infections Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Topical Green Tea for Acne and Fungal Infections

AHA Publisher — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:00:56 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Which plant should we use for which skin disease? That’s the topic of my video Natural Treatment for Acne and Fungal Infections. Thousands of studies have been published to date about the health effects of green tea, but it wasn’t until fairly recently that researchers began to look at the possibility of using green tea for the prevention and treatment of infections. Patents have been taken out on the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of tea. Let’s review some of the evidence. In terms of fungal infections, green tea compounds have demonstrated “potent antifungal activity” against the primary cause of athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, jock itch, and ringworm—comparable, in some cases, to powerful antifungal drugs like fluconazole. This was shown in a petri dish, though. How about a green tea footbath for athlete’s foot fungus between the toes? Evidently, tea leaves were once used as a folk remedy for the fungus, so why not put it to the test? Indeed, a once-a-day, 15-minute dilute green tea footbath led to a significant improvement in symptoms compared to controls. Green tea baths also appeared to help with fungus-associated atopic dermatitis, though there was no control group in that study, and a full-strength green tea may help clear candida yeast from poorly cleaned dentures. What about the bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis? Even a 2% green tea mouthwash was found to be effective. Yes, you should be able to control plaque just with proper brushing and flossing—with an emphasis on “proper.” Most people don’t brush for the recommended four minutes a day, so a dilute green tea mouthwash may help. In terms of plaque bacteria-killing ability, green tea was beaten out by a “garlic with lime mouth rinse,” but I think I’ll just stick to green tea, especially when green tea appears to not only kill plaque bugs directly but also boost the antibacterial capacity of saliva after you drink it. What about green tea for acne? Six weeks of a 2% green tea lotion cut the number of pimples by more than half and significantly reduced the severity, as you can see at 2:48 in my video, making it a cheap, effective treatment for acne. Impetigo is another bacterial skin infection that can affect the face, but a tea ointment can affectan 80 percent cure rate, on par with antibiotics given topically or orally. What about bladder infections? We know a certain concentration of green tea compounds can killthe type of E. coli that causes urinary tract infections. The question then becomes how much tea do you have to drink to achieve those concentrations in your bladder? Not much, it turns out. Just one cup of tea might have an effect, but you may need to space out multiple cups over the day because it gets cleared out of your system within about eight hours, as you can see at 3:45 in my video. So, where do we stand now? The test tube data look promising, but there has yet to be a single study to put it to the test. At this point, green tea should just be used as an adjunct therapy for bladder infections. But, with emerging multidrug-resistant organisms, green tea certainly holdspotential. Wait a moment. If green tea is so good at killing bacteria, might we be killing the good bacteria in our gut when we drink it? No. That’s what’s so amazing. “It has also been shown that green tea has no effect over intestinal flora, which is a great advantage against other bactericidal [bacteria-killing] agents.” But that may not actually be true. Drinking green tea may actually boost the levels of our good bacteria by acting as a prebiotic, thereby improving the colon environment, so it may actually have some effect on our gut flora after all, but it appears to be all good. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Greger click here.

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Great NEWS: Fruits and Veggies That Actually Destroy Cancer Cells

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – In the United States, cancer – second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death – will claim the lives of over 600,000 people, according to current statistics from the National Institutes of Health. Yet, sadly – to this day, most people remain uninformed about the true power of fruit and veggies to stop cancer cell growth and premature death. No doubt, this will come as no surprise to anyone aware of the increase in pesticide/herbicide usage on our farm lands; the consumption of too many (heavily processed) junk foods and dangerous medications; the ever-expanding exposure to wireless (microwave) radiation; and the constant application of chemtrail toxins in the sky. Of course, the proliferation of highly-processed, sugary foods loaded with genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) is the major reason why we see so much suffering in this world. But, let’s just say the obvious: According to many qualified healthcare providers, the vast majority of these deaths – as well as the 1.8 million new cases that will be diagnosed in 2020 – are preventable. We must do everything in our power to avoid any threat to our health and happiness. What could be more important than that? Where Are the Veggies?! It’s Time to Expose the “800 Pound Gorilla” in the Room In an article published in Pharmaceutical Research, the authors – researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center – assert that only 5 to 10 percent of cancers can be attributed to genetic causes; lifestyle and environmental factors account for the rest. Of the factors believed to contribute to cancer, which include smoking, poor diet, environmental pollutants, sun exposure, obesity, infections, stress, alcohol and physical inactivity, diet is one of the most significant, accounting for roughly a third of many types of cancer, and up to 70 percent of colorectal cancers. These statistics are actually cause for hope – diet is one thing over which you have complete control. To be perfectly clear, nothing can be more important for avoiding cancer cell growth than eating a healthy (organic) diet filled with locally-grown fruits and veggies. Bright Coloration of Fruits and Vegetables Are a Tip-Off to Their Protective Qualities Eating a good amount of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables; a modest amount of high quality animal foods and select grains like quinoa or millet and restricting overall calorie intake can help you to dramatically reduce your cancer risk. Due to their beneficial natural pigments, fruits and vegetables tend to be brightly or deeply colored – picture the brilliant orange of carrots and tangerines, the vibrant red of tomatoes, the intense green of broccoli, and the rich indigo of blueberries. With some notable exceptions – such as onions and garlic – life-prolonging fruits and vegetables are recognizable by their eye-catching hues. Naturally, due to social pressures or ‘old’ habits, it can sometimes be a challenge to eat healthy – but the rewards are worth the effort. Fruits and Vegetables Are Loaded with Phytochemicals to Prevent Cancer Researchers tell us that there are as many as 25,000 different plant chemicals, many of which are anti-carcinogenic; carotenoids, quercetin, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol and sulfurophane are among the most well-studied – and potent. Not only are these compounds a safe way of targeting multiple cell-signaling pathways, but they perform an important role in reducing inflammation, now acknowledged to be at the root of many life-threatening diseases, including cancer. One of the ways phytochemicals target cancer is by blocking production of nuclear factor kappa b cells. These cells, also known as NF-kB, are an inflammatory marker; biochemists believe that incorrect regulation of NF-kB by the body is associated with the development of cancer. What Is So Special About Carotenoids? Carotenoids, a group of plant pigments, are both anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic. Beta-carotene, found in carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and beet greens, is a provitamin that the body turns into the antioxidant vitamin A. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon, has been demonstrated in animal and human studies to be a powerful cancer fighter, capable of scavenging free radicals – pumping up the body’s detoxification systems and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Other carotenoids include lutein, zeaxanthin, capsanthin, crocetin and phytoene. According to a 2002 scientific review of studies published in Cancer Metastasis Review, some of these may have cancer-preventing abilities to surpass even that of beta-carotene and lycopene; research is ongoing. How Can Quercetin Help to Prevent Cancer? A flavonoid found in citrus fruits, parsley, apples, onions, grapes, and various types of berries, quercetin is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptopic – meaning it can induce programmed cell death in cancer cells. Quercetin also blocks NF-kB activation, and has been found in animal studies to prevent colon and lung cancer. Onions, a particularly rich source of quercetin, have been credited by researchers with potency against squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. Researchers are particularly impressed with the way quercetin prevents damage to cell DNA by protecting strands from breakage. Fruit and Dark Chocolate Can Inhibit Inflammation A polyphenolic compound found in grapes, blueberries and dark chocolate, resveratrol acts against cancers of the breast, prostate, stomach, pancreas and colon. Like quercetin, resveratrol can induce apoptosis, suppress NF-kB activation, and inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. It also suppresses nitric oxide synthase, inhibits the inflammatory substances COX-2 and lipoxygenase, and impedes tumors by reducing their ability to grow blood vessels. In addition, resveratrol suppresses adhesion molecules, making platelets in blood less likely to clump together – thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Researchers are currently working to create versions of resveratrol with increased bioavailability – in other words, the capacity to be absorbed and used by the body – for applications in treating cancer. Indole-3 Carbinol Blocks Cancer Cell Growth A flavonoid found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, indole-3-carbinole fights cancer by inducing enzymes that help to metabolize carcinogens. Like other beneficial phytochemicals, this cancer-fighter modulates nuclear transcription factors. In test tube studies, indole-3-carbinol has been shown to inhibit the invasion of normal tissue by invasive cancer cells. So, we’ve got another good reason to eat our veggies. Concerned About Cancer? Eat Lots of Cruciferous Vegetables Like indole-3-carbinol, sulfurophane is found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Cell and animal studies have attested to strong anticancer effects. Researchers have found that sulfurophane induces phase-2 enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. In addition, sulfurophane induces apoptosis, inhibits NF-kB, and scavenges free radicals. The bottom line: Nature has reserved the brightest colors in her palette to ornament those foods that do the most to protect us from cancer and other diseases. Unlike the protocol of traffic lights, the colors red, yellow and green – when found in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables – all signal “Go.” Sources for this article include: Cancer.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, Livescience.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Low Carb Ginger Lime Fizz (Non-Alcoholic) Recipe

AHA Publisher — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – It’s still hot out, and there’s still plenty of time for refreshing summer drinks. If you’re looking for a new healthful and flavorful one, try out Keto Ginger Lime Fizz. Here’s how to make it, and why you should. Keto Ginger Lime Fizz Ingredients 2 limes 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, or 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger low-carb Stevia-Based Ginger Ale Ice Optional: Instant Ketones Limeade Flavor Instructions Fill a glass with ice. Juice one lime, and pour into a small bowl or cup. Add ginger to juice and mix well. Pour lime juice and ginger mix into the glass with ice. Pour 6-8 ounces low-carb stevia ginger ale over ice, stir to mix with ginger and lime juice. If you’d like to add instant ketones to enter the Keto Zone faster, reduce symptoms of keto flu, or simply add electrolytes and ketones to your body, stir in Instant Ketones. Garnish with lime slices and enjoy! Nutrition info (per recipe): 6 calories, 0 grams fat, 1 gram net carbs (1 gram carbs, 0 grams fiber), 0 grams protein Why Drink Keto Zone Ginger Fizz? First, limes and lime juice offer many health benefits. It can improve skin, help fight inflammation, exhibits anti-cancer effects, may boost the immune system, and supports healthy blood sugars. That’s a great start. Next, ginger is a potent medicinal food. Here’s what a little ginger can do in your body. Health Benefits of Ginger 1. Ginger Helps Fight Nausea For centuries, ginger has been used as a nausea remedy. It’s very effective. In fact, some studies have shown it works s well as some prescription medications (1, 2). Ginger can be used for nausea due to medications, pregnancy, motion sickness, and more Note: If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor before using large amounts of ginger. 2. Anti-Cancer Properties Ginger contains large amounts of 6-gingerol and 6-paradol, two strong nutrients that may fight cancer cells. Lab studies have shown that these ginger-derived compounds may have inhibitory effects on various types of cancer cells (3, 4). Gingerol is also highly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, in addition to anti-tumor. The current studies are promising for ginger against cancer cells; however, more research is needed to confirm how it can be used, and its effectiveness in humans. 3. Gingerol Supports Fight Against Infections Gingerols also have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. Ginger may even prevent bacterial growth and provide anti-bacterial activity against multi-drug clinical pathogens (5). As more and more people become resistant to some antibiotics, ginger may have an important position in aiding the fight against harmful microbes. 4. Supports Heart Health Ginger also supports heart health. It promotes healthy cholesterol levels. One 45-day double-blind controlled clinical trial study on 45 patients with high cholesterol found ginger had a significant lipid-lowering effect compared with placebo (6). Another animal study found ginger extract lowered LDL cholesterol in a similar way to a statin drug. 5. Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents Every day, our bodies are under attack from free radicals and inflammation. As they build, they can become a chronic issue that leads to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and accelerated aging of our cells. Unless you fight back with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Animal studies have found that ginger’s bioactive compounds and antioxidants may inhibit inflammatory brain responses. One study from 2012 published in Evidence Based Complement Alternative Medicine studied the effects of ginger extract on 60 middle-aged women. The researchers found the ginger enhanced working memory, reaction time, and attention, commonly reported problems in this population, without any reported side effects (7). 6. Relief for Muscle and Joint Aches The anti-inflammatory health benefits of ginger go even further! If you suffer from joint or muscle pain, ginger could help. Further, it can be used for muscle-induced pain and menstrual pain. One study of 150 women students took one gram of ginger powder per day for the first 3 days of their menstrual cycles. Ginger was found to be as effective as ibuprofen in relieving this menstrual pain. 7. 1-2 Superfood Punch with Turmeric Ginger, and its close counterpart turmeric, are both from the Zingiberaceae family. Like ginger, turmeric has many medicinal properties that make it popular in alternative medicine. When combined, their effects can increase. Both support reduced pain in joints and muscles. Both are healthy for the digestive system and support brain health. Together, they are truly a 1-2 superfood punch. Bottom Line Ginger is a true superfood that goes beyond macronutrient to deliver amazing health benefits. Try it today in our Keto Ginger Lime Fizz. Enjoy the refreshment and the benefits from your head to your toes. To read the original article click here.

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Antimicrobial Resistance Is Drastically Rising

AHA Publisher — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 02:16:08 +0000

ETH Zurich via Science Daily – Researchers have shown that antimicrobial-resistant infections are rapidly increasing in animals in low- and middle-income countries. They produced the first global of resistance rates, and identified regions where interventions are urgently needed. To read the original article and learn more about this rising antimicrobial resistance problem, click here.

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