Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and effects 1-2% of the western population at some point. Gout, when active generally affects men over the age of 40. Although not as common in woman, if it does impact a woman it usually doesn’t attack until post menopause. This form of arthritis is caused by a accumulation of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product formed during metabolism (energy production) and over time, as uric acid levels accumulate symptoms become more severe and last longer. Uric acid forms crystals, that are then deposited primarily in joints. Surrounding tendons and tissues can also be affected, but usually its joints which get the most crystal accumulation.
Generally speaking, gout strikes at night and without warning. Ironically, it affects the joint of the big toe in 76% of all the attacks. This doesn’t mean it can’t affect other areas, it just means that the big toe is where it generally starts. Acute attacks usually resolve themselves in 5-7 days and 60% of people who have a initial attack will have a second attack within a year. Another interesting tidbit about gout is that not everyone with high uric acid levels receives gout. It’s quite possible that it could take over 20 years before a attack hits.
Contrary to popular belief, diet places a small impact in uric acid formation. What it really comes down to is how your body breaks down uric acid. In many cases, poor efficiency of our kidneys creates a build-up of uric acid in our body. When alcohol, organ meats, and high sugar foods are consumed the kidneys can become overwhelmed and uric acid can’t get eliminated properly. This is when uric acid levels start to climb in our body.
When 500 mg of Vitamin C is taken daily over a two month period, improvements in gout are shown. Also when half a pound of cherries a day are taken over 4 weeks, there is a lower uric acid level shown in the body. For those individuals who don’t have access to cherries, a cherry extract purchased at your local health food store should be of benefit. The flavonoids in cherries have a strong anti-inflammatory action on the body and help to inhibit production or uric acid in the body. It should also be noted that by consuming more water, uric acid levels could start to level out.
Gout can be a very painful form of arthritis, but given some natural alternatives hopefully some of the symptoms could be dramatically decreased.
The first thought when Australia comes to mind is kangaroos or boomerangs. Tea tree oil is a very important oil which is extrated from leaves and terminal branches of a small tree that grows along the north-east coast of the New South Wales region of Australia. Tea tree oil has been used by native Aborigine for centuries for healing skin cuts, burns and infections. The native people would crush the leaves and apply them to the skin. In World War 2, Australian soldiers carried this vital oil in their first aid kits for skin care treatments.
In today’s society tea tree oil is used for a vast array of skin issues. From everything from acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, insect bites, thrush, boils, lice, eczema, psoriasis and even yeast infections. Tea tree oil in generally not used internally as it can to toxic. When applied to the skin it is a proven antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and overall antiseptic oil. The active ingredient in tea tree oil is called terpenoids, which has been proven to have antiseptic and antifungal activity.
There are a couple studies which I think are of interest. The first involves a randomized, controlled trial published in the Journal of Family Practice . This study involved 177 people with toe nail infection. When 100% tea tree oil was applied twice a day for 6 months it was proven that tea tree oil was just as effective as the topical anti-fungal cream medication. Also in 2008, a vitro toxicity study showed that children with head lice that used tea tree oil to help eliminate the lice showed more effectiveness than permethrin, a popular pharmaceutical remedy.
When used undiluted tea tree oil could cause redness and irritation to the skin. It should also be restated that this particular oil is not intended for internal use.
Many of us are familiar with the term antioxidant and some of us are actually taking some form of a antioxidant internally for health protection. Some of the more common antioxidants on the market would be vitamin C and E. Alpha-lipoic acid is also a antioxidant with some very unique properties. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful chemicals called free radicals. While most antioxidants work in water, this particular antioxident is both fat and water soluble. ALA has a very important action on the brain as it has the capacity to cross the blood brain barrier to remove harmful free radicals within the brain. Any type of brain anomaly is truly as scary thought to any type of assistance to brain health is a bonus.
Another very important quality of ALA is it’s ability to directly help convert glucose (blood sugar) into energy. This is such a powerful quality as the rate of diabetes in the United States is very high. One of the side effects of being a diabetic is whats called diabetic neuropathy. This form of neuropathy effects the extremitys of the body and can lead to amputation if not treated properly. In a study of 181 people who took 600 mg of ALA a day, versus a placebo; there was shown improvement of diabetes.
ALA is also needed for the body’s production of glutathione. Glutathione is a very powerful antioxident that works directly with the liver to remove toxins. The liver is a massive filtering organ that is critical for the removal of harmful chemicals that our bodies are exposed to on a daily basis. ALA is associated with the removal of heavy metals such a mercury. Mercury exposure is the second most common cause of toxic metal poisoning.
Fortunately, there are certain foods which contain ALA and they are as of follows: spinach, broccoli, peas, rice bran, potatoes, organ meats and brewers yeast. If you choose to incorporate ALA into your diet it’s always wise to speak to your primary care physician before using.
Krill are tiny shrimp like creatures that live in our deep oceans. A typical krill is only1-6 cm long and feeds almost exclusively on plankton. These tiny crustaceans were generally known as whale food up until recently. Ironically, in Norwegian krill means “whale food.”
Many people have been using the oils in krill to assist with improved cardio-vascular function. The oil in krill is very similar to the fatty oils in fish which are often referred to as Omega-3. This particular fat has not only been used to decrease the risk of heart disease, but for improvement in mood, and joint function as well. From a cardio-vascular standpoint, the omega-3 fatty oils work by making blood platelets less sticky, when blood platelets are less sticky they are less likely to form clots.
According to the clinical course on hyperlipidemia, a study conducted showed a increase of “good” cholesterol by 43%, with the use of krill oil. In another study of 120 people given krill oil, there was a 34% reduction in LDL and a increase in HDL by 43.5%. Also in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 300 mg of krill oil/day showed a reduction in arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
Another strong quality of krill is a very strong red antioxidant that is carries called astaxanthin. This particular antioxidant is important as it can cross the blood brain barrier to protect us against free radical damage. Astaxanthin is shown to also be stronger than certain antioxidants such as vitamin E and lycopene.
Like many supplements it’s strongly advised to consult with your primary care physician before using this product to ensure proper health.
Many people living in today’s world either suffer from a lactose intolerance or most likely are aware of someone who deals with this sensitivity. Fortunately, over the years milk alternatives such as soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, etc. , are showing solid growth in the U.S. Milk substitutes are a small percentage in comparision to the $13 billion in retail sales of regular milk, but it’s certainly nice to see a increase in awareness of such options like almond milk. It’s important to know that almond milk has no connection to cows milk at all. Basically what occurs with the production of almond milk is of follows: Almonds are first soaked in a jar of water in a refrigerator for typically 24 hours, then the almonds are blended and strained. The straining can be done several times to your own liking. The thicker the liquid, the higher the nutritional value as excessive straining can have a tendency to lower the nutritional value.
Almond milk is suitable for a vast array of individuals due to it’s high nutritional value. Almond milk contains no cholesterol, its 100% vegan, no lactose, low in calories (60-70/glass), and is a heart healthy alternative. From a vitamin and mineral standpoint it’s high in Vit. E, and also high in the minerals potassium, magnesium, and selenium. Also a very strong attribute of almond milk is it’s long shelf life. Almonds can be stored in a average pantry for a much longer time than cows milk. Some people may have a problem with the taste but in reality its smooth and nutty consistency is quite appealing to thousands if not millions of people around the world.
For those individuals who choose not to make almond milk from scratch a simple alternative would be to visit your local grocery store or health food store and ask one of the clerks if almond milk is stocked. The only concern with commercial almond milk is the sugar added to certain brands to enhance sweetness. If a plain flavored almond milk doesn’t suit you, there are vanilla and chocolate options available in many stores.
By now the word Omega-3 is a common word for those familiar with living a healthy lifestyle. For those who are unfamiliar with the term Omega-3 oils, these are oils that are found primarily in cold water fish (mackerel, herring, sardines and wild salmon). For those that follow a vegetarian lifestyle, the seeds from the flax plant provide a significant amount of Omega-3 oils. Omega-3 oils are more specifically unsaturated fatty acids that have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation in the body can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease. When Omega-3 oils are introduced to the body, there is a decrease in blood platelet aggregation (stickiness),which then can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, and clotting.
Considering heart disease is the leading killer in America, taking a estimated 750,000 lives a year, it only seems logical that there would be a increase in natural alternatives to prevent this number from climbing any higher. A major reason why this number is so high is because the diet in the United States is filled with saturated and trans fats (hydrogenated oils such as margarine), which then creates a thickening of the blood which then starts a rise in blood pressure, and ultimately heart disease.
A study done with autopsy’s showed that the bodies with the most clogged arteries also had the lowest levels of Omega-3 oils in their fatty tissues. This is in direct contrast to those bodys which had the least clogged arteries. The bodies with the least clogged arteries had a high amount of Omega-3 oils in their fatty tissues.
Have you ever had a thought on the tip of your tongue, but just can’t get the word out. This happens to thousands of people on a daily basis. Life would be so much better if we could only sharpen our memory just a bit. Life would be so much better if we could only sharpen our memory just a bit. Along comes the perennial plant called Gotu Kola, a member of the parsley family. Gotu Kola is found in Africa, India, and other areas of Southeast Asia. For over 2000 years this plant has been used in Oriental medicine for a variety of purposes, but for this blog I’m going to focus on improvement in neural activity. In Asia, this plant has been referred to as the “Food for the brain.” Oriental health care providers believe this plant demonstrates mild anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, as well as improving mental functions such as concentration and memory. In ayurvedic medicine, it’s one of the primary herbs used to revitalize the neurons in the brain. Many Ayurvedic practitioners believe this plant stimulates the brain, and as a result improves learning and memory; while also calming the central nervous system to reduce anxiety. I find it very interesting that Eastern people (especially those of Sri Lanka), attribute the long life and memory of elephants to this plant. It has been observed that Gotu Kola is truly a favorite plant of many elephants. Many people in the Orient claim that consuming a few leaves a day can significantly increase one’s life span. Chinese folklore claims that herbalist Li Ching Yun lived 256 years consuming Gotu Kola on a daily basis.
The active ingredient in Gotu Kola is called triterpenoids, this component has been shown to create better circulation throughout the body including the brain. In reference to peripheral circulation, this plant has been shown in a 1980 study to improve blood circulation in 80% of patients. The only true human study I was able to locate which focus’s on mental improvement come out of India. A group of mentally challenged children were given 0.5 grams/day of Gotu Kola and after 30 days there was a improvement in concentration and attention.
Although there seems to be a lack of true clinical research on this plant I would never dispute thousands of years of knowledge from ancient holistic practitioners. If interested in using this plant I’d recommend speaking with your primary care physician beforehand.
Most people have heard of popular vitamins like A,C, and E but only a few people are aware of Vitamin K. Ironically, this vitamin may be even more important than other vitamins. There are two types of vitamin K that impact us humans. The first type is K1, this form of vitamin K occurs naturally and is synthesized by plants. Vitamin K1 is used by the liver to trigger normal blood clotting proteins to do their job. Vitamin K2 works quite a bit differently. This form of vitamin K deals with calcium. Many people automatically assume that if they take calcium supplements or eat foods high in calcium that their bones will strengthen, however; without vitamin K2, calcium will not be absorbed properly. Vitamin K2 is responsible for directing calcium to the areas where it is needed most, like bones or teeth. Vitamin K2 works by activating osteocalcin, which is a protein that binds calcium to the intercellular makeup of the bones. This binding creates a stronger bone which is less brittle. Without proper K2 amounts, calcium could end up being deposited in soft tissues like arteries. The end result of calcium accumulating in arteries could be heart disease, especially if the calcium builds up in the heart itself.
A very important study was done from 1990 to 2000 in Rotterdam, Netherlands which proved that those who consumed more Vitamin K2 had less calcification in their aortas. The study showed that intake of Vitamin K2 prevents against coronary heart disease in older men and woman. The participants in this study numbered 7,983 and were men and women over the age of 55. In a study out of Japan, 120 patients with osteoporosis given 45 mg/day of K2 had a 52% less occurrence of spinal fractures. Due to a large range of recommended amounts it’s wise to consult with your doctor before starting this vitamin.
I think it would also be wise to mention a few foods which contained Vitamin K2. The food with the highest amount would be a Japanese food called Natto. This food is made from fermented soybeans. Other sources would be egg yolks, broccoli, kale, spinach, brussels sprouts and asparagus to just name a few.
The word pH for most people refers to fish tanks and swimming pools, but the pH of the human body is the most critical of all pH scales. The term pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The scale for measurement purposes is 0.0-14.0, values less than 7.0 are considered acidic and anything higher than 7.0 is considered alkaline. As a basic example, pure water has a pH of 7.0, which is a perfect balance of acids and alkaloids.
The human body is truly a amazing mechanism, when there is any sort of imbalance the human body will do what it can to repair damages. The same can be said when refering to human pH, our body’s seeks to keep its pH at a constant 7.365. When the body falls into more of a acidic state (pH 5.0-6.5) diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and many more disorders thrive. The body protects the pH balance by making deposits and withdrawing alkaline or acidic minerals from other locations in the body including bones, vital organs, soft tissues, and body fluids. There has been some literature over the years that states cancer cannot exist is an alkaline environment. Years ago Dr. Otto Warburg, a Nobel Prize winner, stated that, “The primary cause of cancer is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration with anaerobic respiration.” (A lack if cellular oxygen) One encyclopedia even states “Enzymes and other proteins have a optimum pH range and can become denatured (Changed) outside this range.
If a individual is to acidic there are several ways to arrive back in the normal range. This first way is through diet. I’m only going to mention a few foods, but dark green vegetables are a great starting food. Also avocado’s, apples, raw almonds, beets and plums are very useful to establish a slightly alkaline state. Foods to be avoided are: coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages and white refined sugars lead the pack.
Stress can also create an acidic environment. I personally have found a few useful ways to alkalize my body. One is through the use of deep breathing. Most people are considered to be shallow breathers and a lot of oxygen doesn’t reach vital organs. There is a great doctor who’s name I won’t mention (other than saying he has a white beard), who states that by counting our breaths (count to 10 in and 10 out) will lead to a major difference in our everyday life. I agree with this gentlemen that deep breathing plays a important role in our pH level. There are also pH drops (Cell Power as a example) that are sold in health food, that when added to water can accelerate pH balancing, this is important as through diet alone it can take months to regulate pH. By using pH drops the outcome can be 10 times quicker than diet. Usually with pH drops there is improvement within 14-21 days as opposed to months if dietary changes are only used.
Finally, I think it’s important to add that pH strips can be purchased at many health food stores for a relatively inexpensive price to determine one’s pH. The best way to use these strips is to place a little saliva onto a spoon first think in the morning before eating or drinking anything, then place a pH strip on spoon to determine pH. Also I think it should be noted that although rare, it is possible that someone can become over alkaline and seizures could occur.
B12 is part of a group of 8 independent B vitamins that are often called the “energy vitamins” due to their role in metabolism. B12 is considered a water soluble vitamin which directly affects the role of proper brain and nervous system health.* Also B12 is critically important in maintaining the health of the the insulation sheath (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve cells.
The aspect of B12 that I find so intriguing is its ability to assist in energy production. This particular vitamin is needed for the formation of red blood cells, which in turn; carry oxygen to vital organs. Additionally, B12 is needed for the synthsis of DNA, which is needed for cell growth and ultimately provides energy.
Most people who consume animal base foods are getting plenty of B12 and don’t need to be concerned about deficiencies. Those people who are vegans may find it advantageous to take B12 as a supplement. It is believed that food sources are the only way to get B12. For those people who have digestive concerns B12 absorption may be a problem. In the intestinal tract there is a special secretion called intrinsic factor which is needed for proper absorption of this critical vitamin. A true deficiency is called pernicious anemia. This would be characterized by weakness, a loss of balance or tingling in the arms and legs.
A study out of the British Journal of Nutrition in 1973 found that subjects administered B12 had a improvement of general well-being and happiness.
When buying B12 in a supplement form it’s important to consider the absorption factor. Methylcobalamin is a active form of B12 and when taken under the tongue (sublingually) would have a significantly higher assimilation than swallowing. Most health food stores carry B12 at dosages around 1000 mcg-5000 mcg. It may be wise to consult with your primary health care provider before using any supplement.
* Most water soluble vitamins are typically flushed out in the urine after initial use, however; B12 can be stored in the liver for over a year.