alternative medicine Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How Purpose, Gratitude & Control Safeguard Your Memory, Mood & Modality

The AHA! Team — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:12:43 +0000

S.D. Wells via Natural News – What if the secret to protecting your memory wasn’t found in a pill or a brain game, but in something far simpler—happiness? Happiness as a Brain Protector: A 16-year study reveals that higher levels of well-being (happiness, purpose, autonomy) predict better memory retention and slower cognitive decline—not the other way around. Beyond Traditional Factors: Well-being’s benefits persisted even after accounting for exercise, social connections, and stress reduction, suggesting it independently supports brain health. Autonomy Matters: Participants who felt more in control of their lives showed stronger memory performance, highlighting empowerment as a key cognitive safeguard. Actionable Well-Being Strategies: Cultivating meaningful relationships, purposeful activities, gratitude, and lifelong learning may offer long-term protection against memory decline—starting at any age. Happiness Could Be the Key to Preserving Memory, Landmark 16-Year Study Finds” What if the secret to protecting your memory wasn’t found in a pill or a brain game, but in something far simpler—happiness? A groundbreaking 16-year study published in Aging & Mental Health reveals that individuals with higher levels of well-being experience slower memory decline as they age. Tracking over 10,000 adults aged 50 and older across England, researchers discovered that emotional health—encompassing happiness, purpose, and autonomy—may be a powerful predictor of long-term cognitive function. The findings challenge conventional approaches to brain health, suggesting that cultivating well-being could be as crucial as diet or exercise in safeguarding memory. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool and University College London, measured participants’ memory and well-being every two years from 2002 to 2018. Using a simple word-recall test—a reliable indicator of early dementia risk—they found that those with higher well-being scores consistently outperformed their peers, even after accounting for factors like depression, exercise, and social activity. Lead researcher Amber John emphasized the significance: “Our findings are important in proposing that good well-being predates better memory rather than vice versa. This suggests that improving well-being could protect against subsequent memory decline.” Unlike fleeting happiness, well-being in this study was defined as a deeper sense of fulfillment, confidence, and control over one’s life. Notably, participants who felt more autonomous showed the strongest memory retention, hinting that empowerment—not just positivity—plays a critical role. While the exact mechanisms remain under study, prior research suggests multiple pathways linking well-being to cognitive health. Positive emotions reduce chronic stress, which damages brain regions like the hippocampus—a hub for memory formation. Social engagement and purposeful activities, both linked to happiness, also stimulate neural connections. Yet this study went further: even after controlling for exercise, social ties, and mood disorders, well-being still predicted better memory. Joshua Stott, a senior researcher, called it “an important step toward understanding the interplay between well-being and memory over time.” Emma Taylor of Alzheimer’s Research UK, though not involved in the study, noted the implications: “People over 50 who reported they felt happier and more fulfilled in life had a better memory over time.” While causation isn’t proven, the correlation is strong enough to rethink prevention strategies. A New Prescription for Brain Health: Cultivate Joy Traditional approaches to memory preservation often focus on avoiding harm—quitting smoking, managing stress—but this study flips the script, urging proactive well-being. Researchers recommend evidence-backed practices: Meaningful relationships: Strong social ties boost both happiness and cognitive resilience. Purpose-driven activities: Volunteering, hobbies, or work aligned with personal values enhance mental acuity. Autonomy: Making daily choices, however small, reinforces a sense of control. Gratitude practices: Simple habits like journaling positives can shift long-term well-being. Taylor added, “It’s never too late to start taking steps to keep our brains healthy throughout our lives.” In a world where dementia looms as a growing public health crisis, this study offers a hopeful, accessible strategy: prioritize happiness. While more research is needed, the message is clear—well-being isn’t just a luxury; it’s a potential lifeline for the aging brain. As science continues to explore natural protections against cognitive decline, one truth emerges: a joyful life may be the best medicine of all. Tune your internet dial to NaturalMedicine.news for more tips on how to use natural remedies, including happiness, for preventative medicine and for healing, instead of succumbing to Big Pharma products that cause, spread, and exacerbate disease and disorder. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com NaturalMedicine.news To read the original article, click here

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Reviving the Ancient Healing Wisdom of Frankincense (Boswellia)

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:11:06 +0000

News Editors via Natural News – Frankincense oil may receive most of the fame and glory, but the humble Boswellia tree from which it is derived, can also create another powerful natural medicine. Oil and extracts of Boswellia have been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health conditions. (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) While many of us are familiar with the meditative, cleansing, and enchanting aromas of incense, the very word itself contains the powerful natural medicine from which it is derived. Frankincense, meaning “true incense” is a resin that comes from any tree species that belongs to the genus Boswellia. Spreading their branches through the Middle East, Africa, and India, this tree’s roots run deep in ancient usage and text. While all Boswellia species can produce frankincense, Boswellia serrata is the supernal species that is adorned in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani for producing exceptional extracts. Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years, but it is quite possible this radical resin shared an evolutionary history with humans that greatly precludes our current estimates and archived paleoanthropological data. Just as fashion follows a circular cycle, with skinny jeans now the “newest rage”, so too is it time for a Boswellia revival and resurgence. Currently, there are 30 clinical studies on pubmed.gov, and 28 of those studies used B. serrata (the other 2 studies did not list a specific Boswellia species in their abstract). With a strong modern-day scientific backing, coupled with traditional use, Boswellia is a bright beacon pushing contemporary usage of natural medicines onward and upward. A few of its best-known therapeutic roles today include treating chronic health conditions like asthma, arthritis, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues. It has also been shown to reduce edema (swelling) from brain tumors after patients underwent radiotherapy [Kirste, 2011]. “RESULTS: Compared with baseline and if measured immediately after the end of radiotherapy and BS/placebo treatment, a reduction of cerebral edema of >75% was found in 60% of patients receiving BS and in 26% of patients receiving placebo (P = .023). These findings may be based on an additional antitumor effect. There were no severe adverse events in either group.” [Kirste, 2011] According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in just 8 years (from 2001-2009), the prevalence of asthma jumped from 20 million people to 25 million people. That trend only seems to be increasing and if we extrapolate the data to 2017 there will be 30 million people with asthma, which is almost 10% of the population. Commonly used drugs, like inhaled corticosteroids or oral steroids may be effective, but at what cost? Serious long-term health consequences such as osteoporosis, cataracts, behavioral and mood changes, plus immunosuppression, are just to name a few [Dahl, 2006]. One of the reasons asthma is difficult to treat is because it involves an inflammatory enzyme pathway called the 5-LOX (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase). Through a series of biochemical reactions, this enzyme produces substances called leukotrienes from the oxidation of lipid substrates, predominantly from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid [Safayhi, 2000]]. When leukotrienes are overly expressed, our immune system is excessively activated, and we enter a state of chronic inflammation, which can manifest as chronic diseases like asthma. One of the beautiful mechanisms by which Boswellia exhibits its benefits is through the prevention of degradation and oxidation to these fatty acids, thus reducing the inflammatory changes in the first place. Boswellia has also proven to be efficacious in other chronic illnesses like inflammatory bowel diseases. Collagenous colitis, which falls under the IBD umbrella, is characterized by chronic diarrhea and is typically treated with a polypharmacy approach. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical study, B. serrata extract (BSE) was found to be superior in remission rates (63.6%) versus placebo (26.7%) after a six-week treatment [Madisch, 2007]. In a clinical study on chronic colitis, the remission rates were thirty percent higher in the Boswellia group (14 out of 20 patients) versus the anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug sulfasalazine (4 out of 10 patients) [Gupta, 2001]. In a clinical study on breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, a Boswellia cream was found to significantly reduce the skin-damaging side effects [Togni, 2015]. Radiotherapy can cause extreme irritation, inflammation, itching, pain, and redness, which can severely alter a patient’s quality of life [Shaitelman, 2015]. Managing these disruptive side effects is typically done with steroids to reduce the immune response, but why risk the consequences when Boswellia is a much safer alternative? While Boswellia extract may be a formidable force, so too are the volatile oils (essential oils) derived from the gummy resin. There are four main species of Boswellia There are four main species of Boswellia from which high-quality frankincense oils are extracted: B. sacra, B. carteri, B. frereana, and B. serrata. While the chemical constituents may vary by species, in general, frankincense oil contains beneficial terpene compounds (limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene) [Woolley, 2012]. Human data may currently be limited on essential oil applications, but animal and cellular studies have elucidated some of the mechanisms responsible for these anti-cancer properties. Frankincense oil has demonstrated cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-proliferative properties against various cancer cell lines, including pancreatic cancer (which generally has an overall survival rate in humans of less than five years) [Ni, 2012]. Without applying reductionist principles to the innate wisdom of this plant, Boswellia probably has countless ways by which it improves health and restore balance. Whether you prefer a Boswellia extract or frankincense essential oil – caveat emptor (buyer beware) – as the purity and efficacy of products can vary greatly. Make sure to do your research and work with a company you know and trust. Read more at: GreenMedInfo.com To read the original article, click here

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The Hidden Benefits of Camu Camu: This Amazonian Superfruit May Help Reverse Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The AHA! Team — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:03:32 +0000

Olivia Cook via Natural News – This Amazonian superfruit may help reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. For years, doctors have faced challenges in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting over 25 percent of adults globally. But a recent discovery points to an unexpected remedy: the Camu Camu berry from the Amazon rainforest. NAFLD is marked by fat buildup in the liver, which can lead to inflammation, scarring and even liver failure if not addressed. It’s closely associated with diabetes, metabolic disorders and obesity, making it a significant health concern as global obesity rates climb. Currently, there are no approved medications for NAFLD, leaving diet and exercise as the primary treatments for this disease. This is why researchers are examining the Camu Camu berry, a small red fruit native to the Amazon rainforest. The berry is rich in antioxidants, fiber and polyphenols – plant compounds with evidence-based health benefits. The Camu Camu berry, a small red fruit native to the Amazon, is rich in antioxidants, fiber and polyphenols–plant compounds with evidence-based health benefits. In this study, 30 obese or overweight adults with high triglycerides were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were split into two groups: one received 1.5 grams of Camu Camu powder daily, while the other got a placebo (maltodextrin) for 12 weeks, followed by a four-week break before switching treatments. Researchers focused on measuring liver fat content using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with other indicators of liver and metabolic health and changes in gut bacteria. After 12 weeks, those taking camu camu saw a notable 15.85 percent reduction in liver fat, while the placebo group experienced an 8.42 percent increase. Camu Camu also lowered liver enzymes ALT and AST, which are markers of liver damage. Additionally, the Camu Camu group had beneficial changes in their gut microbiome, including more good bacteria, like Lactobacillus, and fewer harmful ones linked to NAFLD. However, there were no changes in body weight or overall body fat between the two groups. (Related: Camu Camu ground to speed up metabolism and reduce weight gain.) Evidence-based health benefits of Camu Camu Scientifically known as Myrciaria dubia, camu camu has more proven health benefits. Here are some of them: Rich in vitamins and minerals Camu camu stands out for its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps with boosting the immune system, collagen production, iron absorption and wound healing. A 100-gram serving of camu camu fruit pulp contains between 877 to 3,133 milligrams of vitamin C, although levels can vary depending on where the plant is grown. Besides vitamin C, camu camu also provides calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. Boosts the immune system The antioxidants in Camu Camu, including anthocyanins, support immune health by affecting key immune cells (dendritic cells, lymphocytes and macrophages). Vitamin C in Camu Camu helps keep cells healthy by protecting them from damage caused by harmful molecules produced during inflammation. It boosts the ability of immune cells to engulf and destroy harmful particles and germs (phagocytosis). Vitamin C also helps white blood cells, called neutrophils, move to infection sites to fight off invaders. At the same time, it helps prevent too much damage to tissues by supporting the natural process of cell death and clearing away damaged cells. Has anti-bacterial, anti-malarial and anti-viral properties Research has identified various beneficial bioactive compounds in Camu Camu, such as polyphenols and those correlated with anti-parasitic properties which could be useful in treating diseases, like malaria and schistosomiasis. Seed extracts have shown potential as sources for new treatments. Supports healthy blood sugar levels Research published in the open access, peer-reviews journal Metabolites showed that the lowest dose of Camu Camu extract effectively reduced non-HDL cholesterol, which includes all the harmful types of cholesterol and free fatty acids. Only the highest dose of Camu Camu extract prevented fat accumulation, issues related to high-fat diets, such as insulin resistance, liver cholesterol buildup, liver triglyceride accumulation and weight gain. Both low and high doses of the fruit extract were found to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and enhancing glucose tolerance. Promotes eye health With its high content of vitamin E and carotenoids, Camu Camu helps protect against eye damage and can slow the progression of age-related conditions, like cataracts and macular degeneration. Improves oral and gum health Camu Camu’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help combat gingivitis and other gum disease. It reduces oxidative stress, which can otherwise lead to gum and periodontal concerns. Supports cardiovascular health Camu Camu is beneficial for heart health. It can improve blood pressure and promote better blood flow – helping protect the heart and arteries from diseases. Learn about the amazing health benefits of organic camu camu by watching the following video. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Camu camu fruits are rich in an anthocyanin that stops tumors from growing. Camu Camu: What you need to know about the most potent food source of vitamin C on the planet. Study: Exotic fruit Camu Camu can help speed up metabolism and improve gut health. Sources include: StudyFinds.org OrganicFacts.net NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2 ScienceDirect.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 3 NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 4 Brighteon.com To read the original article, click here: https://www.naturalnews.com/2024-08-27-camu-camu-superfood-reverse-fatty-liver-disease.html

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The Differences Between Alternative and Western Medicine, What You Need to Know

AHA Publisher — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 08:00:58 +0000

Clare Knight, B.Sc. via News-Medical – Alternative therapies have become increasingly popular. Half the global population use some form of alternative medicine annually and, as they typically exist outside of Government-backed healthcare systems, pay directly for such services. Many healthcare practitioners incorporate therapies that exist outside of conventional medicine in their practices. The following article discusses the differences between alternative and Western medicine and explores what might account for the increasing use of alternative models. What Is Alternative Medicine? The terms ‘alternative’, ‘holistic’ and ‘complementary’ are commonly used interchangeably as a way of referring to any health intervention that lies outside of conventional medical approaches. Such therapies and approaches can be categorized into five domains: Manipulative and body-based treatments which focus on the relationship between the structures and systems of the body and manipulations to induce health and wellbeing. Treatments include reflexology, chiropractic and massage therapies. Alternative medical systems, which are systems of health theory and practice which have developed separately from conventional medicine. They include naturopathy, Chinese medicine and homeopathy. Biologically based practices that use naturally occurring materials to affect health and include diet and botanical therapies. Mind-body interventions based on the theory that physical health is influenced by emotional and mental factors. Examples include hypnosis, meditation and mindfulness. Energy therapies which stem from the core belief that fields of energy called biofields exist in and around the body, and as such can be manipulated by energy practitioners or by using external energy sources such as electromagnetic fields. Examples of therapies include acupuncture, Reiki and magnet therapy. In actuality, the three terms describe a different approach. Holistic medicine refers to a philosophy that believes treatments should encompass all three elements of the human: an integration of the mind, body and spirit. Illness and injury are interpreted as an imbalance of the mind-body-spirit, and all three must be treated together to achieve wellness. In holistic medicine, an example could include combining massage treatments with mindfulness and Reiki. Alternative medicine refers specifically and only to the second domain outlined above: a group of practices, products and systems of healthcare that currently exist outside of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is treatments that are given in conjunction with conventional or mainstream medicines in the treatment of ill health. Examples include chiropractic treatments, dietary interventions and acupuncture. It is perhaps more accurate to refer to the treatments which fall into these five domains as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). What is Western Medicine? Western or traditional medicine typically encompasses a system in which medical and healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, therapists and pharmacists manage and treat disease using conventional evidence-based practices such as drugs, surgery, lifestyle changes or treatment protocols. Over the past 60 years, Western medicine has made significant gains in healthcare including a 60% reduction in the death rate from heart disease, a 75% reduction in the death rate from HIV/AIDS and a 16% reduction in the death rate from cancers. Whilst Western medicine is rooted in the fight against infectious disease; identifying infectious agents and delivering effective treatments, modern healthcare systems are becoming increasingly overwhelmed by complex chronic diseases. Such diseases which include dementia, diabetesand obesity are typically late-onset, thus their increase is driven by an aging population. Attempts to develop treatments have been inadequate and costly, and attention has been increasingly drawn to their prevention. The Popularity of CAM The use of CAM is prevalent among patient populations. A recent meta-analysis of people with cancer showed that approximately half use some form of CAM during their illness. A large-scale survey of people with asthma showed similar proportions trying CAM to manage symptoms, despite perceiving such therapies as only moderately useful. People with HIV/AIDS infection appear to be prolific users of CAM therapies, despite a paucity of evidence for their effectiveness. In population studies, the use of CAM ranges from 9% to 65%, dependent on the form of treatment. It is clear that CAM therapies are used frequently and increasingly. What Draws People to CAM Over Western Medicine? One interesting theme is that patients who use CAM therapies most often are those with either life-threatening or terminal illnesses (such as cancers or AIDS) or those with chronic but minor illnesses (such as back pain or acne). For those at the most severe end of the disease spectrum, conventional medical interventions may be effective in altering the pathological course of the illness, but to the patient are perceived as toxic or may have unpleasant side effects. Whilst there is no scientific evidence that CAM therapies can treat such conditions, they do induce pleasant side effects. CAM therapies may therefore be more in tune with patients, who simply want to feel better rather than be healed. People with minor illnesses may be more likely to use CAM therapies as their treatment options within conventional healthcare may be limited. Healthcare providers are less inclined towards the management of non-medically serious disorders, although these can have a significant impact on patient’s quality of life. This is also affected by issues of access to treatment: welfare-based health systems are unlikely to provide treatment for minor illnesses, whereby CAM therapies can be directly commissioned by the patient. One group of patients who feel particularly poorly served by conventional medicine are those with unexplained symptoms or syndromes. In these cases, CAM therapies may be able to provide homeopathic or naturopathic diagnoses. This can be relieving and validating for patients. References Ernst E. (2001). Rise in popularity of complementary and alternative medicine: reasons and consequences for vaccination. Vaccine, 20 Suppl 1, S90–S89. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00290-0 Nursing Times. 2021. Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use? | Nursing Times. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nursingtimes.net/roles/nurse-educators/complementary-therapies-what-is-the-evidence-for-their-use-01-10-2001/. [Accessed 08 January 2021]. Tabish S. A. (2008). Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?. International journal of health sciences, 2(1), V–IX. Wiseman N. (2004). Designations of Medicines. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 1(3), 327–329. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neh053 To read the original article click here.

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