Astragalus root is a wonderful herb, and new research suggests it may be a candidate for replacing conventional anti-viral drugs. I have used it with many patients to increase white blood cell production and enhance the immune system in a long term way. It is an effective herb for those with suppressed immune systems whether due to HIV, cancer and chemotherapy treatments or chronic stress and fatigue. Here is a monograph on astragalus.
New research points to medicinal effects previously unknown. It has been found to not only increase immune cell counts and extend the lifespan of cancer patients, but a recent study has found is protects the immune systems cells from exhaustion in the struggle against the HIV virus. As cells replicate, their telomeres shorten. This acts like a clock winding down and eventually the cell can no longer replicate. In people infected with HIV, the white blood cells turn over and replicate much faster, shortening the telomeres at an increased pace. Astragalus has been shown in this new study to protect white blood cells by reducing shortening of the telomeres. Check out this link.
These new finding suggest potential uses of astragalus not just in the treatment of HIV, but in other areas associated with immunodeficiency such as chronic disease and aging.
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Got Greed? Drink up.
Corporate greed is at it again, right here in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is proposing to ban dairies from labeling their milk as "rBGH-free," "rBST-free" or "no artificial hormones."
Consumers are beginning to educate themselves about the dangers of synthetic hormones used to increase milk production, and dairies that choose not to inject their cattle with such hormones are producing milk products that are becoming increasing popular. This emerging market is threatening the profits of big time dairies who are using the Monsanto developed (though recently sold to a division of Eli Lilly) synthetic growth hormones (rBGH, rBST). And they want the money -- so now there is an attempt to limit labeling and in effect hide from the consumer whether milk is produced using "bovine growth hormones" or not.
Free market economics works by giving people the choice to purchase what they want. This requires freedom to produce competing goods and truth in labeling. Doesn't it seem that if milk producers are using a recently developed synthetic hormone to increase milk production, they should be required to put it on the label. And if those who don't use these hormones are selling more of their milk, maybe the market is speaking. Large powerful corporations should not be able to manipulate the laws and in effect hide from consumers information used to make choices between competing products.
These hormones have been banned in many countries ( including Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan) due to fear of increased risks of disease, including hormone related cancers. Check out my previous post about the possible dangers of these hormone produced dairy products --here is the link.
Get involved. Please tell the governor of Kansas and the Kansas Department of Agriculture that we need truth in labeling and continued freedom of choice in the marketplace. Businesses should not be able to hide their inferior products through manipulation of labeling laws. The proposed rule would ban a true statement, and interfere with our rights as consumers to know what's in our food. Here is a link to the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club to send a letter to the appropriate decision makers.
Consumers are beginning to educate themselves about the dangers of synthetic hormones used to increase milk production, and dairies that choose not to inject their cattle with such hormones are producing milk products that are becoming increasing popular. This emerging market is threatening the profits of big time dairies who are using the Monsanto developed (though recently sold to a division of Eli Lilly) synthetic growth hormones (rBGH, rBST). And they want the money -- so now there is an attempt to limit labeling and in effect hide from the consumer whether milk is produced using "bovine growth hormones" or not.
Free market economics works by giving people the choice to purchase what they want. This requires freedom to produce competing goods and truth in labeling. Doesn't it seem that if milk producers are using a recently developed synthetic hormone to increase milk production, they should be required to put it on the label. And if those who don't use these hormones are selling more of their milk, maybe the market is speaking. Large powerful corporations should not be able to manipulate the laws and in effect hide from consumers information used to make choices between competing products.
These hormones have been banned in many countries ( including Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan) due to fear of increased risks of disease, including hormone related cancers. Check out my previous post about the possible dangers of these hormone produced dairy products --here is the link.
Get involved. Please tell the governor of Kansas and the Kansas Department of Agriculture that we need truth in labeling and continued freedom of choice in the marketplace. Businesses should not be able to hide their inferior products through manipulation of labeling laws. The proposed rule would ban a true statement, and interfere with our rights as consumers to know what's in our food. Here is a link to the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club to send a letter to the appropriate decision makers.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Naturopathic Medicine continues to get the recognition it deserves
A friend of mine who lives in New York City sent me this link. Naturopathic doctors are not licensed in the state of New York, though they have been working on passing a licensing law for the past few years. I hope it happens soon. Many wonderful naturopathic doctors practice in New York but are limited in what kinds of care they can provide.
Naturopathic medicine holds such promise for the future of health care. I have personally seen the power of good quality natural medicine. When coupled with highly educated health practitioners - natural medicine provides incredible results for patients courageous enough to give it a try. I use the term courageous because unfortunately we live in a climate of suspicion and fear of natural medicine. This perspective is propagated by other competing economic interests.
I hope you find this article interesting. Our medical system does not have to be based on a divided and divisive system - we can all work together to decrease suffering and increase healthy full lives.
Link to 1010wins
Naturopathic medicine holds such promise for the future of health care. I have personally seen the power of good quality natural medicine. When coupled with highly educated health practitioners - natural medicine provides incredible results for patients courageous enough to give it a try. I use the term courageous because unfortunately we live in a climate of suspicion and fear of natural medicine. This perspective is propagated by other competing economic interests.
I hope you find this article interesting. Our medical system does not have to be based on a divided and divisive system - we can all work together to decrease suffering and increase healthy full lives.
Link to 1010wins
Monday, July 28, 2008
Red Wine and Breast Cancer
New research supports the use of a popular supplement called resveratrol as a possible preventative step against breast cancer. The laboratory study shows that resveratrol can "suppress the abnormal cell formation that lead to most types of breast cancer...."
Resveratrol is a substance found in the skin of red grapes. The making of red wine naturally concentrates this substance. Many studies have looked at this antioxidant's possible effects on a number of health related conditions. Research has looked at resveratrol for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies support its use in relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It has also been considered for adjunct support in the treatment of cancer.
The French paradox first brought attention to resveratrol and the consumption of red wines. The French people are known to consume far higher amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol than those from the USA, and yet have lower rates of coronary artery disease. This paradox baffles scientist and research has pointed to red wine consumption as part of the reason. Though there are other possible factor to explain this "paradox" - such as eating less quantities and more physical activity, red wine consumption may hold part of the answer.
Resveratrol is a trans-3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene, which is produced when the plant is grown under stressful conditions. It is thought to help function as a deterrent against pathogens and pests. Organic and naturally raised grapes having considerably more resveratrol content than those conventionally grown, especially when pesticides are used. With the use of pesticides, it seems the grapes have no reason to produce as much resveratrol.
Those looking to use this substance for its health benefits can drink a glass of organic red wine daily (any more and the health benefits are probably offset by the alcohol). It is also advisable to check for sulfite free versions as these substances can cause other health problems. For most looking to add this medicinal substance to their diet - a supplement is the most consistent and reliable form.
Resveratrol is a substance found in the skin of red grapes. The making of red wine naturally concentrates this substance. Many studies have looked at this antioxidant's possible effects on a number of health related conditions. Research has looked at resveratrol for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies support its use in relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It has also been considered for adjunct support in the treatment of cancer.
The French paradox first brought attention to resveratrol and the consumption of red wines. The French people are known to consume far higher amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol than those from the USA, and yet have lower rates of coronary artery disease. This paradox baffles scientist and research has pointed to red wine consumption as part of the reason. Though there are other possible factor to explain this "paradox" - such as eating less quantities and more physical activity, red wine consumption may hold part of the answer.
Resveratrol is a trans-3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene, which is produced when the plant is grown under stressful conditions. It is thought to help function as a deterrent against pathogens and pests. Organic and naturally raised grapes having considerably more resveratrol content than those conventionally grown, especially when pesticides are used. With the use of pesticides, it seems the grapes have no reason to produce as much resveratrol.
Those looking to use this substance for its health benefits can drink a glass of organic red wine daily (any more and the health benefits are probably offset by the alcohol). It is also advisable to check for sulfite free versions as these substances can cause other health problems. For most looking to add this medicinal substance to their diet - a supplement is the most consistent and reliable form.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
