Monthly Archives: August 2012

Top 10 Foods / Supplements to Reduce Inflammation

by

Keeping inflammation down is one of the key goals of cancer patients.  The amount of inflammation is directly related to survival rates and times.Exam Room 1

It is critical that your doctor order a blood test called  hsCRP (highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein) periodically.  You want to do everything possible to bring it down to ≤ 1.0mg. 

According to Dr. Alschuler, (a breast cancer survivor, a naturopathic physician with board certification in naturopathic oncology and co-author of The Definitive Guide to Cancer) chronic inflammation can cause or worsen disease, including cancer. In the vicious cycle of prolonged inflammation, cancer cells stimulate wound healing cells to secrete chemicals that are normally only present for fleeting moments of time. Over time, these chemicals create a chronically inflamed environment which, in turn, stimulates further growth of cancerous tumors –via epigenetic influences.

Probiotics can break a cycle of inflammation. Avoid alcohol and smoking — they are inflammatory.

Select hormone-free meat/dairy products. Avoid certain plastics. Plastic numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest, but #1, in which most bottled water comes, should only be used once.

Top Foods

  1. Spices (esp. curry, ginger, garlic, parsley)
  2. Wild, cold-water fish
  3. Grass-fed (pastured) meat, dairy, eggs
  4. Green tea (6-7 cups a day, or Green Tea extract)
  5. Leafy green vegetables (esp. spinach)
  6. Onions
  7. Hot peppers
  8. Olive oil
  9. Berries (blueberries, cherries, raspberries)
  10. Apples & apple cider

There are also a host of supplements that play an important role in the reduction of inflammation:

Top Supplements

  1. Curcumin
  2. Bromelain
  3. Fish oil
  4. Resveratrol
  5. Ginger
  6. Quercetin
  7. Pancreatin
  8. Glutathione
  9. Zyflamend

NOTE: Do consult with a nutritionist to make sure you avoid interactions or contraindications with treatment or meds.

~ Be Well! ♥

Beyond Sleep: 7 Ways Melatonin Attacks Aging Factors

by

If you’ve read my previous post on Melatonin, you know that I have been taking a high dose daily per one of the leading CAM medical practitioners I have consulted with.  Mainstream medical research is now uncovering more benefits of this amazing hormone.

I have re-published the article below from LifeExtenstion Magazine.

PLEASE NOTE:  Formulas containing melatonin are contraindicated for those with ovarian cancer.

~~~~~~~~~

Life Extension Magazine September 2012

By Claudia Kelley, PHD, RD, CDE

Beyond Sleep: 7 Ways Melatonin Attacks Aging Factors Melatonin is known for helping some people achieve a better night’s sleep, which is how it earned its nickname as “the sleep hormone.”

While melatonin is involved in regulating our internal body clock, that’s just the beginning of its health-promoting benefits. Based on extensive research, scientists have discovered that this hormone has beneficial effects on everything from heart disease and diabetes, to bone health and obesity. And best of all, emerging science now suggests that it may protect our genetic material and guard against age related disease and decline.1

Preclinical studies found that melatonin increased the life span of animals by up to 20%—prolonging their youthful character in the process.2-4 Scientific evidence now suggests that melatonin plays a crucial role in a variety of metabolic functions,5 including antioxidant and neuroprotection,6,7 anti-inflammatory defense,8 and immune system support.9

Because melatonin production reduces with age,10-14 experts believe that its decline contributes to both the aging process and a generalized deterioration of health.5,15-17 Years ago, scientists could only speculate at the underlying mechanisms behind melatonin’s anti-aging properties. A growing body of evidence reveals how melatonin is able to play such a major role in the combating aging process.18-20

#1: Antioxidant Defense—Combat Free Radical Damage While You Sleep

Since its discovery over 50 years ago, melatonin has demonstrated itself as a functionally diverse molecule, with its antioxidant properties being amongst its most well-studied attributes.26,27 Since then, a vast amount of experimental research has revealed its vital role in the body’s defense against numerous cell-damaging free radicals—and for good reason.27-30 Melatonin has been found to possess 200% more antioxidant power than vitamin E.31 Melatonin has been found to be superior to glutathione as well as vitamins C and E in reducing oxidative damage.6

As such a potent antioxidant, melatonin plays a powerful role in fighting free-radical-related diseases—from cardiovascular disease to cancer and practically everything in between.

In post-menopausal women, for example, melatonin has been found to inhibit lipid peroxidation (damage to your fat cells caused by free radicals), thus leading to decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol,31 one of the primary ingredients for the formation of atherosclerosis. A newer study on men confirmed these findings, suggesting that melatonin leads to overall lower levels of oxidative stress in humans.32 In individuals undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, melatonin exhibited a higher reduction in lipid peroxidation and improvements in red blood cell membrane stiffness.33

Other widely feared free radical diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD),34 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),35 glaucoma,36 and sepsis37 have also been responsive to increased melatonin levels.

#2: Melatonin Fights Back Against America’s Major Killer Melatonin Fights Back Against America's Major Killer

Since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, melatonin’s ability to protect against heart damage is especially noteworthy.38 In the past decade, melatonin has received considerable attention investigating its potential as a cardio-protective nutrient. Animal studies have provided ample evidence supporting melatonin’s antioxidant protection against heart muscle injury,39,40 reducing the damage done by a heart attack,41,42 and improving the strength of the heart’s pumping action following a heart attack.43-46

Other investigators reported that it decreases total cholesterol and LDL levels and increases HDL cholesterol levels.33,34 Scientists have discovered that individuals with metabolic syndrome have a lower melatonin production rate compared to healthier counterparts without metabolic syndrome and that individuals with metabolic disturbances in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar management (all classic features of metabolic syndrome) possess lower melatonin levels than those with normal metabolic function.47 Other in-vivo studies have confirmed that melatonin can lower blood pressure levels.44-48

#3: Cancer Therapy Adjuvant and Immune Regulator

Emerging research suggests that melatonin has anticarcinogenic properties—that is, it has the ability to prevent cancer from occurring, or to induce the cancer cell death if it does occur. This has been attributed to melatonin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and hormone-modulating properties.49,50

Melatonin’s ability to interfere with cancer cell multiplication and growth (“proliferation”), as well as inducing cancer cell death (“apoptosis”), has been documented in cancer patients.51, 52

It has been successfully used in individuals with advanced stage cancers undergoing conventional anticancer therapy, by either slowing disease progression and/or decreasing treatment side effects.53-60 In a review of 8 randomized, controlled clinical trials evaluating the benefits of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy for cancer patients with solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, researchers found that concurrent use of 20 mg of melatoninonce daily versus conventional treatment alone, improved the rate of complete or partial remission by nearly 50%, increased the one-year survival rate by 45%, and decreased the devastating side effects of conventional therapy such as low platelet count, neuropathy, and fatigue by 89%, 83%, and 65% respectively.59 What’s more, these effects were consistent across different types of cancer and there were no adverse events reported.59

Melatonin’s anticarcinogenic properties can also be attributed to its effect on your immune system. Laboratory studies revealed that melatonin can activate T-helper cells, which triggers other immune cells in order to help kill off foreign invaders or pathogens.61,62 Additionally, melatonin stimulates natural killer cell, monocyte, and macrophage synthesis, and has been found to facilitate healthy cell-to-cell communication, which enhances the body’s appropriate immune system response to foreign invaders.63,64  Based on available evidence, leading experts suggest that patients with cancers and particularly metastatic solid tumors, might benefit from melatonin use, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.62-70

#4: Protect Against Diabetic Complications Protect Against Diabetic Complications

Diabetes also belongs to the family of “free radical diseases.”71 Research has found that people with type 2 diabetes and retinopathy experience alterations of their melatonin secretion.72 Considering the large body of evidence identifying melatonin as a major free-radical scavenger, it is not surprising that preclinical research repeatedly and consistently documents its beneficial antioxidative effects in diabetics and those with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).73,74

Melatonin has also been shown to protect pancreatic beta-cells and several diabetes-affected organs (including kidney, retina, brain, and vasculature) from free radical damage.75 In studies, melatonin treatment has produced reductions in blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and cholesterol.75

#5: Help Delay Alzheimer’s Disease

 Help Delay Alzheimer's Disease Another unique and powerful property of melatonin is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Oral intake of melatonin has been shown to increase levels of melatonin in the brain.76 Melatonin also protects the blood brain barrier particularly in cases of hypoxic injury that may cause increased permeability of the blood brain barrier and lead to more damage to the delicate brain tissue as compounds that normally would be kept out by a functioning blood brain barrier gain entrance to the brain.77

Intensive research over the past decade has indicated melatonin’s beneficial effects in experimental models of neurodegenerative disorders, specifically those linked to oxidative damage.78 In fact, melatonin’s broad spectrum antioxidant activity in many central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases has been well-documented and reviewed.78,79

Specifically, melatonin can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and help protect vital cellular structures, such as mitochondria, from oxidative damage and decay.80 Declines in mitochondrial function are a hallmark feature of many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.81 Melatonin may also promote improved sleep patterns and prevent cognitive impairment and improve the confusion and restlessness that often occurs in the evening (called sundowning) in AD patients.80,82,83 Preclinical studies revealed that melatonin exerts pronounced neuroprotective effects against beta amyloid plaque, one of the specific underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease.84-86

More recent investigations show that melatonin may prevent brain cell death while maintaining energy and oxygen metabolism in highly stressed neuronal mitochondria.87,88 Interestingly, decreased night time melatonin levels have been associated with the severity of mental impairment in dementia patients, and disturbed circadian rhythms seem to be correlated with cognitive performance in elderly and Alzheimer’s patients.81,89,90 It is important to note that while melatonin may prove beneficial in earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it is much less effective in late stage Alzheimer’s and may fail to improve sleep or agitation.92,93

#6: Combat Obesity with Melatonin

In recent years, dietitians and medical experts have recognized that obesity is often associated with stress, emotional eating, sleep-deprivation, and hormonal changes later in life. A recent study in women with night eating syndrome (an eating disorder characterized by late-night binge eating) added further confirmation to this. It found that women suffering from this disorder had pronounced circadian melatonin rhythm disturbances, which also affected levels of cortisol (a stress hormone that can be a factor in weight problems) and ghrelin (a hormone that stimulates hunger). It also affected a variety of other behavioral and physiological circadian markers involved in appetite and neuroendocrine regulation.94

While no human weight-management trials using melatonin have been published thus far,95 preclinical trials are encouraging. In middle-aged rodents, daily melatonin administration was found to suppress abdominal fat, plasma leptin levels, and insulin levels, while also reducing body weight and food intake.96,97 Other researchers reported that melatonin was associated with decreased intra-abdominal fat, decreased plasma insulin and leptin levels, and the absence of age-related weight gain.95,98

Furthermore, laboratory investigations discovered melatonin’s ability to activate brown adipose tissue, which encourages your body to burn fat instead of storing it.99-101In recent years, brown fat has increasingly become a target for halting the global obesity epidemic.102

In a rat model of pre-diabetic, diet-induced obesity, supplementing obese rats with 4mg/kg/day of melatonin resulted in reductions in body weight, belly fat, serum insulin levels, and triglycerides.103 In humans, the equivalent dose is 48 mg for a 165 lb adult, which is a very high dose that could produce next day drowsiness. Typical human doses for melatonin range from 300 micrograms to 10 milligrams at bedtime.

#7: Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Data derived from animal research suggests that melatonin has beneficial effects on bone repair and remodeling, and bone mineral density,104 which  would make it an ideal candidate for the prevention of osteoporosis or as adjuvant after bone fractures.

A very small, yet compelling recently published double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated the effects of melatonin on bone health and quality of life in 18 perimenopausal women (ages 45-54) for 6 months. It found that melatonin improved physical symptom scores (e.g., feeling and sleeping better), increased osteocalcin (a marker for bone formation), and decreased levels of Type-I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (a marker for bone resorption), indicating that melatonin may restore imbalances in bone remodeling and prevent bone loss.105.

Summary

  • Aging is a multi-factorial process, involving a heavy load of free radicals, metabolic, hormonal, and changes in immunity. Although there is currently no direct clinical evidence demonstrating that melatonin may prolong the human life span, there are several reasons to postulate its role in the aging cascade:
  •   Melatonin participates in many vital life processes, and its secretion falls gradually over time.
  • Diminished melatonin levels appear to correlate with the deterioration of many metabolic functions and decreasing hormone levels, thus possibly contributing to the acceleration of aging processes.
  • Melatonin exhibits immunomodulatory properties; suppressed immunity has been implicated in the acceleration of aging processes.
  • Melatonin has remarkable low toxicity and is without significant side effects if used at <10 mg/day (provided as ‘regular’ or ‘fast-release’);106

 

What You Need to Know: More Than Sleep; Melatonin’s Multiple Benefits

·        Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and widely distributed in food sources, such as milk, almonds, bananas, beets, cucumbers, mustard, and tomatoes.21-23

·        In humans, melatonin is primarily synthesized by the pineal gland, but it is also produced in the gastrointestinal tract and retina.24,25

·        Melatonin and its metabolites are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, cell communication enhancing, cancer fighting, brown fat-activating, and blood-lipid-lowering effects, thereby protecting tissues from a variety of insults.5-9

·        Melatonin has been shown to support circadian rhythm, hormone balance, reproductive health, cognition, mood, blood sugar regulation, and bone metabolism, while improving overall antioxidant status and lowering blood pressure.1,10-17

·        Melatonin may assist in preventing diabetic complications, and improving treatment outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.1,2,7,9,10

References

1. Zawilska JB, Skene DJ, Arendt J. Physiology and pharmacology of melatonin in relation to biological rhythms. Pharmacol Rep. 2009 May-Jun;61(3):383-410.

2. Maestroni GJ, Conti A, Pierpaoli W. Pineal melatonin, its fundamental immunoregulatory role in aging and cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1988;521:140-8.

3. Lesnikov VA, Pierpaoli W. Pineal cross-transplantation (old-to-young and vice versa) as evidence for an endogenous “aging clock.” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1994 May 31;719:456-60.

4. Pierpaoli W, Regelson W. Pineal control of aging: effect of melatonin and pineal grafting on aging mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1994 Jan 18;91(2):787-91.

5. Korkmaz A, Topal T, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Role of melatonin in metabolic regulation. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders 2009 Dec; 10(4): 261-70.

6. Reiter RJ, Paredes SD, Korkmaz A, Jou MJ, Tan DX. Melatonin combats molecular terrorism at the mitochondrial level. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2008 Sep;1(2):137-49.

7. Daglioglu E, Serdar Dike M, Kilinc K, et al. Neuroprotective effect of melatonin on experimental peripheral nerve injury: an electron microscopic and biochemical study. Cent Europ Neurosurg. 2009 Aug; 70(3): 109-14.

8. Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S. Antiinflammatory activity of melatonin in central nervous system. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2010 Sep;8(3):228-42.

9. Srinivasan V, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Bhatnagar KP, Cardinali DP. Melatonin, immune function and cancer. Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2011 May;5(2):109-23.

10. Iguchi H, Kato K-I, Ibayashi H. Age-dependent reduction in serum melatonin concentrations in healthy human subjects. J Clin Endocrinolo Metab. 1982;55:27-29.

11. Magri F, Sarra S, Cinchetti W, Guazzoni V, Fioravanti M, Cravello L, Ferrari E. Qualitative and quantitative changes of melatonin levels in physiological and pathological aging and in centenarians. J Pineal Res. 2004 May;36(4):256-61.

12. Zhao ZY, Xie Y, Fu YR, Bogdan A, Touitou Y. Aging and the circadian rhythm of melatonin: a cross-sectional study of Chinese subjects 30-110 yr of age. Chronobiol Int. 2002 Nov;19(6):1171-82.

13. Thomas DR, Miles A. Melatonin secretion and age. Biol Psychiatry. 1989;25:365-7.

14. Touitou F, Fevre M, Bogdan A, et al. Patterns of plasma melatonin with ageing and mental condition: stability of nyctohemeral rhythms and differences in seasonal variations. Acta Endocrinol. 1984; 106:145-51.

15. Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Lopez-Burillo S . Melatonin, longevity and health in the aged: an assessment. Free Radic Res. 2002 Dec;36(12):1323-9.

16. Paredes SD, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Helping cells cope with oxidative disaster. Cell Membr Free Radic Res. 2010 Dec; 2(3): 99-111.

17. Rodella LF, Favero G, Rossini C, et al. Aging and vascular dysfunction: beneficial melatonin effects. Age. 2011 Nov 23. Epub ahead of print.

18. Reiter R, Tang L, Garcia JJ, Muñoz-Hoyos A.Pharmacological actions of melatonin in oxygen radical pathophysiology. Life Sci. 1997;60(25):2255-71.

19. Gruber J, Schaffer S, Halliwell B. The mitochondrial free radical theory of ageing—where do we stand? Front Biosci. 2008 May 1;13:6554-79.

20. Hekimi S, Lapointe J, Wen Y. Taking a “good” look at free radicals in the aging process. Trends Cell Biol. 2011 Oct;21(10):569-76.

21. Illnerova H, Buresova M, Presl J. Melatonin rhythm in human milk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993 Sep;77(3): 838-41.

22. Dubbels R, Reiter RJ, Goebel A, et al. Melatonin in edible plants identified by radioimmunoassay and by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Pineal Res. 1995 Jan;18(1):28-31.

23. Tan DX, Hardeland R, Manchester LC, et al. Functional roles of melatonin in plants, and perspectives in nutritional and agricultural science. J Exp Botany. 2012 Jan; 63(2): 577-97.

24. Baba K, Pozdeyev N, Mazzoni F, et al. Melatonin modulates visual function and cell viability in the mouse retina via the MT1 melatonin receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Sep 1;106(35):15043-8.

25. Chen CQ, Fichna J, Bashashati M, Li YY, Storr M. Distribution, function and physiological role of melatonin in the lower gut. World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep 14;17(34):3888-98.

26. Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Fuentes-Broto L. Melatonin: a multitasking molecule. Prog Brain Res. 2010;181:127-51.

27. Stetinová V, Smetanová L, Grossmann V, Anzenbacher P. In vitro and in vivo assessment of the antioxidant activity of melatonin and related indole derivatives. Gen Physiol Biophys. 2002 Jun;21(2):153-62.

28. Reiter RJ, Tan D, Osuna C, Gitto E. Actions of melatonin in the reduction of oxidative stress: a review. J Biomed Sci. 2000;7:444-58.

29. Cuzzocrea S, Reiter RJ. Pharmacological action of melatonin in shock, inflammation and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Eur J Pharmacol. 2001;426:1-10.

30. Cardinali DP, Furio AM, Reyes MP. Clinical perspectives for the use of melatonin as a chronobiotic and cytoprotective agent. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005;1057:327-36.

31. Sofic E, Rimpapa Z, Kundurovic Z, et al. Antioxidant capacity of the neurohormone melatonin. J Neural Transm. 2005;112:349-58.

32. Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Mayo JC, et al. Melatonin as an antioxidant: biochemical mechanisms and pathophysiological implications in humans. Acta Biochim Pol. 2003;50:1129-46.

33. Wakatsuki A, Okatani Y, Ikenoue N, et al. Melatonin inhibits oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein particles in normolipidemic post-menopausal women. J Pineal Res. 2000;28:136-42.

34. Chakravarty S, Rizvi SI. Day and night GSH and MDA levels in healthy adults and effects of different doses of melatonin on these parameters. Int J Cell Biol. 2011;2011:404591. Epub 2011 Apr 28.

35. Ochoa JJ, Vilchez MJ, Palacios MA, et al. Melatonin protects against lipid peroxidation and membrane rigidity in erythrocytes from patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. J Pineal Res. 2003; 35:104-8.

36. Yi C, Pan X, Yan H, Guo M, Pierpaoli W. Effects of melatonin in age-related macular degeneration. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Dec;1057:384-92.

37. Gitto E, Reiter RJ, Amodio A, et al. Early indicators of chronic lung disease in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome and their inhibition by melatonin. J Pineal Res. 2004 May;36(4):250-5.

38. Ismail SA, Mowafi HA. Melatonin provides anxiolysis, enhances analgesia, decreases intraocular pressure, and promotes better operating conditions during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Anesth Analg. 2009 Apr;108(4):1146-51.

39. Srinivasan V, Mohamed M, Kato H. Melatonin in bacterial and viral infections with focus on sepsis: a review. Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2012 Jan;6(1):30-9.

40. Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Paredes SD, Fuentes-Broto L. Beneficial effects of melatonin in cardiovascular disease. Ann Med. 2010 May 6;42(4):276-85.

41. Baykan A, Narin N, Narin F, Akgün H, Yavaşcan S, Saraymen R. The protective effect of melatonin on nicotine-induced myocardial injury in newborn rats whose mothers received nicotine. Anadolu Kardiyol Derg. 2008 Aug;8(4):243-8.

42. Mukherjee D, Roy SG, Bandyopadhyay A, et al. Melatonin protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in the rat: antioxidative mechanisms. J Pineal Res. 2010 Apr;48(3):251-62.

43. Chen Z, Chua CC, Gao J, Hamdy RC, Chua BH. Protective effect of melatonin on myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2003 May;284(5):H1618-24.

44. Sahna E, Parlakpinar H, Turkoz Y, Acet A. Protective effects of melatonin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion induced infarct size and oxidative changes. Physiol Res. 2005;54(5):491-5.

45. Sallinen P, Manttari S, Leskinen H, et al. Long-term postinfarction melatonin administration alters the expression of DHPR, RyR(2), SERCA2, and MT(2) and elevates the ANP level in the rat left ventricle. J Pineal Res. 2008 Feb 13.

46. Dominguez-Rodriguez A, breu-Gonzalez P, Garcia-Gonzalez MJ, et al. A unicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study of Melatonin as an Adjunct in patients with acute myocaRdial Infarction undergoing primary Angioplasty The Melatonin Adjunct in the acute myocaRdial Infarction treated with Angioplasty (MARIA) trial: study design and rationale. Contemp Clin Trials. 2007 Jul;28(4):532-9.

47. Corbalán-Tutau MD, Madrid JA, Nicolás F, Garaulet M. Daily profile in two circadian markers “melatonin and cortisol” and associations with metabolic syndrome components. Physiol Behav. 2012 Jun 15. [Epub ahead of print]

48. Cagnacci A, Arangino S, Angiolucci M, et al. Potentially beneficial cardiovascular effects of melatonin administration in women. J Pineal Res. 1997;22:16-9.

49. Cavallo A, Daniels SR, Dolan LM, et al. Blood pressure-lowering effect of melatonin in type 1 diabetes. J Pineal Res. 2004;36:262-6.

50. Cagnacci A, Cannoletta M, Renzi A, et al. Prolonged melatonin administration decreases nocturnal blood pressure in women. Am J Hypertens. 2005;18:1614-8.

51. Grossman E, Laudon M, Yalcin R, et al. Melatonin reduces night blood pressure in patients with nocturnal hypertension. Am J Med. 2006 Oct;119(10):898-902.

52. Rechciński T, Trzos E, Wierzbowska-Drabik K, Krzemińska-Pakuła M, Kurpesa M. Melatonin for nondippers with coronary artery disease: assessment of blood pressure profile and heart rate variability. Hypertens Res. 2010 Jan;33(1):56-61.

53. Pawlikowski M, Winczyk K, Karasek M. Oncostatic action of melatonin: facts and question marks. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002;23:S24-9.

54. Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Pandi-Perumal SR, Trakht I, Cardinali DP. Therapeutic actions of melatonin in cancer: possible mechanisms. Integr Cancer Ther. 2008 Sep;7(3):189-203.

55. Lissoni P, Rovelli F, Malugani F, et al. Anti-angiogenic activity of melatonin in advanced cancer patients. Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2001;22:45-47.

56. Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Mediavilla MD, Alonso-Gonzalez C, Reiter RJ. Melatonin uses in oncology: breast cancer prevention and reduction of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2012 Jun;21(6):819-31.

57. Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Mediavilla MD, Alonso-Gonzalez C, Rueda N. Breast cancer therapy based on melatonin. Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2012 May 1;6(2):108-16.

58. Song N, Kim AJ, Kim HJ,et al. Melatonin suppresses doxorubicin-induced premature senescence of A549 lung cancer cells by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. J Pineal Res. 2012 Apr 4. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2012.01003.x. Epub ahead of print.

59. Wang YM, Jin BZ, Ai F, Duan CH, Lu YZ, Dong TF, Fu QL. The efficacy and safety of melatonin in concurrent chemotherapy or radiotherapy for solid tumors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2012 May;69(5):1213-20. Epub 2012 Jan 24.

60. Seely D, Wu P, Fritz H, Kennedy DA, Tsui T, Seely AJ, Mills E. Melatonin as adjuvant cancer care with and without chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int. 2002 May;1(2):183-6.

61. Lissoni P, Barni S, Mandala M, et al. Decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of cancer chemotherapy using the pineal hormone melatonin in untreatable advanced hematologic malignancies. Eur J Cancer. 1999;35:1688-92.

62. Lissoni P, Bucovec R, Bonfanti A, et al. Thrombopoietic properties of 5-methoxytyrptamine plus melatonin versus melatonin alone in the treatment of cancer-related thrombocytopenia. J Pineal Res. 2001;30:123-6.

63. Cerea G, Vaghi M, Ardizzoia A, et al. Biomodulation of cancer chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a randomized study of weekly low-dose irinotecan alone versus irinotecan plus the oncostatic pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic colorectal cancer patients progressing on 5-fluorouracil-containing combinations. Anticancer Res. 2003 Mar-Apr;23(2C):1951-4.

64. Berk L, Berkey B, Rich T, et al. Randomized phase II trial of high-dose melatonin and radiation therapy for RPA class 2 patients with brain metastases (RTOG 0119). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2007 Jul 1;68(3):852-7.

65. Lissoni P, Brivio F, Fumagalli L, et al. Neuroimmunomodulation in medical oncology: application of psychoneuroimmunology with subcutaneous low-dose IL-2 and the pineal hormone melatonin in patients with untreatable metastatic solid tumors. Anticancer Res. 2008 Mar-Apr;28(2B):1377-81

66. Lissoni P, Fumagalli L, Paolorossi F, Rovelli F, Roselli MG, Maestroni GJ. Anticancer neuroimmunomodulation by pineal hormones other than melatonin: preliminary phase II study of the pineal indole 5-methoxytryptophol in association with low-dose IL-2 and melatonin. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 1997 Jul-Sep;11(3):119-22.

67. Bubenik G, Blask D, Brown G. Prospects of the clinical utilization of melatonin. Biol Signals Recept. 1998;7:195-219.

68. Zhang Z, Insena PF, Liang B, et al. Melatonin immune modulation and aging. Autoimmunity. 1997;26:43-53.

69. Srinivasan V, Maestroni G, Cardinali D, et al. Melatonin, immune function and aging. Immun Ageing. 2005;2:17.

70. Radogna F, Diederich M, Ghibelli L. Melatonin: a pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation. Biochem Pharmacol. 2010 Dec 15;80(12):1844-52.

71. Preiser JC. Oxidative stress. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012 Mar;36(2):147-54. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

72. Hikichi T, Tateda N, Miura T. Alteration of melatonin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;5:655-60.

73. Baydas G, Canatan H, Turkoglu A. Comparative analysis of the protective effects of melatonin and vitamin E on streptozocin-induced diabetes mellitus. J Pineal Res. 2002 May;32(4):225-30.

74. Korkmaz A, Ma S, Topal T, Rosales-Corral S, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Glucose: a vital toxin and potential utility of melatonin in protecting against the diabetic state. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2012 Feb 26;349(2):128-37.

75. Gumustekin M, Tekmen I, Guneli E, et al. Short-term melatonin treatment improved diabetic nephropathy but did not affect hemorheological changes in diabetic rats. Pharmazie. 2007 Sep;62(9):693-8.

76. Aygün D, Kaplan S, Odaci E, Onger ME, Altunkaynak ME. Toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a review of melatonin and diclofenac sodium association. Histol Histopathol. 2012 Apr;27(4):417-36.

77. Kaur C, Ling EA. Antioxidants and neuroprotection in the adult and developing central nervous system. Curr Med Chem. 2008;15(29):3068-80.

78. Bonnefont-Rousselot D, Collin F. Melatonin: action as antioxidant and potential applications in human disease and aging. Toxicology. 2010 Nov 28;278(1):55-67.

79. Hardeland R. Melatonin metabolism in the central nervous system. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2010 Sep;8(3):168-81.

80. Srinivasan V, Pandi-Perumal SR, Cardinali DP, et al. Melatonin in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Behavioral and Brain Functions 2006;2:15.

81. Cardinali DP, Pagano ES, Scacchi Bernasconi PA, Reynoso R, Scacchi P. Melatonin and mitochondrial dysfunction in the central nervous system. Horm Behav. 2012 Feb 25. [Epub ahead of print]

82. Cardinali DP, Brusco LI, Liberczuk C, Furio AM. The use of melatonin in Alzheimer’s disease. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2002;23:20-3.

83. Asayama K, Yamadera H, Ito T, Suzuki H, Kudo Y, Endo S. Double blind study of melatonin effects on the sleep-wake rhythm, cognitive and non-cognitive functions in Alzheimer type dementia. J Nippon Med Sch 2003;70:334-41.

84. Pappolla MA, Chyan YJ, Poeggeler B, et al. Alzheimer beta protein mediated oxidative damage of mitochondrial DNA: prevention by melatonin. J Pineal Res. 1999;27:226-9.

85. Pappolla M, Bozner P, Soto C, et al. Inhibition of Alzheimer B-fibrillogenesis by melatonin. J Biol Chem. 1998;273:7185-8.

86. Pappolla MA, Soss M, Omar RA, et al. Melatonin prevents death of neuroblastoma cells exposed to the Alzheimer amyloid peptide. J Neuro Sci. 1997;17:1683-90.

87. Bachurin S, Oxenkrug G, Lermontova N, et al. N-acetylserotonin, melatonin and their derivatives improve cognition and protect against beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1999;890:155-66.

88. Wang X. The antiapoptotic activity of melatonin in neurodegenerative diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2009 Winter;15(4):345-57. Review.

89. Van Someren EJ, Mirmiran M, Swaab DF. Non-pharmacological treatment of sleep and wake disturbances in aging and Alzheimer’s disease: chronobiological perspectives. Behav Brain Res. 1993;57:235-53.

90. Dowling GA, Burr RL, Van Someren EJ, et al. Melatonin and bright-light treatment for rest-activity disruption in institutionalized patients with Alzheimer’s disease. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2008 Feb;56(2):239-46. Epub 2007 Dec 7.

91. Cardinali DP, Furio AM, Brusco LI. Clinical aspects of melatonin intervention in Alzheimer’s disease progression. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2010 Sep;8(3):218-27.

92. Singer C, Tractenberg RE, Kaye J, et al. A multicenter, placebo-controlled trial of melatonin for sleep disturbance in Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep. 2003;26:893–901.

93. Gehrman PR, Connor DJ, Martin JL, Shochat T, Corey-Bloom J, Ancoli-Israel S. Melatonin fails to improve sleep or agitation in double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of institutionalized patients with Alzheimer disease. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009;17:166-9.

94. Goel N, Stunkard AJ, Rogers NL, et al. Circadian rhythm profiles in women with night eating syndrome. J Biol Rhythms. 2009 Feb;24(1):85-94.

95. Rastmanesh R, de Bruin PF. Potential of melatonin for the treatment or prevention of obesity: An urgent need to include weight reduction as a secondary outcome in clinical trials of melatonin in obese patients with sleep disorders. Contemp Clin Trials. 2012 Jul;33(4):574-5. Epub 2012 Apr 5.

96. Wolden-Hanson T, Mitton DR, McCants RL, Yellon SM, Wilkinson CW, Matsumoto AM, et al. Daily melatonin administration to middle-aged male rats suppresses body weight, intraabdominal adiposity, and plasma leptin and insulin independent of food intake and total body fat. Endocrinology. 2000;141:487-97.

97. Prunet-Marcassus B, Desbazeille M, Bros A, et al. Melatonin reduces body weight gain in Sprague Dawley rats with diet-induced obesity. Endocrinology. 2003;144:5347-52.

98. Rasmussen DD, Boldt BM, Wilkinson CW, Yellon SM, Matsumoto AM. Daily melatonin administration at middle age suppresses male rat visceral fat, plasma leptin, and plasma insulin to youthful levels. Endocrinology. 1999 Feb;140(2):1009-12. Erratum in: Endocrinology 2002 Apr;143(4):1269.

99. Puig-Domingo M, Guerrero JM, Reiter RJ, et al. Thyroxine 5′-deiodination in brown adipose tissue and pineal gland: implications for thermogenic regulation and role of melatonin. Endocrinology. 1988 Aug;123(2):677-80.

100. Torres-Farfan C, Valenzuela FJ, Mondaca M, et al. Evidence of a role for melatonin in fetal sheep physiology: direct actions of melatonin on fetal cerebral artery, brown adipose tissue and adrenal gland. J Physiol. 2008 Aug 15;586(16):4017-27.

101. Tan DX, Manchester LC, Fuentes-Broto L, Paredes SD, Reiter RJ. Significance and application of melatonin in the regulation of brown adipose tissue metabolism: relation to human obesity. Obes Rev. 2011 Mar;12(3):167-88.

102. Ginter E, Simko V. Brown fat tissue – a potential target to combat obesity. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2012;113(1):52-6.

103. Nduhirabandi F, Du Toit EF, Blackhurst D, Marais D, Lochner A. Chronic melatonin consumption prevents obesity-related metabolic abnormalities and protects the heart against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in a prediabetic model of diet-induced obesity. J Pineal Res. 2011 Mar;50(2):171-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2010.00826.x. Epub 2010 Nov 15.

104. Ramírez-Fernández MP, Calvo-Guirado JL, de-Val JE, et al. Melatonin promotes angiogenesis during repair of bone defects: a radiological and histomorphometric study in rabbit tibiae. Clin Oral Investig. 2012 Feb 11. Epub ahead of print.

105. Kotlarczyk MP, Lassila HC, O’Neil CK, et al. Melatonin osteoporosis prevention study (MOPS): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the effects of melatonin on bone health and quality of life in perimenopausal women. J Pineal Res. 2012 May;52(4):414-26.

106. Seabra MLV, Bignotto M, Pinto LR Jr, Tufik S. Randomized, double-blind clinical trial, controlled with placebo, of the toxicology of chronic melatonin treatment. J Pineal Res. 2000;29:193–200.ant side effects if used at <10 mg/day (provided as ‘regular’ or ‘fast-release’)

A Healthy Crunchwich for Lunch

by

I am fond of crunchie things.  And since I have to watch my intake of carbs, I was so happy when I discovered that the fiber and carb ratios in Real Foods’ Corn Thins from Whole Foods was great for our Cancer Prevention diet!

Two rounds are only 44 Calories, 0 Fat, 0 sugar, 8g Carb and 1g Fiber.

According to our Good Carb Formula, this is an acceptable carb (fiber x 10 is > than the total Carbs). Hurray!  I can have two crackers and not blink.

I’ve decided to call sandwiches made from these crunchy wonders CRUNCHWICHES!

They are so versatile, I’ve had them with a dozen different filling, both sweet and savory, and they all work.

Crunchwiches are fun to take to work as a snack or part of a healthy lunch (add a piece of fruit, some carrots and green tea).

Avo-Almond Cheese-Tomato-Herb Crunchwich

Today’s filling is:

  • Almond Cheese
  • Organic Heirloom Tomato
  • Avocado slices
  • Organic Basil (from the garden)
  • Organic Watercress
  • A light smear of Vegenaise

Top with second cracker and Munch-a-Crunch away!

A yummy sweet filling is:

  • Almond butter
  • Chia Seeds (sprinkle on almond butter)
  • Under-ripe Banana slices
  • Cinnamon (sprinkle on bananas)
  • Thin Organic Apple slices

Quick Zucchini Beef Stew

by

There have been many occasions when company has stayed through the dinner hour, or time slipped by before I knew it and it was dinner time.  I have devised shortcuts to a number of recipes Mom used to make, and some traditional ones for just those times.

This is one of them.  We like stews in our family. We grow up with a huge array of Stew options in the Middle East, taking advantage of the plethora of vegetables, beans and herbs.

Here is a dinner to throw together in just about 35 minutes, assuming you have ingredients on hand. You can substitute whatever veggies you have, and use chicken in instead of beef.

Recipe

  • 1 med. white organic Onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves organic Garlic, minced
  • 2 organic Scallions, chopped (opt)
  • 1/2 pound organic, Grass-fed Beef, cut 1/2 inch cubes
  • 6 organic Zucchini, cut in half rounds
  • 2 organic Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1-1/2 c. boiling Water
  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp. organic Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. organic Allspice
  • Dash of Black Pepper
  • Dash of Cayenne (opt)

Place onions in a large saute pan over medium heat and let cook stirring occasionally, until golden.  Add garlic and scallions and saute for another 2 minutes.

Add beef and stir until no longer pink on outside.

Add vegetables,water and spices. When they start to simmer again, reduce heat to med-low, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Add olive oil, cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve with whole wheat bulgur pilaf or wild and brown rice, and a green salad.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Nutritional Egg Breakfast and Purple Flowers

by

I have a love of purple, and purple flowers.  Yesterday J and his girls and I walked downtown to see ‘ParaNorman’… and on the way passed by this cheerful purple patch.

To me, purple flowers hold a little magic.  They seem to exude mystery in their subtle hues.

I ran across the recipe below a couple of weeks ago, and loved it. It is high in protein and has omega-3 fats (from egg), and oregano and garlic (two of our super antioxidants).

I added a tomato from our garden and some watercress for an antioxidant and nutrition boost.

Recipe

  • 1 -2 organic High-Omega-3 Eggs
  • 1 slice Gluten-free Bread, crumbled (I like Udi’s Chia Millet)
  • 2 Tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 medium clove organic Garlic, minced
  • 1 – 2 tsp. Oregano (to taste)
  • Sea Salt and Pepper

I like my eggs soft-boiled for this dish. Make sure your eggs have been sitting out for about 20 – 30 minutes so they don’t crack when you immerse them in the boiling water. If you forget, you can pierce the flatter end with  a pin to help the steam escape during cooking.

Fill a small pot with enough water to cover the eggs and add a teaspoon of salt. This will make peeling the egg easier. Bring water to a boil.

Once the water is gently boiling, carefully lower the eggs into the pan using a tablespoon.  When the water boils again, simmer egg and time for 5-6 minutes depending on how runny you like the yolk.

While eggs are cooking, place crumbled bread in a cereal or soup bowl and top with nutritional yeast.

Sprinkle garlic on top, and half the oregano, and mix together.

Spread out. Chop eggs on top and sprinkle with rest of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Accompany with fresh veggies or fruit and a cup of green tea for a balanced, filling, healthful breakfast!

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

Are Your Body and Face Care Products Dangerous to Your Health?

by

I’ve discussed the detrimental effects of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and other ingredients in every day products.  I can’t underline the importance of choosing organic, chemical-free body care products, so am publishing this article that sums it all in detail.

Please read labels! Don’t get sucked in to buying dangerous products.  If the FDA says it’s safe at 1% potency in one prodcut, why don’t they admit that since we likely use at least 10 products containing these ingredients in a day (your shampoo, your conditioner, your toothpaste, your deodorant, your cream, your perfume, your dish soap…), at those levels we are slowly poisoning ourselves!

Don’t take a risk with your family’s health.  Our family has stopped buying any products with these ingredients.  Instead try “100% PURE” for personal care, or “Aubrey’s” and use Olive Oil soap for your skin, or “Castile Soap” for laundry and dishes (INGREDIENTS: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils, Citric Acid, Vitamin E).

100% Pure                                              Lavender Liquid Soap - 8 oz.

Scan your deodorant ingredients, the most direct way to get chemicals in your body… especially for women who shave under their arms. 15 types of Parabens have been found inside breast cancer cells, in the EXACT form that they occur in cosmetics!!

DANGEROUS BEAUTY: Scientists Warn of Harmful Ingredients In Our Shampoos and Cosmetics

by David Lowell Kern

(reprinted from http://www.healthfoodemporium.com)

New health concerns are being raised over some common but possibly dangerous ingredients in hair shampoos, skin creams, toothpastes, and other personal care items. Researchers in the U. S., Germany, Switzerland, Japan, found these ingredients may be linked to premature baldness, cataracts, environmental cancers, contact dermatitis, and possible eye damage in young children.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate

Here are some of the dangers that have been linked to this ingredient:

Eye Damage in Young Children
(SLS) is a detergent found in about 90 percent of commercial shampoos. Also known as sodium dodecyl, sodium laureth sulfate (SLFS) this chemical has been shown to damage protein formation in eye tissue in young animals, raising serious concerns about the possibility of ocular tissue malformation, blindness in infants and young children. Researcher Keith Green, Ph.D., D. Sc., of the Medical College of Georgia, also reports that exposure to SLS causes improper eye development in children and that since it is absorbed systemically through the skin, it doesn’t have to enter the eye directly.

Toxicity and Cancer
 SLS has its tendency to react with other ingredients to form NDELA, a nitrosamine and potent carcinogen. According to a 1978 FDA report, shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with this nitrosamine can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrate- contaminated foods. (Researchers estimate the nitrate absorption from one shampoo is equal to eating a pound of bacon.) The FDA has recently warned shampoo manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in products containing SLFS.

Damage To Your Skin
Researchers have known for years that SLS is a skin irritant. It is used as a laboratory standard for irritating skin and inducing contact dermatitis.2,3,4
Sodium Laurel Sulfate is useful to lab testing because of its ability to penetrate and impair the skin barrier. 5 It damages the skin barrier functions,6 enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens,7 damages and alters skin cells, 8 causes substantial roughness to the skin, 9 results in severe modification of skin recombinant structure.10 SLS is listed as toxic to skin in many studies.11,12,13

Premature Hair Loss
Sodium Laurel Sulfate is implicated in premature hair loss in men and women, and may be one reason for wide-spread incidence of thinning hair. Because SLS is such a caustic cleanser, it actually corrodes the hair follicle and impairs its ability to grow hair. SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate) causes dramatic decline in the hair growth cycle, and prolongs the hair loss phase (normally 3 months) by a factor of eight.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate is also implicated in scalp irritation, eczema, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. Many shampoos designed to alleviate dandruff, itching, and other scalp disorders may actually be causing the toxicity of SLSe-containing formulas to the skin and scalp.

Natural Brands Offer No Protection
Ingredient reviews of shampoos sold in health food stores under natural brands and labels have turned up many formulas containing SLS.  You must check the ingredients on each product.

What You Should Do

* Check your shampoos, toothpaste, liquid soaps, body gels, and other skin products for sodium lauryl sulfate. We recommend that you avoid any further skin contact with products containing this ingredient.
* If you have children, make sure they are not using shampoos and toothpastes containing SLS. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to improper eye development. Also check sunblock products. (We found one that contains Sodium Laurel Sulfate and aluminum, a potentially dangerous combination for brain cell deterioration.)
* Replace products containing SLS with safe alternatives (formulas without Sodium Laurel Sulfate).
* Check all your cosmetic products for propylene glycol, and get them off your skin. If you have infants, check your baby wipes and baby lotions, and find alternative products that are safe for children (some baby wipes are available with aloe instead of propylene glycol).

References:

1. Clayton et. al., Ed. Chem. Tox., 1985
2. Br J Dermatol 1992 Sep
3. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Jul
4. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1991
5. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh) 1992
6. The Lancet, Feb 3, 1990
7. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Sep
8. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Mar and 1993 Feb
9. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Sep
10. Journal of Toxicology, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 1992
11. Toxicology Letters, Vol 26, 1985

Alkylphenol Ethoxylates

Found to reduce sperm count

Benzene/Benzoic Acid/Benzyl Benzoate

Considered a carcinogen, is an endocrine disruptor, and is suspected to cause birth defects

Coal Tar

Known human carcinogen. Prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. May contian harmful impurities or breakdown products. Found in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and hair dyes.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben

Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

Dibutyl Phthalate

Prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. Possoble human reproductive or developmental toxin. Endocrine disruptor. Found in some nail polish, perfume and hair spray.

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)

Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. This chemical interferes with the body’s ability to absorb choline which is needed for proper fetal brain development.

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea

These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

Formaldehyde

This is an extreme irritant to the mucous membranes with often destructive effects. It is also considered to be a neurotoxin and carcinogen. (If you have your hair chemically straightened, you are exposing yourself to formaldehyde both through your scalp and your lungs!)

Fragrances

The label of “Fragrances” can mask a multitude of toxic, synthetic chemicals, many of which suppress the immune system, are endocrine disruptors, and cause cancer. When looking for scented products, make sure it’s scented by essential oils — which are expensive; therefore, companies usually list what essential oils are contained in the product without reverting to the generic term “Fragrances”.

Isopropanol/Isopropyl Alcohol

This is a skin irritant that causes flushing, pulse rate fluctuations, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Lead Acetate

Known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some hair dyes and cleanser.

Mercury

Possible human carcinogen. Possoble human reproductive or developmental toxin. Found in some eye drops and ointment.

Methylisothiazoline, or MIT

This can cause skin and eye irritation and is known to cause neurological damage.

Parabens (Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

Increases a person’s risk of breast cancer. These class of chemicals are also endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility problems.

Petrolatum

Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Petroleum Distillates

Possible human carcinogen. May contain harmful impurities or breakdown products. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some mascara, perfume, foundation, lipstick and lip balm.

Phthalates

This has been linked to damage of the organs — kidneys, lungs, and liver — as well as the reproductive system.

Propylene Glycol

Usually this is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. Although exposure to high levels of Propylene Glycol is known to cause serious and potentially irreversible health conditions, the chemical industry tell us that “small” quantities or low level exposure of Propylene Glycol is “safe” to use on the skin and in food. According to the safety data sheets of industrial chemical manufacturers, chemicals such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol will cause serious health conditions, including liver and heart damage and damage to the central nervous system if sufficient is absorbed by the body.

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

Stearalkonium Chloride

A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.

Synthetic Colors

Used to make cosmetics “pretty,” synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don’t use it.

Synthetic Fragrances

The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read “fragrance.” Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper-pigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. Advice: Don’t buy a cosmetic that has the word “fragrance” on the ingredients label.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s up to us to manage our health and as much as possible our environment.

~ Be Well. ♥

Beautiful Washington DC and Marzipan Pigs

by

For the second time in a month, and after 2 hours composing this post all is lost in the land of WordPress… not a single word or image remained when I hit POST!  IT has taken 4 attempts… and each time my saved Draft is not to be found.. UGH!

~~~~~~~~

I returned from Washington DC (city of my birth) two days ago, where I went to visit family and friends, many of whom I hadn’t seen in 6 – 7 years. Hence the no new posts for a week!

Other than missing everyone, a big motivator to get up and go was my desire to hold two sessions on Fighting Disease With Food, for those who were free to attend.  My sister posted a notice on a community bulletin, and offered to host the sessions in her lovely NW DC home.  Also, J had research for his thesis he wanted to do at the Library of Congress, so we made it a joint trip.

With the bio-photonic scanner in tow, we left Oakland airport last Wednesday and headed East. I wanted to be able to scan people for their Anti-oxidant levels. I’ve talked a lot about the importance of maintaining high anti-oxidant levels in many posts, for obvious reasons.. it’s the only way your immune system can fight disease, or prevent disease.

Here are a few quotes to add credibility to that statement:

“The amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live.”

Richard Cutler M.D., Director Anti-Aging Research, National Institute of Health (NIH)

 

“Powerful antioxidants like lutein and xeaxanthin (from green vegetables) and lycopene (from tomatoes) may protect against coronary-artery disease, cataracts, macular degeneration and cancer.”

Time Magazine

“Antioxidants can cut your risk of heart disease up to 70%, diabetes 40%, lung cancer 30%, and breast cancer 20% studies show. Many leading authorities now urge all adults to take a daily supplement.”

USA Today

We arrived late Wed night and stayed with my nephew O. and his family the first 2 days. When I last saw his son, he was 7 years old… now he was a 12 year-old preteen who was taller than I am! O is a professor at Georgetown University.

We visited his office and the campus, then walked down to Georgetown while he did a few hours of work.  It was a typical hot and humid DC day.  We interspersed our window shopping with long rests in air conditioned Cafes’ and Deli’s! Our first stop was Dean and Deluca’s on M street. Georgetown has changed from the last time I sauntered around .. 12 years or so ago. So many boutiques and little eateries.

The sprawling Deli sported many cold cases with specialized offerings.. Asian food, Mediterranean, Italian, Desserts,  Sandwich makings, etc…  We were both struck by the display of amazing chocolates. Being off sugar, all I could do was stare in admiration.

chocolates at Dean and Deluca

Marzipan farm animals

The also had marzipan treats shaped like animals. The well-dressed pigs caught my eye, and I wanted to take some back for my daughter who loves marzipan, but saw the price tag and was stunned!  They were $22.00 EACH!? Yikes… I sent her a picture of them instead.  :(

Dean and Deluca, Georgetown

It was lunchtime, so we each got a little something and sat out on their covered patio surrounded by locals and a few tourists.

After more window shopping we stumbled on a Spice and Tea specialty store, and had a blast sniffing spice blends and teas, and bought a few as gifts.  Then another duck into a Starbuck’s for cooling down.

When it was time to meet O again, we walked up to P and 35th to wait for him.

Washington is such a lovely city. J was really taken with how lush it is.  Trees, forests and water surround and meander through it.  Rock Creek Park is gorgeous, as is the Water front.

Georgetown neighborhood

I love the architecture and colors. There is something very inviting about DC, and I am always happy to be there.

Once we got to my sister’s home in NW DC, I started prepping for the first session to be held that afternoon. J had an all-day online seminar to listen to so he sat in one corner of their gorgeous living room.

Both sessions went quite well. I discussed studies that are finally being funded by NIH to look at various foods and spices as potent cancer remedies, and the amazing findings on Vitamin D3, Cinnamon, Curcumin, and more. Then went on to discuss the critical role antioxidants play in our health, and the foods that increase our immune system health, etc..

20 people attended, and at the end of the sessions I set up the bio-photonic antioxidant scanner, and did the scans. I was totally unprepared for the results!

From the chart below you can see the range of expected results and what each means.

I have scanned many people out here in the Bay Area, from doctors to nurses to teenagers to seniors, and people’s scores range from the Red to Blue with most being in the middle yellow. Out of the 20 people I scanned 85% scored in the Blue range!! The rest were in Green…still very good. Each person takes supplements targeted at either heart or bone health, or general immune support.

The top Antioxidant score was a whopping 100,000! That person has avoided sugar for many years, and has 6 – 7 servings of veggies and fruit a day.

Well, if this event didn’t convince me… and you… that eating the diet I talk about on this website will impact your immune system in dramatic, positive fashion… then nothing will.  Each person takes supplements targeted at either heart or bone health, or general immune support.  I was thrilled, as were they!

I cooked Cod with Ginger, Scallions and Tamari for our dinner one night, and Chicken breasts with Leeks and Sweet potatoes another night.

Our last night in DC we went out for dinner with my sister, brother in law, their eldest son M and his girlfriend to their favorite Lebanese restaurant called Neyla’s.

Knefi, shredded philo with a sweet cheese filling and sugar syrup

Our waiter, Wael, was a young man who is studying for his Master’s degree. He was explaining the appetizer to us… Zaatar pies, so I told him we were from the land of Zaatar. His eyebrows went up and he asked where.. I said Lebanon.

Hi smiled and said that’s where he was from. My brother in law asked from which town, and when he mentioned it… three of us repeated the name in unison.  It was the same town my brother in law’s parents came from. As he dropped names of relatives and friends our incredulity grew until we burst out with laughter at this amazing coincidence.

Tabbouli Neyla’s

Lamb

Wael was related to people my brother in law was related to, and close friends of his family were friends of ours! Funny how this type of thing happens between people continents apart.

Oh, and the food was delicious!

Afterwards my sister drove us to the new FDR Memorial, which was incredible. This is a must see for everyone.

Here are a couple of photos.

If you are interested in locating someone who can do an antioxidant scan for you, please contact me and I will try to help.  It is invaluable insight into your immune system, and the ONLY way I know of that provides an immediate (90 seconds), non-invasive (skin scan), and reliable reading.

Be Well!

What is Laughter Therapy? and Does it Work?

by

Re-printed from cancercenter.com.

The Laughter Club at CTCA

We were born with the gift of laughter. Laughter is a natural medicine. It lifts our spirits and makes us feel happy. Laughter is a contagious emotion. It can bring people together. It can help us feel more alive and empowered.

Laughter therapy, also called humor therapy, is the use of humor to promote overall health and wellness. It aims to use the natural physiological process of laughter to help relieve physical or emotional stresses or discomfort.

Research Supporting Laughter Therapy

A growing body of research supports the theory that laughter may have therapeutic value.

For years, the use of humor has been used in medicine. Surgeons used humor to distract patients from pain as early as the 13th century. Later, in the 20th century, came the scientific study of the effect of humor on physical wellness.

Many credit this to Norman Cousins. After years of prolonged pain from a serious illness, Cousins claims to have cured himself with a self-invented regimen of laughter and vitamins. In his 1979 book Anatomy of an Illness, Cousins describes how watching comedic movies helped him recover.

Over the years, researchers have conducted studies to explore the impact of laughter on health. After evaluating participants before and after a humorous event (i.e., a comedy video), studies have revealed that episodes of laughter helped to reduce pain, decrease stress-related hormones and boost the immune system in participants.

Today more than ever before, people are turning to humor for therapy and healing. Medical journals have acknowledged that laughter therapy can help improve quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses. Many hospitals now offer laughter therapy programs as a complementary treatment to illness.

The Healing Power of Laughter

For people living with cancer, it may seem strange to find humor when facing such serious issues. Yet, laughter can be helpful in ways you might not have realized or imagined.

Laughter can help you feel better about yourself and the world around you. Laughter can be a natural diversion. When you laugh, no other thought comes to mind. Laughing can also induce physical changes in the body. After laughing for only a few minutes, you may feel better for hours.

When used in addition to conventional cancer treatments, laughter therapy may help in the overall healing process.

According to some studies, laughter therapy may provide physical benefits, such as helping to:

  • Boost the immune system and circulatory system
  • Enhance oxygen intake
  • Stimulate the heart and lungs
  • Relax muscles throughout the body
  • Trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
  • Ease digestion/soothes stomach aches
  • Relieve pain
  • Balance blood pressure
  • Improve mental functions (i.e., alertness, memory, creativity)

Laughter therapy may also help to:

  • Improve overall attitude
  • Reduce stress/tension
  • Promote relaxation
  • Improve sleep
  • Enhance quality of life
  • Strengthen social bonds and relationships
  • Produce a general sense of well-being

Laughter Therapy at CTCA

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we fight cancer using an integrative approach. Our Mind-Body Medicine Department offers supportive options, including laughter therapy, to help you cope as you receive conventional cancer treatments.

Laughter therapy strives to help you use and enjoy laughter as a tool for healing. Dr. Katherine Puckett, National Director of Mind-Body Medicine at CTCA, first introduced laughter therapy to Midwestern Regional Medical Center upon a patient’s request.

CTCA offers humor therapy sessions, also known as Laughter Clubs or humor groups, to help cancer patients and their families use and enjoy laughter as a tool for healing. These leader-led groups take patients through a number of laugh-related exercises including fake laughter and laughter greetings.

laughter therapy group raising their arms in the air Dr. Katherine Puckett, National Director of Mind-Body Medicine at CTCA, holds a group session in laughter therapy for patients at Midwestern Regional Medical Center.

Laughter Club is based not on humor or jokes, but rather on laughter as a physical exercise. One group laughter exercise involves patients standing in a circle, with the leader in the middle. Patients put their fingertips on their cheekbones, chest or lower abdomen and make “ha ha” or “hee hee” sounds until they felt vibrations through their bodies. Dr. Puckett says during these exercises, it is hard for people not to join in because laughter is so contagious.

According to Dr. Puckett, at the end of a laughter therapy session, patients have said things like “I didn’t even think about cancer during Laughter Club” and “That felt great! Things have been so hard that we hadn’t laughed in months.” Dr. Puckett adds that, just recently, the eight-year-old daughter of a CTCA patient who attended Laughter Club said afterwards: “I never thought about laughing everyday, but now I realize I can. Like even when I don’t feel happy, I can still laugh and feel better.”

________

So get some friends together, or sit in front of your mirror and giggle, gaggle, chuckle and belly laugh for 10 minutes or more once or twice a day!

♥

A Powerhouse of Health in a Bowl

by

Blueberry/Hemp Power Bowl

I recently posted about heart-healthy Hemp Protein and its awesome amino acid ratios…

“..the hemp seed is that extremely rare plant-based nutritional source that offers a complete protein. Unlike most other plant-derived foods, hemp protein contains all the essential amino acids required in the human diet. What’s more, according to author and researcher Lynn Osburn, hemp contains those essential amino acids in precisely the ratio required by humans, a feature no other plant food source can claim.”

I received my Hemp Seeds yesterday, and so this morning I created a Powerhouse of Health in a Bowl breakfast!

Use your favorite berry, since they are all full of antioxidants.

Unlike processed dark chocolate, antioxidants are preserved in raw Cacao. Raw Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. Health benefits of these antioxidants include:

  • Promote cardiovascular health – Help dilate bloods vessels, reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, help regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
  • Protect from environmental and metabolic toxins – Help repair and resist damage caused by free radicals, and may reduce risk of certain cancers.

Recipe

  • 1 cup organic Blueberries
  • 1 Tbs. organic Hemp seeds
  • 1 Tbs. freshly ground Flax seeds
  • 1/4 tsp. Sesame Seeds
  • 1 Tbs. raw organic  Cocoa Nibs
  • 1/2 packet Stevia
  • 3/4  tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. Probiotic powder
  • Optional: Almond or Rice milk

Mix all together in a bowl.  I eat them dry.. but you could add Almond, Rice or Soy milk if you prefer.

In this bowl you’ve fed your body 1/3 the antioxidants needed for the day!

~ Cheers! ♥

Wilted Baby Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts

by

Wilted Spinach makes e a versatile side dish that goes well with poultry, fish, whole grain pastas, or a veggie burger!

This is a simple recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Recipe

  • 1/3 c. Pine Nuts
  • 1/4 c. golden Raisins (opt.)
  • 1 Tbs. + 1 tsp. extra virgin organic Olive Oil
  • 1 clove organic Garlic, minced
  • 1 Scallion, minced
  • 2 lbs. organic Baby Spinach, rinsed well
  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
  • Dash of nutmeg

Place a skillet over medium-low heat.  Add pine nuts and roast until golden, stirring so as not to burn.. about 40 seconds.

Place them in a bowl and set aside.  Pour 1 tsp olive oil into skillet, return to heat and add raisins .  Stir for 20 seconds until plump. Scoop into pine nut bowl.

Warm the 1 Tbs. of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and spinach and toss until spinach is just wilted. Add pine nuts and raisins, and mix well.

Remove from heat.  Add spices, stir well and serve.Poaching Eggs

If you have any leftovers.. fry some high Omega-3 eggs and toss spinach in the pan with some chopped  leeks, for a delicious, nutritious breakfast.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥