B vitamins and omega fat ratio are critical to prevent Alzheimer’s disease

(NaturalNews) Proper nutritional status, attained by consuming a healthy diet teamed with natural vitamins and minerals along with optimization of omega fat lipid ratios, can help to prevent cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. Researchers studying the effects of nutrition at Oxford University in England found that daily supplementation with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lowered levels of homocysteine, a known risk factor leading to decline in cognition and memory. Further evidence published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research explains that a disproportionate ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids plays a crucial role in the development of AD in later life. Cellular nutritional saturation from diet and appropriate supplementation with B vitamins and omega-3 fats may provide the cornerstone to prevent this most feared memory-robbing disease. Reporting in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry , scientists examined the proposed link between elevated homocysteine levels and cognitive decline. Homocysteine has already been shown to dramatically increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack in prior studies. Researchers examined 266 people over the age of 70 with established mild cognitive impairment, and broke them into two groups. One group was supplemented with folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin cofactors that lower homocysteine levels, while the second group received a placebo. B Vitamin Supplementation Shown to Lower Homocysteine by 30% and to Slow Brain Atrophy Brain wasting or atrophy is a common sign of cognitive impairment and is closely associated with Alzheimer’s dementia. The rate of brain atrophy is increased by higher concentrations of homocysteine in the blood and brain tissue. Researchers examining the results of this study found that the group, which supplemented with B vitamins for a period of two years, experienced a 30% reduction in homocysteine levels. They found dramatic improvements in mental tests including global cognition and episodic memory (69% improvement in word recall memory) compared to the control group. The standard American diet (SAD) includes large quantities of oxidized omega-6 fats from fried and processed foods when compared to omega-3 fat consumption (from fish, nuts and seeds). The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ranges from 20:1 to as high as 50:1 (ideal range is no more than 4:1), creating a perpetual degree of inflammation throughout the body. Researchers have determined that this imbalance creates a disturbance in brain chemistry affecting neurotransmitter balance and electrical firing in the brain that sets the stage for amyloid tangles and cognitive decline. Reestablishing omega fat homeostasis by balancing toward a 1:1 intake ratio and by correcting B vitamin nutritional deficiencies provide deep insight toward understanding and controlling the development of many forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Most middle aged adults will want to include a high potency B vitamin supplement (preferably formulated from natural food sources) and to include omega-3 fats from diet or fish oil consumption to lower dementia risk factors. Sources for this article include: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/New-review-backs-nutrient-modification-for-Alzheimer-s-prevention/ http://www.chemeurope.com/en/publications/276027/dietary-lipids-and-their-oxidized-products-in-alzheimer-s-disease.html http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/B-vitamins-may-slow-cognitive-decline-Oxford-University-study/ http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gps.2758/abstract

Common class of pain drugs reduces severity of postpartum breast cancers

During involution — the process during which milk-producing cells are killed and replaced by fat cells — the breast is especially susceptible to the development of aggressive cancers. This study shows that NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce the severity of these cancers.

Large study confirms that omega 3s produce healthy babies

(NaturalNews) Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for the development and maintenance of the brain and nervous system, especially in young children (http://www.naturalnews.com/016353.html). And a new study published in the journal Pediatrics adds to this, having found that pregnant women who supplement with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) during their pregnancies produce children that are much healthier and less prone to sickness than those born to women who do not supplement with, or otherwise consume enough, DHA. Dr. Usha Ramakrishnan, associate professor at Emory University’s Hubert Department of Global Health, and her team conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial on 1,100 pregnant women and 900 infants from Mexico. Some women received 400 milligrams (mg) of DHA, while others received a placebo, during the 18 to 22 weeks of gestation through childbirth. After all the women eventually gave birth, children born to mothers in the DHA group experienced less overall sickness, and shorter duration of sickness. Some of the results are as follows: -At one month of age, babies from the DHA group were 25 percent less likely to catch a cold or have a cough with phlegm or wheezing. -At three months of age, babies from the DHA group experienced 14 percent less illness time than those from the placebo group. -And at six months, DHA babies had less fevers, nasal secretions, breathing problems, and rashes than babies from the control group. “This is a large scale, robust study that underscores the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy,” remarked Ramakrishnan. “Our findings indicate that pregnant women taking 400 mg of DHA are more likely to deliver healthier infants.” The form of DHA used in the study was derived from algae, which is not necessarily an ideal form. In some cases, companies are actually using genetically-modified (GM) algae to create omega-3 oils. Monsanto is even working on gaining FDA approval for a GM soybean that artificially produces omega-3s, which is why it is important to know the source of your omega-3s before consuming them (http://blogs.forbes.com/jeffmcmahon/2011/04/11/monsanto-modifies-soy-beans-to-grow-fish-oil/). DHA, as well as the entire gamut of omega-3s that includes arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can be found in natural foods like grass-fed meats, salmon, flax, and hemp. They can also be found from high-quality fish and cod liver oils, as well as salmon oil (http://www.naturalnews.com/omega-3.html). Sources for this story include: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-08/eu-ssp080111.php

Could a birth control pill for men be on the horizon? Retinoic acid receptor antagonist interferes with sperm production

Researchers are honing in on the development of what may be the first non-steroidal, oral contraceptive for men. Tests of low doses of a compound that interferes with retinoic acid receptors showed that it caused sterility in male mice.

Grapefruit molecule may lower bad cholesterol, treat diabetes

(NaturalNews) Israeli scientists may have discovered an effective new way to treat high cholesterol and diabetes naturally. Dr. Yaakov Nahmias from the Benin School of Engineering and Computer Science at Hebrew University and his colleagues have discovered that naringenin, a molecule in grapefruits that gives the fruit its bitter taste, can help to treat arteriosclerosis, hyper-metabolism, and even diabetes. The study, which was recently published in the journal PLoS One , explains that when a highly-bioavailable “nano-complex” of naringenin is consumed just before a meal that is high in fat and sugar, it can reduce the development of bad cholesterol by roughly 42 percent, and actually increase insulin sensitivity by 64 percent. Dr. Nahmias and his colleagues allege that naringenin in its natural form is not very easily absorbed by the body. So they developed what they say is an improved version on the substance, which is surrounded by a ring of sugar called cyclodextrin, and that is 11 times more bioavailable than naringenin that comes straight from a grapefruit. “The complex is special in that it is taken just before a meal, as a preventative measure,” said Dr. Nahmias. “In comparison, existing medications are given only after the chronic development of abnormal lipid levels in the blood.” Because the development of the new naringenin supplement involved the use of a type of nanotechnology, it is unclear whether or not this modified version poses any health threats. Some nano-type supplements, such as colloidal silver, have been safely and effectively used as natural remedies by many patients, while others may not have been effectively tested. Further studies will be necessary to form a solid conclusion. When consuming or using any natural products that contain nano-sized particles, it is important to verify what type they are, and how they were developed. “Green” nanotechnology, for instance, can induce positive changes to various substances without using unnatural or toxic means to do so (http://www.naturalnews.com/030750_cinnamon_nanotechnology.html). Sources for this story include: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/thuo-pds052311.php

Gac superfruit improves vision, immune function

(NaturalNews) The bright-red Gac superfruit from Vietnam, also known as Momordica cochinchinensis, may not yet be all that popular throughout North America, but in Southeast Asia and China it is widely cultivated and consumed for its unique taste and myriad health benefits. These benefits include improvements in vision, reproductive function, immunity, skin health, prostate health, and heart health. The prickly, bulbous Gac fruit — which according to a recent report in FOX News is also known as the Chinese bitter cucumber, cundeamor, and bhat karela — has long been used as a traditional medicine for treating all sorts of ailments and conditions. Since Gac fruit is rich in beta-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin, it is a powerful fruit for both maintaining and improving overall vision. These same antioxidants work to improve immune function as well by boosting production of white blood cells, which help ward off disease. Beta-carotene is also known to boost reproductive function by improving sperm production, as well as aid in the development of healthy embryos — and the Gac fruit contains roughly ten times more beta-carotene than carrots. Rich in many powerful antioxidants, Gac fruit naturally helps to reduce damage to skin tissue by protecting it against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress ages skin and causes it to lose its elasticity and healthy appearance, but both the lycopene and beta-carotene in Gac fruit not only protect skin, but also help to improve its appearance. As far as heart health, the Gac fruit protects against athersclerosis, also known as artery hardening, and it also contains compounds that help reduce heart attack risk. And for men, Gac fruit lowers levels of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the abnormal cellular function that contributes to an enlarged prostate. Gac fruit is also a rich source of saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which together represent a highly unique profile among fruits. Most fruits are “fat free”, which limits the absorption of their nutrients in the body. But the diverse array of fats in Gac fruit ensures high bio-availability and maximum absorption of nutrients (http://www.naturalnews.com/030546_food_colors.html). Sources for this story include: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/22/gac-strange-powerful-fruit/

Human and mouse studies sharpen focus on cause of celiac disease

Blocking a factor that can activate the human immune response against intestinal bacteria or certain foods could prevent the development of celiac disease.

More research needed on diet and environmental influences on childhood asthma

Two new studies explore the possible relationship between nutrition and asthma. Researchers reviewed the rationale for investigating associations between diet and asthma, discuss the potential for dietary intervention to complement conventional asthma treatment, and summarize the recent data suggesting that diet may influence the development of asthma.

Vitamin D deficiencies may impact onset of autoimmune lung disease

A new study shows that vitamin D deficiency could be linked to the development and severity of certain autoimmune lung diseases.

Plant, herb compound prevents brain inflammation

(NaturalNews) Age-related brain illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease are devastating, but there are many ways in which individuals can help thwart their onset. According to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition , luteolin, a nutrient found in various vegetables and herbs, reduces inflammation in the brain responsible for causing memory and cognitive dysfunction. At the first sign of an infection, immune responders in the brain and spinal cord known as microglial cells normally begin to produce signaling molecules called cytokines that generate an inflammatory response to deal with the problem. But as people age, the microglial cells begin to degrade in function, leading to excessive cytokine production and corresponding brain damage. “We found previously that during normal aging, microglial cells become dysregulated and begin producing excessive levels of inflammatory cytokines,” explained Rodney Johnson, professor of animal sciences at the University of Illinois (UI) and author of the study. “We think this contributes to cognitive aging and is a predisposing factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.” But luteolin — which is found in foods like carrots, peppers, celery, peppermint, rosemary, chamomile, and olive oil — effectively produce a natural anti-inflammatory effect that stops the errant microglial cells from causing damage. Even during otherwise normal microglial function, luteolin helps to protect cell neurons from damage as well. “The neurons survived because the luteolin inhibited the production of neurotoxic inflammatory mediators,” explained Johnson. For the study, the team compared two groups of mice, one of which was fed luteolin. Aged mice taking luteolin performed better in learning and memory tests than did their non-supplemented peers, and the cytokine levels in the brains of mice in the luteolin group were comparable to those of much younger mice. “When we provided the old mice luteolin in the diet it reduced inflammation in the brain and at the same time restored working memory to what was seen in young cohorts,” Johnson said. Sources for this story include: http://www.news.illinois.edu/news/10/1013memory_rodney_johnson.html

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