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New App Offers Relief for Parents Mourning the Loss of a Child

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:10:12 +0000

Uppsala University via News-Medical – A new study shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child. Parents who used the app for three months reported reduced symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress, and also had fewer negative thoughts. Some parents thought the app should be offered early in the mourning process. This is demonstrated in a new study from Uppsala University, published in the scholarly journal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. In the acute grief following a death, it is natural for family members to think it feels unreal and difficult to accept that the person who has died will not be coming back. For most people, the intense grief diminishes over time. They can accept the grief, live positively and manage to look ahead. However, some people become stuck in acute grief, a condition known as ‘prolonged grief’. They may preserve the child’s room as it was or visit the grave very frequently, even several years after the loss. It becomes a kind of ritual and a duty that they cannot escape. We have investigated whether the app can alleviate symptoms of prolonged grief and of depression and post-traumatic stress as well. In the study, we also investigate whether destructive patterns such as rumination and avoidance can be improved in this way.” Josefin Sveen, Professor of Clinical Psychology and first author of the study There are several apps based on cognitive behavioural therapy for coping with various mental health problems. A common feature of these apps is that they help the user to normalise thoughts, behaviours and feelings that are natural in the various situations they address. Based on previous self-help app In her previous research on the app PTSD Coach, a self-help app for people suffering from PTSD, Sveen discovered that parents whose child has died lack help in managing their grief. She therefore began to develop the new app in the hope that this could help them. Initially, she thought of parents whose child had died of cancer. Later, this group was expanded to include children dying from other causes. The study involved 248 parents (80 per cent of them mothers). All had lost a child in the last 10 years. Almost half of the children had died of cancer and the average age at the time of death was 11. Participation was entirely voluntary. The participants were contacted by letter and via social media hosted by the Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund and Spädbarnsfonden (the Swedish Infant Death Foundation), which also co-financed the study. Half of the participants received access to the app, the other half had to wait three months before being allowed to use it. “Grief meter’ The app has four components. Firstly, learning about grief and prolonged grief, and learning to accept grief. Secondly, help in finding support in your surroundings, for example, from friends, relations or colleagues, and easily accessible contact details to support organisations. Thirdly, practical exercises and strategies, including relaxation and help in writing about your grief and your feelings. One exercise involves writing a letter to the child who has died. It can also involve visiting physical places that you have previously avoided, or looking at photos of the child. The fourth component is a ‘grief meter’ in which the user can rate their own grief and register how strong or weak the feeling of grief has been at different points during the day. “Many participants thought this was particularly useful. Being able to see that their grief changed from day to day, that there are certain times when it is worst, and that they can feel quite all right in between,” Sveen says. She continues: “I am glad we have succeeded in producing an app that parents feel helps them. The feedback we received from them was that they appreciated the variety of functions offered by the app – as they described it, it was helpful to have several types of support in just one place. The self-assessments that they made of their health also show that their prolonged grief symptoms declined thanks to the app. Some parents thought that in future, the app should be offered early in the process of mourning.” Next step young people The study shows that the app can be a first step in providing information about grief and strategies for managing the challenges that grief brings. The next steps will be, firstly, to follow up the study in a year’s time, and secondly, to conduct a similar study with an app for young people who have lost a parent and/or a sister or brother. Source: Uppsala University Journal reference: Sveen, J., et al. (2024). My grief app for prolonged grief in bereaved parents: a randomised waitlist-controlled trial. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2024.2429068. To read the original article click here.

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US Drug-Related Infant Deaths More Than Doubled from 2018 to 2022

The AHA! Team — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:44:39 +0000

Florida Atlantic University via EurekAlert! – A new study by Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine has uncovered a disturbing trend in drug-related infant deaths in the United States from 2018 to 2022. Infant deaths are those that occur between the time a child is born and age 1. Drug-involved deaths are those in which drugs are either the primary cause of death or a contributing factor and may occur due to maternal drug use, inadvertent or accidental intake of specific prescriptions, illicit or non-medical use of drugs and other incidents where drugs were linked to death. Results of the study, published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine, show that in the U.S. from 2018 to 2022, drug-involved infant deaths more than doubled (120% increase) from 10.8% in 2018 to 24.4% in 2022. The largest increase was observed between 2019 (16.9%) and 2022 with the greatest proportion of drug-related infant deaths occurring in 2021 (25.8%). Overall, relative to all other causes of infant mortality, drug-involved deaths became more prevalent after 2019. Findings show that drug-involved infant deaths also were higher in the postnatal period, ages 28 to 364 days (81.4%), relative to deaths due to all other causes during the same period (34.6%). The most prevalent underlying causes of death included assault (homicide) by drugs, medicaments and biological substances (35.6%) followed by poisoning from exposure to narcotics and psychodysleptics (hallucinogens) (15.6%), and accidental poisoning from exposure to antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, antiparkinsonism and psychotropic drugs (10.8%). The most common multiple causes of drug-involved infant deaths were psychostimulants with abuse potential of synthetic narcotics. In addition, a significant proportion of infants who died from drug-involved causes were born to non-Hispanic white (60.4%) and non-Hispanic Black mothers (28.5%). Furthermore, drug-induced mortality was 56.5% in male infants and 43.7% in female infants, a difference which also was statistically significant. “The differences we observed by race/ethnicity in drug-involved deaths, predominantly among non-Hispanic white and Black infants require a multifaceted approach for clinical and public health interventions,” said Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, Ph.D., corresponding author and professor and chair of the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “Addressing the social determinants of health, enhancing access to addiction treatment and implementing culturally sensitive interventions may be important to prevent infant deaths in vulnerable populations. In addition, the underlying causes, which included drug-related assault and various forms of poisoning, also may be areas for clinical and public health interventions.” From 2018 to 2022, drug-involved infant deaths accounted for 1.18% of all infant deaths From 2018 to 2022, drug-involved infant deaths accounted for 1.18% of all infant deaths, a notable rise from the previously reported 0.64% from 2015 to 2017. This increase was particularly pronounced during COVID-19, raising questions that require further studies. During this period, drug overdose mortality also increased substantially among pregnant and postpartum women. The researchers note that during COVID-19 there was reduced access to prenatal care, the emergence of health care deserts and hospital closures, especially in rural areas. These may have contributed, at least in part, to the observed increases in drug-related infant deaths, although more research is warranted. “Given the alarming increase in the number of drug overdose deaths in the general population, especially among pregnant and postpartum women, findings from our study are both important and timely,” said Maria C. Mejia, M.D., senior author and a professor of population health and social medicine, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “Drug-involved deaths in infants represent a potentially avoidable cause that should be considered in efforts to reduce infant mortality in the United States. Effective strategies will require collaborative efforts among health providers, public health agencies and community partners, and should focus on preventing and treating maternal substance use disorders, enhancing prenatal care access and addressing broader social and behavioral risk factors.” For the study, researchers used data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) and selected the period of 2018 to 2022 because 2018 was pre-COVID-19 and 2022 represents the most recent data available. Infant deaths were described by year of death, underlying cause and multiple cause of death, age of infant at time of death, gender and maternal race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic, Hispanic and other race). Study co-authors are Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.PH, first Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine and senior academic advisor; Sebastian Densley and Meera Rao, FAU medical students; Lea Sacca, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine; and Robert S. Levine, M.D., affiliate professor of medicine; all within FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. Journal Journal of Perinatal Medicine DOI 10.1515/jpm-2024-0067 To read the original article click here.

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Adding Salt to Your Food at the Table Is Linked to Higher Risk of Premature Death

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:08 +0000

European Society of Cardiology via Newswise – People who add extra salt to their food at the table are at higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause, according to a study of more than 500,000 people, published in the European Heart Journal today (Monday). Compared to those who never or rarely added salt, those who always added salt to their food had a 28% increased risk of dying prematurely. In the general population about three in every hundred people aged between 40 and 69 die prematurely. The increased risk from always adding salt to food seen in the current study suggests that one more person in every hundred may die prematurely in this age group. In addition, the study found a lower life expectancy among people who always added salt compared to those who never, or rarely added salt. At the age of 50, 1.5 years and 2.28 years were knocked off the life expectancy of women and men, respectively, who always added salt to their food compared to those who never, or rarely, did. The researchers, led by Professor Lu Qi, of Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, USA, say their findings have several public health implications. “To my knowledge, our study is the first to assess the relation between adding salt to foods and premature death,” he said. “It provides novel evidence to support recommendations to modify eating behaviours for improving health. Even a modest reduction in sodium intake, by adding less or no salt to food at the table, is likely to result in substantial health benefits, especially when it is achieved in the general population.” Assessing overall sodium intake is notoriously difficult as many foods, particularly pre-prepared and processed foods, have high levels of salt added before they even reach the table. Studies assessing salt intake by means of urine tests often only take one urine test and so do not necessarily reflect usual behaviour. In addition, foods that are high in salt are often accompanied by foods rich in potassium, such as fruit and vegetables, which is good for us [1]. Potassium is known to protect against the risk of heart diseases and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, whereas sodium increases the risk of conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure and stroke. For these reasons, the researchers chose to look at whether or not people added salt to their foods at the table, independent of any salt added during cooking. “Adding salt to foods at the table is a common eating behaviour that is directly related to an individual’s long-term preference for salty-tasting foods and habitual salt intake,” said Prof. Qi. “In the Western diet, adding salt at the table accounts for 6-20% of total salt intake and provides a unique way to evaluate the association between habitual sodium intake and the risk of death.” The researchers analysed data from 501,379 people taking part in the UK Biobank study. When joining the study between 2006 and 2010, the participants were asked, via a touch-screen questionnaire, whether they added salt to their foods (i) never/rarely, (ii) sometimes, (iii) usually, (iv) always, or (v) prefer not to answer. Those who preferred not to answer were not included in the analysis. The researchers adjusted their analyses to take account of factors that could affect outcomes, such as age, sex, race, deprivation, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, diet and medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart and blood vessel diseases. They followed the participants for a median (average) of nine years. Premature death was defined as death before the age of 75 years. As well as finding that always adding salt to foods was linked to a higher risk of premature death from all causes and a reduction in life expectancy, the researchers found that these risks tended to be reduced slightly in people who consumed the highest amounts of fruit and vegetables, although these results were not statistically significant. “We were not surprised by this finding as fruits and vegetables are major sources of potassium, which has protective effects and is associated with a lower risk of premature death,” said Prof. Qi. He added: “Because our study is the first to report a relation between adding salt to foods and mortality, further studies are needed to validate the findings before making recommendations.” In an editorial to accompany the paper, Professor Annika Rosengren, a senior researcher and professor of medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, who was not involved with the research, writes that the net effect of a drastic reduction in salt intake for individuals remains controversial. “Given the various indications that a very low intake of sodium may not be beneficial, or even harmful, it is important to distinguish between recommendations on an individual basis and actions on a population level,” she writes. She concludes: “Classic epidemiology argues that a greater net benefit is achieved by the population-wide approach (achieving a small effect in many people) than from targeting high-risk individuals (a large effect but only achieved in a small number of people). The obvious and evidence-based strategy with respect to preventing cardiovascular disease in individuals is early detection and treatment of hypertension, including lifestyle modifications, while salt-reduction strategies at the societal level will lower population mean blood pressure levels, resulting in fewer people developing hypertension, needing treatment, and becoming sick. Not adding extra salt to food is unlikely to be harmful and could contribute to strategies to lower population blood pressure levels.” A strength of Prof. Qi’s study is the large number of people included. It also has some limitations, which include: the possibility that adding salt to food is an indication of an unhealthy lifestyle and lower socio-economic status, although analyses attempted to adjust for this; there was no information on the quantity of salt added; adding salt may be related to total energy intake and intertwined with intake of other foods; participation in UK Biobank is voluntary and therefore the results are not representative of the general population, so further studies are needed to confirm the findings in other populations. Prof. Qi and his colleagues will be carrying out further studies on the relation between adding salt to foods and various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They also expect potential clinical trials to test the effects of a reduction in adding salt on health outcomes. [1]An example of a typically salty food that also contains vegetables are tacos, which are often filled with beans and vegetables. To read the original article click here.

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Yoga Helps Manage Symptoms in Atrial Fibrillation Patients, New Study

AHA Publisher — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 08:00:36 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – Atrial fibrillation (sometimes referred to as AFib) affects an estimated 2.7 million Americans, and this heart rhythm disorder increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, blood clots, and additional complications. This point can’t be overemphasized: AFib isresponsible for between 20-30% of all strokes and can significantly increase the risk of premature death. Some of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, irregular pulse, racing heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms are often stressful for patients, resulting in anxiety and limiting their ability to lead normal lives. However, new research has found that practicing yoga regularly eases the symptoms associated with AFib. Got atrial fibrillation? Discover why the practice of yoga could prove to be a “lifesaver” Researchers decided to investigate whether yoga – which is known for offering many health benefits – would ease the symptoms of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. More than 500 patients were enrolled in the study, and they started with 12 weeks of no yoga, monitoring patient symptoms. Then, patients did 30-minute yoga sessions, including breathing and postures, every other day for 16 weeks. During those 16 weeks, they were encouraged to practice the breathing and movements daily at home, too. Patients recorded their symptoms and AFib episodes in a diary during both the non-yoga and yoga periods. Certain patients wore heart monitors as well to verify any atrial fibrillation episodes. Each patient completed depression and anxiety surveys as well as a questionnaire that assessed their mood, energy levels, and ability to keep up with routine daily activities. Researchers also measured blood pressure and heart rate. At the end of the study, the outcomes between the non-yoga and yoga periods were compared. The yoga period resulted in significant improvements in every area when compared to the non-yoga period. Patients only experienced an average of eight AFib episodes during the yoga period compared to 15 during the shorter non-yoga period. Researchers also observed a significant reduction in blood pressure after patients went through yoga training. Beyond AFib: Additional health benefits of yoga According to researchers, this new study shows the wide range of mental health and physical benefits for patients diagnosed with A-fib. But yoga offers additional health benefits from which anyone can benefit. Some of the science-backed benefits include: Stress reduction: Studies show yoga decreases the production of the primary stress hormone, cortisol, and significantly lowers levels of anxiety and stress. Reduces inflammation: Researchers have found that practicing yoga regularly may reduce the markers of inflammation, a significant benefit since inflammation contributes to the development of diseases like cancer heart disease, and diabetes. Boosts heart health: Multiple studies show that yoga lowers pulse rate, blood pressure, and may even contribute to helping individuals lower their bad cholesterol levels. Fights depression: According to researchers, the ability of yoga to decrease cortisol production may create an antidepressant effect. Combats chronic pain: A growing body of research demonstrates that regular yoga practice may help reduce chronic pain associated with diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The main message of this article is clear: lifestyle changes can have a profound (positive) effect on heart health and overall wellbeing. Work with a qualified healthcare provider and enjoy the rewards of a healthy lifestyle. Sources for this article include: Sciencedaily.com, Heart.org, Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Flu Season Protection: Discover How Ginseng Supports a Strong Immune System

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 08:00:34 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Don’t become a medical statistic – this coming flu season. Today, we’ll talk about how ginseng can help to support a strong immune system response. As you probably know: seasonal influenza can be a rapidly-spreading and highly contagious health issue that leads to 291,000 and 645,000 fatalities worldwide every year. Although most healthy adults recover from bouts of the flu with nothing more serious than unpleasant memories of fever, aches and pains, the fact is that a flu can and does increase the risk of premature death – in people with a compromised immune system. Making the situation even more dire is the fact that unexpected new pandemics, like COVID-19 – for which Western medicine has no “cure” – can emerge without warning. In truth, too many conventionally-trained physicians simply lack the fundamental level of education to handle immune deficient, health-related conditions. Scientific research reveals the lifesaving power of ginseng In a study published in the April 2014 edition of Nutrients, red Korean ginseng improved the survival rate of human lung epithelial cells that had been infected with influenza A, along with reducing the expression of inflammation-causing genes. In addition, researchers found that Korean ginseng helped to treat influenza by modifying the immune systems of mice with clinically-induced influenza A, causing them to develop increased levels of antiviral proteins. This is exciting information, especially when you consider the danger of flu vaccines. And the news on ginseng gets even better – another new study, published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine, supports ginseng’s ability to prevent and treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a disease for which there is currently no conventional remedy. RSV, the single most common cause of pneumonia and small-airway lung inflammations in babies under a year old, can also be extremely dangerous in older adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV causes 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths in adults over 65 every year. Bottom line – you can eliminate the threat of pneumonia safely and effectively – without the need for toxic medications. Reduce your risk of chronic inflammation and viral activity Researchers found that Korean red ginseng attacked RSV in a style very similar to the way it combated influenza A: reducing damage to lung cells, suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes and inhibiting the virus’ ability to spread in the body. Animals given red ginseng orally had lower viral levels than those that had not been given this herb, along with increased production of dendritic cells – which create virus-fighting interferons. Red ginseng also fights viruses by stimulating production of natural killer cells and T-cells and boosting the power of the body’s own antioxidant defense systems. True ginseng exists in two different forms: American, or Panax quinquefolius, and Asian or Korean, scientifically known as Panax ginseng. Although they have similar active ingredients – a group of compounds called ginsenosides – their effects can differ. The most recent studies were performed with red Panax ginseng, but American ginseng has also shown immune-boosting properties. A third type, known as Siberian ginseng, is unrelated and does not have the same constituents. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, this herb can help to reduce the risk of serious chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It is also used to promote energy, reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function and memory, and elevate mood and quality of life. Famous for boosting immunity and preventing disease In a well-known study published in 1996 in Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, researchers found that ginseng potentiated the flu vaccine, making it more effective. A group of 227 volunteers were split into two roughly equal groups and given either placebo or 400 milligrams of ginseng daily for 12 weeks; both groups received an anti-influenza vaccination at week four. While 42 people in the placebo group eventually developed influenza or colds between weeks four and 12, only 15 people in the “herb enhanced” group fell ill – a dramatic difference! The ginseng group also experienced decreased intensity of symptoms and a shorter duration of the illness. Which type of ginseng is best for flu prevention? Most studies on ginseng’s beneficial effects – as well as the two latest studies – have been done with red Korean ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng. Ginseng is available both as “white,” which has been peeled and dried, and “red,” which is steamed before drying and unpeeled. You can get the Korean form as a liquid extracts, powder and capsules; it is also available as a root, which can be boiled to make a decoction. Just be careful to buy the Korean variety only from trusted, reputable companies; cases of substitutions and adulterations have been reported. Ginseng can interact with medications and other herbs and supplements; consult with an integrative physician beforetaking it, especially if you have high blood pressure or autoimmune disease. Most experts advise taking ginseng in cycles, with a two-week period of ginseng supplementation followed by three weeks without the herb. One final note: Due to its stimulating effect, ginseng can theoretically cause nervousness and sleeplessness; this is more likely with very high amounts. Other side effects are uncommon, but could include headache and digestive disturbances. And, because this herb can lower blood sugar levels, it should be taken with food. No doubt, the current COVID-19 pandemic and past issues like the H1N1 virus highlight the need for better research on protecting us against unexpected and new viral strains. But, the research featured (today) about the value of herbal medicine should give us hope. There is a natural (safe) way to support our immune system and stay healthy – even in these troubling times of uncertainty. Never forget the value of good (organic) food and herbal medicine to protect your life. Sources for this article include: Medicinenet.com, Sciencedaily.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 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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All Sodas Including Diet Increase Risk of Premature Death

AHA Publisher — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 07:00:14 +0000

Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo, BSN via News Medical-Net – Soft drinks are frequently consumed by people of all ages, but whether this consumption is linked with high risk of premature death has not been known, not until now. Do you want to live longer? You may want to ditch drinking soft drinks, a new study says. Drinking carbonated drinks such as soft drinks, sodas and colas has long been dubbed as unhealthy, with all the added sugar they contain. Now, a new study added new information on the bad effects of soft drinks to the health. A team of researchers at the Nutrition and Cancer group of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) found that drinking two or more glasses a day of sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened soft drinks has been linked to an increased risk of death from all causes. Subsequently, drinking soft drinks more frequently has been associated with deaths from digestive and circulatory diseases. However, the researchers did not find any link between consuming soft drinks and cancer mortality or cancer-related death. None of the participants had diabetes, cancer, stroke, or heart disease before being involved in the study. The study, titled ‘Association Between Soft Drink Consumption and Mortality in 10 European Countries’ and published in JAMA, involved more than 450,000 individuals from ten European countries for about 19 years. It looked at the effects of drinking soda or carbonated drinks on the health. It has been previously known that high blood sugar and taking too much sugar in the diet can impair the gut barrier, leading to a condition called “leaky gut”. As a result, the gut immune system will induce intestinal inflammation, increasing the vulnerability of the person to gut infections. Hence, drinking drinks with added sugars can boost susceptibility to digestive disorders. Aside from cardiovascular and digestive diseases, the increased intake of soft drinks has also been linked to heightened risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but not with Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. In the study, the researchers defined soft drinks as beverages that fizzy soft drinks like cola and lemonade, fruit squash or cordials, and low-calorie or diet fizzy soft drinks, that are all non-alcoholic concentrated syrups normally mixed with water and sugar. Also, they defined that one glass of soft drink is equivalent to 250 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces. Across the globe, a typical can of soda contains 12 fluid ounces or 355 milliliters of drink. The main results of the study, dubbed as the EPIC study (European Proactive Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition), shows that there were a total of 41,693 deaths in the 16-year follow up. The researchers collected data about soft drink consumption through a nutrition and diet questionnaire between 1992 and 2000. Study Implications The study is important in the society today, since many people are fond of drinking sugary drinks, including soft drinks or soda. Strict regulations should be imposed by health officials on the public, to reduce the consumption of these drinks, especially that many studies have already linked its bad effects to the health. Further, the study findings can help support ongoing public health measures to reduce the consumption of soft drinks. Soft drinks are frequently consumed by people of all ages, but whether this consumption is linked with high risk of premature death has not been known, not until now. The study, however, just like other studies on the link between sugary drink consumption and health risks is observational. It cannot entirely show any cause and effect. The researchers note that there is a major limitation and it’s impossible to determine if the health effect is associated with the use of artificial sweeteners, obesity, diabetes, a type of beverage, or an underlying health condition. How to Cut Back On Sugary Drinks Whether there is an association or not, if you decide to cut back on your soft drink consumption, you can ditch the habit by cutting back correctly. If you find it hard to remove the habit immediately, you can taper the consumption. For instance, you can aim for one drink every other day or drinking just one serving a day. In the long run, you can already remove the habit entirely. There are also fizzy drinks that are not mixed with sugar or artificial sweetener, such as sparkling water or a fruit juice alternative. If you are decided to remove the habit, figure out what the habitual trigger it and replace it with healthier habits. For instance, if you crave for sweets, instead of drinking fizzy sugary drinks, eat a fruit instead. To read the original article click here.

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How Much Do Vitamin D Supplements Affect Lifespan?

AHA Publisher — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 03:03:56 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Researchers have documented correlations between higher vitamin D levels and all sorts of positive outcomes like decreases in cardiovascular disease, weight gain, infectious diseases, and declining cognitive function… In 1822, a Polish physician was the first to publish that sunlight could cure the vitamin D deficiency disease rickets. His work was ignored by mainstream medicine for a century, not coming into widespread use until the 20th century, when wire cages were actually affixed to tenement buildings so babies could benefit from the sun. In my video Will You Live Longer If You Take Vitamin D Supplements?, I explore whether we’re in a similar situation now, where the medical profession has just not caught up with the science. Researchers have documented correlations between higher vitamin D levels and all sorts of positive outcomes like decreases in cardiovascular disease, weight gain, infectious diseases, and declining cognitive function, and even tested whether vitamin D supplementation might reduce the adverse effects of earthquakes. It seems to help with everything else, so why not? It’s actually not as silly as it sounds because traumatic events like natural disasters can have a significant psychological impact that might be affected by vitamin D status. But when researchers put supplements to the test, the purported links often didn’t pan out. This lack of effect may exist in part because low vitamin D levels may just be a marker for things like aging, obesity, smoking, and inactivity. Or, maybe low vitamin D didn’t lead to disease, but disease led to low vitamin D, because inflammation can drop D levels within the body. So, just because low D levels and disease seem to be correlated, it doesn’t mean that vitamin D deficiency is the cause. While the majority of observational studies may show a link, where you simply measure vitamin D levels and disease rates, in only a handful of conditions have interventional studies—where you give people D supplements or placebos then see what happens—proven vitamin D to be effective. One of the conditions for which vitamin D supplements appear to genuinely work, however, is helping to prevent premature death. Fifty-six randomized clinical trials involving nearly 100,000 people (mostly women) between the ages of 18 and 107 were randomized to four years of vitamin D supplements or sugar pills. Putting all the studies together showed those given vitamin D supplements lived longer and specifically had a lower risk of dying from cancer. This effect appeared limited to vitamin D3, though, which is the type derived from plants and animals, not vitamin D2, which is the type derived from yeast and mushrooms. How large an effect was it? It would take 150 people taking vitamin D supplements for five years to save one life. If we were talking about a drug, we’d need to weigh that against the cost and side effects of dosing so many people. But when we’re talking about something as safe and cheap as vitamin D supplements, it seems like a bargain to me. A similar analysis pegged the benefit at 11 percent in terms of reduction of total mortality, which is pretty substantial, potentially offering a life extension benefit on par with exercise. Though, no, it does not seem to reduce the adverse impacts of earthquakes. The only concern is that it may give people license to order an extra doughnut or something. We still have to eat healthfully because any longevity benefit from vitamin D would just be a small adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. But, for those of us who want all the help we can get, the question then becomes how much should we take? I address that in my videos How Much Vitamin D Should You Take? and The Optimal Dose of Vitamin D Based on Natural Levels. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Greger click here.

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