Nutrition...

Doctor's Warn About Supplements
Doctors at the University of Chicago have assessed the interactions among herbs, anesthesia, and surgery, and come up with recommendations for reducing the associated risks. In people undergoing surgery, herbal supplements can interfere with sedation, pain control, bleeding, heart function, metabolism, immunity, and recovery in ways that experts are just beginning to understand. It is important for people who take these supplements to tell their doctors about them, as well as any over-the-counter drugs they use, before they schedule their operations. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate them, so herbal medications do not undergo the safety and efficacy tests required of new drugs. There is also no way of tracking the adverse effects caused by herbs. What's more, the lack of regulation means supplement ingredients vary widely from one manufacturer to the next and even from batch to batch.

Calcium May Help Keep Weight Down
Just two servings of milk or yogurt a day may help you keep your weight under control, says new research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The Canadian study of almost 500 men and women found that those who consumed at least 600 milligrams of calcium a day were far less likely to be obese, whereas those who consumed less calcium than that were more likely to have a higher percentage of body fat. While the researchers are not sure why calcium is associated with a lower percentage of body fat, they think it may play a role in suppressing appetite.

Ginger and Inflammation
Inflammation is a suspect in heart disease, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and arthritis. Australian scientists have found that ginger compounds (gingerols) reduce pain and act as Cox-2 inhibitors, similar to the anti-arthritis drug Celebrex. University of Miami research shows that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who took 255 milligrams of ginger extract twice a day for six-weeks, had less knee pain than those who did not take ginger. Too much ginger can cause a common side effect: mild gastrointestinal distress, usually in the form of heartburn, so it's a good idea to start off at a small dose. Better yet, add it to the foods you eat! See also: The Health Benefits of Ginger

Folate and Parkinson's Disease
Folate may help protect against Parkinson's disease, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health. The B vitamin helps regulate your body's levels of homocysteine (high concentrations of this amino acid can up your risk). Your two-pronged prevention plan: Eat a diet rich in high-folate foods like spinach, kale and corn, and take a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid.

Oregano and Germs
Oregano has been used since antiquity to fight infections. Oregano oil is as effective as the common antibiotic drug vancomycin in treating staph infections in mice. It also wiped out an infectious fungus. A daily dose of oregano oil, mixed with oils from fenugreek, cumin and pumpkin seeds, reduced blood pressure and improved blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. In Texas, oregano proved to kill parasites in humans. Summary: People who eat small, regular doses of oregano may get antibiotic benefits, although more tests on humans are needed to verify it.

Turmeric and Cancer
The yellow spice turmeric, a constituent of curry powder, contains high concentrations of the potent antioxidant curcumin. New tests suggest curcumin helps stifle cancer. In test tubes, 80-percent of malignant prostate of malignant prostate cells self-destructed when exposed to curcumin. Feeding mice curcumin dramatically slowed the growth of implanted human prostate cancer cells. It may do the same in breast and colon cancer cells say researchers, speculating that curcumin might block the activation of genes that trigger cancer. Bonus: Curcumin's anti-inflammatory activity reduces arthritic swelling and progressive brain damage in animals.

Blueberries - a Natural (Antioxidant) Supplement
Think health, think blue, says the makers of the 5-a-Day eating plan. The best way to "get your blue" is by eating blueberries. One-half cup of blueberries equals one of your recommended 5-a-Day servings of fruits and vegetables, plus they are ranked #1 in antioxidant activity. Blueberries also act as an anti-aging superstar. In fact, in the book, "The Color Code", the blueberry is said to be "One of the best age-proofing foods in your diet".

Vitamin C: Recent discoveries
Small increases in vitamin C intake each day - equal to about one serving of fruits or vegetables - can reduce your risk of premature death by about 20-percent.
Four more important reasons for vitamin C supplements: Joint and Bone Health. Vitamin C is very important for the formation and maintenance of collagen, the "glue" that provides strength to bones, cartilage, teeth, tendons and ligaments, as well as support for vascular and skin health.
Vision Health. Vitamin C is important for the maintenance of good vision.
Dietary antioxidants, including vitamin C, are overwhelmingly recommended to support cardiovascular health.
Immune System Health. Vitamin C is an antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals, which can break down the immune system.

Vitamin K for Your Bones
It takes more than calcium to build strong bones. In one recent study of 900 elderly men and women, those who consumed the most vitamin K also suffered the fewest hip fractures. The friendly bacteria (e.g. lactobacillus acidophilus) in our stomachs should produce vitamin K we need - but sometimes they don't. A few good food sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, egg yolks, oatmeal, soybeans and green tea.

Mood and Balance
Avon has come out with a new line of supplements that combine vitamins and herbs. It is called "Mood and Balance" and blends vitamins B and C and Saint John's Wort to improve mood. Another one called "Memory and Focus" combines ginkgo and vitamin E to boost recall; and Energy Advance has ginseng and B vitamins to enhance stamina and reduce physical stress. If one of these interests you, you could, of course, purchase them from Avon or make your own mixture of the above, but be sure to check with someone regarding just how much of each supplement should be taken.

Ginger - An Aphrodisiac?
Ginger, best known for its ability to quell motion sickness and ease digestive complaints, has the ability to increase circulation - and that includes circulation below the belt. Ginger's cardiovascular-stimulating effects are well documented in China and gaining attention in the United States. Indications show ginger may play a role in lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Ginger causes a transient warming sensation throughout the body in both men and women. It is an ideal, safe herb to stimulate sexual activity.
To enhance romance, take one dose of ginger or add two doses to a candlelit stir-fry dinner. You may feel a circulation boost that could last up to two hours.
The recommended ginger doses are:

• Powdered dried root: 1/2-teaspoon in a cup of boiling water
• Fresh root: 1-teaspoon grated into a cup of boiling water
• Tincture 1:5: 1-teaspoon (5 milliliters)
• Tincture 1:1: 20 drops
• Root tablets: Two 500mg tablets

Fresh ginger, peeling intact, will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator as long wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. In the freezer it will keep for up to two months.
Caution: Ginger may act as a blood thinner, so those taking a prescription blood thinner or aspirin should not use ginger.

Calcium + Vitamin D Deter Colon Cancer
Calcium and vitamin D collaborate in bone metabolism. They act synergistically to permit normal bone growth and to keep our bones in good health. A new finding shows that Calcium and vitamin D collaborate to help prevent the development of the polyps that lead to colon cancer.