A roundup of recent alternative health news

PRIME September 2012 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist/Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Greetings, dear readers. I am writing this column well in advance of publication because I am headed out on vacation. Since I cannot answer questions on this short deadline, I thought I might give you a random selection of health-related news items that your local daily news source neglected to report. Did you know? People who like hot sauce are apparently helping their heart. Capsaicinoids in cayenne and chili peppers reduce the accumulation of cholesterol and increase its breakdown and excretion. These substances also allow blood to flow more freely to the heart and other organs by blocking the action of a gene that causes arteries to contract, according to the American Chemical Society. For those with a sensitive stomach, there are forms of "cool cayenne" available. Alzheimer's Updates Did you know that a lack of iron early in life can affect the structure of the brain, potentially leading to neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's? According to the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, News, too much and/or too little iron can negatively impact the brain, so it is very important to follow a balanced diet in the teen years. Research from Rhode Island Hospital's Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center suggests the benefits of fish oil supplement for brain health and aging. The study found a positive link between fish oil intake and average brain volumes in two critical areas utilized in memory and thinking: the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. NADH, a stabilized form of niacinamide, the "active" form of Vitamin B3, is showing promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, according to the Birkmeyer Institute of Parkinson's Therapy, Vienna, Austria. Some other supplements that have shown promise treating Alzheimer's Disease include phospholipids, ginkgo biloba, vinpocetine, Co-enzyme Q-10, DMAE, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Colon cancer news University of Illinois researchers found human colon cancer cells die when exposed to the approximate number of bioactive compounds found in yerba mate tea. The caffeine derivatives in the tea not only induced death in the cells, they reduced important inflammation markers. Simply put, the cancer cell self destructs because its DNA has been damaged. This information was presented by the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Vitamin D and Diabetes Here's yet another reason to up your intake of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is associated with lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a decade long study out of Spain. In fact, none of the study participants who had a certain level of the vitamin in their blood developed the disease, according to information in Clinical Nutrition. This study also supports research from The Vitamin D Council that draws a connection between lack of Vitamin D and the increase in juvenile diabetes, asthma, allergies, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Asthma in children Speaking of asthma, new research shows children with moderate, persistent asthma showed significant improvement after taking L-carnitine for six months. Avoiding dairy products is also very important. Men and hearing loss Eh? Say what?. men's hearing may benefit from folic acid, one of the B vitamins. Most people associate folic acid with pregnant women and birth defects, but scientists have linked the B vitamin to a greater than 20 percent reduced risk of hearing loss in men aged 60 and over according to the American Academy of Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery. Herbs and anxiety Many people are aware (or should be) that herbs can play a big role in treating anxiety. Kava kava is the best known herb for this condition, as is Passionflower, but researchers are finding combining herbs with nutritional supplements is even better. B complex vitamins magnesium, along with L-lysine and L-arginine are showing promise. Well, I hope some of this information will be beneficial to you. Until next month, Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->