in most health food stores and online.

3. Coffee: Coffee is one of the oldest—and most beloved—beverages on the planet. But a lot of people stay away from it. Frankly, we don’t get it. The truth is coffee helps preserve your vision. Drinking it even helps protect your hearing. Coffee may even keep your memory sharp. But not the syrup-infused, overly-sweetened stuff on the menu at most coffee places. We’re talking about real, organic coffee.

Drinking up to three cups of it each day will provide you with these health benefits—and a steady dose of antioxidant power. You can find single source, organic coffee in most food stores. Buying online will give you even more varieties to choose from.

4. Red Meat: Just like butter, this notorious food is seen as decadent—even deadly. But Health Watch readers know that it’s processed meats that are dangerous. In fact, grass-fed organic beef is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It’s free of the grain, steroids, and antibiotic drugs that make grain-fed beef unsafe to eat. This kind of beef is also higher in B vitamins, calcium, and essential fatty acids.

And you can’t forget that it’s a complete protein. It gives your body the amino acids it needs to keep muscles strong and supported. Eating the right kind of beef may even help save your heart. You can find it in most health food stores. Just make sure it’s grass-fed and finished. Your butcher can help you if you aren’t sure.

5. Eggs: Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. They provide you with leucine. It’s an essential amino acid you need to regulate blood sugar and build muscle. It may even help you lose body fat. The problem is people think the yolk isn’t good for you. But the fact is that about half of the protein—plus all of the vitamins and minerals—are in the yolk. It provides vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, and K.

It’s also where you’ll get calcium, folate, iron, and zinc. In other words, don’t skip the yolk. Make sure your eggs are pastured and fresh. Some health food stores carry local eggs. You should also be able to find them at farmer’s markets and even nearby farms. Just skip the gross egg substitutes that offer next to zero health benefit.

You may be avoiding them… But don’t believe everything you’ve heard about these foods. Eating them in the right form can give you major health benefits that their mainstream versions can’t. In fact, if you can’t find these foods in their ideal forms, your best bet is to limit how often you eat them—not eliminate them entirely.

References:

1http://www.bulletproofexec.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Butter-Infographic1.jpg

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2014/09/five-shunned-foods-you-should-be-eating/

Five Healthy Benefits of Drinking Black Tea

It’s one of the most popular drinks in the world. About 80% of tea drinkers choose black tea.1 It’s rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and amino acids. The result? A drink with major health benefits…from strengthening bones to preventing heart disease.

INH ResearchDecember 19, 2014

Here are five healthy benefits of drinking black tea:

1. Strengthens Bones: Studies show that black tea helps improve bone density. One study revealed higher bone density in daily drinkers than people who didn’t drink it.2 It’s the polyphenols that deliver this benefit.

Black tea can also help save your teeth. The antioxidants in it can kill bacteria. The kind that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Researchers found that three cups of it a day can fight off Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Even people who took tooth-rotting sugar in their tea saw some protective benefit… But we recommend you skip it completely.3

2. Improves Heart Health: Drinking a daily serving of black tea can reduce your stroke risks by up to 21%.4 One study found it helped lower total triglyceride levels by about 36% in three months.5 This is because it’s rich in theaflavins and thearubigins. You won’t find these compounds in green tea.

This same study also found over a 400% increase in the antioxidant concentration of subjects’ blood. More antioxidant power means less inflammation and oxidative stress. But there’s another benefit researchers found in this study…

3. Balances Blood Sugar: Researchers also revealed that black tea can decrease blood sugar levels by nearly 20%. It’s not surprising that other studies link black tea to a reduction in diabetes risk.6 One of them found that drinking this tea may help lower type 2 diabetes risk by as much as 70%.7 Another study revealed that four daily cups of black tea can reduce inflammation and oxidation in type 2 diabetics.8

4. Prevents Lung Damage: A team of researchers in India compared the lung-protective benefits of black tea in guinea pigs. After a week of testing, they found animals that drank water developed lung damage when exposed to cigarette smoke. But not the black tea group.

The guinea pigs that drank black tea didn’t experience oxidative stress or inflammation when they were exposed. This doesn’t mean drinking a ton of black tea can reverse the lung damage smoking causes… But it does suggest protection from secondhand smoke and toxin exposure.9

5. Reduces Cell Death: When important cells start to deteriorate and die in your body, it means serious trouble. Conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. But black tea can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases…

A study from China found drinking it helped to lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers observed that subjects who drank the most saw a 29% reduction in risk. Yet green tea didn’t have this effect. This means black tea’s compounds may be unique when it comes to protecting your brain.10

To get the most health benefits from black tea, drink it in its natural, organic state. Don’t buy the sweetened or flavored varieties. And don’t steep it for too long. This may minimize the health benefits. You can find quality black tea in most health stores and online.

References:
1http://www.teausa.com/14655/tea-fact-sheet
2http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3356550/Healthy-drinking-Tea-total.html
3http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2401287/Teas-dental-benefits-Black-tea-combats-bacteria-linked-tooth-decay-gum-disease.html
4http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19228856
5http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743511004877
6http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food/article/tea-benefits-research-wrap
7http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19259345
8http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055352/
9http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1802835/
10http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/167/5/553.full

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2014/12/five-healthy-benefits-of-drinking-black-tea/

Five Ways Selenium Can Help Save Your Health

Selenium is an essential mineral. Your body needs it to function. It protects your cells—and DNA—from free radical damage. But you may not be getting enough.

 INH ResearchFebruary 6, 2015

Selenium levels in soil vary from region to region. Concentrations of it are higher in the Midwest and Western areas of the U.S. than the South and Northeast.1

Poor soil quality and gastrointestinal illnesses put you at risk for low selenium levels. The problem is there are no clear signs of deficiency. Your first symptom could be low immunity, high blood sugar… Or worse. Don’t wait until you know you need more to start paying attention.

Here are five ways selenium can help save your health:

1. Fights Cancer: Low selenium levels in blood, hair, and nail samples could indicate as much as a threefold increase in overall cancer risk. It can make you up to eight times more likely to develop thyroid cancer.

One study found subjects supplementing with selenium lowered their risk for all cancer by 24%. And that effect rose to 36% in people who had the lowest baseline levels of it.2

2. Lowers Diabetes Risk: You don’t have to supplement to see a benefit from selenium… Research in the journal Diabetes Care revealed subjects with selenium-rich diets lowered their type 2 diabetes risk by 24%.3

Oxidative stress and inflammation cause insulin resistance. The more insulin resistant you are, the higher your odds of developing type 2 diabetes. Selenium prevents inflammation. But it also helps control blood sugar levels.4 This means it fights diabetes on two fronts.

3. Supports Thyroid Function: Your thyroid has some of the highest concentrations of selenium in your body. Having low levels means your thyroid won’t be working at its best. Or eventually at all.

It leads to thyroiditis. That’s an inflammation of this organ that makes it attack itself. But one study found taking a selenium supplement cut thyroid inflammation by around 40%.5 Eating a diet rich in this mineral may be the key to balancing your thyroid hormones… And avoiding bigger problems down the line.

4. Protects Your Heart: Researchers at Johns Hopkins found people taking a selenium supplement lowered heart disease risk by 11% compared to a placebo.

That’s just for supplements. Then there are people who had the highest overall concentrations of this mineral in their blood. They were at the lowest risk for facing heart disease… An impressive 24%.6 And this was independent of other risk factors that could’ve been working against the heart-protective benefits of selenium.

5. Boosts Immunity: It helps produce white blood cells. But it also enhances their abilities. Selenium makes your immune system’s NK—killer—cells stronger. This lets them respond faster to outside invaders. Like the flu virus and harmful bacteria.

Plus, selenium binds to toxic minerals. These include arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. So there’s less inflammation for your immune system to deal with. It also makes them less likely to lead to the growth of cancer in your body.7

You can take a natural supplement to help get more. But your best bet is to eat more foods that are high in selenium. Brazil nuts, oysters, and organic sunflower seeds are a good start. You’ll also get it from grass-fed meat and mushrooms.

References:
1http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
2http://www.lef.org/magazine/2012/ss/Selenium-Protect-Against-Cancer/Page-01
3http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/us-selenium-diabetes-risk-idUSBRE85718U20120608
4http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20030739
5http://press.endocrine.org/doi/full/10.1210/jcem.87.4.8421
6http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/84/4/762.full
7http://www.eidon.com/selenium0506.html

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2015/02/five-ways-selenium-can-help-save-your-health/

Five Reasons to Get More Magnesium

If you feel tired, weak, or nauseated… You might have a magnesium deficiency. And you’re definitely not alone. In fact, most people don’t have enough.1

 INH ResearchJanuary 9, 2015

And talk about dangerous… This powerful mineral keeps us healthy and prevents serious ailments. Things like hypertension and osteoporosis. But there’s even more to it than that.

Here are five reasons to get more magnesium.

1. Stops Anxiety: Magnesium supports your nervous system. Low levels cause a disruption. This can lead to anxiety and depression. Some experts even believe a magnesium deficiency is a direct cause of depression…2 And about half of the people diagnosed with depression also have anxiety.

Most doctors throw dangerous drugs—like benzodiazepines—at people with anxiety or depression. But just three months of use can raise your Alzheimer’s risk by 51% (among other dangers). Yet numerous studies show that magnesium eased depression and anxiety where these drugs failed. Without any side effects.3

2. Eases Stress: It doesn’t just support your nervous system. Magnesium stops cortisol levels from getting too high. It also helps your body produce melatonin which makes it easier to relax and fall asleep.4 Magnesium may help you fight headaches and fatigue. These are two of the most common signs of stress.

When you’re under stress, your body uses up magnesium faster.5 The result? Even more stress. It can also steal this mineral away from your bones and heart. This is why getting more magnesium from your diet alone may not be enough.

3. Prevents Diabetes: Magnesium can help keep your glucose levels under control. Just look at pistachios. They’re rich in magnesium. One study revealed eating 100 pistachios a day helped lower blood sugar levels by 78%.6

Another study found high magnesium intake cuts risks of diabetes by 33%.7 It can also reduce insulin sensitivity. Diabetics who took 365 mg a day significantly lowered insulin resistance after six months.8

4. Fights Cancer: Magnesium helps lower your colorectal cancer risk. About 95% of cases are adenocarcinomas. They begin with a tumor growth. Eventually, these growths can turn cancerous. Yet every 100 mg of magnesium you add to your diet each day lowers your risk of a growth ever developing by 13%. And if you already have a growth, you can reduce the odds of it becoming cancerous by 12%.

Magnesium may also help you avoid pancreatic cancer. One study found just two handfuls of magnesium-rich nuts a week can reduce your risk by 35%.

5. Keeps Telomeres Long: It’s the key to looking younger and living longer… Telomerase is the enzyme that controls the length of your telomeres. Without enough, you may age even faster. And this enzyme depends on magnesium. The mineral helps replicate and stabilize DNA.9

This might be the reason why people die of a magnesium deficiency… Researchers found low levels of magnesium increases death risk by 85%.10 Not getting enough of this mineral could kill you in as little as 10 years.

A magnesium-rich diet contains about 400 mg a day. This might sound like a lot. But it’s not as hard as it seems. Salads are a great start. Try spinach, chopped almonds, avocados, and shrimp. One square of organic dark chocolate contains 95 mg of magnesium.11

You can also find a magnesium supplement. Just make sure you read the label before purchasing. Look for one that gives you at least 200 mg per serving of natural magnesium.

References:
1http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
2http://george-eby-research.com/html/magnesium-for-depression.pdf
3http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill
4http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/health/magnesium-the-missing-mineral-20140117
5http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/drugs/magnesium
6http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2014/08/07/dc14-1431.abstract
7http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14693979%20
8http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/articles/diabetes-news/15873-type-2-diabetes-risk-lowered-with-magnesium-intake
9http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22379366
10http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21703623
11http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-magnesium.php

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2015/01/five-reasons-to-get-more-magnesium/

Woman Beats Cancer With Curcumin

Dieneke Ferguson was dying. She was losing her four-year battle with the blood cancer myeloma.

INH ResearchJanuary 14, 2018

Despite three grueling rounds of chemotherapy and four stem cell transplants, the cancer was spreading throughout her body.1

She knew her death would be painful. She faced infections, unstoppable internal bleeding, blood clots, and kidney failure.2

So Ferguson decided to chuck conventional medicine. It hadn’t helped her anyway. She wanted to try a natural cure before it was too late.

She had read on the internet about the cancer-fighting properties of the spice turmeric. She stopped all mainstream medical treatments and began taking 8 grams of curcumin—the active compound in turmeric—each day.

Today, over five years later, she is healthy and leading a normal life. Astounded doctors wrote about her case in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Dieneke Ferguson, 67, at the Olympics in Brazil.

She felt so good that she traveled from her home in north London to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where she carried the Olympic torch.3

Ferguson, 67, says, “I hope my story will lead to more people finding out about the amazing health benefits of curcumin.”4

Doctors: Curcumin Saved Her Life

Her doctors are from Barts Health NHS Trust, the second largest cancer center in London. They wrote in their journal article on Ferguson: “The fact that our patient, who had advanced stage disease and was effectively salvaged while exclusively on curcumin, suggests a potential anti-myeloma effect of curcumin.

“She continues to take daily curcumin and remains in a very satisfactory condition with good quality of life. This case provides further evidence of the potential benefit for curcumin in myeloma.”5

‘A Very Potent Natural Medicine’

Ferguson was diagnosed with myeloma in 2007. In 2011, she stopped her grueling medical regimen and turned to curcumin.

By 2012, tests showed that her cancer was dormant. She no longer had any active cancer-causing cells.

It is estimated that 12,590 Americans (6,660 men and 5,930 women) will die from myeloma this year.6

But researchers say that curcumin might save some of these patients.

Turmeric, the spice from which it is derived, has been used in India as a medicine for thousands of years. It is also a staple of Indian cooking and an ingredient in curry dishes. It is ground from the root of the Curcuma longa plant.7

People in India have far lower rates of cancer compared to Americans. Depending on the type of cancer, the rate can be anywhere from eight to 17 times greater for the U.S. population.

Dr. Ajay Goel is one of the world’s leading researchers in curcumin’s health effects. He is director of the Center for Translational Genomics and Oncology at Baylor University Medical Center.

Dr. Goel has witnessed curcumin’s cancer-fighting power both in the lab and in patients. He states flatly that curcumin has “a very strong anticancer effect.”

While the mechanism behind curcumin’s anticancer effect is not entirely understood, Dr. Goel says it appears curcumin interferes with the ability of cancer cells to divide uncontrollably.

Studies Show Curcumin Stops Many Types of Cancer

Over the past 10 years, studies have found strong evidence that curcumin stops many different types of cancer:

• A Chinese study at Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital in 2012 found that curcumin induces cell death in triple negative breast cancer. This is considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer.

• UCLA researchers found in 2011 that curcumin activates cancer-fighting enzymes in patients with head and neck cancers.

• A 2013 study at the University of North Texas Health Science Center found that curcumin suppresses pancreatic cancer tumor growth.

• A 2006 study published in the journal Neuroscience Letters found that curcumin induces cell death in glioblastoma (brain cancer) cells.8

So why do drug companies and most mainstream doctors ignore curcumin?

It’s because compared to cancer drugs, there is little profit in curcumin supplements. Cancer medications often cost patients hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Curcumin comes from a natural spice that can’t be patented or sold exclusively. It’s abundant and inexpensive.

Take the Right Kind of Curcumin

Curcumin alone has poor bioavailability. It needs fat to be absorbed by the body.

That’s why Dr. Goel recommends a form called BCM-95. It includes natural oils from the turmeric plant that help your body metabolize curcumin. BCM-95 is widely available at health food stores and online.

Although curcumin is generally safe, you should consult your physician before taking it. People taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) should exercise some caution. Curcumin is not a blood thinner itself, but it can increase the effect of Coumadin and similar drugs.

References:

1 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5230201/Pensioner-used-turmeric-fight-blood-cancer.html
2 https://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-myeloma/specialists/how-does-myeloma-cause-death.aspx
3 https://hiddenart.co.uk/details-of-tcurcumin-taken-by-dieneke-ferguson/
4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5230201/Pensioner-used-turmeric-fight-blood-cancer.html
5 http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2017/bcr-2016-218148.full
6 https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/statistics
7 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5230201/Pensioner-used-turmeric-fight-blood-cancer.html
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16949208

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2018/01/woman-beats-cancer-with-curcumin/