INFL

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Multivitamins reduce cancer risk

Study: Multivitamins drastically reduce cancer risk in men

(NaturalNews) It's not that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent over the years on cancer research has been a complete waste, but sometimes the simplest answer is the best one.

In this case, researchers seem to have confirmed what science has known for quite some time: that a well-balanced diet is the "secret" to better health.

A just-released study of nearly 15,000 men over the age of 50 suggests that taking a daily supplemental multivitamin could reduce rates of cancer by about eight percent. That may not sound like much, but it's enough of a risk reduction to make it well worth your while to pop a One-A-Day or Centrum.



"Despite the lack of definitive trial data regarding the benefits of multivitamins in the prevention of chronic disease, including cancer, many men and women take them for precisely this reason," said Dr. Michael Gaziano, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and lead author of the study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "Our study shows a modest but significant benefit in cancer prevention."

Differences seen over past studies

The study did not examine men and women under the age of 50, so it wasn't clear whether that age group would see similar benefits. Then again, cancer generally afflicts older adults.

Previous large-study research, including a 180,000-patient effort begun in 1992 and the Women's Health Initiative Study of 160,000 women that was published in 2009, discovered that multivitamins had little-to-no effect on cancer risk, ABC News reported.

"In fact, a 2010 Swedish study of 35,000 women who reported using multivitamins had an increased risk of breast cancer," the news affiliate said.

What was different this time around, then?

First of all, the new study assigned men to a couple of groups randomly - one which took a daily
Centrum Silver capsule while the other took a placebo. In previous studies, researchers used an observational technique, which means the participants were not compared to a group taking placebos.

Secondly, men who were 65 years of age or older, on average, were followed over 11 years; this involved a longer follow-up than in earlier studies and included sufficient time for cancer to develop.

Lastly, the earlier trial used a multivitamin, whose aim is to fill in nutritional gaps in a person's diet. Other trials have only tested single vitamins - A, E, or D - in large doses, which is considerably different from the way people normally get the kinds of vitamins and minerals they need from foods.

"The reduction in total cancer risk in [the study] argues that the broader combination of low-dose vitamins and minerals contained in the [Centrum Silver] multivitamin, rather than an emphasis on previously tested high-dose vitamins and mineral trials, may be paramount for cancer prevention," said Gaziano.

Poor dietary habits make a multivitamin necessary

Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale Preventative Research Center, who was not involved in the study, noted that previous studies involving single vitamins have shown them to be ineffective.

"Clearly the notion of megadoses of isolated nutrients has been proven wrong again and again," he said. "Maybe the active ingredient in broccoli is broccoli."

If the multivitamin approach is the answer, then why not simply recommend that people eat a mix of foods that provide all of the vitamins necessary for a proper diet? Wouldn't that also serve to reduce cancer rates?

Researchers admit the problem is that only a small fraction of the population - 1.5 percent - gets the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables, says Katz.

"Clearly...taking a multivitamin is easy; changing dietary patterns is hard," he said.

According to a government study released last year, more Americans are taking daily vitamin supplements than ever before. More than half take some sort of dietary supplement, the study by the National Center for Health Statistics found.

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com

http://abcnews.go.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/multivitamins.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037647_multivitamins_cancer_risk_men.html#ixzz2A89iQLDy

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Fall allergies and their control


Control fall allergies with natural remedies


(NaturalNews) Although many people associate allergy season with the onset of spring, fall can also wreak havoc with allergy sufferers. This year, instead of suffering under mounds of tissues or resorting to over-the-counter or even worse yet, prescribed medications or allergy shots, discover the relief that natural remedies can bring.



What is an allergy?

An allergy occurs when an individual breathes in certain triggers (such as pollen). The body sees this as a foreign invader, much like a bacteria or virus, and sends out its defenses, releasing antibodies to attack these allergens. This leads to the release of chemicals (histamines) which result in a runny nose, sneezing, watering eyes, inflammation and congestion.

We generally don't consider allergies to be as serious an issue as an infection. However, a severe allergy can result in infection. A prolonged or severe allergy can block sinus drainage sites leading to a sinus infection. Congestion can also drain to the chest, causing respiratory infections that can result in asthma or even pneumonia. A primary allergy cause is an impaired immune system due to toxic overload.

Fall allergy triggers

During both spring and fall, pollen is a common allergy trigger. Male plants that begin to pollinate during August, often continue this process into the fall season. The biggest offender is ragweed. A great number of people allergic to spring pollen are also allergic to ragweed. Moreover, the wind can carry ragweed pollen for hundreds of miles, so this offender may not necessarily come from your own back yard.

Another offender not to be overlooked is mold. Mold spores can easily become airborne, putting us at risk. Mold grows in damp areas, indoors and outdoors. A common place for mold growth is in those leaves that fall from trees during this season. Piles of damp leaves are perfect breeding grounds for mold.

Dust mites are another danger. Although dust mites are mostly present during humid summer months, they can be stirred up and become airborne when the furnace is first used on a cool fall night.

In certain parts of the country, fall allergens can also include goldenrod, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, sheep sorrel, and sagebrush.

Ways to control allergens

*Avoid contact with allergens as much as possible. Keep your house well ventilated, making sure that your filtration system is up to date.

*Rake those fallen leaves in your back yard in a timely manner.

*A natural diet containing antioxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids will help to detox the body, thereby strengthening the immune system.

*Many people find significant allergy relief by consuming local, raw, organic honey.

Various nutrients, herbs and other supplements can support your immune system, minimizing or eliminating allergy attacks

*Colloidal silver provides immune support to the body, lessening or eliminating allergic reaction. It is also instrumental in preventing infections that can occur with prolonged or severe allergies.

*Butterbur taken four times a day is as effective as over-the-counter medications, without any adverse side effects.

*Quercetin stabilizes cells and prevents the release of histamines.

*Omega-3 fatty acids. People who eat a high content of Omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to resist allergy symptoms.

*Probiotics helps support the body's natural terrain and strengthens the immune system.

*Cayenne, ginger, onions, and garlic are effective allergy treatments.

*Use stinging nettle leaf at the first sign of an allergy.

*Fortify your body with vitamins C and E to strengthen your immune system.

Lastly, keep your body hydrated with plenty of water. It is important to replace those fluids that are being expelled from the body.

Sources:

http://allergies.about.com/od/noseandsinusallergies/a/sinusitis.htm
http://www.liferesearchuniversal.com/allergy.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com

About the author:
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Lifewebsite for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets"

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037463_allergies_natural_remedies_herbs.html#ixzz28mvhpAnN