Traditional Naturopath

Pure water, organic foods, no preservatives or chemicals… sounds good, right? A good pathway to healing and health! Well, pure water is getting harder to come by, so I would like to recommend something I use, (and I have no personal financial stake in, by the way!) I use a “ZeroWater” pitcher at home to filter tap water and reduce dissolved solids. It may not be the “be all and end all,” and I know may will say I should just use distilled water, but Zerowater is easier, and I have found that in my case, at least, if it isn’t easy to do, I sometimes just won’t do it!

So, check out Zerowater… I can personally recommend it, and it is the only water filtration system that has been certified, see the link below:

Offers Concerned Households an Alternative to Bottles or Expensive Filtration Installations

“In response to the study released on Monday by the Environmental Working Group (EWG,) Zero Technologies, LLC announces that its ZeroWater filtration system is the ONLY simple pour-through filter certified for chromium reduction per NSF/ANSI Standard 53. As the EWG sheds the light on the presence of cancer-causing hexavalent chromium – also known as chromium-6 – in the drinking water of 31 out of 35 US cities selected for the study, concerns have been growing regarding the safety of tap water across the country. ZeroWater has developed its five-stage, Dual Ion-Exchange water filter specifically to remove/reduce dissolved solids found in tap water, like – as in this case – chromium.

Doug Kellam, CEO of Zero Technologies, LLC, remarks, ‘We, at ZeroWater, are encouraged to see groups like the EWG raise awareness of potential issues with drinking water. Households concerned with the safety of their tap water are then faced with the dilemma of ‘what to do?’ Historically, you would need to buy an expensive built-in reverse osmosis system or bottled water. Since our product is designed to remove contaminants just like Hexavalent Chromium, our hope is to provide a more economical and environmentally sound alternative.’

The ZeroWater filtration system is unique in that it is designed to specifically remove virtually all total dissolved solids (TDS) from tap water. While most of these TDS are harmless and just make water taste ‘off,’ some, clearly, are harmful – such as lead or chromium-6. ZeroWater is the only simple pour-through filtration pitcher that is certified by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) to reduce Chromium (Hexavalent), Chromium (Trivalent), Lead and Mercury.

According to the EWG news release, ‘The authoritative National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said that chromium-6 in drinking water shows ‘clear evidence of carcinogenic activity’ in laboratory animals, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal tumors. Just last October, a draft review by the EPA similarly found that ingesting the chemical in tap water is ‘likely to be carcinogenic to humans.’ Other health risks associated with exposure include liver and kidney damage, anemia and ulcers.'”

In a story that makes me say, “Well, we could have told you that!” WebMD has a note about the benefits of a high fiber diet and colon disease.

High-Fiber Diet Linked to Lower Colon Cancer Risk – Research Shows Fiber From Whole Grains and Cereals Associated With Reduced Colon Cancer Risk

“Nov. 10, 2011 — Eating a high-fiber diet is linked with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to new research that analyzed 25 different studies.

Total fiber intake, as well as fiber from whole grains and from cereals, was most strongly linked with a reduction in colorectal cancer risk, the researchers say.

The evidence was weaker for fiber from fruits, vegetables, and legumes, says study researcher Dagfinn Aune, a research associate at Imperial College London.

‘It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat your fruits and vegetables,’ he tells WebMD. He found fewer studies on the impact on colon cancer risk of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and legumes than studies looking at the other foods, he says. ‘It’s possible that we did not have enough statistical power.’

He says, too, that the study looked only at the effect of fiber.

Overall, the link found between fiber intake and risk reduction was small. Aune’s team found a 10% risk reduction in colorectal cancer for each 10 grams of fiber eaten a day. However, the more fiber people ate, the more risk reduction was found.”

Natural health practitioners have long known the benefits of fiber from natural foods, and the impact that they can have on colon health. For instance check out the recent article on psyllium for more information.

I am always pleased to see articles like this! A natural food that reduces Blood Pressure as well as any pharmaceutical drug! When my own BP was higher than I liked, I started taking an Ayurvedic herb called, Coleus Forskohlii. Now, it is important to point out that I am not on ANY pharmaceutical drugs! Coleus Forskohlii is very effective at lowering blood pressure, so it would NOT be appropriate to take it while on a blood pressure reducing drug! Anyway, my blood pressure came down to textbook normal levels, with NO side effects, or adverse interactions. To me, this is a great example of using an herb, which is basically just a food, to address an issue in the body. Now, coconut water shows just as much promise! This is awesome!

Coconut water shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure

“(NaturalNews) While doctors may be quick to write a prescription for blood pressure medication if your numbers are a little high, research shows coconut water is a highly effective natural remedy for lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

A study published in the West Indian Medical Journal looked at whether coconut water and mauby (a tropical drink made from buckthorn tree bark) were effective in treating high blood pressure. Researchers tested the blood pressure of twenty-eight individuals for two weeks without treatment, and then again for two weeks during treatment.

Participants were divided into four groups: one control group received only bottled drinking water; one group received coconut water; one received mauby; and the last was given a combination of coconut water and mauby. Each participant drank about 10 ounces of their assigned formula twice daily.

Although it’s easy to tell the difference between drinking water and coconut water or mauby, none of the participants knew exactly what they were drinking or that it could have an effect on their blood pressure.

The findings revealed interesting results. In the coconut water group, 71 percent of participants showed a marked decrease in systolic blood pressure and 29 percent showed a significant decrease in diastolic pressure. The group drinking mauby or the combination of coconut water and mauby also showed significant improvement.

The group drinking ordinary water actually showed an increase in systolic pressure in 57 percent of the participants, with no significant change in diastolic pressure.

These results may be explained by coconut water’s unique nutritional content. Coconut water is rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. All of these nutrients are linked to health benefits, including lowering high blood pressure. They also make coconut water an excellent way to hydrate your body without depleting vital minerals. Many health-conscious athletes choose coconut water over commercial sports drinks to replenish water, minerals and glycogen lost during heavy exercise.

The best coconut water is found in fresh young coconuts, which are green in color. This coconut water is fresh and raw, retaining its natural benefits in the purest form. Young coconuts can often be found in health food stores and international markets, but of course are most readily available in tropical regions. Commercial packaged coconut water is available as well, but these products are processed and pasteurized, and should be considered inferior to fresh coconut water.”

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a supplement that I take regularly. I fell a few years ago, and damaged my sciatic nerve. I was prescribed Gabapentin for the nerve pain, but as soon as possible, I got off that, and I am now taking ALA in place of the pharmaceutical drug. Better long term results, no side effects… a “win-win!” Plus, I get the added benefits mentioned in this article!

New reasons discovered for supplementing with alpha lipoic acid

“(NaturalNews) Alpha lipoic acid – a.k.a., ALA, linolenic acid, or a-lipoic acid – is a potent, versatile antioxidant that also serves to convert blood sugar into metabolic energy. Recent research has shown lipoic acid’s power to help repair nerve damage and possibly protect against Alzheimer’s as well as declining vision. And there are many more health issues covered by ALA than most know.

The more it is researched, the more it appears to be a miraculous substance that’s easy to supplement. The term ALA will be used throughout this article.

Unlike most other antioxidants, ALA functions in cellular water or fat. Though it is produced in our bodies, production wanes as we age. So supplementing with ALA is yet another approach to anti-aging.

It is unusual because it can actually recycle glutathione, considered the master oxidant because it recycles other antioxidants after they are used up from capturing free radicals. The ALA antioxidant even recycles the master oxidant.

That master oxidant, glutathione, is also critical for liver and overall health. Glutathione cannot be introduced into our systems directly because it can’t get past the GI tract. Its normal production from the liver can only be stimulated externally by precursors. So recycling glutathione is very helpful for maintaining high glutathione levels…

It chelates heavy metals, balances blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, protects against and repairs nerve damage for eye health, adds to bone density and cardiovascular health, protects the liver, offers cataract protection, and restores the master oxidant glutathione while capturing free radicals itself. Who could ask for anything more?”

I have always been fascinated by Ginger as an herb. It has remarkable properties! It is well known as a remedy for travel sickness, nausea, and indigestion. Due to it’s antispasmodic characteristic some people have used it to help ease menstrual cramps. In her book ‘10 Essential Herbs‘ author Lalitha Thomas describes the properties: ‘The major active ingredients in ginger are terpenes (quite similar to the chemical action of turpentine) and an oleo-resin called ginger oil. These two, and other active ingredients in ginger, provide antiseptic, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating, and mild constipation relief qualities along with a potent perspiration-inducing action that is quite effective in cleansing the system of toxins.’

Ginger root reduces digestive inflammation markers to lower colon cancer risk

“(NaturalNews) Since ancient times, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects. The result of a new body of research published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, demonstrates the specific anti-inflammatory action of the spice on the colon. Health-minded individuals will want to include ginger as part of their regular diet or include an organically harvested supplement to dramatically lower inflammatory risk markers for colon cancer.

Dr. Suzanna Zick, a research assistant professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, and her team assembled 30 patient participants to conduct the study. Each was provided with two grams of ginger root supplements per day or a placebo for a period of 28 days. After the test timeframe, researchers measured standard levels of colon inflammation and found statistically significant reductions in most of these markers. They also found trends toward significant reductions in a number of other colon cancer biomarkers.

A critical inflammation marker in the colon is known to be PGE2, a naturally occurring prostaglandin also called dinoprostone. PGE2 is the prostaglandin that ultimately induces fever, and is therefore an important marker researcher’s monitor to determine inflammatory levels in the body. Inflammation has been implicated in prior studies as a precursor to colon cancer, and ginger root supplementation effectively lowers blood levels of the prostaglandin to reduce colon cancer risk.

Dr. Zick is a Naturopathic Doctor developing plant and naturally occurring compounds that specifically promote health without the need for deadly pharmaceutical interventions. She noted on the research findings, ‘We need to apply the same rigor to the sorts of questions about the effect of ginger root that we apply to other clinical trial research.’ Dr. Zick concluded, ‘Interest in this is only going to increase as people look for ways to prevent cancer that are nontoxic, and improve their quality of life in a cost-effective way.'”

Yoga may be beneficial in the treatment of lower back pain. A major study from the U.K., published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, saw a real improvement in movement, and a reduction of pain.

Yoga Is Better for Back Pain Than Standard Medical Care, Study Finds

“Yoga is better at treating lower back pain than conventional medical treatment, according to a large-scale British study published Tuesday.

People with long-term back pain who undertook a 12-week course of yoga experienced more improved back function than those who received standard medical care, researchers from the University of York found.

The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, saw 156 patients take part in yoga classes while a control group of 157 patients received standard care from the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS).

After three months, participants in the yoga group were able to undertake 30 percent more activities compared with those receiving NHS care, and also experienced a reduction in pain.

The main advantages were improved confidence when performing everyday tasks such as ‘walking more quickly, getting dressed without help or standing up for longer periods of time’ but not necessarily pain relief, the researchers said.

Dr. David Torgerson, from the university’s health sciences department, said, ‘Back pain is an extremely common and costly condition. Exercise treatment, although widely used and recommended, has only a small effect.’

He added, ‘Our results showed that yoga can provide both short- and long-term benefits to those suffering from chronic or recurrent back pain, without any serious side effects.’

Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research U.K., which funded the study, said, ‘This trial is part of our larger commitment to seek self-help solutions to this common musculoskeletal problem. There are compelling explanations why yoga may be helpful, and this trial lends powerful support to the wider use of this approach.'”