Your source for practical health tips combining modern research with proven complementary & alternative approaches.
Four Chinese studies conducted between 1994 and 1999 showed very positive results for shrinking uterine fibroids with acupuncture & herbs. Of 193 women with fibroids, almost 28% had a "complete cure," and another 63% showed both a decrease of 1/3 or more in size plus a significant reduction of symptoms. That's exciting news for women who are planning to become pregnant and are looking for natural approaches to fibroid reduction.
Pomegranate juice has already been shown to reduce the degree of atherosclerotic plaque formation (the thickening & hardening of the arteries) in high-risk cardiovascular patients. It may also help in the treatment and/or prevention of prostate and breast cancer. New research shows that compounds in pomegranate juice support joint health by blocking protein molecules that break down cartilage and cause inflammation. (J Nutr 05; 135: 2096-2102). If you do try pomegranate juice, seek out brands that are organic and that have no added sugars.
I am very excited to announce the arrival of the Longevity Tree line of premium teas. Each loose-leaf tea tin provides between 38-50 servings of tea, (except for the white tea, which has about 1/2 the servings because it is so fluffy). Here's the selection:1. Eat more fiber, such as whole grains or flax seeds with breakfast. Just 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds every morning can really regulate the bowels.
Did you know that a 2003 study from the Journal of the American Medical Assocation (JAMA) demonstrates that a vegetarian diet may lower cholesterol as much as statin drugs? A group of people who ate a veggie diet that included foods such as soy products, high-fiber grains, and almonds lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 29% after one month. Pretty astounding when you consider that this was about the same drop as a group that ate a low-fat diet and took cholesterol meds! Other good foods to help with cholesterol levels include olive oil, green tea, garlic, and shiitake mushrooms.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help maintain the delicate balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. They improve digestion & nutrient absorption, support immunity by scavenging free radicals, reduce gas & bloat, and promote regular bowel movements. You can get some probiotics from yogurt and other fermented foods like sauerkraut, kim chee and kefir. I personally recommend that people take a probiotic supplement every day first thing in the morning before breakfast. An excellent (and easy to find) brand is Enzymatic Therapy's enteric-coated acidophilus pearls, which unlike other brands, make it through the stomach's acidic environment and land in the intestines, where you need it. Probiotics are the supplement of choice for anyone who needs a little boost to their digestive system. I personally take them every morning as a means of maintaining my digestive health.
Emory University recently presented the results of a study indicating that higher stress levels lower fertility by interfering with the menstrual cycle. The good news is that 80% of women who had not had their period for at least 6 months who underwent psychotherapy began ovulating again. Two women in the study became pregnant within 2 months of the therapy sessions. The women initially had high cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can be reduced by a number of stress-reduction techniques include deep breathing, meditation, and qigong, for example.
Did you know that some ordinary (and easy to maintain) houseplants are excellent fighters of pollution and toxins in your house or office? The top 10 plants that detoxify the house or office are: areca, lady & bamboo palms, rubber plant, dracaena "Janet Craig," English ivy, dwarf date palm, ficus alii, Boston fern, and the peace lily.
Here's a list of some truly super summer foods. They don't have fancy names, and they're not expensive, but they sure do pack in the nutrition.
One of my students just sent me this great new tea study: Yale University researchers writing in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons have concluded that green tea's high concentration of antioxidants & catechins may offer a range of health benefits such as better heart health (lower coronary heart disease) and a lower risk of cancer. Lab research suggests that tea lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), and smokers who drank green tea had lower rates of death from lung cancer. Longevity Tree will be releasing our own line of hand-selected premium teas at the end of this month, so stay tuned!
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps, which most women have experienced at some point in their lives. The Journal of Chinese Medicine recently reported a study that compared acupressure at the Spleen 6 point with simple resting for women with cramps. They found that acupressure (whether in the form of a treatment or self-treatment) significantly reduced pain. (J Adv Nurs. 2004 Nov; 48(4):380-7).
Earlier in the blog I wrote about sleep deprivation and weight gain, and I just found yet another great reason to get more sleep! Researchers from the University of Chicago have found that a lack of adequate sleep is linked to both insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. They found that the decline in glucose tolerance was slightly less in sleep-deprived men who also worked out.
Most people believe that Chinese food is healthier than other types of food. This may be true if you order steamed veggies & rice, but there are some dishes that are fattier than a quarter pounder with cheese or a personal pan pizza. Here's a list of the fat content of popular dishes, as compiled by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Keep in mind that the statistics are for just one typical order at a Chinese restaurant.
Researchers from Case Western University in Ohio have found that women who sleep five or fewer hours per night are much more likely to put on 33 pounds over a 16 year period. That's 30% more added weight than women who regularly slept at least 7 hours per night. The kicker was that sleep patterns were found to have a greater influence on women's long term weight than eating patterns or physical activity. This phenomenon is due to the fact that a lack of sleep throws off our hormones that regulate appetite. The message here: A good night's sleep helps you keep the weight off, and not enough sleep can possibly interfere with weight loss!
I am a licensed acupuncturist, certified herbalist, & doctor of medical qigong therapy. I am the editorial director of LongevityTree.com, an online resource for health reports with an East-West perspective, qigong & meditation DVDs, and a tasty line of teas.
