Featured Topic: Treating Digestive Disorders (4 slides)
2 Key Problems with your Digestive System #1: Inflammation of the digestive tract is associated with/a cause of: IBS, Crohn s, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. A recent study found that levels of inflammatory compounds called leukotrienes were 32% higher in women with IBS than in healthy controls #2: Infection with H. pylori causes up to 85 95% of gastric and duodenal ulcers H. pylori infection is also associated with chronic stomach inflammation and an increased risk of cancer
Bring down Intestinal Inflammation with Boswellia Boswellia blocks the enzyme 5-LOX 5-LOX activates the production of leukotrienes, which trigger inflammation in the intestinal tract (and other areas of the body joints, lungs, etc) Key compound in boswellia AKBA In a study of 5-LOX (animal model) exposure to AKBA COMPLETELY BLOCKED the activity of 5-LOX and the production of inflammatory compounds In a study of boswellia versus standard drug treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis 90% of boswellia group had reductions in at least one symptom (such as diarrhea or constipation) versus 60% of the drug group 70% of boswellia group experienced complete symptom remission, versus 40% of the drug group
Essential oils for better digestive function Essential oils of coriander, caraway, fennel, and peppermint Have anti-inflammatory abilities in their own right Are natural antibiotics proven effective against H. pylori In a study of people with dyspepsia (chronic upset stomach) given peppermint and caraway oil or placebo Pain reduced 40% in the essential oil group versus 22% in the placebo group Pressure and fullness reduced 43% in the essential oil group versus 22% in the placebo group 67% of the essential oil group and 21% of the placebo group had improved or much improved symptoms (as measured on a standard rating scale)
What to know about boswellia extract Look for boswellia extracts which are labeled to contain less than 5% beta boswellic acids and at least 10% AKBA the most powerful compound in boswellia Boswellia has no known adverse effects Use in combination with oils of thyme, ravintsara, and myrtle for the respiratory system
Listener Question
Dear Terry My husband just went for his annual physical, and his doctor says his blood sugar is too high. The doctor told him he can try to change his diet and lose some weight, but he will have to take medication to get his blood sugar down. The doctor said eventually the drugs won t be enough and my husband will have to give himself insulin shots. I don t want my husband to have to take drugs or give himself shots for the rest of his life. What can we do? Thank you for your help. N.S. from Springfield, Illinois
Pumping Iron Builds Muscles and Brains (2 slides)
New research on the benefits of weight lifting Randomized, double blind trial of 100 adults between ages 55 and 86 with mild cognitive impairment Divided into four groups Resistance exercise (weight lifting twice a week for 6 months, at 80% of strength) plus computerized mental training Resistance exercise and placebo mental training (watching nature videos) Placebo exercise (seated stretching) plus computerized mental training Placebo exercise and placebo mental training Resistance exercise was associated with an increase in size in specific areas of the brain, along with improved cognitive function The effects lasted as long as 12 months after the study ended Placebo and computerized training had no effect on mental function
Weightlifting for Healthy Aging American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults over age 50 lift weights for healthy bodies AND minds Weightlifting Builds muscle tissue, which burns more calories to support weight loss Increases bone density and prevents osteoporosis Improves mental function Weightlifting is especially beneficial with increasing age even well into your 90s!