GENETIC LINK BETWEEN DIABETES AND ALZHEIMER’S June 1, 2009
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Health Issues , comments closedIn a few older posts, DME has mentioned diabetes becoming a great concern for our society due to dietary habits.
In the following article copied from Dr. Andrew Weil’s June 2009 Self Healing newsletter, he tells us that a link has been found between diabetes and Alzheimers.
The following is the article:
Prior evidence has shown that type-2 diabetics are twice as likely as others to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and now researchers have discovered a clear link between the two conditions. The connection is a single gene known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coativator l (PGC-1). This gene regulates glucose content in the body and its activity is reduced in type-2 diabetics. The study found that PGC-1 is also less active in patients with Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
Dr. Weil’s take on this information:
“I find this study very intriguing. Diabetes causes accelerated aging and diabetics tend to develop age-related diseases decades before those with normal metabolism. These findings are in line with another study in the April 15 issued of JAMA, which found that diabetics with episodic low blood sugar are more prone to dementia. Clinical applications, such as restoring PGC-1′s activity, are still in the future, but these findings are promising.”
DME’s take on this information… type-2 diabetes is almost always diet related. Watch what you eat NOW! Don’t let yourself become a victim of diabetes due to bad eating habits.
LIVER DISEASE ON THE RISE March 29, 2009
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Health Issues , comments closedReplace saturated and trans fats, sugars, and processed foods (all of which burden the liver) with fruits and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3s. Because extra protein adds to the liver’s workload, only about 15 percent of your calories should come from protein.
Some studies suggest that drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of liver cancer and alcoholic cirrhosis, but the reasons are unknown. Drink green tea instead. Green tea consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of liver damage, and animal studies suggest the tea’s anti-inflammatory polyphenols may halt fatty deposits in the liver.
“The liver is the body’s gatekeeper–processing everything that you eat, breathe, or absorb through your skin.”
DME suggests…
WATCH YOUR DIET!
Need help with your diet? Contact DME! It’s as easy as clicking on the “About Us” button above.
The above was published in Dr. Andrew Weil’s SELF HEALING newsletter dated April, 2009, pg. 5.
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY 2009 January 11, 2009
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closedTIPS for better health while worrying about the current US Economy and the future…
Practice Relaxation
- Daily practice of a relaxation technique — such as breath work, meditation, or yoga – can reduce anxious thoughts. Also, keep doing whatever makes you feel good, whether it’s listening to music, soaking in the bathtub, or watching funny movies.
Care For Your Body
- A sound diet, regular activity, and adequate sleep can help your mood. When buying organic doesn’t fit your food budget, avoid the most pesticide-laden types of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, and choose those least likely to be contaminated.
- Exercise relieves stress, and inexpensive options include starting a walking program, taking classes at a local YMCA/YWCA or adult education center, and borrowing exercise DVD’s from the library.
- For better shuteye, limit caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants.
While it’s good to stay informed, a steady diet of bad economic news will only make you feel worse. Take frequent breaks from the news, especially before bedtime.
DME subscribes to Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Healing newsletter and thought the above excerpts from his January, 2009 publication would be of interest to you.
A QUICK REVIEW OF THE BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE November 12, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Alternative Health , comments closed- Improves edemas and swollen lymph nodes
- Can provide temporary relief from chronic pain
- Reduces joint aches
- Helps relieve some temporary sinus conditions
- Can reduce the effects of dental trauma
- Helps remove metal toxicity
- Improves fluid flow
- Decreases muscle and tendon strain
- Provides relaxation and feelings of wellbeing
- Increases energy
Are you experiencing any of the above issues?
Call DME! We can help.
Power Foods That Boost Your Immunity September 10, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Nutrition , comments closedEach passing day is bringing us closer to Fall and temperature and climate changes. Preventive Magazine has some tips on eating to stay healthy and boost our immune system to fight off colds and viruses.
It takes more than an apple a day to keep viruses at bay. You can ensure your body and immunity run smoothly by getting your daily servings of fruits and veggies and eight to ten glasses of water a day. The following can add extra flu-fighting punch to your winter meal plan.
Garlic
Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria. British researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks; the garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold. Other studies suggest that garlic lovers who chow more than six cloves a week have a 30% lower rate of colorectal cancer and a 50% lower rate of stomach cancer.
Optimal dose: Two raw cloves a day and add crushed garlic to your cooking several times a week.
Yogurt
Probiotics, or the ”live active cultures” found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Although they are available in supplement form, a recent study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that a daily 7-ounce dose of yogurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills. In an 80-day Swedish study of 181 factory employees, those who drank a daily supplement of Lactobacillus reuteri–a specific probiotic that appears to stimulate white blood cells–took 33% fewer sick days than those given a placebo. Any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain.
Optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings a day.
Chicken Soup
Cold symptoms are a response to the cells’ accumulation in the bronchial tubes. The amino acid cysteine, released from chicken during cooking, chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine. Additionally, the soup’s salty broth keeps mucus thin the same way cough medicines do. Added spices, such as garlic and onions, can increase soup’s immune-boosting power.
Optimal dose: Have a bowl when feeling crummy.
EXERCISE FOR A HEALTHY HEART August 22, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closedTake regular exercise, enough to raise your heartbeat for at least 20-30 minutes three or four times a week.
This is usually known as aerobic exercise. Remember, fitness cannot be stored. It has to be worked at constantly. Also, aerobic exercise is an excellent way to unwind emotionally and mentally as well as physically.
Good ways to exercise for a healthy heart are walking, cycling, swimming and jogging. Or join a regular exercise class at your local fitness center or gym.
CAUTION:
Sudden strenous exercise by very obese people or people over 50 who have done no exercise for many years is dangerous and can lead to a heart attack. Work into it gradually – and get a proper medical checkup before beginning.
PREVENTING HEART DISEASE – FEEDING THE HEART August 22, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise, Nutrition , comments closedA long-term preventive measure against heart disease – and stroke and high blood pressure – is to review your eating and drinking habits and compile a healthy eating program that includes enjoyable food and moderate alcohol if you like it.
Try to establish a routine of eating for a healthy heart so that you automatically choose the healthier option. If you do this slowly and gradually, eventually your body will no longer crave salt, sugar, and fats.
Try the diet advocated below:
- Get down to or make sure you stay at your “ideal” weight
- Don’t smoke
- Control what you eat and drink
- Avoid sugar, salt, saturated fats, and processed food as much as possible
- Eat plenty of fresh (preferably organic) fruit and vegetables, particularly those known to “tone up” the blood and blood vessels, oily fish, and fiber
- Reduce consumption of dairy products (especially full-fat cow’s milk and cheese)
- Drink plenty of good, clean water
- Drink alcohol in moderation if you like it and it is part of your lifestyle
Exerpt from Alternative Medicine, pg 171
HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS INDIVIDUALIZED August 9, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Nutrition , comments closedAn important part of living a holistic health life style and adhering to the principles of holistic nutrition is getting to know your body and what it needs. Different people need different things. It all depends on your particular body chemistry – your biochemical make up.
You can learn a lot about your body by becoming very attentive to your thoughts, feelings and reactions to specific foods and supplements. Tune into your body and learn to read the messages it provides you. Keep a journal of physical and psychological symptoms and then research their relationship to diet and nutrient levels. However, it can also be helpful to have some biochemical blood work done that can help you pinpoint specific deficiencies or disorders, or allergy testing to identify hidden food allergies.
Holistic nutrition is very individualized, personal and specific to your needs. It takes into account a person’s overall medical and physical health, as well as the issues that he or she is trying to improve or heal. It also considers the underlying issues that are going on with your health as well as how ill a person is or how aggressive they want to be with obtaining the results that they want to achieve. Different illnesses, conditions or diseases have different nutritional requirements and each responds to diet and nutrition uniquely.
There is not a “one size fits all diet.” Some people thrive on a macrobiotic diet, while others may not be able to function at all with that many carbohydrates. A vegetarian diet is perfect for some body types and yet it can leave other body types in a heap on the floor. Some people function most optimally on a high meat diet while others do better with mostly vegetables.
You do not want to follow a diet or supplement plan that was created for someone else.
Note: Always preceed any changes you make in your diet or supplement plan by seeking professional advice.
The above is an excerpt from “Holistic Help”, article dated 9/9/2007.
READY OR NOT, FALL WILL BE HERE SOON August 9, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise, Nutrition , comments closedInvariably, with a change in seasons and new weather patterns, colds and influenza (or flu) can hit each of us and lay us low.
Prepare your body for the seasonal changes by remembering to always eat healthy.
- Eat dark leafy green vegetables daily.
- Eat organic when possible.
- Limit or eliminate your intake of refined sugar.
- Avoid caffeine.
The Complete Guide to Alternative Medicine has the following to say about “Common Viral Infections”.
Over 200 viruses have been identified as being responsible for the many varieties of cold and influenza that are now widespread throughout the world. The most common, accounting for about a third of all infections, is the rhinovirus. Conventional medicine has no cure.
The main aim of most natural therapies is to speed up the process or alleviate the symptoms and, in the longer term, to help boost the immune system to fight off infection.
Cold symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, headache, watery eyes, and a cough. Influenza sufferers may also run a fever and have general aches and pains in muscles and joints.
Should you become ill…
SELF-HELP
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and natural fruit juice, to replace fluid loss, and eat extra citrus fruit for vitamin C, or take a vitamin C and zinc suplement. Hot honey and lemon or cider vinegar drinks are also excellent.
Keep your space clean and dry. Do not share toothbrushes, facecloths, or towels. Avoid nuts and chocolates, and eat plenty of wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, lean meat and fish.
Caution: See your physician if the symptoms of your cold/flu last longer than ten days.
LYMPHSTAR PRO – A THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUE July 27, 2008
Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Uncategorized , comments closedThe Lymphstar Pro is used in appplications related to moving lymph and the detoxification or clearing as it relates to the lymphatic system. The Lymphstar Pro incorporates light (photonic) and sound (harmonics) with noble gas ionization into a therapeutic system of outstanding effectiveness and versatility.
Therapeutic Technique
The lymphatic system is a central component of the immune system and protects the body by draining and filtering out waste. Anything we can do to encourage vital and active lymph drainage is an important component of health. The cause of lymphatic congestion range from injuries and surgery, inactivity and poor diet, to emotional/stress states, environmental toxins, hormone imbalance, and normal aging processes. When this state occurs the blockages cause a backup in the flow of lymphatic fluid, resulting in swelling or edema in the tissues and in various kinds of “symptoms.” Consequently, toxic waste matter cannot effectively be released from the body, nor can the immune system function at optimum performance. The result is a wide range of dysfunction and disease.
A therapeutic technique known as manual lymph drainage was developed in Europe in the 1930′s. Through delicate massaging techniques it was highly effective at reducing lymph-based disorders, but the process is very labor intensive. Within the last decade, a hi-tech electronic instrument was found to assist and amplify the effects of manual lymph drainage, reducing the time and complexity of lymph drainage. The Lymphstar Pro is the most recent advancement of this instrument. Proven over time as a safe and effective therapeutic tool, it is designed for use in many clinical applications.
The Lymphstar Pro is a vibrational energy technology. As such it emits “information” to the energy field of the cells via harmonics of sound and frequencies of light. It produces this information by way of something called “noble gas ionization.” There is a long tradition of research into the energetic effects of these noble gases. An optimal mixture of xenon, argon, and krypton is enclosed in Pyrex glass tube. The gases are excited by electrical current. An energy field, or plasma, then radiates from the tube into the skin and is conducted through the entire bio-energy system. Proteins are re-polizered causing retained fluid and congested areas to FLOW. Stagnation is reversed and the lymph system is now free to perform its cleansing functions.
For more information on lymphatic drainage utilizing the Lymphstar Pro or to speak with a DME Health Connection representative is as easy as clicking on the “About Us” button above.
Exerpt from “Center for Lymphatic Health” 2001-2007