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Improve Your Heart Health With These Tart Berries

AHA Publisher — Mon, 09 May 2022 06:55:25 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For many people, eating cranberries is a sort of “one-off.” A traditional, time-honored companion to turkey and stuffing, cranberries may be consumed at a holiday meal – often in the form of canned, processed cranberry jelly – then promptly forgotten until next year. But, if this is the extent of your experience with cranberries, you may be missing out on valuable nutrients and plant compounds that can make for a “happy heart.” In a new study conducted at King’s College, London, researchers discovered that polyphenols in cranberries could improve blood vessel function, thereby promoting cardiovascular health. So, let’s see what makes these tart little crimson berries so uniquely beneficial to the human heart. Well-Controlled Study on Cranberries Yields Impressive Findings The “gold-standard” trial – a type of research widely acknowledged as the most rigorous kind of study – involved a group of healthy young men given a cranberry extract every day for a month (with a control group receiving a placebo). The team found that the cranberry extract significantly improved cardiovascular function, resulting in better flow-mediated dilation – a marker of heart health that measures the widening of blood vessels. The researchers noted that the improvements began as soon as two hours after cranberry consumption and persisted throughout the month of the study. Significantly, the volunteers didn’t have to gobble large quantities of cranberries or consume high extract dosages. The amount used in the study – nine grams of freeze-dried powdered berries – was roughly equivalent to eating a daily 100-gram serving of fresh cranberries, an amount the scientists called “reasonable.” Researchers Find “Solid Evidence” of Vascular Benefits from Cranberries The study, published last month in the journal Food and Function, illustrated the impact of cranberries on heart health. Lead author Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London called cranberries an “important fruit” in the prevention of heart disease for the general public. “The increases in polyphenols … and related improvements in flow-mediated dilation after cranberry consumption emphasize the important role cranberries may play in cardiovascular disease prevention,” Dr. Rodriguez commented. Co-author Dr. Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey, agreed. “Our findings provide solid evidence that cranberries can significantly affect vascular health, even in people with low cardiovascular risk,” Dr. Heiss pointed out. In other words, eating cranberries can help keep an already-healthy heart in good shape. Proanthocyanidins Help Neutralize Harmful Free Radicals Botanically known as Vaccinium macrocarpon, cranberries are closely related to blueberries and bilberries and share many of their properties. Cranberries are rich in antioxidant compounds, including quercetin, myricetin (also found in parsley and celery), and ursolic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These antioxidants can scavenge harmful free radicals that would otherwise cause oxidative stress and damage. As if that weren’t enough antioxidant “bang for the buck,” cranberries contain the antioxidant vitamins C and E and a substantial amount of heart-healthy fiber. But the real key to the cardiovascular benefits of cranberries could be their proanthocyanidins. Research has shown that these natural plant pigments may help keep arteries supple and flexible while helping to maintain desirable cholesterol readings. In addition, proanthocyanidins help to regulate the balance of “friendly” versus “unfriendly” bacteria in the all-important gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in the digestive tract. Finally, proanthocyanidins can also decrease levels of a pro-inflammatory substance known as homocysteine. Clearly, these berries have what it takes to support efficient heart function. Use in Salads, Sauces, and Salsa Cranberries are available fresh, dried, powdered, or juiced. Because the fresh, raw berries are so naturally tart and acidic, you probably won’t want to nibble them “straight” as a snack. However, you can incorporate these crimson delicacies into recipes with a little creativity and imagination. For example, you can pair dried berries with roasted, lightly salted nuts to create a satisfying homemade trail mix or stir them – along with raspberries and strawberries – into yogurt. This trio of colorful berries can also add flavor, fiber, and antioxidants to oatmeal. (For best results, add during the last minute of cooking). Make a refreshing salsa by combining chopped fresh cranberries with minced red onion, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of honey to taste. You can also add fresh or dried berries to salads, sauces, and marinades. Another option is to freeze cranberries and use them as you would ice cubes, adding them to fruit punches or spritzes for a festive touch. Natural health experts say that cranberry juice offers health benefits but lacks the fiber found in whole berries. It’s best to limit yourself to two cups of cranberry juice a day. Opt for 100 percent cranberry juice and avoid “cocktails” or “juice blends” that may contain large amounts of sugar. Dried cranberries may also be loaded with sugar to make the taste more palatable. ClevelandClinic.org reports that one serving of dried cranberries can contain a stunning 25 grams of added sugars! To avoid taking in excessive sugars, always check the labels). As large amounts of cranberries can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, they should be consumed in moderation. They can also increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible people. Full of antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial micronutrients, cranberries make a great addition to your healthy diet. Maybe it’s time to put these tarts, tiny fruits on the menu year-round! Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com ClevelandClinic.org To read the original article click here.

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New Measure of Heart Function Could Improve Survival for People with Heart Failure

AHA Publisher — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:35 +0000

University of Virginia Health System via News-Medical – A new physiological measurement of heart function developed at UVA Health could improve survival for people with heart failure by identifying high-risk patients who require tailored treatments, a new study suggests. The study is the first to show a survival benefit from wireless pressure monitoring sensors implanted in the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary artery proportional pulse pressure, or PAPP, is a new measure of heart function, developed at UVA, that can identify patients at very high risk of hospitalization or death from systolic heart failure or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the heart and lungs). Previous research by the researchers showed that patients with low PAPPs were at far greater risk than those with higher PAPPs, so the UVA researchers tested whether these benefits were maintained in patients undergoing implantation of pressure sensors that continuously monitor pressure in the pulmonary artery. “We found that PAPP is a very good measure of how stiff or compliant the pulmonary arteries are. The stiffness of the pulmonary arteries determines how much resistance the right side of the heart has overcome to pump blood effectively to the lungs. The importance of this simple measure is that it can identify patients that are at greatest risk of dying or being hospitalized. This allows us to tailor more aggressive treatments.” Sula Mazimba, MD, MPH, Heart Failure Expert, UVA Health and the University of Virginia School of Medicine Treating Heart Failure Heart failure is a condition where the heart fails to pump blood adequately through the body. It affects more than 6.5 million Americans and more than 26 million people around the world. It causes more than 1 million hospital admissions each year, and approximately half of patients die within five years of diagnosis. UVA’s new study evaluated the benefits of PAPP monitoring in patients with systolic heart failure, in which the heart’s left ventricle is weak, as well as those with pulmonary hypertension – high blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs and right side of the heart. To test whether PAPP monitoring could predict outcomes in these patients, Mazimba and his colleagues reviewed data from 550 participants in the CHAMPION clinical trial. In the trial, participants were randomized to receive an implantable, wireless heart monitor called the CardioMEMS HF System. Mazimba and his collaborators found that participants with a below-average PAPP had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization or death than those with higher PAPPs. Further, the monitoring offered significant benefit to those with low PAPPs, reducing the risk of death by 46% annually during two to three years of follow-up. “The implications of this study are highly significant,” said Kenneth Bilchick, MD, MS, a cardiologist at UVA Health and co-investigator on the study. “We now have identified a specific group of patients who appear to have a marked improvement in survival with implantation of these pulmonary artery wireless monitors. As a result, the findings of the study could maximize the impact of this technology for a large number of potential candidate patients. This is an excellent example of how secondary analyses of clinical databases maintained by the National Institutes of Health can result in novel and personalized approaches to patient care.” The UVA researchers say more study is needed to determine the full potential of PAPP monitoring to improve care for patients with heart failure, but they were encouraged by the early results. “In the past, the function of the right chamber of the heart was often ignored and considered to be inconsequential to the overall performance of the heart, but we are now learning that this is not the case,” Mazimba said. “Having tools that signal when the right side of the heart is under strain may aid clinicians to adopt timely tailored treatments for heart-failure patients.” Findings Published The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Heart, Lung and Circulation. The research team consisted of Mazimba, Greg Ginn, Hunter Mwansa, Olusola Laja, Christiana Jeukeng, Comfort Elumogo, Brandy Patterson, Jamie L .W. Kennedy, Nishaki Mehta, John A. Hossack, Alex M. Parker, Andrew Mihalek, Jose Tallaj, Nishtha Sodhi, Younghoon Kwon, Salpy V. Pamboukian, Philip B. Adamson and Bilchick. The CHAMPION Trial was funded CardioMEMS Inc, subsequently acquired by St Jude Medical and then Abbott. To read the original article click here.

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9 Herbs to Improve Blood Circulation and Heart Function

AHA Publisher — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 07:00:49 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Herbs have been used for centuries as a tonic and as a remedy for certain heart conditions. It is only in recent years that scientists have begun to acknowledge the power of herbs in reversing disease. Keep in mind, to improve heart function, these herbs should be used as a part of a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle – not a replacement. Is There a “Magic Pill” to Overcome Heart Disease? The answer is obvious: of course not. But let’s take a closer look at 9 of our favorite herbal remedies for heart health. 1. Hawthorn berry leaf and flowers can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. These berries are packed with heart-healthy compounds like flavonoids, rutin, epicatechin, vitexin, catechin, proanthocyanidins, quercetin hyperoside. These compounds help dilate blood vessels, prevent damage to blood vessels, improve blood flow, and improve heart function. And, yes, they are even considered safe to use with conventional drugs. 2. Bilberry will strengthen blood vessels and capillaries throughout the body. In Europe, bilberry is used as a part of approved treatment to improve certain heart conditions. Studies indicate that bilberries are rich in anthocyanosides, plant pigments, and vitamin C – all of which have excellent antioxidant properties. In Europe, bilberries have been used to eliminate varicose veins and to improve blood circulation. A 2009 study on rat models showed that bilberry extracts caused a significant decrease in plaque formation and prevented the progression of heart damage. 3. Butcher’s broom tones circulatory tissues throughout the body. It is widely used in the treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other circulatory disorders. The major components of butcher’s broom are anthocyanins and ruscogenin – which exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects crucial for heart health. 4. Ginkgo leaf improves oxygenation and strengthens the cardiovascular system. The active components of ginkgo leaves are the polyphenol flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and terpene trilactones. According to many studies, ginkgo leaves help treat intermittent claudication or poor circulation in the legs. A meta-analysis of eight randomized studies showed that people taking ginkgo showed improvement in their ability to walk farther when compared to placebo. This study was published in the American Journal of Medicine (2000). 5. Gotu kola leaf improves blood circulation and acts as a heart tonic. Gotu kola has been a mainstay of both the Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing systems. Gotu kola is rich in antioxidants, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, quercetin, kaempferol, and other flavones. The terpenoids are the active constituents in Gotu kola – which exert significant anti-inflammatory effects. A 2000 study clearly demonstrated that Gotu kola leaves improved the blood circulation in tiny capillaries and improved the conditions of vascular insufficiency in patients. 6. Motherwort leaf improves cardiac function and circulation. Motherwort has been used since ancient times to alleviate anxiety and improve heart health. Motherwort is rich in the phytonutrient alkaloid leonine, which offers significant benefits to the heart. Leonine is a mild vasodilator, meaning it increases the size of the blood vessels, which improves the blood flow to the heart and various organs of the body. It is also a diuretic that effectively decreases water retention in the body and naturally lowers high blood pressure. 7. Pleurisy root is a heart tonic, reduces spasms and congestion. The botanical name of the herb is “Asclepias tuberosa” – it is called “pleurisy root” because of its ability to treat pleurisy effectively. It relieves inflammation in the lining of the lungs and thorax and relieves bronchial and pulmonary trouble. Pleurisy root is rich in cardenolides, the flavonoids rutin and quercetin, kaempferol and lupeol. These compounds have antispasmodic, diuretic, and vasodilation effects throughout the body. 8. Prickly ash bark improves blood flow. It is used as traditional medicine by the Native Americans to treat intestinal cramps, nerve disorders, and inflammatory conditions. The berries have also been used to treat circulatory problems and intermittent claudication. Prickly ash bark was originally used as an effective remedy for toothaches. 9. Shepherd’s purse leaf supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Shepherd’s purse leaves provide vitamins C, A, and K; minerals iron, calcium, sulfur, potassium, and sodium; the flavonoid rutin; and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. But Wait, That’s Not All! Ginger and Turmeric Also Protect Your Heart Health in Multiple Ways For example, turmeric and ginger root support healthy cholesterol levels. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant and ginger (Zingiber officinale) root are botanically related. They are used as spices in cooking and are also used as a natural remedy to help reduce inflammation. A 2000 study on mice showed that ginger root effectively brought down high cholesterol levels and exerted heart-protective effects. A recent 2013 study showed that turmeric root was able to improve age-associated artery stiffening, decreased oxidative stress, and collagen formation in mice. Researchers concluded that the active compound curcumin might act as a novel therapy in treating aging arteries in humans and provide heart-protective effects. As always, we strongly recommend you consult a trusted healthcare provider with experience in herbalism. Bottom line You can prevent, even reverse heart disease with a comprehensive change in lifestyle and eating habits. No doubt, changing habits are never easy … but, the results are worth the effort. Sources for this article: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Lab Study Reveals Effective Treatment for COVID-19

AHA Publisher — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 08:00:22 +0000

Rush University Medical Center via News-Medical Net – A new potential therapy for COVID-19 developed by researchers at Rush University Medical Center has shown success in preventing the disease’s symptoms in mice. In a study, mouse models with COVID-19 showed positive results when a peptide (chain of amino acids) was introduced nasally. The peptide proved effective in reducing fever, protecting the lungs, improving heart function and reversing cytokine storm -; the immune system overreacting to an infection and flooding the bloodstream with inflammatory proteins. The researchers also report success in preventing the disease from progression in the report of their results published Jan. 11 in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, binds to an enzyme called ACE2 to enter and infect human cells. In response, the research team designed a hexapeptide (a peptide with six amino acids) that inhibits the virus from binding with ACE2. “This could be a new approach to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and protect COVID-19 patients from breathing problems and cardiac issues,” said Kalipada Pahan, PhD, the Floyd A. Davis Professor of Neurology at the Rush University Medical Center and a research career scientist at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, who led the study. Many patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units suffer from cytokine storm, which affects lungs, heart and other organs. Although anti-inflammatory therapies such as steroids are available to treat the problem, very often these treatments cause suppression of the immune system. The peptide inhibits cytokines that only are produced by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, not other inflammatory stimuli, indicating that this peptide would not cause immunosuppression.” (Kalipada Pahan, PhD, Floyd A. Davis Professor of Neurology, Rush University Medical Center) Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming available, their distribution nationally and globally will take months and possibly years in some part of the world. In addition, vaccines may not entirely prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, despite flu vaccination, about 40,000 to 50,000 people die each year in United States from the flu. Therefore, a specific medicine for reducing inflammatory events and treating respiratory and cardiac problems caused by COVID-19 will be necessary for better management of the disease even in the post-vaccine era. “If our peptide results can be replicated in COVID-19 patients, it would be a remarkable advance in controlling this devastating pandemic,” Pahan said. To read the original article click here.

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5 Ways a Healthy Weight Supports Immune Function. Achieve Yours

AHA Publisher — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:00:23 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you’re overweight, you can make a significant difference in your immune function, starting today! By working towards a healthy weight, you can improve the health of your body systems that spur immune health. While this is easier said than done, even prudent changes in weight can make a huge difference. In fact, a healthy weight supports immune function by supporting heart function, hormones, digestion, and more. Notably, there is a direct and measurable improvement in immune function outcomes and the incidence of sickness during and after healthy weight changes. It will take work and dedication to improve your weight. We are here to help and have a plan that will guide you towards a healthy weight and lifestyle. Are you ready to support your immune function with a healthier weight? UNHEALTHY WEIGHT AND INCIDENCE OF SICKNESS During the past few decades, experts have come to understand that being at an unhealthy weight, directly and indirectly, increases the risk of seasonal sickness and poor immune function. In fact, they believe that being overweight can cause a chronic state of inflammation that harms immune function. This can result in a blunted immune response to harmful invaders and microbes, poor recovery, and even a decreased response with medications (1). As the number of overweight individuals continues to increase in the population, health experts are bracing for more and more community sickness. But, there’s good news. Even just a small change in weight or a loss of about 5-10% can make a big difference in immune function. And, the more an individual moves towards a healthy weight, the better the results become. Here are 5 ways a healthy weight supports immune function. 5 WAYS A HEALTHY WEIGHT SUPPORTS IMMUNE FUNCTION 1. HEALTHIER GUT BACTERIA AND REDUCED INFLAMMATION Did you know that gut microbiota (bacteria) is altered in an overweight or obese individual compared to one at a healthy weight? It’s true. It’s in an unhealthy state. This unhealthy state has big implications for immune function and overall health. Human gut bacteria plays many roles, and an immune function is highly dependent on it. What’s not so clear is whether being obese causes healthy bacteria to change and become unhealthy, or whether the altered gut bacteria contribute to obesity. Experts believe the answer is a bit of both. There are several mechanisms linking the gut microbiota with obesity, altered insulin reactions, inflammation, metabolic issues, failing liver function, and more. The unhealthy gut bacteria may actually contribute to an altered hormone state that perpetuates fat gain (2). More fat gain further deteriorates healthy gut bacteria. This unhealthy cycle continues and reaps havoc on immune function. So, how does a healthy weight affect the gut and immune system? As an individual works towards and achieves a healthy weight, there are significant changes in gut microbial composition. These changes continue to spur advances toward a healthy weight. This is true for both diet-induced weight changes and bariatric surgery (3). Adding healthy bacteria to the diet during the effort can further support digestion and immune function. 2. NORMALIZED BLOOD SUGARS WITH A HEALTHY WEIGHT Did you know the presence of high blood sugars increases the incidence of sickness and infection? Thankfully, a healthy weight can normalize blood sugars. In fact, when blood sugars are high, sickness can induce a stress reaction which may lead to the secretion of hyperglycemic hormones, abnormal glucose variability, and health complications. What’s more, infections increase blood sugar levels which perpetuates the problem. The opposite is true when an individual works towards a healthy weight. In one study, researchers reported that improvements in weight were strongly associated with improvements in blood sugars, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and HDL cholesterol. They stated that a modest weight loss of just 5-10% was enough to improve health (4). 3. HEALTHY WEIGHT MEANS A HEALTHIER HEART Another organ vital to overall health and immune function is the heart. Unfortunately, obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses. Why? Being overweight stresses the heart, and this can lead to increased inflammation, elevated blood pressure, and changes in heart structure. What’s more, pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by adipose tissue can induce cardiac dysfunction (5). On the other hand, most illnesses can hurt the heart, and harmful microbes can promote the development of cardiovascular disorders and injury. An unhealthy or weak heart diminishes immune strength (6). Achieving a healthy weight supports immune function and heart health! 4. A HEALTHY WEIGHT PROMOTES A HEALTHIER LIVER The liver is extremely important to immune function and the detoxification of the human body. Unfortunately, an unhealthy weight can impair liver function. If you’re worried about your weight, liver, and immune system, there’s good news. A recent study found that a 5% decrease in BMI (body mass index) in overweight participants resulted in a decrease in liver fat and liver volume. They saw improvements in liver health with this weight decrease (7). As you achieve a healthy weight, you can support liver and immune function! 5. HEALTHY LUNGS Many people don’t think of the lungs when they think of immune health. However, they are vital. Healthy alveoli (tissues at the ends of bronchi in the lungs) are responsible for gaseous exchange in and out of the lungs and blood supply. They also work as an emergency exit for toxins. When your lungs are healthy, they support immune function by helping rid the body of toxic substances, microbes, and byproducts. However, being overweight can impair lung function. It causes substantial changes to the mechanics of the lungs and chest wall. This can result in asthma-like symptoms and inflammation in the lungs. Positive changes in BMI can help! In fact, several studies have found that improved weights result in increases in lung volumes and overall lung health (8). In addition to a healthy weight, it’s vitally important for lung health to abstain from smoking. HOW TO WORK TOWARDS A HEALTHY WEIGHT STARTING TODAY If you are interested in supporting your immune system and overall health by achieving a healthy weight, we have plans for you! In fact, you can start with Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast. It’s free and will help you improve the health of every system mentioned here. Then, you can make real lifestyle changes and achieve a healthy weight with Keto Zone. Start by joining our FREE Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge. Next, keep going with the Keto Zone Starter Kitincluding Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Diet Book. BOTTOM LINE You can support your immune system, but it takes working towards a healthy weight. Work towards your goals, and let us help with proven programs for health, immunity, and lifestyle change! You can start for free today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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6 Reasons to Include Zinc in Your Diet

AHA Publisher — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 07:00:17 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – While coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate headlines in the United States, the fact is: heart disease and cancer remain the number one and number two causes of death in the nation. Unfortunately, much of the research about zinc benefits have been ignored by the mainstream medicine and conventionally-trained physicians. Hopefully, this report can help to change all of that. Today, we’ll focus our attention on how zinc can help the fight free radical damage, minimize the risk of cellular dysfunction and greatly improve immune system performance. Study: How Zinc Improves Immune System Function and Speeds Up Your Ability to Regain Your Health Researchers have learned that zinc promotes immune system function by strengthening epithelial barriers, boosting cellular immunity and activating the T-lymphocytes which attack and kill infected cells. And, a recent review published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene concluded that zinc supplementation is associated with significant reduction in the duration of the common cold. The researchers noted that zinc reduced the length of colds and flu by over 52 hours. In other words, zinc supplementation can rescue cold and flu sufferers from two whole days of sniffling, sneezing, achy misery -quite a reprieve! Important to note: in order to ease cold and flu symptoms most effectively, zinc should be taken at the first sign of illness. Discover the Great Antioxidant Effects of This Valuable Mineral Zinc is a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals which would otherwise damage lipids, proteins and cell DNA in the body, potentially triggering disease. This essential micronutrient is also a key constituent of superoxide dismutase, a natural antioxidant enzyme linked with longevity. In one placebo-controlled study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and involving healthy adults aged 55 to 87 years, the researchers found that markers of oxidative stress – such as inflammatory cytokines and endothelial cell adhesion molecules – were substantially lower in participants who were given zinc. This translated into concrete disease-fighting benefits, with the zinc group demonstrating significantly lower rates of infections when compared to the placebo group. And the good news about zinc keeps on coming. It turns out that zinc benefits the heart, as well. It’s Time to Be Good to Your Heart Function Zinc is important for the health of the endothelium – the fragile, all-important layer of cells lining blood vessels. In addition to supporting endothelial function and healthy circulation, zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of artery-clogging atherosclerosis – thereby helping to prevent heart attack and stroke. Promising Research for All Those Concerned About Cancer Cell Growth Esophageal cancer is a particularly lethal form of cancer, with The American Cancer Society estimating that over 16,000 people will lose their lives to the disease in the United States in 2020 alone. But recent research on zinc has yielded encouraging results. In a study published in FASEB (the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology), researchers found that zinc can arrest the growth of esophageal cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The scientists noted that zinc works by interfering with overactive calcium signaling in cancer cells. Other research has demonstrated that zinc can help halt the growth of prostate cancer cells. Don’t Ignore the Health Dangers of Fatty Liver Disease With up to 40 percent of Americans living with some form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), this once little-known condition is now at epidemic proportions in the United States. Zinc lends the liver a helping hand by reducing inflammation, decreasing free radical damage, promoting nutrient absorption and facilitating elimination of waste. In an influential placebo-controlled study conducted in 2018, researchers gave supplemental zinc to participants with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (a possible complication of NAFLD) and alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver. After 36 months, the zinc group showed lower levels of inflammatory markers and better liver function. But, that’s not all. The zinc group also had a lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a deadly liver cancer that can result from chronic liver disease. Health warning: Zinc Deficiencies Increase the Risk of Unwanted Health Issues Of course, an obvious (no-brainer!) reason for consuming healthy levels of zinc is to protect against deficiencies. According to Oregon State University, 12 percent of the American population is at risk for zinc deficiency. In elderly people, the risk increases to a shocking 40 percent. And, the consequences can be grave. Zinc deficiency can cause increased susceptibility to many chronic degenerative diseases – along with anemia, impotence, cognitive problems and slowed wound healing. Zinc deficient infants are at a higher risk of both pneumonia and diarrhea. According to a review published in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, zinc shortfalls cause impaired formation and activation of disease-fighting lymphocytes. And, several studies have shown that zinc deficiency encourages tumor growth and promotes the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Protect Your Health With Sufficient Zinc Intake Diets that exclude grass-fed meats, wild seafood and pasture-raised eggs may be low in zinc, leaving vegetarians and vegans are at particular risk for deficiency. Along with elderly people, others at risk include those with chronic digestive disorders, athletes or any person that sweats heavily. Classic symptoms of zinc deficiency include brittle nails, white spots on the fingernails, hair loss, fatigue and impaired memory and concentration. Lowered sex drive, adult acne and decreased sense of smell and taste can also indicate a shortage of zinc. While the Institute of Medicine advises a zinc RDA of 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg a day for women, many natural health experts recommend more generous amounts. If you would like to try supplementing with zinc, talk to your integrative healthcare provider for guidance. You can boost your dietary intake of zinc with grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, sardines, poultry, chickpeas, cashews, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, eggs and mushrooms. The fact is: zinc benefits are simply too far-reaching and powerful to overlook. It’s well worth taking the time to make sure that you are “up to speed” on this life-sustaining mineral. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov, Springer.com, LifeExtension.com, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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