Flavonoids are a group of plant chemicals with many health promoting benefits. One flavonoid of special interest as a natural remedy for allergies is quercetin.
Quercetin acts as an antioxidant and helps protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals. Quercetin is also a very effective antihistamine. Unlike many allergy medications, quercetin acts on the cells that produce histamine, and does not cause drowsiness as many over-the-counter antihistamines do. Quercetin also inhibits the production of leukotrienes, which are another class of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body.
Quercetin seems to be more effective when combined with bromelain, a natural enzyme found in pineapple. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy activity, but also increases the absorption of quercetin.
Many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, apples, onions, and parsley are good dietary sources of quercetin. Green tea, olive oil, bilberry, blueberries, blackberries, and red wine are all rich in flavonoids, including quercetin.
Quercetin is available as a supplement, often packaged with bromelain. Taking either a quercetin supplement, or including more quercetin rich foods in your diet, can make allergy season less stressful.
Click this link to read more about Natural Remedies for Allergies.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Natural Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study of rheumatoid arthritis patients conducted at the Charite University
Medical Center in Berlin, showed patients made significant improvements in
their condition, after using capsules made of rose hip powder for six
months.
Professor Stefan Willich, who co-led the study, said "Rheumatoid arthritis
is one of the most difficult medical conditions I'm aware of. It's a tough
disease which makes it all the more remarkable to find such beneficial
effects from this natural remedy."
Half of the patients were treated with a rose hip remedy called LitoZin,
which is made from rose hips, while the other half received a placebo.
Both groups continued taking their usual medication. The group taking the
rose hip remedy saw significant improvements in pain and discomfort, but
there was no change in the group taking a placebo.
Experts hope to conduct more extensive trials to see if the results are
confirmed, and to see if there are any side effects to the rose hip powder.
Medical Center in Berlin, showed patients made significant improvements in
their condition, after using capsules made of rose hip powder for six
months.
Professor Stefan Willich, who co-led the study, said "Rheumatoid arthritis
is one of the most difficult medical conditions I'm aware of. It's a tough
disease which makes it all the more remarkable to find such beneficial
effects from this natural remedy."
Half of the patients were treated with a rose hip remedy called LitoZin,
which is made from rose hips, while the other half received a placebo.
Both groups continued taking their usual medication. The group taking the
rose hip remedy saw significant improvements in pain and discomfort, but
there was no change in the group taking a placebo.
Experts hope to conduct more extensive trials to see if the results are
confirmed, and to see if there are any side effects to the rose hip powder.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
A Valentine's Day Treat
It's Valentine's Day again, so today's post isn't really a remedy, (although it does have dark chocolate, with lots of health benefits.)
It is a very enjoyable to get some anti oxidants and flavonoids, as long as you are willing to consume the calories.
To make this Valentine's Day Treat, (two servings) start with 4-6 ounces of dark chocolate, the best quality you can get. You can use chocolate chips or a block or bar of chocolate, but I don't recommend baker's chocolate. Semi sweet,bittersweet, and high cacao content chocolate all work well. Experiment and find what you like best.
If you are using a block of chocolate, first chop it in to smaller pieces. Use a serrated knife, otherwise the blade will get dull very quickly.
Then you need to melt the chocolate. I use a double boiler, with water in the bottom set at a gentle simmer; or you can use a microwave, it only takes 15-30 seconds in most microwaves. You want the chocolate to be very soft and smooth. (If you don't have a double boiler or microwave, a Pyrex measuring cup set in a few inches of very hot water will do, stir the chocolate until it melts. Do not use a plastic or non Pyrex glass cup for this as it may shatter or melt.)
While the chocolate is melting, warm 8-12 ounces of milk (1-1 1/2 cups) to not quite boiling. Or if you want real decadence, make it cream or half and half.
When the chocolate is melted, slowly stir in the warm milk or cream. Pour into two mugs, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a shake of cinnamon. Sit back and relax, sip and enjoy the taste of REAL hot chocolate. (I included measurements as a starting point, if you like a stronger chocolate taste, increase the chocolate, or decrease the milk or cream; if you like a more dilute taste, increase the milk or cream.)
Enjoy!
It is a very enjoyable to get some anti oxidants and flavonoids, as long as you are willing to consume the calories.
To make this Valentine's Day Treat, (two servings) start with 4-6 ounces of dark chocolate, the best quality you can get. You can use chocolate chips or a block or bar of chocolate, but I don't recommend baker's chocolate. Semi sweet,bittersweet, and high cacao content chocolate all work well. Experiment and find what you like best.
If you are using a block of chocolate, first chop it in to smaller pieces. Use a serrated knife, otherwise the blade will get dull very quickly.
Then you need to melt the chocolate. I use a double boiler, with water in the bottom set at a gentle simmer; or you can use a microwave, it only takes 15-30 seconds in most microwaves. You want the chocolate to be very soft and smooth. (If you don't have a double boiler or microwave, a Pyrex measuring cup set in a few inches of very hot water will do, stir the chocolate until it melts. Do not use a plastic or non Pyrex glass cup for this as it may shatter or melt.)
While the chocolate is melting, warm 8-12 ounces of milk (1-1 1/2 cups) to not quite boiling. Or if you want real decadence, make it cream or half and half.
When the chocolate is melted, slowly stir in the warm milk or cream. Pour into two mugs, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a shake of cinnamon. Sit back and relax, sip and enjoy the taste of REAL hot chocolate. (I included measurements as a starting point, if you like a stronger chocolate taste, increase the chocolate, or decrease the milk or cream; if you like a more dilute taste, increase the milk or cream.)
Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
A Natural Remedy for Herpes?
I was asked recently about a natural remedy for herpes.
Unfortunately, I don't know of any cure (natural or pharmaceutical) for herpes, but there are some natural options for symptomatic relief.
Stress is often a trigger for outbreaks of herpes, anything you can do to help manage or reduce stress may help. (Yoga, biofeedback, and meditation are just a few options that offer alternative ways to help your body cope with stress.)
Keeping your immune system functioning well may also limit outbreaks, there are a number of herbal remedies which have traditionally been used as immune system tonics. Some of these immune tonics are garlic, echinacea, astragalus, reishi, and ginseng.
To hasten the healing of a cold sore (or pimple, also), my favorite natural remedy is simply a tea bag. Green or black, it doesn't matter. You need to dampen the tea bag with warm water, and hold it over the sore or pimple, for a few minutes, several times daily.
Unfortunately, I don't know of any cure (natural or pharmaceutical) for herpes, but there are some natural options for symptomatic relief.
Stress is often a trigger for outbreaks of herpes, anything you can do to help manage or reduce stress may help. (Yoga, biofeedback, and meditation are just a few options that offer alternative ways to help your body cope with stress.)
Keeping your immune system functioning well may also limit outbreaks, there are a number of herbal remedies which have traditionally been used as immune system tonics. Some of these immune tonics are garlic, echinacea, astragalus, reishi, and ginseng.
To hasten the healing of a cold sore (or pimple, also), my favorite natural remedy is simply a tea bag. Green or black, it doesn't matter. You need to dampen the tea bag with warm water, and hold it over the sore or pimple, for a few minutes, several times daily.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
More Uses for Cranberry
I recently talked about Cranberry and its effect on HDL levels.
Cranberry is probably more widely known as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. It seems to help by both making the urine more acidic, and preventing bacteria from clinging to the interior of the bladder.
Cranberry is a good source of Vitamin C, and also contains some B vitamins, as well as A and E.
I have seen some authors who have listed Cranberry as having anticancer properties, but I do not have any experience using it this way. If in fact it helps prevent cancer, that is a bonus; Cranberry is a good addition to the diet to help get the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables.
The big caution I would add is that a lot of cranberry products on the market are primarily sugar, and not as beneficial as real cranberries or unsweetened juice. Since they are very tart, and many people are unable to eat them unsweetened, a little honey or stevia (Stevia is available in many health food stores, even some grocery stores, it is a natural product much sweeter than sugar, with a very low calorie count.) may help.
Cranberry is probably more widely known as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. It seems to help by both making the urine more acidic, and preventing bacteria from clinging to the interior of the bladder.
Cranberry is a good source of Vitamin C, and also contains some B vitamins, as well as A and E.
I have seen some authors who have listed Cranberry as having anticancer properties, but I do not have any experience using it this way. If in fact it helps prevent cancer, that is a bonus; Cranberry is a good addition to the diet to help get the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables.
The big caution I would add is that a lot of cranberry products on the market are primarily sugar, and not as beneficial as real cranberries or unsweetened juice. Since they are very tart, and many people are unable to eat them unsweetened, a little honey or stevia (Stevia is available in many health food stores, even some grocery stores, it is a natural product much sweeter than sugar, with a very low calorie count.) may help.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A Natural Remedy That Improves HDL
Cholesterol is much discussed in advertisements; many pharmaceutical companies talk about it as if it is the greatest threat to human health in the world. And they have the perfect drug to lower your cholesterol levels.
But the advertisements seldom mention the fact that cholesterol is absolutely essential to human life. Cholesterol is both a major part of the membrane which surrounds every cell in the body, and it is essential for the body to synthesize certain compounds, including bile acids, natural steroids, and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is synthesized in the body, primarily in the liver, and is also ingested along with many foods.
Cholesterol needs to attach itself to certain proteins in order to circulate through the blood stream; these are the lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins that are important: Low-density lipoproteins, usually abbreviated as LDL, and High-density lipoproteins, or HDL.
These lipoproteins are important because they function differently as transporters of cholesterol. Cholesterol which is attached to LDL is the type which builds up in the blood vessels, these deposits (or plaque) lead to atherosclerosis, and limit the circulation of the blood by narrowing and stiffening the walls of the blood vessels.
On the other hand, HDL seems to transport excess cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down and excreted.
The ratio of LDL to HDL is important. (An easy way to remember which is which is L for lousy, and H for healthy.) Many doctors are recommending that patients increase the HDL levels and decrease the LDL levels.
There is an inexpensive, safe, natural remedy that increases the HDL levels, cranberry juice. Studies have shown drinking just 8 ounces a day produced a significant increase in HDL levels. (Make sure what you are drinking is cranberry juice, not a cranberry flavored blend of juices, or flavored sugared water; you may need to go to a health food store to find real cranberry juice.) Unsweetened cranberry juice is very tart, and definitely an acquired taste, if you need to sweeten the juice to drink it, be aware of the extra calories, or the health effects of artificial sweeteners.
The great thing about this natural remedy is the lack of side effects, and low cost.
But the advertisements seldom mention the fact that cholesterol is absolutely essential to human life. Cholesterol is both a major part of the membrane which surrounds every cell in the body, and it is essential for the body to synthesize certain compounds, including bile acids, natural steroids, and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is synthesized in the body, primarily in the liver, and is also ingested along with many foods.
Cholesterol needs to attach itself to certain proteins in order to circulate through the blood stream; these are the lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins that are important: Low-density lipoproteins, usually abbreviated as LDL, and High-density lipoproteins, or HDL.
These lipoproteins are important because they function differently as transporters of cholesterol. Cholesterol which is attached to LDL is the type which builds up in the blood vessels, these deposits (or plaque) lead to atherosclerosis, and limit the circulation of the blood by narrowing and stiffening the walls of the blood vessels.
On the other hand, HDL seems to transport excess cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down and excreted.
The ratio of LDL to HDL is important. (An easy way to remember which is which is L for lousy, and H for healthy.) Many doctors are recommending that patients increase the HDL levels and decrease the LDL levels.
There is an inexpensive, safe, natural remedy that increases the HDL levels, cranberry juice. Studies have shown drinking just 8 ounces a day produced a significant increase in HDL levels. (Make sure what you are drinking is cranberry juice, not a cranberry flavored blend of juices, or flavored sugared water; you may need to go to a health food store to find real cranberry juice.) Unsweetened cranberry juice is very tart, and definitely an acquired taste, if you need to sweeten the juice to drink it, be aware of the extra calories, or the health effects of artificial sweeteners.
The great thing about this natural remedy is the lack of side effects, and low cost.
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Natural Remedy for Nighttime Leg Cramps
I was asked recently about a natural remedy for nighttime leg cramps.
First, if you have frequent or persistent nighttime leg cramps, you should consult with a health professional, as they may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
There are many potential causes of leg cramps, including dehydration. Sometimes being sure you drink enough water will prevent a re-occurrence of cramps.
A simple, and generally effective, natural treatment for leg cramps is to pinch your upper lip below the nose (about half way between the lip and nose) and hold pressure for 5-10 seconds, and repeat several times, until the cramp relaxes. I find this to be effective about 3/4 of the time. It is easy to try and has no side effects (unless you bruise easily, then you may see some bruising), and can easily be done with no need for any equipment, and need to even get up out of bed.
That was the advice I offered, try it and see if it helps.
First, if you have frequent or persistent nighttime leg cramps, you should consult with a health professional, as they may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
There are many potential causes of leg cramps, including dehydration. Sometimes being sure you drink enough water will prevent a re-occurrence of cramps.
A simple, and generally effective, natural treatment for leg cramps is to pinch your upper lip below the nose (about half way between the lip and nose) and hold pressure for 5-10 seconds, and repeat several times, until the cramp relaxes. I find this to be effective about 3/4 of the time. It is easy to try and has no side effects (unless you bruise easily, then you may see some bruising), and can easily be done with no need for any equipment, and need to even get up out of bed.
That was the advice I offered, try it and see if it helps.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
More Good News About Chocolate
Research has turned up some more good news about chocolate. Many people have heard that dark chocolate has similar health effects as red wine, without the alcohol, and have felt less guilty about indulging chocolate cravings as a result.
It seems that dark chocolate has a similar effect as aspirin on platelet clumping. Aspirin reduces platelet clumping, and has been recommended to many people to reduce their chances of developing a blood clot, which could block a blood vessel, and might cause a heart attack or stroke.
Dark chocolate seems to have a similar effect on platelet clumping, perhaps due to one of the many phytonutrients (a big word that means plant nutrients) naturally contained in cocoa beans.
Eating a little dark chocolate (one or two pieces of a good quality chocolate) every day could be a delicious way to protect your health. Look for high cacao content, and low butter and sugar content; this will maximize the benefit, and minimize the calories consumed.
It seems that dark chocolate has a similar effect as aspirin on platelet clumping. Aspirin reduces platelet clumping, and has been recommended to many people to reduce their chances of developing a blood clot, which could block a blood vessel, and might cause a heart attack or stroke.
Dark chocolate seems to have a similar effect on platelet clumping, perhaps due to one of the many phytonutrients (a big word that means plant nutrients) naturally contained in cocoa beans.
Eating a little dark chocolate (one or two pieces of a good quality chocolate) every day could be a delicious way to protect your health. Look for high cacao content, and low butter and sugar content; this will maximize the benefit, and minimize the calories consumed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)