Vitamin D Could Prevent Falls

Falling is a part of growing older. As we age we are more susceptible to losing our balance and falling. In fact, a study showed that over 75% of those that are 65 years of age or older will experience a fall in their lifetime. While many health care providers might recommend yoga or other balance strengthening exercises to prevent falls there might be another alternative medicine that can help prevent elderly people from falling. Vitamin D.

A research analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at the concept of taking vitamin D supplements to prevent falls. Vitamin D has look been known as the sunshine vitamin because it helps increase hormones in the body and also leads to stronger muscle mass. It is believed that the stronger muscle mass helps to prevent falls in elderly patients.

The research analysis took 61 studies that have been conducted involving vitamin D and elderly patients. Of those studies it showed that 17% of the people involved in the study were able to prevent falls or lowered their risk for falling as they aged.

With this study’s finding it is believed that those that use vitamin D to supplement their diet will lower their risks of falling and suffering extreme disability from their falls. It is recommended that people take vitamin D supplements because vitamin D is hard for the body to maintain on its own. While vitamin D can be obtained from the sun, milk and fish the body will often sift it out or not get adequate amounts in the body to prevent falls. A simple vitamin D tablet daily could decrease your risk of falling.

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Alternative Medicine News: Guggul Could Prevent Prostrate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a concern amongst many male patients. While there has been no known cure for cancer there are many natural supplements that have claimed to be a natural defense against certain types of cancer. The most recent study that has been conducted in regards to cancer and natural supplements is that of guggul and prostrate cancer.

Guggul is a known herbal remedy that comes from the mukul myrrh tree. The herbal supplement guggul has long been used in traditional Indian medicine. It was only recently that modern medicine has really started to look at what guggul can offer the modern medical world. The study that was performed looked at guggul as a way to prevent certain types of cancers.

The study involved introducing guggul to certain types of cancer cells. When the guggul was introduced to the human cancer cells for prostrate cancer it showed that the guggul prohibited the growth of the cancer cells. Scientists believed this happened because the guggul increased a chemical known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is term used for the death of certain cells that does not allow the cells to release the substances that cause cancer. It also is used when the cancer is present and prevents it from spreading to other surrounding cells.

While the study was not enough to allow researchers to call guggul a cancer cure, it was enough to promote other researchers and scientists to look into the benefits of adding guggul to those that might show early signs of prostrate cancers. In the next few years there will be much talk about what guggul can do for cancer.

Filed Under: Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: , ,

Can Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Determine Ones Risk for Age Related Macular Degeneration

There is a lot of talk lately about the rising amount of benefits that adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet can have. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to reductions in cancer, losing weight, healthy hearts and even in helping reduce the effects of aging such as wrinkles and cellulite. However, omega-3 fatty acids have recently been linked to the ability to reduce a person’s chance of developing certain vision problems.

A study conducted by scientists and published in the Ophthalmology journal looked at the result that omega-3 fatty acids might have on people’s vision. This study involved 2,319 people who were between the ages of 65 and 85. It asked them about their normal intake of foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This includes nuts, fish and shellfish.

The results of this study showed that of the patients that were surveyed 68 of them were less likely to eat foods that were high in omega-3 fatty acids. These 68 patients also had advanced signs of age related macular degeneration. The scientists that ran the study concluded that those that had a diet without omega-3 fatty acids were more likely to develop age related macular degeneration.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to reducing age related macular degeneration because they are a type of acid that is known to cause inflammation. It is also believed to reduce the amount of damage that is caused by free radicals. Both free radicals and inflammation are known causes of age related macular degeneration.

Filed Under: Health, Natural Medicine Tagged With: , ,

A Warning For Parents Who Combine Alternative and Conventional Medicine to Treat Asthma

When it comes to treating asthma in their children, parents are starting to turn to alternative medicine at alarming rates. In a recent study of over 2,000 families with children who have asthma it showed that over 15% of the families used some type of alternative treatment for asthma. Of those 15%, 5% of those people also used conventional medicine along with the alternative medicine treatments for asthma. These results have raised some concerns in the medical community.

A number of recent research studies have shown that those that use alternative medicine to treat asthma may be preventing themselves from being able to use conventional medicine. Many alternative medicine treatments such as supplements and herbal remedies actually can cause a medical reaction within the body. This reaction will cause the conventional medicine to not work or could provide harmful side effects.

Not only was there a risk for harmful drug interactions the study also showed that those who combined conventional treatments like inhalers with herbal or supplement treatments were twice as likely to not have control over their asthma as they grew older. It is believed that the combination of the two treatments could cause some instability in the body that causes the child to have no control over their asthma.

With these findings it has caused many conventional and alternative medical practitioners to warn parents about the potential side effects of using alternative medicine and conventional medicine to treat asthma. Many alternative medical practitioners are recommending that parents who wish to treat asthma through an alternative medical approach, try alternative forms that are less dangerous such as acupuncture or chiropractic procedures. These procedures when done correctly posed less of a risk to children with asthma than supplements and herbal medicine. These treatments also allowed the child to obtain some type of control over their asthma symptoms.

Filed Under: Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: , ,

Acupuncture May Have an Impact for People with Depression

Depression is a common ailment among people in the United States with up to 10% of the adult population developing the condition each year. Health care providers have a variety of prescription antidepressant medications available to treat this condition; other therapies for depression include psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy. More people are becoming interested in alternative and complementary therapies like acupuncture and their potential impact on depression.

In Chinese medicine, a problem with energy flow is thought to lead to depression and the other physical symptoms associated with depression. The acupuncture sessions focus on recirculating and balancing the flow of energy throughout the body.  Once the energy is moving again, many of the symptoms of depression may go away according to Chinese medicine.

There have been multiple studies that have looked at the effect of acupuncture on depression.  These trials have not shown enough evidence to recommend acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment for depression. Some trials have suggested that acupuncture may be beneficial in combination with conventional medications. Further studies are needed to establish the appropriate role in treatment.

However, acupuncture has been shown to improve depression that occurs during pregnancy after about one month of treatments; an additional benefit is that acupuncture does not involve pharmaceuticals which may harm a developing fetus.  These women should still discuss the use of acupuncture during pregnancy with their obstetrician or primary physician.

If you suffer from depression, you should discuss the use of acupuncture with your physician – especially before you make any treatment changes. If you decide to incorporate acupuncture into your treatment regimen, you should look for an acupuncturist with experience and training in managing people with depression. You can also check the status of a practitioner through the state board or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With:

Treat Your Gut

Most leading Holistic or Natural health care providers agree that one of the most important things in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to keep your intestines healthy and full of the right bacteria. The most beneficial thing you can do is to eat a proper diet that consists of high amounts of fiber, lactose, complex carbohydrates and enzymes. Whole foods like grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy dairy fats, such as yogurt, are essential in maintaining a healthy gut.

The main problem with Americans today is the mass consumption of foods that damage or block the intestinal tract. Greasy fast foods, coffee, alcohol, tea, excessive meats, dairy, and refined or processed sugars all bring an unhealthy balance to your body by providing the wrong bacteria, preventing it from properly digesting and assimilating your food. This in turn forces the immune system to work harder than it should to clean these unwanted materials from your body, leaving it overtaxed and ineffective.

If you find yourself feeling sluggish, crampy, or constipated, the first thing you need to do is cleanse the gut using an effective intestinal cleanse. Make sure you do your research, as not all cleanses produce the best results. Decide what feels right for your particular situation.
Next, enrich your diet with the right amounts of healthy foods. The traditional eastern diet is rich in fresh vegetables, which provide many of the complex carbohydrates and vitamins that we need. Fish are rich in omega 3 fatty oils that aid the gut in proper digestion. Whole grains, fruits and yogurt can also be very beneficial in maintaining a healthy balance in your intestines.

Besides all the health benefits bestowed by eating a healthier whole foods diet, you will find that you feel better, look better and have all the energy necessary to compete with today’s busy lifestyle.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: , ,

The AcuBido Treatment

Within the Chinese culture, acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of sexual health issues for centuries. Emperors, for example, took their sexual health very seriously and would continually consult with physicians in case any difficulties in the bedroom should arise.

If you feel like your libido has been unnaturally low, or are having difficulties with other aspects of your sexual health, acupuncture may be the right thing for you. Having the ability to increase male and female libido quickly, as opposed to many medications that increase in potency only over time, it has been a remarkable remedy for many people.

One of the other benefits that acupuncture has over traditional western medicine is that it works synergistically with itself to aid in curing a wide range of the same ailments. You can make an appointment to increase your libido and find that it has also helped you with other related problems, such as impotency, infertility, low sperm count, menopause, dryness or premature ejaculation.

In addition, there are virtually no side effects to treatment by acupuncture. Many medications, especially hormonal ones, only work with a certain chemical makeup, and you can never be certain of what side effects will occur. There have even been cases where a medical libido enhancer was taken and been a factor in facilitating cancer. Not to mention other side effects, which can include, but are not limited to restlessness, nausea, over excitability, seizures, fainting, and an increase in blood pressure.

Acupuncture, which has been a great method of avoiding these adverse side effects, has been proven over many hundreds of years. Most cities have acupuncture centers nearby and are always discreet in providing service that are of a sensitive sexual nature. Another benefit is the cost. Compare it to expensive doctor’s visits, medications and follow-up appointments, and as you weigh the other benefits with it, you will see why acupuncture may be the best choice for you.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: , ,

Acupuncture and Fertility

Infertility is a major concern for around 5 million women in the U.S., and science is constantly trying to find ways around it. There are many factors that contribute to this malady, the most popular being ovulation disorder, and hundreds of chemical factors play a part in balancing the hormonal structure of the body in order to conceive.

We live in a busy world. Today, American women are constantly on the go, whether they be a stay-at-home wife, a business tycoon or a Fashionista. High stress levels, combined with lack of nutrition, over consumption of caffeine, alcohol and sugar, create a chemically unbalanced body that is exactly the wrong kind of environment needed to conceive. Although these issues may or may not be a contributing factor in becoming pregnant, it is certainly advisable to take the healthiest approach to becoming pregnant as possible. Take some time out of your day to relax, eat a healthy snack, or do some calming yoga stretches. A small amount of action on your part can go a long way in readying your body for the changes you so wish for.

Acupuncture has become increasingly popular among women who are attempting conception. It is a low-risk procedure that has an astonishing success rate of 60% in women. This is amazing when one also considers the fact that most women do not choose to try acupuncture until late in their infertility.

When being treated for infertility with Acupuncture, you will not need to worry about interfering with a busy schedule. Treatments are usually conducted once per month, depending on the practitioner and depth of the problem. Sessions range from 30-50 minutes, hardly taking any time from your day, and with the going popularity and success rate of the treatment, is becoming one of the most popular conception methods sought out by women today.

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Asprin VS Acupuncture

We live in a fast paced, high stress world. People bustle around, from here to there, trying to make it to one appointment after the other.
One of the disadvantages of living in such a rushed society is injury and sickness. When the body is low on rest and nutrition, it becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Also, when muscles are so overexerted that they cannot rebuild themselves, also from lack of proper rest and nutrition, we develop what is called a trigger point, where the muscles bunch together in a tight and painful knot. These trigger points are usually located in the neck and back muscles, although they are not limited to one area.

The most common method for treating back and muscle pain by Medical Practitioners and Doctors is to prescribe an anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as Ibuprofen. While an anti-inflammatory drug may provide comfort over time, it is missing the most fundamental element in relieving the pain. Medications, unfortunately, do not treat pain. They smother it, mask it, or cover it, leaving the body still crippled and in danger of further injury since it’s pain messages are no longer being received. In addition, pain medications come with a wide range of side effects, which include dependency, kidney stones, restlessness, fatigue, and stomach pain.

In almost all cases where pain is being treated by medicine, Acupuncture can be substituted with astonishing, low-risk results. Practitioners insert hair-thin needles directly into the trigger points and send vibrating messages to the muscles from the tiny spring that comprises the top half of the needle. This aids in releasing blocked energy and increasing blood flow to the damaged tissue, helping it to relax and restore itself. The result is a pain free back or neck with little cost, and without the need for expensive physical therapy or medication.

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Acupuncture for Chemotherapy

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to alleviate a wide range of ailments. Anything is treated, from circulatory disorders to gastrointestinal problems, gynecological problems, immune disorders, addictions, emotional and psychological disorders, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, weight control, and treatments of the common cold. It has been used by Chinese Physicians for centuries and is increasingly becoming more popular in the U.S. as people turn to more holistic means to find relief from their illnesses without the burden of side effects that many drugs produce.

Other patients are also turning to acupuncture for relief. Many patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for cancer treatment have found that it gives them relief from the side effects. In a recent study, 7 out of 8 patients were completely relieved from their nausea and vomiting through the use of acupuncture, prior to the chemotherapy session. In cases where the chemotherapy lasted 5 days, acupuncture was used again on the 3rd day to help relieve symptoms. Relief lasted anywhere from 1 to 48 hours.

Physicians believe this is an effective treatment for relief of symptoms because the method of administration helps to release 5-HT in the brain. Serotonin or 5-Hydroxytryptamine has many functions within the body, aiding in digestion, activating responses of hunger or anger, to name a few. Using Acupuncture helps to release serotonin so that it can essentially send the correct signals throughout the body to cease nausea and vomiting.

The benefit of using this type of therapy is that it would require fewer hospitalizations for cases of extreme nausea and vomiting after a chemotherapy session, thereby improving the quality of life of the patient. It also aids in improving human tolerance to chemotherapy which improves clinical experiences or both the patient and the physician. It is not a cure for cancer, but definitely a positive step in trying to find ways to alleviate the side effects associated with the disease.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Alternative Treatment, Health Tagged With: , , ,
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